News
Undersea, sunken treasure & scavenger sets in 35th scale from Mantis Miniatures in June...
We go on search for sunken treasure and look out for scavenges in this month's new items from Mantis Miniatures in 35th scale in June. Check them out in our preview...Read on... » Inbox & video build review Pt.II: M2A2 Bradley ODS from Magic Factory
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Clayton from Workbench Hobbies gives us part II of his build & review of the M2A2 ODS SA IFV in 35th scale from Magic Factory. He shows us his digital painting mask that he has developed & we see the kit go from primer to camo before final weathering in his video...Read on... » Hands on Review: F-104A (Early) Backdate Set from Hypersonic Models in 1/48th scale
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Gary gets "hands on" with Hypersonic Models new 1/48th scale F-104A (Early) backdate set for the Kinetic kit. In depth info & great photographs show us just what's in the kit & the aircraft itself in his review...Read on... »
Preview: 1/32nd scale Spitfire Mk.Va from Kotare available for pre-order...
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Following on from their Mk I & II Spitfires in 32nd scale, Kotare have new information and news that their 1/32nd scale Spitfire Mk.Va is now available for pre-order. We look at the first run extras, markings & new sprues (in CAD) in our preview...Read on... » Preview: MiniArt's pipeline set in 1/35th scale...
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MiniArt's accessories are filling the gaps in modeller's arsenals at a rapid rate - Today we have some pipework in 1/35th scale plastic for you to look at. This might not seems so exciting, but we'd bet you will pick up a set to detail your new building diorama. We look at the kit contents in our preview...Read on... » Preview: Two new releases from Trumpeter in August
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The mighty Hind & an American fire pumper are the subjects of Trumpeter's August items. We look at the colours, decals & build up kits in our preview...Read on... » Hands on review: B-26B Marauder From ICM Kit in 1/48th scale
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ICM's new 48th scale B-26B Marauder range of kits has seen many modellers, like Gary Wickham very excited to see what they can come up with in plastic. He examines their new tooled kit closely to show you everything in the box & his thoughts in his review...Read on... » Italeri May 2024 News
1/24 MERCEDES-BENZ SK EUROCAB 6×4
Fully detailed cabin and interiors – Fully detailed engine and frame – Rubber tyres – Super decals sheet Colors instruction sheet
The Mercedes-Benz SK (Schwere Klasse) was produced by the renowned German automotive company from the late 1980s to the early 1990s. Available in various configurations, including the esteemed 6×4 chassis, which was enhanced by the introduction of the “Eurocab” cabin, featuring innovative and functional design elements. This cabin was characterized by a raised roof, improving onboard amenities, visibility, and driving comfort. Initially introduced on the 500 HP engine version, the new cabin was progressively extended to the rest of the lineup. Despite its increased height, fuel consumption costs were mitigated through meticulous aerodynamic research. It found extensive use in numerous commercial and industrial applications, enjoying significant commercial success.
1/35 Sd. Kfz. 234/3
RUBBER TYRES – PHOTO ETCHED FRET – DECALS SHEET FOR 4 VERSIONS – COLOR INSTRUCTION SHEET
The armored cars of the Schwerer Panzerspähwagen Sd.Kfz. 234 series were produced by the German war industry in the final phase of the Second World War. They were characterized by a high level of construction quality that combined mobility, operational flexibility, and offensive capability. The design represented an excellent blend of speed on all types of terrain, protection, and firepower, synthesizing the operational experience that the Wehrmacht had gathered in the early years of the Second World War. They could achieve a maximum road speed of 85 km/h. Among the various versions produced, the Sd.Kfz. 234/3 was armed with the short-barreled 75mm KwK37 cannon mounted in a fixed position in an open-topped fighting compartment, which could be effectively used to support infantry against lightly protected targets as well as against light armored vehicles.
