Tag: new tool model aircraft

Posted on by

Surface Details Progressing on Airscale’s 1/32 Bristol Blenheim Mk IV

Airscale has provided a new update on the development of their 1/32 Bristol Blenheim Mk IV kit focusing on surface details.

As previously reported, the Mk IV was the principal later version of the Blenheim light bomber, entering production in 1938 with a longer, redesigned glazed nose that gave the bombardier more room and visibility, plus added armor and more powerful 920-hp Bristol Mercury XV radial engines. Flown by a crew of three, it could carry roughly 1,000 lb of bombs and served widely with the RAF during WW2 in Europe, the Mediterranean, North Africa, and the Far East. Although fast by mid-1930s standards, it was increasingly vulnerable to modern fighters and anti-aircraft fire as the war progressed.

There will reportedly be an early version with the single VGO drum fed gun and no canopy blisters, and the later one with twin Brownings and blisters. The October update states that completion of the plastic parts is “getting closer.” Click below to check out the latest renderings.

Continue reading Surface Details Progressing on Airscale’s 1/32 Bristol Blenheim Mk IV

Posted on by

Airfix Releases New Tool Phantom FG.1 With Comprehensive Weapons Fit

Airfix has released their new tool McDonnell Douglas Phantom FG.1 model kit in 1/48 scale.

The FG.1, designated F-4K by its manufacturer, was a British version of the American F-4 Phantom II developed for the Royal Navy as a carrier-based fleet-defense fighter with a secondary strike role. Powered by Rolls-Royce Spey engines, it featured enlarged air intakes, a modified fuselage and an extending nosewheel leg to assist launches from Britain’s smaller aircraft carriers. Delivered from 1968, it served aboard HMS Ark Royal and with the RAF; following the carrier’s retirement in 1978, the remaining naval aircraft transferred to the RAF, where FG.1s continued in the air-defence role until 1989.

The new kit (A12015) boasts over 270 parts, including slide molded jet intakes to capture detail on all sides; a comprehensive weapons fit with Skyflash missiles, RN 2-inch rocket pods, Sidewinder missiles, 1000lb bombs as well as external fuel tanks; an extended nose undercarriage leg option and a detailed cockpit / ejector seats. Additional features include modeler aids such as molded paint marks for undercarriage apertures and integral flat tabs on fuselage parts for clamp location to enhance the build experience. Three marking options are also included representing the Royal Navy dark blue scheme of the period.

Buy on eBay

Please Note: This post contains an eBay affiliate link. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.

Posted on by

First Look: Sprues / Box Contents for A&A Models’ New Tool Hughes XF-11 Kits

A&A Models have shared the first sprue test shots for their upcoming, new tool Hughes XF-11 model kits in 1/72 scale.

The XF-11 was a prototype high-altitude photo-reconnaissance aircraft; only two were built. The first prototype (44-70155) flew on 7 July 1946 with eight-blade contra-rotating propellers (two four-blade units per engine), but crashed in Beverly Hills when a hydraulic leak caused the right rear propeller to reverse pitch. The second prototype (44-70156), flown on 5 April 1947, replaced the troublesome contra-rotating props with conventional single four-blade propellers and otherwise retained the twin-boom, pressurized-nacelle layout; it flew without incident but the program was canceled soon after.

As previously reported A&A will release two boxings representing the first and second prototypes. The kits (7250 / 7258) will offer 235 /241 parts with decal sheets and painting masks. Ordering is expected to begin in mid-October. Check out the newly released images below.

Continue reading First Look: Sprues / Box Contents for A&A Models’ New Tool Hughes XF-11 Kits

Posted on by

Arma Hobby Releases New Tool Curtiss Hawk 81-A2 “Flying Tigers”

Arma Hobby has released their new tool Curtiss Hawk 81-A2 model kit in 1/72 scale.

As previously reported, the release (70094) is the first in Arma’s new family of 1/72 Curtiss Hawk 81, Tomahawk II and P-40B/C kits. It represents the export version of the Hawk 81-A2 operated by the AVG in China during 1941–1942. These aircraft wore a distinctive camouflage scheme based on British specifications and applied using American-made DuPont paints.

The kit offers three Flying Tigers marking options, 3D printed parts and painting masks.

Buy on eBay

Please Note: This post contains an eBay affiliate link. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.

Posted on by

Airscale’s New Renders Show All Plastic Airframe Parts for Upcoming 1/32 Bristol Blenheim Mk IV

Airscale has provided an update on the development of their 1/32 Bristol Blenheim Mk IV kit.

As previously reported, the Mk IV was the principal later version of the Blenheim light bomber, entering production in 1938 with a longer, redesigned glazed nose that gave the bombardier more room and visibility, plus added armor and more powerful 920-hp Bristol Mercury XV radial engines. Flown by a crew of three, it could carry roughly 1,000 lb of bombs and served widely with the RAF during WW2 in Europe, the Mediterranean, North Africa, and the Far East. Although fast by mid-1930s standards, it was increasingly vulnerable to modern fighters and anti-aircraft fire as the war progressed.

There will reportedly be an early version with the single VGO drum fed gun and no canopy blisters, and the later one with twin Brownings and blisters. Airscale’s latest update consists of an updated series of renderings as well as a report that states, “these are all the plastic parts, with the exception of the engines. Hopefully I can get this into mouldmaking soon and focus on all the pretty bits in 3D.”

