Category: WW2 Era (1939-45)

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Fw 190 Schlacht Units: An Illustrated History of the “Tank-Buster” and its Operations

Coming soon from Osprey Publishing and author Robert Forsyth is Fw 190 Schlacht Units (Combat Aircraft, 162), an illustrated account of the Fw 190 “tank-buster” and its operations on the Eastern, Western and Mediterranean Fronts from 1942–45.

The Fw 190 offered the Luftwaffe a reliable successor to the Ju 87 Stuka, able to operate from primitive forward airfields in both the freezing winters of the Soviet Union and the desert heat of North Africa. Converted by Focke-Wulf from a radial-engined fighter into a deadly fighter-bomber and ground-attack aircraft, it used its aerial gun platform, wide-tracked undercarriage and powerful BMW engines to devastating effect on the Eastern, Western and Mediterranean Fronts between 1942 and 1945.

In this new study, leading Luftwaffe historian Robert Forsyth examines all aspects of the Fw 190 and its career as a ‘tank-buster’, detailing the considerable damage it wrought upon Allied armour, troop concentrations, bridges and road junctions. First-hand accounts from Schlachtflieger pilots bring to life the operational and tactical histories of the aircraft, and are complemented by archive photos and newly commissioned artwork that vividly demonstrates its technical and ballistic assets.

The 96 page book is currently available for pre-order in paperback and Kindle editions with release set for July 28.

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Eduard Releases New Bf 109F-2 Model Kit

New this month from Eduard is a Weekend Edition Bf 109F-2 model kit in 1/48 scale.

The Bf 109F-2 was an early “Friedrich” variant of Germany’s famous Messerschmitt fighter, introduced in 1941 with a much cleaner airframe, refined aerodynamics, and a more powerful DB 601N engine. It was widely regarded as one of the best-handling and best-performing 109s, though its concentrated nose armament of one 15 mm cannon and two machine guns gave it less total firepower than some earlier versions.

The new kit (84212) includes Eduard plastic parts and decals with marking options for four aircraft: W.Nr. 12914, Oblt. Wolfgang Späte, 5./JG 54; W.Nr. 8239, Lt. Hans Strelow, 5./JG 51; W.Nr. 8165, Hptm. Karl-Heinz Leesmann, CO of I./JG 52; Hptm. Hans Hahn, CO of III./JG 2.

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Spitfire at 90: Iconic Fighter’s History Traced From the Mk.I to the Mk.XIX

In commemoration of the 90th anniversary of the Spitfire, Key Publishing and editor / photographer John Dibbs offer the upcoming release Spitfire at 90, a special 100-page tribute to Britain’s greatest fighter and possibly the best known combat aircraft in the world.

Using extensive archive images, the best of aviation writers and researchers salute the Spitfire’s incredible heritage. This edition has been updated with fresh imagery of present-day Spitfires in their element from renowned air-to-air photographer John Dibbs. It presents a stunning portfolio from the day fighter Mk.I to the high-flying Mk.XIX and the wing-folding Seafires. All of this adds up to a superb souvenir of a world famous fighter.

The publication, which is offered in Mook formation (combination of magazine and book) is currently available for pre-order with release set for May 31.

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Eduard Announces Limited Edition Spitfire Mk. I Kit With 11 Liveries, Book

Eduard is preparing to release a special, limited edition Battle of Britain Spitfire Mk. 1 model kit in 1/48 scale.

The offering represents the iconic Spitfire in the early stages of its development and during the most notable stretch of its service: the Battle of Britain. It will include Eduard plastic parts, pre-painted photo-etched parts, die cut painting masks and a whopping 11 marking options. The kit will also include an English language book about about the Spitfire Mk.I in the Battle of Britain.

As of this writing additonal details are scare, but itas the image shows, it is slated for release in June.

(via Eduard)

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MiniArt to Expand Line of P-47 Kits With Long Range P-47N Model

MiniArt is continuing their line of P-47 kits with the announcement of a new P-47N-2RE Thunderbolt basic model kit in 1/48 scale.

This particular variant was a long-range version of the famous American fighter. Designed for extended operations, the P-47N featured a distinctive wing shape and increased fuel capacity, making it well suited for late-war escort and ground attack missions.

The upcoming kit (48068) is described as highly detailed and accurate with photo-etched parts and marking options for two aircraft. As of this writing the kit is said to be “coming soon,” although an exact release date has not been announced. Click below to check out livery profiles and box contents.

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Arma Hobby to Release Completely New Tool F4F-3 Wildcat

Arma Hobby has announced the upcoming release of a new tool F4F-3 Wildcat in 1/72 scale.

