August 26, 2026

Preview: Special Hobby kits for September

Special Hobby has several releases slated for September. Some are new, some (re)newed. See them in our preview...

Preview: Special Hobby kits for September

Special Hobby has several releases slated for September. Some are new, some (re)newed. See them in our preview. This latest batch covers an incredible span of aviation history, from the dawn of the jet age and specialised electronic warfare to iconic World War II tactical bombers.

Fairey Albacore Mk.I/II
Scale: 1/72
Item Number: 100-SH72152
The History
The Fairey Albacore holds the unique historical distinction of being the final biplane bomber to enter active service with the British Fleet Air Arm (FAA). Designed with cleaner, more aerodynamically refined lines than its predecessor, it was built to phase out the ageing Swordfish biplanes. Much like the "Stringbag" before it, the Albacore was a jack of all trades, engineered for torpedo strikes, conventional horizontal bombing, dive-bombing, and long-range scouting. Its crew of three operated inside a rugged, all-metal fuselage, completely enclosed under a massive greenhouse canopy.
Entering front-line operations in 1940, the Albacore went on to equip sixteen combat squadrons and numerous training units across the FAA. These biplanes saw heavy combat in the unforgiving North Atlantic, the Indian Ocean, and the Mediterranean—most notably sinking several Italian warships during the pivotal Battle of Matapan while operating out of Malta. By 1944, the type was gradually phased out by the monoplane Barracuda. However, its service extended well beyond the FAA; the RAF deployed Albacores to Singapore in December 1941 and flew them over the English Channel in 1944. The aircraft's final combat sorties were flown by No. 415 Squadron of the RCAF during the Allied push across the Channel.
The Kit Highlights
-New Tooling: A completely modernised tooling project capturing the fine lines of this classic biplane.
-Detailed Parts: Includes four grey styrene sprues and one clear sprue for crisp canopy representation.
-Fascinating History: Replicates an aircraft that bridged the gap between biplane tradition and monoplane innovation.
Intriguing Decals: Features marking options for four separate FAA aircraft, including a unique scheme carrying US star insignias from Operation Torch in North Africa.


Baltimore Mk. I/II ‘First Version in Combat’
Scale: 1/48
Item Number: 100-SH48160
The History
Just prior to the eruption of World War II, the Martin Company entered a fierce design competition hosted by the USAAF for a next-generation twin-engine light attack aircraft. Though Douglas ultimately secured the primary contract with its DB-7 (which evolved into the legendary A-20 Havoc/Boston), and North American found success with the NA-40 (the precursor to the B-25 Mitchell), Martin’s efforts were far from wasted. While the USAAF initially passed on the design, France and Great Britain saw its potential, leading to the Maryland Mk. I/II.
Based on British operational feedback, Martin developed the more powerful Model 187 (XA-23), named the Baltimore. Powered by twin R-2600 engines, this heavily armed, four-seat bomber could carry up to 1,800 kg of ordnance. The early Mk. I featured a single machine gun in the dorsal mount, while the Mk. II introduced a twin dorsal mount. These early variants became legends with the RAF in North Africa, making a significant tactical impact during the Battle of El Alamein and serving on maritime patrol duties.
The Kit Highlights
-Early Variant Focus: Accurately depicts the distinct look of the first combat-deployed Mk. I and Mk II airframes.
-Substantial Plastic: The model is broken down across nine cleanly moulded plastic sprues.
-Mixed Media: Includes a photo-etched fret for fine structural details.
-Desert & Naval Schemes: The decal sheet offers four marking options—two in classic desert camouflage and two in Mediterranean naval schemes.


SAAB SK-37E Stör-Viggen ‘Electronic Warfare Aggressor’
Scale: 1/72
Item Number: 100-SH72540
The History
The SAAB 37 Viggen was an unorthodox, double-delta aircraft way ahead of its time, utilising a universal platform to fulfil strike, reconnaissance, and interceptor roles. It was also the first aircraft to feature a built-in computer utilising integrated circuits. As the fleet aged, several of the two-seat SK 37 combat trainers were heavily modified into the specialised SK-37E "Stör-Viggen" (Jamming Viggen) variant. These aircraft served as electronic warfare aggressors, disrupting radar networks to train frontline Swedish pilots against modern electronic countermeasures.
The Kit Highlights
-Aggressor Variant: Specifically captures the specialised antennas and electronic warfare pods unique to the SK-37E.
-High Part Count: Features ten comprehensive sprues of plastic parts.
-High-Tech Inclusion: The complex, distinct dual-seat instrument panels are provided as highly accurate, crisp 3D-printed parts.
-Striking Camouflage: Decals for four aircraft are included. You can build two in Sweden's iconic multi-tone "splinter" camouflage or two in the later two-tone grey scheme (including one adorned with prominent lightning bolts on the fin).


