August 26, 2025

Preview: Kotare's new 48th scale Handley Page Halifax in development

Kotare Models is set to get into the quarter-scale market with their first model in 1/48th scale. The Handley Page Halifax Mk.II is in development. We have information on how you can get involved & pre-order the kit in our preview...

Preview: Kotare's new 48th-scale Handley Page Halifax in development

Handley Page Halifax Mk.II
From Kotare
Kit No #K48501
1/48th scale
Decals from Cartograf.
Expected second quarter of 2028.
Expected Price: US$185
The Subject: Handley Page Halifax Mk.II
The Halifax shared with the Lancaster the major burden of Bomber Command’s night bombing campaign against Nazi Germany, but unlike the Lancaster, which only served as a bomber during the war, the Halifax was used extensively on other duties, including glider-tug, agent-dropping transport and general reconnaissance aircraft in Coastal Command.

A Royal Air Force ground crew prepares a Handley Page Halifax Mk II for a bombing mission.
It was the second British four-engined bomber to enter service in World War Two. Nevertheless, the first to bomb Germany was when one took part in a raid on Hamburg on the night of 12-13 March 1941. Due to mounting losses on Bomber Command operations over Germany, Halifax bombers were restricted to less hazardous targets from September 1943.

Handley Page Halifax B.II Series I (Serial No. W7676), coded TL-P, No. 35 Squadron RAF. Handley Page Halifax Mk. II (Serial No. BB324), coded ZA-X of No. 77 Squadron RAF. BB324 failed to return from a raid on Mulheim, Germany, on 23 June 1943.
However, between 1941 and 1945, the Halifax made over 75,000 bombing sorties and dropped 227,610 tonnes (231,300 tonnes) of bombs, more than a quarter of all bombs dropped on Germany by the Royal Air Force.

Mechanics at work on the Merlin engines of a Handley Page Halifax Mk II of No. 35 Squadron at Linton-on-Ouse, June 1942
The Halifax was in the process of being replaced as a front-line bomber in 1945 but it continued in service with Coastal and Transport Commands after the war. The last operational flight was made by a Coastal Command Halifax in March 1952 while operating from Gibraltar.

The kit: Handley Page Halifax Mk.II in 48th scale
Kotare is to enter the 1/48th scale market with a new kit of the Handley Page Halifax Mk.II. This kit is slated for launch in the second quarter of 2028, so it's a while off yet. No details of the actual kit are really yet available apart from the artwork and some pre-order bonuses that you will receive with the kit if you order it ahead of time. 
Get involved in "Project Hallifax."
What there IS is an initiative from Kotare to get involved in the continued development of the kit. Halifax enthusiasts can help shape the model from day one. This is your exclusive invitation to join the Kotare design team (including Lead Designer Darren Mildenhall) and be a pioneer in design.

You can contribute ideas, photographs, drawings and feedback in multiple ways, and be kept up
to date on the progress of the model like never before. 

You will have the opportunity to influence every detail of the kit:
• Surface treatment: rivets, oil-canning or smooth panels?
• Colour schemes and squadron markings?
• Engine options: include one, two, or none?
  
"Project Hallifax"Exclusive Community Access
Members of Project Halifax will gain entry to private channels and live events:
• Exclusive Facebook group and forum access for members of Project Halifax
• Monthly email updates from the Kotare design team
• Quarterly online Q&A with Darren Mildenhall and Kotare owner Mark Robson
• Special sessions (online and in-person) at major modelling conventions
 
Project Halifax Member Rewards
Exclusive Limited Numbered Edition of 7000 kitsets. This kitset will never be issued again in the same form. The exact part set will not be reused for at least 5 years.
 
Models #0001 and #7000 will be auctioned to raise funds for the Big Buddy charity of New Zealand. 

Kotare's Promise
Kotare Models has never failed to deliver a pre-ordered kitset, so completion of orders is a given. With this kit they guarantee:
• A full refund available until shipping
• Regular updates on design accuracy and production timelines
• Estimated completion: 18–20 months of design plus one year of mould development
• Anticipated shipping: mid-2028

Pre-order bonuses:
Pre-order now to secure these exclusive perks:
• Two exclusive art prints: the initial marketing image seen here and upcoming stunning box-top artwork by noted aviation artist Darryl Legg
• A free 3D-printed resin accessory, to be decided by Project Halifax members
• Unique lapel pin to identify fellow members at shows and club nights
• First 1000 purchasers immortalized by name in the instruction manual
• 20 lucky modellers from the first 500 purchasers will be randomly drawn and those
modellers will be offered the chance to build and critique T2 test shots

PRE-ORDER is now available from 26 August 2025. Shipping is expected during the 2nd quarter of 2028. Pre-order deposit payment in full (100% refund available on request up to the actual shipping date).

This kit is now available for pre-order directly from their website...