Release is planned for mid 2027. Check out additional renders below.

Continue reading Airscale’s New Renders Show All Plastic Airframe Parts for Upcoming 1/32 Bristol Blenheim Mk IV

Posted on by

A&A Models to Release New Tool Hughes XF-11 Model Representing Both Prototypes

A&A models has announced the upcoming release of a new tool, 1/72 Hughes XF-11 model kit that will be available in two boxings representing the first and second prototypes.

The XF-11 was a prototype high-altitude photo-reconnaissance aircraft; only two were built. The first prototype (44-70155) flew on 7 July 1946 with eight-blade contra-rotating propellers (two four-blade units per engine), but crashed in Beverly Hills when a hydraulic leak caused the right rear propeller to reverse pitch. The second prototype (44-70156), flown on 5 April 1947, replaced the troublesome contra-rotating props with conventional single four-blade propellers and otherwise retained the twin-boom, pressurized-nacelle layout; it flew without incident but the program was canceled soon after.

The kits (7250 / 7258) will apparently offer 235 /241 parts with decal sheets and painting masks. Additional details have not been announced. Photos of the kit sets will reportedly be provided “very soon.”

(via A&A Models)

Posted on by

Airscale Details 1/32 Bristol Blenheim Progress With New Renders

Airscale has released a new set of renderings for their upcoming Bristol Blenheim Mk IV kit in 1/32 scale.

As previously reported, the Mk IV was the principal later version of the Blenheim light bomber, entering production in 1938 with a longer, redesigned glazed nose that gave the bombardier more room and visibility, plus added armor and more powerful 920-hp Bristol Mercury XV radial engines. Flown by a crew of three, it could carry roughly 1,000 lb of bombs and served widely with the RAF during WW2 in Europe, the Mediterranean, North Africa, and the Far East. Although fast by mid-1930s standards, it was increasingly vulnerable to modern fighters and anti-aircraft fire as the war progressed.

There will reportedly be an early version with the single VGO drum fed gun and no canopy blisters, and the later one with twin Brownings and blisters. Airscale’s latest update details the start on the B1 VGO turret, the tailfeathers and the Mercury engine. The developer states “lots more work ahead, but it is a wonderful aeroplane to work on.”

Check out additional renders below.

Continue reading Airscale Details 1/32 Bristol Blenheim Progress With New Renders

Posted on by

ICM Releases Lockheed Hudson Mk.III Model Kit: “100% New Molds”

ICM has released a “100% new molds” Lockheed Hudson Mk.III model kit in 1/48 scale.

The Hudson Mk.III was a light bomber and maritime reconnaissance aircraft derived from the Lockheed Model 14 Super Electra airliner and built for the RAF just before World War II. This variant featured upgraded 1,200 hp Wright R-1820 Cyclone engines and a Boulton Paul dorsal turret with twin .303-inch machine guns, and was used extensively by the RAF, RAAF, and RNZAF for coastal patrol, anti-submarine work, and general reconnaissance from 1941 onward.

ICM recently released a brief, step by step instruction video detailing the assembly process for the new kit (48331). It appears to offer plastic sprues, painting masks and four livery options. Check out the video and product page below.

Continue reading ICM Releases Lockheed Hudson Mk.III Model Kit: “100% New Molds”

Please Note: This post contains an eBay affiliate link. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.

Posted on by

Revell Releases New Renderings, Video Update Detailing Progress on New Tool 1/32 Harrier

Revell has posted the latest update for their upcoming, new tool Hawker Siddeley Harrier model kit in 1/32 scale.

As previously reported, the company recently announced the development of a new tool “state-of-the-art” Harrier model. As part of the process, they launched “Project Harrier,” which brings modelers along on the development journey with a behind-the-scenes look at the process via blog posts, monthly YouTube updates, etc.

The latest update reports that the airframe is now finalized, while the cockpit, Martin-Baker seat and undercarriage bays are gaining impressive detail. Work also continues on the Pegasus engine, with accuracy and buildability always in focus. Panel lines and rivets are next on the list.

Check out newly released renderings and the latest video update below.

Continue reading Revell Releases New Renderings, Video Update Detailing Progress on New Tool 1/32 Harrier

Posted on by

Airscale Announces Development of Bristol Blenheim Mk IV Kit

Airscale has announced the development of a Bristol Blenheim Mk IV model kit in 1/32 scale.

The Mk IV was the principal later version of the Blenheim light bomber, entering production in 1938 with a longer, redesigned glazed nose that gave the bombardier more room and visibility, plus added armor and more powerful 920-hp Bristol Mercury XV radial engines. Flown by a crew of three, it could carry roughly 1,000 lb of bombs and served widely with the RAF during WW2 in Europe, the Mediterranean, North Africa, and the Far East. Although fast by mid-1930s standards, it was increasingly vulnerable to modern fighters and anti-aircraft fire as the war progressed.

Regarding the project, Airscale states

I am still refining the options, but there will be an early one with the single VGO drum fed gun and no canopy blisters, and the later one with twin Brownings and blisters – lots of marking options to choose from too and plenty of heroic airframes I started with the nose as if I can do that, I can do the whole airframe – it was challenging and took a few weeks, but the design is done and now it is a matter of working out the best way to split the transparent parts.

Release is planned for mid 2027. Click below to check out additional renders.

Continue reading Airscale Announces Development of Bristol Blenheim Mk IV Kit