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First Look: Test Build of Airscale’s 1/32 Dornier Do 17Z

Following recently released images showing a test print dry fit, Airscale has shared the first printed test build of their upcoming injection molded 1/32 Dornier 17 kit.

The clear parts are printed too and are very poor, the IM parts will be perfect. It was a valuable exercise as I found 30 design changes to improve fit and finish and it also helps to see it ‘in the flesh.’ When I get the moulded test shot parts in September, I will build a proper test shot – this one has a lot of geometric flaws from trying to print such large thin parts and the rivets and panel lines are half arsed, but it still looks the part.

Pre-orders are expected to launch in December limited to 100 kits. Click below to check out additional images.

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1966 Piper Cherokee 235 For Sale: “Great Overall Condition”

A 1966 Piper Cherokee 235 has been spotted for sale. The listing states (in part):

…a clean, well-equipped, and always-hangared single-engine aircraft… Showing approximately 3,432 total airframe hours, this Cherokee 235 is powered by a strong-running engine with approximately 1,889 hours since major overhaul and features several recently replaced cylinders with consistently strong compression readings.

The avionics package includes Garmin GMA-342 audio panel, Garmin GTX-345 ADS-B in/out transponder, Garmin GNC-255 nav/com with glideslope capability, Century II autopilot, EDM 350 engine analyzer, Aera 660 GPS, Horizon digital tachometer, and additional upgraded instrumentation. The aircraft also benefits from a low-time constant speed propeller with only approximately 201 hours since overhaul, recently replaced prop governor, newer Sky-Tec starter, updated brakes and tires, and documented wing spar AD compliance. The seller reports no corrosion identified and describes the aircraft as being in great overall condition.

The aircraft is located in Fort Mohave, AZ and is currently available for US $90,000 although offers are also being accepted. Click here to check out the eBay listing, which includes additional photos and details.

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Follow the 9th Bomb Squadron Into WW2’s Most Dangerous Flying Conditions

Coming soon from McFarland Publishing and author Charles B. Kastner is To War and Back with the 9th Bomb Squadron: In the Skies Over Burma, Thailand, and China in 1945:

Written by his son, and incorporating his father’s stories, personal papers, and original research, this work follows Lt. Walt Kastner from the start of World War Two until its end. Walt joined a new B-24 bomber crew that fought with the 9th Bomb Squadron from its base in India during the drive to liberate Burma from the Japanese Army. His air crew attacked Japanese troop concentrations that barred the advance of the British 14th Army and flew missions deep into Thailand, including attacking the Burma-Siam Railway, the crucial rail link that carried supplies that fed and equipped the Japanese Army in Burma–a railway made famous by the movie The Bridge on the River Kwai. When air combat ended in May 1945, the squadron moved to Assam in eastern India where they hauled aviation gasoline over “the Hump” to the 14th Air Force in China, exposing them to the most dangerous flying conditions in the world.

The 155 page book is currently available for pre-order with release set for August 21.

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DBMK Releases Renders For Upcoming Series of F-105 Kits

DBMK has announced “rapid progress” on their upcoming family of F-105 kits and released a series of renders showing the CAD models being checked against LiDAR scans.

The Republic F-105 Thunderchief was a supersonic fighter-bomber developed for nuclear strike missions, but it became best known as a heavy strike aircraft in the Vietnam War. The family included the single-seat F-105B and F-105D, plus two-seat F-105F and F-105G Wild Weasel variants used for radar suppression and SEAD roles.

The upcoming series will cover the B,D, F and G variants in both 1/48 and 1/72 scales. Click below to check out additional renders.

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2005 Zenith Super Zodiac For Sale: “TT 593 Hours”

A Zenith CH 601 HDS Super Zodiac has been spotted for sale. The listing states (in part):

TT 593 hours, Jabiru 3300A, Icon IC-A200 transceiver, Collins Mode C xpndr loc LEVEL ASTRO+, 2024 Apple iPad Mini with A17 Pro Chip (8.3-inch, Wi-Fi+ Cellular, 128GB Marvin Golden MG aviation Passive 1.0 Aviation Headset

The aircraft is located in New Braunfels, Texas and is currently available for US $27,500 although offers are also being accepted. Click here to check out the eBay listing, which includes additional photos and details.

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Air Battles Over the Baltic 1941: Revised and Expanded Third Volume Coming Soon

The third revised and expanded installment in a four volume series on Air Battles over the Baltic 1941 is scheduled for release shortly from Helion and Company and author Mikhail Timin.

Volume 3 of Air Battles Over the Baltic 1941 turns to the Luftwaffe and the German preparations for Operation Barbarossa, examining in unprecedented detail the aerial build-up to the invasion of the Soviet Union on 22 June 1941. Drawing extensively upon German and Russian archival sources, Mikhail Timin reconstructs the strategic planning, reconnaissance operations and combat deployments that shaped the opening hours of the war in the Baltic theatre.

