Today is the announcement day of the new models planned for 2021. As you know, we are trying to announce only those models that are close to being released. This year, over our announcements, a shadow of uncertainty is cast.
In 2020, we prepared several model designs, some of them were planned to be already released, but due to Covid, they were significantly delayed. We will somehow have to find a way to proceed with projects that were supposed to enter the tool shop every two months last year but are still waiting for their turn.
In January, the PZL P.11c model in 1/48 scale will be available for delivery. When it relieves workshop next models will go for tooling. Let us discuss them from the most complicated to the simplest.
Hurricane Mk IIc 1/48
The biggest project for 2021, the model you have been waiting for is the Hurricane Mk IIc in 1/48 scale. Kit includes three plastic frames (plus clear parts). It will most likely be released as the last one in the series. We anticipate its follow-up with Hurricane Mk I and other variants of the Mk II.
See kit page in shop link
P-51 B/C Mustang™ 1/72
We have a great pleasure to announce a kit you asked for a long time. The P-51 B/C Mustang release is planned in the second quarter of 2021. In the box, you can find parts to build both USAAF P-51B/C, RAF Mustang Mk III and reconnaissance F-6C. Kit features both regular and Malcolm Hood canopies moulded in open and closed positions. Optional are dorsal fin and different styles of inspection panels for an air filter. Under-wing stores included in the set are bombs, 110 and 75 gal fuel tanks.
First Expert Set edition will include photoetched parts, canopy/wheel masks and decals with six markings options (4 x USAAF and 2 x RAF).
Please review 3D renderings below. Your comments and questions are very appreciated. Design and kit content may change during production.
Kit is produced under license from Boeing. Boeing, P-51 Mustang and the distinctive Boeing logos, product markings and trade dress are trademarks of The Boeing Company.
- See kit page in the shop: link
Everything you wanted to know about Mustang™ from Arma Hobby and are not afraid to ask
Grumman F4F-4 Wildcat™
As it was already announced, the Wildcat project is continued. Another plastic frame is ready for tooling in the workshop. It is the F4F-4 with the Martlet Mk II sub-variant (differing in the engine cover). In the future we plan to add a plastic frame with the F4F-3 / Martlet Mk III wings.
Grumman Wildcat ™ is a trademark of Northrop Grumman Systems Corporation and is used under license by Arma Hobby
See kit page in the shop: link
The order of releasing new models
The accumulation of finished project designs and the workshop’s problems with Covid is a challenge for us. The introduction of a vaccine may solve the problem of recurring quarantine of the tool workshop personnel. Having three ready for tooling projects, we may not be able to finance their production simultaneously. The last year plan assumed the release of models in sequence, allowing the financing of subsequent models from their sale. The P.11c 1/48 model was planned to be released in October, and the P-51 B/C in November 2020. It would give us the resources needed to implement the Hurricane Mk IIc in 1/48 in the first quarter of 2021.
We would instead start low-costed Wildcat (only one small mould), then we’ll go with the P-51, and for the Summer we’ll try Hurricane 1/48. In the mean-time, different design of the next models will continue. In the second half of 2020, we hired two designers who are expected to prepare two models a year, one of the projects is already advanced a lot. Your purchases of Arma Hobby models can help speed up the news, as long as Covid is dwindling.
Continuation of the Hurricane Mk II and Jak-1b projects
More Hurricane Mk IIb boxes will be released in the coming months. In addition to the primary and tropical versions, several limited models were planned, including the Hurricane Mk IIa. Yak-1b will come out in another limited edition – Soviet Aces. We also have two simple designs of the Hurricane Mk IId and Sea Hurricane IIc to be tooled when possible (just a small frame with wings and cannons or a new fuselage). We cannot say precisely when they will be released; it depends on free resources in the workshop.
Cooperation with Eduard
Eduard, a prestigious manufacturer of plastic accessories and models, proposed a repacking of the Arma Hobby Hurricane Mk I model. The Limited Edition model with Eduard accessories is expected to be released in the third quarter of 2021. As we are no accessories manufacturer, we would try with Eduard to offer exclusive value pack kits to modellers.
There were some rumours on forums that Arma Hobby designed moulds for Eduard or Special Hobby. No, we didn’t, and we are just Hurricane I sprues supplier to Eduard.
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Modeller happy enough to work in his hobby. Seems to be a quiet Aspie but you were warned. Enjoys talking about modelling, conspiracy theories, Grand Duchy of Lithuania and internet marketing. Co-founder of Arma Hobby. Builds and paints figurines, aeroplane and armour kits, mostly Polish subject and naval aviation.
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Are you still planning a hurricane IIa ?
Yes, it will be realesed.
My hopes are that you got this kit “right” or there will be no end to the bitching and moaning from all the “P-51B/C experts” out there.
We did a lot of work. I seen first mould test shots last week, and I guess you will be satisfied. Stay tuned please.
would love to see a Greek Hurricane Mk iic someday!!
I have just finished building the TS-11 Iskra and what a beautiful little kit is is. I can understand why all releases of this model are for Polish aircraft, is there any possibility of a release with Indian Air Force masking as the only other country which flew the aircraft. Mike , Christchurch, New Zealand
Yes, the inclusion of the engine oil cooler vent tube inside the wheBy el wells of the new Wildcat in 1/72 scale will make this a complete kit. This is the only major missing mechanical detail that was not included on the previous Wildcat kits by Arma Hobby. Thanks. JD
Hello,
Can we ever expect a Wildcat F4F-3?
