Shizuoka Hobby Show 2014
Aircraft Kit Announcements
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FirstLook
There were not too many aircraft kit surprises at the Shizuoka Hobby Show, but there were still a decent number of interesting announcements and models on display
The YouTube video summarises the reviews, with a more detailed description by manufacturer below:
Freedom Kits
This new brand had their forthcoming 1/48 scale Kit No. 18001, X-47B Navy UCAV. This is a pretty big model – quite impressive when built.
Hasegawa
Hasegawa had their revised 1/32 scale Late Version Shidenkai on display. This release features a newly tooled tail section.
Also new for 2014 from Hasegawa are a number of variations on existing themes - an A-10C Thunderbolt II, F-35A Prototype, F-15J and a brand new Su-35S Flanker, all in 1/72 scale. There is an F-2A in 1/48 scale as well.
Hasegawa also had their very impressive 1/700 scale Akagi carrier. The model has been designed for easy assembly, with the complex hull sides being moulded as one part each. They retain a very high level of detail despite the simple parts breakdown.
HobbyBoss
Hobby Boss’ stand was busy with new and forthcoming releases. For me, the most exciting was box art from a forthcoming Me 262 B-1a two-seater trainer.
Surely a night fighter can’t be far behind. Also new or soon-to-be-released are their 1/48 scale Brazilian EMB-314 Super Tucano, 1/48 P-61A Black Widow, 1/48 A-6E Intruder, and artwork for a future 1/48 scale F4F-3S Wildcat floatplane.
ICM
ICM had their new 1/48 scale Dornier Do 215 B on the stand, but no news on the next variants yet.
Kinetic
This Hong Kong company had sprues from their forthcoming 1/48 scale Mirage IIIE on the stand. Looks like I will be able to convert that to an RAAF Mirage IIIO pretty easily!
Kitty Hawk
Next to Freedom Kits was the prolific Kitty Hawk, with a nice build of the soon-to-be-released 1/48 scale F-101A/C kit, as well as test shot builds of their F9F-8 and F9F-9 Cougars.
Platz
Japanese company Platz was busy as usual. This year they had their new tiny but perfectly formed 1/300 scale STOL aircraft. Their 1/144 scale thimble-nosed C-46ECM was also on display.
Sweet
Sweet is one of the most appropriately named model companies that I know. Their 1/144 scale kits are indeed very sweet! Forthcoming releases include three sets of decals for their 1/144 scale A6M3 Model 22 Zero. Early work on a master for a 1/144 scale Mitsubishi A5M was also present – nice!
Wingnut Wings
Richard Alexander from Wingnut Wings made the trip from New Zealand with all the latest releases, including two built-up examples of the new 1/32 scale Roland C.II kits.
Wolfpack Designs
Wolfpack Designs had the latest in their Talon family on hand, a 1/48 scale T-38C. This kit features a number of newly tooled parts. Their forthcoming 1/72 C-130H Hercules 'JASDF' Conversion set was also on hand, including a model built using the resin parts.
Zoukei Mura SWS
Zoukei Mura was present with their existing 1/32 scale aircraft range, plus a test shot build of their forthcoming 1/32 scale Horten Ho 229. Looks impressive! The kit will feature full internal structures and will have a clear nose so that you can see some of it!
Also, due for release in July is a newly tooled 1/48 scale Focke-Wulf Ta 152 H. A built up sample was shown on the stand.