New Arrivals | Academy
The latest arrivals at the Bachmann warehouse include seven new releases, and over a hundred restocked items.
Israeli MD 500 Defender Light Attack Helicopter
Lightweight multi-role military helicopter developed by McDonnell Douglas Helicopter Systems (now Boeing) as a militarised version of the MD 500/MD 530 “Little Bird” family, itself derived from the Vietnam-era OH-6 Cayuse. Introduced during the 1970s, the Defender typically carries a crew of two and is noted for its compact size, agility, high manoeuvrability, and ability to operate effectively in confined or urban environments. The distinctive bubble canopy provides excellent all-round visibility.
Designed for reconnaissance, light attack, and counter-insurgency operations, the Defender can be equipped with a variety of weapon systems including machine guns, miniguns, rocket pods, grenade launchers, and anti-tank missiles such as the TOW. Fast for its class and relatively inexpensive to operate, the MD 500 has been widely adopted by military operators around the world for scouting, close air support, internal security, and light combat missions.
The kit: New tooling. 5 grey sprues & 1 sprue with crystal clear window parts, photo-etch parts, paint masks. Markings for three Israel Air Force MD 500 Lahatut (Defender) 190 Squadron helicopters nos 212, 214, 221, Operation Peace for Galilee (First Lebanon War), 1982.
1:35 scale plastic model kit from Academy, requires paint and glue. Product No. PKAY12136
US Air Force B-24J Liberator Heavy Bomber
Four-engined heavy bomber used by the United States Army Air Forces in World War II. It was one of the most versatile and widely produced bombers of the war.
The kit: Reissued Minicraft kit. 3 sprues. Choice of 2 markings: (1) 491st Bomb Group, 854th Bomb Squadron, 8th Air Force, England; (2) 90th Bomb Group, 320th Bomb Squadron, 5th Air Force, Wake Island.
1:144 scale plastic model kit from Academy, requires paint and glue. Product No. PKAY12666
US Marines F/A-18D Hornet “Night Attack” Multi‑Role Combat Aircraft
Twin seat, multi-role combat aircraft developed by McDonnell Douglas (now Boeing) as part of the F/A-18 Hornet family. Introduced in the late 1980s, the F/A‑18D was built in relatively small numbers compared to other Hornets and remains in limited service [2026] as newer aircraft such as the F‑35 replace them.
The kit: One-time reissue in mid-2026. This large-scale kit comes with five lifelike figures: three pilots and two groundcrew. Two comprehensive decal sheets include the distinctive markings for Marine Fighter Attack Squadron (All Weather) 225 “Vikings” pictured on the box artwork. 18 sprues, metal struts.
1:32 scale plastic model kit from Academy, requires paint and glue. Product No. PKAY12103
