Coming soon from Avonmore Books and author Mark Lax is Sweeping the Skies: A History of No. 452 Squadron RAAF 1941-1945

Sweeping the Skies is the story of No. 452 Squadron, an RAAF fighter unit formed in the UK in April 1941. Equipped with the superb Supermarine Spitfire, the squadron soon deployed to bases south of London and was in the thick of fighting against the Luftwaffe over England, the Channel and northern France.

Remarkably, between August and November 1941, No. 452 Squadron held the Fighter Command record as the top-scoring unit in Britain. This was largely due to the exceptional skills and leadership of some outstanding ace pilots, including Irishman Wing Commander Brendan “Paddy” Finucane and well-known VFL footballer Squadron Leader Keith “Bluey” Truscott. [continue reading…]

Sword Models in preparing to release a new tool models of the AF-2W Guardian “Hunter” and AF-2S Guardian “Killer” in 1/72 scale.

The Grumman AF-2W Guardian “Hunter” and AF-2S Guardian “Killer” were a paired U.S. Navy anti-submarine warfare system in which the AF-2W carried the search radar and detection gear in a large ventral radome, while the AF-2S carried the weapons load such as torpedoes, depth charges, bombs, and rockets. Flown together as hunter-killer teams beginning in 1950, they were the Navy’s first purpose-built carrier-based ASW aircraft, but their size and poor low-speed handling made them accident-prone, and they were soon replaced by the more efficient S2F Tracker.

The kits (SW72162 and SW72163) will reportedly include masks and are slated for release in July. Additional details have yet to be announced, although a number of images have been released, additional examples of which can be seen below.

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A 1966 Piper Cherokee 140 project has been spotted for sale.

According to the listing the aircraft has 4,337 total time and 1,865 hours since major overhaul. It has been upgraded to 160 HP via STC and configured with 2+2 seating. It is a nearly complete, low-cost project aircraft with recent wing and aileron replacement after minor damage (no engine or structural issues), reassembled with wings, controls, and landing gear installed. It features intact instruments, no avionics (ready for custom install), complete logs, a good-condition interior, and updated exterior styling. Last annual was August 2019 with only 6 hours since.

The aircraft is located in Southport, North Carolina and is currently available for US $18,950, although bids are also being accepted. Click here to check out the eBay listing, which includes additional photos and details.

A 1998 Maule MX-7-180A airframe project has been spotted for sale.

According to the listing, the project (which has 2,493 total time) has long-range fuel (up to 80 gallons) and the full “Patroller” window package, offering a roomy four-seat interior with large baggage access via rear double doors. It suffered a takeoff accident involving a right-wing strike and rollover, resulting in damage to the right wing assembly, multiple lift struts, right gear leg, vertical fin/rudder top, and minor cowling issues, while the left wing shows no wrinkling and doors/glass remain in good condition. The Lycoming O-360 engine and some avionics are removed (not included), but engine mount, accessories, gauges, exhaust, and documentation (complete logs, airworthiness certificate, and records) are included; the aircraft was airworthy prior to the incident and is offered as a project or parts platform.

The project is located in Minneapolis, Minnesota and is currently available for US $3,995 although offers are also being accepted. Click here to check out the eBay listing, which includes additional photos and details.

Coming soon from Key Publishing is Mosquito: The Ultimate Guide to the ‘Mossie.’

The de Havilland DH.98 Mosquito was one of the outstanding aircraft of World War Two, making a significant contribution to the Allied victory. Of mainly wooden construction, the ‘Mossie’ was one of the fastest operational aircraft in the world, and while designed as an unarmed high speed bomber, the ‘Wooden Wonder’ was quickly adapted as a night fighter, a fighter-bomber, and photo-reconnaissance aircraft. The Mosquito played a pivotal role in the bomber campaign, proving able to carry a 4,000lb bomb to Berlin, while giving its crew a much better chance of surviving the experience! It was also used for a succession of daring low level precision attacks against a range of targets, many of which are described in this amazingly researched 132-page special.

The publication is currently available for pre-order with release set for July 23.

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Eduard has released a new ProfiPACK edition Bf 110F model kit in 1/72 scale.

The Bf 110F was a refined late-war version of the German Messerschmitt twin-engine heavy fighter, powered by more powerful DB 601F engines that improved performance, allowed extra armor, and supported its use in escort, strike, and night-fighter roles. Many pilots regarded it as the best-handling Bf 110 variant, though it still could not match the agility of single-engine fighters in daylight combat.

The kit (7084) includes Eduard plastic parts, pre-painted PE parts, painting masks and decals with marking options for five aircraft.

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A 1945 J-3C Piper Cub project has been spotted for sale. The listing states (in part):

3151.2 TT, C85-8FJ 1657.1 TT. Disassembled for students of Clyde Smith’s Piper Cub Restoration Seminar in Aurora years ago, where he discovered it was rebuilt w/1938 fuselage likely during 1959 repair from wind damage, so will need slight modification to bring back up to 1945 GW rating, if you desire. Left wing and rudder from L4… Engine sitting for 19 years. Needs some minor tube repairs. Wood spars have some checking (splitting) on inboard ends, so may need new spars ($662 for front, $553 for rear, plus freight from Spruce). Aluminum prop. Continuous FAA registration. Complete logs… Entire aircraft, but currently apart.

The aircraft is located in Vacaville, California and is currently available for US $24,000. Click here to check out the eBay listing, which includes additional photos and details.

Coming soon from Avonmore Books and author Michael Claringbould is New Guinea Eagles Volume 1: The Japanese Air Army from Rabaul to Wewak October 1942 to September 1943, which chronicles the Japanese Air Army campaign in New Guinea from when its first units arrived in October 1942 until the late September 1943 raids against Nadzab and Port Moresby.

Never before have the rationale, activities and losses of JAAF air power in New Guinea been chronicled in such detail and accuracy. The force operated an impressive range of aircraft types but found it much easier to commit than withdraw from the challenging theatre.

This volume covers Rabaul’s and Wewak’s beginnings as major JAAF bases. The period involved guarding supply convoys, attacking Wau and two major forays into the Solomons. Then by mid-1943 the Allied air war had gravitated towards the burgeoning JAAF airfield complexes spreading out along New Guinea’s northern coast. Two air divisions were combined to create the 4th Air Army in August 1943, and its aircraft soon ventured into the New Guinea Highlands before defending Nassau Bay, Lae and Salamaua. [continue reading…]

Special Hobby has announced an upcoming new tool Martin Baltimore Mk.I/II model kit in 1/48 scale.

The Baltimore Mk.I and Mk.II were early versions of the twin-engine light attack bomber built for British use in World War II. The Mk.I entered service mainly as an operational training aircraft, while the Mk.II kept the same basic airframe and engines but improved defensive armament, including a revised dorsal gun position, and both were later used in combat in the Mediterranean and Middle East.

Details are limited, but the upcoming release (SH48160) will feature box art by Antonis Karidis and decals for B/AG781 from No.55 Sqn. RAF, as well as three other interesting Baltimore Mk.I/IIs.

(via Special Hobby and Scalemates)

A Pitts S1S has been spotted for sale. The listing states (in part):

TTAF 647, SMOH 440, IO 320 w LW pistons claimed 180hp. Inverted fuel and oil. Short fuselage. Electric aux fuel pump. Grove gear, new Odessey battery, Seat pack parachute. Wings and fabric all good. Can sell with current condition inspection.

The aircraft is located in Muskogee, Oklahoma and is currently available for US $35,000 although offers are also being accepted. Click here to check out the eBay listing, which includes additional photos and details.