Category: WW2 Era (1939-45)

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Bf 109 Origins and Development Detailed in New Book

In the upcoming book Messerschmitt Bf 109 – Origins and Evolution author Lynn Ritger will cover the history of the most produced fighter aircraft in history, and arguably the single most important German aircraft of the Second World War.

In Messerschmitt Bf 109 – Origins and Evolution, historian Lynn Ritger examines in detail the development of the Bf 109 family across its entire lifespan, from the first flight of the Bf 109 V1 to the last operational flight of a Spanish Hispano Ha 1112 M in 1965. Drawing upon original documentation from archival sources, including RLM meeting minutes and planning documents, intelligence reports, production records, factory handbooks, and front-l ine unit reports, Ritger traces the technical history of the Bf 109, illustrating prototype and service variant development, production batch differences, internal and external equipment and ordnance fitment, factory specific equipment and finish details, postwar variants developed in Czechoslovakia and Spain, and unrealised design proposals

The 400 page, hardcover book is currently available for pre-order and is slated for release on January 7.

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1942 Waco UPF-7 Project For Sale: “Two Core Continental 670 Radials Included”

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 1942 Waco UPF-7 project has been spotted for sale. The listing states (in part):

Selling a 1942 Waco UPF-7 project. There are six wing panels with hardware. There are two core Continental 670 radial that goes with it. They do not turn over. Engine run stand is not included. The airframe is on gear. The flight controls are in it. Rudder, vertical fin, horizontal stabilizer, and elevators are included. 4 ailerons. Center section parts. UC-78 cowling.

The project is located in Kokomo, Indiana and is currently available for US $30,000, although offers are also being accepted. Click here to check out the eBay listing, which includes many additional photos.

Please Note: This post contains an eBay affiliate link. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.

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Airfix to Release New Tool 1/24 Messerschmitt Bf109G-5/6

Airfix is slated to release a new tool Messerschmitt Bf109G-5/6 in an impressive 1/24 scale. The upcoming release (A17003) consists of 405 parts and reportedly includes five marking options and extensive build options:

Model can be built with or without the fully detailed DB605 engine.
Engine cowlings and oil cooler can be posed in open or closed position
Choice of two types of engine cowlings (MTT and Erla)
Canopy can be posed open or closed (two canopy types included)
Additional engine and cockpit parts included for G-5 (pressurised cockpit version)
Optional 300l fuel tank and wing cannon “Gondolas”
Ailerons, elevators and rudder can be offset to add life to the model.
Radiator and wing flap position can be customised
Many optional parts to suit specific aircraft builds, such as rudder pedals, gunsights, trim wheels, instrument panels, undercarriage wheels/tyres and windscreens
Detailed nose armament with machine guns, gun mounts and ammunition boxes included
Slide moulding used to allow the capture of fine detail on engine cowlings, fuselage, exhausts and gun barrels

As of this writing, the new kit is set for release in the winter of 2025-26. Click below to check out additional images.

Continue reading Airfix to Release New Tool 1/24 Messerschmitt Bf109G-5/6

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Border Model to Release Stunning He 111 in 1/35 Scale

Border Model is preparing to release what appears to be a truly spectacular new tool He 111H-6 model kit in 1/35 scale.

The upcoming release (BF-018) will reportedly include PE and transparent parts, full cockpit / engine interior, optional torpedoes / bombs and four marking options. The entire fuselage is designed with stressed skin and added rivets to replicate surface detail.

The company states that they plan to complete final testing in November and begin shipments in December. Click below to check out additional renderings, sprue photos and box art.

Continue reading Border Model to Release Stunning He 111 in 1/35 Scale

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New Book Chronicles F4U Corsair’s Rise as Legendary Fighter

Casemate is about to release author Tim Hillier-Graves’s new book The Vought F4U Corsair in The War Against Japan: A Photographic Record of the 15th Naval Fighter Wing at War 1944-5 .

By mid-1944, the Allies, especially the United States, began preparing for a potential invasion of Japan. Churchill expected the Royal Navy to support the U.S. Navy in achieving aerial dominance. The Admiralty focused on strengthening its carrier forces, forming the 15th Naval Fighter Wing. However, a key question arose: which aircraft would the Wing use?

