Starfighter Decals is proud to announce their latest carrier air wing decals sets, CVW-9 1968 USS Enterprise. The Enterprise was one of the mainstays of the US naval war in Vietnam and 1968 was the Big “E”s third combat cruise of the Vietnam War. These sets are available in 1:700 for $17.50 and 1:350 for $40.00. These sets are available now.

NEWS just in from Trumpeter Models, a few more details of the much awaited 1/700 USS San Francisco, and a new brass photo-etch set planned for an April '08 release.

John Snyder at White Ensign Models stops by to show of the latest Peter Hall creations. Hot off the computer, WEM is taking orders for their new PE 35105, 1/350 USN Cable Reels and PE 785, 1/700 USN Cable Reels. The 1/350 cable reel set will retail for 3.62 Pounds ($7.40) and the 1/700 cable retail set will retail for 2.12 Pounds ($4.33).

Harry Abbott from Battlefleet Models stops by to give us word of his latest addition to his resin accessory line. Harry has bundled up several of the various deck fittings in to one set, the BFM-7105 Assorted Winches, Windlass and Capstans. This set includes 12 types of winches & windlass, two of each kind and two types of capstans, four of each kind. This set retails for $5.00.

The Frankenthal Class (Type 332) minesweepers have been built for the German Navy by Abeking & Rasmussen and Lurssenwerft shipyards. They were built between 1992 and 1998 and are part of the German Navy's minesweeper Squadron 1, with headquarters in Olpenitz.

The ships share a common hull design with the Hameln Class Type 343 minesweepers, built by the same prime contractor, an industrial consortium led by STN Systemtechnik Nord. The ships are constructed of non-magnetic steel.

A short time ago Gator’s Paint Masks posed the question to modelers as what painting accessories they would most like to have. Well, ol’ Gator listened and proudly introduces his new line of painting accessories and an alternative to costly punch sets. The new painting accessories include 1oz and 4oz graduated mixing cups, 8oz lab bottle and a 3 piece sable hair detail brush set.

Classic Warship Publishing proudly announces the release of two new Ship Craft books, British Battlecruisers of the Second World War and Fletcher Class Destroyers. As with all Ship Craft titles, these books are written with the modeler and researcher in mind. Both books retail for $19.00.

White Ensign Models is here with a look at their upcoming photo etch set for the new 1/350 IJN Takao. The set will include two large frets for all the ships in the class, including the Takao in her 1944 fit. John has even included enough awning stantions to cover the quarter deck or the foc’s’le. Retail cost will be 42.51 pounds. WEM is taking pre-orders now.

Meteor Productions sends us a sneak peek of their upcoming nautical releases. The 1/35 HMS Victory Launch will include parts to show her provisioning the ship (food and water), kedging (towing an anchor ahead of the ship when becalmed, then hauling in the anchor line to move the ship ahead) and for armed landing parties. The exact release date and cost has yet to be announced.

Building Trumpeter Models 1/350 scale CV-14 Ticonderoga ? Well mate, Eduard Model Accessories has just the aftermarket accessory upgrade for you!

Here is the latest release in full color, high resolution splendor!

New to Model Shipwrights is Moebius Models. Moebius Models was founded by Frank Winspur in order to bring back classic scifi and horror kits. Moebius is proud to announce their upcoming release, the 1/128 Seaview from the movie and tv series “Voyage to the Bottom of the Sea.” The Seaview is the first kit produced by Moebius Models as part of their agreement with Synthesis Entertainment.

Revell Germany sends us production photos of their new 1/350 Bismarck. There is a lot of nice details here and it looks like they have another winner on their hands.

On 22 November 2000, a contract was drawn up between Fincantieri and the Italian Ministry of Naval Defence to supply an aircraft carrier vessel, known as the Nuova Unita Maggiore (NUM) or 'New Major Vessel', to the Italian Navy.

The Cavour was launched in July 2004 and began sea trials in 2006. The aircraft carrier will be commissioned in December 2007 and enter service in May 2008.

Here's a "sneek peek" inside the box of Dragon Models Limited new "Premium Edition" kit, "HMS Invincible", in 1/700 scale plastic injection.

