Coming soon from Grub Street Publishing and author Air Marshal G.A. ‘Black’ Robertson is The Spitfire with Nine Lives: The Enthralling Tale of TE566, Wrecked, Rescued and Rebuilt to Fly Again

Shortly after TE566 was delivered to the RAF, it was one of several Spitfires gifted to Czechoslovakia at the end of the Second World War. Sold to Israel in 1948 and later left to rot in a kibbutz as a children’s plaything, it was rescued, recovered to England and lovingly restored. A new life on the display circuit and on film began in 1992, first in the UK and later in South Africa, where it was all but destroyed in 2002 in a fatal accident. The wreckage was bought, returned to England, then sold to an Australian aviation training institute which eventually sold it back to the previous owner. After passing through several pairs of hands, the aircraft was rebuilt once again by Colin Wills and Tom Gilbert and converted to a two-seater to fly once more. [continue reading…]

Eduard has released a new, limited edition PBY-5A Catalina in 1/48 scale.

The PBY-5A Catalina was the amphibious version of Consolidated’s famous WWII patrol bomber, designed to operate from both water and land with exceptional range and endurance. It became a workhorse for anti-submarine patrols, convoy escort, search and rescue, and night attack missions, and its versatility made it one of the most important Allied aircraft of the war. The Catalinas in service with the USAAF were designated OA-10A.

The new release (11198) features Revell plastic parts, pre-painted PE parts, painting masks, resin parts (wheels, exhausts and antennas) and Eduard decals with marking options for five aircraft.

Buy on eBay

A 1967 Bellanca 260C Viking has been spotted for sale.

According to the listing, the aircraft (one of only 26 built) is a 260 hp Continental IO-470F–powered aircraft with 2,768 total time, 276 hours since major overhaul, and just 19 hours since a full top overhaul. It features upgraded Garmin avionics (430 WAAS, GTX345 ADS-B, audio panel), Century II autopilot, 60-gallon fuel capacity, Cleveland brakes, modern alternator, and a comfortable updated interior, with over $45K in recent maintenance and a current annual through 12/2026.

The aircraft is located in Minneapolis, Minnesota and is currently available for US $45,950, although bids are also being accepted. Click here to check out the eBay listing, which includes additional photos and details.

LukGraph has announced that they will be reintroducing their 1/32 de Havilland DH.89 Dragon Rapide model kit in a completely redesigned form.

This isn’t just a reissue. It’s a brand-new project: refined, corrected, and heavily detailed to push the level of realism and build experience even further. Every surface, every line, every detail has been rethought to do justice to this iconic aircraft.

The kit will be fully printed (no casting) and will be offered in a variety of boxings with British military, Foreign military and civilian markings. As of this writing, a final release date has not yet been announced.

(via LukGraph)

A 1946 Cessna 120 has been spotted for sale. The listing states (in part):

1946 Cessna 120, S/N 9174, N90113, with 130-hp O-290-D and Sensenich M76AM-2 54″ prop. 2x 12.5 gallon tanks for up to 4 hours of flight time. Garmin avionics GTR-200B, GTX-327, GDL-82 ADS-B Out, and GDL-50R ADS-B In. Annual completed Nov 25. Cruise 110mph, climbs 700+fpm, 5-6 gph. Blue/white paint, clean interior. Ready for your next adventure. Currently stored at KBAZ and will be flying, hours will change. TTAF: 5552hrs; SPOH: 283hrs ( Last OH Apr 2017); SMOH: 305hrs (Last OH May 2017) (TBO – 1500hrs); Useful Load – 448lbs

The aircraft is located in Seguin, Texas and is currently available for US $45,000 although offers are also being accepted. Click here to check out the eBay listing, which includes additional photos and details.

Special Hobby has revealed new renderings and marking options for their upcoming TP-40N model kit in 1/72 scale.

The TP-40N is a two-seat trainer conversion of the Curtiss P-40 Warhawk. It keeps the P-40’s characteristic long nose and Allison V-1710 engine.

The company states that the decals for the upcoming release (72543) will feature three aircraft: olive/gray, natural metal, and olive with green spots/gray. The kit itself will combine plastic and 3D printed parts. Click below to check out additional images.

[continue reading…]

A 1973 Pitts Special S-1 has been spotted for sale. Details are limited, but the listing states that it is part of a restoration project.

The S-1 is a compact, single-seat aerobatic biplane designed by Curtis Pitts for high-performance stunt flying, and it became one of the most influential aircraft in airshow and competition aerobatics. It has been a favorite among aerobatic pilots since the 1940s.

The aircraft is located in Mesa, Arizona and is currently available for US $25,000, although offers are also being accepted. Click here to check out the eBay listing, which includes additional photos.

Coming soon from MMPBooks and author Dariusz Karnas is Fieseler Fi 156 Storch (Yellow Series), a second edition that reportedly includes new color profiles, enhanced content and a thoroughly revised and improved text.

The Fieseler Fi 156 Storch (stork) was a German liaison aircraft built before and during World War II, and even post war in France. It remains famous to this day for its excellent STOL performance and remarkable wartime exploits. This book describes in detail the technical aspects of the aircraft, its design and development. All wartime versions are described in detail.

It contains: scale plans in 1/72 nd scale; photos and drawings from Technical Manuals; superb color illustrations of camouflage and markings; rare b+w archive photographs; color photos of preserved aircraft.

The 256 page book is currently available for pre-order with release set for August 10.

Product Page (Additional Information via AeroScale)

MiniArt has released their new P-47N-2RE Thunderbolt Basic model kit in 1/48 scale.

Aas previously reported, this particular variant was a long-range version of the famous American fighter. Designed for extended operations, the P-47N featured a distinctive wing shape and increased fuel capacity, making it well suited for late-war escort and ground attack missions.

The kit (48068) is part of a range of new P-47 variants offered by the company. It is described as highly detailed and accurate with photo-etched parts and marking options for two aircraft.

Buy on eBay

A 1977 Mooney M20J has been spotted for sale. The listing states (in part):

This 1977 Mooney M20J is a well-maintained, regularly flown aircraft… 4,292 total time and 833 hours since major overhaul, including a new camshaft installed approximately 150 hours ago… The panel is equipped with a Garmin GTN 650, Garmin aera 660 coupled, Garmin GTX 345 ADS-B In/Out, JPI 730 engine monitor, and dual Electroair electronic ignition. It also features a working Century III autopilot with altitude hold… Performance upgrades include a Power Flow exhaust, inflatable door seal, one-piece belly pan, and upgraded thicker windows. Additional highlights include wing tanks sealed by Weep No More in 2012, hangared storage, and regular use and maintenance. A 2012 gear-up incident was repaired at a Mooney Service Center in Wilmar. This aircraft cruises lean of peak at approximately 145 KTAS while burning only 8 to 8.5 GPH, making it an efficient and capable option for personal or cross-country flying.

The aircraft is located in Lakeville, Minnesota and is currently available with offers being being accepted. Click here to check out the eBay listing, which includes additional photos and details.