The Supermarine Seafire lacked the necessary range and endurance for Pacific operations, while Hellcats were in short supply and prioritized for U.S. use. This left the Vought F4U Corsair as the best option. Although initially dismissed due to its poor safety record on carriers, the Corsairs were eagerly acquired by the Royal Navy’s Fleet Air Arm, so relieving the US Navy of this controversial aircraft until its problems could be sorted out.

The 15th Naval Fighter Wing, initially comprising Nos. 1830, 1831, and 1833 squadrons, became the first carrier based unit to successfully deploy the Corsair at sea. Despite early losses, British and Commonwealth pilots demonstrated its effectiveness, eventually convincing even the skeptical U.S. Navy of its capabilities. The Corsair proved to be one of the war’s most effective fighters.

Led by Battle of Britain ace Dickie Cork until his death in 1944, the Wing achieved notable successes against Japanese forces aboard HMS Illustrious.

This 152 page book draws on accounts from 20 veterans and extensive archives to highlight the Corsair’s transformation into a legendary naval fighter and the pilots’ indomitable spirit. It is currently available for pre-order with release set for November 25.

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ICM to Release HP.52 Hampden B.Mk.I: “100% New Molds”

ICM Models has released a series of renderings for their new tool HP.52 Hampden B.Mk.I which is currently in development.

The 1/48 scale offering (48352) reportedly includes detailed rivets on surfaces, accurate geometry with detailed cockpit, various types of bombs and marking options for four aircraft, including the first production example. Hit the break below to check out additional renderings.

Continue reading ICM to Release HP.52 Hampden B.Mk.I: “100% New Molds”

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Airfix Releases New Tool Supermarine Spitfire Mk.IXe

Airfix has released a new tool Supermarine Spitfire Mk.IXe model kit in 1/48 scale.

The new release (A05144) features 124 parts, paint layout sheet and three marking options representing machines from No.43 Squadron (A Flight), No.5 Eskadrille, Royal Danish Air Force (pictured above) and Brustem Advanced Pilot School, Brustem.

The offering boasts a detailed cockpit and options for the clipped wing variant.

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Restoring Cole Palen’s 26.5″ Mitsubishi A5M “Claude” [Video]

The latest addition to our YouTube channel (DX Modelworks) is a two part series detailing the restoration of a 26.5″, rubber powered Mitsubishi A5M “Claude.”

The model was originally built in February 1989 by Old Rhinebeck Aerodrome (oldrhinebeck.org) founder Cole Palen, who was an avid, prolific and brilliant free flight modeler. The plans were sourced from the October 1945 issue of “Model Airplane News” and enlarged significantly.

The series concisely documents the restoration of the model and provides a rare glimpse at Cole’s building techniques. Click below to check it out. If you’re pleased with what you see, please consider subscribing to the channel. Likes and shares are also greatly appreciated!

Continue reading Restoring Cole Palen’s 26.5″ Mitsubishi A5M “Claude” [Video]

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1941 Piper J5A For Sale: “Ground Up Restoration 2022”

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 1941 Piper Cub J5A has been spotted for sale. The listing states (in part):

TTAF-3159h. Engine C-85-12F TSMOH- 669h. Aircraft log since 1944. Ground up restoration 2022. Polyfiber fabric and paint. Becker radio. Electric starter. Hangared. 4 gal per hour! Annual : July 2025

The aircraft is located in San Diego CA and is currently available for bidding. Click here to check out the eBay listing, which includes a number of additional photos.

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Spotted: 1940 Piper J-3 Cub Project For Sale

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 1940 Piper J-3 Cub project has been spotted for sale. The listing states (in part):

This 1940 Piper J3 Cub is being offered for sale due to a possible hairline crack in the engine case. It has 3,709 total time, 620 hours since major overhaul, and 55 hours since top overhaul. The aircraft was recovered in 2001 using the Stits Poly-Fiber system and is equipped with metal spars and ribs for added durability. A true aviation classic, this J3 Cub provides a rare opportunity for a collector or restorer looking to own a piece of history.

The aircraft is located in Frisco, TX and offers are currently being accepted. Click here to check out the eBay listing, which includes a number of additional photos.

Please Note: This post contains an eBay affiliate link. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.