In review of 2015 has been a great full year of Academy's new releases. During this year 2015, Academy has surprised us with a number of new releases of scale models, which shows, once again, their ability to do us enjoy with tanks, AFV and aircrafts stars of the battlefields and skies of World War II World (Allied and Axis) between 1939-1945. Academy has released the following NEW scale models in August, October and November: 

1. Academy 1/48 USAAF B-25B "Doolittle Raid".-

This is the 1/48 Scale USAAF B-25B "Doolittle Raid". Plastic Model Kit from Academy. Suitable for Ages 14 & Older.

Product Features:

• Highly detailed plastic pieces molded in dark gray and clear.
• Bomber with twin-engine used in Doolittle Raid led by Lt. Col Doolittle.
• Accurate, finely engraved cockpit interior and bomb bay.
• Accurately detailed panel lines and rivet.
• Waterslide decals.
• Illustrated instructions.

Product Specifications:

• Scale: 1/48
• Length: 13.38" (340mm)
• Height: 4.33" (110mm)
• Skill level: 4

In box review on Cybermodeler by Michael Benolkin.- (Conclusion) This kit as well as the other versions from the old Accurate Miniatures are the best B-25s in 1/48 scale and are the best of there particular models in any scale to date. I wish Academy would pick up where Accurate Miniatures left off and do the B-25J.

2. Academy 1/35 TIGER-I "Gruppe Fehrmann, Essel 1945".-

This is the 1/35 Scale Tiger-I "Gruppe Fehrmann, Essel 1945". Plastic Model Kit from Academy. Suitable for Ages 14 & Older.

Product Features:

• Highly detailed plastic pieces molded in tan.
• New tooled parts - asymmetric turret, 88mm cannon, mantlet, engine.
• deck.
• Photo-etched parts.
• Waterslide decals.
• Illustrated instructions.

Product Specifications:

• Scale: 1/35
• Skill level: 4

 In box review on Coen C (Youtube).- 

In box review on Cybermodeler by Michael Benolkin.- (Conclusion) This kit will build up into a nice late-production Tiger I which can be depicted as one of the Tigers of Gruppe Fehrmann in their hit-and-run defense operations or as one of the Tigers taking part in the seige at the Battle of the Bulge. In any case, these DEFModel zimmerit decals are a nice option to achieve that unique visual detail that was used to keep magnetic mines from sticking to the sides of the Tiger.

3. Academy 1/72 USAAF B-29A "Enola Gay & Bockscar.-

This is the 1/72 USAAF B-29A "Enola Gay & Bockscar. Plastic Model Kit from Academy. 

Product Features:

• Accurately, finely engraved cockpit interior and bomb bay.
• Accurately detailed panel lines and rivits; "Little Boy" and "Fat Man" bombs included and choice of two markings: "Enola Gay" and "Bockscar." 
• 'Cartograf' Premium Quality Decals Included.
• This Is A SPECIAL EDITION Kit With Limited Availability.

In box review on Cybermodeler by Michael Benolkin.- (Conclusion) The Academy B-29 is regarded as the best B-29 produced in 1/72 scale and it is also a straightforward build. Since both aircraft were bare metal and did not carry turrets, modelers will need some good sanding and filling skills to blend the turret blanks into the fuselage holes and prepare the airframe for bare metal paints. What is nice is that there are a variety of acrylic alternatives to lacquer-based metalizers should you want that option. What you will get is an eye-catching piece of history for your scale flightline. Have some fun and give one a try!

4. Academy 1/72 P-47D "Gabreski".-

This is the 1/72 P-47D & F-86E "Gabreski". Plastic Model Kit from Academy.

Product Features:

• "Gabby" Gabreski became a U.S. fighter ace in WWII and again in the Korean War. These are the aircraft he flew. 
• Includes markings for the last P-47D flown by Gabreski in WWII
• Markings for the last F-86E Gabreski flew during the Korean War are included
• Assemble with canopy open or closed
• Precisely detailed cockpit and landing gear
• Accurately detailed panel lines and rivets
• Cartograph decal included

Academy's new releases until August 2015 (previous post):

1. Academy 1/35 German Pz.Kpfw.VI Tiger I Mid Production Normandy 70th Anniversary.-

The Academy 1/35 German Pz.Kpfw.VI Tiger I Mid Production Normandy 70th Anniversary from the plastic tank model kits range accurately recreates the real life German heavy tank from World War II. This model requires paint and glue to complete. 

In box review on Amorama by David Foster.- (Conclusion) Initial inspection of this kit indicates that it is well made with nice clean detail. It is a combination of newly tooled parts and parts issued in earlier versions of this kit. Matter of fact you can flip over each sprue and on the back of the sprue label it indicates early or mid version. The build instructions are clear and simple in design. The decal and painting instructions are a nice touch that provide the modeller with a wide variety of painting options depicting vehicles throughout Europe and the Eastern Front. The decals are well designed and provide the required markings for numerous vehicles. I highly recommend this kit for all levels of experience.

