Spitfires over Tokyo: Commonwealth Air Forces in Japan 1945–1948
Coming soon from Fonthill and author Simon Gifford is Spitfires over Tokyo: Commonwealth Air Forces in Japan 1945–1948.
In the spring of 1946, the Royal Air Force, Royal Australian Air Force, Royal Indian Air Force and Royal New Zealand Air Force dispatched aircraft and men to form the air element of the British Commonwealth Occupation Force of Japan. Equipped with Spitfire XIVs, P51D Mustangs and FG-1D Corsairs, seven squadrons of fighter aircraft spent the next two years backing up the American forces in the successful disarmament of Japan and the country’s transition to a democratic nation. Supporting the fighters were RAF, RAAF, RNZAF Dakotas, which flew numerous sorties linking the forces in Japan to Hong Kong, Australia and New Zealand. Other aircraft flown in Japan included Austers, Ansons, Harvards and Wirraways.
Spitfires over Tokyo: Commonwealth Air Forces in Japan 1945–1948 traces the formation of the occupation force, including the formation of the Spitfire squadrons in India, through their helping liberate Malaya, Singapore and Hong Kong, and on to their final disbandment in Japan and the end of occupation duties in 1948. Profusely illustrated with photos of all of the aircraft flown in Japan, the majority of which have not been published previously, the book offers an illuminating window on a little-known area of post-war aviation history.
The 264 page, hardcover book is currently available for pre-order with release set for January 30, 2027.
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Eduard Releases 1/48 ProfiPACK A6M2 Zero Type 21 Model Kit
Among Eduard’s new September releases is a ProfiPACK Edition A6M2 Zero Type 21 model kit in 1/48 scale.
The Mitsubishi A6M2 Type 21 Zero was Japan’s leading carrier fighter early in the Pacific War. Introduced in 1940, it was exceptionally agile, long-ranged, and heavily armed for its day, with folding wingtips for carrier storage. Its lack of armor and self-sealing fuel tanks, however, later made it increasingly vulnerable to improved Allied fighters and tactics.
The “new” offering (82212) includes Eduard plastic parts pre-painted PE parts, painting masks and Eduard decals with marking options for five aircraft. It appears to be unspecified whether this is a new boxing or simply a reissue.
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1979 Cessna 172RG For Sale: “Lycoming O-360, Garmin GNC 300, ADS-B , Complete Logs”
A 1979 Cessna 172RG Cutlass has been spotted for sale. The listing states (in part):
This 1979 Cessna 172RG is a well-equipped retractable-gear, single-engine aircraft powered by a Lycoming O-360 engine. With approximately 9,005 hours total time and 1,364.8 hours SMOH… The avionics package includes a Garmin GNC 300, ADS-B capability, and an engine monitor… The aircraft is represented with complete logs and no damage history, two important considerations for buyers evaluating a well-documented aircraft. With its retractable landing gear, proven Lycoming powerplant, and useful avionics upgrades, this 172RG presents a solid opportunity for a pilot looking for a capable and recognizable Cessna platform.
The aircraft is located in Erie, Michigan with offers currently being accepted. Click here to check out the eBay listing, which includes additional photos and details.
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Interceptor! Spitfires to Foxbats: The Story of the World’s Finest Pursuit Aircraft
Coming soon from Key Publishing Ltd and author David Baker is Interceptor! Spitfires to Foxbats: The fastest chase planes with seconds to launch, which celebrates the fastest, most aggressive fighter aircraft ever built – the interceptors.
These are the aircraft designed to launch quickly, climb fast and catch intruders before they could strike – from Cold War nuclear bombers to modern cruise missiles. From the elegant Spitfire Mk XIV and the brutal MiG-25 Foxbat to the F-106 Delta Dart and F-14 Tomcat, this title tells the story of the world’s finest pursuit machines – how they were developed, how they flew, and how they fought.
The 116 page paperback publication is currently available for pre-order with release set for September 10.
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First Look: Halberd Models’ F-86H Sabre “Hog” Test Build / Parts
Halberd Models has announced a new North American F-86H Sabre “HOG” model kit in 1/48 scale.
The F-86H Sabre — often called the “Hog” or “Hawg” — was the largest, heaviest, and most powerful U.S.-built development of the famed Sabre family, designed primarily as a single-seat tactical fighter-bomber rather than the air-superiority fighter that fought in Korea. First produced from late 1953 through August 1955, it featured a more powerful General Electric J73 turbojet, enlarged fuselage and intake, increased internal fuel capacity, and the ability to carry up to 2,000 lb of bombs, rockets, or a tactical nuclear store. Later aircraft mounted four 20 mm M39 cannon in place of the original six .50-caliber guns. Although it never saw combat, the F-86H served briefly with the U.S. Air Force before passing to Air National Guard units, where it remained in service into the early 1970s—an important transitional fighter-bomber between the Korean War-era Sabres and the supersonic F-100 Super Sabre.
Details on the upcoming kit are limited. although it is reportedly resin and will be available for pre-order some time this week. In the meantime, a series of parts / test build photos have been released, additional examples of which can be seen below.
