Red Baron’s 80 Victories Recreated in “Lavishly Illustrated” New Book
Coming soon from Pen and Sword Military and author Thomas La Padula is The Red Baron’s Kills: An Illustrated Portrayal of Manfred von Richthofen’s Victories, a lavish, illustrated study that recreates combat moments and varied aircraft through original artwork and clear, graphic timelines.
…Using original source material the author recreates the moment in combat when the Red Baron shot down each of his victories to make him the leading ace of the First World War. Of special interest is the fact that the Red Baron flew a variety of aircraft other than his famous all red Fokker Dr.l. triplane. The paintings will provide a visual scene along with descriptive text to explain the situations behind each victory or kill in a clear, graphic timeline.
The 192 page, hardcover book is currently available for pre-order with release set for November 30.
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Eduard Releases Bf 109K-4 Model Kit With PE, Masks, Six Liveries
Among Eduard’s September new releases is this ProfiPACK edition Bf 109K-4 model kit in 1/72 scale.
The Bf 109K-4 “Kurfürst” was the final mass‑produced 109 variant, entering service in late 1944 as a high‑altitude interceptor powered by the DB 605 DB/DC engine with MW 50 injection, which pushed its top speed to around 710 km/h (440 mph) at roughly 7,500 m. It carried a 30 mm MK 108 Motorkanone and two 13 mm MG 131 nose guns, and featured a pressurized cockpit, retractable tailwheel, and the taller Erla canopy, making it the fastest and most developed 109, though it arrived too late and in too few numbers to alter the air war.
The offering (70166) includes Eduard plastic parts, pre-painted PE parts, painting masks and Eduard decals with marking options for six aircraft.
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Thatcher CX5 Project For Sale: “Partial Build 40% Complete”
A Thatcher CX5 project airframe has been spotted for sale. The listing states (in part):
I started this in 2014, made detailed videos on YT site of the build. Heath issues took me out of aviation and I’ve finally adjusted to moving this to a new builder. The videos can tell more than this can (5 in total). The project is as the last video left it. Stored in hanger, the few steel parts have surface rust, aluminum is dirty but not corroded. $6000 in materials and a few hundred hours work done. Questions, just ask.
The aircraft is located in Titusville, Florida and is currently available for bidding. Click here to check out the eBay listing, which includes additional photos and details.
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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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