Italeri

[Beermonster58]

Italeri has revealed its release list for 2025,

https://www.italeri.com/en/?pvw=1&p=1

nothing too special to me at first sight, but i think some of you might like the newtool 1/48 F-35A Lightning II (Beast Mode).

Pretty poor overall. None of the new items are of interest. Id be in for the JU-188,Dornier-217K and, Ju-88 torpedo bomber though. Disappointed that the A-26 is the WWII version. I was hoping for the B-26K

[The Wooksta!]

If you can get the Zvezda Ju 88, go for that.  Vastly better kit, although the fin on their G is woefully under sized..  The Italeri was good in it's day, but that was 30 years ago, when ship builders rivets were acceptable and the only other available Ju 88s were the ancient Airfix and Revell offerings. The undercarriage nacelles are very anaemic, the AIMS resin upgrades might still be available..  Oddly, Airfix got them deep enough.

The Do 217 is okay, bit too slim around the rear fuselage.  The 188 is still one of their best kits, although the cockpit needs more detail, especially under that greenhouse.  Used enough of them back in the day for Ju 388 conversions.

[Beermonster58]

You're right about the scanty cockpit detail in the 188 but, that was quite typical of the period  (1975 issue I believe) . I'll add a bit of scratchbuilding. The 217 kits are fine for me. Always did like them and, I think the Dornier 217 series is a type has been very poorly represented in 1/72 . I'm just happy to see at least one again and, I'm content with what's in the box.. I just noticed the CANT Z.1007 (Ex Supermodel I believe). I  can add that to the list.
Incidentally, the big H is listing TWO Dornier 217s as Italeri future releases. The other being listed as Dornier 217M/K. Maybe an error?

[The Wooksta!]

The only difference between the K and the M was the engines, BMW801s on the K, DB603s on the M.  Italeri did both engines in two kits, the K with the BMWs and the N with the DB603s.  They realised they could do some mix and match with the sprues some years back, as there was a J and an M at one point, plus with a new clear sprue they got an E.  I suspect the K/M will have both sets of engines and hopefully the extended wing sprue they released at one point, along with the Fritz X guided bombs.

The 188 was well detailed for the time, although whilst Matchbox gave you less they did include the rear bulkhead which Italeri didn't.

There's an Italian gadgy building a CANT Z.1007 from the Supermodel kit on Britmodeller.  His work is phenomenal!

https://www.britmodeller.com/forums/index.php?/topic/235147391-cant-z1007bis-bideriva-kit-supermodel-10-006-172/

As for the 88, IIRC Zvezda released theirs as an A-17 at one point.  This bunch have it in stock:
https://www.emodels.co.uk/zvezda-1-72-junkers-ju-88a-17-a-5-7284-plastic-model-kit.html?srsltid=AfmBOoqS5svQCVduL4tVxSdvN7ScW2s-ZVoFz4BHenIPmy7K99eqpG9e

[Beermonster58]

The only difference between the K and the M was the engines, BMW801s on the K, DB603s on the M.  Italeri did both engines in two kits, the K with the BMWs and the N with the DB603s.  They realised they could do some mix and match with the sprues some years back, as there was a J and an M at one point, plus with a new clear sprue they got an E.  I suspect the K/M will have both sets of engines and hopefully the extended wing sprue they released at one point, along with the Fritz X guided bombs.

The 188 was well detailed for the time, although whilst Matchbox gave you less they did include the rear bulkhead which Italeri didn't.

There's an Italian gadgy building a CANT Z.1007 from the Supermodel kit on Britmodeller.  His work is phenomenal!

https://www.britmodeller.com/forums/index.php?/topic/235147391-cant-z1007bis-bideriva-kit-supermodel-10-006-172/

As for the 88, IIRC Zvezda released theirs as an A-17 at one point.  This bunch have it in stock:
https://www.emodels.co.uk/zvezda-1-72-junkers-ju-88a-17-a-5-7284-plastic-model-kit.html?srsltid=AfmBOoqS5svQCVduL4tVxSdvN7ScW2s-ZVoFz4BHenIPmy7K99eqpG9e

Thanks for the info. Much appreciated 😊👍