Category: News

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First Look: Test Sprues For Airfix’s New Tool Blackburn Buccaneer

Airfix has released a new series of images featuring test frames for their upcoming Blackburn Buccaneer S Mk.2 model kit (A06021) in 1/72 scale.

The representation of “one of the world’s most accomplished low level strike jets” was reportedly on the company’s most requested list for some time and is now said to be “advancing nicely towards its scheduled release date.”

The newly released images show “all the major parts and illustrates how the new kit will come together as a build project.” Every aspect of the parts will reportedly be inspected and assessed, which could lead to a schedule of refinements being produced. A test build will then follow.

The new Buccaneer kit is currently slated for release in September. Click below to check out a selection of the newly released test images.

Continue reading First Look: Test Sprues For Airfix’s New Tool Blackburn Buccaneer

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“Beautifully Restored, Ready to Fly” Harvard Mk IV For Sale

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 “beautifully restored, ready to fly” 1954 Harvard Mk IV is available for sale. The listing states:

Serial # PC513331; Registration # N52494; Features Include: Polished aluminum exterior, 5000 hours Total Time, 490 Hours since Engine Overhaul, KY195B Nav / Com, KT76A Transponder, Northstar M1 GPS, Warbird Intercom, Pre-Oiler, Cleveland Brakes, Polished Propeller, Prop Spinner, New Seats, Like New Glass, Original exhaust plus a custom exhaust! Will take cars in trade!

The aircraft is located in St Louis, Missouri and is currently available for bidding. Click here to check out the complete listing on eBay.

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Archive Video Captures Lee Archer Witnessing First Post-Restoration Flight of Kermit Weeks’ P-51C

Kermit Weeks has shared an archive video from circa 2001 which shows his P-51C when it was newly restored and ready to undergo flight testing.

The aircraft was painted to represent “Ina, The Macon Belle,” flown by the highest scoring Tuskegee Airman, Lee Archer. As the video shows, Archer was on hand for the maiden flight and is also sat in the cockpit beforehand and shared his thoughts on the restoration.

Click below to check it out.

Continue reading Archive Video Captures Lee Archer Witnessing First Post-Restoration Flight of Kermit Weeks’ P-51C

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“Possibly The Nicest Ryan STA/STM On The Planet” Offered For Sale

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

1940 Ryan STM-2 S/N 459 (VH-AWG) described as “possibly the nicest Ryan STA/STM on the planet” has hit the market.

The machine is described as a surviving example of an Australian STM-2 which had previously been delivered to Netherlands Naval Air Force. It was acquired as a project in 1995 and transported to Tyabb, Vic, where it underwent a 5 year, 100 point restoration by Ryan “Gurus” John and Charles Govers. The Menasco Pirate C4S-3 engine was reportedly overhauled by Borg Sorenson.

According to the listing, the airframe has 50 hrs since a complete, no expense spared restoration to concourse standards, while the engine has 50 hrs SMH. It is located in Melbourne, Australia and is currently being offered for US $150,000. Click here and here to check out complete listings.

(Photo: Ian Creek via Wikimedia Commons)

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First Look: Test Molds For Modelsvit’s Upcoming 1/48 Bf 109 C-3

Modelsvit has released the first test shots of the molding process for their upcoming Messerschmitt Bf 109 C-3 in 1/48 scale.

Additional details have not yet been announced, although the molding process will reportedly be accomplished soon. Click below to check out the newly released images.

Continue reading First Look: Test Molds For Modelsvit’s Upcoming 1/48 Bf 109 C-3

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“Fully Airworthy and Air Show Quality” MiG-17F Offered For Sale

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 “fully airworthy and air show quality” 1960 MiG-17F (S/N 1613 / N917F) has hit the market.

Details are limited, although the listing states that the machine has 1,876 TT and is powered by a VK-1 afterburning engine with 24 SMOH. The aircraft is reportedly equipped with an avionics package and is located in Tyler, TX. It is currently being offered for US $140,000.

Click here to check out the complete listing.

(Photo: Balon Greyjoy via Wikimedia Commons)

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Eduard Releases New 1/72 Spitfire HF Mk.VIII Model Kit

Eduard has released their new Spitfire HF Mk.VIII model kit in 1/72 scale.

The ProfiPACK edition kit (70129) reportedly includes Eduard plastic parts, Photoetched details and marking options for five aircraft, including JF476 of No. 92 Squadron, JF519 of No. 1 Squadron, JF404, No. 32 Squadron, JF630 of No. 81 Squadron, and 308th Fighter Squadron, 31st Fighter Group.

Buy on eBay on eBay (US $23.95)

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World’s Only Airworthy Twin Mustang Makes Public Debut at Sun ‘n Fun [Video]

The newly restored XP-82 Twin Mustang Prototype (44-83887) made a much heralded appearance at the 2019 Sun ‘n Fun fly-in in Lakeland, Florida, acting as both a static and flying display.

As previously reported, Tom Reilly of Douglas, Georgia acquired the XP-82 prototype from Walter and Margaret Soplata in 2008 and began restoring the machine to airworthy condition at Douglas Municipal Airport. Additional F-82 parts were sourced from Alaska and Colorado and a rare, left-hand turning Allison V-12 was located in Mexico. Additional components, including full second cockpit controls and a second canopy (one that “is completely different from any P-51 type”) were sourced from San Francisco and Tampa, respectively. On December 31, 2018, the XP-82 performed its first flight since December 14, 1949.

The aircraft made its public debut at Sun ‘n Fun, where it won the title of Grand Champion Warbird. Click below to see it in action at the event.

Continue reading World’s Only Airworthy Twin Mustang Makes Public Debut at Sun ‘n Fun [Video]

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New Kermit Weeks Video Series Details “The Saga of the Stinson L-1”

Fantasy of Flight owner Kermit Weeks has shared a new two-part video series detailing the “Saga of the Stinson L-1.”

Specifically, the series details FoF’s efforts to “sort out an issue that prevented it from starting and running smoothly.” Work has been ongoing for over a year and part 1 in the series chronicles several attempts to start it during this period, as well as its failure and the frustration of crew members.

Part 2 documents additional attempts and various difficulties the crew has had in finding the source of the problem. It also reveals whether or not a fix was ultimately found.

Click below to check out both parts.

Continue reading New Kermit Weeks Video Series Details “The Saga of the Stinson L-1”

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E-Flite Announces Upcoming 1.2m P-39 Airacobra RC Model

E-Flite has announced the upcoming release of a 1.2m P-39 Airacobra RC model in BNF and PNP versions.

The model is touted as offering “functional retractable landing gear and split flaps, plus a 3S and 4S compatible power system to deliver a unique warbird experience.” Additional features reportedly include “abundant scale detail” including panel lines, exhaust stacks and removable drop tank, 6–channel control with 7 factory-installed servos and linkages and factory-finished “Wahl Eye II” painted camo trim scheme with factory-applied decals.

The BNF version also offers “unmatched stability and precision” of AS3X technology for smoother flight performance and ease of flying with optional-use SAFE Select flight envelope protection.

Click below to check out a video overview.

Continue reading E-Flite Announces Upcoming 1.2m P-39 Airacobra RC Model