BMK is here to announce the release of their latest turned brass barrel offering. New to the inventory is the 15"/42 (38,1cm/42) gun barrel in 1/700. The 15"/42 gun barrel was used by many British warships including the Queen Elizabeth, Royal Sovereign (1916), Glorious, Repulse, Hood, Vanguard, Marshal Soult and Roberts Classes. These barrels with retail for $1.48 each and are available in single barrel quantities.

Pit-Road Models proudly announces turn brass barrel upgrade for the 1/350 Takao and Chokai. These upgrades include barrels for the main and secondary armament. For the Takao, the kit includes ten 20cm replacement barrels and eight 12.7com replacement barrels. This kit will retail for $29.46.
The barrel upgrade for the Chokai includes ten 20cm replacement barrels and four 12cm replacement barrels. This kit will retail for $27.62.

Continuing their partnership with Pit-Road, Trumpeter Models introduces their 1/700 USS New Orleans in its 1942 fit. This kit will feature the option of modeling either a full hull or waterline version of the cruiser. Another nice feature that Trumpeter has started is the inclusion of the main armament barrels molded with the blast bags. This looks to be another fine kit from Trumpeter.

Building Aoshima's new 1/350 scale Takao? Listen up, mates, FlyHawk Models and Veteran Models have teamed up to produce a fantastic super-detailing kit for this long awaited ship subject!

BlueJacket Shipcrafters is offering a free Classic Warships book on ARLEIGH BURKE with orders for its upcoming 1/192 scale kit placed by 12/31/07

Early Friday morning, a Canadian cruise ship struck an submerged iceberg off Antarctica and slowly began sinking. All 54 passengers and crew, including Americans and Britons, launched and manned the lifeboats and were rescued by another cruise ship. 20 hours after the impact, the MS Explorer slipped beneath the waves near the South Shetland Islands.

The Littoral Combat Ship (LCS) is the first of a new family of surface ships for the US Navy. The LCS is a fast, highly manoeuverable, networked surface combat ship, which is a specialised variant of the family of US future surface combat ships known as DD(X). LCS is designed to satisfy the urgent requirement for shallow draft vessels to operate in the littoral (coastal waters) to counter growing potential 'asymmetric' threats of coastal mines, quiet diesel submarines and the potential to carry explosives and terrorists on small, fast, armed boats.

Orders will be placed for nine Flight 1 (second-generation) LCS ships during 2008 and 2009, for ship commissioning during the period 2010 to 2012.

A World War II ship that served for decades as a training vessel for Texas A&M University sea cadets was sunk in open waters off the Texas coast Saturday, November 17, beginning its new mission as an underwater habitat and diving destination. The 473-foot, 7,000-ton Texas Clipper slipped below the waves about 17 miles offshore at about 12:35 p.m. and took around two hours to sink according to Bob Murphy, a Texas Department of Parks and Wildlife reef specialist. The operation to turn the Texas Clipper into an artificial reef cost $4 million and has taken a decade to complete.

Osprey Publishing sends us news of their latest nautical book release, Pirates of the Far East. The latest in their Warrior Series, Pirates of the Far East gives an in depth look at the feared Japanese pirates that raided Korean and Chinese shipping. Written by Stephen Turnbull and illustrated by Richard Hook, this book will retail for $17.95 USD.

The five Nansen Class anti-submarine warfare frigates, are being built by Navantia of Spain for the Norwegian Navy.

The vessels are: HNoMS Fridtjof Nansen (F 310), Roald Amundsen (F 311), Otto Sverdrup (F 312), Helge Ingstad (F 313) and Thor Heyerdahl (F 314).

BMK sends us news of their latest brass barrel package, the 1/350, 9pcs. 16" and 20 pcs. 5" turned brass gun barrels for the Trumpeter USS Massachusetts and North Carolina. These barrels are turned from brass alloy MS 58 and will retail for $46.20. Theses authentic look-alike barrels won't deform under varying temperatures like resin or styrene parts.

NEWS in from "Wings, Ships, Wheels" (WSW) Resin, of three new fall additions to the "S" category of their catalogue line-up!

