New Release: Italeri 1:72 Battle of Normandy Sainte-Mère-Eglise 6 June 1944
Italeri recently released a 1:72 battle set inspired by the events of June 6th, 1944. On this day members from both the 82nd and 101st Airborne Divisions fought against German occupying forces in the town of Sainte-Mère-Eglise. The battle set faithfully recreates the battle that took place, with a highly detailed church as well as a scale figure depicting John Steele, the paratrooper whose parachute caught on the top of the church during the airborne landings.
A total of one church building, one Sd.Kfz. 251/1, 50 German infantry, 48 American paratroopers, and 16 urban accessories are included with the battle set. The Sd.Kfz 251/1 is a simplified quick assembly kit, so extreme amounts of detail should not be expected. Decals and markings for the church building, half-track, and urban accessories also come with the kit and can be used to give more detail to the builds featured in the kit.
If you are interested in learning more about or finding detailed specifications and photographs of Italeri’s new 1:72 Battle of Normandy Sainte-Mère-Eglise 6 June 1944, I highly recommend visiting both Italeri’s website and Scalemates. If you are interested in purchasing the kit itself, I highly recommend purchasing from any of the following retailers: Italeri (€73,00), Hobbylinc ($90.29), Hobbyland (€62,00), Der Sockelshop (€73,58).
Coming Soon: MiniArt 1:35 StuH 42 Ausf. G Mid Prod. Jul-Oct. 1943
MiniArt recently announced that it would soon be releasing a 1:35 rendition of the StuH 42 Ausf. G, the mid-production version, which was produced from July to October of 1943, to be more precise. The kit features tooling from 2021 with an addition of parts from 2022 and 2023 as well. Both plastic and photo-etch parts are included with the kit, both of which are molded in incredible detail. The plastic pieces feature realistic metal textures and weld lines, which works to enhance the realism of the finished model. Clear plastic parts are also included in the kit.
In terms of additional detailing, the kit comes with individual track links, poseable hatches, optional side skirts, and a variety of decals, which allow for a total of six marking schemes. The decals can be used to create markings for vehicles that served on both the Eastern Front and in Italy during 1943. Colored instructions for creating paint and marking schemes are also included with the kit.
If you would like to access detailed photographs and more information about MiniArt’s upcoming 1:35 StuH 42 Ausf. G Mid Prod. Jul-Oct. 1943, I highly recommend taking a look at both MiniArt’s website and ScaleMates. If you are interested in purchasing the kit, consider pre-ordering from Plastmodel for only €49,57
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 €).
Tamiya has recently released a new 1/24 iteration of the Lancia Stratos Turbo, featuring tooling from 1977 alongside new parts introduced this year. The kit showcases a number of advanced features including a detailed interior, the inclusion of a full body figure, as well as steerable front wheels.
Features of the vehicle such as the chin spoiler, roof spoiler, and rear wing are accurately depicted. The kit also includes decals and a painting/decal guide which can be used to create a stunning red and green paint scheme on the vehicle. A variety of sponsorship markings are also included in the kit.
If you are interested in purchasing Tamiya’s new 1:24 Lancia Stratos Turbo, consider buying from some of the following retailers: Tamiya ($37.00 USD), Hobbylinc ($29.19 USD), MegaHobby ($31.45), and Der Sockelshop (€29,25). If you would like detailed photographs, specifications, and more information about this model kit, I recommend visiting both Tamiya’s website and Scalemates.
Happy Modeling!
Final Touches: MiniArt 1:35 IDF Tank Crew
If you are looking for an easy and cost effective way to add detail to any Israeli armour model or diorama, perhaps you should consider purchasing ICM’s 1:35 IDF Tank Crew figure set. The set itself includes four 1:35 tank crewman figures with historically accurate uniforms and wonderfully molded details. Three male and one female tank crewman are included in the set. Each figure also has a unique pose, allowing for a variety of mounting positions to your model or diorama. Some assembly of the figures is required.
If you are interested in purchasing MiniArt’s 1:35 IDF Tank Crew, consider purchasing from any of the following retailers: Sprue Brother Models ($13.99 USD), Hobbylinc ($15.79 USD), BNA Model World ($12.97 USD), and MegaHobby ($18.89). To learn more and find high quality images and specs regarding this model set, I highly recommend visiting both MiniArt’s website and Scalemates.
