Spitfire V vs Fw 190: An Illustrated Account
Coming soon from Osprey Publishing and author Andy Saunders is Spitfire V vs Fw 190: Northwest Europe 1941–42 (Duel, 153), an illustrated account of the challenge posed to RAF Fighter Command by the Luftwaffe’s Fw 190, and the ways in which Spitfire crews adapted to the deadly new threat.
The introduction of Focke-Wulf’s Fw 190 to Luftwaffe service presented RAF Spitfire VB and VA pilots with a formidable new foe that could quite literally run rings around them. First encountered over France in September 1941, the Fw 190 – or ‘Butcher Bird’ – soon demonstrated its startling capabilities, wrong-footing RAF Fighter Command and forcing the swift development of new tactics and methods. The actions that ensued were some of the most fiercely contested of the air war in northwest Europe and would lead to the production and eventual fielding of the Spitfire IX.
In this new study, air war expert Andy Saunders details how the RAF – having perhaps become complacent about the superiority of the Spitfire – found itself left behind with an inferior fighter. Covering the introduction to service of both the Spitfire V and the Fw 190, the fighters’ first encounters and the battles that shaped subsequent tactics and design, it combines combat reports and first-hand accounts with archive photographs and newly commissioned artwork and formation diagrams to convey what it was like to be a fighter pilot in both aircraft from 1941 to 1943.
The 80 page paperback book is currently available for pre-order with release set for January 19.
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First Look: Liveries, Box Contents For Italeri’s Upcoming Macchi MC.202 (Early Series)
In November, Italeri will release a new Macchi MC.202 (Early Series) model kit in 1/32 scale.
The MC.202 Folgore (“Lightning”) was one of Italy’s most capable Second World War fighters, entering service with the Regia Aeronautica in 1941. Designed by Mario Castoldi, it combined the basic airframe of the radial-engined MC.200 with a streamlined fuselage and a Daimler-Benz DB 601 liquid-cooled engine, also manufactured under license by Alfa Romeo. This combination delivered excellent handling and a maximum speed of approximately 600 km/h (373 mph). Early production aircraft carried just two synchronized 12.7 mm Breda-SAFAT machine guns above the engine, lacking the supplementary wing guns introduced later. Fast and maneuverable, the early-series MC.202 represented a major improvement in Italian fighter performance, although its light armament limited its combat effectiveness.
The upcoming release (2524) will include new parts, 3D decals for the “highest level” of cockpit detail, photo-etched parts for enhanced realism, and decals with six marking options. It is based on the new tool MC.202 released in 2023 (2518 / Buy on eBay).
Check out livery profiles and box contents below.
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1962 Cessna 182 Airframe Project For Sale: “Almost Complete”
An “almost complete” 1962 Cessna 182 airframe project has been spotted for sale.
According to the listing, the airframe is for parts or could be rebuilt. It includes wings, tail, landing gear and sky dive door.
It appears that the project is located in Greenfield, NH. It is currently available for US $15,000, although offers are also being accepted. Click here to check out the eBay listing, which includes additional photos.
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Aeronca Champ Project For Sale: “Continental 0-200 Runs Smooth”
An Aeronca Champ project has been spotted for sale. The listing states:
Aeronca Champ Project. Continental 0-200- 100 Hp runs Smooth. Damaged left Strut and wing all repairable. No Logs or Airworthness Cert. Sold as is
The aircraft is located in Cheyenne, Oklahoma and is currently available for US $10,000 although offers are also being accepted. Click here to check out the eBay listing, which includes additional photos and details.
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Tillamook Air Museum Announces Grand Reopening Date
Ten months after a storm caused significant damage to its historic facility known as “Hangar B,” Tillamook Air Museum in Tillamook, Oregon is set to reopen to the public under its new owners, the nonprofit Vintage Aviation Museum of Spanish Fork, Utah.
The museum is scheduled to reopen at 10:00 a.m. on Thursday, October 29. The move comes following “an incredible amount of work” behind the scenes to restore the familiar museum experience visitors knew before the storm. This includes returning aircraft, exhibits and collections to the museum and preparing Hangar B for reopening. Work on the hangar itself is also ongoing, with details currently being worked out for repairing the storm-damaged section and ensuring long term preservation.
As previously reported, a deal was announced in August for the Vintage Aviation Museum to assume operation of Tillamook. They plan to relocate most of their aircraft collection to Tillamook while also bringing additional historic aircraft, eventually utilizing the entire hangar for aviation-related exhibits, aircraft displays, preservation, education, and visitor experiences. The “Tillamook Air Museum” name will remain.
To celebrate the reopening, Tillamook will will remain open until 7:00 pm on October 29. Check out the full announcement below.
Continue reading Tillamook Air Museum Announces Grand Reopening Date
Surface Details Progressing on Airscale’s 1/32 Bristol Blenheim Mk IV
Airscale has provided a new update on the development of their 1/32 Bristol Blenheim Mk IV kit focusing on surface details.
As previously reported, the Mk IV was the principal later version of the Blenheim light bomber, entering production in 1938 with a longer, redesigned glazed nose that gave the bombardier more room and visibility, plus added armor and more powerful 920-hp Bristol Mercury XV radial engines. Flown by a crew of three, it could carry roughly 1,000 lb of bombs and served widely with the RAF during WW2 in Europe, the Mediterranean, North Africa, and the Far East. Although fast by mid-1930s standards, it was increasingly vulnerable to modern fighters and anti-aircraft fire as the war progressed.
