Preview: Four of Tamiya's (many) new announcements First quarter 2022...
It seems that Tamiya has come alive with several new releases of scale models today. The fans of RC, Radio controlled and static modellers will be pleasantly surprised with what is on offer, but we have just four of the bunch that we think most of you will be most interested in in our new item release preview from tamiya's first quarter of 2022.
Lockheed P-38 J Lightning
From Tamiya
Kit No 61123
1/48th scale
Tamiya's 1/48 Aircraft Series welcomes a new addition in the form of the J variant of the Lockheed P-38 Lightning! Their first 48th scale P-38 kit, released in late 2019, came in the form of the F/G variant, and it quickly became the definitive P-38 kit of the modelling world.
The Lockheed P-38 Lightning was an American twin-engine fighter aircraft produced by Lockheed; it was the first Lockheed fighter aircraft that was officially adopted into service. The P-38’s variants were used during World War II and they reached about 10,000 production planes. Equipped with intercoolers under engines, the P-38J Lightning yielded 1,450hp at high altitude and a maximum of 1,600hp, plus longer-range courtesy of fuel tanks in its wingtip leading edges in addition to the main fuel tank. As a result, the P-38J offered stable and astonishing performance at any altitude, and gained great renown among American fighter aircraft.
New-shape turbo superchargers realistically depict the ones seen in the P-38 J variant.
The second canopy can be depicted an open or closed. A 1-part slide-moulded piece succinctly and realistically depicts a closed canopy. Three parts are used to recreate an openable canopy.
Comes with three marking options, including the “Marge" P-38J which the US ace pilot, Richard Ira Bong flew.
Canopy masking stickers and a full-colour painting guide are included with the kit.
German Heavy Tank Tiger I Early Production (Eastern Front)
From Tamiya
Kit No #32603
1/48th scale
Tamiya welcomes an updated version of the German Heavy Tank Tiger I Early Production model which was originally released as Item 32504 (die-cast lower hull) in 2004. The Tiger I was one of the most powerful heavy tanks during WWII and its variations have early to late production vehicles. 200 early production vehicles were produced from November 1942 to June 1943 and they were in service in Tunisia from the end of 1942 and the Eastern Front, too.
• H parts (lower hull) are from Item 32575 (1/48 German Tiger I Late Production), and E parts (turret)/ F parts (upper hull) based upon Item 32504 are modified for plastic parts' assembly.
• Lower and side hull are depicted by separate parts (diecast, one-piece hull in Item 32504).
• Assembly type tracks have one-piece straight sections.
• Metal chassis weights give the model a realistic heavy feel.
• Includes two new marking options to depict the 503rd Heavy Panzer Battalion (3-color camouflage pattern) or 502nd Heavy Panzer Battalion (overall Dark Yellow).
Includes two new marking options to depict the 503rd Heavy Panzer Battalion (3-color camouflage pattern) or 502nd Heavy Panzer Battalion (overall Dark Yellow).
Metal chassis weights give the model a realistic heavy feel.
Assembly type tracks have one-piece straight sections.
British Main Battle Tank Challenger 2 (Desertised)
From Tamiya
Kit No #32601
1/48th scale
Tamiya is delighted to announce a new addition to its extensive 1/48 scale series– the British Main Battle Tank Challenger 2. The Challenger 2 featured an engine based on that of the Challenger 1 (Britain’s main battle tank during the Gulf War), double-pin, double-block tracks and a newly designed turret. Its deployment started in 1994, and about 120 Challenger 2s were in service as the main tank of the 7th Armored Brigade in the Iraq War in 2003.
Key Model Features:
• The new mould authentically captures the form of Challenger 2 with canvas skirts on the side hull, square muffler cover and Combat Identification Panel.
• Moving main gun features realistic elevation.
• Weld lines and side skirts’ ripples are faithfully depicted.
• Features plastic chassis.
• Assembly type tracks have one-piece straight sections.
• Metal chassis weight gives the model a realistic heavy feel.
• One commander torso figure at the cupola hatch is included.
Comes with one marking option to depict a vehicle that took part in the 2003 invasion of Iraq.
U.S Infantry Scout Set
From Tamiya
Kit No #35379
1/35th scale
Tamiya is delighted to announce the release of a U.S. infantry set to follow the popular German army set (Item 35371 released in 2019). Various series of the short-sleeve M41 jacket and leggings had been the staple of the American Army uniform around June 1944 when the Invasion of Normandy occurred, but from summer in that year onward, the new common uniform was developed for paratrooper, armoured and mountain divisions, and the M43 field jacket and 2-buckle boot became common. It’s been 27 years since the last new release of a U.S. infantry set (Item 35192), so this upcoming release will give modellers further options to accessorize their 1/35 scale WWII dioramas!
Decals are included to depict rank insignia on sleeves.
All of these kits and many more can be found on the Tamiya Website
