Category: WW2 Era (1939-45)

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Upcoming Book Details 617 Squadron’s Tragic Raid

In their upcoming book The Lost Dambuster Lancaster: The Story of 617 Squadron’s Attack on Hitler’s V2 Rocket Site authors Trevor Kerry and Gaëtan Sagot tell the story of 617 Squadron’s 1944 Tallboy raid on the V2 site at Wizernes and the tragic loss of Lancaster DV403.

On 24 June 1944, eighteen aircraft from 617 Squadron took off to attack the V2 rocket site at Wizernes, now known as La Coupole. During the raid, Lancaster DV403 was hit by flak, killing several crew members and forcing the others to bail out as the damaged plane crashed in nearby fields. Amid the wreckage, Resistance member André Schamp courageously aided a wounded airman and searched for survivors.

The story of DV403 has been recently honoured in France on the 80th anniversary, with an exhibition, lectures and a wayside interpretation board compiled by the authors, who have encouraged strong involvement of crewmen’s families in the evolving narrative. This is the story of their fate that night, as well as of 617 Squadron’s attack on the V2 site as a whole.

The 248 page title is currently available for pre-order with an expected release date of January 10.

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ICM Announces Development of New Tool Do 217K-2

ICM has announced the development of a new tool Do 217K-2 in 1/48 scale.

The Do 217K-2 was a specialized variant of the German Dornier Do 217 bomber, developed during World War II to carry the heavy Fritz X radio-guided anti-ship bomb. To accommodate this advanced weapon, the K-2 featured a significantly increased wingspan (24.8 meters) and was the heaviest in the series at 16,850 kg, making it well suited for precision attacks against naval targets. Its battlefield debut saw it play a crucial role as an early platform for precision-guided munitions, notably leading to the sinking of the Italian battleship Roma.

Details on the new kit (48275) are currently limited, but it will reportedly include the Fritz X. A series of renderings were also released, additional examples of which can be seen after the break.

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1943 North American SNJ-5 For Sale: “Maintained to Exceptional Standards”

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 1943 North American SNJ-5 has been spotted for sale. The listing states (in part):

This 1943 North American SNJ-5 has been hangared for 25 years in a dry high-mountain desert environment and maintained to exceptional standards. The airframe totals 5,370.3 hours and is powered by a Pratt & Whitney R-1340 AN-1 with 540.4 hours TTSMO. The Hamilton Standard 12D40 propeller has only 15.2 hours since overhaul. Equipped with Red Line wheels and brakes, P-51-style lockable tailwheel, and a smoke system, this SNJ-5 is a solid, flyable warbird ideal for formation flying, airshows, and collectors.

The aircraft is located in Olathe, CO and offers are currently being accepted. Click here to check out the eBay listing, which includes several additional photos.

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Kotare Announces Development of 1/32 Bf 109E-4 Model Kit

Kotare Models has announced the development of a new tool Bf 109E-4 in 1/32 scale.

Highly regarded Luftwaffe expert Radu Brinzan, who designed our well-received Bf 109K-4 kitset, has done a fabulous job with this model. The design is partly based on a LIDAR scan of the example at the RAF Museum but we have deleted the bend in the nose caused by that aircraft crash landing in 1940!

As of this writing, the CAD data is complete and the company is going through a brief
period of public feedback in which everybody is welcome to contribute. Experts will also be evaluating the design “with a fine tooth comb.” The kit is expected to begin shipping in Q3-Q4 2026.

Click below to check out additional images.

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IBG Models Releases New Tool Spitfire Mk I (Early)

IBG Models has released their new tool Supermarine Spitfire Mk I (Early) model kit in 1/72 scale. The kit (72580) represents the 1938 and 1939 configurations of the type and includes numerous marking options:

They were carefully selected and thoroughly researched to present not only the wide scope of variations in markings and undersurface finish, but also to capture the most important pre-war events, leading up to the World War 2. You will find here Spitfires from Munich Crisis, March 1939 Crisis and finally from the day of the declaration of war by United Kingdom. We also did not forget about Polish Modellers and included the reconstruction of L1066 – the only Spitfire shipped to Poland. Unfortunately it never got there, but for those who like to use their imagination, we included a what-if Polish markings as well.

The kit also includes plastic and photo-etched parts along with 3D printed wheels, early type fuel tank cover and type G-22 camera gun.

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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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