Category: WW2 Era (1939-45)

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New Book Explores B-29 Superfortress Technical Aspects, Crew Prep and More

Coming soon from Pen & Sword and author Peter Saxton is B-29 Superfortress: Strategic Air War in the Pacific.

The B-29 Superfortress was a vital and iconic strategic bomber of the Second World War. It was designed with a range and warlord capability that made it viable for operation in the vast regions of Asia Pacific. This bomber played a key part in the defeat and unconditional surrender of Japan, principally using fire-bombing techniques. The complex role and effectiveness of the atomic bombing of Hiroshima and Nagasaki are reviewed critically. The work has 21st century connection in the 80th anniversary of VJ Day. The United States Navy, US ground forces and the B-29 wings were brought together to fight, in the author’s words, ‘he most massive air war the world had ever seen’.

Technical aspects including bomb-load and range – vital for the vast Asia Pacific, are set out for all readers, service, academic and lay. Continue reading New Book Explores B-29 Superfortress Technical Aspects, Crew Prep and More

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Arma Hobby to Release New Tool Curtiss Hawk 81-A2 With Flying Tigers Liveries

Arma Hobby has announced the upcoming release of a new tool Curtiss Hawk 81-A2 model kit in 1/72 scale.

Curtiss Hawk 81-A2 was one of the most recognizable versions of the Curtiss P-40 fighter, made famous by the pilots of the American Volunteer Group (AVG), known worldwide as the Flying Tigers. Their distinctive shark-mouth nose art, combat operations over China, and the tactics developed by General Claire Chennault made these aircraft icons of the early air war in the Far East.

The upcoming release (70094) is the first in Arma’s new family of 1/72 Curtiss Hawk 81, Tomahawk II and P-40B/C kits. It represents the export version of the Hawk 81-A2 operated by the AVG in China during 1941–1942. These aircraft wore a distinctive camouflage scheme based on British specifications and applied using American-made DuPont paints. Three Flying Tigers marking options will be included.

As of this writing additional details are limited. Release is planned for some time this summer. Click below to check out the box art.

Continue reading Arma Hobby to Release New Tool Curtiss Hawk 81-A2 With Flying Tigers Liveries

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Sweeping the Skies: A History of No. 452 Squadron RAAF 1941-1945

Coming soon from Avonmore Books and author Mark Lax is Sweeping the Skies: A History of No. 452 Squadron RAAF 1941-1945

Sweeping the Skies is the story of No. 452 Squadron, an RAAF fighter unit formed in the UK in April 1941. Equipped with the superb Supermarine Spitfire, the squadron soon deployed to bases south of London and was in the thick of fighting against the Luftwaffe over England, the Channel and northern France.

Remarkably, between August and November 1941, No. 452 Squadron held the Fighter Command record as the top-scoring unit in Britain. This was largely due to the exceptional skills and leadership of some outstanding ace pilots, including Irishman Wing Commander Brendan “Paddy” Finucane and well-known VFL footballer Squadron Leader Keith “Bluey” Truscott. Continue reading Sweeping the Skies: A History of No. 452 Squadron RAAF 1941-1945

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Mosquito: The Ultimate Guide to the ‘Mossie’

Coming soon from Key Publishing is Mosquito: The Ultimate Guide to the ‘Mossie.’

The de Havilland DH.98 Mosquito was one of the outstanding aircraft of World War Two, making a significant contribution to the Allied victory. Of mainly wooden construction, the ‘Mossie’ was one of the fastest operational aircraft in the world, and while designed as an unarmed high speed bomber, the ‘Wooden Wonder’ was quickly adapted as a night fighter, a fighter-bomber, and photo-reconnaissance aircraft. The Mosquito played a pivotal role in the bomber campaign, proving able to carry a 4,000lb bomb to Berlin, while giving its crew a much better chance of surviving the experience! It was also used for a succession of daring low level precision attacks against a range of targets, many of which are described in this amazingly researched 132-page special.

The publication is currently available for pre-order with release set for July 23.

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Eduard Releases New ProfiPACK Edition Bf 110F Model Kit

Eduard has released a new ProfiPACK edition Bf 110F model kit in 1/72 scale.

The Bf 110F was a refined late-war version of the German Messerschmitt twin-engine heavy fighter, powered by more powerful DB 601F engines that improved performance, allowed extra armor, and supported its use in escort, strike, and night-fighter roles. Many pilots regarded it as the best-handling Bf 110 variant, though it still could not match the agility of single-engine fighters in daylight combat.

The kit (7084) includes Eduard plastic parts, pre-painted PE parts, painting masks and decals with marking options for five aircraft.