It’s very probable. Some F4F-3 parts are already included in F4F-4 plastic frame.
Recently picked up your 1/72 FM-2 Wildcat. Very impressed. Looking forward to the 1/72 P-51B/C Mustang and F4F-4 Wildcat kits. Have you considered multi-engine props? Would love to see a 1/72 Consolidated PB4Y-2 Privateer. Andy
Thank you for reviewing FM-2 on your blog. Multi-engine aeroplanes – we need to grow up to release any of them.
Your welcome! I have just started the build, and am very impressed by the engineering and fit of the kit. Will start posting build installments in the near future. I appreciate your position on the multi engine prop kits, but it never hurts to ask. Andy
I just bought 3 of your 1/72 kit and man..they are incredibly good ! i like its a lot maybe more than Japanes kits… i’m really happy for the 1/48 news also ! we all needed a good hurricane and p51B…hope you grow up well and strong as you deserve, we all need very good kits as your !! cheers
Andrea
great subjects for release, what about a good 1/32 Hurricane.
Hurricanes! 1/48th! MkII! Oh stop my beating heart! One of the most underrepresented major aircraft of WW2, and if you make these as your previous kits, I will be buying a lot of them. I was just wondering if you intend on adding the Desert filter at this stage, or will you be offering this as another kit release? I happen to believe that the MKIIC in that mode was the most beautiful of schemes worn by it. Plus, as I do try to make aircraft from the Indian Airforce, it would be super-cool!
Good luck!
I have been hoping to see an accurate P-51B for a long time. Thank you for including options like the dorsal fin fillet. Making the windscreen a larger piece integrated into the fuselage is a huge help! along with open canopy options. The big issue on the B/C is the leading edge wing root being different than the D and it looks like it is from your renderings. Is the back wall of the main gear bay represented as the wing spar going straight across? I can’t wait to see this in production.
Thank you. Leading edge wing root is correct for B/C variant. Model is designed based on NAA documentation so all the shapes are good. Backwall/spar are not flat along two wings, so in the model it is also at right angle.
How about bringing out a 1:72nd scale supermarine Spitfire Mk1a,/11a,and a P40E Warhawk/Kittyhawk, and a P40F in this scale,
Plus a 1:24th scale Spitfire Mk1a, that is really what we’re hoping to see in the not too distant future,the Modelling world people are screaming out for one of these to replace the old airfix super scale kit from the 70’s,
Great to see a new P-51B/C coming from you folks. I’ll only ask that you folks please do your research and avoid the errors that so many other companies have made.
Looking forward to the P-51.
Received my order of four Hurricanes just before Christmas. Very impressed with the quality and attention to detail.
Exited to see a RCAF 402 Sqdn Hurricane IIB boxing and the Mustang B/C III with many options.
Would be willing to pre-purchase from the website if made available before production.
Keep up the good work. I look forward to supporting your brand as new releases come out.
Happy New Year from Canada :).
You beautiful Polish People! A 1/48 Hurricane that may be the greatest news I’ve had in a long time. Get Troy Smith from BritModeller Forum on board as he really knows Hurricanes. With the PZL coming I’m a very, very happy bunny.
Wishing you all the best in 2021 let’s hope this awful year ends very soon.
Currently building a 1/72 Yak 1b in the colors of Normandie-Niemen squadron, that is just a delight, a second one in the same squadron colors (Marcel Albert Ace) will be soon started, and probably some more, so the 1/72 P-51 will be a real welcome addition to Arma Hobby’s range.
Please continue the good job!
being one of my favorite kit manufacturers, i’m glad to see you producing the P-51B/C and frankly, any aircraft in 1/72 scale. i have built 4 of your kits so far and will continue to buy and support your products in the future. thank you for all you do for the hobby. I wish you a happy and prosperous New Year
Please for P-51B and F-4F4 double-check the shape for accuracy with the drawings of Mr Jumpei Tenma,
http://soyuyo.main.jp/p51a/p51ae-1.html
http://soyuyo.main.jp/fm2/fm2e-1.html
Thank you Arma!!
Thank you for advise. We use those plans too.
You can’t go wrong. I cross checked Jumpei’s and Charles Neely’s plans of the P-51B and they match almost perfectly. Both are based on NAA documents (Jumpei used the ones accesible on Aircorps Aviation website). Wojtek please, please, do your best to have the thinnest possible clear parts because the Mustang windscreen distorts a lot! Another two points that you should evaluate: having alternate photoetched+plastic parts for the pilot armor/seat; adding wing parts with filled panel lines.
Whatever you will add to this new model is welcome, because the basic shape seems perfect, Arma will have the first correct P-51B model ever!
Thank you guys, happy New Year!
On the P-51B don’t forget that the top cowling is 2 piece – left and right – so there *is* a visible seam down the centerline. Most manufacturers miss this.
Nice work! I have done the Hurricane Mk 1 twice, once as RCAF Sqd 1again pre war/early WWII) then again as Sqd 1 with its BoB markings in the UK. I also want to do some of the Mk IIs also in RCAF markings.
What I would really like to see is a new 1/32 scale kit of the Hurricane Mark 1, and a new kit of the MiG-23 in 1/72 scale.
Yes, MiG-23 and MiG-19 also 🙂