Category: News

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First Look: Airfix’s New Tool Bristol Blenheim Mk.IF

Airfix has published the first test build photos of their upcoming new tool Bristol Blenheim Mk.IF in 1/48 scale.

As previously reported, the Blenheim will serve as the first twin engine WWII aircraft type within the Airfix rage to be produced using the very latest design and manufacturing techniques. The larger scale has allowed designers to incorporate far more detail, and they reportedly left no stone unturned in their quest to produce the most accurate kit possible. The team has utilized data gathered from examinations of original Blenheim drawings as well as preserved examples of the type, including the Aircraft Restoration Company’s airworthy Bristol Blenheim Mk.I and the beautifully preserved Blenheim Mk.IV based at the Aviation Museum of Central Finland in Tikkakoski.

The kit (A09186) will include two liveries, including K7159 (YX-N) of 54 Operational Training Unit, and L6739 (YP-Q) of 23 Squadron, which is the scheme currently applied to G-BPIV operated by the Aircraft Restoration Company at Duxford.

The Blenheim is currently slated for release in October. Click below to check out additional images.

Continue reading First Look: Airfix’s New Tool Bristol Blenheim Mk.IF

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Official UK Trailer Released For Upcoming WW2 Film “Hurricane” [Video]

Kaleidoscope Film Distribution has released the official UK trailer for the upcoming film Hurricane, which reportedly tells “the untold true story of Squadron 303” and “the Polish fliers who found themselves fighting for the freedom of their own country in foreign skies.”

Seen through the eyes of Jan Zumbach (played by Iwan Rheon), fighter ace and adventurer, it tells how the Poles, driven across Europe by the German war machine, finally made their last stand. Flying Hurricanes for the RAF over Britain, they became a key component in the legend of ‘The Few’. Up against the might of the Luftwaffe they hoped that, by saving Great Britain from Nazi invasion, they were keeping the dream of a free Poland alive.

The film also stars Milo Gibson (Hacksaw Ridge), Stephanie Martini (Crooked House, Prime Suspect 1973), Kristof Hadek (Under the Skin, Dark Blue World, 3 Seasons in Hell), Marcin Dorocinski (Roza, Jack Strong, Pitbull, Anthropoid). The new trailer (seen below) is more lengthy than the teaser released in February, and also shows some new aerial sequences.

Hurricane will reportedly hit UK cinemas and digital platforms on September 7. Continue reading Official UK Trailer Released For Upcoming WW2 Film “Hurricane” [Video]

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Aeroplane Heaven Announces Development of Heinkel He 111 for FSX, P3D

Flight simulation developer Aeroplane Heaven has announced the development of a Heinkel He 111 P-2 for FSX/SE, P3DV3+ and P3DV4+.

This will be the team’s second version of the WW2 German medium bomber, having previously included an example of the type in a Battle of Britain package created for CFS3.

At the moment, additional details on the project are scarce, although the team has released a series of screenshots detailing the work so far. Click below to see more.

Continue reading Aeroplane Heaven Announces Development of Heinkel He 111 for FSX, P3D

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MiG-21 Fishbed Cockpit Section 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.

The cockpit section of a late model MiG-21MF has hit the market.

The aircraft (tactical number 8022) reportedly flew with the 26th Fighter Regiment (Zegrze Pomorskie AB), 11th Fighter Regiment (Wroclaw AB), and 10th Fighter Regiment (Lask AB) and wears emblems from the latter two units.

The cockpit is described as “beautiful” and “complete,” although the description states that no weapons or charges are present and all seat and egress systems are inert. The section reportedly includes a display stand and is located in Calhoun, Georgia. It is currently available for US $14,500, although bids beginning at $9,000 are also being accepted. Click here to check out the complete listing on eBay.

Please Note: This post contains an eBay affiliate link. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.

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USAF Museum Begins Restoration of Avro 504K [Video]

The USAF Museum in Dayton, Ohio has begun restoration of its Avro 504K.

This particular example of the famous WW1 British trainer was originally constructed by the Royal Canadian Air Force’s Aircraft Maintenance & Development Unit in 1966-67 using original parts, including a 110 hp Le Rhone rotary engine. It arrived at the USAF Museum in 2003 and has since been on display in its Early Years Gallery wearing the colors of an aerobatic trainer of AEF No. 3 Instruction Center, based at Issoudun, France in 1918.

