Category: WW2 Era (1939-45)

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New Video Details Progress on Airworthy Restoration of Lancaster FM104

A new video has been released providing a report on the restoration of Avro Lancaster FM104 at the British Columbia Aviation Museum in Canada.

As previously reported, the bomber was originally built by Victory Aircraft of Malton, Ontario in 1944 and was installed along Toronto’s waterfront following its retirement from the RCAF in 1964. In 1999, it was moved to a museum in Downsview Park, where a restoration effort began. However, it was relocated once again when the museum closed in 2011. The machine had spent recent years in storage at Edenvale Aerodrome west of Barrie while its future became a topic of debate.

In July 2018 the British Columbia Aviation Museum became the successful bidder and, now having formally taken possession of the machine from the city of Toronto, the process of restoration to airworthy condition is underway.

The newly released video, narrated by BCAM President John Lewis, details work that has been done since the aircraft was moved into their Restoration Hangar on Oct 16, 2018. Click below to check it out.

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1943 Stearman N2S-5 Project Offered 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 1943 Stearman N2S-5 project has been spotted for sale.

The listing describes the project as “Jig inspected” and “STD cat.” with rebuilt gear, R-680 and Logs since Navy.” The machine is located in Annapolis, MD and is currently available for sale or trade with an asking price of $25,000. Click here to check out the complete listing.

(Top Photo: USAAF [Public Domain], via Wikimedia Commons)

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Kermit Weeks Provides “Full VIP” Tour of Short Sunderland [Video]

For the latest installment of his Kermie Cam series, Fantasy of Flight’s Kermit Weeks has filmed a “full VIP walk around” of his Short Sunderland flying boat.

This particular example was acquired by Weeks in 1993 from Edward Hulton. After five months of work in England he flew the machine across the Atlantic, directly to the Oshkosh Fly-In in Wisconsin with stops in Ireland, Iceland, and Canada. It remained at Oshkosh until 1994, when Fantasy of Flight’s seaplane ramp was completed. Two years later, the machine flew to Sarasota and participated in the Olympic torch relay to Atlanta.

The newly released video serves as part 1 of a two part series and includes “a bit of history, some cool stories and plenty of useful or useless information, depending on your point of view.”

Click below to check it out.

Continue reading Kermit Weeks Provides “Full VIP” Tour of Short Sunderland [Video]

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Trumpeter Releases New Tool 1/32 P-40 Warhawk Model Kit

Trumpeter recently released their new tool P-40F Warhawk in 1/32 scale.

The kit (03227) reportedly includes injected plastic parts, photo etched parts and marking options for four aircraft. It is touted as offering a detailed fuselage and wings with accurate design, a finely detailed cockpit and gear cabin, and grooved tires.

Buy on eBay on eBay (US $86.99 Additional Information via Trumpeter and Scalemates)

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Kermit Weeks Shares Restoration Report on Rare Seversky P-35a

Kermit Weeks has shared a new series of images detailing the ongoing work on his exceedingly rare Seversky P-35.

As previously reported, the machine was acquired years back in a trade with the USAF Museum and is reportedly one of only three remaining examples of the single seat fighter, which was introduced in the mid-1930s and saw limited action at the beginning of WW2. It came from the Swedish Air Force and was stored in underground bunkers during the war, which resulted in significant pitting and surface corrosion. Additional damage was sustained when Hurricane Andrew struck Kermit’s by Florida-based Fantasy of Flight attraction in 1992. When complete, this will be the only airworthy example of the type in the world.

Click below to check out the update.

Continue reading Kermit Weeks Shares Restoration Report on Rare Seversky P-35a

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Brickmania Releases 1/35 F4U Corsair LEGO Model Kit

Brickmania has released a new, limited edition 1/35 F4U Corsair LEGO model kit.

The offering reportedly includes 541 “new-condition” elements from LEGO, a brick-built, three-tone camouflage livery, high-quality sticker sheet and an American pilot minifigure.

The model is described as having been updated to include “a new bubble canopy, printed exhaust ports, dive flaps, and an all-around stronger design.” It also includes conversion instructions so it can be displayed with its wings folded up.

Click below to check out the product page and a video overview of the new kit.

Continue reading Brickmania Releases 1/35 F4U Corsair LEGO Model Kit

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Mosquito PZ474 Performs First Post-Restoration Flight [Video]

Yesterday, Mosquito FB VI PZ474 performed its first post-restoration flight from Ardmore Airport in New Zealand.

As previously reported, the machine was originally constructed at Hatfield in 1945 and used for RAF training before moving on to New Zealand in 1948, where it was overhauled and delivered to 75 Squadron as NZ2384. In the early 1950s, the aircraft was acquired by new owners and registered as ZK-BCV before being transferred to the United States. There, the Mosquito was given civil registration N9909F and, from around 1955-66, was owned by the Insurance Finance Corp. of Studio City, CA. During this time it was believed that the machine was used by the CIA for intelligence gathering in South America. Continue reading Mosquito PZ474 Performs First Post-Restoration Flight [Video]

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“Well Built” WW2 Morane Cockpit Movie Prop Offered 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 1:1 scale reproduction of a WW2 French Morane fighter cockpit section built for a movie has hit the market. The listing states:

Would make a perfect Simulator project or museum piece after paintwork refurbishment. The original paint scheme was covered with black wash to look like fire damage, easy to repaint. This has been well built and is heavy, though on castoring wheels.

The section is located in Blackpool, United Kingdom and is currently available for bidding. Click here to check out the complete listing on eBay.

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Airfix To Release New Tool Spitfire FR Mk.XIV Model Kit

On Moday, Airfix added their 2019 range of products to their website, providing an excellent look at some exciting new tool kits, such as their upcoming 1/24 F6F Hellcat and this 1/48 Spitfire FR Mk.XIV.

As previously reported, the kit (A05135) was developed with the aid of “a vast collection of research materials, original drawings and photographs relating to Spitfire production” as well as computer base model shape data from their Spitfire Mk.1 kit released in 2014. The new listing suggests that liveries will be included for NH902 “Lazy Lady V,” and TZ112, although the company points out that colors and contents of products may vary.

The new Spitfire kit is slated for release in March and is currently available for pre-order. Click below to check out additional images.

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Curtiss Wright R2600 Radial Engine Removed From B-25 Hits The Market

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 1,900 hp Curtiss Wright R2600 Cyclone radial engine is available for sale. The engine is said to have been “removed from a B-25 Mitchell Bomber after WWII and stored ever since.” The listing states (in part):

It includes an excellent engine mount, Engine firewall with fire detector loop, Nose gear case, all cylinders. Most accessories are removed from accessory section. This engine will need a major inspection and overhaul before it can run again. No log books or records. Sold as parts with no warranty real or implied. Great value here: Cylinders all present, Good cylinder Assemblies can cost well over $1000.00 per cylinder. This engine would be a great parts source for a currently flying warbird or restoration project. Nice unbent Engine mount is very valuable as well.

The engine is located in Suwanee, Georgia and is currently available for bidding. Click here to check out the complete listing on eBay.

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