May 10, 2026

Kit countdown... Clayton's top ten upcoming releases of the month...

It's that time again when Clayton Ockerby from Workbench Hobbies treats us to his top ten of upcoming releases that caught his eye this past month in his video preview...


Kit countdown... Clayton's top ten upcoming releases of the month...

G’day Guys – Clayton from Workbench Hobbies and the announcements over the past month that caught my eye in the hope I could highlight something you may have missed. A few very unexpected kits in there! Especially some of the top ones… but let’s get started! 

10. Tyrrell 019
1990 Monaco/Japanese GP #3/#4
From Model Factory Hiro
1/12th scale
This caught my eye simply because I am intrigued by the manufacturer. Model Factory Hiro is a Japanese manufacturer specialising in ultra-high-detail multimedia kits, mainly focused on Formula 1 and racing subjects. Their kits combine resin, metal, and photo-etch to deliver incredible realism, often with full engine detail. 
The Tyrrell 019 is one of the most important F1 cars ever built, introducing the high nose design that would define the sport for years to come. Driven by Jean Alesi and Nakajima, it famously challenged for victory in 1990 and became an instant fan favourite. It’s a standout subject—not just visually, but historically as well.


9. Hornet Legacy
Limited Edition
From Eduard
1/48th scale
The Eduard 1/48 F/A-18 Hornet Legacy is a limited-edition boxing, celebrating the legacy of the classic McDonnell Douglas fighter. Rather than new tooling, Eduard has taken the highly regarded base kit from Kinetic and packed it with premium extras—multiple marking options, extensive decals, masks, and photo-etch.
The “Legacy” angle is all about honouring the Hornet’s long service life and paying homage to some of the interesting livery and schemes it saw. So, this release is less about a new kit… and more about a collector-focused tribute to one of the most iconic modern fighters ever built. I have a real fondness for the Hornet, so I had to squeeze this one in. 



8. Kittyhawk Mk. I in Turkish Air Force service.
From Tigerhead Models 
No. K48003 
1/48th scale
Tigerhead Models specialises in decals and limited releases focused on Turkish Air Force subjects—taking familiar aircraft and giving them a completely different look. Their P-40 and Spitfire sets highlight aircraft operated by Turkey during and after WWII, often in clean, understated schemes with distinctive markings. The Spitfire in particular saw extensive post-war service, with large numbers of Mk. IXs forming the backbone of the Turkish fighter force.
This is Eduard plastic and is marketed as limited edition – maybe limited to how many they can sell. For modellers, it’s a really unique angle on these iconic aircraft offering markings you almost never see on the display table.


7. P47D-1 Razorback 
From Dora Wings
1/48th scale
I’ve heard pretty good things about Dora Wings, although I haven't built anything from them, which is why their Republic P-47D-1 Thunderbolt caught my eye. Being an armour modeller, I am naturally drawn to the stories of the Thunderbolt and its legendary resilience. The D-1 “Razorback” captures the plane right at the start of its evolution.

Dora Wings’ 1/48 kit focuses specifically on this early configuration, offering a more niche and historically interesting take compared to the more common late-war variants. It’s not a shake-and-bake build, but the payoff is a unique version of the Thunderbolt that really stands out on the shelf. From what I have read, this is a limited-edition kit that was released during the recent Moson Show – so you might have to go looking to snag yourself one!


6. F4F-3 Wildcat
From Arma Hobby 
1/72nd scale
I’ve still got a buzz on from the Arma Hobby Sea Hurricane I built, which is why I like the look of their new F4F-3 Wildcat. Arma has a vast range of Wildcats in their hangar, and the F4F-3 rounds out the collection. The f4f-3 was the first major production variant. It had fixed wings (whereas the F4F-4 added folding wings) as well as four guns (the 4 increased that to 6 guns).
In 1/72 this is a very small kit given how small the actual plane was, but after the experience I had with their 48th scale Hurricane line, I am fast turning into an Arma Hobby fanboy and am keen to sink my teeth into their line of smaller scale subjects.


