Nürnberg Toy Fair Report 2010
When I saw the ICM booth I had mixed feelings. It was nice to see that the 1:48 scale Hs 126 was present as an assembled model, but there weren't many surprises on the display shelves. To be honest, I even think that the Henshel was in fact the Vector kit (take a look at the accompanying pictures and draw your own conclusions...) so the real news were indeed missing.
Fortunately, the ICM 2010 catalogue was available and some interesting infos could be extracted from it. First of all, the Hs 126 will be released in two boxings (A-1 and B-1). Secondly, a 1:48 scale Fw189 A-1 is planned (in two variants as well, A-1 and A-2). I asked if the kit would be released this year and while I was told that it should be available before this summer I must say that I find this to be very optimistic! I would be very happy if at least the Henschel was released within this timeframe!
In 1:48 scale, the Bf109 will be done in one more variant (F-4/R6) and the Spitfire Mk.VIII will be reissued in a Pacific Theatre boxing. ICM's quarter scale Mustang will also reappear in the form of the P-51K variant. In 1:72 scale the Bf109E will be released in the 7/B variant and the He70 in two more versions (Luftwaffe and civilian). In the same scale, the Ukrainian manufacturer will do two modern Soviet missiles sets (air to air and air to surface).
Unfortunately, both the 1:48 scale Beech C-45 and the Opel Admiral have disappeared from the 2010 program, the latter appearing now in 1:35 scale!?
Fortunately, the ICM 2010 catalogue was available and some interesting infos could be extracted from it. First of all, the Hs 126 will be released in two boxings (A-1 and B-1). Secondly, a 1:48 scale Fw189 A-1 is planned (in two variants as well, A-1 and A-2). I asked if the kit would be released this year and while I was told that it should be available before this summer I must say that I find this to be very optimistic! I would be very happy if at least the Henschel was released within this timeframe!
In 1:48 scale, the Bf109 will be done in one more variant (F-4/R6) and the Spitfire Mk.VIII will be reissued in a Pacific Theatre boxing. ICM's quarter scale Mustang will also reappear in the form of the P-51K variant. In 1:72 scale the Bf109E will be released in the 7/B variant and the He70 in two more versions (Luftwaffe and civilian). In the same scale, the Ukrainian manufacturer will do two modern Soviet missiles sets (air to air and air to surface).
Unfortunately, both the 1:48 scale Beech C-45 and the Opel Admiral have disappeared from the 2010 program, the latter appearing now in 1:35 scale!?
The Italeri booth was much smaller than last year. Here as well there were no real news but a nice built model of the new 1:48 scale Arado Ar196 was on display. I must say it looked very nice despite the accuracy issues reported in reviews (see here). Another fine model on display was the 1:48 scale F-86F Sabre in "Skyblazers" markings. It is probably a reissue of an older kit (ESCI?) with new decal though. In the same scale, two "Aces" boxes are in preparation. The first one is based on American Spitfire Mk.IXs and the second on German Fw190 As. Here as well I expect the model kits to be older toolings (Ocidental and Trimaster?) so the real pluses of both re-editions will be the decal sheets.
In 1:72 scale there are two new releases, a Lockheed F-35B and an AH-1T Sea Cobra.
For me the most interesting items weren't aircraft but vehicles. Indeed, both 1:48 scale models of the Kfz. 385 Tankwagen and Sd.Kfz.234/2 Puma were presented as build models and if the finished product looks like the ones shown in Nürnberg, they will be great kits. I always had a soft spot for the Puma but of course most aircraft modellers will look forward to the Tankwagen.
In 1:72 scale there are two new releases, a Lockheed F-35B and an AH-1T Sea Cobra.
For me the most interesting items weren't aircraft but vehicles. Indeed, both 1:48 scale models of the Kfz. 385 Tankwagen and Sd.Kfz.234/2 Puma were presented as build models and if the finished product looks like the ones shown in Nürnberg, they will be great kits. I always had a soft spot for the Puma but of course most aircraft modellers will look forward to the Tankwagen.
