Tuesday, August 28, 2012

1/144 New WWII era fighters and Projects - Kampfflieger

1/144 1/144 New WWII Era fighters and Projects - Kampfflieger 
The Kampffliger brand continues to add new aircraft to its range almost daily it seems. Subjects are covering period of both World Wars and the interim period. he we have mix of production items, protoypes and design concepts. While I am clearly focusing on 1/144 those who dabble in other gaming scales may also find some interest in KFs other scale ranges.


1/144 Polikarpov I-152
cm: 5.736 w x 5.586 d x 2.054 h
http://www.shapeways.com/model/679898/1-144-polikarpov-i-152.html
http://www.historyofwar.org/articles/weapons_polikarpov_I-152.html
An interesting development of the I-5/I-15, although not seen as particularly successful in soviet eyes there were sold in significant numbers overseas to Chinese Central Government, Spanish Republicans and laterly on the Eastern Front by heavily outmatch VVS forces.

1/144 Bristol F.11/37 (optional wheels)*
cm: 12.522 w x 8.066 d x 3.074 h
http://www.shapeways.com/model/679873/1-144-bristol-f-11-37-wheels-optional.html
Most have heard of the Bolton Paul Defiant, not many have heard of this unusual Bristol Turret fighter! This is the Bristol companies response to a different Air Ministry specification 11/37 for a Twin-engine two-seat day & night fighter/ground support. It did not enter production.

1/144 Miles M.20/2*
cm: 6.28 w x 6.604 d x 2.542 h
http://www.shapeways.com/model/679876/1-144-miles-m-20-2.html
1/144 Miles M.20/4*
cm: 6.286 w x 6.612 d x 2.544 h
http://www.shapeways.com/model/679878/1-144-miles-m-20-4.html
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Miles_M.20
The Miles M.20 was a Second World War fighter developed by Miles Aircraft in 1940. Designed as a simple and quick-to-build 'emergency fighter' alternative to the Royal Air Force's Spitfires and Hurricanes should their production get disrupted by bombing. In the event, due to dispersal of manufacturing, the Luftwaffe's bombing of the Spitfire and Hurricane factories did not seriously affect production, and so the M.20 proved unnecessary and was cancelled.

I think that Kampfflieger is going to a dangerous place, he will surely have to produce a version of the iconic and under represented Martin Baker M.B.5 'possibly the greatest piston engined fighter developed during WWII' :-)

* For anyone interested in more details on these and other British project I can highly recommend the following book: British Secret Projects - Fighters and Bombers 1935 - 1950, By Tony Butler.

1/144 Mil Mi-26 'Halo' - Eastern Express



1/144 Mil Mi-26 'Halo' - Eastern Express 

Hot from the Hobby shops of Moscow direct to your screen, courtesy of Oleg from Novokits box and sprue shots of the Mi-26 from Eastern Express!

AHOHC is Russian for a form of "announcement / news" (in case your wondering)

The largest helicopter in production capable of carrying 90 Troops or 20,000KG of cargo, and has been used to recover 'downed' US special forces CH-47 Chinooks in the mountains of Afghanistan! Now that would be a diorama and a half!

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mil_Mi-26

Friday, August 24, 2012

1/144 Vickers Valiant B Mk.I - Amercom


1/144 Vickers Valiant B Mk.I - Amercom
Well now, you wait for years dreaming of the V-Bomber fleet and then they come flying at you from all angles.......

First of the V-Bombers to drop bombs in anger, first of the v-bombers to drop an atomic bomb (testing) and subsequently the first operation in flight refueling tankers...

