USAF Museum Releases New Photos Detailing Bleriot XI Restoration
The National Museum of the U.S. Air Force in Dayton, Ohio has provided the best glimpse so far of their ongoing Bleriot XI restoration in a newly posted update.
The type is famous for being the first aircraft to cross the English Channel in July 1909, and it was used by several famous early aviators from Louis Bleriot himself, to Adolphe Pégoud to Harriet Quimby. It even saw service in the early months of WW1. The museum’s specific example was built from factory drawings by Ernest C. Hall of Warren, Ohio in 1911. He donated it to the museum in 1939. It was removed from public display in 2023 for restoration, with work beginning earlier this year.
The new update shows progress on the aircraft’s engine, controls and fuselage. Check it out below.
Continue reading USAF Museum Releases New Photos Detailing Bleriot XI Restoration
Inspiring New Guide Models the A6M Zero in Various Kits and Scales
Coming soon from Fonthill Media and author Steven ‘Grizzly’ Desmet is Second World War Aircraft in Scale: Mitsubishi A6M Zero
Here we will build the iconic Second World War Japanese propeller plane, the Mitsubishi A6M Zero, in four different scales and types, using a range of modelling brands including Eduard, ICM, Tamiya and Hasegawa. Additional options, either by scratchbuilding or using aftermarket pieces, are elaborately explained throughout the building process. For modellers of every age and skill level, this is a book to guide and inspire—a manual for creating something to make you proud.
The 160 page paperback book is currently available for pre-order with release set for January 30. Similar guides focus on the Spitfire, Pfalz D.III and BAC Lightning.
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A&A Models to Release New Tool Hughes XF-11 Model Representing Both Prototypes
A&A models has announced the upcoming release of a new tool, 1/72 Hughes XF-11 model kit that will be available in two boxings representing the first and second prototypes.
The XF-11 was a prototype high-altitude photo-reconnaissance aircraft; only two were built. The first prototype (44-70155) flew on 7 July 1946 with eight-blade contra-rotating propellers (two four-blade units per engine), but crashed in Beverly Hills when a hydraulic leak caused the right rear propeller to reverse pitch. The second prototype (44-70156), flown on 5 April 1947, replaced the troublesome contra-rotating props with conventional single four-blade propellers and otherwise retained the twin-boom, pressurized-nacelle layout; it flew without incident but the program was canceled soon after.
The kits (7250 / 7258) will apparently offer 235 /241 parts with decal sheets and painting masks. Additional details have not been announced. Photos of the kit sets will reportedly be provided “very soon.”
(via A&A Models)
1979 Cessna 182 Skylane RG For Sale: “Dual Garmin G5 Glass, Fresh Annual”
A 1979 Cessna 182 Skylane RG has been spotted for sale. The listing states (in part):
Turbo performance – Dual Garmin G5 glass – GNS 530/430 IFR – Coupled autopilot… Approximately 4,850 hours total time and 1300 SMOH, complete logbooks, and delivered with a FRESH ANNUAL INSPECTION at the seller’s expense… earlier in its history the aircraft had a documented gear-up landing that resulted in a prop strike and limited belly skin repairs. The maintenance records indicate no reported wing or firewall damage, and the aircraft has continued in service since.
The aircraft is located in Tustin, California and is currently available for US $164,900 although offers are also being accepted. Click here to check out the eBay listing, which includes additional photos and details.
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Modeling the Spitfire: An Essential Guide for Modelers of All Levels of Proficiency
Coming soon from Fonthill Media and author John Fenton is Second World War Aircraft in Scale: Supermarine Spitfire, which details how to model three different variants of this fascinating aircraft using kits from different manufacturers in three scales.
The Supermarine Spitfire is one of the most iconic fighter aircraft of the twentieth century. Having served in every theatre of the Second World War, its sleek design, exceptional performance, and central role have cemented its place in the hearts and minds of modellers and aviation enthusiasts alike.
