Category: WW2 Era (1939-45)

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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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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.

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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.

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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.

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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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