Category: Golden Age (1919-1939)

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From Biplanes to Jets: The RAF’s Long Watch in the Far East

Newly released from author Steve Bond and Grub Street Publishing is RAF Boys in the Far East: True Tales of the RAF in India, South East Asia and Hong Kong.

For 82 years the Royal Flying Corps (RFC), which in 1918 became the Royal Air Force (RAF), maintained a permanent military aviation presence in the Far East. Throughout that time a huge variety of squadrons, flying many different aircraft types, together with all the necessary operational, technical and administrative support, took on all that was asked of them. The first RFC units arrived in India in 1915. RAF India grew substantially in the interwar period and throughout World War Two. Various changes in the command structure finally saw the creation of the Far East Air Force (FEAF) in June 1949, covering South East Asia and Hong Kong. In the 1960s the UK government decided to withdraw all forces East of Suez and on 31 October 1971 the FEAF disbanded and most UK forces withdrew from Singapore at this time. The last RAF unit to leave the region was 28 Squadron flying. They had been operating Whirlwind and Wessex helicopters in Hong Kong until the territory was handed back to China in 1997. RAF Boys in the Far East illustrates what it was like for those air and ground crew who were there by telling their stories in their own words, supported by explanation of the situations at the time and photographs primarily drawn from veterans’ own collections. The stories are as varied as the locations, the units and the personnel; everyday operations, exercises, triumph and tragedy, off duty time, and of course, the humour for which the RAF is renowned. Chapters focus on differing aircraft roles and their operations, including emphasis on the war years in India and Burma, and the Singapore era with actions such as Operation Firedog and the Indonesian Confrontation. Today those veterans who look back on their time served in the FEAF do so with a great deal of pride, and rightly so. This is their story.

The 256 page book is available in hardcover, Kindle and audiobook editions.

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Arma Hobby Releases Renderings of New Tool Curtiss H-75A / P-36

Arma Hobby recently announced their planned kits for 2026, which include a new tool Curtiss H-75A / P-36 in 1/48 scale.

The Curtiss H-75A (often called Hawk 75A) was an export version of the American Curtiss Model 75/P‑36 Hawk fighter, a late‑1930s all‑metal, low‑wing monoplane with retractable landing gear and an enclosed cockpit, sold in several subtypes (A-1, A-2, A-3, etc.) to foreign air forces—most notably France, which used it as the H‑75C1 with a Pratt & Whitney R‑1830 radial engine and 7.5 mm machine‑gun armament, and where it saw front‑line service and notable success in the early stages of the Second World War before being rendered obsolete by newer designs.

The company states that this upcoming release is a direct development of the Curtiss project we previously introduced in 1/72 scale (we assume this refers to their H-75 A1/A2 kit 70080 / eBay Product Page). The new tool offering is currently scheduled for release in Q2 of 2026. Click below to check out a selection of newly released renderings of the model.

Continue reading Arma Hobby Releases Renderings of New Tool Curtiss H-75A / P-36

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Now Available: “All New” E-Flite Gee Bee R-2 1.0m RC Model

E-Flite has released their “all new” Gee Bee R-2 1.0m RC model in PNP (EFL020575) and BNF Basic (EFL020550) versions.

As previously reported, the model is described as “a faithful replica of the iconic aircraft, featuring an abundance of scale detail along with modern features and technologies to deliver an unmatched flying experience. It assembles quickly and is sized to be easily stored and transported without disassembly. The Bind-N-Fly® Basic version is equipped with enhanced AS3X+® technology that smooths out the effects of wind and turbulence like never before, plus optional-use SAFE® Select technology that makes it easier to fly. Both versions include Spektrum digital, metal-geared servos, a 70A Smart Lite ESC, and a 4S-compatible motor.”

Buy on eBay (PNP / eBay)
Buy on eBay (BNF Basic / eBay)

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DC-3’s Epic Milestone: 90 Glorious Years Soars Onto US Shelves!

Fonthill will soon release The Douglas DC-3: 90 Glorious Years, author Geoff Jones’ comprehensive history of the Douglas DC-3, exploring its military, commercial, and enduring global legacy.

In Douglas DC-3: 90 Glorious Years, Geoff Jones explores the rich history of the aircraft from its beginnings in Southern California in the 1930s, to its participation in military operations such as the D-Day Normandy Landings, through to its use as a commercial aircraft into the twenty-first century. The Airbus and Boeing operators of today have their DC-3 operations to thank for their current success, and numerous enthusiast organisations continue to keep DC-3s airworthy and fly them for their members. Ninety years on, the legacy of this extraordinary aircraft is as strong as ever.