And if you wish to recreated a classic cold war image of a V-Bomber Force airfield surrounded by Bloodhound SAMs (you will make Matti's day!)
http://www.shapeways.com/model/619125/1-144-bloodhound-with-launcher.html

In case you need reminding of the history of this fine looking aircraft:
http://www.thunder-and-lightnings.co.uk/valiant/
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vickers_Valiant

The sole surviving example can be found here at RAF Cosford (somewhere I have photos!)
http://www.nationalcoldwarexhibition.org/explore/aircraft.cfm?aircraft=Vickers%20Valiant%20B1


It's not on the main Amercom Website yet, but it should show here soon:
http://amercom.com.pl/59-latajace-fortece?orderby=name&orderway=desc
Thanks to the Miniwojna Blogspot for the image.

1/144 Hawker Hurricane Mk.I - Zvezda


1/144 Hawker Hurricane Mk.I - Zvezda
Designed for the Zvezda "At of Tactics" wargamer series, these small kits are issued seperately in their own right. It will not match the quality of the Sweet Hurricane kits, but these Zvezda kits are very cheap with a low parts count (9parts)!

http://art-of-tactic.com/cat/catalogue/british-army
http://www.facebook.com/Zvezda.ModelKits?filter=3

1/144 Ju-52/3m (Super 44) Reissue - Eduard




1/144 Ju-52/3m (Super 44) Reissue - Eduard
As had been noted, and clearly not as exciting as the Spitfire announcement....   though I know some people still hunt down these as they very nicely made.

Eduard are to reissue their Ju-52/3m (and PE set to follow) estimated for September 2012.
http://www.eduard.com/store/out/media/upcoming/eduard-expected_09_2012.pdf

Here is what we have found todate.........

1/144 Cruiser MK.I (A9), M3 Lee, M36 Jackson - Panzer Depot

1/144 Cruiser MK.I (A9), M3 Lee, M36 Jackson -  Panzer Depot
The new releases are as follows:

The British Cruiser Mk.I tanks, a fast tank designed to bypass the main enemy lines and engage the enemy's lines of communication, http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cruiser_Mk_I used in the early war period in a number of theatres.

M3 Lee, an Iconic if not overly successful design. It served with many forces and was replaced by the M4 Sherman (the rest as they say is history) http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/M3_Lee

M36 Jackson, an effective tank destroyer here sold with two turret options. Introduced in 1944 it went on to serve around the world into the 1990s! http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/M36_tank_destroyer


Available: From August 2012

Website: www.panzerdepot.com
Online shop: www.panzerdepot.com/eshop/catalog/
Ebay shop: http://stores.ebay.com/Panzer-Depot

Tuesday, August 21, 2012

1/144 Supermarine Spitfire Mk.IXe - Eduard


1/144  Supermarine Spitfire Mk.IXe  - Eduard

Oh, yes, OMG!
A last, a decent injection kit of a 1/144  Supermarine Spitfire Mk.IXe  - with two kits per pack for a mere £12GBP
http://www.hannants.co.uk/product/EDK4428

If I never post again then my work will be complete.............

Some interesting information on the Czech AF Spitfires (Here), the references for the EJC relate to a Mk.XVI (MK.IX Variant) according to wiki

1/144 Westland Whirlwind & Martin Maryland


1/144 Westland Whirlwind &  Martin Maryland - Kampflieger
While Kampflieger is known for his prodigious range of 1/144 WWI aircraft, and a few Luft 46 aircraft, he has taken to producing a number of more unusual WWII models (They look like scaled up versions of his 1/200 gaming pieces, in which case a rescaled Bristol F.11/37 could be fun!)

Westland Whirlwind ( A wheels down  props version would be nice) an interesting fighter sidelined by its more sucessful singe engined counterparts. (available here )

Martin Maryland (interesting and unique in 1/144), an curious service history designed for the US, sold to the French and used by the British and SAF in North Africa and Middle East.(available here)

I recommend anyone with an interest in new 1/144 items being produced via the Shapeways tool to visit: Sort by New - 1/144 List

1/144 Beechcraft T-6 Texan II preview from Foxone

1/144 Beechcraft T-6 Texan II preview from Foxone
The next project on the desk from Foxone, the main basic pilot trainer for the US, Beechcraft are keen to highlight the additional work they have put into this design in order to improve on the original PC-9 so much so they consider it a distinct aircraft in its own right.... T-6 is not a Pilatus PC-9   ( PDF Link )

This aircraft is also used by a number of other air forces, so should present some opportunity for other schemes.