1/35 Biber Midget Submarine
DECALS FOR 3 VERSIONS – COLOR INSTRUCTIONS SHEET – PHOTO ETCHED FRET
CONTAINS 2 FIGURES
The “Biber” was the most well-known “pocket” submarine used by the Kriegsmarine during the latter part of World War II. The development of the Biber was extremely rapid. Design began in February 1944, and the first units were launched just 6 months later. Measuring just 9 meters long, it had a range of 240 km. It could reach a maximum speed of 6.5 knots surfaced and 5.3 knots submerged. The Biber could be armed with two 530 mm torpedoes, mounted externally to the submarine, or with two mines. Its crew consisted of only one person. The purpose of the Biber within the strategy of the Kriegsmarine was quite simple: to provide a concrete defense along the coasts to protect against a possible, and increasingly likely, Allied invasion. From 1944 until the end of World War II, the Kriegsmarine received and deployed over 300 Bibers.
1/72 Junker Ju-52/3m
NEW DECALS EDITION FOR 3 VERSIONS – COLOR INSTRUCITION SHEET – CONTAINS 6 FIGURES
CONTAINS 1 MODEL
The Junkers Ju-52/3m was produced by the renowned German aviation company from the early 1930s for civilian use with Lufthansa and other major commercial airlines. It was characterized by its three-engine configuration and distinctive corrugated metal fuselage panels. A robust and reliable aircraft, it was quickly adopted for military purposes by the Luftwaffe, primarily as a transport aircraft. The Ju-52, affectionately nicknamed “Tante Ju” (Auntie Ju), was used on all operational fronts throughout the duration of the war and served as the backbone of German military logistics in supplying ground troops. It was also employed for airborne troop missions, notably for paratrooper drops in the Netherlands in 1940 and in Crete in 1941.
1/56 Italian Tanks & Semoventi
WWll TANK COLLECTION – CONTAINS 1 MODEL – 103 PARTS FOR 4 ALTERNATIVE MODELS: M13/40, M14/41, M40, M41 – HIGHLY DETALIED KIT – 2 FIGURES – SUPER DECALS FOR 4 VERSIONS
The production of Italian tanks during the Second World War focused on the “M” series. The M-13/40 was the most famous and widely used tank of the Royal Army. Equipped with a 47mm cannon, it was notable for its unique track and suspension structure and for the protective “bolted” armor. On its chassis, the self-propelled gun M-40 was also developed. Armed with a 75mm howitzer mounted in a casemate, it was greatly feared by enemy armored vehicles. The best results were achieved through the combined use of M-13/40 tanks accompanied by self-propelled guns, which compensated for the tank’s limited firepower. Throughout the war, both tanks and self-propelled guns saw improvements in technical solutions and armament.
1/56 Char B1 Bis
WWll TANK COLLECTION – 85 PARTS – STANDARD TANK OR FLAMETHROWER VERSION – HIGHLY DETALIED KIT – DECALS FOR 6 VERSIONS –
The “Char de Bataille” B1 was the main battle tank used by the French army during the Second World War. The original design was conceived in the mid-1920s (many technical solutions adopted, such as the large exposed tracks, are indeed typical of that period), but it began to be deployed to units only in the mid-1930s. Sturdy and massive, it was improved in its “bis” version to enhance performance and operational capability. It was armed with a 47mm turret cannon and a 75mm howitzer installed in a casemate at the front of the tank. Although it was generally a good tank for the period, the Char B1 bis was employed to support infantry divisions rather than in autonomous armored groups that would have provided greater operational flexibility against German Panzer divisions during the 1940 Campaign in France.
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Colourful Cargo - we update the 1/35th scale 3t Cargo Truck, 3,6-36S Early Prod. PmQ-Type from MiniArt.
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We add the parts, decals, etch & six marking choices to our preview of MiniArt's "Blitz" in 1/35th scale. See everything in the box in our preview...Read on... » Preview: Six more releases for Italeri in June...
