Tag: plastic model aircraft

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Italeri Releases Spitfire Mk IX Focused on RAF Aces

Italeri has released a new edition of their 1/48 Spitfire Mk. IX focused on ace liveries.

The Mk. IX was an interim upgrade to counter the German Fw 190, entering service in 1942 with over 5,600 units produced, making it the second most numerous Spitfire variant. Powered by a more powerful Rolls-Royce Merlin 60-series engine with a two-stage supercharger, it offered superior high-altitude performance, speed up to around 408 mph, exceptional climb rate, and improved structural reinforcements compared to the earlier Mk. V, while retaining excellent maneuverability. Typically armed with two 20mm Hispano cannons and four .303 Browning machine guns (or variations), it served extensively in escort roles, intercepting bombers, and air superiority missions across Europe, significantly restoring Allied dominance during WW2.

The release (2843) includes new decals representing five aircraft flown by RAF aces: F/Lt Pierre Clostermann of 602 Squadron, W/Cdr James E. Johnson of 402 Squadron, F/Lt Jan Falkowski of 402 Squadron, S/Ldr Russell Foskett of 94 Squadron and F/Lt George Beurling of 412 Squadron.

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Now Available: Sword Models’ New Tool Short SB.6 Seamew

Sword Models has released their new tool Short SB.6 Seamew model kit in 1/72 scale.

As previously reported, the Seamew was a British lightweight carrier-based anti-submarine aircraft developed by Shorts in the early 1950s to replace the FAA’s Avenger. It first flew on 23 August 1953 but suffered handling problems and shifting defense priorities, which led to limited production and ultimately cancellation after only a small number of airframes were built.

The release (SW72157) is described as “quite large” and includes liveries for XE169 of HMS Warrior and XA123 of HMS Bulwark.

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FineMolds to Release New A6M Zero Kits Representing Prototype and Model 32

FineMolds has announced the upcoming release of two new Mitsubishi Zero kits in 1/72 scale. The offerings include the Mitsubishi A6M Zero prototype (FR03) and Mitsubishi A6M2 Zero Model 32 (FR04).

The A6M1 prototypes of 1939 were lightweight, long-range, carrier-based fighters with a low-wing monoplane layout, retractable landing gear, and a 580 kW Zuisei 13 engine driving an initially two-blade, later three-blade propeller, emphasizing extreme maneuverability and range at the expense of protection. The later A6M3 Model 32, first flown in 1941, introduced the more powerful Nakajima Sakae 21 engine with a two-speed supercharger, a shortened, squared-off wing without folding tips, enlarged wing fuel tanks, and upgraded Type 99 Mark 2 20 mm cannon, trading some of the earlier model’s turning ability and range for better roll rate, higher diving speed, and improved short-range combat performance.

The kits are currently set for release in April. Click below to check out additional photos, kit contents and livery options.

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IBG Releases Limited Edition Spitfire Mk Vb Kit Bursting With Features

IBG has released their new Supermarine Spitfire Mk Vb (North West Europe 1941-44) Black Box Limited Edition model kit in 1/72 scale.

As previously reported, the offering (72591) boasts two full model kits with two comprehensive sets of 3D printed upgrade parts as well as 18 unique, thoroughly researched marking options. The box will also include four fuselages and four sets of wing upper halves allowing builders to represent any two options of the Mk Vb they choose from the box.

Full list of Supermarine Spitfire Mk Vb – North West Europe 1941-44 – Black Box Limited Edition contents:
2x Complete Spitfire Mk Vb plastic model kits (each of them including two different fuselage versions and two different wing upper halves variants)
1x Huge decal sheet with 18(!) marking options (containing 42 roundels and 20 fin flashes to cater for the huge variety included in the box!)
2x 3D-printed cockpit structure insert (with/without additional armour and headrest)
2x Sets of 3D-printed wheels
2x Sets of 3D-printed exhausts (each of them in 4 different variants!)
2x 3D-printed seamless carburetor air intakes
10x 3D-printed rear view mirrors (5 variants, each in 2 copies)
6x 3D-printed gunsights (3 variants, each in 2 copies)
2x Photo-etched frames with some of the smaller details
2x Sets of the most thoroughly researched stencils ever prepared for a Spitfire Mk Vb model in any scale (with separate subsets for Supermarine, CBAF and Westland-produced machines)
2x Sets of painting masks
1x Special bonus

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Airscale Releases New “State of the Art” Hawker Typhoon Mk.Ib Hybrid Kit

Airscale has released their new 3D printed Hawker Typhoon Mk.Ib “car door” in 1/32 scale.

