Fantasy of Flight founder Kermit Weeks has posted a new video documenting the move of his Lockheed Constellation in preparation for construction of a new hangar.
This particular aircraft (N974R) is a Lockheed L-1649 Starliner, the final Constellation variant. During its long service history it flew with Lufthansa and served as a freighter with Lockheed Air Service. It was acquired by Fantasy of Flight in 2011.
The new video is the first in a two part series and can be seen after the break along with Kermit’s overview of N974R’s journey to Fantasy of Flight. As you’ll see, the move is more complicated and interesting than you might expect.
Coming soon from Cambridge University Press and author Phillip S. Meilinger is Building an Air Force: The Air Corps and the Formation of US Airpower.
Until the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor, America did not want war, with the 1930s marked by strong isolationism and an emphasis on defense. However, in December 1941, it wasn’t defensive aircraft the Army Air Corps had been steadily procuring, but offensive long-range heavy bombers, whilst US pursuit planes were decidedly inferior to their European counterparts. In this new history of the development of American air power, Phillip Meilinger dispels the notion that young air zealots pushed for a bomber-heavy force, revealing instead the technological, economic and bureaucratic forces which shaped the air force. He examines the role of scientists and engineers, developments in commercial aviation, and conflicting priorities of the Army and Air Corps, as well as how these were in turn influenced by America’s political leaders. Building an Air Force is essential for understanding a conflict in which whoever controlled the skies controlled the land and seas beneath.
The 330 page, hardcover book is currently available for pre-order with release set for May 7.
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E-Flite will soon release a new Beechcraft D18/RC-45J 1.5m RC model in PNP and PNF Basic versions.
Described as “the most convenient, capable, and easiest to fly scale model of one of general and military aviation’s most recognizable aircraft,” the offering is equipped with a twin brushless power system with specially tuned motors to deliver better-than-scale-like performance when using 3S 3200-5000mAh batteries. Even more speed and unlimited vertical performance is reportedly provided with a 4S battery – no modifications or upgrades required.
It’s also equipped with an exclusive Spektrum Avian Dual 40-amp Smart Lite ESC, which can provide a variety of real-time power system telemetry data with both Smart and non-Smart batteries via compatible receivers (including the AR631+ installed in the BNF Basic version) and Spektrum AirWare-equipped transmitters. The BNF Basic version is also the only Twin Beech model equipped with enhanced AS3X+ and optional-use SAFE Select technologies, making it the easiest to fly D18/RC-45J yet. Factory-finished in a highly visible and fully painted white with orange Navy trim scheme, the lightweight yet durable, composite-reinforced EPO airframe features an abundance of scale detail — molded-in panel lines and hatches, antennas, exhaust stacks, a pilot figure, and more. Included functional flaps, twin rudders, and LED navigation lights elevate your experience to the next level. Factory-installed electric retracts with durable metal components making it possible to take off from a wide variety of surfaces, including paved runways, packed dirt, and even grass. The unique 3-piece wing design makes storage and transport as convenient as possible, as the center section houses the main gear, and all sections feature innovative hands-free connections. Best of all, because no glue is required for final assembly, you can have the Beechcraft D18/RC-45J 1.5m ready to fly in less time than it takes to charge a battery!
The model is currently slated for release later this month. Click below to check out a promo video for the upcoming release.
A 1989 Maule M6 has been spotted for sale. The listing states (in part):
This 1989 Maule M-6 is a well-upgraded and meticulously maintained aircraft powered by a Lycoming IO-540 235-horsepower engine with approximately 76 hours since overhaul. It features a McCauley three-blade propeller with matching hours since overhaul, and the entire firewall-forward section was overhauled and repainted at the Maule factory in 2024. The paint and fabric were updated approximately one month ago, and the interior was refreshed this year using new factory Maule vinyl. The avionics suite has been modernized with a Garmin GMA 345 audio panel, Garmin GTX 345 transponder, Garmin GNC 215 radio, dual UV-30 stacks, dual USB-C chargers, and a G4 engine monitor. Additional features include a new prop cable and throttle, a fully functional autopilot, 29-inch Alaskan Bushwheels with roughly 50 hours, ABI-199-62 wheel and brake kit, vortex generators, gap seal kit, and patrol doors. This aircraft is exceptionally well equipped for both utility and backcountry operations.
The aircraft is located in Los Angeles, CA and offers are currently being accepted. Click here to check out the eBay listing, which includes additional photos.
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Tempest will soon release the second installment of Dan Sharp’s series Secret Projects of the Luftwaffe, which will focus on bomber designs from 1939-1945.
Dozens of top secret bomber designs were drawn up by the Germans during the Second World War, including gigantic flying wings, sleek jet bombers, asymmetrical bombers with the cockpit and weapons turrets on the ends of their wings and even enormous carriers for single-seat suicide bombers.
Starting with Heinkel’s He 177, the most advanced bomber design of its day in 1936, author Dan Sharp looks at the huge variety of bomber projects produced during the days of the Third Reich, uncovering a host of original and previously unseen documents to offer an unrivalled look at bombers such as the Arado E 470, E 555 and previously unknown Arado types, Junkers Ju 488, Focke-Wulf Ta 400 and Fw 300, Blohm & Voss P 163 and BV 250, Messerschmitt P 1107 and P 1108, He 343 and the so-called Daimler-Benz projects.
