About Us

Special Hobby

     Special Hobby Ltd. was founded in 1990 in Prague and since its foundation has focused on the production and distribution of plastic model kits together with other kits made from additional materials in a variety of model scales and subjects.

     In 1990 Special Hobby started to produce and distribute vac-formed kits containing small parts using injection casting technology. The first complete injected kit appeared in 1991, a Bücker Bu181 in 1/72 scale, produced using the so-called “Short Run” technology. Special Hobby was one of the pioneers in the world to introduce the production method of “Short Run” kits and these kits were, and still are, popular with modelers and collectors alike around the world although the technology involved only allows for a small series production run unlike the usual metal (steel) mold injection method. The focus is on the hand made kit pattern being used directly for the mold manufacture with the mold itself being made of special heat resistant epoxy resins. As a result, the quality of the particular batches can sometimes vary as the resultant molds are extremely fragile and the quality cannot compare to the metal types. Despite these drawbacks Special Hobby has, in successive steps, reached the top echelon of kit manufacturers with its “Short Run” kits whilst on several occasions, been awarded and honored at trade exhibitions and model shows throughout the world.

     In a move to raise the quality of its kits, Special Hobby introduced production of model kits using the galvanized metal mould injection method. Gradually several production series have been introduced under the Special Hobby label and are listed below.

• MPM Production - This series is mainly produced using galvanized metal moulds with the result that the service life of these moulds is much longer compared to “Short Run” moulds and is devoted to aircraft kits.
• SPECIAL HOBBY - This series is a popular line of aircraft kits produced using “Short Run” moulds and supplemented with photo-etched and resin parts. The service life of these moulds is around three years.
• SPECIAL ARMOUR - A series produced using galvanized metal moulds. The service life of these moulds is longer comparing to “Short Run” moulds and is focused on AFV.
• SPECIAL NAVY - Another series produced using “Short Run” moulds and but concentrating on submarine kits in 1/72nd. scale. The kits are supplemented with photo-etched and resin parts.
• BEST CHOICE - A series of exclusive model kits intended for top modelers with only a limited number being produced. The kits contain plastic, photo-etched and resin parts and further additions. Each kit contains a numbered certificate of authenticity.
• HML - These products are hand made limited run high quality resin kits manufactured in 1/48th., 1/24th., 1/18th., and 1/15th. scales. These kits contain highly detailed resin accessories, white metal and photo-etched parts and vac-formed canopy.
• HPH - Products are limited edition, high quality resin kits with fiberglass fuselages and are produced in various scales with highly detailed parts and vac-formed canopy.
• ELF series are kits produced by Special Hobby for a Czech customer.
• AZUR - Produced in cooperation with our French advisor and patron, are a series of popular aircraft kits produced using “Short Run” moulds together with photo-etched and resin parts. The service life of these moulds is around three years.
• CONDOR - A series focused on aircraft kits produced using galvanized metal moulds.
• CMK 1/35 - This series is focused on 1/35 scale kits produced using galvanized metal moulds.

     Special Hobby also participates in publishing the Czech modelers’ bi-monthly magazine, Novinky.

     Special Hobby offers, upon request of further details, the production of injected kits for other labels.

CMK (Czech Master Kits)

     This company was founded in 1992 as a Special Hobby filial. Originally it focused on production of resin cast kits but later production expanded and a range of resin detail accessories, detail sets, white metal accessories together with modelers’ tools and aids was introduced. In addition, CMK also publishes monograph books focusing on interesting subjects which contain detailed scale drawings as well as original photographs and color profiles.

     CMK also offers, upon request of further details, polyurethane and white metal casting.

• CMK Detail set 1/48 – Highly detailed resin accessory sets in 1/48 scale for plastic aircraft kits.
• CMK Detail set 1/32 – Highly detailed resin accessory sets in 1/32 scale for plastic aircraft kits.
• CMK Detail set 1/72 – Highly detailed resin accessory sets in 1/72 scale for plastic aircraft kits.
• CMK Detail set 1/35 – Highly detailed resin accessory sets in 1/35 scale for plastic AFV kits.
• CMK Guns & Rifles - Highly detailed resin replicas of famous fire weapons.
• CMK Zimmerit 1/35 - Highly detailed resin cast tank bodies with shaped on zimmerit paste in 1/35 scale.
• Planet Models Aircraft - Highly detailed full resin kits of aircraft in 1/32, 1/48 and 1/72 scales.
• Planet Models Military Vehicles - Highly detailed full resin kits of AFV in 1/72 scale.
• Planet Models Naval Series - Highly detailed full resin kits of submarines in 1/200 scale.
• CMK Resin Armor - Highly detailed full resin kits of AFV in 1/35 scale.
• CMK Conversion Sets 1/72 - Highly detailed resin conversion sets for 1/72 scale AFV kits.
• CMK Conversion Sets 1/48 - Highly detailed resin conversion sets for 1/48 scale AFV kits.
• STAR DUST – High quality weathering pigments for modelers.
• NAVY Series 1/72 - Highly detailed resin accessory sets in 1/72 scale for plastic submarine kits.
• CMK Figures - Highly detailed resin figures produced in 1/35, 1/32, 1/48 and 1/72 scales.
• CMK Help Yourself Set - Highly detailed resin accessory for modelers.
• CMK Hot barrels 1/35 – High quality turned metal barrels supplemented with cast parts for AFV kits in 1/35 scale.
• CMK Barrel equipment 1/72 – High quality turned metal barrels supplemented with cast parts for AFV kits in 1/72 scale.
• CMK Quick and easy sets – High quality basic accessory to enhance the aircraft kits. Produced in 1/48 and 1/72 scales.
• CMK Foto Hobby Manual - monograph books contain detailed scale drawings, photos and color profiles.
• CMK Maritime – High quality limited series of resin kits for submarines and bases.