Continue reading First Look: Halberd Models’ F-86H Sabre “Hog” Test Build / Parts
Beech Bonanza D35 For Sale: “Very Good Shape Throughout”
A Beech Bonanza D35 has been spotted for sale. The listing states (in part):
Times approximate at 6500 TT and 800 SMOH. Dual nav/coms, New U-Avionix AV-30 multi-display with transponder. Basic 6-pack instrumentation. Tip tank recent overhaul. Ruddervators perfect. Beech electric prop on Continental E-185 engine. Compressions good. Interior fabric in great shape, headliner very clean. Solid landing gear for turf runways. Cruise at 145 kts at 11.5 gallon burn. Dual control yokes. Purchased to test our new carbon fiber ruddervators for the FAA so you know she has been taken care of. Annual March 2027… Very good shape throughout. Some very minor spots of corrosion.
The aircraft is located in McAlpin, Florida and is currently available for US $45,000, although bids are also being accepted. Click here to check out the eBay listing, which includes additional photos and details.
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Cavanaugh Flight Museum Shares Progress Report on CASA 2.111E Restoration
Cavanaugh Flight Museum has provided an update on their 1950 CASA 2.111E one year after the aircraft was transported to Ezell Aviation of Breckenridge, Texas for restoration.
For those that may not know, the Construcciones Aeronáuticas SA CASA 2.111E is a Spanish license built German Heinkel HE-111. More than 200 2.111s were built. The museum’s CASA served in the Spanish Air Force and was featured in the 1969 movie ‘Battle of Britain’ and the 1970 movie ‘Patton.’ The museum acquired this CASA in 1995.
Work done so far is described as “impressive” with the aircraft being completely disassembled and the fuselage separated into three sections for inspection, repair and priming. All cockpit components have been removed for inspection, repair or rebuilding. A new instrument panel is in the process of being crafted which will house gauges for the Packard built Merlin engines that will replace the machine’s previous Roll-Royce 500-45 engines.
An 18′ tall jig has been made to mount the wings so they can be stripped and inspected. A smaller jig was also made for the stabilizers. As of this writing the right stabilizer has been completed and the left one is underway. In addition, the center section has also been stripped and repaired. New wing spars have also been fabricated. Work on the main landing gear struts and tail gear have been completed.
Currently the aircraft is expected to return to flight around 2029-30. Click below to check out the complete update along with photos of the progress.
Continue reading Cavanaugh Flight Museum Shares Progress Report on CASA 2.111E Restoration
MiniArt to Release Fw 190D-9 Basic Model Kit With Distinctive JV 44 Liveries
Coming soon from MiniArt is a Focke-Wulf Fw 190D-9 JV 44 “Sachsenberg Schwarm” basic model kit in 1/48 scale.
The Fw 190D-9 “Doras” of JV 44’s Sachsenberg Schwarm, led by Lt. Heinz Sachsenberg, protected Adolf Galland’s Me 262 jets during their vulnerable takeoffs and landings in the final weeks of World War II. Operating from München-Riem and Ainring in spring 1945, these aircraft were marked with striking red undersides and white stripes for rapid recognition by German anti-aircraft defenses—making them among the Luftwaffe’s most famous late-war fighters.
The upcoming kit (48045) is described as “highly detailed” with realistic metal surfaces and panel details. Two marking options will also be included representing “Red 1” flown by Lt. Heinz “Heino” Sachsenberg and “Red 3” flown by Hptm. Waldemar Wubke. Check out kit contents and livery profiles below.
Continue reading MiniArt to Release Fw 190D-9 Basic Model Kit With Distinctive JV 44 Liveries
1971 Cessna 172L For Sale: “Comes With Fresh Annual”
A 1971 Cessna 172L has been spotted for sale. The listing states (in part):
The majority of this airplanes life was contacting scenic air tours in upstate NY. Just invested $11,000 into an annual! TT: 11494.6 TSOH: 897.5 Comes with fresh annual
The aircraft is located in Stormville, New York and is currently available for US $105,000, although offers are also being accepted. Click here to check out the eBay listing, which includes additional photos.
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New Two Volume Series Details Vickers Aircraft of WW1 With Drawings, Photos, Color Profiles
Newly released from Aeronaut Books and author is Colin Owers is a two volume series on Vickers aircraft of WW1:
The story of how the Vickers, Sons and Maxim Ltd, heavy armament manufacturers, entered aeronautical manufacturing when the military potential of aviation became apparent, is told in these two volumes. Vickers aircraft were soon flying, originally being based on the French REP monoplane. Then in 1913 they exhibited what could well be the first British aircraft designed from the start as a fighting machine with a forward firing machine gun. This was developed into the F.B.5, better known as the ‘Gun Bus’. They were in service as soon as the war broke out in 1914 and for a while were successful. The advent of the synchronised machine gun fighter saw Vickers machines fall out of favour. They built many interesting prototypes but only three were manufactured in small series.
The Company produced some of the fastest aircraft of their time and in a civil world would have achieved fame; however, they were not suited to the evolving aerial battlefield. The Vimy bomber of 1918 was a sensation, lifting a greater bombload the Handley Page O/400 on less power. The end of hostilities meant that no Vimy flew on operations in WWI but it went onto a long career in the RAF and in civil hands in its Vernon version.
The story of this remarkable company is told in detail including contemporary drawings from official manuals and reports. Volume 1 has 182 photos, 30 color profiles, and scale drawings of 3 aircraft in its 207 pages. Volume 2 has 221 photos, 33 color profiles, and scale drawings of 3 aircraft within its 214 pages.
The two volumes, Vickers Aircraft of WWI: Volume 1: E.F.B – F.B.12 and Vickers Aircraft of WWI: Volume 2: F.B.14 – Valentia Flying Boat are currently available in paperback format.
Product Page (Volume 1)
Product Page (Volume 2)
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