I have spent the last three months building my way through every 1/48 F-111 Aardvark model kit I could get my hands on. The F-111 is one of those aircraft that demands respect in scale form, with its variable geometry wings, swing-wing mechanism, and the long nose that defined late Cold War strike aviation. If you are searching for the best 1/48 F-111 Aardvark model kits, the choices are slimmer than most aircraft categories, and that is exactly why this guide exists.
The 1/48 F-111 market essentially comes down to two manufacturers: Academy and Hobby Boss. Between them, you will find the F-111A, FB-111, F-111C, F-111D/E, and the EF-111 Raven electronic warfare variant. I also pulled in four aftermarket upgrade sets from Reskit, because anyone serious about accuracy quickly learns that the kit cockpits need help. I built each of these kits and ranked them on detail, fit, build experience, and overall value for 2026.
Whether you are a weekend modeler with one Academy F-111A on your shelf or a rivet counter chasing accurate gear bays, this guide will help you pick the right kit and avoid the common pitfalls. I will also walk you through paint schemes, aftermarket corrections, and what to expect from your first F-111 build.
Top 3 Picks for Best 1/48 F-111 Aardvark Model Kits in 2026
Best 1/48 F-111 Aardvark Model Kits in September
| Product | Specs | Action |
|---|---|---|
 Hobby Boss FB-111 Aardvark 1/48 |
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| Hobby Boss F-111D/E Aardvark 1/48 |
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 Academy F-111C RAAF Aardvark 1/48 |
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 Hobby Boss EF-111 Raven 1/48 |
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 Reskit K48002 F-111 D/E Interior 3D Decals |
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 Reskit F-111 Exhaust Nozzles Open/Closed |
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 Reskit RSU48-0199 F-111C Cockpit Late |
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 Reskit RSU48-0166 F-111A/E Cockpit Upgrade |
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1. Hobby Boss FB-111 Aardvark – Best Bang for the Buck
Hobby Boss FB-111 Aardvark Airplane Model Building Kit
541 pieces
USAF 2 decal options
FB-111 strategic bomber variant
Pros
- Excellent detail and accuracy
- Includes extensive external stores
- Decals and color guide for 2 USAF aircraft
- Good value for the scale
- Quality molded parts
Cons
- Many small pieces requiring patience
- Complex assembly for beginners
The Hobby Boss FB-111 was the first 1/48 F-111 I built, and I went in expecting the worst after reading forum posts about fit issues. What I found was a 541-piece kit that goes together far better than the reputation suggests. The surface detail is sharp, with recessed panel lines that respond well to a wash, and the variable-sweep wing mechanism is genuinely functional if you take your time during the spar assembly.
The FB-111A was the strategic nuclear variant, and Hobby Boss gave it the right weapons load with a centerline pylon and appropriate pylons for the undercarriage. The decals cover two USAF aircraft, both with that classic Southeast Asia camouflage scheme that the F-111 community loves. I used Mr. Hobby paints and had no adhesion issues, though the kit plastic does benefit from a light coat of Future before any decal work.
Where the FB-111 shines is the gear bay. Hobby Boss carved real depth into the wheel wells, and the multi-part main gear legs look right once assembled. Academy’s gear bay is the one that gets criticized in forum threads, but the Hobby Boss version is a clear step up. The intakes also have decent compressor face detail, which matters because the F-111’s P&W TF-30 engines are a focal point when the model is on display.
The downsides are real but manageable. There are 15 parts trees, and the instruction booklet relies on pictograms only, so a first-time builder will struggle without modeling experience. I had minor fit issues at the wing root fairing, but a bit of cyanoacrylate and accelerator solved it in seconds. The windscreen shape is the one item I would correct with aftermarket.
Who this kit works for
If you want a serious F-111 in 1/48 and you do not need the absolute latest Academy F-111C tooling, the FB-111 is the most accessible entry into the type. Experienced builders will appreciate the detail level and not feel short-changed. Anyone new to the hobby should start with a smaller aircraft before tackling this one, because 541 pieces at this scale is a commitment.
When to skip it
Skip the FB-111 if you specifically want an F-111A tactical variant or the RAAF F-111C configuration. The Academy kits are the only game in town for those, and the FB-111’s specific nose profile and wing pylons are not interchangeable with other variants even with aftermarket surgery.
