New Arrivals | Academy
A passion for precision
Academy Plastic Model Co Ltd has been at the forefront of plastic kit production since 1969. Usually at least twelve new models are released every year, consisting of 100% new tooling, models with new parts, and decal variations using existing tooling. Many Academy model kits are officially licenced, with licensors including Bell, Boeing, Lockheed Martin, and Sikorksy. As a South Korean company, plastic kits of the motor vehicle manufacturer Hyundai feature from time to time.
Following a long association with the US kit manufacturer Minicraft, Academy acquired all the Minicraft moulds in 2023. Minicraft was established in California in the early 1960s but ceased trading in late 2022. The brand will be familiar to many, and the steady reissue of Minicraft kits in Academy packaging fills important gaps in the kit modelling sphere.
Pocketbond and Bachmann have been the exclusive distributor for Academy in the U.K. since 2009.
The latest arrivals at the Bachmann warehouse include two new toolings and a Minicraft reissue, plus more than one hundred restocked model lines.
US Civil Air Patrol Cessna 172 Skyhawk Light Aircraft
The Civil Air Patrol (CAP) is the official civilian auxiliary of the United States Air Force, founded in 1941 just days before the attack on Pearl Harbor. Today, CAP plays a vital role in supporting national interests through its three primary missions: emergency services, aerospace education, and cadet programs.
CAP operates a large, modern fleet of light aircraft, and among the most common is the Cessna 172 Skyhawk – a four-seat, single-engine, high-wing airplane widely recognized for its reliability, ease of handling, and affordability. The 172 serves CAP in search and rescue operations, disaster relief, aerial reconnaissance, and flight training for cadets and adult volunteers.
Reissued Minicraft kit with new decals. Detailed interior. Removeable cowling displays engine. Choice of markings for two Civil Air Patrol aircraft, N430CP or N19NJ.
1:48 scale model kit from Academy, requires paint and glue. Product No. PKAY12367
US Air Force B-2A Stealth Bomber
The B-2 “Spirit” is a long-range, heavy strategic bomber developed by Northrop Grumman for the United States Air Force. First flown in 1989 and entering service in 1997, the B-2 is renowned for its distinctive flying-wing design and advanced stealth technology, enabling it to penetrate dense air defences and deliver both conventional and nuclear weapons.
Conceived during the Cold War to counter evolving Soviet defences, the B-2’s low observable characteristics, combined with high payload capacity and intercontinental range, give it unique strategic value. Despite its advanced design, development and production were slow and costly. Following collapse of the Soviet Union the plan for 132 aircraft was cut and subsequently only 21 B-2A aircraft were built.
Only the B-2A variant was produced. There were proposals and conceptual developments for further variants, but these never entered service. The name “Spirit” was officially applied to the B-2A bomber at its rollout ceremony on 22 November 1988.
At that event, the aircraft was formally revealed to the public for the first time at Northrop’s facilities in Palmdale, California, and it was announced as the “B-2 Spirit”, reflecting its stealthy, almost ghost-like ability to avoid detection.
Subsequently, each individual aircraft received its own unique name, typically honouring a U.S. state, such as “Spirit of America”, “Spirit of Kansas”, “Spirit of New York”.
B-2s operate in frontline service today with the 509th Bomb Wing based at Whiteman Air Force Base, Missouri. Periodic upgrades will extend its operational life into the 2030s. Two aircraft have been lost in accidents.
New tooling. 4 new sprues plus clear parts. Choice of 5 markings. Paint mask included.
1:144 scale plastic model kit from Academy, requires paint and glue. Product No. PKAY12645
Korean Army K21 Infantry Fighting Vehicle
Modern tracked Infantry Fighting Vehicle developed by Hanwha Defense (formerly Doosan DST) for the Republic of Korea Army (ROKA). Designed to replace older K200-series vehicles, with enhanced mobility, firepower, and protection for frontline troops.
New tooling. 4 new sprues, hull & turret. Hatches can be built open or closed. Flexible tracks &
photo-etch included. Extra markings for Armed Forces Day Parade in Seoul, South Korea.
1:35 scale plastic model kit from Academy, requires paint and glue. Product No. PKAY13566
