Category: WW2 Era (1939-45)

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Proposed Full-Scale Avro Lancaster Monument Recommended for Approval

The Bomber County Gateway Trust’s effort to erect a monument to Bomber Command in Lincolnshire featuring a full-scale representation of the Avro Lancaster is closer to becoming a reality after North Kesteven District Council’s Planning Sub-Committee reportedly received a recommendation to approve proposals for the project.

As previously reported, the monument would represent R5689 (pictured above), which is believed to be the most photographed Lancaster of the war, likely because it was used in literature to train pilots to identify the type. R5689 served with 50 Squadron RAF and crash landed at Thurlby Top Wood while limping home to RAF Swinderby after a mission on September 18, 1942 – an incident that claimed the life of RCAF crew member Sgt. J.R. Gibbons. Continue reading Proposed Full-Scale Avro Lancaster Monument Recommended for Approval

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Freightdog Models Releases New Tool Supermarine Type 327 Model Kit

Freightdog Models has released their new tool model kit of the Supermarine Type 327 British twin-engine fighter in 1/72 scale.

As previously reported, the Type 327 was a cannon-equipped concept aircraft designed to replace the Spitfire and Hurricane. However, it never entered production, in part because it was believed that other machines, such as the Westland Whirlwind, would likely enter service first.

The kit reportedly includes resin parts cast by CMR, vacform canopies by Rob Taurus and Fantasy Printshop screen printed decals. The result depicts a “what-if” operational version of the Type 327 based on a service entry of late 1942.

Freightdog states that the breakdown of the kit allows for “further developments along the lines of the Spitfire, with larger engines and increased size tail assembly to compensate, naval developments or perhaps a fighter bomber version, which will hopefully follow if sales of the initial boxing are promising.”

Product Page (£35.00)

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Lancaster FM104’s Future Could Be Determined By Friday Meeting [Video]

The future of Avro Lancaster FM104 could be determined by a meeting held today.

The bomber was built by Victory Aircraft of Malton, Ontario in 1944 and installed along Toronto’s waterfront following its retirement from the RCAF in 1964. In 1999, it was moved to a museum in Downsview Park, where a restoration effort began. However, it was relocated once again when the museum closed in 2011 and has since been stored at the Edenvale Aerodrome west of Barrie. The aircraft is now said to be in need of extensive restoration.

The future of FM104 has become the focus of significant debate. The city of Toronto is said to lacks the funds, resources and space to properly maintain and display the machine and would like to donate it to the British Columbia Aviation Museum near Victoria, as it is said to be well equipped for its long-term care. However, the group FM104EVER is against the proposal, viewing the Lancaster as an important part of the local community. The team is working to keep the aircraft in the city and has reportedly assembled a team of experts to restore the aircraft while also identifying potential sites for display.

The city’s Economic Development Committee met today to consider the proposals. Click below to watch.

Continue reading Lancaster FM104’s Future Could Be Determined By Friday Meeting [Video]

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First Look: Brickmania’s Upcoming B-17G LEGO Model Kit [Video]

Brickmania is offering the first look at their upcoming, limited edition B-17G Flying Fortress LEGO model kit.

The representation of the iconic WW2 bomber includes 3,074 LEGO, and BrickArms elements, 10 custom-printed minifigures, 10 .50 caliber BrickArms machine guns mounted on moving turrets, moving flaps, ailerons, and rudder, retractable landing gear, four bombs with opening bomb bay doors, spinning propellers, a detailed interior, printed elements and a high-quality sticker sheet.

The kit is reportedly set for release in the second week of May, although it is now available for pre-order. All kits ordered during the pre-order period will reportedly come with boxes and a Certificate of Authentication signed by the model’s designer, Cody Osell.

Click below to check out a video overview of the model, as well as additional details about availability.

Continue reading First Look: Brickmania’s Upcoming B-17G LEGO Model Kit [Video]

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USAF Museum to Host Free Presentations About Memphis Belle Ahead of Historic Unveiling

With the debut of the newly restored B-17F “Memphis Belle” scheduled to take place in May, the USAF Museum in Dayton, Ohio has planned a series of free presentations about the historic bomber that will take place later this month.

These programs will be presented by Dr. Harry Friedman of the Memphis Belle Memorial Association (MBMA), and National Museum of the U.S. Air Force Curator Jeff Duford, on April 18 at 1:30 p.m. and will repeat on April 19 at 9:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. in the museum’s Carney Auditorium. During the event Friedman, who is also coauthor of the book Memphis Belle – Dispelling the Myths, will speak about the Memphis Belle’s missions overseas, its return to the United States and the time the aircraft spent in Memphis, Tenn. Duford will discuss the restoration of the aircraft as well as the planning and construction of the new exhibit.

