Category: WW2 Era (1939-45)

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Now Available: IBG’s New Fw 190D-9 “Jagdgeschwader 301” Model Kit

IBG Models has released their new Fw 190D-9 model kit (72543) in 1/72 scale.

The Focke-Wulf Fw 190D was the final mass-produced version of the company’s famed fighter, representing the culmination of a long line of design evolution aimed at improving high-altitude performance. Although often seen as a late-war development, work on fitting the Fw 190 with an inline engine began as early as 1941 in response to Allied advancements in turbocharged bomber technology. Early prototypes using radial and inline engines (Fw 190B and C) failed due to technical issues, but the introduction of the Junkers Jumo 213 engine revived the project. After extensive testing and modifications to correct stability problems caused by the new engine, the Fw 190D-9 entered production in August 1944, marking a major success. Subsequent variants featuring improved engines were developed, though most remained prototypes due to the war’s end. Between 1,500 and 1,700 Fw 190D aircraft were produced, with only a portion reaching active Luftwaffe units before Germany’s defeat.

As previously reported, the new offering is based on the new tool Focke-Wulf Fw 190D-9 kit (72531 / eBay Product Link) released in 2022, but with markings representing Jagdgeschwader 301.

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Catalina Flying Boat: The Complete Operational History in Australian Service

Coming soon from Avonmore Books and author Don Williams is The Catalina Flying Boat in Australian Service During WWII, a “full color, fully illustrated, complete operational history of the Catalina in Australian service during WWII, during which 225 airmen lost their lives.”

The RAAF effort during the Pacific War was massive, with glamorous types such as Spitfires, P-40s, Beaufighters and Hudsons grabbing most of the attention. While the ungainly Catalina flying boat played an equally important frontline role in the conflict, its contribution remains largely unheralded. Catalinas had unique characteristics and were in the combat zone from the first day of the war to the last, serving in several key roles. From the earliest desperate weeks of the Pacific War, RAAF Catalinas serving as bombers were one of the few Allied types with the range to strike the key Japanese base of Rabaul. Catalinas also monitored the enemy advance up to the Battle of the Coral Sea and paid a heavy price at the hands of Japanese fighters. From 1943 the Catalina force began expanding, and eventually 168 of the flying boats were received by the RAAF. These made a major strategic contribution to the war over the next two years, undertaking a successful minelaying campaign that ranged throughout the Netherlands East Indies and beyond as far as the Chinese coast. Catalinas also provided the RAAF with a valuable air-sea rescue capability, while others serving with Qantas maintained what was the longest regular airline route in the world between Perth and Ceylon.

The 132 page paperback publication is currently available for pre-order with release set for June 1.

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Airscale Releases New “State of the Art” Hawker Typhoon Mk.Ib Hybrid Kit

Airscale has released their new 3D printed Hawker Typhoon Mk.Ib “car door” in 1/32 scale.

Combining state of the art injection moulding with high end 3D parts, this hybrid kit sets the tone for future modellers. Fuselage, wings, tailplanes and clear parts are all injection moulded, while everything else bristles with finely realised 3D detail.

The model is released in partnership with Typhoon Legacy in Canada, and a percentage of sales will go toward their restoration of JP843 to flying condition. Click below for product link and additional images.

Continue reading Airscale Releases New “State of the Art” Hawker Typhoon Mk.Ib Hybrid Kit

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Eduard Release ProfiPACK Spitfire F Mk. IX With New Liveries

Adding to the list of new Eduard releases for March is this ProfiPACK Edition Spitfire F Mk. IX model kit in 1/48 scale.

The F Mk. IX was a mid‑war Spitfire variant created as a stopgap by fitting the new two‑stage supercharged Merlin 61 series engine to essentially a modified Mk Vc airframe to counter the Focke‑Wulf Fw 190 in 1942. It retained the classic Spitfire agility but offered much improved speed, climb, and high‑altitude performance. It was typically armed with two 20 mm cannon and four .303 in machine guns in the universal “C” wing. Intended as a temporary solution until more advanced marks arrived, it proved so successful that thousands were built, serving in roles from pure interceptor to fighter‑bomber and remaining a mainstay of RAF fighter units through the later years of the Second World War.

The offering (8282) is reportedly a re-release with new marking options including Canadian and American liveries. It includes Eduard plastic parts, pre-painted PE parts, painting masks and Eduard decals with five marking options.

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Battle of the Coral Sea: WW2’s Pivotal All Aircraft Battle Explained

Coming soon from Avonmore Books and author Dr Tom Lewis OAM is The Battle of the Coral Sea Explained: Expert analysis of the pivotal WWII battle where American strength saved Australia. The book draws on the official wartime US Navy Combat Narrative to examine the mighty Coral Sea battle while explaining the weapons, technology and tactics involved. Aimed at the non-expert reader, the book sets forth how one of the most important battles for Australia played out.

The Battle of the Coral Sea was a landmark Pacific War action fought off the Australian coast in May 1942. Famously, it was the first naval battle fought entirely by aircraft. The battle was a major setback for the Japanese at a time when their war machine waged supreme. It also saw huge consequences for the Battle of Midway fought just weeks later as two key Japanese aircraft carriers were so damaged and weakened at Coral Sea that they couldn’t take part.

