Category: WW2 Era (1939-45)

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New Book Traces Spitfire History With Rare Archive Images

Soon to be released by Air World is Spitfire: The Iconic Fighter in Unique Photographs, described as “a photographic history of the Supermarine Spitfire, tracing its design, global service, and lasting wartime legacy.”

Countless photographs have been taken of the Spitfire, including innumerable high-quality press photographs. During the Second World War, however, private photography on service installations was prohibited – but, nevertheless, some personnel, aircrew and groundcrew alike, took furtive snapshots. Forming the basis of this book, these amateur images providing us with an authentic and candid window on the past. Drawing on a unique collection of rare archive images, the renowned aviation historian Dilip Sarkar MBE, RHistS, FRAeS, explores the history of the Spitfire from its inception and first flight in 1936, through its introduction to service and then its service to the Allied nations throughout the Second World War.

The 224 page book is currently available for pre-order with release slated for January 6, 2026.

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First Look: Final Sprues for Arma Hobby’s Hurricane Mk I

Arma Hobby has released photos showing the sprues for their highly anticipated new tool Hawker Hurricane Mk I (40015) in 1/48 scale. These are expected to be the final sprue tests prior to launching production and consist of the fuselage halves, updated and corrected radiator / tropical filter for the Mk I version, and the propeller components (two propeller types and three spinners).

The fuselage halves show the full variety of surface textures typical of early Hurricanes: fabric-covered sections, aluminum panels with very fine rivets, dzus fasteners, air intakes and outlets, and ventilation slots. These varied textures and micro-details were among the most challenging parts of the project, which is why we are pleased to see them reproduced exactly as planned in the test shots.

The company states that if test assembly goes smoothly, production will commence “in about a week.” Shipping will hopefully begin before the end of the month. The kit will reportedly include a highly detailed cockpit and canopy parts from the award-winning Hurricane Mk IIb, four historically accurate RAF marking options, high-quality Techmod decals and masks for canopy and wheels. Chick below to check out a selection of images.

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Eduard Releases New Tool Avia S.199 Model Kit

Eduard has released a new tool, 1/48 scale kit of the Avia S-199, a Czechoslovak version of the Bf109G-10. This is reportedly the first in a new series of HYBRID kits combining injected plastic and 3D printing technologies.

The offering (948011) includes Eduard plastic parts and decals, resin parts (cockpit, wheel wells, exhausts, barrels, antennas, air intake) painting mask and marking options for six aircraft. It also includes a “special material” for landing gear legs which are described as “high durability” and “long lifespan.”

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New Publication Details Bf 109E With Scale Drawings, Color Profiles

MMPBooks will soon release a new publication profiling the Messerschmitt Bf 109 E. The 16 page publication includes detailed scale plans in 1/72 scale as well as 14 color profiles, providing a visual guide to various markings. It will no doubt be a valuable resource for modelers, artists, flight sim creators, and anyone else interested in the type and its colors / markings.

The new profile is slated for release in December.

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First Look: Renders of Italeri’s New Tool Macchi C.200 Saetta

Italeri has released a series of renderings detailing their upcoming new tool Macchi MC.200 in 1/32 scale.

The Macchi MC.200 Saetta, designed by Mario Castoldi, first flew in December 1937 and became Italy’s primary frontline fighter at the beginning of World War II. Known for its excellent maneuverability and robust construction, it featured a distinctive combination of a radial engine and streamlined fuselage, with early models even reaching dive speeds of up to 800 km/h. Although it was eventually outpaced by newer aircraft, the MC.200 stood out for its stability, agility in combat, and innovative design elements like interconnected ailerons and flaps that improved takeoff and landing performance.​

The upcoming release (2516) will be made from 100% new molds. At the moment additional details have not yet been released. Click below to check out the newly released renders.

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New Plan Collection Profiles Fiat G.55 in Multiple Scales

The FIAT G.55 Centauro will be the focus of Scale Planes No. 80 from MMPBooks and Dariusz Karnas.

