Category: WW2 Era (1939-45)

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An Illustrated History of the Mosquito’s Design, Construction and Far East Ops

Coming later this year from Osprey Publishing and author Jeremy Walsh is Mosquito Units in the Far East, an illustrated history of the remarkable DH 98 Mosquito, from its unusual design and construction through to its pivotal actions the Far East.

The RAF and RAAF’s de Havilland DH 98 Mosquito played an important role in forcing the Japanese retreat from Burma and the Far East. Combining innovative composite-wood construction, world-class performance and beautifully balanced handling, the ‘Mossie’ excelled in intruder/strike and long-range photo-reconnaissance roles, despite its vulnerability to the hot, humid climate and challenging weather conditions. Moreover, Mosquito crews undertook their missions with great skill and determination, whether skimming the jungle to attack supply lines, supporting ground attack of artillery emplacements, denying airspace to the Japanese or identifying the enemy’s command centres.

In this new study, Mosquito specialist Jeremy Walsh reviews the aircraft’s background, its operational history across both RAF and RAAF squadrons in the Far East and its contribution to Allied success in this often ‘forgotten’ theatre. Accounts from aircrew bring first-hand perspectives to the story, while archive photographs and 21 newly commissioned aircraft profiles detail the aerodynamic efficiency and revolutionary nature of the Mosquito’s design.

The 96 page publication is currently available for pre-order in paperback and Kindle editions. Release is scheduled for September 22.

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F4F Wildcat vs 6M2-N ‘Rufe’ Battles Brought to Life in New Illustrated Study

Set for release later this year from Osprey Publishing is F4F Wildcat vs A6M2-N “Rufe”: Solomon Islands 1942–43, author Michael John Claringbould’s illustrated study of engagements between the F4F Wildcat and 6M2-N ‘Rufe’ during the Solomon Islands campaign.

A number of unique confrontations took place between floatplanes and land-based fighters during the fierce aerial battles fought above the Solomon Islands throughout 1942–43. Whilst the most famous Battle of Guadalcanal ‘slugfests’ saw US Marine Corps/US Navy F4F Wildcats engage the Zero-sens of the Imperial Japanese Naval Air Force, the pugnacious Wildcats also came up against the A6M2-N ‘Rufe’ floatplane – termed the ‘Zero on floats’ by American pilots. Such encounters have gone under-explored and misrepresented in Western histories, with the elusive capabilities of the ‘Rufe’ and its role combatting raids against Guadalcanal receiving only scant attention.

In this revelatory study, Pacific War expert Michael John Claringbould uncovers an aspect of the Pacific air war that has, until now, remained largely unknown. Operational documents, combat reports and first-hand accounts from both Wildcat and ‘Rufe’ pilots are combined to help align adversaries, in some cases one-on-one, for the first time in print, while archive photographs, formation diagrams and newly commissioned artwork brings the action to life.

The 80 page publication is currently available for pre-order in paperback and Kindle editions with release set for August 25.

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Special Hobby to Release CAC Boomerang Mk.I/II With Five Liveries

Special Hobby is preparing to release a CAC Boomerang Mk.I/II model kit in 1/72 scale.

The type was designed and built in Australia by the Commonwealth Aircraft Corporation from 1942 to 1945, marking the nation’s first domestically produced combat plane. Hastily developed after Japan’s entry into World War II using components from the CAC Wirraway trainer, the stubby, maneuverable Boomerang achieved a top speed of about 305 mph but underperformed in altitude and speed compared to contemporaries. Armed with two 20mm cannons and four .303 machine guns, it saw limited air-to-air success, instead excelling in ground attack, reconnaissance, and army cooperation roles in the Pacific theater, including New Guinea and Bougainville, where its rugged build absorbed heavy damage.

The upcoming release (SH72539) includes resin cast wheels and exhaust and two sprues consisting of plastic and clear parts. Marking options will be included for five machines, one machine from each RAAF squadron that flew the Boomerangs in combat. Four machines are camouflaged in green and brown scheme with light blue undersurfaces, the fifth machine is green all over.

As of this writing a final release date has not been announced. Click below to check out livery profiles.

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Junkers Ju 88C Day and Nightfighter Missions: The Illustrated Account

Soon to be released by Osprey Publishing is Junkers Ju 88C Day and Nightfighters, author Chris Goss’ illustrated account of the action-packed combat missions carried out by the Luftwaffe’s powerfully armed Junkers Ju 88C day and nightfighters.

The Junkers Ju 88A was the Luftwaffe’s most effective medium bomber during much of World War 2, and its high speed and surprising agility made it an ideal candidate for conversion into a Zerstörer (destroyer) fighter. Initially designed to be used as a long-range bomber escort, the solid-nosed Ju 88C fighter boasted powerful cannon that made the aircraft ideally suited to the nightfighter role. Its unrivalled endurance also meant the Ju 88C could undertake sweeps of the Bay of Biscay from the French Atlantic coast in search of Allied maritime patrol aircraft hunting U-boats.

Luftwaffe historian Chris Goss charts the action-packed service history of the Ju 88C through first-hand accounts and combat reports from the crews that flew the twin-engined Zerstörer into combat. Newly commissioned profile artworks and more than 50 photographs of aircraft and crews help detail the aircraft’s conversion from a fast bomber into a deadly heavy fighter that proved to be the scourge of Allied bomber and patrol aircraft.

The 96 page publication is currently available for pre-order in paperback and Kindle editions. Release is set for May 19.

