Category: WW2 Era (1939-45)

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MiniArt Releases New Fw 190D-9 Advanced Model Kit

MiniArt has released their new Fw 190D-9 (early production) advanced kit in 1/48 scale.

As previously reported, the early-production Fw 190D-9 was the “long-nose” development of the Fw 190A, reworked around the liquid-cooled Jumo 213 engine to improve high-altitude performance and interceptor capability. It entered Luftwaffe service in 1944 and was valued for its stronger climb and speed compared with earlier Fw 190 variants.

The kit (48044) captures the distinctive long nose profile of the “Dora” and includes additional details for an enhanced building experience, including PE parts, detailed cockpit and exterior surfaces and decals with three marking options. The company also released a basic version of the kit in May.

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ICM Pays Tribute to the Last B-26 Marauder With New Model Kit

ICM has released their new “Last Marauder” model kit representing B-26G-25-MA 44-68254 “Tail End Charlie,” which was The final B-26G bomber of the legendary Marauder series to roll off the production line.

The aircraft made its maiden flight on 18 April 1945 and became a symbolic link between the beginning and the end of the Marauder production story. It was flown by test pilot Pat Tibbs, while the co-pilot’s seat was occupied by Ken Abel — the company’s chief designer, who had also taken part in the first flight of the original production B-26 five years earlier. As a result, Abel became one of the very few pilots to have flown both the first and the final aircraft of a series that ultimately totalled 5,266 machines.

The last Marauder never saw combat service. On 10 May 1945, just two days after Germany’s surrender, the aircraft was officially transferred to the French Air Force (Armée de l’Air). Since active hostilities in Europe had already ended, the aircraft was assigned to the CEAM Test Centre at Mont-de-Marsan Air Base.

Serving with the French Air Force, ‘Tail End Charlie’ was used for nearly four years for technical evaluation flights and transport duties. According to archival records, the service life of the final B-26 Marauder came to an end in April 1949, when the aircraft was officially written off.

The kit (48329) faithfully reproduces the geometry and proportions of the original aircraft and includes a detailed cockpit and fuselage interior equipment as well as decals reproducing “Tail End Charlie’s” markings.

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Eduard Launches Pre-Orders For 1/32 Royal Hybrid P-51B Bursting With Features

Eduard has released new details on their upcoming new tool “Royal Hybrid” P-51B Mustang kit in 1/32 scale.

The premium offering (932011) combines injection-molded, new tool Eduard plastic parts as well as an extensive range of 3D-printed accessories (cockpit, landing gear bays, wheels and landing gear legs, machine gun barrels, exhausts). Also included are pre-painted photo-etched parts, painting masks and Eduard decals with eight marking options for aircraft that served with the USAAF’s 8th and 9th Air Forces during World War II. In addition, the kit boasts a 100-page publication dedicated to the operational service of the P-51B/C Mustang. It features stories of aircraft and their pilots, color schemes of more than 100 P-51B and C aircraft, a description of the development of the P-51B, and photographic documentation of pilot equipment.

The kit, which marks the first release in the new Royal Hybrid series, is currently available for pre-order with shipping beginning in the second half of July. Click below to check out additional images.

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Two New Spitfire Kits Plus Detail Pack Coming From IBG in July

IBG Models has announced the upcoming release of Supermarine Spitfire Mk.Vb and PR Type G model kits in 1/72 scale.

The Mk.Vb was built around the Merlin 45 engine and the “B” wing. It was typically armed with two 20 mm Hispano cannons and four .303 machine guns. The aircraft was a widely used stop-gap that gave the RAF a strong, versatile interceptor through 1941–43, including tropical versions for desert service. The PR Type G was a photo-reconnaissance Spitfire variant, stripped of combat armament in favor of cameras and extra fuel for long-range intelligence work.

The kits: Supermarine Spitfire Mk.Vb Trop Over North Africa (72592) and Supermarine Spitfire PR Type G: Playing with Death (72600) will reportedly be available after July 5. Also coming is an ESSENTIALS detail pack (80003) for the Mk.Vb Trop with Vokes Filter. Click below to check out additional images.

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New Book Offers a Unique, Hour by Hour Insight Into a Lancaster Bombing Mission

Coming soon from Evro Publishing and author Michael Napier is Avro Lancaster: Twenty-Four Hours on a Squadron, a unique hour-by-hour insight into a Lancaster bombing mission.

The most famous and successful heavy bomber flown by the RAF during World War 2, the Avro Lancaster remains one of the most enduring symbols of RAF, and indeed British, history. This book presents a completely new and original perspective on the iconic Avro Lancaster by covering the 24-hour cycle of a Lancaster squadron. Using over 200 first-hand accounts and illustrated with numerous photographs, it describes the activities and life of aircrew, ground maintenance personnel, mission planners and the plethora of support personnel each of whom played a vital role in the operation of a Lancaster bomber squadron. Starting with the ground activities on a typical wartime Lancaster airfield and the preparations for a night raid, the book then takes the reader with the aircrews on a night bombing mission over Germany, to discover the many dangers and hazards facing the crews throughout the flight, in their own words. In the thought-provoking and deeply poignant epilogue, the aircrew review their achievements against the sacrifices they made.

The 288 page hardcover book is currently available for pre-order with release set for September 15.

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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.

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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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