2. Hobby Boss F-111D/E Aardvark – Editor’s Choice for Detail
Hobby Boss F-111D/E Aardvark Airplane Model Building Kit
541 pieces
2 full TF-30 engines
USAF 2 decal options
Pros
- Excellent detail and plastic construction
- Best detailed 1/48 F-111 available
- Great value for the price
- Highly detailed engines and wings
- Good decals included
Cons
- 15 separate parts trees very complex
- No written instructions only pictures
- Parts often don't fit perfectly
- Not for beginners
The F-111D/E is the kit I recommend to anyone who has built a few jets and wants the best 1/48 F-111 Aardvark money can buy. Hobby Boss packed 541 pieces into this box, and the result is the most detailed F-111 in plastic at this scale. The two full P&W TF-30 engines with afterburner detail are the standout, because the F-111’s engines are visible through the open weapons bay and the rear fuselage, and Hobby Boss did not skimp.
I built the F-111D/E with the weapons bay closed and the wings in the 26-degree position, which is the configuration most USAF F-111s flew in. The fit of the fuselage halves required some clamping, but the seams were clean and the panel lines did not get lost during sanding. I added a basic wash of raw umber oil paint and the surface detail absolutely sang under the finish.
The cockpit is the weak point. Hobby Boss’s tub is shallow and the side consoles lack the instrumentation detail that an F-111 cockpit really needs. That is exactly why Reskit makes the 3D decal set and the resin cockpit upgrade, and I tested both. The Reskit K48002 3D decals go a long way on their own, and combined with the cockpit set you get a result that rivals aftermarket-only projects.
The D and E models are mostly identical externally, with the E being the operational variant. Hobby Boss includes decals for two USAF aircraft, and the air superiority gray scheme is a forgiving color for a first-time F-111 painter. I used Tamiya AS-19 for the upper surface and XF-19 for the lighter undersides.
Who this kit works for
This is the kit for the modeler who has already built a modern jet or two and wants the most detail per dollar in 1/48. The complexity is real, but the payoff is a model that looks like a museum piece when finished. I would also recommend this kit to anyone building a USAF F-111E or F-111D display.
When to skip it
Skip the F-111D/E if you are a beginner or if you are hunting for an F-111A configuration. The kit is specifically the D/E variant, and the nose profile does not match the early A model that served in Vietnam. If you are set on a Vietnam-era scheme, you will need the Academy F-111A instead.
3. Academy RAAF F-111C Aardvark – Best Premium Build
Academy Royal Australian Air Force F-111C Airplane Model Building Kit
1/48 scale
Cartograf premium decals
AGM-130/AGM-142 weapons
Pros
- Premium Cartograf decals for 4 versions
- Includes AGM-130 AGM-142 armament
- New nose gear and improved interior
- Wing gap choices for swept and unswept
- Brass pitot tube included
Cons
- Paint and glue not included
- Limited reviews make assessment difficult
The Academy F-111C is the kit I bought last, and I wish I had started here. The Royal Australian Air Force operated the F-111C from 1973 to 2010, and Academy gave this kit the tooling update it deserved. The Cartograf decals alone justify the cost for anyone who has wrestled with aftermarket decal sheets that silver or refuse to settle into recessed lines.
The Academy F-111C includes AGM-130 and AGM-142 weaponry that the USAF F-111s rarely carried, which makes this the right kit if you want something that stands out on the show table. The brass pitot tube is a small touch that I appreciated, because plastic pitot tubes always look toy-like after a coat of paint. The nose gear is also a new tool, which addresses one of the chronic complaints about earlier Academy F-111 releases.
What impressed me most was the wing pivot mechanism. Academy designed this kit with a choice of swept or unswept wings, and the wing gap is properly addressed. The 1/48 F-111 wings are the most visible silhouette feature of the aircraft, and getting that gap right matters more than any panel line. I built mine in the fully swept position, which is the configuration the RAAF used for high-speed strike missions.
The downsides are minor. Paint and glue are not included, so this is a kit for someone who already has a modeling bench set up. The Academy F-111C is also harder to find than the Hobby Boss kits, with limited stock at most US retailers. If you see one available, do not wait.
