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 €).
Heller recently released a 1:72 rendition of the Sukhoi Su-27, featuring the same tooling and parts from previous Heller kits but with the addition of modern-day Ukrainian Air Force markings. The kit’s tooling was originally built in 1990, with the addition of extra parts introduced in 1992.
The kit contains parts for two versions of the Su-27; the Su-27UB, a double-seat fighter/trainer aircraft, and Su-27P, a single-seat fighter. Fully-colored instructions and decals for six marking schemes are also included with the kit. Some of the marking schemes available include markings depicting aircraft from both the 39th Tactical Aviation Brigade and the 831st Tactical Aviation Brigade of the Ukrainian Air Force.
If you are interested in learning more about Heller’s new 1:72 Su-27 UB/P Ukraine, I highly recommend visiting scalemates.com, where detailed information regarding the kit can be found. The kit is also available for purchase on Heller’s website for 24,99 €.
Happy Modeling!
New Release: IBG 1/72 Scale MiG-29 in Polish Air Force (Early Service)
Recently, IBG released a brand new, 1/72 rendition of the iconic MiG-29, a fourth-generation jet fighter designed by the Mikoyan-Gurevich Design Bureau. The kit contains a variety of new features that are sure to pique any scale modeler’s interest, in addition to a fantastic set of decals that will allow you to dress up your mini-MiG in a plethora of Polish markings.
One of the most notable features of IBG’s MiG-29 is the inclusion of 3D printed elements that accurately represent the cockpit details of the aircraft, something that is uncommon to find in most scale model kits in 2022. It is very nice to see the implementation of 3D printed elements in modeling, as many, including me, see it as an integration of new technology with an age-old hobby, bringing together the best of both worlds.
Also included in the kit is several clear plastic and detailed parts, both of which will add an extra touch of realism to the finished product. And lastly, as previously stated, the kit also includes an array of Polish marking decals, allowing you to create various schemes seen on early Polish MiG-29s.
If you are interested in purchasing or learning more about IBG’s all-new, 1/72 scale, early Polish MiG-29, I recommend that you visit both IBG’s website, where the product can be found for 32 euros and scalemates.com, where additional information regarding the product can be found.
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.
Hasegawa recently released a limited edition version of the famous F-15 Eagle in 1:72 scale. This kit is modeled after the DJ variant of the aircraft and depicts it in Japanese service, specifically in a fighter training group.
The kit itself is composed of 142 pieces, all of which are crafted from high-quality materials. The kit also includes clear plastic pieces for the canopy and small detail parts to create a more realistic finished product. It should also be noted that the kit’s dimensions are 267 by 179 millimeters.
If you are interested in learning more about or purchasing Hasegawa’s limited edition 1:72 scale F-15DJ Eagle “Aggressor Minokasago,” I urge you to visit Hasegawa’s website or wherever Hasegawa products are sold.
New Release: Airfix 1:72 Scale Gloster Meteor F.8 Kit
Airfix recently released a brand new rendition of the Gloster Meteor in 1:72 scale. This new kit from Airfix depicts the F.8 variant of the aircraft and includes many high-quality features to enhance the look and building process of the kit, something that applies to many of Airfix’s scale model kits.
The kit itself is constructed from high-quality plastics that are durable and easy to work with. Clear plastic parts are included as part of the canopy and significantly improve the realism of your scale aircraft. Also included with the kit are a number of waterslide decals. The decals allow you to choose from one of three marking options for your model kit. Two of these marking options portray British aircraft; however, one Belgian option is also available.
If you are interested in learning more about or purchasing Airfix’s new 1:72 scale Gloster Meteor F.8, I highly recommend that you visit Airfix’s website. The product can also be found in many stores that supply Airfix products and should retail for around 23.99 euros.
Happy Modeling!
On Sale: ICM’s 1:32 Scale Yak-9K Kit
ICM has recently been holding a sale on a number of their products, including their 1:32 Soviet Yak-9K. ICM’s 1:32 scale Yak-9K is a wonderful 1:32 scale rendition of the iconic Yak-9K and has a number of fantastic features that are exciting to see in any model kit.
To start, the kit features stunning molded plastic parts. Each piece is full of detail and really captures the essence of the rugged Yak-9K. Another interesting feature of the kit is the clear cockpit cover and highly detailed Soviet pilot figure. These features are sure to add an extra sense of immersion to your build. Lastly, I’d like to mention that the kit also comes with waterslide decals that allow for three marking variations.
If you are interested in learning more about or purchasing ICM’s 1:32 scale Yak-9K, I highly recommend that you visit ICM’s website, there you will find more information about the specifications of the kit and where it can be found.
New Release: Airfix A02041A 1/72-scale Hawker Typhoon Mk.1B Kit
Airfix recently released a rendition of the Hawker Typhoon Mk.1B in 1/72-scale. The model is of very high quality, a trademark feature of most Airfix scale model kits. There is a sufficient amount of detail, both on the exterior and in the interior of the aircraft. Airfix’s new Hawker Typhoon kit also features a simple construction, with instructions that are easy to understand and pieces that fit together perfectly.
Two scheme options are included in the kit, both of which are quite snappy and very pleasing to the eye. High quality decals are included with the kit to improve the look of the model alongside a variety of scale ordnance that can be affixed to the bottom of the aircraft.
To conclude, I’d like to say that I’m very pleased with what I see in Airfix’s new 1/72-scale Hawker Typhoon. The kit is wonderfully designed and detailed and I can’t wait to get my hands on it. If you’re interested in learning more about or purchasing this kit, I encourage you to visit Airfix’s website where the it can be found retailing for $17.99.
