The 2023 Dream Kit List!

After I stifle that last turkey burp and toss that ‘ol tree out on the snowbank, my thoughts usually turn to figuring out which day of the week it is. But soon after that, I start to ponder what kits I’d like to see in the future. Now, I know that the rumor mill has been in full motion for months and chances are all of the new 2023 kits have already been announced on the Scalemates, discussed on the pods and, of course, viciously redlined all over the interwebs.

But this is a wish list; not a recap. This is about dreaming big.

As I have said before: We live well within the diamond-encrusted-platinum-age of scale models. Not only can we reasonably wish for the most ridiculous model subject in the most ridiculous of scales, we can hold out for multiple versions and manufacturers. Maybe, just maybe, we will get 1 or 7 of them within a relatively short while.

Except this isn’t always the case, is it? Sometimes it seems that for every new A-10 kit we get, we have to endure yet another dozen BfFW1090s or Spitfire Mk. IXWhatevers. Which inevitably leads to many lamenting the huge and unjust gaps in scale model kitdom. And, of course, the ever-predictable screams of “Wrong Scale!” by those inexplicably chained to all things 72.

My advice to these types is to be more zen about kit releases and to keep dreaming big.

I had dream kit list posts each year from 2019 to 2022. There have been a surprising amount of wins for me. I got my P-38 and my SR-71. It also looks like I’m soon getting two versions of my A-10 as well as my big Val from multiple manufacturers. I’m less sure about my new tool U-2R/S because Hobby Boss still has not converted this “2020 Future Release” into an actual, purchase-able plastic kit.

Most importantly, this hobby isn’t dying. During the last couple of years, we saw so many excellent kits. I believe this cornucopia of amazing new kits will continue to drown us in excellent releases for the foreseeable future. So, in a way I guess I should be thankful for what we have and what we are about to get in 2023.

But I’m feeling saucy and I want more. So, here is my 5 most wanted kits (in no particular order):

1. The F-86 Sabre in 1/48

The Sabre has a fan base that is right up there with those of the Spitfire, 109, or Mustang. It’s a big fan base. It’s a multinational fan base. And it has been a very patient fan base when it comes to models of this iconic fighter.

The best models we have are the Hasegawa and Academy kits. They were cutting edge kits from the mid-1990s. And, truth be told, despite their age and quirks, they have a strong following and I have seen some excellent builds of these kits over the years.

The most recent F-86 is from Airfix. When first released, the kit had the requisite “looks good in the box” reviews. However, I have seen some side-by-side comparisons with the Hasegawa and Academy kits, and the newest kit actually looked to be the oldest and least detailed. This is a problem considering there is no price rebate from the 25-year-old competitors.

I believe the time is right for a new state-of-the-art kit for the Sabre. Just imagine what a new tool, slide molded, razor-thin panel lined Sabre would look like. Just imagine an entire series of Sabre variants with all of the long, short and slatted wings. All with precise intakes and gorgeous cockpits. Of course, I am always going to be partial to the Canadair Sabres but no matter what variants are made, this could be a huge opportunity for a new line of kits.

2. A New Tool Corsair in 1/48

A few years ago Tamiya dropped the mic after it released its line of 32nd-scale Corsairs. The detail and the engineering of those kits are exquisite. They are perfect kits and they are a joy to build. So, I am definitely feeling greedy asking for more Corsair goodness. But hear me out.

When it comes to models of the Corsair in 48th scale, there are actually a ton of choices but it boils down to this: Tamiya for the early variants (-1, -2, -1a, -1d); Hasegawa for the late variants (-5, AU-1, -7).

There are well-known issues with these mid-1990s kits but they are easily fixed. In the case of the Tamiya kit, the bottom of the cockpit is “open” to the wing flap area. The wings are a multipart affair that requires very careful attention and planning to end up level at the tips. The top of the fuselage from the windscreen to the cowl almost always needs to be re-scribed and we all know how much fun it is to re-scribe a circle. And the armored glass in the cockpit is, well, definitely odd looking compared to the original.

If only the 32nd scale Tamiya early Corsairs could be scaled down to 48th – that, right there, would be “kit of the year” stuff.

3. Japanese Twins!

72nd scale zealots make me very jealous when they talk about their experiences with Japanese twins. 

It isn’t like we have nothing in 48th. I had a great time with the Tamiya Gekko and the Tamiya Betty Both may be getting a bit long in the tooth but both are fantastic kits. In fact, I can’t remember a single build issue with either of these kits. The problem is that I want more.

I think the Sally, Peggy, Nell, and Frances would be incredibly popular 1/48 releases. They would be smaller twin-engine aircraft taking up less display space with all sorts of interesting paint schemes to tempt builders. And for those who like weathering, chipping, and scratching, these would be the bee’s knees!

4. A 1/72 PB4Y-2 Privateer

This is a weird one for me. I am a solid ho-hum on all things Liberator. But I am a big fan of this single-finned variant. I never knew it existed until I ran right into it at the Pima Air and Space museum in 2018. At the time I thought Navy tri-colored planes were strictly the realm of small fighters and maybe the odd dual engine. This thing fascinated me. I crawled all over it. Then I read more about the Privateer and I simply had to have one. Until I found out that getting one is not that easy.

After building the 1/48 Blackbird, I have come to appreciate the smaller scale for larger subjects. At one time I wanted a new tool 48th scale model of the Privateer. Well, we may be in the platinum age of scale models, but that is reaching beyond the stars. I am also aware of some resin conversions for the Revellogram Liberator. But, well, yeah, no. I have a strong feeling those garage conversions will only lead to 4 pounds of resin dust, wonky warpy pitted parts, and regret.

This past summer I picked up the Matchbox 1/72 Privateer at a swap meet. I got it at a reasonable price too! I’ve cracked it open for a look-see and well, this model is almost as old as I am. It has its warts. But I tell ya, it’s the right size! I’m tempted to start it though because we all know that as soon as you finish a wonky kit of some old airplane, a new mold version is announced.

That would be worth it.

5. A 1/48 U-2R or S… but I could be talked into a 72nd

I think there are already 10 kits of these late variant U-2s at my LHS. These Italeri/Testors kits are readily available for very reasonable prices. However, they have raised panel lines and are not the most detailed. They need a lot of TLC and it seems that every aftermarket goodie for these old clunkers is long out of production. On the opposite end of the spectrum is the unicorn like Special Hobby kits that command unicorn prices when they can be found. Which isn’t often around here.

Just look at this brute! It’s got all sorts of things hanging off of it, or bolted on it, or sticking out of it. It looks mean and mean things need to be built. I am thinking 1/72 because of the wingspan on this beast but I know I would shell out for the bigger one.

Most recently, AFV Club brought us some of the early U-2s and from what I understand, they are nice models. However, these are much different (and noticeably smaller) than the later R and S variants.

Wanna Video? Of course you do!

Let’s Hear from you: What do you want?

No matter what, I am wishing everyone a happy, healthy, and fun 2022. I am looking forward to so many things this year and I hope the model gods smile upon me and answer a few of my requests.

My list is predictable as always so I’d like to see what you want to buy and build. Do you like any of my top 5? What would you add? Any glaring omissions?

Chances are that my “must have” kit is a very “meh” subject to others.

Let me know what you think in the comments.