Review: 2023 newcomers – Arma, Magic Factory, Mini-Art
2023 saw three new companies enter 1/48 kits with products that, when completed, can be called, "definitive" and "best in scale."
Arma's Hurricanes definitely win "best in scale." I took a Hurricane IIc and turned it into a Sea Hurricane IIc with the lower rear fuselage part from an Airfix Hurricane.
Magic Factory's F4U-1A and F4U-1/2 Corsairs easily overwhelm the Tamiya Corsairs, a series of kits nearly 30 years old now. The only Corsair kits better are Tamiya's 1/32 kits.
Mini-Art's P-47D-25 is stunning in its detail. It really looks like the 1:1 Thunderbolts I have seen out at Chino. And their next, a P-47D-30/40 will be out by February.
"The death of the hobby has been greatly exaggerated."
Such a gorgeous Sea Hurricane, amazing colors. Happy new year!
It's not the hobby so much as the hobbyists, Tom. I only hope that the great Ukrainian manufacturers survive the coming year and the stupidity and unwillingness of our politicians to support our commitments and obligations dating back to Ukraine's nuclear disarmament.
You and me both, @brummbaer.
Time to break my self imposed buying ban. The other 100 kits will have to wait
Beautiful. Love the Hurricane especially. Happy new year mate.
Here's hoping they can keep producing nice kits. FYI Magic Factory is coming out with an A-4M next.
All excellent, Tom!
Great news and models, Tom @tcinla
Looking forward to more of this in 2024
I have never seen a Hurricane in this coloration before. Beautiful models.
Yup. A very good year in styrene, Tom @tcinla. My question is, what's holding up ICM's long promised B-26 Marauder? The war?
Probably like most things coming from the Ukraine. It is supposed to be for release in March of this year.
You produced excellent work again Tom! Welcome to 2024 - I hope it is a banner year for you.