The offering (70090) represents the early Wildcat from the opening months of the Pacific War and is made from completely new molds created specifically for this version. It includes plastic parts, canopy and wheel masks, and a 3D print digital file containing seat with harness, exhaust pipes, landing gear opening mechanism chains, cockpit control lever set, and gun barrels. Decals are also included with marking options for three aircraft: “F-5”, VF-2, USS Lexington, flown by Lt. Albert O. Vorse Jr.; BuNo 4019 “211-F-11”, VMF-211; “F-13”, VF-3, USS Lexington.

The kit is currently set for release sometime in May. Click below to check out livery profiles and kit contents.

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Hungary’s Bomber Development Through WW2: A Comprehensive Study

Coming soon from MMPBooks and authors Dénes Bernád and György Punka is Hungarian Bomber Colours 1927-1945 vol. 1, a comprehensive study of the development and operations of Hungary’s bomber aviation from its early beginnings through the end of World War II.

The book covers aircraft types, unit structure, and missions, focusing on both domestic developments and foreign influences shaping the Royal Hungarian Air Force. It includes rare archival photographs, detailed colour profiles, and thoroughly researched historical context that sheds light on this often-overlooked aspect of Central European military aviation. A valuable resource for aviation historians, researchers, and modellers interested in lesser-known air forces of the Second World War.

The 140 page, paperback book is currently available for pre-order with release set for June 30.

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Arma Hobby Announces “Next Generation, Highly Accurate” P-51D VLR Kit

Arma Hobby has announced the upcoming release of a new P-51D Mustang “Very Long Range” model kit in 1/72 scale.

The VLR – Very Long Range standard included additional fuel tanks as well as revised radio and navigation equipment, making long over-water missions possible. The typical escort configuration used 110-gallon underwing tanks, giving sufficient range for flights from Iwo Jima to Tokyo and back. These tanks were characteristic of Pacific operations and differed from the more common European configurations.

Described as a “modern next-generation Arma Hobby kit” and a “highly accurate” representation, the offering (70073) includes an additional VLR sprue with Pacific-specific equipment: 110-gallon underwing drop tanks, 150-gallon streamlined drop tanks from the P-38 Lightning, and rockets for strike missions. Additional features include a detailed cockpit, canopy masks and high-quality Cartograf decals with marking options for two aircraft: “Snortin’ Phyllie” (1st Lt. Herb Straughn, 531st Fighter Squadron, 21st Fighter Group) and “Little One” (1st Lt. Francis J. Pilecki, 458th Fighter Squadron, 506th Fighter Group). The kit also features a free 3D file with seat with harness, exhaust pipes, and gun barrels.

Release is currently set for some time in May. Click below to check out livery profiles and box contents.

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Complete Guide to the Bristol Beaufighter: A Fully Upgraded and Expanded Edition

New from Valiant Wings Publishing and author Richard A. Franks is The Bristol Beaufighter: A Complete Guide To Bristol’s Hard-hitting Twin: 26, a fully updated and expanded edition with 86 more pages plus plans.

The book focuses on the legendary Bristol Beaufighter, a British twin-engine World War II combat aircraft originally developed from the Beaufort bomber and best known as a powerful night fighter. Its heavy cannon armament, radar-equipped versions, and later use in strike and anti-shipping roles made it one of the RAF’s most versatile warplanes.

This twenty-sixth book in our much-acclaimed series contains 264 pages (plus scale plans) packed with vital information that no active modeller and RAF enthusiast should be without.

Contents include: walk-around images and technical diagrams; camouflage and markings; modelling information; historical photographs; colour profiles by Richard J. Caruana; lineart and 3D isometric views by Chris Sandham-Bailey & Wojciech Sankowski; kit builds by Steve A. Evans and Libor Jekl; scale plans.

Click below to check out the product page and sample pages.

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New Book Reveals How Far Gen. B.L. Montgomery Went to Get a B‑17

Coming soon from Pen and Sword and author Zita Ballinger Fletcher is Monty’s Flying Fortress, the full story documenting the lengths General Bernard Law Montgomery was willing to go to win a B-17 Flying Fortress bomber aircraft for his travel security.

In 1943, Monty made a daring wager with American leadership to win a Fortress as a prize in exchange for victories in North Africa. Monty’s quest for the Fortress would see him defy official channels and fight a series of bloody battles across Tunisia with ruthless precision. A motley assortment of young American aviators from diverse walks of life were destined to join Monty in his B-17 as his crew. Most had never traveled outside the United States. All had already distinguished themselves for heroism in combat. None expected to be assigned this unusual duty. An unlikely bond formed between Montgomery and his US crewmen. American aviators who served with Monty would recall their adventures with him as among their most memorable wartime experiences. After the war, the true story of the Fortress and the transatlantic friendship it brought about was forgotten amid political backbiting and jealousy from other Allied commanders.

Now published for the first time in one volume is the full story of Montgomery and the American airmen who protected him during the war, previously lost to history, with details about the furious conquest Montgomery staked on winning the Fortress and biographical details about the intrepid US aviators who accompanied him.

The 224 page, hardcover book is currently available for pre-order with release set for June 30.

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