Posted on

IBG to Release New Tool PZL M-18 Dromader Firefighter, Crop Duster Kits

IBG Models is preparing to release a new tool IBG Models 1/48 PZL M18 Dromader model kit in 1/48 scale.

The PZL M-18 Dromader is a Polish single-engine, low-wing utility aircraft designed in the late 1960s and early 1970s by PZL-Mielec, with its first flight taking place in 1976. Originally developed as an agricultural aircraft for crop spraying and fertilizing, it was engineered to be exceptionally robust, capable of operating from short and unprepared airstrips. Powered by a strong radial piston engine and equipped with a large central hopper, the Dromader can carry significant loads of liquid or chemicals, which made it one of the largest and most capable aircraft in its class.

Thanks to its strength, simplicity, and versatility, the Dromader was widely adapted for roles beyond agriculture, most notably aerial firefighting, but also forest protection, pest control, and utility transport. Hundreds of aircraft were produced and exported to dozens of countries across Europe, the Americas, Africa, and Australia. The type earned a reputation for reliability in demanding conditions, including high temperatures and mountainous terrain, and remains in limited service today, particularly in firefighting roles, often upgraded with modern avionics and mission-specific equipment.

The offering will reportedly be released in two boxings representing Greek Firefighter (48004) and Polish Crop Duster (48002) versions. Additional details are scarce, but a series of Crop Duster renderings have been released, additional examples of which can be seen after the break (along with box art).

Continue reading IBG to Release New Tool PZL M-18 Dromader Firefighter, Crop Duster Kits

Posted on

At Long Last: Special Hobby Releases New Tool 1/32 Westland Whirlwind Mk.I

After years of development, Special Hobby has released their new tool Westland Whirlwind Mk. I “Cannon Fighter,” making this the first example of the type ever kitted in 1/32 scale.

The offering (SH32047) is described as “highly detailed” with “accurate and well researched decals.” The model portrays the fighter variety of the type, and includes ten styrene sprues and one with clear parts. Marking options are provided for four machines ranging from the earlier green and brown camouflage to the later grey and green schemes:

1. P6985, HE-J, No.263 Squadron RAF, Exeter Air Base, March 1941
2. P7061, HE-A, No.263 Squadron RAF, Charmy Down Airfield, September 1941
3. P7118, HE-F, “Bellows Argentina No.2,” Pilot S/L Eelse, No.263 Squadron RAF, Colerne Airfield, Wiltshire, Winter 1941/42
4. P7081, HE-E, “Bellows Argentina No.3,” No.263 Squadron RAF, Charmy Down Airfield, October 1941

Click below to check out an additional photo and a product link.

Continue reading At Long Last: Special Hobby Releases New Tool 1/32 Westland Whirlwind Mk.I

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

Special Hobby Shares Liveries For Upcoming Westland Whirlwind Kit

Special Hobby has posted an update with marking options for their upcoming Westland Whirlwind Mk.I model kit in 1/32 scale.

As previously reported, the kit’s (SH32047) development has been talked about for some time in the modeling community and its release is anxiously awaited. Previous updates have focused on CAD renderings, test fittings and the molds, which were reportedly created using an electroplating process sometimes also known as galvanic deposition.

The company recently completed work on the 3D data, and released renderings showing early and late cockpits. The cockpit itself will reportedly be “very detailed” with the kit boasting both plastic parts and PE fret.

Click below to check out the newly released livery profiles.

Continue reading Special Hobby Shares Liveries For Upcoming Westland Whirlwind Kit

Posted on

Special Hobby Shares Update For Upcoming 1/32 Westland Whirlwind

Special Hobby has shared new set of renderings for their upcoming Westland Whirlwind Mk.1 model kit in 1/32 scale.

The kit’s (SH32047) development has been talked about for some time in the modeling community and its release is anxiously awaited. Previous updates have focused on the molds, which are reportedly being created using an electroplating process sometimes also known as galvanic deposition, and test fittings of parts.

The company states that the 3D data is now ready, and has released new renderings showing early and late cockpits. The cockpit itself will reportedly be “very detailed” with the kit boasting both plastic parts and PE fret. Click below to see more.

Continue reading Special Hobby Shares Update For Upcoming 1/32 Westland Whirlwind

Posted on

Special Hobby Shares Development Update on 1/32 Westland Whirlwind

Special Hobby has shared a new update on the development of their upcoming Westland Whirlwind Mk.1 model kit in 1/32 scale.