Harry Abbott, owner/operator of Battlefleet Models sends us news of his latest 1/700 release, the USCG Sumac WAGL-311. This scale model of the US Coast Guard’s 114’ river tender is beautifully cast in resin. The kit comes complete with brass rod for the mast and photo etch railings. The retail cost is $15.00.

After Fujimi Models gave the ship modeling world a sneak peek at the Tokyo Hobby Show, it probably doesn’t come as a surprise to most of us. But now it is official. Fujimi Models will produce a 1/350 IJN Battleship Kongo. This beautifully British designed and built battleship has a very storied history. So there is no wonder that it is being presented in 1/350 plastic. As of right now, no release date or price has been announced.

Now you can super detail the pride of the First Mobile Striking Force with the latest release from LionRoar Model Arts Co.. Don’t be fooled by the name. The 1/700 Photo-Etched Flight deck for IJN Aircraft Carrier "Akagi" comes with everything needed to super detail your IJN Akagi, including a resin replacement island. Other enhancements that come with the kit are flight deck support towers and girders, anti-aircraft platforms, and photo etch island walkways and ladders. LionRoar also plans on releasing a similar set for the Hiryu.

Building Revell's 1/72 scale Gato Submarine? Want to super detail her with some great figures?

Well, Hecker & Goros has some fine looking white metal crew members to make your build come alive!

Building or planning on building Hasegawa Models new Nagato?

Here's an image update of the "Super" Upgrade set, available now!

Six Formidable Class multi-mission frigates are being built for the Singapore Navy. The first of class, RSS Formidable, was launched on 7 January 2004 at the Lorient dockyard in Brittany, France.

The Republic of Singapore Ministry of Defence (MINDEF) awarded the contract in March 2002 to DCN (now DCNS) in France for the design and construction of the frigates.

Underway refueling is now available for all your 1/700 Imperial Japanese Navy warships. Fujimi models announce the release of two new 1/700 auxiliary oilers. Due to be released in November of 2007, these Kyokuto class oilers will make for interesting dioramas as well as a subject for the Forgotten Sisters campaign. The IJN Fuel Ship Kyokuto and the IJN Fuel Ship Toho Maru will retail for $24.45.

This just in from the Far East, Accu-Stion Model Making announce the release of several new photo-etch sets. Coinciding with the release of Tamiya’s 1/350 I-400 submarine, Accu-Stion offers the modeler a photo-etch upgrade set which contains railings and ladders. Also part of their big release is photo-etch detail sets for the IJN carriers Taiho and Shinano, which includes radars, railings and safety netting. New too is photo-etch sets for the battleships Musashi and Yamato. All of these sets add the bonus of etched ship name plates.

Please join me in welcoming Ships & Co. to the Model Shipwrights family. This Italian based company produces 1/700 waterline resin ship kits. These very interesting modern era vessels are not you mainstream naval vessels. Two of these fine kits are modern fleet replenishment ships, the USS Charleston and the USS Kilauea. Both of these kits compliment the host of modern combatants available in 1/700 scale. Speaking of modern combatants, Ships & Co. also offer the missile cruiser USS Providence. This World War II light cruiser was reborn in the cold war era with the ability to strike with guns and missiles.

Still Motions Photographics is pleased to announce the latest release in their warship reference cds, the Charles F. Adams Class USN DDGs. This photo reference cdis packed with over 225 images of the Adams class destroyers. As a special bonus, you also get reference photos of the Coontz class DLG/DDG. As of now, the retail price is unknown. Expect it to be in the $20 range, though.

Fujimi Models announce the latest release in their upgraded 1/700 ship kits. The IJN Hosho, a waterline model, includes an optional photo-etched metal flight deck for improved detail and realism (a plastic deck is also included) and an air wing of six Navy Type 10 Carrier Fighters. Fujimi’s retail price for this kit will be $24.40

Fujimi Models announce the latest release in their upgraded 1/700 ship kits. The IJN Hosho, a waterline model, includes an optional photo-etched metal flight deck for improved detail and realism (a plastic deck is also included) and an air wing of six Navy Type 10 Carrier Fighters. Fujimi’s retail price for this kit will be $24.40

Niko Model has announced that they will be releasing the USS Florida BB-30 in the form of her 1920’s refit. This resin waterline kit features photo-etched details that include the caged mast, railing and other details. Along with the five main batteries, this model captures the unique lines of the torpedo blisters that were added in 1925.

