Pre-order - IBG 48001 - 1:48 PZL M18B Dromader - Polish Firefighter Aircraft Single Seater

Pre-order item! Your order will be fulfilled once the manufacturer releases the product. Estimated availability: mid-July 2026. The delivery date is approximate and subject to change for reasons beyond our control.

1:48 scale plastic model kit of the Polish PZL M-18 Dromader (single-seat firefighter version)

IBG 48001 is an assembly kit reproducing the Polish PZL M-18 Dromader in a single-seat firefighter configuration. The Dromader is one of the most recognisable Polish utility aircraft – a stocky, rugged machine with a 9-cylinder radial engine and a large fuselage hopper, used for crop spraying and aerial firefighting around the world.

This is the first model of the Dromader in 1:48 scale, developed from IBG's new tooling. The shape and details are carefully reproduced, capturing the aircraft's characteristic silhouette with its massive fuselage and high-set cockpit. It is a rewarding subject both for fans of Polish aviation and for modellers looking for an unusual civil/service machine.

What's in the box:

• Plastic parts and clear parts
• Photo-etched parts
• Waterslide decal sheet
• Illustrated assembly instructions

Kit specifications:

• Scale: 1:48
• Catalogue number: 48001
• Manufacturer: IBG Models
• Assembled length: approx. 197 mm
• Model wingspan: approx. 369 mm
• Skill level: intermediate

Note: The kit does not include glue, paints or modelling tools. The model is intended for self-assembly.

Building the model:

The model is moderately elaborate and recommended for modellers with some experience, although the large 1:48 scale makes working with the details easier. Modelling tweezers and cyanoacrylate glue are useful for the photo-etched parts. Firefighting and agricultural aircraft usually wore bright, highly visible colours – white, yellow and warning markings; details and panels can be emphasised with a wash, and the whole finished with a satin varnish typical of aircraft models.

Tools you will need:

• Modelling side cutters for removing parts from the sprues
• Hobby knife or scalpel
• Files and sandpaper for smoothing sprue-gate marks
• Plastic cement and cyanoacrylate glue for the photo-etched parts
• Precision modelling tweezers
• Brushes of various sizes or an airbrush
• Modelling paints (acrylic or enamel)
• A wash to bring out the details

About the aircraft – PZL M-18 Dromader:

The PZL M-18 Dromader is a Polish agricultural and firefighting aircraft developed by PZL Mielec, whose first example took to the air in 1976. The name "Dromader" (dromedary) refers to its characteristic humped silhouette, with a large hopper for chemicals or fire retardant placed in the fuselage between the engine and the cockpit.

The aircraft earned recognition for its simplicity, durability and large hopper capacity, which made it effective in crop spraying and aerial firefighting. Dromaders were exported to many countries and used on various continents, where they proved themselves in demanding field conditions. In the single-seat firefighter version, the aircraft carries water or fire retardant dropped directly over the fire.

Original aircraft specifications (PZL M-18 Dromader):

• Type: agricultural and firefighting aircraft
• Crew: 1 (single-seat version)
• Powerplant: 9-cylinder radial engine
• Hopper capacity: approx. 2500 litres
• Wingspan: approx. 17.70 m
• Length: approx. 9.47 m
• First flight: 1976
• Manufacturer: PZL Mielec

About the manufacturer – IBG Models:

IBG Models is a Polish model company from Warsaw, known for plastic kits in 1:72, 1:48 and 1:35 scales, with a particular focus on Polish subjects and less commonly modelled vehicles and aircraft. The brand is valued for modern tooling, well-equipped kits – often with photo-etched parts and resin components – and careful reproduction. IBG develops, among others, extensive families of Italian M-series vehicles, British trucks and Supermarine Spitfire and PZL aircraft. IBG products are aimed at modellers who appreciate refined execution and out-of-the-ordinary subjects.