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MiniArt Announces Upcoming P-47D-20RA Advanced Kit With Saipan Focus

MiniArt is set to add to their growing line of P-47 variants with an upcoming P-47D-20RA “advanced” kit in 1/48 scale.

The P-47D-20RA was an Evansville-built late-war Thunderbolt variant that kept the P-47’s rugged airframe, eight .50-caliber machine guns, and strong fighter-bomber capability while adding the “universal” wing for bombs or drop tanks and the more powerful R-2800 engine family. It was part of the evolution that made the Thunderbolt one of the U.S. Army Air Forces’ toughest and most versatile WWII fighters.

The upcoming offering (48043) represents the type in service during the 1944 the Saipan campaign and includes PE parts, detailed cockpit and exterior surfaces and marking options for four aircraft.

As of this writing a final release date has not been announced. Click below to check out livery options, detail parts and sample sprue shots.

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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it carried a three-man crew and handled torpedo attacks, bombing, reconnaissance, and anti-shipping work before being withdrawn from frontline service in 1945.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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Eduard to Release Limited Edition PBY-5A Kit With Resin Upgrades

Eduard has announced the upcoming release of a limited edition PBY-5A Catalina model kit in 1/48 scale.

The PBY-5A was used as an amphibious patrol bomber in WW2 and was known for its long range, endurance, and versatility in roles like submarine hunting, convoy escort, search-and-rescue, and night attack. It was one of the most important Allied maritime aircraft of the war and could operate from both water and land thanks to its retractable landing gear.

The upcoming release will include Revell plastic parts, PE parts, five marking options and resin upgrades including wheels, exhausts, and antenna mounts. It is currently slated for release in July. Click below to check out livery profiles.

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Airfix Commemorates D-Day With New Hawker Typhoon / Eurofighter Typhoon Twin Pack

Airfix recently released a Typhoon twin pack model kit containing a Eurofighter Typhoon FGR.4 “Moggy” and Hawker Typhoon Mk.Ib in 1/72 scale.

The offering (A40001) boasts 117 pieces and D-Day liveries for each aircraft. The Hawker Typhoon representing 1944 No.257 (Burma) Squadron and the Eurofighter Typhoon representing ZJ913 of the RAF Typhoon Display Team from the 2024 season.

The striking design on Typhoon FGR.4 ZJ913 was inspired by the RAF No.257 (Burma) Squadron Hawker Typhoon Mk.Ib, piloted by Officer Denzil Jenkins during the D-Day landings on 6th June 1944, featuring the iconic black and white identification stripes that were a hallmark of Allied aircraft over Normandy on D-Day. This was a brilliant move by the RAF PR team, and this aircraft captivated millions during the subsequent airshow season, at commemorative events in both the UK and France, and during a successful Canadian tour.

The kits are rated as level 2 builds, making them ideal for modelers ages 8 and above.

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MiniArt Announces Fw 190D-9 (Early Production) Advanced Kit

MiniArt has announced the upcoming release of a Fw 190D-9 (early production) advanced kit in 1/48 scale.

The early-production Fw 190D-9 was the “long-nose” development of the Fw 190A, reworked around the liquid-cooled Jumo 213 engine to improve high-altitude performance and interceptor capability. It entered Luftwaffe service in 1944 and was valued for its stronger climb and speed compared with earlier Fw 190 variants.

The kit (48044) captures the distinctive long nose profile of the “Dora” and includes additional details for an enhanced building experience, including PE parts, detailed cockpit and exterior surfaces and decals with three marking options.

Click below to check out additional images, including livery profiles.

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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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Check Out Border Model’s New Tool P-51D Kit That Comes Entirely Pre-Painted

Border Model has announced the upcoming release of a new tool P-51D Mustang kit in 1/35 scale.

What makes this model (BF-015) especially unique is that it’s pre-painted with a metallic aluminum base color and with complex internal sections all finished in advance. That means no tedious painting required. Beyond this the kit offers rivet lines, subtle stressed skin texture and a complete interior. Additional features include PE parts, two types of drop tanks and decals with four marking options.

As of this writing, it appears that no release date has been announced. Click below to check out box contents and additional images.

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Eduard Releases ProfiPACK Spitfire Mk. Vb With PE Parts, 7 Liveries

New this month from Eduard is a ProfiPACK edition Spitfire Mk.Vb model kit in 1/72 scale.

The Mk.Vb was powered by the Merlin 45 engine and distinguished by its B-type wing with two 20mm Hispano cannon and four .303 Browning machine guns. It served as an important stopgap in 1941, giving Britain a highly capable interceptor before being overtaken by later Spitfire marks.

The new Eduard release (70206) represents mid-production versions with armored glass before the windshield and asymmetrical wing bulges. It includes Eduard plastic parts, pre-painted PE parts, painting masks and Eduard decals with marking options for seven aircraft.

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MiniArt to Expand Line of P-47 Kits With Long Range P-47N Model

MiniArt is continuing their line of P-47 kits with the announcement of a new P-47N-2RE Thunderbolt basic model kit in 1/48 scale.

This particular variant was a long-range version of the famous American fighter. Designed for extended operations, the P-47N featured a distinctive wing shape and increased fuel capacity, making it well suited for late-war escort and ground attack missions.

The upcoming kit (48068) is described as highly detailed and accurate with photo-etched parts and marking options for two aircraft. As of this writing the kit is said to be “coming soon,” although an exact release date has not been announced. Click below to check out livery profiles and box contents.

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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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