Poland based resin ship kit manufacturer Niko Models have added two new highly interesting ship kits to their line of 1.700 scale resin offerings, details below, and first images too!

Modelers take note. We’ve asked for it and Dragon Models delivers. Coming soon, 1/700 USN Aircraft Sets. These new accessory kits will range from mid WWII to the Korean War for Dragon’s wide range of US Navy flattops. These kits include aircraft with both fixed and folded wings. Expected release date for these aircraft sets is December of 2007.

Hot off the press, Dragon Models announces their latest release, the LPH-4 USS Boxer. This detailed kit can be built full-hull or waterline hull. The flight deck elevator and deck-edge elevator can be displayed in any position. Also, Dragon includes 8 new UH-34J Sea Horse helicopters. As with Dragon’s other new maritime kits, photo-etched parts are included for items like antennas, safety nets and radar masts to ensure greater accuracy and scale authenticity. With it’s rich history, the USS Boxer is a very interesting and exciting new 1/700 ship kit.

The U212 submarine is capable of long-distance submerged passage to the area of operation. The German Navy has ordered four of the submarines.

The Type 212 is being constructed by Howaldtswerke-Deutsche Werft GmbH (HDW) of Kiel and Thyssen Nordseewerke GmbH (TNSW) of Enden. HDW is responsible for the bow sections and TNSW for the stern section. HDW is assembling the first and third vessels, TNSW the second and fourth. U31, the first of class, was launched in March 2002 and commissioned in October 2005.

The second, U32, was launched in December 2003 and was also commissioned in October 2005. The third, U33, was launched in September 2004 and commissioned in June 2006. U34 was launched in July 2005 and commissioned in May 2007.

Life Color Acrylic Paint send us news of their latest paint set, Life Color Kriegsmarine Set 2. If you are not familiar with this brand of paint, Life Color is water soluble acrylic paint that can be brushed or airbrushed on plastic, resin, metal, vinyl, wood, cloth and ceramic. Originally marketed to the armor and figure modeler, Life Color has expanded their colors to include naval colors.

In this news update from Japan, Pit-Road Models brings us five new 1/700 injection molded plastic kits with a modern flair. Spanning the world, kit subjects include ships from the United States, Russia, and Japanese navies along with ship from the Japanese Coast Guard. Along with fine kits, Pit-Road also gives us a new Imperial Japanese Navy World War II ship in resin. Let’s take a closer look at what’s new from Japan.

Harry Abbott, owner/operator of USA based resin ship kit and accessory manufacturer Battlefleet Models send NEWS of some interesting accessories, and a special new "Pearl Harbor" ship group set!

In June, MSW brought you news of Tamiya’s collaboration with two other Shizuoka-based hobby companies, Aoshima and Hasegawa to release the ultimate Pearl Harbor Attackers set containing all six of the IJN carriers involved in the December 7 attack. Well, it is my pleasure to say that these companies have done it again. The new set contains all of the escort ships that sailed with the aircraft carriers. Included in this set is the battleships Hiei and Kirishima and all of the submarines complete with their midget subs. All together, this will make a very impressive display

Hawk Graphics proudly announces the release of their new ship decal sets. Offering the modeler a wide variety of topics, these decal sets range from World War II signal flags to modern ship markings. Prices range from $7.00 to $22.00.

Expanding on their growing full hull, limited edition series, Hasegawa Models proudly announces the release of their 1/700 Japanese Navy Aircraft Battleship "Ise" and 1/700 Japanese Navy Aircraft Battleship "Hyuga". These kits include a full hull, metal gun barrel parts and photo etch. Expected release date will be in March of 2008.

The new UK CVF Royal Navy aircraft carriers, HMS Queen Elizabeth and HMS Prince of Wales, are expected to enter service in 2014 and 2016.