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First Look: MDesign’s 1/32 Roland D.III Test Build

Following the release of their Roland D.II kit MDesign has released the first test build images of their upcoming Roland D.III in 1/32 scale.

The Roland D.III was a German single-seat fighter of World War I, developed as an improvement over earlier Roland fighters with a revised wing-and-fuselage arrangement meant to give the pilot better forward visibility, though it still had handling and visibility limitations. It was a sturdy but only modestly successful design, built in limited numbers and overshadowed by more capable contemporary German fighters, and it typically carried two synchronized machine guns with performance around 175 km/h and an Argus As.III or Mercedes D.III engine.

The test build checked alignment, fit and overall geometry, and everything came out looking clean. Additional details, including a release date, have not yet been announced. Click below to check out additional images.

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New A6M2-K Zero Trainer Model Kit Released by Eduard

Eduard has released a new “Weekend Edition” A6M2-K model kit in 1/48 scale.

The Mitsubishi A6M2-K was a two-seat trainer version of the famous Zero, built to help Japanese Navy pilots transition into flying the highly maneuverable A6M fighter safely. It kept much of the Zero’s light, agile design but added a second seat for an instructor, along with trainer-focused modifications such as a lengthened cockpit area and reduced combat equipment.

The new offering (84211) incudes Eduard plastic parts and decals with marking options for four aircraft.

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Kinetic Model Developing Model of Experimental F-104G CCV Testbed

Kinetic Models has announced the development of a F-104G Starfighter Control Configured Vehicle (CCV) in 1/48 scale.

This interesting looking aircraft was an experimental F-104G modified to test advanced flight-control ideas, including an early digital fly-by-wire system used to artificially stabilize an intentionally unstable aircraft. It flew without relying on natural stability, and the program became an important stepping stone toward later control-system designs, including technology that influenced the Eurofighter.

The upcoming release (48182) is touted as a new member on the Kinetic Gold F-104 Family (eBay product link) and will include 3D parts. As of this writing, it appears that no release date has been announced. Click below to check out additional renders.

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Eduard Releases New Bf 109F-2 Model Kit

New this month from Eduard is a Weekend Edition Bf 109F-2 model kit in 1/48 scale.

The Bf 109F-2 was an early “Friedrich” variant of Germany’s famous Messerschmitt fighter, introduced in 1941 with a much cleaner airframe, refined aerodynamics, and a more powerful DB 601N engine. It was widely regarded as one of the best-handling and best-performing 109s, though its concentrated nose armament of one 15 mm cannon and two machine guns gave it less total firepower than some earlier versions.

The new kit (84212) includes Eduard plastic parts and decals with marking options for four aircraft: W.Nr. 12914, Oblt. Wolfgang Späte, 5./JG 54; W.Nr. 8239, Lt. Hans Strelow, 5./JG 51; W.Nr. 8165, Hptm. Karl-Heinz Leesmann, CO of I./JG 52; Hptm. Hans Hahn, CO of III./JG 2.

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Eduard Announces Limited Edition Spitfire Mk. I Kit With 11 Liveries, Book

Eduard is preparing to release a special, limited edition Battle of Britain Spitfire Mk. 1 model kit in 1/48 scale.

The offering represents the iconic Spitfire in the early stages of its development and during the most notable stretch of its service: the Battle of Britain. It will include Eduard plastic parts, pre-painted photo-etched parts, die cut painting masks and a whopping 11 marking options. The kit will also include an English language book about about the Spitfire Mk.I in the Battle of Britain.

As of this writing additonal details are scare, but itas the image shows, it is slated for release in June.

(via Eduard)

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Arma Hobby to Release Completely New Tool F4F-3 Wildcat

Arma Hobby has announced the upcoming release of a new tool F4F-3 Wildcat in 1/72 scale.

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.

The kit is currently set for release sometime in May. Click below to check out livery profiles and kit contents.

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MDesign Releases High Quality, Resin Model Kit of LFG Roland D.II

Recently released from MDesign Scale Models an LFG Roland D.II in 1/48 scale.

The D.II was a German World War I single-seat fighter that looked sleek and advanced for its day, but was not particularly successful in front‑line service. Its performance and handling characteristics were considered inferior to contemporary fighters, which led to many aircraft being reassigned away from the most intense combat zones.

The new, 3D printed kit is described as “highly detailed” and employs high‑quality ABS‑like photopolymer resin, which provides “crisp surface detail and improved durability compared to standard resin prints.” It also includes steel structural reinforcement rods to ensure strength and proper geometry. It also features painting masks and decals with marking options for three aircraft: Jasta 25 (Imperial German Air Service), Bulgarian Aeroplane School and 1st Aeroplane Detachment (Bulgarian).

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ICM Announces Development of New Tool Lockheed Hudson Kit

ICM has announced the development of a new tool Lockheed Hudson model kit in 1/48 scale.

The Hudson was an American-built twin-engine light bomber and coastal reconnaissance aircraft adapted from the Lockheed Model 14 Super Electra airliner. It entered service just before World War II, became widely used by the Royal Air Force and other Commonwealth forces, and proved especially valuable for patrol, anti-submarine, transport, and training duties.

As of this writing, details on the upcoming kit (48330) are nonexistent, although a series of renderings have been released, additional examples of which can be seen below.

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First Look: DBMK’s Supermarine Seafire F/FR Mk 47 Renders

DBMK has released a new series of renderings for their upcoming Supermarine Seafire F/FR Mk 47 in 1/32 scale.

The F/FR Mk 47 was the final and most advanced Seafire variant, a Royal Navy carrier fighter derived from the Spitfire Mk 24. It used a powerful Griffon engine with contra-rotating propellers, folding wings, and could carry bombs, rockets, or a reconnaissance fit, making it a fast but short-range fleet-defense and strike aircraft that entered service just after World War II.

Details are currently limited, although DBMK states that the upcoming kit will include many 3D printed features, including the cockpit and one piece intake. Click below to check out additional renders.

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Special Hobby Releases Images Detailing Progress on “Family” of Hawker Tempest Kits

Special Hobby has released a new series of images detailing the 3D modeling progress on their upcoming Hawker Tempest kits.

The Tempest is one of the legendary British WWII fighter aircraft. It was developed as an evolution of the Hawker Typhoon with a refined laminar-flow wing, powerful Napier Sabre engine, and four 20mm cannons for superior speed and firepower. Introduced in 1944, it shone in low-level intercepts, destroying over 600 V-1 flying bombs and engaging Luftwaffe jets like the Me 262 while supporting ground operations.

The company states that they are working on a family of Tempest kits in 1/72 scale, reportedly including the Tempest Mk.II, Tempest Mk.V and Tempest Mk.VI. As of this writing, no timeframe for launch has been announced.

Click below to check out additional images.

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