Coming Soon: Das Werk 1:35 Kanonenjagdpanzer/ Beobachtungspanzer
Das Werk has recently announced the upcoming release of an all new 1:35 2 in 1 Kanonenjagdpanzer/Beobachtungspanzer scale model kit. Featuring completely new tooling and extravagant detail, this kit is sure to satisfy any serious scale modeler.
The kit will include highly detailed instructions, expertly molded plastic parts which allow for the construction of either the Kanonenjagdpanzer or Beobachtungspanzer, decals for four paint schemes, as well as a painting and decal guide. Also featured in the kit are link & length tracks which will help to simplify the construction of the tracks and running gear of the vehicle.
The kit is set to release in October of this year, however it is currently available for preorder on multiple online stores including: Tasmodelshop (€42,50), HobbyLink Japan ($60.30 USD), and Airdesign.SK (€46,90). If you are interested in learning more about Das Werk’s upcoming 1:35 2 in 1 Kanonenjagdpanzer/Beobachtungspanzer, I highly recommend visiting both Das Werk’s website and scalemates.com.
Airfix has recently announced the upcoming release of a brand new 1:35 rendition of the iconic Ferret Scout Car Mk.2. The Ferret, originally developed in the 1950s, saw an extensive service life with Great Britain and dozens of other nations. Its reliable design has allowed the Ferret to serve for over 60 years, all the way up to the current day.
Airfix’s 1:35 Ferret Scout Car Mk.2 has been well anticipated by many armour enthusiasts and is sure to please any scale modeler. The kit will feature all-new tooling and extensive detailing, featuring a detailed interior with seats and control panels. Also featured in the kit are detailed instructions and decals, which will allow you to choose from one of three paint schemes.
If you are interested in learning more about Airfix’s upcoming 1:35 Ferret Scout Car Mk.2, visit both Airfix’s website and scalemates.com. If you are interested in pre-ordering the kit, it is currently available on Airfix’s website for £23.99. As of now, the kit is set to release during Fall of 2023.
Final Touches: Panzer Art 1/35 Scale StuG IV Casemate w/ Concrete Armour
If you are looking to add a sense of uniqueness to some of your future models and dioramas, particularly projects featuring the German StuG IV as its subject, I have the perfect product for you. Today, I’d like to introduce you to Panzer Art’s 1/35 scale StuG IV Casemate w/ Concrete Armour.
Panzer Art’s StuG IV casemate w/ concrete armour will allow you to add a touch of uniqueness and texture to your scale model kits, portraying a field modification that is rather overlooked in the scale modeling community. Concrete armour was added to many vehicles during the Second World War, particularly American M4 Shermans and German StuG assault guns.
Panzer Art’s interpretation of this field modification is of very high quality. The product includes very good detail and accurate texture that is sure to pique the interest of fellow scale modelers. This product should be compatible with most 1/35 scale StuG IV models, however, compatibility can not be guaranteed.
If you are interested in purchasing or learning more about Panzer Art’s 1/35 scale StuG IV casemate w/ concrete armour, I highly recommend that you visit both Panzer Art’s website, where you can purchase the product for around 20.99 euros; as well as scalemates.com, where additional technical information is available for the product.
Final Touches: Tamiya 1/35 Scale German Wehrmacht Mounted Infantry Set
If you are looking for a relatively inexpensive way to add depth and detail to your future modeling projects, I highly recommend looking at Tamiya’s 1/35 scale Wehrmacht mounted infantry set, a classic scale figure that is easily available for any and all modelers to purchase.
The set includes three 1/35 scale figures, all of which are depicted in authentic WWII attire. The set is divided into a total of two sprues, with around 45 parts in total. The set comes with two German soldiers and a fairly large horse. The figures are depicted as if they were on patrol and have several scale accessories such as binoculars, handguns, rifles, pouches, canteens, and submachine guns.
All of the figures included in the set are very well-detailed and posed in various ways. The horse is depicted at rest, one soldier is depicted in a riding position, and the final soldier can be seen resting as he surveys the land around him.
If you are interested in purchasing or learning more about Tamiya’s 1/35 scale Wehrmacht mounted infantry set, I highly recommend that you visit both Tamiya’s website, where this product can be found for around $7.50, along with scalemates.com, where additional technical information about the figures can be found.