Heinkel He 178V-1
Scale: 1/72
Item Number: 100-SH72321
The History
On August 27, 1939, the course of aviation changed forever at Marienehe Airfield when the Heinkel He 178V-1 took to the skies, securing its place in history as the world's very first jet-propelled aircraft. Funded privately by Ernst Heinkel and driven by the genius of Dr Hans J. Pabst von Ohain, the aircraft was built around the revolutionary HeS 3b centrifugal jet engine. Piloted by Captain Erich Warsitz, this high-wing, metal-monocoque prototype flew twelve successful test flights. Though the original aircraft was later destroyed in a 1943 Allied air raid on Berlin's aviation museum, its legacy as the grandfather of modern jet aviation lives on.

The Kit Highlights
-Historical Milestone: Captures the clean, experimental lines of the world's first jet aircraft.
-Streamlined Build: Consists of a single main plastic sprue, ensuring a focused and rewarding build.
-Finely Detailed: Features a crystal-clear, injection-moulded cockpit canopy and a photo-etched detail fret to refine the cockpit and exterior details.


3D-printed part resin kits.

Baltimore Mk. I-V Weighted Wheels
Scale: 1/48
Item Number: 129-4522
Designed as a direct drop-in upgrade for Special Hobby’s new Baltimore bomber, this set features detailed resin-cast main gear tyres and a tailwheel. The main tyres feature a sharp diamond tread pattern and realistic weighted bulges. The set features 3D-printed hubs, giving modellers the choice to build the wheels with or without the protective hub covers.


Baltimore Bomb Sight Mk. IX
Scale: 1/48
Item Number: 129-P48055
An ultra-detailed, 3D-printed replication of the standard British Mk.IX bomb sight. While tailored specifically to sit inside the greenhouse nose of the new Special Hobby Baltimore, its universal design means it can be used to detail almost any RAF World War II bomber cockpit.


RAF Type B Bomb Trolley with Armourer
Scale: 1/48
Item Number: 129-P48056
Perfect for airfield dioramas, this 3D-printed set depicts the iconic Type B trolley—a ubiquitous piece of RAF ground equipment used from 1939 all the way into the 1970s. The set includes the detailed trolley, four 250 lb general purpose (GP) bombs, and a realistically posed armourer figure. It is an ideal companion piece for the new Baltimore or any RAF fighter-bomber.


Heinkel He 177A Heavy-Duty Undercarriage Legs
Scale: 1/48
Item Number: 129-P48053
To solve the common issue of large, heavy models sagging over time, Special Hobby has printed these replacement landing gear legs out of a specially formulated, high-strength ABS-style resin. Engineered specifically for their 1/48 He 177A Greif kit, these legs carry the weight effortlessly and feature crisp, integrated brake piping that is nearly impossible to replicate in standard injection plastic.


M36 Jackson Armour Plate Bolts
Scale: 1/35
Item Number: 129-P35051
To improve crew protection, M36 Jacksons frequently had additional armour plates bolted to the hull. This 3D-printed set provides a sheet of these distinctive, large-headed attachment bolts. They offer a sharp, scale-accurate replacement for the soft or missing bolt details on Tamiya and other 1/35 kits.


M36 Jackson Detailed Roadwheels (12 pcs.)
Scale: 1/35
Item Number: 129-P35052
A full replacement set of 12 roadwheels for the Jackson tank destroyer. These 3D-printed parts boast incredible fidelity, including subtle manufacturer markings on the rubber rims and realistic weld beads on the steel sections of the wheel.


M36 Jackson Front Headlights and Tail Lamps with Guards
Scale: 1/35
Item Number: 129-P35053
This detail-up set replaces the clunky plastic light clusters found in standard armour kits. It features delicate, scale-accurate light guards, two alternative styles of front headlights, and rear tail lamps. The headlight lenses are printed in a specialised clear resin for a lifelike finish.


Raupenschlepper Ost (RSO) Towing Pintle - Late Type (2 pcs.)
Scale: 1/35
Item Number: 129-P35050
A pack of two late-style German towing devices. While designed to enhance MiniArt’s RSO tracked tractor kits, these highly detailed 3D-printed pintles can be adapted to almost any mid-to-late-war German military soft-skin or armoured vehicle.

These new kits are available on Special Hobby's Website or from Hobbylink Japan