Tamiya has released their new tool F-14D Tomcat model kit in 1/72 scale.

As previously reported, the kit (60795) is described as one of the “most detailed modern plane kits” the company has produced, and reportedly includes variable sweeping wings, and distinct interchangeable parts that allow depiction of sealing plates and air bags with the wings in various positions. The canopy, air intake side sections, and fuselage sides are slide molded to ensure accurate shapes and surfaces. Horizontal stabilizers move thanks to poly caps. Modelers can choose between an open or closed fuel probe (on the right of the nose) and a boarding ladder and step (on the left side of the fuselage). The kit includes parts for recreating laser-guided bombs, the LANTIRN pod, and air-to-air missiles. It also comes with two seated crew figures and five U.S. Navy marking options.

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A 1968 Piper Aztec has been spotted for sale. The listing states (in part):

This 1968 Piper Aztec PA-23-250 is a well-maintained twin-engine aircraft with a completed pre-buy inspection and total time of 5,675 hours. The right engine has only 33 hours SMOH as of 03/26/2021, and the left engine has 1,304 hours SMOH, making it a strong mechanical candidate for ongoing use. Boots are currently inoperative, but the aircraft is otherwise in solid condition and ready to fly. Known for its reliability, power, and load-carrying capability, the Aztec remains a popular choice for multi-engine pilots and owners seeking a capable six-seat platform. This aircraft has been well cared for and is looking for a new home.

The aircraft is located in Catawba, NC and offers are currently being accepted. Click here to check out the eBay listing, which includes additional photos.

Adding to the list of new Eduard releases for December is this ProfiPACK edition Spitfire Mk. Vb (early) model kit in 1/72 scale. As previously reported, Eduard also released a 1/48 ProfiPACK edition Mk.Vb (mid) model kit this month.

The early Mk.Vb typically featured the original “B” type wing, which had one inner cannon bay and the outer machine guns. In contrast, the mid variant usually sported the “universal” wing design, which had two inner cannon bays (though one was often left empty), allowing for a more flexible armament configuration. The outer two .303 machine guns were moved closer together in the mid variant wing compared to the early one.

The early variant kit (70205) includes Eduard plastic parts and decals, pre-painted PE parts and a painting mask. Marking options are included for six aircraft.

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Part 2 of Gregorz Korcz’s series on the Vickers Wellington I & II is now available for pre-order. The series focuses on the aircraft that, along with the Handley Page Hampden and Armstrong Whitworth Whitley, carried the main weight of the RAF’s growing bombing offensive against the Third Reich. It was also being the backbone of all four Polish bomber squadrons as well as the OTU training establishments, where Polish crews gained their combat proficiency..

This volume in the Polish Wings series presents the history of the Vickers Wellington bombers in the Ic and II versions in Polish Air Force service in exile between 1940 and 1942. The first part covers Nos. 300 and 301 Squadrons and 18 OTU, while the second describes the combat operations of Nos. 304 and 305 Squadrons. The book includes: a detailed history of the Polish Wellington crews in action, numerous archival photographs, many previously unpublished, colour profiles by Andrzej M. Olejniczak, comprehensive listings of operational sorties.

The 68 page title is slated for release on March 15. Part 1 of the series is also available for pre-order with release set for January.

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Border Model has released a new set of images detailing the parts for their new tool He 111H-6 model kit in 1/35 scale.

As previously reported, the upcoming release (BF-018) will 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 the model has entered the final production stage and shipping will begin as soon as possible. Click below to check out a selection of the newly released images.

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A 1941 Piper Cub J5A is currently available for sale. The listing states the following:

TTAF-3159h. Engine C-85-12F TSMOH- 669h. Aircraft log since 1944. Ground up restoration 2022. Polyfiber fabric and paint. Becker radio. Electric starter. Hangared. 4 gal per hour! Annual : July 2025

The aircraft is located in San Diego, CA and is currently available for US $45,000, although offers are also being accepted. Click here to check out the eBay listing, which includes additional photos and details.

Our YouTube channel DX Modelworks has taken a break from model aircraft build logs to bring you a new video showing what the New England Air Museum looked like in 1992.

The brief video tour provides general views, close-ups of aircraft such as the F6F Hellcat and the Fokker Dr.1, and a look at the models on display. It is a wonderful time capsule that shows how the museum has evolved over the years, and it also evokes nostalgia for those who visited during this period.

Check it out below.

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In his new book Double Sunrise, author Geoff Goodall explores Qantas Empire Airways Indian Ocean wartime services between 1943 and 1946.

The Japanese conquest cut Australia off from Britain in early 1942, leaving the country isolated. From June 1943, Qantas revived the Perth-to-Ceylon route—the world’s longest at the time—creating 27-hour, radio-silent flights that witnessed two sunrises, giving birth to the “Double Sunrise” service; five months later, the route extended to Karachi. In mid-1944, faster Qantas Liberators joined, shortening the Ceylon–Exmouth Gulf leg, followed by the introduction of Qantas Lancastrians in 1945. Despite wartime isolation, the service ran accident-free until a Lancastrian vanished on a final Indian Ocean leg in March 1946, after which operations returned to Singapore routes. Sir Hudson Fysh later called the wartime Indian Ocean service the most fascinating and romantic achievement of Qantas.

The 134 page paperback book is currently available for pre-order with release set for December 15.

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Another new release from Eduard this month is an A6M2-N Rufe Weekend Edition model kit in 1/48 scale.

The A6M2-N Rufe is the naval floatplane variant of the Mitsubishi A6M Zero, built by Nakajima for the IJN as a single-seat carrier-based fighter with floats instead of a conventional landing gear. It featured a 14-cylinder radial engine, a 3-blade propeller, and a compact airframe optimized for water takeoffs and landings, typically armed with 7.7 mm machine guns and light cannon in wing roots. Operated mainly in maritime environments, the Rufe was designed to defend sea lanes and airfields near atolls where traditional airstrips were unavailable, and it served in several theaters during World War II.

The kit (84208) includes Eduard plastic parts and decals with marking options for four aircraft.

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