…Utilising the very latest modelling products and techniques, Second World War Aircraft in Scale: Supermarine Spitfire takes you on a deep dive into how to create your very own Spitfire masterpiece. Highly detailed step-by-step guides are provided on construction, painting and weathering techniques, as well as complete guides on how to create beautiful airfield dioramas, with advice on composition, the use of terrain, and figure painting. From the elementary—such as preparing plastic parts and avoiding pitfalls—to the advanced—such as using resin and photo etching to add detail—this book is an essential guide for modellers of all levels of proficiency and will hopefully serve as inspiration to get building!
The 232 page, paperback book is currently available for pre-order with release set for January 30. Similar guides focus on the A6M Zero, Pfalz D.III and BAC Lightning.
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USAF Museum Completes Restoration of Only Remaining Kellett XR-8 [Video]
The National Museum of the U.S. Air Force in Dayton, Ohio has completed restoration of the world’s only surviving Kellett XR-8 experimental helicopter after countless hours of work by talented volunteers.
Developed as a prototype for the USAAF in 1940s, the Kellett XR-8 tested the idea of stabilizing a helicopter by using dual offset horizontal rotors to eliminate the need to power a tail rotor. Nicknamed “Eggbeater,” the design used two intermeshing wooden propellers above the two person cabin. The XR-8 first flew on August 7, 1944. Though the XR-8 was a revolutionary design, the Kellett Aircraft Corporation encountered significant problems with stability control and timing the rotors. The company modified the vertical stabilizers in an attempt to resolve some of these issues. Because of these and other complications, Kellett only produced two XR-8s before cancelling the program.
An official photo shoot was carried out on Monday. Plans call for the machine to be placed by the Vertijet in the museum’s R&D Gallery this October. The fabric covering on the left side of the fuselage has been removed to showcase interior views.
Check out a video showing the restoration process and final product below.
Continue reading USAF Museum Completes Restoration of Only Remaining Kellett XR-8 [Video]
Eduard Releases Limited Edition, Dual Combo “Sharks and Stallions” P-40 / P-51 Kit
Among Eduard’s new September releases is a limited edition, dual combo “Sharks and Stallions” P-40N Warhawk and P-51B/C Mustang kit in 1/48 scale.
The new kit focuses on aircraft from the China, Barma and India Theater. In the CBI Theater, the P-40N Warhawk was a rugged, widely used fighter for escort, interception, reconnaissance, and low-level attacks against Japanese forces and supply routes. The later-arriving P-51B/C Mustang brought much greater speed, altitude capability, and range, allowing it to conduct long-range bomber escort and offensive sweeps over Burma and China as Allied operations expanded in 1944–45.
The offering (11200) features Eduard plastic parts, pre-painted PE parts, painting masks and Eduard decals with marking options for 8 aircraft (four each).
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1981 Cessna 172P For Sale: “New Engine, Upgraded Avionics, Jan 26 Annual”
A 1981 Cessna 172P Skyhawk has been spotted for sale. The listing states (in part):
This 1981 Cessna 172P Skyhawk is a well-maintained aircraft equipped for dependable personal or training use. Powered by a 160 HP Lycoming O-320-D2J engine installed in 2025, this aircraft is IFR certified and features upgraded Garmin avionics, ADS-B, WAAS capability, and a host of additional equipment for confident cross-country flying. Maintained while leased to a flight school, it has received consistent care throughout its life.
Features include a new Lycoming O-320-D2J 160 HP engine installed in 2025, 4,800 airframe hours, 670 hours since engine overhaul, and 670 hours since propeller overhaul. The aircraft is IFR certified and equipped with a Garmin GNS430W GPS/Nav/Com, Garmin GTX345 transponder, ADS-B, WAAS capability, active traffic, and a terrain warning system. Additional equipment includes an engine and cockpit pre-heater, dual Hobbs meters, an insulated engine cover, and wing covers. The annual inspection was completed in January 2026.
The aircraft is located in Anchorage, AK with offers currently being accepted. Click here to check out the eBay listing, which includes additional photos and details.
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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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