Coming soon from Air World and authors Jack Sowter and Ian Richardson is Bomber Crew Escaper: One Wartime Airman’s Story of Baling Out, Capture, Imprisonment and Escape

Sergeant Jack Sowter had joined the RAF in October 1941, originally as a trainee wireless operator. He later re-mustered as a navigator and joined the crew of a Handley Page Halifax of 78 Squadron.

On the night of 27/28 July 1943, Jack’s aircraft, JD 148, was one of 787 bombers tasked with attacking the port of Hamburg as part of Operation Gomorrah. Having successfully unleashed its deadly load on the German city, Jack’s captain, Sergeant Les Maidment, turned for home. However, Maidment could not escape the penetrating beams of the German searchlights, nor the enemy flak. With his aircraft repeatedly hit, Maidment gave his crew the order to bale out. [continue reading…]

Special Hobby is preparing to release a new tool Fairey Albacore model kit in 1/72 scale.

The Fairey Albacore was a British single-engine biplane torpedo bomber developed as a replacement for the Fairey Swordfish, but it ended up serving alongside it rather than supplanting it. Used by the Fleet Air Arm during World War II, it carried a three-man crew and handled torpedo attacks, bombing, reconnaissance, and anti-shipping work before being withdrawn from frontline service in 1945.

Deatils about the upcoming kit (SH72152) are currently scarce, although the company states that it is nearing completion and will offer four marking options. Images of the decals and cockpit renderings have also been released. Click below to check them out.

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A Baby Ace airframe has been spotted for sale. The listing states (in part):

Baby Ace model E, airframe only, no engine, mount is for continental engine, good fabric, airworthiness cert…

The aircraft is located in Louisburg, North Carolina and is currently available for US $5,000, although bids are also being accepted. Click here to check out the eBay listing, which includes additional photos and details.

The latest build log on our YouTube channel DX Modelworks focuses on this 13″ balsa Albatros D.II

The model was built using Lee’s Hobbies plans and represents an early production variant wearing the colors of the machine flown by Lt. Robert Dycke of Jasta 16b. The new video concisely details the project with photo documentation and tips that will likely be helpful to anyone who would like to build the model themselves. A link to the plans and associated 3D print files is also provided in the video description.

Click below to check it out. If you’re pleased with what you see, please consider browsing the channel’s other build logs covering aircraft from the dawn of flight through the golden age. Likes, shares and subscribes are also greatly appreciated!

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New this month from Eduard is a Weekend Edition MiG-21F-13 in 1/48 scale.

The MiG-21F-13 was the first widely produced version of the Soviet MiG-21 supersonic day interceptor introduced in 1960 and known to NATO as the Fishbed-C. It combined a lightweight tailed-delta design with Mach 2 performance, a simple weapons fit of a cannon and early infrared air-to-air missiles, and it became one of the most exported and long-lived fighter types of the Cold War.

The new kit (84213) offers Eduard plastic parts and decals with five marking options.

Buy on eBay

A 1956 Forney F-1 Aircoupe has been spotted for sale. The listing states (in part):

Beautiful 1956 Forney F-1 Aircoupe that has been hangar kept in Southern California and exceptionally well maintained. This classic aircraft has been refurbished and upgraded, presenting as a very clean, reliable, and fun-to-fly airplane. The aircraft has been kept in the dry Southern California climate and is very clean with no known corrosion issues, with all logs since new. Airframe total time is 1,520 hours. It is powered by a newly overhauled Continental O-200 engine with only 18 hours since major overhaul, along with an overhauled propeller. Upgrades and features include a modern metal instrument panel, new radio, ADS-B equipment, upgraded Cleveland Aircraft disc brake system, new paint, new interior, new windows, and rebuilt landing gear. Always hangared in the dry Southern California climate. Empty weight is 950 lbs and gross weight is 1,400 lbs. Easy and fun to fly, this Aircoupe is a great classic aircraft for economical flying, weekend trips, or adding to a collection, and is ready to fly and enjoy. A pre-buy inspection is highly recommended and encouraged.

The aircraft is located in Rosamond, California and is currently available for US $29,900 although offers are also being accepted. Click here to check out the eBay listing, which includes additional photos and details.

Among Eduard’s new releases for June is a limited edition “Battle of Britain” Spitfire Mk. I model kit in 1/48 scale.

The offering (11197) represents the iconic Spitfire in the early stages of its development and during the most notable stretch of its service: the Battle of Britain. It includes Eduard plastic parts, pre-painted PE parts, painting masks and Eduard decals with 11 marking options. Also included is a book about the Spitfire Mk.Is in Battle of Britain written by Pavel Beránek. The book covers the technical development of the aircraft, the evolution of camouflage and markings, pilot equipment, and a detailed guide to building the model.

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A 1973 Cessna 150L has been spotted for sale. The listing states (in part):

1973 Cessna 150L scheduled for annual in June and will be available after completed. Basic VFR, rear window replaced, new tires and spinner, top overhaul 2009 with all cylinders in the mid to high 70s, engine is 32 hours past TBO, ADS-B, LED landing light, Rosen visors, panel plastic replaced, intercom, no tear in seats, needs painted, all AD completed, complete logbooks, no corrosion.

The aircraft is located in Statesville NC and is currently available for US $39,000 although offers are also being accepted. Click here to check out the eBay listing, which includes additional photos and details.

In addition to a newly announced series of Allison-powered Mustang models, DBMK has also announced the development of a Sabre Day Fighter series, also in 1/32 scale.

The Sabre day fighter family centered on the F-86A, F-86E, and F-86F, which were the gun-armed versions used in Korea and the best-known combat Sabres. The A was the first production model, the E added the all-flying tailplane for better handling, and the F refined the design further; Canadair, Orenda-powered Canadian, and CAC Australian versions extended the same basic day-fighter line with local improvements.

As of this writing additional details are non-existent, although the series will apparently include the F-86A. E, F, & Canadair Sabre Mk.4.

(DBMK via AeroScale)

A 1980 Cessna 172RG Cutlass II has been spotted for sale. The listing states (in part):

…4,634 TTAF and only 214 hours SMOH on its Lycoming IO-360 180 HP engine. The propeller also has 214 hours since overhaul. A fresh annual inspection was completed in May 2026… This Cutlass II is reported to cruise at approximately 145 knots on 9 GPH and is equipped with standard Cessna radios plus a Garmin SL 60 Nav/Com. It has standard fuel tanks with an approximate 700 NM range. The interior is in decent condition, and the paint is fair. No known hail history.

The aircraft is currently in Anchorage, Alaska, but is expected to be flown to Ryan Field (RYN) in Tucson, Arizona once weather conditions permit. It is currently available for US $165,000 although bids are also being accepted. Click here to check out the eBay listing, which includes additional photos and details.