EARLY-WAR ARTILLERY
First to Fight specialises in 1/72 kits of soldiers and equipment used by German and Polish forces at the start of World War Two, such as the latter’s 75mm armata wz. 1897 guns – ex-French Canon de 75 modèle 1897s.
ROMMEL'S DESERT FIGHTERS
Following the return of its 1/76 British 8th Army (see July 2020, p86), Airfix has added the German Afrika Korps to its Vintage Classics range, enabling modellers to recreate World War Two’s desert campaign.
READYING A WIMPEY
CMK’s three-figure set is intended to complement Airfix’s 1/72 Wellington, and provides a three-piece seated pilot (provided in the left-hand seat with a replacement control column), leaning four-part probable flight engineer and a standing crewman.
SOVIET PLANE DRIVERS
Although ICM’s Soviet pilot figures are the ideal accompaniment for its 1/32 scale aircraft kits, these are equally suitable for any early Russian World War Two aircraft, comprising one seated (depicted in a Polikarpov I-16 on the box cover) and two standing, as if giving/receiving a verbal mission brief.
PROPELLER WASH
While intended to complement Special Hobby’s newly tooled Siebel Si 204, this figure, which is posed as if cleaning a propeller blade, would be suitable for any Argus engine-powered airframe.
BALTIC-THEATRE ROMAN
Established as a German puppet state during World War Two, the Italian Social Republic’s armed forces included a voluntary women’s corps – Servizio Ausiliario Femminile (Female Auxiliary Service), and WIP3D’s figure represents a member of this group
NON-COMBAT STINGERS
ICM has expanded its range of 1/32 aircrew figures to include Women’s Airforce Service Pilots (often abbreviated to WASPs) – American women who flew testing, transport and training missions so that male airmen could undertake combat roles.
EYE-CATCHING BUG
Here’s a bright and colourful VW Beetle from Airfix’s Quickbuild range that’s ideal for a weekend project and a perfect introduction to the hobby
ROLLING STARTER
It might be hard to believe, but Revell’s ’55 Chevy convertible is now 25 years old and, in its latest guise as the 1955 Indianapolis pace car, it is offered in a striking red/white livery.
"SO LONG AS IT'S BLACK"
Here’s another value-for-money package from ICM, combining its 1/24 Model T Delivery car (24008) and American Gasoline Loaders figures (24018) for less than the price of buying these kits separately.
WINGS AND EYEBROWS
Italeri has released a 1/24 Mercedes-Benz 300SL coupé – the model made famous by its unmistakable ‘gullwing’ doors – following previous releases depicting the subsequently built roadster version.
NATIONAL GUARD SPECIALS
Modellers wanting colourful markings for their 1/32 F-16Cs need look no further than this lovely set from Euro Decal.
BALKAN FISHBEDS
Here’s a great set for those wanting a different livery on their 1/144 scale MiG-21bis, with markings for two Croatian Air Force Fishbeds.
FINNS ON FOUR WHEELS
Suitable for Fiat 131 kits by Esci/Italeri or Fujimi, these striking markings from Decalcas allow modellers to depict an entrant in the Rallye de Portugal – Vino do Porto 1977.
FAR EASTERN INSIGNIA
Bright Spark’s limited edition single sheet is dedicated to all styles of Pakistani Air Force and Navy roundels and tail flashes since independence was gained in 1947.
NAVAL PRIMATE
Here’s another MILSPEC three-sheet package for a 1/72 F-4J Phantom, this time depicting a VF-33 ‘Tarsiers’ airframe (whose nickname referred to a fierce primate species). One sheet contains subject-specific serials/unit markings, including lightning-shaped embellishments for to the fuselage.
NORDIC LIASON
Perfect for any 1/72 Fieseler Fi 156 Storch offering, these Moose Republic decals provide options for 11 liveries applied to aircraft used by the Finnish, Swedish or Norwegian Air Forces.
STRIKING STALLIONS
While there’s no shortage of markings options for 1/72 P-51 Mustang models, this Kits-World selection is a set of four particularly eye-catching USAAF liveries for the thoroughbred fighter.
INTERIOR DISPLAYS
Airscale’s instrument decals are ideal for recreating the busy appearance of aircraft cockpit interiors without the need for fine detail painting, and this selection is perfect for any 1/32 model of modern jets.
CARTOON COMPANY
Star Decals has produced markings for 1/35 models depicting new M48A3 Patton tanks used by the US Army’s 69th Armored Regiment in Vietnam during January 1965, including ‘B’ Model versions with increased exhaust armour and a raised turret cupola.
CAPTURED BIRDS OF PREY
Brazilian firm LPS Hobby has produced another decal set for 1/72 Curtiss P-36 Hawks, this time depicting aircraft captured by German forces and transferred to Finland for service with the Scandinavian country’s air force.
"SHOOTING AT A PARACHUTE"
Perfect for any 1/32 offering, these Messerschmitt Bf 109G-6 decals represent the aircraft of Franz Stigler, a German experten (ace) who escorted a damaged American B-17 to the European coast on December 20, 1943 when he noticed the crew were injured and defenceless.
CIVIL WAR TRIO
This triple-package of 1/72 aircraft markings from Blue Rider Decals covers an unusual set of subjects: Japanese-built machines operated by Communist forces during the Chinese Civil War following the end of World War Two.
DASSAULT 'BURNER'
Ukrainian firm RES/KIT has released this superb resin exhaust set intended for HobbyBoss 1/48 Mirage III offerings; it contains four cast components plus a small photo-etched metal fret containing two items.
DESERT GRIME
Recreating a patina suitable for a vehicle operating in the desert can be challenging, but AMMO-MIG’s bespoke product for Deutsches Afrika Korps vehicles could make it much easier.
FIT FOR A KING
Although marked as suitable for just the ‘Porsche Turret’ boxings of Revell’s 1/72 Tiger II tanks, Hauler’s photo-etched brass fenders are ideal for replacing the one-piece styrene representations provided in any iteration of the basic kit.
AIRBORNE HOCKEY PUCKS
Adding accurate munitions to aircraft models is being made easier by Eduard’s Brassin offerings, including these CBU-97 sensor-fused weapons, which deploy hockey puck-shaped ‘skeet’ projectiles.
SOVIET HARNESSES
If there is one item commonly omitted from World War Two fighter cockpits, it’s the seatbelts.
METAL LANDING GEAR
Modellers worried abut how robust their Spitfire Mk.IX undercarriage is will find Eduard's cast-bronze replacements ideal.