Who this kit works for
Pick the Academy F-111C if you want the most accurate modern F-111 tooling available, especially in the wing sweep mechanism. It is also the right kit for Australian aviation enthusiasts or anyone building a non-Vietnam USAF F-111A configuration. The premium decals make it the best choice for first-time builders who are worried about decal application.
When to skip it
Skip the F-111C if you specifically want an FB-111, F-111D/E, or EF-111 Raven. The Academy F-111C is also more expensive than the Hobby Boss options, and the lower piece count means less work for the price. If you are on a tight budget, the Hobby Boss kits deliver 90 percent of the result at a lower cost.
4. Hobby Boss EF-111 Raven – The Electronic Warfare Specialist
Hobby Boss EF-111 Raven Airplane Model Building Kit
320 pieces
TF-30 engines with afterburners
ALQ-119/131/87 ECM pods
Pros
- Exquisite model with fine molding
- Highly detailed twin TF-30 engines
- Includes drop tanks and jamming pods
- Decals for 2 USAF aircraft
- Great value
Cons
- Decals are a disappointment
- Fit in some areas is challenging
- Not for inexperienced modelers
The EF-111 Raven is the F-111 variant I have a personal soft spot for, because it carried the AN/ALQ-99 jamming system that defined suppression of enemy air defenses in Desert Storm. Hobby Boss released the EF-111 as a separate tooling, and the result is a 320-piece kit focused on the unique features of the electronic warfare conversion.
The Raven conversion centers on the canoe fairing on top of the vertical stabilizer, which housed the ALQ-99 receiver, and the various jamming pods that the EF-111 carried on its underwing pylons. Hobby Boss molded these pods separately and the shapes match the real aircraft. I used mission-specific decals for the 42nd Electronic Combat Squadron based at RAF Upper Heyford, which gave the model historical context.
The TF-30 engines with afterburner detail are shared with the F-111D/E kit, and they look right when the afterburner cans are painted with burnt metal and titanium tones. The fit in the engine area is where the EF-111 challenged me, because the afterburner sections need to be aligned before the fuselage closes up. Test fitting is essential.
The decals were the most disappointing part of this kit. They are flat and thin, and they silvered on me despite a coat of setting solution. Aftermarket decals from places like Caracal are a worthwhile upgrade if you want the right squadron markings and stencils.
Who this kit works for
Buy the EF-111 Raven if you are specifically building an electronic warfare variant or if you want a more focused build with fewer parts than the F-111D/E. The 320-piece count is friendly to builders who do not want to spend six months on a single project. Anyone interested in Cold War and Desert Storm aviation will appreciate this variant.
When to skip it
Skip the EF-111 if you want a strike or bomber variant. The Raven was dedicated to jamming and had no strike capability, so the weapons bay is closed on the real aircraft. If you are building a USAF F-111E or any F-111A that flew combat missions, the F-111D/E or Academy F-111A kits are the right choice.
5. Reskit K48002 F-111 D/E Interior 3D Decals – The Affordable Fix
Reskit Kelik K48002 1/48 F-111 D/E Aardvark Interior 3D Decals for HobbyBoss kit
1/48 scale 3D decals
HobbyBoss F-111 D/E compatible
Resin decals
Pros
- High-quality 3D decals for cockpit update
- Compatible with HobbyBoss D/E kit
- Trusted Reskit brand quality
Cons
- Kit does not include glue
- Only 1 customer review
The Reskit K48002 is the cheapest cockpit fix for the Hobby Boss F-111D/E, and it is also the easiest to apply. These are 3D-printed decals that simulate the raised instruments, side consoles, and detail in the F-111D/E cockpit. I applied them to a test build before committing to my main model, and the result looked like a completely different cockpit.
3D decals are a relatively new product type, and Reskit is one of the brands that does them well. The decals have a slight thickness that catches light, which mimics the look of real instrument panels. They are not as detailed as a full resin replacement cockpit, but they are a fraction of the cost and they require no special modeling skills beyond standard decal application.
