Category: Golden Age (1919-1939)

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British Commercial Aviation Development Told Through Detailed Accounts, Previously Unseen Photos

Coming soon from Key Publishing and author Roger Staker is Piston, Passengers and Payload, which follows the development of British piston-engine passenger and commercial transport aircraft between the end of the Great War and the early 1950s, when piston engines were superseded by jets and turboprops.

This period saw rapid change at a technological level, in response to an emerging market for transport of all types. It also witnessed the birth, failures and mergers of numerous air transport companies.

Flying was not without risks, Alongside the acknowledged successes that helped to make the world a smaller place, there were tragedies, Lessons learned from these contributed to the safer travel environment that we enjoy today. The pace of commercial aircraft development was given added urgency by World War Two, with many civilian aircraft pressed into military service: not all survived.

Featuring many previously unseen photos, this book is the story of a previously closed chapter in British aviation and offers detailed accounts of 17 manufacturers whose advanced designs paved the way.

The page book is currently available for pre-order with release set for September 30.

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The RAF’s Post-WW1 Operations, Fight For Survival Documented in New Book

Coming soon from Fonthill Media and author Vic Flintham is Royal Air Force Operations 1919 to 1929: How the RAF Secured Its Independence.

The Royal Air Force was just eight months old when the First World War ended. It then had to fight for survival against huge pressure from the Admiralty and War Office. The number of squadrons was swiftly reduced to a handful, but salvation came with the application of air control in India and mandated Iraq. In addition, Chief of the Air Staff Lord Trenchard laid strong foundations with the establishment of the Cadet College, Staff College and apprentice scheme, institutions not easily dismantled.

Throughout the first decade of its existence, the RAF, which then also controlled the Fleet Air Arm, performed operations in Somalia, Germany, Iraq, Palestine, Ireland, Russia, India, Turkey and China, while bringing into service new types of aircraft, albeit in small numbers. In the Middle East and Africa, it conducted and supported trailblazing flights, continually pushing the boundaries of what was achievable.

Royal Air Force Operations 1919 to 1920: How the RAF Secured Its Independence is the comprehensive story of the RAF in the 1920s, covering the service’s development at both home and abroad, including all its operations across the globe. Controversies, such as the RAF’s alleged use of chemical weapons in Iraq, are examined in detail, and some 350 photographs, many previously unpublished, bring the story to life like never before.

The 432 page, hardcover book is currently available for pre-order with release set for September 30.

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LukGraph Developing Heavily Detailed, Fully Printed 1/32 DH.89 Dragon Rapide

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)

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Tiger Moth Project For Sale: “Complete Aircraft, Parts Meticulously Restored”

A 1938 Tiger Moth project has been spotted for sale. The listing states (in part):

1938 Tiger Moth for re-construction. Complete aircraft, dis-assembled and all parts meticulously restored. (engine still needs a rebuild). Fabulous history researched in detail by the previous owner/restorer, too much to list here. Ready for reconstruction, currently in secure storage in Worcestershire (UK)

The aircraft is currently available for £30,000. Click here to check out the eBay listing.

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Spanish Civil War in the Air Examined in “Profusely Illustrated” Two Volume Series

Coming soon from and Helion and Company author Eduardo Manuel Gil Martínez is Spanish Civil War in the Air Volume 2: 1938-1939, which details the evolution of air combat in Spain while examining the roles of fighters, ground attack aircraft and strategic bombing.

This volume examines the importance of the air forces of both sides in supporting their comrades on the ground and at sea, the sinking of the rebel cruiser Baleares by fast SB-2s, the expansion of strategic bombing with ever greater numbers of aircraft over cities, industrial centres, ports and Republican communication hubs, and the massive fighter battles in Spanish skies. This volume also details the early post-civil war air force of Spain and the fate of many of the aircraft and personnel who had fought in the war.

Profusely illustrated throughout, The Spanish Civil War in the Air Volume 2: 1938–1939 features a wealth of rare and original photographs, detailed maps, and specially commissioned full colour artworks by Jean-Marie Guillou depicting the aircraft, insignia and emblems of all participants. Together, they bring to life the formative years of one of the most significant and transformative aerial conflicts of the twentieth century – where the lessons of modern air warfare were written in the skies over Spain.

The 84 page book follows volume 1 (1936-37) which was released in January. It is currently available for pre-order with release set for May 15.

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Hungary’s Bomber Development Through WW2: A Comprehensive Study

Coming soon from MMPBooks and authors Dénes Bernád and György Punka is Hungarian Bomber Colours 1927-1945 vol. 1, a comprehensive study of the development and operations of Hungary’s bomber aviation from its early beginnings through the end of World War II.

