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Arma Hobby Releases Completely New Tool F4F-3 Wildcat Kit

Arma Hobby has released their completely new tool F4F-3 Wildcat in 1/72 scale.

As previously reported, the offering (70090) represents the early Wildcat from the opening months of the Pacific War and is made from completely new molds created specifically for this version. It includes plastic parts, canopy and wheel masks, and a 3D print digital file containing seat with harness, exhaust pipes, landing gear opening mechanism chains, cockpit control lever set, and gun barrels. Decals are also included with marking options for three aircraft: “F-5”, VF-2, USS Lexington, flown by Lt. Albert O. Vorse Jr.; BuNo 4019 “211-F-11”, VMF-211; “F-13”, VF-3, USS Lexington.

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LukGraph Announces Upcoming Hansa-Brandenburg CC in Multiple Scales, Variants

LukGraph has announced the upcoming release of a Hansa-Brandenburg CC in both 1/32 and 1/48 scales.

The Hansa-Brandenburg CC was a single-seat fighter flying boat developed by the Austro-Hungarian aircraft manufacturer Hansa-Brandenburg during World War I. Designed for coastal defense and maritime patrol duties, it became one of the most successful seaplane fighters operated by the Austro-Hungarian Navy.

The new offerings will represent both early and late production versions: the early version equipped with a single machine gun / original engine cooling arrangement and the late variant fitted with two machine guns mounted on the fuselage.

As of this writing additional details have yet to be announced, although several renderings have been released, additional examples of which can be seen below.

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Arma Hobby to Release New Tool Curtiss Hawk 81-A2 With Flying Tigers Liveries

Arma Hobby has announced the upcoming release of a new tool Curtiss Hawk 81-A2 model kit in 1/72 scale.

Curtiss Hawk 81-A2 was one of the most recognizable versions of the Curtiss P-40 fighter, made famous by the pilots of the American Volunteer Group (AVG), known worldwide as the Flying Tigers. Their distinctive shark-mouth nose art, combat operations over China, and the tactics developed by General Claire Chennault made these aircraft icons of the early air war in the Far East.

The upcoming 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. Three Flying Tigers marking options will be included.

As of this writing additional details are limited. Release is planned for some time this summer. Click below to check out the box art.

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Sword Models to Release New Tool AF-2 Guardian “Hunter” and “Killer” Kits

Sword Models in preparing to release a new tool models of the AF-2W Guardian “Hunter” and AF-2S Guardian “Killer” in 1/72 scale.

The Grumman AF-2W Guardian “Hunter” and AF-2S Guardian “Killer” were a paired U.S. Navy anti-submarine warfare system in which the AF-2W carried the search radar and detection gear in a large ventral radome, while the AF-2S carried the weapons load such as torpedoes, depth charges, bombs, and rockets. Flown together as hunter-killer teams beginning in 1950, they were the Navy’s first purpose-built carrier-based ASW aircraft, but their size and poor low-speed handling made them accident-prone, and they were soon replaced by the more efficient S2F Tracker.

The kits (SW72162 and SW72163) will reportedly include masks and are slated for release in July. Additional details have yet to be announced, although a number of images have been released, additional examples of which can be seen below.

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Special Hobby to Release New Tool Martin Baltimore Mk.I/II Kit

Special Hobby has announced an upcoming new tool Martin Baltimore Mk.I/II model kit in 1/48 scale.

The Baltimore Mk.I and Mk.II were early versions of the twin-engine light attack bomber built for British use in World War II. The Mk.I entered service mainly as an operational training aircraft, while the Mk.II kept the same basic airframe and engines but improved defensive armament, including a revised dorsal gun position, and both were later used in combat in the Mediterranean and Middle East.

Details are limited, but the upcoming release (SH48160) will feature box art by Antonis Karidis and decals for B/AG781 from No.55 Sqn. RAF, as well as three other interesting Baltimore Mk.I/IIs.

(via Special Hobby and Scalemates)

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Revell Release June “Project Harrier” Video Update Detailing New Tool Development Progress

Revell has provided a new Project Harrier video update for June.

As previously reported, the company recently announced the development of a new tool “state-of-the-art” Hawker Siddeley Harrier model kit in 1/32 scale. 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.

Work began in late March with setup, including aligning scans and creating the cross-sectional planes that the designer uses to create the “skeleton” model. In addition to the aircraft itself, the company will be developing a separate engine and display trolley for inclusion with the kit. To date, the development team has gathered data from Harriers based at RAF Wittering Heritage Centre and Gatwick Aviation Museum. Release is planned for Autumn 2027.

The new update shares more about the development journey and what’s happening next. Check it out below.

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First Look: Detail Images of Special Hobby’s New Tool Fairey Albacore Kit

Special Hobby is preparing to release a new tool Fairey Albacore model kit in 1/72 scale.

The Fairey Albacore was a British single-engine biplane torpedo bomber developed as a replacement for the Fairey Swordfish, but it ended up serving alongside it rather than supplanting it. Used by the Fleet Air Arm during World War II, it carried a three-man crew and handled torpedo attacks, bombing, reconnaissance, and anti-shipping work before being withdrawn from frontline service in 1945.

Deatils about the upcoming kit (SH72152) are currently scarce, although the company states that it is nearing completion and will offer four marking options. Images of the decals and cockpit renderings have also been released. Click below to check them out.

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DBMK Developing Sabre Day Fighter Kit Series in 1/32 Scale

In addition to a newly announced series of Allison-powered Mustang models, DBMK has also announced the development of a Sabre Day Fighter series, also in 1/32 scale.

The Sabre day fighter family centered on the F-86A, F-86E, and F-86F, which were the gun-armed versions used in Korea and the best-known combat Sabres. The A was the first production model, the E added the all-flying tailplane for better handling, and the F refined the design further; Canadair, Orenda-powered Canadian, and CAC Australian versions extended the same basic day-fighter line with local improvements.

As of this writing additional details are non-existent, although the series will apparently include the F-86A. E, F, & Canadair Sabre Mk.4.

(DBMK via AeroScale)

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First Look: Test Build of Airscale’s 1/32 Dornier Do 17Z

Following recently released images showing a test print dry fit, Airscale has shared the first printed test build of their upcoming injection molded 1/32 Dornier 17 kit.

The clear parts are printed too and are very poor, the IM parts will be perfect. It was a valuable exercise as I found 30 design changes to improve fit and finish and it also helps to see it ‘in the flesh.’ When I get the moulded test shot parts in September, I will build a proper test shot – this one has a lot of geometric flaws from trying to print such large thin parts and the rivets and panel lines are half arsed, but it still looks the part.

Pre-orders are expected to launch in December limited to 100 kits. Click below to check out additional images.

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DBMK Releases Renders For Upcoming Series of F-105 Kits

DBMK has announced “rapid progress” on their upcoming family of F-105 kits and released a series of renders showing the CAD models being checked against LiDAR scans.

The Republic F-105 Thunderchief was a supersonic fighter-bomber developed for nuclear strike missions, but it became best known as a heavy strike aircraft in the Vietnam War. The family included the single-seat F-105B and F-105D, plus two-seat F-105F and F-105G Wild Weasel variants used for radar suppression and SEAD roles.

The upcoming series will cover the B,D, F and G variants in both 1/48 and 1/72 scales. Click below to check out additional renders.

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