MPM Production have sent us details of their latest 1:72 releases - the Breguet Br 695AB.2 under the Azur label, and the Grumman FF-1 from Special Hobby.

First hinted at last month with a sneak preview of the CAD images for the interior, we now have confirmation of a new 1:48 Fairey Firefly series from Special Hobby, with boxart for the Mk.1 and Mk. IV/V:

A054 Breguet Br 695AB.2 1/72
French ground attackers Breguet Br.693A.2 proved their battle worthiness in every aspect. But in the moment the new machines entered service with combat units it was obvious that it would be appropriate to use stronger and more reliable engines. The new version Breguet Br.695AB.2 was powered by US provenience R-1533 radial engines. With these engines the aircraft reached the required performances. Only 10 machines were produced until the capitulation of France. Even though, these machines participated in Battle of France. When the armistice was signed Breguet Br.695s together with older Br.693s served with Vichy Air Force, Luftwaffe used them for training purposes and some of them were seized by Italy.

The kit contains three sprues with grey plastic parts, one clear sprue, detailed resin engines and photo-etched parts. Decals include offer two machines that fought against Germans in the spring of 1940 and one machine in Vichy colors.

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During the 1930s Grumman Company was the sole supplier of the fighter aircraft to the US Navy. The first Grumman fighter aircraft to enter US Navy service was the series of FF-1 twin-seater fighters. Navy ordered 27 machines of FF-1 type equipped with two fixed machineguns and one on flexible mount for rear gunner. In addition, US Navy also ordered reconnaissance fighter designated SF-1. The latter was powered by R-1820-84 enclosed under wider cowling and using different types of exhaust tubs. Only 33 machines of the SF-1 version were produced and they were assigned to VS-3.

The series produced FF-1s (unofficially called Fifi) were assigned to VF-5B stationed aboard USS Lexington. When FF-1s became obsolete they were converted to FF-2 version equipped with dual controls. During the conversion the cowlings and exhaust tubs were also modified. These trainers served until 1940. In 1937 Canadian CC&F Company purchased production license for FF-1 and, eventually produced 40 machines designated GE-23 for fictive Turkish order. GE-23 differed from standard FF-1s by cowling and nose shapes. Their armament was similar to FF-1s. The machines were in fact ordered by Spanish Republicans Air Force. The production of GE-23 in CC&F continued until the start of Hurricane license production. Eventually 15 machines were sold to RCAF for dumping price. RCAF redesignated these machines to Goblin Mk.I and assigned them to no. 118 Squadron of RCAF. Goblin Mk.Is served with RCAF until 1942. For short period of time they were also assigned to no. 123 Squadron of RCAF. Single machines were sold to Mexico, Nicaragua and Japan.

SH72232 FF-1 „US Navy Two-seat Fighter“ 1/72
The kit contains two sprues with plastic parts, detailed resin and photo-etched parts. Decals include offer three colorful machines from different flight of VF-5B “Red Rippers” stationed aboard USS Lexington.

SH72238 CC&F Goblin Mk.I 1/72
The kit contains two sprues with plastic parts that are similar to previous SH72232 but not the same. New parts consist of fuselage and engine cowling. Also included are detailed resin and photo-etched parts. Decals include offer three machines from RCAF No. 118 Squadron. Only two of them were equipped with wind shields, the third featured fully enclosed canopy. All three machines wore camouflage with undersides in black and white divided in half.

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