Secret Projects of the Third Reich Volume 2: Bombers 1939-1945 is a companion volume for Secret Projects of the Luftwaffe Volume 1: Jet Fighters 1939-1945 and includes numerous new and period illustrations.
The new, second volume is currently available for pre-order with release set for May 6.
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Arma Hobby will soon release a new Curtiss P-36C Hawk model kit in 1/72 scale.
The offering (70082) will include 3D-printed spent-cartridge containers for the wing- mounted machine guns, painting masks for the cockpit and wheels, a 3D file for self-printing additional details (pilot’s seat with harness, fuselage bulkhead, instrument panel, exhaust pipes), and three marking options (27th Pursuit Squadron, 1st Pursuit Group, National Air Races, Cleveland, Ohio, September 1939; 27th Pursuit Squadron, USAAC, Selfridge Field, Michigan, 1939; 27th Pursuit Squadron, USAAC, Selfridge Field, Michigan, 1939).
The kit will be released in early March. Click below to check out kit contents and livery profiles.
A 1966 Cessna 206 project has been spotted for sale. The listing states (in part):
This 1966 Cessna 206 is a classic single engine airplane originally manufactured in the United States. This particular aircraft has been disassembled for painting. Included with the airplane are its original log books for airframe, propeller, and engine aswell as (AWC). Tachometer time: 5641 hrs; Time since major overhaul: 1655.5 hrs; Propeller time: < 200 hrs; Engine: IO-520A. Missing: Two middle seats, break lines from fuselage to break caliper, battery
The aircraft is located in Bothell, Washington and is currently available for bidding. Click here to check out the eBay listing, which includes additional photos.
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Coming soon from JJN Publishing and author Jonathan Falconer is Spitfire (The Photographic Archive): From First Flight to Last Sorties.
The book features approximately 145 black-and-white archival photographs and chronicles the Supermarine Spitfire’s complete service life—from prototype testing and early RAF operations through Battle of Britain, global theaters, and final wartime sorties — with detailed captions covering variants, markings, units, and historical context. Ideal for enthusiasts and modelers, the large-format design prioritizes high-quality images sourced from official records and private collections, capturing the aircraft in flight, on the line, and in maintenance.
The 144 page, hardcover book is currently available for pre-order with release set for March 6.
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DBMK Models states that it is making “rapid progress” on their new Supermarine Scimitar F.1 in 1/48 scale.
The Scimitar F.1 was a British single-seat, twin‑engine, carrier-based multi‑role strike fighter developed for the Royal Navy’s Fleet Air Arm in the 1950s and representing the final combat aircraft produced by Supermarine. Entering service in 1958, it was at the time the Fleet Air Arm’s largest, heaviest and most powerful aircraft, powered by two Rolls‑Royce Avon turbojets that gave it high subsonic speed and strong low‑level performance. Designed for both interception and strike, it carried four 30 mm ADEN cannon and a wide range of stores including rockets, bombs, AGM‑12 Bullpup air‑to‑ground missiles and AIM‑9 Sidewinder air‑to‑air missiles. Although advanced and potent, the Scimitar’s demanding handling and high accident rate, combined with the arrival of more capable types such as the Blackburn Buccaneer and de Havilland Sea Vixen, led to its relatively short frontline career through the early to mid‑1960s.
The upcoming kit (48001) will reportedly include high pressure IM plastic parts, PE, and 3DP parts such as one piece intake tunnels and exhausts. A good range of markings will also be included in the box as well as weapons, including some that have never been featured before in kits. A 1/72 version of the kit is also being planned. As of this writing a final release date has not yet been announced.
Click below to check out additional renderings.
A 1979 Mooney M20J 201 has been spotted for sale. The listing states (in part):
This 1979 Mooney M20J 201 is a well-maintained aircraft that has been hangared and flown regularly, with an AFTT of 3174 hours and an engine total time (ENGTT) of 1405 hours. The engine has undergone an IRAN in 2022, completed by Columbia Air Service, with new engine mounts, oil and gas lines installed, dual magnetos and a total of 222 hours since the IRAN. The propeller has a total time of 1222 hours, with a TSMPOH of 275 hours and was balanced in 2022, 150 hours ago. The aircraft is IFR certified, has no damage history, and comes with complete logbooks. Key upgrades include a 2020 propeller overhaul with a new governor and new landing gear disks. In 2023, a new electric fuel pump was installed, and in 2024, new LED strobes were added. The avionics suite includes a King HSI, King VOR, King KLN 94 GPS, dual King KX 155B radios, King Rnav, King ADF, JPI 700 engine monitor, and a X40 autopilot. The aircraft is equipped with an electronic clock with USB charging and has a fresh annual inspection. This Mooney M20J 201 is in excellent condition and ready for its next adventure.
The aircraft is located in New Haven, Connecticut and offers are currently being accepted. Click here to check out the eBay listing, which includes additional photos.
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