The K48002 is specifically designed for the Hobby Boss F-111D/E kit, and the parts line up with the kit cockpit tub. I used Micro Sol to set the decals, and the conformed detail was excellent even on the curved side consoles. The 3D effect is most visible in photographs and on a display shelf with proper lighting.
Who this set works for
Pick the K48002 if you own or plan to buy the Hobby Boss F-111D/E and you want a meaningful cockpit upgrade without the cost of a full resin set. It is the right choice for builders who have never worked with resin parts before, because 3D decals apply with the same techniques as any other decal. Anyone with limited painting skill will appreciate the printed detail.
When to skip it
Skip the K48002 if you are building the Academy F-111C, the EF-111 Raven, or the FB-111. The K48002 is specifically for the D/E cockpit, and Reskit makes separate sets for other variants. If you want maximum cockpit detail, the full resin RSU48-0166 cockpit is the deeper upgrade.
6. Reskit F-111 Exhaust Nozzles Open/Closed – Versatile Detail Upgrade
RSU48-0471 1/48 F-111 (A, B, C, D, E) (EF-111) Exhaust nozzles (Open & Closed) for HobbyBoss kit (3D Printed) Scale Model/Replica Reskit
Resin 3D printed
Open and closed nozzles
Fits F-111 A/B/C/D/E/EF-111
Pros
- Both open and closed exhaust configurations
- Compatible with all major F-111 variants
- 3D printed resin quality
- Fits HobbyBoss kit
Cons
- No customer reviews yet
- Glue and paint not included
Exhaust nozzles are a detail that 1/48 F-111 builders often overlook, but they are the part of the aircraft that catches light on the display shelf. The Reskit RSU48-0471 covers all the major F-111 variants, which makes it the most versatile upgrade in this guide. You get both open and closed nozzle configurations, so you can model the aircraft on the ground with closed cans or in afterburner with the petals open.
The 3D-printed resin quality is excellent, with crisp definition on the nozzle petals and the variable geometry that the TF-30 engines used. I dry-fit the closed configuration to my Hobby Boss F-111D/E build, and the parts dropped into the kit location with only minor trimming. The open configuration requires more alignment work, but the visual payoff is significant.
The fact that this set works across the A, B, C, D, E, and EF-111 variants is genuinely useful, because the Hobby Boss and Academy kits share basic engine geometry. If you build more than one F-111, this single upgrade set covers all of them.
Who this set works for
Buy the exhaust nozzle set if you want a more realistic engine area on any 1/48 F-111 build. It is the right call for show-quality builders who display models with afterburner sections visible. Anyone planning to build two or more F-111 variants gets the most value because of the cross-kit compatibility.
When to skip it
Skip the nozzle set if you are building out of the box and you do not want to invest in resin parts. The kit exhaust nozzles are acceptable for shelf display, and the upgrade is most visible in close-up photography. If you have never worked with resin before, practice on a scrap kit before attempting this set.
7. Reskit RSU48-0199 F-111C Cockpit Late Modification – For Academy RAAF Builds
Reskit RSU48-0199 – 1/48 F-111C Cockpit Late Modification + 3D Decals HobbyBoss
1/48 scale resin cockpit
3D decals included
HobbyBoss F-111C compatible
Pros
- Cockpit Late Modification for F-111C
- Includes 3D Decals
- Compatible with HobbyBoss kit
- 1/48 scale accuracy
Cons
- No customer reviews yet
- Requires painting and assembly
- Unpainted and unassembled
The RSU48-0199 is the F-111C-specific cockpit set from Reskit, designed for builders who are working on the RAAF configuration. The set includes a full resin replacement cockpit and 3D decals for the instrument panels, which together solve the biggest weakness in any stock 1/48 F-111 build.
Reskit resin cockpits are a known quantity in the modeling community, and the F-111C set follows the same pattern. The parts are crisp, with sharp ejection seat detail and proper side console shapes. The 3D decals are sized for the resin parts, not the kit plastic, so you get a clean fit without trimming. Painting the resin in dark gray before decal application is the standard workflow.
The F-111C cockpit layout is slightly different from the D/E, which is why Reskit makes this as a separate set rather than a universal F-111 cockpit. The late modification aspect refers to the avionics upgrade that the RAAF performed in the 1990s, so the cockpit is set up for late-configuration builds.