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1945 J-3C Piper Cub Project For Sale: “Entire Aircraft, Complete Logs”

A 1945 J-3C Piper Cub project has been spotted for sale. The listing states (in part):

3151.2 TT, C85-8FJ 1657.1 TT. Disassembled for students of Clyde Smith’s Piper Cub Restoration Seminar in Aurora years ago, where he discovered it was rebuilt w/1938 fuselage likely during 1959 repair from wind damage, so will need slight modification to bring back up to 1945 GW rating, if you desire. Left wing and rudder from L4… Engine sitting for 19 years. Needs some minor tube repairs. Wood spars have some checking (splitting) on inboard ends, so may need new spars ($662 for front, $553 for rear, plus freight from Spruce). Aluminum prop. Continuous FAA registration. Complete logs… Entire aircraft, but currently apart.

The aircraft is located in Vacaville, California and is currently available for US $24,000. Click here to check out the eBay listing, which includes additional photos and details.

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New Guinea Eagles: The Japanese Air Army Campaign in New Guinea 1942-43

Coming soon from Avonmore Books and author Michael Claringbould is New Guinea Eagles Volume 1: The Japanese Air Army from Rabaul to Wewak October 1942 to September 1943, which chronicles the Japanese Air Army campaign in New Guinea from when its first units arrived in October 1942 until the late September 1943 raids against Nadzab and Port Moresby.

Never before have the rationale, activities and losses of JAAF air power in New Guinea been chronicled in such detail and accuracy. The force operated an impressive range of aircraft types but found it much easier to commit than withdraw from the challenging theatre.

This volume covers Rabaul’s and Wewak’s beginnings as major JAAF bases. The period involved guarding supply convoys, attacking Wau and two major forays into the Solomons. Then by mid-1943 the Allied air war had gravitated towards the burgeoning JAAF airfield complexes spreading out along New Guinea’s northern coast. Two air divisions were combined to create the 4th Air Army in August 1943, and its aircraft soon ventured into the New Guinea Highlands before defending Nassau Bay, Lae and Salamaua. Continue reading New Guinea Eagles: The Japanese Air Army Campaign in New Guinea 1942-43

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Special Hobby to Release New Tool Martin Baltimore Mk.I/II Kit

Special Hobby has announced an upcoming new tool Martin Baltimore Mk.I/II model kit in 1/48 scale.

The Baltimore Mk.I and Mk.II were early versions of the twin-engine light attack bomber built for British use in World War II. The Mk.I entered service mainly as an operational training aircraft, while the Mk.II kept the same basic airframe and engines but improved defensive armament, including a revised dorsal gun position, and both were later used in combat in the Mediterranean and Middle East.

Details are limited, but the upcoming release (SH48160) will feature box art by Antonis Karidis and decals for B/AG781 from No.55 Sqn. RAF, as well as three other interesting Baltimore Mk.I/IIs.

(via Special Hobby and Scalemates)

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Bristol Beaufighter’s Complete Story Detailed in New Book

Coming soon from Pen & Sword and author Edward Rippeth is Beaufighter: The Allies’ Multi-Role Combat Aircraft, which tells the whole story of the Bristol Beaufighter – from a particularly overweight ugly duckling to one of the deadliest warbirds of the Second World War.

In many ways the Bristol Type 156 Beaufighter defined the modern multi-role combat aircraft. It was right in the thick of things at various critical turning points of the war, in every theatre. Night fighter, anti-shipping strike aircraft, maritime air superiority fighter and ground attack weapons platform – the Beaufighter redefined every role it took on. This is despite the fact it was a hastily designed lash-up, a modestly performing oversized ‘heavy fighter’, which might easily have been parked with the Westland Whirlwind in obscurity. Continue reading Bristol Beaufighter’s Complete Story Detailed in New Book

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ICM Releases Ski-Equipped Bücker Bü 131 in 1/32 Scale

New from ICM Models is this Bücker Bü 131D (winter version) in 1/32 scale.

The Bücker Bü 131 was widely used by the Luftwaffe throughout the Second World War. The Bü 131D, the third and final production variant, remained in manufacture until 1942. Developed on the basis of operational experience gained with the earlier A and B versions, it incorporated improvements to the engine, control systems, and landing gear.

For operations at winter airfields, Bücker developed dedicated skis (Bücker-Schneekufen), which could be quickly and easily fitted to the aircraft. Bü 131s equipped with skis were extensively used in military flight schools, allowing pilot training to continue even in heavy snow conditions, when conventional wheeled undercarriages were no longer effective.

The new release (32029) is described as a “true to the original” representation of the aircraft’s geometry. It includes high quality 3D printed resin skis, a detailed engine, realistically rendered fabric surfaces and decals with marking options for two aircraft used by German flying schools.

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