The kit’s (SH32047) development has been talked about for some time in the modeling community and its release is anxiously awaited. Previous updates have focused on the the molds, which are reportedly being created using an electroplating process sometimes also known as galvanic deposition, as well as test fittings of parts.

The newly released renderings detail the cockpit, which will reportedly be “very detailed.” According to the company, the kit will be plastic, with the gold parts being PE fret. Click below to see more.

Continue reading Special Hobby Shares Development Update on 1/32 Westland Whirlwind

Posted on

Special Hobby Shares First Test Shots of Upcoming 1/32 Westland Whirlwind Kit

Special Hobby has shared the first test photos of their upcoming Westland Whirlwind Mk.1 model kit in 1/32 scale.

The newly released images show the first test shot of wing and engine nacelle molds, as well as the first raw wing sprue fit test. According to the company, corrections are necessary, but it looks good.

As previously reported, the molds are reportedly being created using an electroplating process, sometimes also known as galvanic deposition. The kit’s (SH32047) development has been talked about for some time in the modeling community and its release is anxiously awaited.

Click below to check out a selection of images.

Continue reading Special Hobby Shares First Test Shots of Upcoming 1/32 Westland Whirlwind Kit

Posted on

Airfix Releases Giant 1/24 F6F-5 Hellcat Model Kit

Today, Airfix released its highly anticipated, new tool F6F-5 Hellcat model kit in a massive 1/24 scale.

As previously reported, the model was originally announced at the Telford model show in November 2018. It reportedly includes over 600 parts with full cockpit detail; a complete, fully detailed radial engine, engine mount and all ancillaries; separate engine cowling and forward fuselage panels; detailed undercarriage, undercarriage bays and arrestor hook; fully detailed gun bays with complete machine guns and ammunition trays and realistic surface detailing showing rivets, fasteners and rippled stressed skin. Drop tanks (2 types), 250lb and 500lb bombs and rockets are also included.

The kit (A19004) is also touted as offering four liveries and options to display the wings extended or folded, the canopy open or closed and the landing gear and flaps either extended or retracted.

Product Page ($145.95)

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

Posted on

Airfix Announces Release Date For 1/24 F6F Hellcat

In a recent announcement, Airfix revealed that their highly anticipated new tool 1/24 F6F-5 Hellcat model kit will be released on June 21.

As previously reported, the model was originally announced at the Telford model show in November. It will reportedly include over 600 parts with full cockpit detail; a complete, fully detailed radial engine, engine mount and all ancillaries; separate engine cowling and forward fuselage panels; detailed undercarriage, undercarriage bays and arrestor hook; fully detailed gun bays with complete machine guns and ammunition trays and realistic surface detailing showing rivets, fasteners and rippled stressed skin. Drop tanks (2 types), 250lb and 500lb bombs and rockets are also included.

The kit is also touted as offering the options to display the wings extended or folded, the canopy open or closed and the landing gear and flaps either extended or retracted. Four livery options are also included, profiles of which can be seen below.

Continue reading Airfix Announces Release Date For 1/24 F6F Hellcat

Posted on

Eduard Releases First Test Shots of Upcoming New Tool P-51 Kit

Eduard has released the first test shots of their upcoming new tool P-51D Mustang model kit in 1/48 scale.

The company states that they successfully tested the first two of six tools needed for production. The early test provided a “nice result with some flashes, but without shrinkages.” It is expected that the next test will move both tools “very close to production status.”

As previously reported, the kit makes use of “every technological innovation” at Eduard’s disposal and will initially be released as a ProfiPACK edition, followed by limited edition releases that will be theme related.

Check out additional photos below.

Continue reading Eduard Releases First Test Shots of Upcoming New Tool P-51 Kit

Posted on

Eduard Provides Update on Upcoming New Tool P-51 Mustang Kit

Eduard has offered new details on their upcoming new tool P-51 Mustang model kit in 1/48 scale.

Originally announced at the E-Day International Scale Kit Exhibition back in October 2017, the kit is now said to be “progressing quickly forwards” with the first test shots expected to be available in the spring. The company’s CEO states that the new kit makes use of “every technological innovation we have been able to integrate into what we do” and also notes a number of details about its contents: Continue reading Eduard Provides Update on Upcoming New Tool P-51 Mustang Kit