The Memphis Belle became the first the first U.S. Army Air Forces heavy bomber to complete 25 missions and return to the U.S. It flew across the country to promote war bonds and boost morale and even became the focus of a documentary and feature film. As previously reported, the highly anticipated unveiling of the restored bomber will take place at the USAF Museum on May 17-18 and will reportedly be attended by two B-17s and over 130 WW2 reenactors.

(via USAF Museum Photo: U.S. Air Force photo by Kevin Lush)

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Freightdog Models to Release New Tool Supermarine Type 327 Kit

Freightdog Models has provided an update on their new tool model kit of the Supermarine Type 327 British twin-engine fighter.

”A little bit of progress on the Type 327 Shrew kit, partially built up example by Jen Wright that will hopefully be finished and on display at Cosford this weekend when the kit goes on sale. Pre-orders are welcome, I will only have a few with me. Retail price at the show will be £35.00, kit will be on the website next week.”

The Type 327 was a cannon-equipped concept aircraft designed to replace the Spitfire and Hurricane. However, it never entered production, in part because it was believed that other machines, such as the Westland Whirlwind, would likely enter service first.

The 1/72 resin kit will reportedly include “what if” markings for a prototype along with suitable roundels for fighter or photo reconnaissance versions, for which optional parts will also be included.

Click below to check out additional images.

Continue reading Freightdog Models to Release New Tool Supermarine Type 327 Kit

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Corsair Restoration Nearing Completion in France [Video]

The restoration of F4U-5N Corsair F-AZEG is reportedly nearing completion in France.

The aircraft (B/N 124724) was originally constructed in 1951 and delivered to the US Navy in September of that year. In 1952, the machine was assigned to VC-3 and went on to operate from USS Valley Forge and USS Boxer before returning to the US in 1953.

In 1956 the Corsair was delivered to Honduras and saw action in the “Soccer War” with El Salvador, operating with Fuerza Area Hondurena as FAH 600. After retirement from active service, the aircraft passed through the hands of a number of owners before being acquired by Jean Salis’ Les Casques de Cuir collection based in La Ferté-Alais, France in 1986.

Restoration began in 2008, and the aircraft is expected to return to the air sometime this year.

Click below to check out video of an engine test performed over the weekend.

Continue reading Corsair Restoration Nearing Completion in France [Video]

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Eduard Provides Update on Upcoming New Tool P-51D Mustang Model Kit

Since their first announcement at the E-Day International Scale Kit Exhibition back in October, Eduard has made progress on their upcoming new tool P-51D Mustang model kit in 1/48 scale.

The company recently provided an update stating that project designer Standa Archman has personally examined numerous Mustangs and is focusing on even the slightest details, spending two days working on the rivet lines alone.

A number of new renderings have also been released, additional examples of which can be seen below.

As of this writing, kit contents and availability details have not yet been reported.

Continue reading Eduard Provides Update on Upcoming New Tool P-51D Mustang Model Kit

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Aeroplane Heaven Releases First Trailer For Upcoming FSX, P3D Avro Lancaster [Video]

Flight simulation developer Aeroplane Heaven has released the first trailer for their upcoming Avro Lancaster B Mk 1 for FSX, FSX Steam and P3D V3 and V4.

As previously reported, the new Lancaster is touted as incorporating their latest tech and techniques to “bring you what will be your chance to experience just what it was like to fly and crew this legendary machine in the skies of the latest simulators.” Its exterior will reportedly boast “a massive amount of authentic detail” along with many unique animations and a highly detailed virtual cockpit that will include the front turret and bomber’s compartment, engineer and nav station and radio operator’s positions.

The video shows a beta test flight in the aircraft, including startup procedures, gun tests, and a bombing run, while showcasing the model’s many features and exquisite attention to detail. Click below to check it out.

Continue reading Aeroplane Heaven Releases First Trailer For Upcoming FSX, P3D Avro Lancaster [Video]

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Yak-3 Suffers Significant Damage After Colliding With Cherry Picker at Wanaka Airshow [Video]

While landing at New Zealand’s Warbirds Over Wanaka International Airshow on Saturday, Yak-3 ZK-YYY collided with a cherry picker that was parked along the grass runway, causing significant damage to the airframe.

The machine had just completed a performance with a second Yak-3 when the incident occurred, which resulted in the separation of the starboard wing. The cherry picker, which was reportedly intended for use in a later event, was unmanned at the time, and thankfully the Yak’s pilot/owner, Arthur Dovey, emerged from the aircraft unharmed.

The machine was previously sent to Russia and converted from a Yak-11 to a Yak-3. It is said to be “very close” to the type’s original specifications, although the scarcity of the original Klimov V12 powerplant resulted in the use of an Allison V1710.

An evaluation of the aircraft will be needed to determine the full extent of the damage. An inquiry will also reportedly be launched the determine why the cherry picker had been positioned in the area.

Click below to watch video of the incident.

Continue reading Yak-3 Suffers Significant Damage After Colliding With Cherry Picker at Wanaka Airshow [Video]