Category: WW2 Era (1939-45)

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MikroMir Releases New Junkers Ju-388 L-1 Model Kit

MikroMir has released a new Junkers Ju-388 L-1 model kit in 1/72 scale.

The Ju‑388 L‑1 was a late‑WW2 German high‑altitude reconnaissance variant of the Ju‑388 “Störtebeker.” Optimized for long‑range photo‑reconnaissance at high altitudes, the L‑1 featured a pressurized cockpit, a streamlined glazed nose for cameras, and powerful Jumo 213 engines that gave it speeds around 600–650 km/h (380–400 mph) and a service ceiling well above 12,000 m (40,000 ft). Like the rest of the Ju‑388 series, it entered service only in small numbers during the final phases of the war and saw limited combat, but one captured Ju‑388 L‑1 was later acquired by the United States and is now preserved in the National Air and Space Museum.

The kit includes masks, photoetching and decals. Click below to check out sprue images and the product link.

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Vulcan to Spitfire and Back: Flying in an RAF Squadron During the Cold War

Coming soon from Fonthill Media and author Bill Perrins is From Vulcan to Spitfire and Back: A Life in Aviation, described as “a humorous, unguarded, and often self-deprecating account of what it was like to be part of an RAF squadron during the Cold War.”

Growing up in Belfast during the Troubles, Bill Perrins was a young man hell-bent on a career as a pilot. He made it through RAF pilot training—thanks more, perhaps, to sheer determination than aptitude—and finally graduated to the role of Vulcan pilot in time to take part in the 1982 Falklands War. After the RAF, Bill entered the world of commercial aviation, flying Boeing 747s and Dreamliners on long-haul, though he still found time to pilot the world’s only privately owned nuclear bomber, the mighty Vulcan XH558, at air shows, along with P51 Mustangs, Yaks and the legendary Spitfire. Way back in his boyhood, the fantasy of one day flying the Spitfire was where it had all begun—and it did not disappoint.

From Vulcan to Spitfire and Back: A Life in Aviation is… about the simple joys of flying, whether in the cockpit of the enormous delta-winged Vulcan or behind the sprightly controls of the inimitable Spitfire, and the camaraderie that comes with it, both in military and civil aviation.

The 224 page hardcover book is currently available for pre-order with release set for June 30.

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MiniArt Releases New Tool Fw 190D-9 (Mimetall) Basic Model Kit

MiniArt has released their new tool Focke-Wulf 190D-9 (Mimetall) basic model kit in 1/48 scale.

The Focke-Wulf FW 190D-9 was developed as a high-performance fighter to improve high-altitude capability. Aircraft produced by Mimetall were delivered in late-war conditions and often featured simplified finishes. Machines of Jagdgeschwader 301 were among those flown during the final phase of WWII.

As previously reported, the kit (48040) includes an accurate exterior with finely reproduced panel lines and rivets, detailed cockpit with instrument panel and seat, optional open or closed canopy and marking options for two aircraft of Jagdgeschwader 301.

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Titan T-51 Project For Sale: “Isolated Damage, Cheap”

A 2015 Titan T-51 project has been spotted for sale.

According to the listing, this two‑seat, experimental 3/4 scale P-51D replica is all‑metal construction with a steel‑tube fuselage frame and aluminum skins. It uses blind (“pop”) rivets to simplify construction and repair and is powered by an 185‑hp Suzuki H27A 2.7L V‑6, giving brisk acceleration, strong climb, and increased cruise speed compared with the original Rotax‑powered configuration. The airplane has about 161 total flight hours and suffered isolated damage after striking a deer on takeoff which wrinkled and deformed the left wing leading edge and flap, dented and torn some right‑side fuselage and center‑section skin, and broke two fiberglass prop blades, while leaving the main gear, tailwheel, spars, cowling, interior, dual seats, and dash wiring largely intact, making it a repairable project rather than a total loss.

The aircraft is located in Bristow, Oklahoma and is currently available for US $19,950, although bids are also being accepted. Click here to check out the eBay listing, which includes additional photos and details.

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DC-3 Nose / Cockpit Section For Sale: “Has Been Restored”

A DC-3 nose / cockpit section has been spotted for sale. The listing states (in part):

Original vintage DC-3 airplane nose cone with classic streamlined aircraft design and authentic aviation character. A rare and eye-catching collectible, ideal for display, restoration projects, or aviation memorabilia collections. Has been restored.

The section is located in South Bend, Indiana. Click here to check out the eBay listing, which includes additional photos and details.

