Trumpeter has recently released a new 1:48 rendition of the Mi-4AV Hound, a 1967 modification of the original Mil Mi-4 transport helicopter. The model kit uses tooling from 2022 and additional pieces added in 2023 which will allow for the construction of the AV variant of the Mi-4. A total of over 200 parts which make up eight plastic sprues are included in the kit, one of which features clear plastic which would be used to create the cockpit canopy. Photo-etched parts are also included with the kit to enhance realism.
A number of advanced features are also included with the kit. Some of these include an accurately detailed fuselage, cockpit, and gear cabin. A variety of decals and a colored painting/decal guide are also included which allow for two paint and marking schemes. Both marking schemes depict the aircraft in Soviet service.
If you are interested in purchasing Trumpeter’s new 1:48 Mi-4AV Hound, consider pre-ordering the model kit from either Der Sockelshop (€42,21) or Squadron Hobbies ($71.16). If you are interested in learning more about the kit, visit both Trumpeter’s website and Scalemates, where detailed specifications and colored photographs of the model can be located.
Eduard has recently released a number of kits in their new 2023 September lineup, including a new 1/48 scale iteration of the Bristol F.2B Fighter. Eduard’s new Bristol F.2B Fighter includes tooling from 2005 with an addition of new parts added in 2015 and a variety of waterslide decals that are new and exclusive to this kit.
The parts included with the kit are molded from light gray plastic and do not include any resin materials. Four paint/marking schemes can be created with the decals included with the kit, and all depict the aircraft in RFC (Royal Flying Corps) service. There are a number of fairly small and complicated parts in this kit, so it may not be suited for modelers who are just getting into the hobby.
If you are interested in learning more about Eduard’s new 1/48 Bristol F.2B Fighter, I highly recommend visiting both Eduard’s website and Scalemates.com, where additional information and high-resolution photographs of the kit can be found. If you are interested in purchasing the kit, it can be found at a number of online retailers, including Eduard ($29.95 USD), Super-Hobby ($25.13 USD), and Berliner Zinnfiguren (18,05 €).
The model set includes a number of interesting features, including a budget-friendly price ($46.00) as compared to other kits in Tamiya's lineup as well as a focus on capturing the visual feel of these machine's 1:1 counterparts.
Some of the most notable features found in this kit include three scale figurines that are based around the appearance of WWII German personnel, realistically styled decals, metal nose weights, and detailed plastic parts for the interior and cockpit of both vehicles.
You can learn more about Tamiya's 1/48 Dornier Do 335 A Pfeil w/ Kubelwagen Type 82 on tamiyausa.com as well as scalemates.com.
Final Touches: The Bodi 1/48 Scale U.S. Tankers Figure Set
In The Bodi’s catalog, there lies the perfect accessory for 1/48 scale U.S. AFV kits and dioramas. This fantastic product will be a great addition to any American-based AFV models from the mid to late 1940s and will provide your projects with a touch of extra realism. Today, I’d like to introduce you to The Bodi’s 1/48 scale U.S. Tankers Figure Set.
The set itself contains two U.S. tanker figurines, both of which are crafted from resin. They are both posed upright in a resting position, and each weigh about 10 grams. Their stature is perfect for dioramas depicting encampments, repair shops, and armoured convoys at rest.
If you are interested in learning more about or purchasing The Bodi’s 1/48 U.S. Tankers Set, I highly recommend that you visit both The Bodi’s website and scalemates.com. These both feature additional information and offer ways to purchase this product. In regards to price, this U.S. tankers set can be purchased directly from The Bodi for around 19 euros.
Hasegawa recently released information regarding the upcoming release of a brand new, 1:48 scale rendition of the P-40N Warhawk. The full title of Hasegawa’s upcoming kit is the P-40N Warhawk “Natural Metal Aces”, presumably due to the decal options available with the kit. Said decals are planned to accurately represent the markings of two ace P-40 pilots, those being Major Gerald Richard Johnson and Lieutenant Marion C. Felts.
The kit is set to contain around 108 parts, presumably made of plastic, and will also include a number of transparent parts for the cockpit canopy of the aircraft. The length of the kit is 211.5 millimeters, while the width is around 237 millimeters. Both decal options included with the kit depict the aircraft in U.S. service.