Kopro is a brand I don't know very much because they mostly do 1:72 scale stuff. However, their 2010 release plan is quite impressive and if you like braille scale and short run kits you should consider yourself happy. Here is just a small excerpt of what is awaiting you: Spitfire Mk.IX floatplane, MiG-21 Last Anniversary, Aero L-29 Tiger, Su-25K African Frogfoot, MiG 29 AS Digital Sheme, Mil Mi-9 Hip, Mistel Si204 & DM/1 etc... In 1:48 the Sukhoi Su-25K will be reissued in a "Czech Bull frog" boxing.
Most of the new kits (if not all) are older models with new decals but this is something the Kopro specialists will know better than me anyway.
Most of the new kits (if not all) are older models with new decals but this is something the Kopro specialists will know better than me anyway.
The Mirage Hobby booth was quite busy with aircraft items. No real news but we can expect some nice re-editions of mostly Polish subjects.
The Halberstadt is still the newest kit and will be reissued in two more versions this year (Date?). I had the chance to speak with Mr. Piotr Mrozowski, WW1 Aircraft Historian, who did the research and devellopping for the kit during 5 years. As you can imagine, much work was put in this project and it is the first one made by Mirage Hobby since they have switched to new production technologies.
The Lublin range will be reissued as well, first in standard boxes and later maybe with resin and photo etched goodies. The subject is quite nice and from what Mr. Piotr Zielinski told me, there is a demand for such exotic subjects. Don‘t expect some Bf 109‘s from Mirage Hobby too soon! The PZL Los will be reissued as well in it‘s II version with two rudders. The latter will be new tool parts. Everything which is included in the new boxings with the red arrow (see pictures) is now produced by Mirage Hobby, decals and instructions included.
New items produced by Mirage Hobby are the WWI and WWII bomb sets. These can be used on their Halbertstadt and PZL 23 kits. One maxi pack including both sets is available as well.
It seems that Mirage Hobby have now completed their restructuration and that we can expect some more news from them during the year. Unfortunately Mr. Zielinski didn‘t gave any hint on what to expect, I just managed to put a smile on his face when I mentionned 1:32 scale. A big scale PZL P.11 would be nice...
About Jean-Luc Formery (TedMamere)
FROM: MOSELLE, FRANCE
The Halberstadt is still the newest kit and will be reissued in two more versions this year (Date?). I had the chance to speak with Mr. Piotr Mrozowski, WW1 Aircraft Historian, who did the research and devellopping for the kit during 5 years. As you can imagine, much work was put in this project and it is the first one made by Mirage Hobby since they have switched to new production technologies.
The Lublin range will be reissued as well, first in standard boxes and later maybe with resin and photo etched goodies. The subject is quite nice and from what Mr. Piotr Zielinski told me, there is a demand for such exotic subjects. Don‘t expect some Bf 109‘s from Mirage Hobby too soon! The PZL Los will be reissued as well in it‘s II version with two rudders. The latter will be new tool parts. Everything which is included in the new boxings with the red arrow (see pictures) is now produced by Mirage Hobby, decals and instructions included.
New items produced by Mirage Hobby are the WWI and WWII bomb sets. These can be used on their Halbertstadt and PZL 23 kits. One maxi pack including both sets is available as well.
It seems that Mirage Hobby have now completed their restructuration and that we can expect some more news from them during the year. Unfortunately Mr. Zielinski didn‘t gave any hint on what to expect, I just managed to put a smile on his face when I mentionned 1:32 scale. A big scale PZL P.11 would be nice...
Once again the MPM/CMK booth was full of test shots and masters. It is one of the smallest at the Nürnberg Toy Fair but nonetheless one of the most interesting when it comes to aircraft models. For those who don't know this Czech manufacturer, here are some facts: the company employs about 50 people and is producing short run and resin kits as well as aftermarket sets under many brands such as MPM, Special Hobby, Azur, Planet Models and CMK.
