Nürnberg Toy Fair 2012
3
Comments
The new 1:48 scale ROKAF T-50 Advanced Trainer was present at the Academy booth as a completed mode and should hit the shelves of the retailers very soon. Other than that there was nothing much to see on the aircraft front.
This year, once again, the Airfix booth was pretty interesting to visit. Not only was it completely reworked but there where a lot of new models on display or test shots ready to be scrutinized by the modelling crowd. Aircraft still represents an important part in the release list and this year 1/72 scale lovers will be pleased for sure. New tool Spitfires, Mustangs and Messerschmitts will provoke the retirement of many vintage kits from the catalogue and other releases will expand the Airfix range like a Swordfish Floatplane or a Douglas A-4B Skyhawk.
Quarter scale wasn't present to the same extent as last year but the Operation Herrick items will surely be very well received as they combine helicopters, ground vehicles, figures and even buildings in one subject. Sadly no finalised model was present but only some test shots and an impressive diorama with all the Afghanistan releases reunited in one scene. The Westland Lynx will constitute an appetiser and should be released in a not too distant future while the Afghanistan items will be released in the Autumn.
I have asked Mr. Burge if Airfix plan to do 1:32 scale aircraft kits like the vast majority of manufacturers and the answer was no. But there are plans to do a 1:24 kit again maybe sometimes in the future. Don't expect it to be very soon though!
Quarter scale wasn't present to the same extent as last year but the Operation Herrick items will surely be very well received as they combine helicopters, ground vehicles, figures and even buildings in one subject. Sadly no finalised model was present but only some test shots and an impressive diorama with all the Afghanistan releases reunited in one scene. The Westland Lynx will constitute an appetiser and should be released in a not too distant future while the Afghanistan items will be released in the Autumn.
I have asked Mr. Burge if Airfix plan to do 1:32 scale aircraft kits like the vast majority of manufacturers and the answer was no. But there are plans to do a 1:24 kit again maybe sometimes in the future. Don't expect it to be very soon though!
The Russian manufacturer, known for its releases of ex-Frog and Alanger kits presented a surprise this year in the form of a new 1:48 scale I-16 kit. Two finished models were present as well as some boxes. Sadly, the latter were only dummies and no test shots were present to take a closer look at. With the Academy and Eduard models already on the market and ICM planning to release their Rata this year, it will be difficult for the Ark Models kit to compete outside the Russian home market but only time will tell.
The brand run by Wojciech Bulhak continues to expand with some very interesting items for 1/72 scale aircraft. After their US NAVY Catapult last year, Attack Squadron has released a nice US Seabees NL Pontoon Barge which, amongst other stuff, was used to transport US fighter Aircraft from cargo ships to land in the Pacific, making it a nice diorama subject. Vietnam War Airfield Revetment Sections will be released as well. New is also a range of underwing stores in the same scale: MK 24 Mine, FIDO torpedo, MK 54 Depth Charge and Mk XVII Depth Charge.
This is all very nice and my only complaint is that the range is not available in 1:48 scale.
This is all very nice and my only complaint is that the range is not available in 1:48 scale.
The Czech Short Run manufacturer was present at the I.B.G. Modellbau stand with quite a nice range of new plastic models in both 1:72 and 1:48 scale. The Gotha G.V is a reissue of the Hippo kit and you can grab one now if you missed its first release. The real new item in quarter scale was in fact the Heinkel He70 kit of which a built up model and some sprues were present on display. Even if the kit looks very "short run", it is a welcome addition to the list of pre-WWII aircraft. In 1:72 scale the "new" tags were literally flying around the display shelves and I will let the accompanying pictures speak for themselves. For availability, it is best to check the AZModel website (www.legatokits.cz).
About Jean-Luc Formery (TedMamere)
FROM: MOSELLE, FRANCE
The owner of Brengun, Mr. Jan Sobotka, likes it small. Amongst some 1:48 and 1:72 scale items the Czech brand also offers a wide range of 1:144 resin and photo etched detail sets. The one destined to the small Eduard MiG-21 was presented at the Toy Fair and it looks impressive. Brengun will also release it's first injection moulded kit in the form of a Bachem Natter 349A in 1:72 scale. I bet that a photo etched launching tower will be released as well.
The Dragon booth was a little disappointing for aircraft models enthusiasts. But what can you expect from a manufacturer which has established itself as the leader in armour modelling? A new variant of their 1:32 scale Bf 110 was on display, the D3, but sadly not the 1:48 scale Mustang and Bf109 E-4 which were already announced last year. In 1:144 scale things look better with a J-20 PLA Stealth Fighter and a PLA J-15.
It looked much better at Cyber-Hobby (same booth), a kind of sister brand of Dragon, which was more focused on 1:72 scale items (Helldiver, Val and Sea Venom) and bigger aircraft like the Tu-95MS "Bear", Avro Vulcan and YB-49 Flying Wing all in… 1/200 scale!
It looked much better at Cyber-Hobby (same booth), a kind of sister brand of Dragon, which was more focused on 1:72 scale items (Helldiver, Val and Sea Venom) and bigger aircraft like the Tu-95MS "Bear", Avro Vulcan and YB-49 Flying Wing all in… 1/200 scale!
About the Author
FROM: MOSELLE, FRANCE
I'm mainly interested in WW2 aircraft and I build them in 1/48 scale.
Comments
Once again Jean-Luc you have provided and excellent review! Many thanks! I noticed in your photos the company named "Admiral" releasing a 1/72 TBD Devastator. Did they have a test shot and if so, was it good?
~ Johannes
FEB 18, 2012 - 12:13 AM
Hi Johannes,
The Admiral kits were part of the AZ Model line up and sadly they only had their kits displayed on the German importer's booth. The Admiral people weren't there in fact so I'm afraid I can't give more infos. Maybe Steffen can be of better help (his friend Volker is more into 1:72 scale stuff).
Rowan, thank you for doing the editing for the article...
Jean-Luc
FEB 18, 2012 - 02:32 AM
Nice show report!!
though I cannot agree with alle statements, but thats always a matter of personal views.
Thanks Jean-Luc! .. hope you got your little parcel when you come home from your vacation
all the best
Steffen
FEB 24, 2012 - 12:59 AM
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