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.
Quechua Fortress
Garry Tobiss discovers that Kinetic's 1/48 new-tool Pucara has many fine features, in his almost-out-of-the-box build. Plus-points include a well-appointed cockpit.
CORSAIR, METEOR AND SEA BALLIOL SCHEMES BY MODEL ART
If you want to finish your Vought Corsair or AW Meteor in a less obvious scheme, or you need fresh markings for your Sea Balliol, Model Art Decal System has the answer in sheet 72-081.
METAMORPHASISED DRONE FROM ICM
This 1/48 BQM-34A Firebee from ICM extends the firm's coverage of the aerial target family - with its own DB-26 Invader carrier aircraft in mind, or as an individual display item.
EDUARD'S STUNNING TWO-SPIT RELEASE
A Spitfire Mk.Vb and a Mk.Vc can both be built with Eduard's new 1/48 Dual Combo package, which offers a generous ten colour schemes under the banner Spitfire Story: Southern Star.
Bat out of Hell: new-tool 1/48 Messerschmitt Me 163 from GasPatch Models
Jay Blakemore discovers that building GasPatch Model’s new quarter-scale Komet is far from being rocket science... Discover the kit's contents and construction of this striking late-war interceptor in this full build feature.
Whirlybird Models Closure
January 2022 marked the closure of a modelling stalwart, in the form of South Yorkshire-based Whirlybird Models. Read more about the loss of this firm here.
COOL USAF GLIDER FROM BRENGUN
Fans of gliders have a fine option in Brengun's new 1/48 USAF TG-16A, which is a reworking of its previous civilian DG-1000A. It's certainly a change from combat types!
NEW FOCKE-WULF FIGHTER SCHEMES FROM EXITO
Focke-Wulf Fw 190 schemes previously unavailable in scale form have now been released in 1/48 and 1/72, by Poland's Exito Decals. Build a rare '190 now!
FRROM’S EXOTIC POTEZ MARKINGS
French manufacturer FRROM has released a stunning set of aftermarket decals with its own 1/72 Potez 25 kit in mind. Operators include Ethiopia, Manchura and Indochina...how's that for exotic biplanes!
NEW TRUMPETER KITS DUE END OF MARCH 2022
A wealth of exciting kits are on their way from Trumpeter, due late March onwards. Aircraft, military and naval genres are catered for. The most impressive product is arguably the 1/16 Jagdpanther!