The aircraft was recently disassembled for transport to the restoration facility, a process that has been captured in the newly released video below. A time frame for completion and color / marking details have not yet been announced. Continue reading USAF Museum Begins Restoration of Avro 504K [Video]

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B-29 “Doc” to Begin Passenger Flights Following FAA Approval

Doc’s Friends, Inc. has reportedly been granted FAA approval to begin passenger flights in the newly restored B-29 Superfortress “Doc”. Each flight experience is expected to last roughly 90 minutes, including a 30 minute ride, and are scheduled to begin at Heavy Bombers Weekend in Madison, WI (July 20-22).

Prior to takeoff, passengers will experience a crew briefing and learn more about the history of the B-29 and the role it played in U.S. history. Passengers will also get to hear and see the sights and sounds of engine starts and run-ups prior to takeoff.

Additional dates will reportedly be added shortly, including ride weekends in Wichita. To book a flight or learn more, click here.

(via Doc’s Friends Photo: Caholguin109 from Wikimedia Commons)

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First Look: New Tool 1/32 Zoukei-Mura Kawasaki Ki-45 Sprues / Test Build

Zoukei-Mura has released new photos of a partial test build of their upcoming new tool 1/32 Kawasaki Ki-45 Kai “Toryu” model kit, while also providing a look at the sprues.

The process has reportedly been nearly four years in the making, with the prototype mold being recently completed from painstakingly produced CAD drawings. As previously reported, the representation of the WW2 Japanese twin-engine fighter will reportedly include short nose and long nose versions along with their different armaments.

A final release date has not yet been announced. Click below to check out a selection of images.

Continue reading First Look: New Tool 1/32 Zoukei-Mura Kawasaki Ki-45 Sprues / Test Build

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90% Complete Stewart S-51 Turbine Mustang Project 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 Stewart S-51 Mustang project has hit the market.

The aircraft is reportedly 90% complete with a 601D Walters turbine engine and Avia propeller. Workmanship is described as “excellent,” and was reportedly carried out by a “previous Oshkosh winner.” The machine is said to offer complete, updated landing gear and almost all the parts needed to finish.

The aircraft can reportedly be flying in six months and is currently located in Bethlehem, Connecticut. It is being offered for US$162,500, although specific trades will reportedly be considered and bids starting at $135,000 are also being accepted. Click here to check out the complete listing on eBay.

Please Note: This post contains an eBay affiliate link. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.

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Packard-Built Merlin Parts Engine 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 Packard-built Rolls Royce Merlin Model V1650-7 is being offered as a parts engine.

The powerplant S/N V-332734 was reportedly acquired around 2000 from the New England Air Museum and likely came from the Air National Guard at Bradley Field in Windsor Locks, CT. It reportedly spent significant time in poor storage conditions and is described as “used” and “incomplete.”

Heads are missing as is most of the intake system within the V. Carburetor and Magnetos are also missing as are some external engine accessories which can be noted from the pictures, Cylinders are very rusty as engine was poorly stored with the heads off. The engine does not turn. The left cylinder bank was unbolted and lifted up about 0.75″ from the crankcase. Right cylinder bank is still directly on the crankcase. Accelerator linkage bolted to supercharger casting at rear of engine is very rusty and frozen.

The engine is located in Higganum, Connecticut and is currently available for bidding. Click here to check out the complete listing on eBay.

Please Note: This post contains an eBay affiliate link. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.

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Race 232, “World’s Fastest Sea Fury” 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.

Hawker Sea Fury FB.11 N232MB, a 2006 National Champion and winner of Reno Unlimited Gold, has hit the market.

Dubbed “world’s fastest Sea Fury,” the aircraft reportedly received a full restoration to 0 time condition as well as a modification to Unlimited Air Racer configuration by Sanders Aeronautics in 1998. These modifications were said to be done “to enable the airframe to be returned to stock condition.”

The machine was originally built as a Mk 11 in September 1947 with a Bristol Centaurus engine, however, this was replaced during restoration with a Curtis Wright R-3350-93 (currently in need of overhaul), a process that is said to have included the installation of a custom engine mount. Additional work reportedly included a boil-off heat exchange system, new oil and fuel lines and new instruments and wiring. In addition, the wing inlets on the left side were sealed in an effort to reduce drag, and a racing canopy was designed to replace the stock unit.

The machine is reportedly offered with two sets of wings: 1 set stock wings (installed) and 1 set of clipped Sea Fury wings for racing. Race 232 is currently available for $750,000. Click here to check out the complete listing.

(Photo: D Ramey Logan from Wikimedia Commons)