Aircraft
The world of aircraft modelling is hugely varied, offering different scales and types... with more subjects appearing regularly. Established mainstream manufacturers include Airfix, Hasegawa, Trumpeter, Italeri, Revell, Eduard and Special Hobby, but there are many more, such as Arma Hobby, KP, ICM, Roden, AZ Model... the list goes on. Most kits are in styrene, but the world of resin and mixed-media aircraft is growing constantly... especially with the advent of 3D-printing, for accessories and whole kits.
TWO BOBS’ LAKENHEATH EAGLES
Decal wizard Two Bobs has marked the F-15C's exit from Europe with special 1/48 'Grim Reapers End of an Era' markings, for four Lakenheath-based aircraft.
PHANTOM WHEEL BAYS FROM KAZAN
Tamiya's 1/48 new-tool F-4B Phantom II is great out of the box, but Kazan Model Dynamics' resin wheel bays will add much more fidelity.
Fancy Fishbed: Eduard's 1/72 MiG-21PFM full build!
If striking colour schemes catch your eye, Niklas Knutzén's build of Eduard's 1/72 MiG-21PFM Fishbed-F in Czech Air Force colours is well worth examining...
REVELL’S NEW-TOOL STRIKE EAGLE
With quality kits of the F-15E Strike Eagle already available in 1/72 scale, Revell has boldly released its own new tooling… but does it hit the target?
EDUARD’S PEEPING FISHBED RETURNS
The recce-focused 1/48 MiG-21R from Eduard has been re-released and, as CHRIS CLIFFORD, discovers, it’s a stellar option for any fan of the type.
MILES MESSENGERS FROM KP
Kovozávody Prostějov has released a new-tool Miles M.38 Messenger Mk.I in 1/72 scale, via three different boxings. CHRIS CLIFFORD inspects the parts.
NEW ITALIAN BOMBER KIT FROM SPECIAL HOBBY
Anyone considering builds of Italian Air Force World War Two aircraft shouldn't miss Special Hobby's new Piaggio P.180B 'Quadrimotore' heavy bomber. It's a sizeable subject with markings for four liveries.
‘TWIN-TUB’ SUPER HORNET REVIVAL
If you want a wallet-friendly and reasonably well detailed kit of the F/A-18F Super Hornet, Revell's re-released product could be just the ticket. It comes with markings for the 'Jolly Rogers' and 'Red Rippers'.
ALL-NEW MID-LIFE UPDATE VIPER
Jet fighter fans will welcome the news that Kinetic is to produce an all-new 1/48 F-16MLU NATO Viper kit. It offers stunning detail and a serious weapons selection, comprising air-to-air and 'mud-moving' stores.
RECCE THOROUGHBRED
Garry Tobiss builds what's arguably the best P-51B/C Mustang in 1/72 scale... Arma Hobby's newly tooled offering.