The book covers aircraft types, unit structure, and missions, focusing on both domestic developments and foreign influences shaping the Royal Hungarian Air Force. It includes rare archival photographs, detailed colour profiles, and thoroughly researched historical context that sheds light on this often-overlooked aspect of Central European military aviation. A valuable resource for aviation historians, researchers, and modellers interested in lesser-known air forces of the Second World War.

The 140 page, paperback book is currently available for pre-order with release set for June 30.

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Arma Hobby Releases New Curtiss P-36C With 3D Printed Parts, Masks, 3 Liveries

Arma Hobby recently released their new Curtiss P-36C Hawk model kit in 1/72 scale.

The P-36C was an improved 1938–39 American fighter that refined the earlier P-36 with a stronger airframe, a 1,200 hp Pratt & Whitney R-1830-17 engine, and better armament, though it was still quickly overshadowed by more advanced wartime fighters. It was a sleek, all-metal monoplane with retractable landing gear and good handling, and only about 30 were built.

As previously reported, the offering (70082) includes 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).

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Italeri Releases CANT Z.1007 Alcione Kit With Six New Liveries

Italeri has released a new boxing of their CANT Z.1007bis Alcione model kit in 1/72 scale.

The CANT Z.1007 Alcione medium bomber, designed by Filippo Zappata, entered service in the late 1930s and was extensively used by the Regia Aeronautica during the Second World War. Characterized by a wooden structure, it featured the typical Italian three-engine configuration. More specifically, its three 1,000 hp Piaggio P.XI radial engines allowed the CANT Z.1007 to reach a maximum speed of 450 km/h. The aircraft could carry 1,200 kg of offensive payload housed in an internal bomb bay. The crew typically consisted of five men, which could increase to six with the addition of a photographic operator for reconnaissance and maritime patrol missions. It was mainly employed in the Mediterranean, Balkan, and North African theaters of operation and is often considered the best medium bomber of the Regia Aeronautica.

The kit (1479) includes new decals with marking options for six aircraft. Click below to check out the Buy on eBay, livery profiles and sprues.

Continue reading Italeri Releases CANT Z.1007 Alcione Kit With Six New Liveries

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Polish Military Aircraft and Pilots 1918-1939 Detailed in New Illustrated History

Coming soon from Air World and author Peter Sikora is Polish Military Aircraft 1918-1939: From Regaining Independence to Hitler’s Blitzkrieg, an illustrated history of Polish military aviation from 1917 to 1939, highlighting innovation, development, and wartime resilience.

The Polish Military Aviation can trace its origins to the second half of 1917, and was officially established when Poland regained her independence on 11 November 1918. The country was then able to build its own air force with men being proud to call themselves Poles again. Despite its difficult rebirth, in the 1930s Poland developed a wide range of its own aircraft. These included the PZL P.6 fighter which gained fame for being the most advanced of its day and the first fighter aircraft made of metal in the world, or PZL P.24 fighter considered by the RAF as a purchase option. Towards the end of the decade, however, foreign aircraft design had overtaken them…

As well as telling the story of the valiant Polish flyers, Polish Military Aircraft 1918-1939 includes a wonderful collection of photographs, the majority of which have never been seen in the West. Together, these take the reader on a journey throughout the early years of Polish military aviation, showing amazing pictures of German, Austro-Hungarian or Russian aeroplanes, in many cases scavenged by the Poles. Also included is selection of British aircraft which were used in Poland, as well as a host of photographs of Polish-designed and built machines, including these that had to face Luftwaffe in September of 1939.

The 272 page hardcover book is currently available for pre-order with release set for May 30.

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1939 Fleet 16B Airframe Project For Sale: “Current Registration”

A 1939 Fleet 16B airframe project has been spotted for sale. The listing states (in part):

I purchased this airplane from Brian Coughlin, who is no longer with us. I have paperwork, a data plate plus a spare from another ship. It’s registration is current. I have no logbooks or history. It needs all 6 wing spars, though it does have John Barker ribs and enough good originals to complete the wings. It’s missing the engine (Kinner R56), brakes, flying wires, and the adjustable cabane strut. I’m into the project for well over $16k, that being said, I’ve been at this long enough to know the reality, make me an offer! Will also consider trade for small bore Continental inventory.

The aircraft is located in Madison, Indiana and is currently available for US $12,500 although offers are also being accepted. Click here to check out the eBay listing, which includes additional photos and details.

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