The 176 page paperback is currently available for pre-order with release slated for January 15.

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Airfix Releases New Bristol Bulldog Mk.IIA Model Kit

Airfix has launched a new Bristol Bulldog Mk.IIA model kit in 1/48 scale. This is the first variation of their new tool Bristol Bulldog Mk.II model kit that was released last year (A05141 / Amazon Product Link).

The new kit (A05145) includes a number of extra parts, including wide-track undercarriage with metal wheels and tailwheel, later type tail fin and rudder, optional exhausts with cabin heater and spent cartridge collection bins, new cylinder heads to represent the type fitted to the Bristol Jupiter VIIF engine of the Bulldog Mk.IIa, new parts for external oil cooler, subtly rendered fabric skin effect, multi part cockpit includes fuselage framework, ammo bins and machine gun breeches, designed based on exclusive access to 1000+ original Bristol drawings, details include camera gun, wing mounted generators, bomb rack and landing flare. The kit also boasts three marking options.

Buy on eBay (eBay)

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Extremely Rare Aero Graphics Velie Monocoupe 113 Kit Offered For Sale

Another of the extremely rare, discontinued balsa model kits covered in a build log on our YouTube channel DX Modelworks has hit the market, this time an elegant 1928 Velie Monocoupe 113.

The model is based on plans designed by David Deadman and was released by Aero Graphics. It boasts a 24.5″ wingspan and includes build plans, stripwood and printed balsa panels, covering tissue, lightweight molded plastic wheels and spinner, rubber motor and plastic propeller. The associated listing states that box contents are “all present.”

Click here to check out the eBay listing for the model and click here to check out the DX Modelworks build log for the kit.

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See What the New England Air Museum Looked Like in 1992 [Video]

Our YouTube channel DX Modelworks has taken a break from model aircraft build logs to bring you a new video showing what the New England Air Museum looked like in 1992.

The brief video tour provides general views, close-ups of aircraft such as the F6F Hellcat and the Fokker Dr.1, and a look at the models on display. It is a wonderful time capsule that shows how the museum has evolved over the years, and it also evokes nostalgia for those who visited during this period.

Check it out below.

Continue reading See What the New England Air Museum Looked Like in 1992 [Video]

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E-Flite to Release “All New” Gee Bee R-2 1.0m RC Model

E-Flite is preparing to release a Gee Bee R-2 1.0m RC model which is reportedly an all new design offered in PNP and BNF Basic versions.

The E-flite® Gee Bee R-2 1.0m is a faithful replica of the iconic aircraft, featuring an abundance of scale detail along with modern features and technologies to deliver an unmatched flying experience. It assembles quickly and is sized to be easily stored and transported without disassembly. The Bind-N-Fly® Basic version is equipped with enhanced AS3X+® technology that smooths out the effects of wind and turbulence like never before, plus optional-use SAFE® Select technology that makes it easier to fly. Both versions include Spektrum digital, metal-geared servos, a 70A Smart Lite ESC, and a 4S-compatible motor.

As of this writing a final release date has not yet been announced. Click below to check out the newly released promo video for the model.

Continue reading E-Flite to Release “All New” Gee Bee R-2 1.0m RC Model

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LukGraph to Release Fully 3D Printed, 1/48 Westland Wapiti Kit

LukGraph has announced the upcoming release of a “fully 3D printed” Westland Wapiti in 1/48 scale.

Details about the upcoming kit are currently murky, although the company states that it will be available before the holidays alongside their upcoming 1/48 Hawker Fury during its pre-order launch. LukGraph has previously released a full printed version of the Wapiti IIA in 1/32 scale.

(via LukGraph)

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GN1 (Piet) Fuselage For Sale: “Includes Cowl, All in Good Condition”

Please Note: This is an archived post. The information presented here may not be current and the associated listing may no longer be active.

A Grega GN1 (Pietenpol) fuselage has been spotted for sale. The listing states (in part):

I am offering a 2 Place Grega GN1 Fuselage which is similar to a Pietenpol. The Fuselage is covered, center Section, builder records and Log Books, Bill of Sale and more is included. Beside the fuselage, there are the cowlings, seats, cables and such. Saves you 500 hours. All is in good condition. I stand behind what I sell. This may be returned for a full refund for any reason.

The aircraft is located in Easton, PA and is currently available for US $750. Click here to check out the eBay listing, which includes additional photos and details.

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