On top of their F-35B we looked at the other day, we have six kits from Italeri in June - We look at the artwork, sprues, parts & decal/marking choices in our preview...Read on... » Preview: MiniArt's Modern Holiday Makers in 1/35th scale...
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We have recently seen a modern set of café dwellers from Miniart - today we see a complimentary set of four figures on holiday taking some happy snaps. We look at this 35th scale foursome in our preview today...Read on... » Preview: 1/35th scale German WW2 8.8cm Flak Crew from Das Werk.
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We always need more new crews of four figures and a few shells to suit our 88mm gun kits. Today we look at the new 1/35th scale German WW2 8.8cm Flak Crew from Das Werk in our preview...Read on... » Eduard Jun 2024 News
Fw 190A-2 1/48
Cat.No.: 82146
ProfiPACK edition kit of German WWII fighter aircraft Fw 190A-2 in 1/48 scale.
The kit offers the aircraft with two-cannon as well as four-cannon wings.
plastic parts: Eduard
No. of decal options: 5
decals: Eduard
PE parts: yes, pre-painted
painting mask: yes
resin parts: yes, wheel well doors
Bf 109G-6 1/72
Cat.No.: 70159
The ProfiPACK edition kit of the German fighter plane Bf 109G-6 in 1/72 scale.
From the kit it is possible to build Messerschmitts with standard canopy and standard rudder.
plastic parts: Eduard
marking options: 6
decals: Eduard
PE parts: pre-painted
painting mask: yes
resin parts: no
L-29 Delfin 1/72
Cat.No.: 7096
ProfiPACK edition kit of Czechoslovak military jet trainer L-29 Delfín in 1/72 scale.
plastic parts: AMK
marking options: 5
decals: Eduard
PE parts: yes, pre-painted
painting mask: yes
resin parts: no
Marking options:
A) a/c No. 2853, 1st Flight, 11th Fighter Regiment, Žatec, Czech Republic, 1993
This Zatec Delfin received this finish at the beginning of June 1993. Its development was undertaken by the ground crew under the leadership of Capt. Karel Krejčí. Its introduction to the public came on July 10th of the same year at an airshow in Žatec. After the disbandment of the 11th Fighter Regiment, the aircraft was transferred to the 1st Training Regiment at Přerov. The entire aircraft, including the drop tanks, was cleaned and degreased and the national insignia and fuselage number were covered by tape. After that, the aircraft was painted yellow, followed by the black tiger stripes.
B) 3250, International Fighter Pilots Academy, Košice, Slovak Republic, 1993
The International Fighter Pilots Academy was formed at the beginning of 1993 at Kosice as an official training unit allowing civil clients to take part in aerial exercises on military aircraft, including helicopters. One of the aircraft that were used in this role and were also funded for in the budget of the Slovak Air Force, was this L-29. The fuselage of this Delfin was painted grey, while the wings received a striking scheme consisting of red, white and blue segments reminiscent of past aerobatic schemes. The IFPA badge was carried under the windscreen on both sides of the aircraft.
C) 378, 101st Fighter Reconnaissance Wing, Szolnok Air Base, Hungary, Summer 1978
L-29 factory number 591378 was built in 1965 and delivered to Hungarian AF to serve its whole carrier at Szolnok Air Force Base with 101st fighter reconnaissance wing. In the first part of its active life aircraft flew in natural metal colours with Red 378 board number. The aircraft returned twice to Czechoslovakia for overhaul in the Trenchen factory, in 1971 and 1978. After the second overhaul it received a new camouflage scheme represented here for summer of 1978. These are Czech colours which were very different from Hungarian AF official colours. Later several new patches of dark green were added by Hungarian technicians for repairs. It is interesting that this aircraft is still in service but this time in private hand in USA as N21KE. After withdrawal from Hungarian AF in March 1983 it was sold in summer of 1984 and had a colourful after-life: flying in VVS colour as 09 with red star. With breakup of Soviet Union it received YL-PAD registration to be shipped eventually to Scotland in mid 1990’s and kept in open storage for many years. It was sold again and shipped to the US, after refurbishment flew as Red 09 from Minnetonka and in 2020 is still going strong!