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Kotare Developing 1/32 Defiant Mk.I With Exclusive Perks For Pre-Orders

Kotare has announced the development of a Boulton Paul Defiant Mk.I in 1/32 scale. The kit (K32510) will be an exclusive, limited edition release with only 5,000 being produced. Each will by hand numbered by Kotare Models owner Mark Robson.

Those who pre-order will become a member of “Project Defiant” — an exclusive group with access to a private Facebook page, online forum, and email network. Members will also have the chance to meet Kotare staff in person at major model shows across the UK, Australia, the USA, and New Zealand to share ideas and connect with others. Regular updates will cover the project’s design progress, with opportunities to engage directly with kit designer Nick Moore and the team. Project Defiant members can contribute to major design decisions, share aircraft knowledge, and help decide on color schemes. Pre-orders also include a bonus: a set of 3D‑printed resin exhausts and a print of Darryl Legg’s beautiful box art.

Be in the draw to build a second test shot! From the first 500 people who make an order, we will randomly draw 20 names. Those modellers will be offered the chance to build and critique a second test shot of the kitset, to augment the process we at Kotare do.

The company expects to begin pre-order shipping by March 2028. The retail price is US $125 plus shipping and applicable taxes and/or tariffs in your country.

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HobbyBoss to Release New Focke-Wulf Fw 190A-8 Model Kit

HobbyBoss will reportedly release their new 1/48 Focke-Wulf Fw 190A-8 model kit this month.

Fw 190A-8 was a late-war, single-seat German fighter-bomber variant of the famous “Würger” that became the most numerous of all Fw 190 subtypes. It was introduced in 1944 and used extensively for Reich air defense and ground-attack duties. Powered by the BMW 801 radial engine and fitted in many aircraft with a nitrous-oxide (GM‑1 or similar C3-injection) emergency boost system, it offered strong low- to medium-altitude performance, making it effective against Allied bombers below about 7,000 m. Typical armament combined two 13 mm MG 131 machine guns in the cowling with four 20 mm MG 151/20 cannons in the wings, with some sub-variants adding 30 mm MK 108 cannon and underwing bombs or rockets for heavy bomber interception and close air support. As an evolution of the A-7, the A-8 incorporated minor airframe and systems changes while retaining the wide-track undercarriage and rugged construction that made the Fw 190 series popular with Luftwaffe pilots.

The kit (81782) consists of over 120 parts and is touted as accurate and detailed. The released images show two livery options, painting masks and PE parts. Click below to check out build images, livery profiles and some kit contents.

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SAL P-51 Mustang For Sale: “Priced to Sell”

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 SAL P-51 Mustang has been spotted for sale. The listing states (in part):

SAL P51 2/3 Mustang Replica one seater. Estate Sale. Wing has been unbolted from the fuselage and its ready to be loaded on a trailer. 550hrs total time. Has current registration & airworthiness certificate, and signed paperwork/ bill of sale from the estate. No log books unless we find them. V8 Chevrolet 350 ZZ 380HP, Woodward Governor, Holley 4 barrel, Hartzell 4 blade Prop. Priced to sell bring your trailer

The aircraft is located in Manvel, Texas and is currently available for US $49,999. Click here to check out the eBay listing, which includes additional photos.

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Revell to Release Me 262 A-1a / U4 Kit in 1/32 Scale

Revell will soon release a Messerschmitt Me 262 A-1a / U4 model kit in 1/32 scale.

The product (037499090) is based on what the company describes as the “proven” Me 262 model, but it has been updated with newly developed parts to represent the U4’s nose and 50 mm cannon. Additional features will include a finely crafted cockpit, detailed Jumo engines and “an authentic chassis.” As a Level 5 kit it includes 220 individual parts.

The kit is currently slated for release in April.

(via Revell)

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ICM Releases New Luftwaffe Pilot School Kit With Detailed Hs 123A Biplane

ICM has released a new Luftwaffe Pilot School model kit in 1/32 scale.

The Henschel Hs 123A served as a dive bomber and close‑support aircraft in addition to training duties. It featured all‑metal sesquiplane construction and was powered by a BMW 132 radial engine. The aircraft was armed with two 7.92 mm machine guns and around 450 kg of bombs, typically a 250 kg centerline bomb and smaller wing bombs. Entering service in the mid‑1930s, it was rugged, highly maneuverable, and able to operate from rough front‑line airfields, which made it effective in the Spanish Civil War and early Second World War campaigns despite being technically obsolete. With a top speed of about 340 km/h and excellent dive‑bombing characteristics, the Hs 123A earned a reputation for toughness and reliable close air support, remaining in service longer than originally intended until withdrawn mainly due to spare‑parts shortages.

The new release (32017) consists of three Luftwaffe cadets and an Hs 123A training biplane. It includes detailed uniform elements, accurate geometry and proportions, a detailed cockpit and fuselage and step-by-step instructions.

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1944 DC-4 / C-54 Cockpit Section For Sale: “Nose to Back of Radio Quarters”

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 1944 Douglas DC-4/ C-54 cockpit section has been spotted for sale. The listing states (in part):

DC4 C54 Cockpit 22′ nose to back of radio quarters. Freestanding due to triangulated metal base, weighs approx 6500lbs. Have an approx 20′ section of fuselage windows & exits & the tail. Removed from Firebomber 109 now living in my backyard, was thinking of building and aviation themed Air B&B / guest room but changing plans.

The section is located near Buckeye, AZ and is currently available for US $20,000. Click here to check out the eBay listing, which includes additional photos and details.

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