The Fiat G.55 Centauro was designed by Giuseppe Gabrielli and featured an aerodynamic, all-metal structure powered by a German Daimler-Benz DB 605 inline engine, which marked a significant shift from earlier Italian fighters that favored radial engines. Its streamlined fuselage and robust build allowed for high-altitude performance and exceptional durability in combat. First flown in April 1942, the G.55 entered service in 1943 and became one of Italy’s most effective fighters during World War II, especially valued for its reliability and advanced design features.

The upcoming release provides 12 A3 size plans for G.55 in 1/32, 1/48 and 1/72 scale. The title is currently available for pre-order and is slated for release on December 30.

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DBMK Releases Renderings of Upcoming 1/32 Spitfire F.21

DBMK Model Kits is developing a new tool Spitfire F.21 in 1/32 scale.

The SF.21 was uniquely advanced due to its new laminar flow wing, which was much stiffer than those of earlier Spitfires and allowed for higher speeds and improved handling at all altitudes. Its standardized armament of four 20mm Hispano cannons gave it unprecedented firepower for the Spitfire series, and revised undercarriage geometry enhanced ground stability. As a late / post-war fighter, the F.21 was the pinnacle of piston-engine Spitfire development and bridged the transition to the next generation of British fighters.

Additional details about the upcoming kit have not yet been released, although it will apparently include the standard 5 blade propeller as well as the contra prop seen above. Click below to check out additional renderings.

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New Book Series to Provide “Ultimate Look” at B-24 Liberator

Fonthill Media will soon release The Consolidated B-24 Liberator: Reuben Fleet, the Factories, and the Product – the first of a “massive two volume B-24 Liberator set” by Dr. William Wolf, which is described as “a meticulously researched, truly ultimate look at the B-17’s stablemate from the drawing board to its emergence as America’s preeminent blue-collar bomber.”

In addition to his personal 25,000-book library and microfilm collection, the author made extensive use of the massive document and photo collections at the NMUSAF, the Pima Aerospace Museum; and Consolidated and Ford Company design and production information. Described is the role of aviation icon, Reuben Fleet, for his and Consolidated’s contribution to the development of Liberator in context of American military and commercial aviation industry. The design evolution of the Liberator and the Davis Wing are highlighted. Since the B-24 was ultimately manufactured by five different factories, primarily Consolidated and Ford, using different manufacturing technics, these are described, contrasted, and pictured in detail. The Ford Knock Down Kits, their manufacture and transport are detailed for the first time. The final section of the book describes the various B-24 models and variants along with detailing today’s surviving B-24s. This book and Volume 2 intends to be the definitive look at the Liberator detailing every facet for the air enthusiast, historian, and modeler.

The 624 page first volume is currently available for pre-order with release set for December 23.

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Arma Hobby Developing New Tool Messerschmitt Me 262A Variants

Arma Hobby is in the final stages of developing a new tool Messerschmitt Me 262 model kit in 1/72 scale.

The upcoming release will reportedly be offered in several boxings including the Me 262 A-1a Schwalbe, Me 262 A-1a with Wfr. Gr. 21 (with 3D printed rocket launchers), and Me 262 A-2a Sturmvogel. To date, the company has released a series of renderings of the model as well as the three sprues.

The clear sprue contains the “Arma Jig” — an assembly/transport stand that allows safe handling of the model both during assembly and when transporting it to a model contest or club meeting. On this sprue we have included an internal armored windscreen, attached not to the canopy but, using special tabs, to the inside of the fuselage. This prevents the glass from getting soiled during gluing. The two grey sprues contain the main parts of the model, including a finely detailed interior of the landing-gear bays — characteristic of the Me 262. You have often asked about the deployed leading-edge slats — a hallmark of this aircraft — and you will find them in our kit. The under-slung armament includes two 250 kg bombs and R4M rockets under the wings.

Additional features will include painting masks and metal ball nose weights. The offering is expected to begin shipping in late December or early January. Click below to check out additional images.

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All The Best Historic Aircraft Calendars for 2026 [Feature]

With 2026 just around the corner, we’re compiling our picks for the best 2026 historic aircraft wall calendars for you to choose from. The eras range from WW1 to the early years of the jet age and include both aviation art and photography. Click the link below to check them out.

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