D) N179EP, Reno AFB, United States of America, 2009
The American firm Tactical Air Services owns two L-29 Delfins, and these are used to train army and navy elements by simulating incoming anti-shipping or air-to-surface rounds. During RIMPAC 2010 (Rim Of The Pacific – the largest international naval exercise) they were photographed on the deck of USS Bon Homme Richard (LHD-6). Aircraft N179EP is camouflaged similarly to the aircraft operated by the Russian Air Force, including Russian stars on the wings and fin.
E) 3246, 3rd Flight, 1st Fighter Regiment, Planá Air Base, Czechoslovakia, 1969-1970
While most L-29s served as trainers with training units, some aircraft were allocated to combat units to aid in maintaining ratings at a minimal expense. One such aircraft was this L-29 coded 3246, which was assigned to Ceske Budejovice’s 3rd Flight of the 1st slp (Fighter Regiment) right from its acceptance in 1969 up to the mid eighties. Later, it was transferred to a training regiment in Kosice and flew in Slovakia up to 2003. During 1969-70, the Flight badge was carried, consisting of a devil on a dark blue background, not only by the unit’s MiG-21PFMs, but also this L-29. The red trim was part of the standard scheme in which the L-29s were delivered to the main client, the Soviet Union.
MARAUDER 1/72
Cat.No.: 2146
Limited edition kit of WWII US medium bomber aircraft B-26F/G in 1/72 scale.
In the box are machines from the MTO, ETO and PTO.
plastic parts: Hasegawa
marking options: 8
decals: Eduard
PE parts: pre-painted
painting mask: yes
resin parts: yes wheels
Spitfire Mk. Vb OVERLORD 1/48
Cat.No.: 84200
The Weekend edition kit of British fighter aircraft Spitfire Mk.Vb in 1/48 scale..
The kit presents Spitfires used during operation Overlord.
plastic parts: Eduard
marking options: 4
decals: Eduard
PE parts: yes
painting mask: no
resin parts: no
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New art & CADs of MiniArt's 35th scale Sd.Kfz. 234/4 Schwerer Panzerspähwagen full interior kit.
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A big gun to ambush & a fast reverse speed make this Schwerer Panzerspähwagen 7.5cm a deadly adversary, but also a great modelling subject. We look at MiniArt's new kit in 35th scale in CADs & art in our preview...Read on... » Preview: Italeri's new-tool F-35C in 72nd scale...
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Italeri continue to bring the lightning in the form a new-tool 1/72nd scale F-35C available next month. We look at the aircraft, art, profiles & built up test shot in our preview...Read on... » Preview: 35th scale Raketenjagdpanzer Jaguar 1 (2in1) from Das Werk.
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A rocket attack turretless tank destroyer from the cold war? Count us in for Das Werk's new 1/35th scale kit, the Raketenjagdpanzer Jaguar 1 (2 in 1) - from the Bundeswehr & Austrian Army. See the art, CADs &colours in our preview...Read on... » MiniArt add more plastic storage to their 24th range with "Plastic Barrels 100L" set...
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MiniArt's 1/24th scale accessories keep on coming, with new every day items that can populate our dioramas turning up monthly. Today we preview their latest set, with plastic barrels (made from plastic) in our preview...Read on... » Hasegawa May 2024 News
Nakajima Ki84 TYPE 4 FIGHTER HAYATE (FRANK) “51st Flight Regiment”
Scale … 1:48
Item no … 07534（07534）
Estimated No. of parts … 122
Size
length …207mm
width …234mm
Markings
1) I.J.A.A.F. 51st F.R. Code: 715 Feb.,1945
2) I.J.A.A.F. 51st F.R. Code: 252
3) I.J.A.A.F. 51st F.R. Code: 925
F/A-18C HORNET
“VMFA-115 SILVER EAGLES”
Scale … 1:72
Item no … 02471（02471）
Estimated No. of parts … 82
Size
length …237mm
width …162mm
Bonus: an emblem patch is included.