5. TurboX Mini compressor 
From Gaahleri 
Not a kit but a tool, and that is the new, all-in-one mini compressor and airbrush setup – the TurboX Mini from Gaahleri. I’m calling this out because it gives those of you looking to give airbrushing a try a chance to dip their toe without spending loads of money to try to climb the learning curve. The unit you see is the actual compressor and comes with three pre-set pressures and also comes with their GHAD 39 airbrush to use with it. 
I tested this out on the recent pre-shade video I made, so if you want to see what it's capable of, check it out… and I’ll leave a link below. This will open the door for a lot of weekend modellers looking to level up their painting game. 


4. Lockheed Hudson
From ICM
1/48th scale
Kit No: 48330
The Lockheed Hudson Mk III is one of the most important early-war Allied aircraft. It was originally a converted airliner that became a coastal patrol bomber and reconnaissance workhorse. The Mk III variant introduced upgraded engines and additional defensive armament, including ventral and beam guns, making it a more capable combat aircraft for anti-submarine and patrol duties. 
ICM’s new 1/48 kit tool is a big deal because the Hudson has been seriously underrepresented in this scale, and they’re now bringing it to life with modern detail and engineering. From a modelling perspective, it’s a fantastic subject—twin-engine layout, greenhouse canopy, and loads of scope for Coastal Command weathering and operational wear.


3. Small Unit Riverine Craft with US Army Rangers
From 3D Wild
1/35th scale
From what I understand, 3D Wild is a relatively new U.S. company pushing into the hobby with high-detail kits produced using advanced 3D printing. The kit that caught my eye this month is the Small Unit Riverine Craft, a modern U.S. patrol boat designed for river warfare in places like Iraq, built for speed, shallow water, and rapid troop deployment. Operated by units like the United States Navy Riverine Squadrons, these boats carry infantry while delivering serious firepower in tight, high-risk waterways.
Compact but heavily armed, they’re designed to insert troops, conduct patrols, and dominate inland river systems. This is 3D Wild’s first 35th-scale kit, and the release comes as a full package – the boat, trailer, and 8 figures really make this an exciting standout release of an interesting modern subject with huge diorama potential.


2. ORCA - Jaws 50th Anniversary
From Agora Models 
1/16th scale
They say when buying a Ferrari, if you have to ask the price, you can’t afford it; at least that’s what I hear, and this is very much a similar case… but man, it is very cool! The replica of the Orca hits the market to celebrate the 50th Anniversary of Jaws (or 51st at least, as it was released in 1975)
This is a 1:16 scale and comes in 630 parts. It's 808 mm long and 724 mm high. It includes sound chips and speakers, lighting, and motorised parts as well as opening doors and windows and a detailed interior. 
From what I can tell, you can buy it in a one-off payment or sign up for a subscription where they send you pieces at designated intervals. Either way, this is for the serious fans or collectors only, but it was just too cool to ignore in this list. It would have been first if not for the subscription model and the price. 


1. B&L Models: Vietnam War ATC (H) ''Tango''
From
1/35th scale
Coming in at number 1 is the ATC (H) Tango in 35th scale by B&L Models. The ATC “Tango” was an armoured troop carrier used by US forces in the Mekong Delta during the Vietnam War, developed from modified landing craft to transport infantry directly into combat zones. Operating as part of the Mobile Riverine Force, these heavily armed boats carried troops, provided fire support, and played a key role in controlling the inland waterways.
B&L are a manufacturer out of Vietnam and are producing subjects based around the conflict that country saw. I just found out they previously released the Brown Water Navy Boat Monitor – a gunboat – so I guess this troop-carrier version was a logical step. The kit comes with 5 figures, and I can’t help but dream of getting my hands on this and perching a Huey on the back of it. This was the kit I wanted when I was a teenager, and to see it here and a reality is unbelievable.
Check out Clayton's video that accompanies this story on his YouTube page—Workbench Hobbies.

See more of Clayton's amazing works on his YouTube Channel, his modelling portal "Workbench Hobbies" or his Facebook page