Further information ( wiki )

1/144 F-15 Series 6 GiMix - Tomytec



1/144 F-15 Series 6 GiMix - Tomytec
You know the routine now, more nicely modelled and expensively packaged F-15 kits.......
This time with USAF schemes as opposed to JASDF schemes 

AC22 - F-15C 18th Tactical Fighter Wing US  Air Force AC22 (Kadena)
AC23 F-15E E1( First Mass production unit)
AC24 - F-15E 389  Fighter Squadron of the United States Air Force  (Mountain Home)
AC25 - F-15E  494 Fighter Squadron U.S. Air Force AC25 (Lakenheath)

Release Date
Planned August 2012:, AC24 AC22
Planned in September 2012:, AC25 AC23
Price 2,940 yen each (tax included)




Monday, August 20, 2012

1/144 IJA O-I 100 Ton Tank - Matuo Kasten




1/144 IJA O-I 100 Ton Tank - Matuo Kasten
The O-I was a planned 100 - 130t tank with a range of speculated armaments planned for the IJA, like many "mega tanks" it did not progress as its practically was doubtful. Sources agree on a main 105mm gun and then vary for 47mm & 37mm secondary  armaments  and various tertiary 7mm weapons.

Matuo Kasten looks to be planning to produce this in 1/144  (see here )


source:  Matuo KastenMilitary FactoryProvehicle, Greyfalcon, WW2 Drawings

Saturday, August 18, 2012

1/144 WWII German Panzerjäger/StuG Crew - CGD


1/144 WWII German Panzerjäger/StuG Crew(s) - CGD
This set contains 8 "Thigh Height" and 3 "Full Height" German Panzerjäger/StuG Commanders and crews in various poses, fully painted in Heer Feldgrau uniforms.

These "Thigh Height" figures are for fitting into the commander's cupola and other hatches.

The three "Full Height" figures are specifically for manning open topped tank hunters like Nashorns or Marders.

The set also come with UNPAINTED circular and rectangular hatches for conversion.

Figures thigh measures roughly 2.5mm in diameter. Using a 3mm diameter drill bit, customer can bore through existing tank hatches and replace it with open hatches.

**Figures are PAINTED. Hatches are NOT, Vehicles NOT included.**

Modelled according to average Caucasian of height 5' 8" to 5' 10" (1.73m to 1.78m). Figure measures approximately 12mm when standing upright (for full figures). Highly detailed, highly realistic and in real human proportion. NOT big headed cartoon-ish wargame figures!

Digitally mastered, the soldiers are fabricated with state of the art "3D Printing" technology in ACRYLIC RESIN.

The resin material is like regular resin and should be handled as such.

CGD web shop:
http://www.combatgroupdynamix.com/eShop/eShopNew.html

CGD eBay:
http://stores.ebay.com/Combat-Group-Dynamix/Hot-New/

1/144 WWII German Tank Crew in Combat Set - CGD



1/144  WWII German Tank Crew in Combat Set - CGD

This set contains 10 "Thigh Height" German Tank Commanders in various poses, fully painted in their well known black uniforms.

These figures are for fitting into the commander's cupola and other hatches.

The set also come with UNPAINTED circular and rectangular hatches for conversion.

Figures thigh measures roughly 2.5mm in diameter. Using a 3mm diameter drill bit, customer can bore through existing tank hatches and replace it with open hatches.

**Figures are PAINTED. Hatches are NOT, Vehicles NOT included.**

Modelled according to average Caucasian of height 5' 8" to 5' 10" (1.73m to 1.78m). Figure measures approximately 12mm when standing upright (for full figures). Highly detailed, highly realistic and in real human proportion. NOT big headed cartoon-ish wargame figures!

