Hobby Boss are to release two new kits for August, a 109G-6 and a IAR-80, both in 1/48th.

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Thanks!

Yeah Baby! Another Gustav!

Looking forward to see the romanian IAR at my LHS ....

Yep, yet another one. In my view it does not add much to the modelling scene.

But that IAR is a more rare subject, and therefore much more interesting.

Before two years ago I was out of the modelling scene for 35 years. So, everything is relatively shiny and new.

Gaz

Hoi Gaz,

We really live in modelling heaven these days, its almost impossible to look at all the novelties, new companies, aftermarket stuff... and quality, in general, made a quantum leap.

Still, there are many subjects not, or barely covered, and one can wonder why for a manufacturer of kits "yet another" Spitfire or Gustaf still seems more attractive to bring to the market already crowded with very similar offerings than bringing a rare subject.

Drabslab,
I get what you're saying. I am amazed by what's barely or not covered than by what is overcovered. There is probably more Luft 46' available than there is of Red Air Force. More Kriegsmarine than RN cruisers and destroyers. Unlimited numbers of paper panzers but only the worst company on the planet covers many tank models.

Who can understand why?

Gaz

I guess it is the idea that 1% of the Spitfire market is still bigger than 100% of the "unknown airplane" model market. Next to that, the documentaiton on the well-known models is omni-present, while doing the research for a less famous beast can be very resource consuming (expensive).

I guess that we, the modellers, are playing into that as well. A new Spitfire model gets a lot of attention in magazines and on the net, while more exotic planes are often hardly mentioned.

As client, we should reward companies that bring something truly new to the scene by buying and building instead of building a xth model of the same thing. Here I can honestly say I am doing fine. I hardly ever build twice the same aircraft.


PS: I only use spitfire here as example of a very famous airplane of which many models exist. I have no negative feelings about the Spitfire

I'll definitely check out the IAR-80!

I'm eyeing the IAR-80 as well.

Hi there

I'd love to see a cheap and accurate IAR, but I have to admit I've been disappointed by their releases so often... I just pray they've read and paid attention to Radu Brinzan's almost forensically detailed study of the aircraft. I can't pretend I'm over-brimming with confidence...

All the best

Rowan

I have absolutely no idea what a IU-80 is...BUT...ANYTHING would be better than ANOTHER damn Spitfire109StukaWolfe...!!

Sorry...make that IAR-80...!!!

This would make for a lively discussion in a dedicated thread. My guess is common subjects like Spitfires/109s/Mustangs etc.... are done to death is because they are easy and quick to research (cutting down costs) and they always sell. And if it keeps them in business, I'm not complaining.
I'm still waiting for a new tool Buccaneer S.2B. Such an important and interesting jet and all we still have are the ancient Airfix and Matchbox toolings. Somebody did a very nice, but pricey, resin kit but I don't remember who. Anigrand maybe?

According to the releases by all the major hobby manufacturers in the past decade, the most popular aircraft to model is the Messerspitstang.

Love to see that one built

I have one, its standing next to my Stuhurriwulf

I have given up on that one and bought a vintage Airfix box

Same here. I have 3 Airfix (one ready for painting) with nose and tail correction sets, and 2 of the recent Revell-o-box reissues. Both kits are buildable and look like the Bucc, but come on Airfix give us a new one.
Off topic I know, but it's number one on my wish list.

Great to see an IAR-80 in a new kit. I am looking forward to that one.