Without the Battle of the Coral Sea, the United States may well have met defeat at the Battle of Midway. If that had happened, Australia would have been isolated and cut off from US support. If the Americans were forced to fight from their west coast, would this have led to Australia’s invasion or surrender?

The 144 page paperback book is currently available for pre-order with release set for June 1.

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Eduard Releases Limited Edition, Dual Combo Bf 109K-4 Model Kit

Another new release this month from Eduard is a limited edition, dual combo “Kurfürst” Bf 109K-4 model kit in 1/72 scale.

The Bf 109K-4, known as the “Kurfürst”, was the final production variant of the iconic German World War II fighter, entering service in late 1944 as the Luftwaffe’s most refined Bf 109 model. Powered by a Daimler-Benz DB 605D engine producing up to 2,000 horsepower with MW 50 injection, it achieved top speeds of around 690-710 km/h (429-440 mph) at high altitudes like 7,400-7,500 meters, offering superior climb rates, acceleration, and agility over earlier 109s. Armament typically included one 30 mm MK 108 cannon with 65 rounds and two 13 mm MG 131 machine guns with 300 rounds each, all nose-mounted for precise firing, while its design prioritized ease of maintenance with quick-access panels. Though optimized for high-altitude interception and bomber defense, its aging airframe limited top-speed handling compared to some Allied foes.

Eduard’s new release (2155) includes Eduard plastic parts, pre-painted PE parts, painting masks, and Eduard decals for nine aircraft.

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Handley Page Halifax: A Comprehensive Assessment

Coming soon from Fonthill Media and author Philip Birtles is Handley Page Halifax: Second World War Strategic Bomber, a comprehensive assessment of the aircraft, covering its design, production, testing and RAF service, both as a bomber and in its other roles.

While not as famous as the Avro Lancaster, the Handley Page Halifax was developed to the same specification as the Lancaster’s predecessor, the Avro Manchester, and suffered similar engine-related issues. However, once the early Rolls-Royce Merlins had been replaced with Bristol Hercules air-cooled radial engines, the bomber’s performance and reliability were transformed. The Halifax accounted for around 40 per cent of the RAF’s total heavy bomber fleet throughout the war, with production coming out of Handley Page at Cricklewood and Radlett, as well as English Electric at Samlesbury and Rootes Securities at Speke among other manufacturers located across Britain. After the engine change in 1943, the Halifax became a valued and reliable stablemate of the Lancaster, equipping two major Bomber Command Groups, including Canadian squadrons, and specialising in glider towing and maritime reconnaissance.

The 352 page, hardcover book is currently available for pre-order with release scheduled for May 30.

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Eduard Releases New Fw 190F-8 Model Kit With 7 Liveries

New this month from Eduard is a ProfiPACK Edition Fw 190F-8 model kit in 1/48 scale.

The Fw 190F-8 was a late-war German ground-attack variant of the renowned Fw 190 fighter, derived from the A-8 airframe with reinforcements to carry up to 1,000 kg bombs or other ordnance. Powered by a BMW 801 radial engine with low-altitude performance enhancements via a modified compressor, it featured armament of two 20 mm MG 151/20 wing-root cannons and two 13 mm MG 131 cowl machine guns. Entering service in 1944, over 6,000 were built, though many served as fighter-interceptors due to the decline of dedicated dive bombers like the Ju 87.

The new kit (82139) includes Eduard plastic parts, pre-painted PE parts, painting masks and Eduard decals with marking options for seven aircraft.

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Moonlight Crusaders: How Special Duties Squadrons Brought Spies In and Out of Occupied Europe

Soon to be released by Osprey Publishing is Moonlight Crusaders: Special Duties Pilots over Occupied Europe, author Paul Smiddy’s engrossing history exploring the creation, development and actions of the Special Duties squadrons, which carried spies, political figures and documents in and out of Occupied Europe.

In 1940, Winston Churchill famously set in motion the Special Operations Executive. However, the creation of secret agent networks required a clandestine transport infrastructure to support nascent resistance movements in Occupied Europe. With only the moon to guide their way, the daring pilots of 161 Squadron constantly faced danger: their locations could be discovered, German night-fighters and flak had to be contended with and, of course, they dealt with the worst of European weather. Despite these extra risks, these Special Duties pilots were remarkably successful.

Packed with first-hand accounts and expert research, this book dives into the history of the men who flew these dangerous missions and the main aircraft they used – unarmed Lysanders. Author Paul Smiddy, an RAF-trained pilot, explores the origins of the Lysander, the dangers it posed to its pilots and how operational techniques were developed. Facing political interference and limited resources from the RAF, these brave and under-recognised pilots provided a critical role in the war – bringing back agents with important information to help Britain and the Allies defeat the Germans.

The 384 page book is currently available for pre-order in hardcover and Kindle editions. Release is set for May 5.

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ICM to Release Do 217M-1 Kit Representing Captured RAF Example

ICM has announced the upcoming release of a Do 217M-1 RAF bomber in 1/48 scale.

The kit (48276) represents a Dornier Do 217M-1 that was captured by the Allies in the spring of 1945 and adopted into the British test program where it was flown in RAF markings to assess performance, handling, and equipment layout. It boasts accurate geometry based on actual Do 217M-1 specifications and a detailed reproduction of the aircraft’s large glazed cockpit.

The kit will be available sometime next month, although an exact release date has not yet been announced.

(via ICM)