Digitally mastered, the soldiers are fabricated with state of the art "3D Printing" technology in ACRYLIC RESIN.

The resin material is like regular resin and should be handled as such.

CGD web shop:
http://www.combatgroupdynamix.com/eShop/eShopNew.html

CGD eBay:
http://stores.ebay.com/Combat-Group-Dynamix/Hot-New/

1/144 DHC-2 Beaver - Miniwing




1/144 DHC-2 Beaver - Miniwing
The latest release from Miniwing is another classic icon, the DHC-2 Beaver this venerable aircraft served with over 30 air forces around the world both big and small. Produced primarily between 1947 and 1967, I dare say there are a fair few of the 1,600+ produced still flying around the world in various guises!

The kit itself features all the hallmarks of a typical Miniwings release with nice casting, good detailing and fair panel lines, good fit.. Additional features for Miniwing is the clear resin glazing, and the p/e etched parts, in particular the prop blades.

Decals by Y-Kraft are provided for 3x schemes, 
L-20A of 10 TRW USAF (early  1960s)
DHC-2 in UN Service over the Congo (1960)
L-20A of 300 Sdn RNLAF (Royal Dutch Airforce) 


More Photos: http://www.miniwing.cz/models_1_144/mini061/DHC2_Beaver.htm
Available now from your usual stockist!

For other Miniwing kits see ( here )

1/144 C-2A 'Greyhound' Conversion - OzMods




1/144 C-2A 'Greyhound' Conversion - OzMods

Ok, its not the first (Y-Kraft), its not the most detailed and expensive (Foxone), but it is the best value and most practical. That right, OzMods have commissioned a new conversion for the Revell Hawkeye kit and will be available from their website soon for $17.60 AUD - use the contact details for ordering information. 

The kit consist of two half shells of transparent clear injected plastic for the revised fuselage, which has various windows marked out finely, so you will need to practice your masking skills. It does however mean that the windows and fuselage are not separate pieces and that a nice smooth finish can be achieved around the glazed areas. you will be advised to choose your adhesive carefully as not to induce fogging. The injected tail plane and cargo doors are of a different plastic to the fuselage, and of course the ramp can be positioned as required. A simple a resin cockpit is supplied that would benefit from some additional self detailing. finally nose wheel well and assorted aerials also are included.

 Decals are provided for USN VRC-30 and are strong and bold in colour and will finish the kit of nicely

Wiki for the C-2A Greyhound (here

See OzMods Website (  order contacts)

Also available separately from OzMods are Hamilton 8 Blade Propellers.

Friday, August 17, 2012

1/144 New Kits from DAMEYA


1/144 New Kits from DAMEYA
Dameya has added to his range of CAD models designed for the Shapeways FUD (Fine Ultra Detail) material, this results in a very high degree of detail and sophistication in his models.

Sd.Kfz.4/1 8cm Panzerwerfer 42 - Staggered by the effectiveness of the BM-8 & BM-13s, the Germans developed an operational response using finned rockets for greater accuracy opposed to those used in nerbelwefers. (Dameya also has two other Sd.Kfz 4 varients available)
http://www.shapeways.com/model/613861/sd-kfz-4-1-8cm-panzerwerfer-42-1-144.html


BM-13 KATYUSHA - The classic Soviet "Stalin Organ" ideal for your Assault on Berlin...
http://www.shapeways.com/model/648947/bm-13-katyusha-1-144-scale.html

PBR31 MkII "PIBBER" - This just screams "Apocalypse Now", all credit to the first person who does this hanging under a Bell Huey, or recreates the river scene with the B-52 Tail Section!
http://www.shapeways.com/model/648921/pbr31-mkii-quot-pibber-quot-1-144-scale.html


See DAMEYA's Shapways Store:  http://www.shapeways.com/shops/dameya

I recommend anyone with an interest in new 1/144 items being produced via the Shapeways tool to visit: Sort by New - 1/144 List