Markings
U.S. Marine VMFA-115 “SILVER EAGLES” CO Code: VE01(165214) Iwakuni A.B. 2023
Kawasaki EC-1 “ELECTRIC WARFARE SQUADRON”
Scale … 1:200
Item no … 10861（10861）
Estimated No. of parts … 55
Size
length …149mm
width …152mm
Markings
J.A.S.D.F. Electric Warfare SQ. Code: 021(78-1021) Iruma A.B.
Mitsubishi Ki67 TYPE 4 HEAVY BOMBER HIRYU (PEGGY) “4th Training Flight Unit”
Scale … 1:72
Item no … 02470（02470）
Estimated No. of parts … 133
Size
length …274mm
width …313mm
Markings
1) I.J.A.A.F. 4th Training Flight Unit Code: 232 1944-1945
2) I.J.A.A.F. 4th Training Flight Unit Code: 236 1944-1945
3) I.J.A.A.F. 4th Training Flight Unit Code: 198 Aug.,1945
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Preview: ICM's 1/35th scale Humvee M1097A2
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Just when you thought you didn't need a hummer, ICM has released images of their all new 35th scale Humvee M1097A2 kit. We look at the real thing & the CADs in our preview...Read on... » Special Hobby May 2024 News
Westland Whirlwind FB Mk.I Fighter-Bomber 1/72
Not long before the outbreak of WW2, the British Air Ministry issued a requirement calling for two types of fighter aircraft, one light weight with machine gun armament and the other one with heavy cannon armament. To these requirements, the machine gun armed Hurricanes and Spitfires were designed, while to fit the second category, the Westland offered their Whirlwind twin engined ‘Cannon Fighter’. This type was eventually produced in more than a hundred examples and further production was ceased only by the shortage of the Peregrine engines. The Whirlwinds were deployed over the English Channel in fighter and ground attack missions. For the latter ones, the Whirlwinds were fitted with bomb racks and were designated FB Mk.I. It was only in 1944 that they were replaced by Typhoon aircraft.
The Fighter-Bomber Whirlwind model comes on two styrene sprues and one with clear parts. All these are joined by 3D-printed parts, resin cast details and etches. The decals cater for four schemes, two of which in the earlier green-brown colours and the other two in the later scheme of green and grey, that are also corrected now compared to the earlier release, based on new available reference materials.
Fouga CM.170 Magister ‘Aerobatic Teams’ 1/72
The Fouga Magister was not only a great trainer jet, it was also an excellent aerobatic machine used by many aerobatic display teams. This release of the Magister covers the schemes of the Belgian Red Devils, French Patrouille de Ecolé de l Air and the FFS A Acro Team of Germany. All of these airframes wore quite strikng and colourful schemes indeed.
As well as serving with the French military the Magister was also an export success for Fouga which sold the type to a multitude of foreign operators and it was even built under licence in three countries. The first licence-built Magisters entered service with the air forces of Germany and Finland in 1958 where they also joined French-built Magisters and the third licence producer of the Magister was Israel, which produced its first aircraft in 1960. The Israeli Magisters were known locally as the Tzukit (or Thrush) and as well as basic training they were also used in the light-attack role where they proved successful during several of the Israeli-Arab conflicts. In the ground attack role the Magister could carry a pair of machine guns fitted in the nose section and various weaponry was mounted under the wings in the form of bombs and unguided rockets.
Within Europe the Magister was flown by France, Belgium, Austria and Ireland but there were also many other operators worldwide in Africa, Asia and South America, many of whom were no doubt attracted by its lightweight design and low operating costs. Among these far flung operators were countries such as Algeria, Bangladesh, Biafra, Brazil, El Salvador, Libya, Morocco, Togo and Uganda. Some Fougas are still flying these days, many of them in civilian hands.