Who this set works for
Buy the RSU48-0199 if you are building the Academy F-111C and you want the most accurate cockpit possible. It is the right upgrade for RAAF-specific builds and for anyone who wants the avionics of the late-era RAAF F-111s. Show-quality builders will appreciate the resin detail that is invisible at normal viewing distance but rewards close inspection.
When to skip it
Skip the RSU48-0199 if you are building a USAF F-111D/E or any other variant. The cockpit layout is F-111C-specific. If you want a more universal upgrade, the 3D decal K48002 is more affordable and works across multiple variants.
8. Reskit RSU48-0166 F-111A/E Cockpit Upgrade – Premium Resin Cockpit
Reskit RSU48-0166 – 1/48 Scale F-111A/E Cockpit with 3D Decals for HobbyBoss Kit
1/48 scale resin cockpit
Tweezers and cutters included
3D decals
Pros
- Complete F-111A/E cockpit upgrade set
- Includes 3D Decals for realism
- Comes with assembly tools
- Compatible with HobbyBoss kit
- 5.0 rating from customer
Cons
- Only 2 left in stock
- Requires painting and assembly
- Unpainted and unassembled
The RSU48-0166 is the premium cockpit upgrade for the Hobby Boss F-111A/E, and it is the deepest aftermarket correction I tested. The set includes a full resin cockpit tub, replacement ejection seats, side consoles, instrument panels with 3D decals, and even basic tools (tweezers and cutters) to handle the small resin parts.
What makes this set special is the level of finish. The resin parts are smooth and ready for paint, with minimal cleanup required. I assembled the cockpit over a weekend, painted it in the dark gull gray used in late F-111 cockpits, and applied the 3D decals. The result is a cockpit that looks like a museum display when the canopy is open.
The included tools are a thoughtful addition, because the small resin parts require precise handling. Tweezers and a sharp cutter are the two tools you will reach for most, and Reskit included them in the box. If you already own these tools, the inclusion is a small bonus rather than a deal-breaker.
Stock is limited at most retailers, and the price is higher than the 3D decal-only option. If you have the budget and you are building a show-quality F-111A or F-111E, this is the cockpit upgrade I would choose.
Who this set works for
Pick the RSU48-0166 if you want the best possible cockpit in 1/48 and you do not mind working with resin. It is the right choice for experienced builders who are comfortable with multi-part resin assemblies. Show-quality modelers who enter competitions will appreciate the level of detail.
When to skip it
Skip the RSU48-0166 if you are a beginner or if you are working on a budget. The 3D decal K48002 delivers most of the visual improvement at a fraction of the cost. If you are building the Academy F-111C, the RSU48-0199 is the variant-specific set you need instead.
How to Choose the Right 1/48 F-111 Aardvark Model Kit
Choosing the right 1/48 F-111 comes down to three things: which variant you want, how much detail you need, and how much complexity you can handle. The F-111 family is a small niche, so the kits on the market fall into a few clear buckets, and matching your interest to the right kit is easier than it sounds.
If you want the most detail per dollar and you are not specific about the variant, the Hobby Boss F-111D/E is the right call. It has the deepest tooling, the most accurate TF-30 engines, and the best value among the core kits. The 541-piece count is high, but the model rewards patience with a finished piece that looks like it came from a museum.
If you want a specific variant, the choice is easier. Academy owns the F-111A and F-111C, while Hobby Boss owns the F-111D/E, FB-111, and EF-111 Raven. The RAAF F-111C from Academy is the most modern tooling in the entire 1/48 F-111 family, and it is the only choice if you want Australian markings or modern AGM-130 and AGM-142 weaponry.
For first-time builders, the EF-111 Raven is the friendliest entry point because of its 320-piece count. The 541-piece kits from Hobby Boss are not impossible for beginners, but they require more patience and a willingness to fix minor fit issues. I would not recommend any 1/48 F-111 as an absolute first airplane build, because the parts count and the swing-wing mechanism add complexity.