1/144 Bloch MB.210 - Amercom


1/144 Bloch MB.210 - Amercom
The new 1/144 release from Amercon, the French Marcel Bloch MB.210, First flew in 1934 and was introduced into French Service in 1936 seeing action in WWII initially under French control, subsequently with the Germans and retried in 1945. The aircraft also saw service with other European forces.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bloch_MB.210


Amercom's "Fortress" Series pages:
http://amercom.com.pl/59-latajace-fortece

Available: 21st August 2012

As usual with these Amercom releases, outside of Poland and the Czech Republic the best approach to look on ebay.

Monday, August 13, 2012

1/144 F-Toys Select Vol.1


1/144 F-Toys Select Vol.1
A curious new release is coming to light from F-Toys, currently I don't think it will set to many peoples world alight, but for some collectors who have to have every X or Y should be in for a treat!?

We may need to wait until we see a) any further images, b) clearer images, I say this as some look like the alternate decals from the original issues, others either perhaps not, or I don't have the kits to check.

P-51B Mustang
Bf109E-4 Messerschmitt
Fw190D-9 Focke-Wulf
Zero Fighter Type 52
F-100D Super Sabre
F-86F Sabre
F-4J Phantom
F-14A Tomcat


Expected Release Date; October 2012


Thursday, August 02, 2012

1/144 JGSDF Type-10 MBT

1/144 JGSDF  Type-10  MBT - Pit Road
Well, its not everyday we get new AFV in 1/144, and here we have the latest, this item will be presented by Pit-Road in a completed and painted format.

Manufactured by Mitsubishi Heavy Industries the Type-10 is the latest 4th Generation MBT   to enter service with the JGSDF as of January 2012. 

For more information on the MBT : http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Type_10
For more information on the model: http://pitroad.s232.xrea.com/daybook/index.php?itemid=1733

Price: TBC
Release: TBC

1/144 Focke-Wulf FW-200 C-4 'Condor - Amercom

1/144 Focke-Wulf FW-200 Condor - Amercom
Again, I probably don't need to tell you too much about this aircraft. However, for completeness No.24 in the Amercom Flying Fortress Series  is a Focke-Wulf FW-200 C-4.

Source: http://amercom.com.pl/latajace-fortece/2470-nr-24-latajace-fortece.html

Released: 1st August (Poland)
Price: tbc

Future rumours are:
No.25 is the Marcel Bloch MB.210
No.30 is the Junkers Ju-390 A-5


1/144 PLAAF J-20 'Mighty Dragon' Stealth - Trumpeter

1/144 PLAAF J-20 'Mighty Dragon' Stealth - Trumpeter
Well well well, two, now three model kits and a built up display item from Dragon and counting...
An all new tooling from Trumpeter of the PLA J-20 stealth aircraft.

Due December 2012

http://www.cybermodeler.com/news/trumpeter.shtml

For background and detail on the the J-20, please see the others J-20 posts on KG144 ( link )

Wednesday, August 01, 2012

1-144 Leiji Matsumoto 'Cockpit Series' Series - F-Toys


1-144 Leiji Matsumoto 'Cockpit Series' - F-Toys (Circle-K Limed Release)
From he creator of Matsumoto known as Space Blazer and Galaxy Express, comes a series of  based upon F-Toys Moulds and a limited release via Japanese Circle-K stores, taken from the Cockpit  Manga "Witches of Stanley"(?) staring Capitan Harlock as the central character [my best guess from Translation software] this is a mega bundle containing a set of aircraft, a Manga Comic and a special wall-hanging storage box with further Manga Artwork.

Cost 6,800 yen - Special Collectors Pack (Circle K)
Expected Release: 13th November 2012.

Sources: Niitakayama Blog & Circle-K

Regular F-Toys Issue
http://www.platz-hobby.com/products/3706.html