Nürnberg Toy Fair 2013

ICM

The Ukrainian manufacturer becomes more and more military vehicle orientated. In 1/35 scale there are 20 new items listed in the 2013 catalogue while there are only 7 for the aircraft scales. In 1/72 There will be two new kits (I-153 and U-2/PO-2) and in 1/48 three (I-153, I-16 and U-2/PO-2). This makes five and the two other new items are one "German Luftwaffe Pilots and Ground Personnel in Winter Uniform" figure set and one "Bf 109 F-4 with German Luftwaffe Personnel".

IMCTH

If you like extreme modeling, then you will like the 1/32 scale all metal models made by IMCTH. The manufacturer was present at the Toy Fair for the first time with a Zero and a P-51D and both kits were impressive. The manufacturers offers the metal skinning as an option if the modeler wishes so. However, with all the bells and whistles, an IMCTH kits becomes VERY expensive.

ITALERI

After their 50th anniversary last year, Italeri's booth was less spectacular this time. A lot of kit announced in 2012 were on display (1/72 scale Sunderland, 1/48 scale MC.200 and Sea Hurricane) but also some new items like the 1/72 scale diorama bases (PSP and accessories and Carrier Deck Section). Later in 2013 we can expect new tool kits of the Stirling Mk.I and the F-35 A in 1/72 scale and of course the much expected F-104 G/S in 1/32 scale. Quarter scale builders will have to be happy with reissues (Henshel 123), variants (Ju 87 G-2 and Hurricane Mk.IIc) and collaborations with other manufacturers (A-36 Apache, P-70A, P-47D and Spitfire Mk.Vc). The only new mold kit in 1/48 scale will be the Jaguar GR.1/3 but it was already announced for 2012. Italeri should better be quick on the case since the new manufacturer Kitty Hawk will probably release this variant sooner or later after their brand new Jaguar A.

MENG

For the first time, Meng was present at the Toy Fair. However, not in Hall 7 or 7a, where all the plastic kit manufacturers are located but in hall 11.1, were all the newcomers are exiled. Sadly, for us aircraft builders there was nothing new to contemplate there apart from build models of already released kits like their new Me 410 in 1/48 scale. Maybe next year we will see a little more.

MIRAGE HOBBY

There were not many new WWI subjects presented at this year's Toy Fair. Some of them could be found at the Mirage Hobby booth. The Polish manufacturer continues to expand its series of 1/48 scale Halberstadt Ground Attack planes with a CL.IV (Rol.) which was on display and a CL.IV (HFW) which will be released later this year. In the same scale, a reissue of the PZL 23 Karas I&II is already out in a Romanian boxing with new decals and photo etched parts.

MPM

If things had happened as planned, there would have been boxes of 1/48 scale He115s and Fireflys ready for the Toy Fair. Sadly, some problems with the clear parts moldings have delayed these anticipated releases and we have to wait some more months to finally get hold of them. The people from MPM told us that next time, they will do the clear parts first and once these are ready, produce the plastic parts around them and finally print the boxes, instructions and decals. So there were almost "only" masters of forthcoming kits on display but like always something for everyone in every scale. Here again it is best to have a look at the IPMS Germany News List for a better overview.

In 1/32 scale masters for a Tempest and a G.50 were present, as well as the main parts of the 1/48 scale F-86K but this display was already present in 2012. Some test shots of the new quarter scale Firefly kits were given to happy fews and it is to note that in the same scale both a Piper J-3 and L-4 are in the design phase. Also interesting is a range of 1/72 vehicles and accessories which are accompanying a German V2 Rocket. All these kits are of very high quality and maybe they will also be released in 1/48 scale later.