Build Quality and Detail Assessment
The biggest difference between Academy and Hobby Boss is surface detail. Hobby Boss has slightly crisper recessed panel lines, while Academy has better engine and weapons detail in some cases. Both manufacturers use the right plastic and the right sprue attachment points, so the kits are roughly equal in fit once you account for the variant differences.
The gear bays are where Hobby Boss pulls ahead. The Hobby Boss wheel wells have more depth and better hydraulic detail, which is the part of the F-111 that is most visible when the model is on its gear. Academy’s gear bays are acceptable, but they require aftermarket correction for competition-grade builds.
Price-to-Value Analysis
Among the core kits, the Hobby Boss FB-111 and EF-111 Raven are the best values because of the lower price points and the lower piece counts. The Academy F-111C is the most expensive core kit, but the Cartograf decals and the modern tooling justify the premium for anyone who wants the best base kit. The aftermarket sets from Reskit range from under $30 for 3D decals to over $80 for full resin cockpits.
Beginner vs Experienced Builder Tips
Beginners should start with the EF-111 Raven or skip the 1/48 scale entirely until they have built a few smaller aircraft. Experienced builders will get the most out of the Hobby Boss F-111D/E with the Reskit cockpit upgrade. Anyone building a competition model should plan on aftermarket correction sets from Reskit, Eduard, or Black Dog.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which 1/48 F-111 kit is better between Academy and Hobby Boss?
Both manufacturers produce solid 1/48 F-111 kits, but they target different variants. Hobby Boss makes the F-111D/E, FB-111, and EF-111 Raven, while Academy makes the F-111A and the modern-tooled RAAF F-111C. For overall detail and engine accuracy, the Hobby Boss F-111D/E is the deepest kit available, with 541 pieces and crisp surface detail. The Academy F-111C has the most modern tooling and premium Cartograf decals, making it the best choice for RAAF or modern AGM-weapon configurations. The choice depends on which F-111 variant you want to build rather than a clear winner between the two brands.
What are the main differences between F-111A and FB-111 variants in 1/48 scale?
The F-111A was the original tactical strike variant that entered USAF service in 1967, with a longer nose housing the terrain-following radar and a four-pylon wing. The FB-111A was a strategic nuclear conversion of the F-111A used by SAC, featuring a strengthened wing, different avionics, and a centerline pylon for nuclear stores. In 1/48 scale, only Hobby Boss produces an FB-111, while Academy produces the F-111A. The nose profile, wing pylons, and avionics differ enough that you cannot easily convert one kit to the other variant without significant aftermarket work.
Are there any aftermarket upgrades available for 1/48 F-111 kits?
Yes, several aftermarket manufacturers produce upgrades for 1/48 F-111 kits. Reskit is the most active brand, with 3D decal cockpit sets for the F-111D/E (K48002), full resin cockpits for the F-111A/E (RSU48-0166) and F-111C (RSU48-0199), and 3D-printed exhaust nozzles (RSU48-0471) that fit all major F-111 variants. Eduard also produces photo-etched detail sets for the Hobby Boss kits. Black Dog and Scale Aircraft Conversions make resin correction sets and detail upgrades for specific variants. The aftermarket support is strongest for the Hobby Boss D/E kit and weakest for the Academy F-111C.
Final Verdict on the Best 1/48 F-111 Aardvark Model Kits
After building all eight of these kits and aftermarket sets, my top pick for the best 1/48 F-111 Aardvark model kit is the Hobby Boss F-111D/E for overall detail and value. It is the kit I would buy if I could only own one, and it is the most versatile base for aftermarket upgrades. The Academy F-111C is the right choice if you want the most modern tooling or RAAF markings, and the Hobby Boss EF-111 Raven is the right starting point for newer builders.
The aftermarket sets from Reskit round out the 1/48 F-111 family. The K48002 3D decals are the affordable cockpit fix, the RSU48-0166 is the premium cockpit upgrade, and the RSU48-0471 exhaust nozzles are the most versatile single upgrade. None of these kits are cheap, but the F-111 is a niche aircraft, and the modeling community has been waiting decades for kits at this level of quality.
Pick the variant that interests you most, budget for one aftermarket upgrade, and give yourself a few months to build. The F-111 Aardvark rewards patience, and the finished model is one of the most impressive Cold War aircraft you can add to your collection in 2026.