There will reportedly be an early version with the single VGO drum fed gun and no canopy blisters, and the later one with twin Brownings and blisters. The October update states that completion of the plastic parts is “getting closer.” Click below to check out the latest renderings.
Continue reading Surface Details Progressing on Airscale’s 1/32 Bristol Blenheim Mk IV
1991 Socata TB-21 TC Trinidad For Sale: “IFR Equipped, Complete Logs”
A 1991 Socata TB-21 TC Trinidad has been spotted for sale. The listing states (in part):
This 1991 Socata TB-21 TC Trinidad is a capable IFR-equipped piston single built for travel, training, and comfortable cross-country flying. It has 3,100 total time, complete logs, no damage history noted, and an annual completed in November 2025. Powered by a turbocharged Lycoming TIO-540-AB1AD engine rated at 250 HP, this aircraft offers strong performance and useful load capability. The avionics package is a major highlight, featuring Garmin G500 displays, Garmin GTN 750Xi, Garmin GFC500 autopilot, ADS-B, WAAS, LPV, SVT, active traffic, terrain warning, Garmin GI-275 backup display, Garmin GMA-35C Bluetooth audio panel, Garmin GDL 88 traffic/weather, WX-900 Stormscope, and Garmin Smart Glide. The aircraft also includes a Hartzell 3-blade prop with TKS prop de-icing, oxygen system, and a 2014 paint and interior update.
The aircraft is located in Idaho Falls, ID with offers currently being accepted. Click here to check out the eBay listing, which includes additional photos and details.
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“Enemy Engaged” Explores the RAF’s Aerial Offensive from the Blitz to Dieppe
Coming soon from Air World and author Dilip Amin is Enemy Engaged’: The Story of the Battle of Britain Bunker as The RAF Goes on the Offensive from the Blitz to the Dieppe Raid, which details Fighter Command’s transition from defense to offense as an integrated air defense system as well as nocturnal battles, high-stakes raids, and coordinated operations over occupied Europe and Dieppe.
‘Enemy Engaged’ follows the men and women of the RAF’s Fighter Command, fresh from victory in the Battle of Britain, as it begins to adapt from a defensive stance to one of a more offensive nature. Central to the story is the world’s first integrated air defence and control system, as well as Fighter Command’s Operations Rooms and Sector Stations, particularly that of No.11 Group at Uxbridge. In doing so, Dilip Amin weaves a tapestry of individual accounts and official documents to cover a backcloth of military and political upheaval.
Following on from the author’s ‘Enemy Sighted’ (Product Page), the journey continues beyond ‘Battle of Britain Day’ as the RAF duelled for air supremacy over Southern England to prevent Britain from being invaded. Then, as the bombers turn on London, Dilip transports the reader to the period known as the Blitz, as Fighter Command rises to meet the nocturnal assault. Read accounts from those at Uxbridge who witnessed the bombing and the night fighter pilots hunting the raiders in the night sky. Then, using source material, the author sets out Fighter Command’s policy of ‘Leaning towards France’ as it takes the fight to the enemy over Occupied Europe. Continue reading “Enemy Engaged” Explores the RAF’s Aerial Offensive from the Blitz to Dieppe
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Eduard Releases New ProfiPACK Edition Spitfire Mk. Ia With New Parts, Seven Liveries
Among Eduard’s new releases for October is a ProfiPACK edition Spitfire Mk.Ia model kit in 1/72 scale.
The Mk.Ia was an eight-machine-gun version of Britain’s early Spitfire fighter, distinguished from the cannon-armed Mk Ib. Its sleek elliptical wings, Rolls-Royce Merlin II or III engine, and eight wing-mounted .303-inch Browning machine guns combined speed, agility, and concentrated firepower. During the Battle of Britain in 1940, it fought alongside the more numerous Hawker Hurricane, playing a vital role in defending Britain against the Luftwaffe and establishing the Spitfire’s enduring reputation.
The kit (70202) is reportedly based on the new tool Mk.Vb released last year. It includes new parts as well as pre-painted PE parts, painting masks and Eduard decals with marking options for seven aircraft.
Buy on eBay (Additional Information via Scalemates)
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“Newly Constructed” RV-4 Airframe Project For Sale
A “newly constructed” RV-4 project has been spotted for sale.
The Van’s RV-4 is a two-seat, single-engine kit-built sport aircraft designed by Richard VanGrunsven as a tandem-seat development of his RV-3, first flying in August 1979. Its all-metal, low-wing airframe features fixed tailwheel landing gear and seating for a pilot in front and a passenger behind. Typically powered by a 150–180 hp Lycoming engine, it combines cruise speeds of roughly 190–200 mph with responsive handling, aerobatic capability, and good short-field performance, making it a versatile aircraft for recreational flying and cross-country travel.
According to the listing, the “structures only” project includes a Dynafocal 1 engine mount for a 0320 or 0360. It also includes an extensive builders log with plenty of pictures. It is located in Newport, Tennessee and is currently available for US $18,000, although offers are also being accepted. Click here to check out the eBay listing.
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