If you are interested in learning more about Hasegawa’s upcoming 1:48 scale P-40N Warhawk “Natural Metal Aces” kit, I highly recommend that you visit Hasegawa’s website where a number of other fantastic kits can also be found.
New Release: Italeri 1:48 Scale RF-4E Phantom II Kit
Recently, Italeri released an all new 1:48 scale rendition of the RF-4E Phantom II, an improved reconnaissance version of the iconic F-4 Phantom II fighter aircraft. Italeri’s new kit is full of fantastic features that we will soon go over, and will be a great addition to any scale model collection.
One of the most notable features of the kit is the durable and detailed plastic components. Like many other Italeri kits, all parts of the kit are crafted from high quality materials, most of which are molded from plastic. Pieces are easy to assemble and are molded well with minimal amounts of flash and mold lines.
It should also be noted that the kit itself is labeled a ‘level 3’ on Italeri’s skill level chart, and therefore is best suited for intermediate modelers. A number of decals are included with the kit and will allow you to create a number of different versions of your vehicle. Some of the versions that can be created allow you to depict your RF-4E in German, Iranian, Israeli, or Turkish service.
If you are interested in learning more about or purchasing Italeri’s all new 1:48 scale RF-4E Phantom II, I highly recommend that you visit Italeri’s website, where you can find this product retailing for around 39 euros.
New Release: Tamiya 1/48 Scale Tiger I Early Production Kit
Tamiya recently released a brand new rendition of the Tiger I in 1/48 scale. Tamiya’s new kit depicts the early production variant of the Tiger I and features a number of great features to improve the look and feel of your model and is a great improvement over Tamiya’s 2004 1/48 scale Tiger I.
The kit itself is made up of both plastic and metal components, both of which are very durable and of high quality. It should be noted that there are also a number of small parts included with the kit that will bring intrinsic detail to your finished product.
Lastly, there are a variety of decals provided with the kit that will allow you to choose from one of two paint schemes, both of which are based around schemes seen on the Eastern Front of WWII.
If you are interested in learning more about or purchasing Tamiya’s all new 1/48 scale Tiger I Early Production, I highly recommend that you visit Tamiya’s website, where the kit retails for only $30, or wherever Tamiya products are sold.
Coming Soon: Atlantis 1/48 Scale Japanese Medium Tank Chi-Ha Kit
Atlantis recently announced that it will soon be releasing their own 1:48 scale rendition of the Type 97 Chi-Ha. Atlantis states that its 1:48 scale Chi-Ha will be of high quality material and come from Aurora tooling. Atlantis also states that its new kit in progress will also come with a decal sheet, detailed instructions, 4 figurines, and rubber tracks.
The Atlantis 1:48 scale Chi-Ha is rated as a level 2 and therefore will be a great kit for beginner modelers. I’m really excited about the upcoming release of this set and highly recommend you consider purchasing one.
If you would like to learn more about Atlantis’s 1:48 scale Japanese Medium Tank Chi-Ha, I suggest you take a look at Atlantis’s website. The kit is scheduled for release on October 30th of this year. However, if you are interested, it is also currently available for preorder for the respectable price of $19.99.
New for 2022: Eduard's 1/48-scale A6M2 Zero Type 21 Kit
Eduard has released a new, 1/48-scale aircraft kit featuring a recreation of the A6M2 Zero Type 21. This plastic model kit features pre-painted PE parts, five marking options, and a painting mask for a clean, realistic build.
To make the most of this specific kit, Eduard is also offering an array of add-on accessories ranging from a 3D-printed and photo-etched engine, landing flaps, a 3D-printed seat, and more.
To learn more about Eduard's 1/48-scale A6M2 Zero Type 21 kit, visit eduard.com.
New from Tamiya is their 1/48-scale T-55 Russian Medium Tank Kit. This smaller version of Tamiya's 1/35-scale T-55 packs an unreal amount of detail into a smaller size, making this kit a great choice for diorama builders and hobbyists with space constraints.
The kit features a detailed tank exterior including the body, turret, barrel, and accessories. A torso-up figure is included and can be affixed to the hatch area of the turret.
Tamiya T-55 Russian Medium Tank Kit Specs:
Length: 190mm
Width: 69mm
Scale: 1/48
Tamiya's 1/48-scale T-55 Russian Medium Tank Kit is priced at $29.00 and is available from Tamiya and its dealers. Visit tamiyausa.com to learn more about this military armor kit.
