The first widespread rumblings about the Tamiya kit started around a month ago. There have been rumors galore for years and the odd joke is made now and again. I always make a joke such as, "Wait for the *_____ kit!" (* - insert manufacturer of choice).
Who really knows? The Hasegawa Fort I hadn't heard of and if that was announced (especially on 4/01) then I can almost guarantee it to be a hoax. I can't see Hasegagme doing a 48th B-17 or anything else of that type. It's just "not them"! But... they've surprised us many times in the past!
Fade to Black...