Combining state of the art injection moulding with high end 3D parts, this hybrid kit sets the tone for future modellers. Fuselage, wings, tailplanes and clear parts are all injection moulded, while everything else bristles with finely realised 3D detail.

The model is released in partnership with Typhoon Legacy in Canada, and a percentage of sales will go toward their restoration of JP843 to flying condition. Click below for product link and additional images.

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Eduard Release ProfiPACK Spitfire F Mk. IX With New Liveries

Adding to the list of new Eduard releases for March is this ProfiPACK Edition Spitfire F Mk. IX model kit in 1/48 scale.

The F Mk. IX was a mid‑war Spitfire variant created as a stopgap by fitting the new two‑stage supercharged Merlin 61 series engine to essentially a modified Mk Vc airframe to counter the Focke‑Wulf Fw 190 in 1942. It retained the classic Spitfire agility but offered much improved speed, climb, and high‑altitude performance. It was typically armed with two 20 mm cannon and four .303 in machine guns in the universal “C” wing. Intended as a temporary solution until more advanced marks arrived, it proved so successful that thousands were built, serving in roles from pure interceptor to fighter‑bomber and remaining a mainstay of RAF fighter units through the later years of the Second World War.

The offering (8282) is reportedly a re-release with new marking options including Canadian and American liveries. It includes Eduard plastic parts, pre-painted PE parts, painting masks and Eduard decals with five marking options.

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Eduard Releases New Fw 190F-8 Model Kit With 7 Liveries

New this month from Eduard is a ProfiPACK Edition Fw 190F-8 model kit in 1/48 scale.

The Fw 190F-8 was a late-war German ground-attack variant of the renowned Fw 190 fighter, derived from the A-8 airframe with reinforcements to carry up to 1,000 kg bombs or other ordnance. Powered by a BMW 801 radial engine with low-altitude performance enhancements via a modified compressor, it featured armament of two 20 mm MG 151/20 wing-root cannons and two 13 mm MG 131 cowl machine guns. Entering service in 1944, over 6,000 were built, though many served as fighter-interceptors due to the decline of dedicated dive bombers like the Ju 87.

The new kit (82139) includes Eduard plastic parts, pre-painted PE parts, painting masks and Eduard decals with marking options for seven aircraft.

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New This Month: Eduard’s ProfiPACK Edition P-40E Warhawk Kit

New this month from Eduard is a ProfiPACK edition P-40E Warhawk model kit in 1/48 scale.

The P-40E was one of the best U.S. fighters available at the WW2’s outset, featuring six .50-caliber machine guns in the wings and bomb racks for up to 1,000-2,000 pounds of ordnance. It offered a top speed near 350-360 mph, a service ceiling of about 29,000 feet, and rugged durability that allowed it to excel in low-to-medium altitude combat despite limitations against higher-performing foes. The P-40E served extensively across theaters including the Pacific, North Africa, and Russia for air superiority, escort, and ground-attack roles before being phased out for more advanced designs.

The new kit (82241) includes Eduard plastic parts, pre-painted PE parts, painting masks and Eduard decals with marking options for six aircraft representing Warhawks in USAAF, RAF and RNZAF service.

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New Renders: MiniArt’s Upcoming Fw 190D-9 (Mimetall) Advanced Kit

MiniArt has released a new series of renderings for their upcoming new tool Fw 190D-9 (Mimetall) Advanced Kit in 1/48 scale.

The offering (48048) is described as highly detailed with accurate Mimetall production configuration, PE parts, detailed cockpit and surface features and decals with multiple marking options.

As previously reported, MiniArt announced this advanced kit around the same time as their basic kit (48040). As of this writing no release date has been announced for either kit. Click below to check out more of the new renderings of the advanced version.

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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).

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