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MiniArt to Release New Fw 190D-9 Model Kit With JG 54 Liveries

MiniArt has announced the upcoming release of a Focke-Wulf Fw 190D-9 “Grünherz” basic model kit in 1/48 scale.

the offering (48035) represents the early production Fw 190D-9 used by Jagdgeschwader 54 “Grünherz,” featuring distinctive late-war Luftwaffe camouflage and markings. It is described as detailed, with “clean assembly” and an accurate early production configuration. Two mJG 54 marking options will be included.

As of this writing, a final release date has not been announced, although it is “coming soon.” Click below to check out marking profiles, sprue images and box art.

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New Book Chronicles Perilous Work of USAF Combat Cameramen

Coming soon from Helion and Company and author Kevin Wright is USAF Combat Camera 1941–1991: The Brave Ones Shoot Bullets, the Crazy Ones Shoot Film, documenting USAF cinematographers and photographers and their frequently hazardous work.

USAF Combat Cameramen and later women have participated in every major US military operation and deployment worldwide. Whilst some of their wartime productions like the original Memphis Belle and The Last Bomb, rightly gained wide public acclaim, the vast majority of their work, often classified, was for the Pentagon’s eyes only. Their main role was to keep senior military commanders and decision-makers informed about USAF operations and to record the challenges faced by US armed forces on the ground.

Combat Camera charts those activities from their origins in Hollywood, producing military training films, through wartime movies, bomber operations over Europe and Japan, the liberation of France, the attacks on Hiroshima and Nagasaki, to Korea, Vietnam, Grenada, Panama and the 1991 Gulf War.

These events are explored mainly through personal accounts from the combat cameramen and women themselves. From acts of individual heroism, through organisational change, new equipment and their often ringside seats at historic events, Combat Camera captures the work of these remarkable men and women and has been produced with cooperation of the membership of the USAF Combat Camera Association.

This volume is profusely illustrated with original photographs and includes unique links to original motion footage shot by the USAF Combat Cameramen, in addition to the @War series signature colour artworks.

The 72 page paperback publication is currently available for pre-order with release set for June 15.

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ICM to Release Late-Production HP.52 Hampden (Churchill’s “Flying Suitcase”)

ICM has announced the upcoming release 1/48 scale model of the HP.52 Hampden (Churchill’s “Flying Suitcase”) featuring characteristic late-production details.

The upcoming release (48354) which continues ICM’s recent line of Hampden kits, faithfully preserves the geometry and proportions of the original aircraft. It includes rivet detail on the fuselage, wings and tail surfaces, marking options for four aircraft and multiple bomb types that can be positioned in the bomb bay or under the wings.

The kit is currently slated for release sometime in April.

(via ICM)

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The History of British Airways Told Through Museum Artifacts

Coming soon from Amberley Publishing and author Al Bridger is British Airways in 100 Objects, which is focused on artifacts held by the British Airways Speedbird Centre.

British Airways has an almost unique history. Spanning over a century from the first flight of Aircraft Transport and Travel Ltd from London to Paris in 1919 to the modern fuel-efficient aircraft of its current fleet, British Airways has proudly connected Britain to the World and the World to Britain. Over that journey through the rapidly evolving early years of pioneering aviation, taking days to cross continents with biplanes and seaplanes, through the post-war piston-engine luxury, the iconic jet age of the fabulous Boeing 707 and 747, the supersonic marvel of Concorde into the modern era of travel, British Airways has seen many historic events and carried literally billions of customers. Along the way that journey has generated vast amounts of treasured items, many of which are now displayed or stored at British Airways headquarters near Heathrow in its truly incredible museum, the Speedbird Centre. Much of the archive has true national importance and is kept as part of the nation’s heritage. From simple in-flight mementos to the Olympic torch, the items featured in this book represent just a flavour of that collection and bring decades of flight to life.

The 144 page, paperback publication is currently available for pre-order with release set for May 15.

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First Look: DoraWings Dewoitine D.520 Test Build

DoraWings has release the first test build / test sprue photos for their new tool Dewoitine D.520 in 1/32 scale.

The D.520 was a French single‑seat, low‑wing monoplane fighter of World War II, designed in the late 1930s to meet a demanding Air Ministry requirement for a fast, modern interceptor with a 20 mm cannon and good climb performance. Powered by a Hispano‑Suiza 12Y liquid‑cooled V‑12 engine, it reached a top speed of around 560 km/h and combined a robust all‑metal structure with retractable landing gear and a relatively heavy armament of one 20 mm cannon and four 7.5 mm machine guns. Entering service in early 1940, it was the most advanced French fighter in large‑scale use during the Battle of France and is often regarded as the best French‑made fighter of the war, seeing further combat and training service with Vichy, Italian, and other air forces into the early 1950s.

Details on the new model are limited, although the images provide a good overview of what to expect. Check out additional examples after the break.

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