The brand new 1:48 scale Fiat BR.20 "Cicogna" was of course the big attraction (in every aspect) and it was as if everyone wanted to leave the fair with one exemplar under the arm. I was fortunate to get one but not all were so lucky. The displayed model with it's superb three color camouflage was an eye catcher for sure. In the same scale, some pieces from the forthcoming Breda Ba 65 and Maryland Mk.I were on display and they looked very good.
Another impressive model on display was the 1:32 scale Fw190 C V-18/U4. It is in fact a resin conversion from Planet Models which transforms the Hasegawa A-5/8 into a prototype of the high altitude fighter variant.
In 1:72 scale some pieces of the A-20B Havoc were on display as well as all the plastic sprues of the new Breda Ba.88B Lince which should hit the shelves soon.
Making a complete list of all the aircraft kits planned for the futur would take ages so, here again, please check the Aeroscale News pages regularly for the latest informations about the MPM group. Just to give you a little idea of what we can expect in the near (or not so near) future, here is a link to the release schedule until july of this year: MPM Production kits 2010.
The brand new 1:48 scale Fiat BR.20 "Cicogna" was of course the big attraction (in every aspect) and it was as if everyone wanted to leave the fair with one exemplar under the arm. I was fortunate to get one but not all were so lucky. The displayed model with it's superb three color camouflage was an eye catcher for sure. In the same scale, some pieces from the forthcoming Breda Ba 65 and Maryland Mk.I were on display and they looked very good.
Another impressive model on display was the 1:32 scale Fw190 C V-18/U4. It is in fact a resin conversion from Planet Models which transforms the Hasegawa A-5/8 into a prototype of the high altitude fighter variant.
In 1:72 scale some pieces of the A-20B Havoc were on display as well as all the plastic sprues of the new Breda Ba.88B Lince which should hit the shelves soon.
Making a complete list of all the aircraft kits planned for the futur would take ages so, here again, please check the Aeroscale News pages regularly for the latest informations about the MPM group. Just to give you a little idea of what we can expect in the near (or not so near) future, here is a link to the release schedule until july of this year: MPM Production kits 2010.
The big question about Revell was: "will there be something on display from their 1:32 scale He111?". Unfortunately not, but it was not a real surprise since the model is scheduled for Oktober of this year. Surprisingly, the Arado Ar196 is planned to be released at the same time! Two 1:32 scale kits just before Christmas, I hope there will be enough space under the tree!
Commercial jet enthusiasts will find the 1:144 Boeing 737 "GoldbAIR" in it's Haribo sheme very tasty, while in 1:72 scale there will be (how original) a "Battle of Britain" set... without any Bf109E though!
Commercial jet enthusiasts will find the 1:144 Boeing 737 "GoldbAIR" in it's Haribo sheme very tasty, while in 1:72 scale there will be (how original) a "Battle of Britain" set... without any Bf109E though!
About the Author
FROM: MOSELLE, FRANCE
I'm mainly interested in WW2 aircraft and I build them in 1/48 scale.
Copyright ©2021 by Jean-Luc Formery. Images also by copyright holder unless otherwise noted. The views and opinions expressed herein are solely the views and opinions of the authors and/or contributors to this Web site and do not necessarily represent the views and/or opinions of AeroScale, KitMaker Network, or Silver Star Enterrpises. Images also by copyright holder unless otherwise noted. Opinions expressed are those of the author(s) and not necessarily those of AeroScale. All rights reserved. Originally published on: 2010-02-20 00:00:00. Unique Reads: 16464
WEB HOSTING BY
Copyright ©2021 AeroScale and Kitmaker Network, a subsidiary of Silver Star Enterprises
All Rights Reserved. Please read our Conditions of Use and Privacy Policy.
All Rights Reserved. Please read our Conditions of Use and Privacy Policy.