The model comes on four grey styrene sprues with nicely detailed parts plus one with clear parts.
SMB-2 Super Mystère ‘Sa’ar – Israeli Storm in the Sky’ 1/48
This model kit of the SMB.2 French jet fighter with the J52 US-built engine and longer tail cone is made using steel moulds and comes on nine styrene sprues (two of which are doubled) and one clear parts sprue. The excellent styrene parts are joined by no less perfect 3D-printed items (made in cooperation with Mini Craft Collection) which contain the ejection seat, speed brakes, 250kg bombs and Shafrir missiles on their racks. The decal sheet caters for three Israeli machines in various colour schemes.
The French Dassault Super Mystere B2 was the first Western European, mass production-built jet fighter to achieve supersonic speed in a level flight. The type was a follow-on development of Dassault’s earlier successful jet fighter airplanes such as the Ouragan or Mystere IV and a number of test prototypes too. The first production airframe, out of the total of 180 built, first flew on 26 February 1957, with the production machines being allocated to No.10, 12 and 5 escadrons of the Armée de l’Air, they also served with test centres CEV and CEAM and in flying schools. Later machines were fitted with more powerful Atar 101G-2 or G-3 engines. The type was on strength of combat squadrons until 1977 when the last remaining SMB2s of No.12 Escadron were replaced by more modern Mirage III jets. The service of SMB2s with the French military was quite uneventful, the only exception to the dull military routine were the occasional air force exercises which took place in NATO countries or in Africa and also the Operation Air Bull in Thailand. The most important operator of the type outside of France, the Israel Air Force saw much more interesting flying and combtat career of the type – their SMB2s took part in a series of clashes, conflicts and wars between Israel and its Arab neighbours. These wars are know as the War over Water, Six Day War, Yom Kippur War and also the rather lengthy conflict between these „regular“ wars, the Attrition War. The State of Israel had placed the order for the SMB2 fighters already in 1956, this being confirmed only two years later, in 1958. The SMB2, locally known as the Sambad, were deliveder in two batches of 24 and 12 airframes. Seven more of them were delivered later to make up for losses suffered during the service. Soon after the Sambads had been delivered, Israel acquired also the excellent Mirage IIIC jets which became its major front line fighter aircraft, so the Sambads were deployed just to one Tayeset, or Squadron (the 105th) and flew mainly in the fighter-bomber role. Owing to the trouble with spare parts caused by the French arms embargo, the Israeli Aircrafr Industries (IAI) proposed to fit the already rather worn out airframes with the US-built J52 turbofan. Even though these powerplants lacked the reheat, they were 25% lighter, had lower fuel consumption and offered thrust almost comparable to their French counterparts. As the new unit weighted less, it had to be mounted further back in the rear fuselage and as the nozzle was also already longer, it resulted in much longer jet pipe of the new machines compared to the standard Sambad. In the end, this change proved to help the type’s survivability after being hit by enemy’s IR-guided anti-aircraft missiles – the missiles homed usually on the hot exhaust nozzle and when exploded, the war head fragments did not hit the tail control surfaces as lethaly as was the case with the standard, short tailed Sambad type. The performance remained almost the same, except for acceleration and initial rate of climb. What is more, the type could carry much more underwing stores, had much larger range and could operate in the combat area much longer. In total, 26 airframes were re-engined and they were known in the IAF as the Sa’ar, or Storm in Hebrew. In a short time, they got the opportunity to show their capabilities in the 1973 Yom Kippur War and excelled in the ground attack role. In 1975, the 105th Tayeset received their new F-4 Phantom II jets and the already obsolete Sa’ars finally retired.
– superbly detailed and highly accurate model in the Hi-Tech format
– accurate decals incule servicing stencils for three IAF airframes in various colour schemes
– wide variety of underwing armament contained in the kit
– limited release
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