The volume examines the composition and disposition of Luftwaffe forces assembled against the Baltic Special Military District, including bomber, fighter and reconnaissance formations tasked with achieving immediate air superiority. Particular attention is paid to the activities of the secretive Rowehl reconnaissance units, whose pre-war aerial intelligence-gathering operations over Soviet territory enabled the Germans to identify Soviet airfields, infrastructure and troop concentrations in remarkable detail. Continue reading Air Battles Over the Baltic 1941: Revised and Expanded Third Volume Coming Soon

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Eduard to Release Limited Edition PBY-5A Kit With Resin Upgrades

Eduard has announced the upcoming release of a limited edition PBY-5A Catalina model kit in 1/48 scale.

The PBY-5A was used as an amphibious patrol bomber in WW2 and was known for its long range, endurance, and versatility in roles like submarine hunting, convoy escort, search-and-rescue, and night attack. It was one of the most important Allied maritime aircraft of the war and could operate from both water and land thanks to its retractable landing gear.

The upcoming release will include Revell plastic parts, PE parts, five marking options and resin upgrades including wheels, exhausts, and antenna mounts. It is currently slated for release in July. Click below to check out livery profiles.

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Airfix Commemorates D-Day With New Hawker Typhoon / Eurofighter Typhoon Twin Pack

Airfix recently released a Typhoon twin pack model kit containing a Eurofighter Typhoon FGR.4 “Moggy” and Hawker Typhoon Mk.Ib in 1/72 scale.

The offering (A40001) boasts 117 pieces and D-Day liveries for each aircraft. The Hawker Typhoon representing 1944 No.257 (Burma) Squadron and the Eurofighter Typhoon representing ZJ913 of the RAF Typhoon Display Team from the 2024 season.

The striking design on Typhoon FGR.4 ZJ913 was inspired by the RAF No.257 (Burma) Squadron Hawker Typhoon Mk.Ib, piloted by Officer Denzil Jenkins during the D-Day landings on 6th June 1944, featuring the iconic black and white identification stripes that were a hallmark of Allied aircraft over Normandy on D-Day. This was a brilliant move by the RAF PR team, and this aircraft captivated millions during the subsequent airshow season, at commemorative events in both the UK and France, and during a successful Canadian tour.

The kits are rated as level 2 builds, making them ideal for modelers ages 8 and above.

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1977 Beech Baron 58 Turboprop Conversion Project Offered For Sale

A 1977 Beechcraft Baron 58TC turboprop project has been spotted for sale.

According to the listing, the aircraft began as a 1977 Beechcraft Baron 58TC (S/N TK46) with 1,531 hours total time and no damage history, later converted into an experimental single‑engine turbine “Czechmate” (N1NF) after being acquired via lien auction in 1989 with full FAA chain of title. The build replaces the twin piston configuration with a 750 HP Walter M601D turboprop, incorporating extensive structural modifications inspired by Beech’s factory Lightning prototypes, including a custom engine mount, reinforced nose structure, and high-quality carbon fiber cowling with advanced induction and cooling systems. The airframe retains the strengthened 58TC features (6200 lb gross weight, extended fuel capacity, heavy-duty landing gear, and corrosion-proofed structure) and includes a 5-blade reversible prop, deice systems, air conditioning, KFC200 autopilot, and complete interior. The project is largely complete with major fabrication finished, but requires engine overhaul, fuel cells, paint, avionics, and final assembly, and is offered with molds, tooling, spare parts, and documentation as a high-performance turbine conversion project capable of 250+ knot cruise.

The aircraft is located in Hastings, Florida and is currently available for US $169,000. Click here to check out the eBay listing, which includes many additional photos and details.

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First Look: Test Sprues For Arma Hobby’s Completely New Tool F4F-3 Wildcat

Arma Hobby has released the first test sprue shots for their completely new tool F4F-3 Wildcat in 1/72 scale.

The company states that even at this stage the surface details, engineering breakdown and overall quality of the sprues align with their design goals. They reflect the F4F-3’s non-folding wings and different placement of the two wing-mounted machine guns compared to later Wildcats. They also include redesigned landing gear making the characteristic Wildcat arrangement much easier to assemble, a complete set of characteristic air intakes for different production variants, two variants of engine cowling and bombs used by VMF-211 Marines on Wake Island and by some U.S. Navy carrier squadrons.

As previously reported, the offering (70090) represents the early Wildcat from the opening months of the Pacific War and is made from completely new molds created specifically for this version. It includes plastic parts, canopy and wheel masks, and a 3D print digital file containing seat with harness, exhaust pipes, landing gear opening mechanism chains, cockpit control lever set, and gun barrels. Decals are also included with marking options for three aircraft: “F-5”, VF-2, USS Lexington, flown by Lt. Albert O. Vorse Jr.; BuNo 4019 “211-F-11”, VMF-211; “F-13”, VF-3, USS Lexington.

Click below to check out additional images.

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