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As much as we love the mainstream model brands, sometimes it is also nice to get off the beaten track and explore. This little adventure can lead you to hidden gems and might even give you a new kit or brand to love. So what are we waiting for? Let us explore some of the different non mainstream aircraft model kit brands!
Summary
- Non-Mainstream Aircraft Model Brands
- Watch the Unboxing & Review
Non-Mainstream Aircraft Model Brand
Here are six unconventional aircraft model brands and their model releases. Let us take a look at what kind of surprises they have in store for us.
- Kovozávody Prostějov
Kovozávody Prostějov is a hobby modeling company based in the Czech Republic that was founded in 1968. The company specializes in aircraft and has made models ranging from propeller planes to modern-day jets. Their aircraft model line primarily comes in 1/48, 1/72, and 1/144 scale, and that will likely not be changing anytime soon.
KOVOZÁVODY 1/72 Scale S.A. Bulldog T.1 RAF Special
The Scottish Aviation Bulldog T. 1 is a side-by-side trainer that was derived from the Beagle Pup’s design but was fitted with a stronger engine and a larger canopy. It first entered service in 1973 and was commonly found in the Royal Air Force. The S.A. Bulldog T.1 is a standard aircraft for flight training, and many are still in service today, with some of them even flying in their original RAF colors.
Get the KOVOZAVODY 1/72 Scale S.A. Bulldog T.1 RAF Special here
KOVOZÁVODY 1/72 Scale Cessna JRC-1 "Bobcat"
The Cessna Bobcat is a retired American twin-engine plane that was used during the Second World War. The Bobcat’s design was based on the commercial aircraft, the Model T-50, that was later used to develop the military versions. The Cessna JRC-1 "Bobcat" is a Don Smith Cessna configured as a JRC-1 navigational trainer and squadron out of NAS Dallas.
Get the KOVOZÁVODY 1/72 Scale Cessna JRC-1 "Bobcat” here
The Review
The parts are simple, but you will still be able to see some fine panel lines. Admittedly, the quality is not comparable to that of Japanese brands that spend millions on their molds, however that is to be expected. The clear parts are really nice, although the sprue gates are on the chunkier side and the parts are a bit thick too.
The parts do have some really nice surface detail; the wings have rivets here and there, and it comes in only one piece, making it a lot easier to glue. By the time you put it together, the thickness of the plastic will hardly be noticeable.
- BRENGUN
Brengun is a Czech hobby modeling brand that deals with airplane model kits, military model kits, model figures, and accessories. The brand is known for its wide range of photo-etched sets and resin accessories for airplane models. It deals with and produces model kits at the 1/72 and 1/144 scales.
BRENGUN 1/72 Scale Extra EA-300 4 Blade Propeller
The Extra Flugzeugbau EA-300L, or the Extra EA-300L, is a single-engine, two-seat plane that was based on the early 1980s monoplane, the Extra 230. It is capable of performing aerobatics and has a low-wing design with conventional landing gear. This incredible plane had its first flight in May of 1988 and stays active to this day, with different variations of it created throughout the years.
Get the BRENGUN 1/72 Scale Extra EA-300 4 Blade Propeller here
The Review
This Brengun kit, aside from having plastic parts, surprisingly has some resin parts as well. The pieces are really secure, and they have done a really good job of wrapping them up. You can see that besides the plastic and resin, the kit also comes with some clear parts and decals. Overall, a pretty good kit, and the 4 blade propeller added a nice touch.
- Modelsvit Balkans Ltd.
Modelsvit is a Ukraine-based modeling company that deals with the production of airplane and boat model kits while specializing in Soviet warplanes. This company produces unique scale kits and establishes itself as a quality leader in short-run production technology.
MODELSVIT 1/72 Scale Analog A-144-1
The A-144-1 was a special oval wing modification of the MiG-21. It was created to study the flight performance of "tailless aircrafts" using the Evelons control system. It made its first flight on March 18, 1968, and little is known about the plane since then. Unfortunately, it was destroyed in an airplane crash.
Get the MODELSVIT 1/72 Scale Analog A-144-1 here
The Review
The pieces look good; you can see some etched and engraved panel lines over the surface of the fuselage. The surface is not the most fantastic; there are definitely some bulges here and there where they are not supposed to be, but overall the surface does look pretty smooth. The parts resemble the ones that you would find in kits from the 1970s, but with enhanced details. The pieces are a bit chunky, and the sprue gates are quite large, but that only makes it a great starter for more inexperienced handlers. It is not as delicate as finer models, so you can be a bit more hands-on with it.
- Arma Hobby
Arma Hobby is a Polish scale modeling brand that has been around since 1998. They offer scale models of figures, armors, and aircraft of various sizes that are made of plastic, metal, and resin. The brand specializes in Polish history and naval aviation and makes simple, expert, deluxe, and limited edition kits.
Arma Hobby 1/72 Scale TS-11 ‘Iskra’ Bis DF
The TS-11 Iskra Bis DF is an upgraded variant of the Polish two-seat jet trainer, the PZL TS-11 Iskra. It was built for the Israeli Air Force in 1974, was designed for naval reconnaissance, and was given the ability to carry three cameras and armaments for espionage.
The Review
Arma Hobby is a newer company compared to the brands that we explored earlier. The kit has some nice photo etch and canopy masks, and the plastic looks fantastic. The model is a lot more refined and a fair bit different than the other models that we reviewed. It has better molding, especially in the fuselage. Arma has done a good job on this model, and the people are going to love it.
- Sova Model
Sova Model is a Ukranian manufacturer and scale modeling company that produces aircraft model kits and armor model kits. They offer their products at 1/48 scale, 1/72 scale and 1/144 scale.
SOVA-M 1/72 Scale N.G.Firebird OPV
The Northrop Grumman Firebird is an optionally piloted vehicle designed for the US Defense Forces for reconnaissance and intelligence gathering purposes. It is a poster boy for modern-day aircraft capable of operating multiple sensors at once in manned or unmanned configurations. Truly a marvel of modern technology.
Get the SOVA-M 1/72 Scale N.G.Firebird OPV here
The Review
The model pieces have fine surface detailing, and the wings come in one piece, making it nice and easy to assemble the wing section. It has the chunky, old-school style plastic look that does not look bland. The plane itself is odd-looking, but the parts are simple, and they really took the time to put in details in each piece. However, unlike most kits where you can find a location pin on each part, this model does not have one, so it is going to take a little bit of skill to build.
- VALOM
VALOM is a Czech scale modeling company that was founded in 2002 and focuses on model aircraft and accessories. Their plastic models are made through injection molding and come in 1/48, 1/72, and 1/144 scale. This modeling company covers unique aircraft and scale model subjects.
VALOM 1/72 Scale Vickers Viking 1A
The Vickers Viking 1A is the initial production version of the Vickers Viking Variant. It had its first flight in June of 1945 and was developed from the Vickers Wellington. It served as an airliner capable of carrying 21 passengers for British European Airways and the Essential Air Service program and had two variants: the Vickers Valetta and the Vickers Varsity.
Get the VALOM 1/72 Scale Vickers Viking 1A here
The Review
This kit is huge! It has fine surface details with rivets and indentations on the chunky bits and pieces. The parts are made of recyclable materials, so the color might be slightly different from what you are used to, but not to worry—it can easily be painted over. This is a pretty good kit, and great for the environment too.
Watch The Unboxing and Review
Watch as Brett and BJ unbox and show you the BEST aircraft model kits from different non-mainstream aircraft modeling brands.
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