2. Academy 1/35 US M36B1 Gun Motor Carriage.-

The Academy 1/35 US M36B1 Gun Motor Carriage from the plastic tank model kits range accurately recreates the real life US tank from World War II, mounting the 90mm on the M4A3 hull. This model requires paint and glue to complete. 

In box review on Amorama by Kevion Brant.- (Conclusion) Overall it is not a really bad kit from Academy and looks like it should be a good model to build for a basic modeller. For the more advanced modeller it offers a subject that could use a little help from aftermarket parts. The moldings are a little soft in detail in some areas with flash showing. The kit does show the age of the molds, and is not up to today’s molding standards. If you are looking for an M36B1, then I could recommend this kit as a decent starting point.

3. Academy 1/35 Soviet T-34/85 183 Factory Berlin 1945 Model Kit.-

The Academy 1/35 Soviet T-34/85 183 Factory Berlin 1945 from the plastic tank model kits range accurately recreates the real life Russian medium tank from World War II. This model requires paint and glue to complete. 

• New tooled Factory 183 turret
• Link & Length track
• Photo-etch bedspring armour

In box review on Britmodeller by Mike.- (Conclusion) There are plenty of T-34 kits out there, and while this couldn't be described as an Überkit, it is certainly of good quality, and keeps the detail, whilst retaining simplicity for ease of building. The only parts that might tax your skills are the bed frames, but as long as you have a reliable straight-edge and some patience, it shouldn't be too tricky. Even if your bends aren't perfect, it won't matter at all, as these frames had to content with tank-riding soldiers all the time, so must have got pretty badly beaten up over time. Highly recommended.

4. Academy 1/35 German Pz.Kpfw.VI Tiger I Late Production.-

The Academy 1/35 German Pz.Kpfw.VI Tiger I Late Production from the plastic tank model kits range accurately recreates the real life German heavy tank from World War II. This model requires paint and glue to complete. 

• New tooling of asymmetric turret, 88mm cannon, mantlet, engine deck and accessories.
• Zimmerit tool included.
• Photo-etched engine grille included.

In box review on Britmodeller by Mike.- (Conclusion) It's a nice kit at a competitive price, and you'll have a fair few spare parts lying round after that may come in useful. It's not super-detailed, but neither is it bland, and the addition of the newly tooled parts have improved it from the earlier tooling. Having to do your own Zimmerit might seem a chore to some and a challenge to others, but there are aftermarket sets in resin or PE, so it's not a massive issue if you don't fancy your chances of completing the task yourself. Recommended.

5. Academy 1/35 US M4A3 Sherman Calliope Model Kit.-

The Academy 1/35 US M4A3 Sherman Calliope from the plastic tank model kits range accurately recreates the real life US medium tank from World War II equipped with a multiple rocket launcher. This model requires paint and glue to complete. 

• T34 Multiple Rocket Launcher (Italeri parts) mounted on M4A3 75mm turret.
• Flexible tracks
• Photo-etch parts
• New decals.

6. Academy 1/35 Pz.bef.wg.35(t) "German Command Tank" Model Kit.- 

7. Academy 1/35 Soviet T-34/85 112 Factory Production.-

The Academy 1/35 Soviet T-34/85 112 Factory Production from the plastic tank model kits range accurately recreates the real life Russian medium tank. This model requires paint and glue to complete. 

• Reproduction of Russian T-34/85 tank used during WWII and Korean War.
• Accurately reproduced turret manufactured by No 112 factory.
• Six marking options.
• Semi-connected tracks.
• Photo-etched parts included.

 In box review on Genessis Models (Youtube).- 

In box review on AMPS by Brett W. Avants.- (Conclusion) Overall, this seems to be a nice, simple kit of a prolific tank. I am half way through the construction already and have encountered no real problems.  The beauty of the T-34 is the simple construction and the rugged weathering.   

8. Academy 1/35 US M10 Gun Motor Carriage - Normandy 70th Anniversary.- 

The Academy 1/35 US M10 Gun Motor Carriage - Normandy 70th Anniversary from the plastic tank model kits range accurately recreates the real life US tank-destroyer from World War II. This model requires paint and glue to complete. 

In box review on Amorama by Russ Amott.- (Conclusion)  Overall, I am very satisfied with the effort to improve this kit that Academy has taken. The new hull and turret shape look much better and the texturing is a good effect, and I like the new M2 .50 cal and the small etch bits will help. I can't comment on the accuracy of the interior but it does build up well. On the down side, the mantlet is still incorrect and the two piece plastic barrel is not the best way to go. The stiff vinyl tracks are likewise workable but not ideal, and may not match the version you are building. Lack of specific painting instructions also hamper the build. Having built the previous release, I expect this build will be similar, with generally good fit of parts. It is hoped that Academy will continue to improve their old releases and manufacturing techniques.