Newly available this month is ICM’s collection of Luftwaffe night fighters in 1/72 scale. The collection (72209) includes the Bf 109E-4, Do 17Z-10 Kauz II and Fw 189A-1.

Since no aircraft were specifically designed for night combat at the time, the Luftwaffe initially used standard combat aircraft painted in dark colors—such as the Bf 109E-4 operated by Nachtjagdgeschwader 1 (the 1st Night Fighter Wing). For long-range interception of British bombers over British territory, they employed a specially converted Do 17 bomber designated the Do 17Z-10 Kauz II. The aircraft featured an infrared searchlight to help locate enemy aircraft in the night sky.

There are also documented cases of Fw 189 A-1 aircraft being used as night fighters after special modifications, including the installation of FuG 212 radar and an additional MG 151 cannon mounted for forward and upward firing.

The models are touted as having highly detailed cockpits and surfaces and each has its own decal sheet.

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A 2023 Starduster Too has been spotted for sale. The listing states (in part):

This 2023 Starduster Too is a well-built experimental aircraft designed for sport flying and recreational aviation. With approximately 600 hours, this aircraft has been properly maintained and is ready for continued operation. It includes a Levil “BOM” system that provides a pseudo glass cockpit through iPad Bluetooth integration with ADS-B Out capability, offering modern navigation and situational awareness features. This added technology enhances flight safety and convenience for pilots seeking a blend of classic design and modern avionics. A unique and capable aircraft for aviation enthusiasts and sport pilots.

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

Coming soon from Fonthill Media and author Geoff Coughlin is Avro Vulcan: Cold War Aircraft in Scale, which will no doubt be a must for fans of the iconic British bomber.

The Avro Vulcan, arguably the best known of the British ‘V-Bombers’, was an integral part of Britain’s nuclear deterrent. During the Cold War several RAF squadrons were equipped with Vulcans, including some assigned to Quick Reaction Alert (QRA) sorties to counter immediately any threat launched by the Soviet Union. The Vulcan was also suited to conventional bombing missions. In 1982, in Operation Black Buck during the Falklands War, Vulcan B.2s carried out the longest-ranged bombing raids in history up to that time.

Cold War Aircraft in Scale: Avro Vulcan contains extensive photographs and profiles, unique reference materials and detailed step-by-step scale model builds in all the main scales: everything you need to inspire, inform and instruct you in your creation of a showpiece replica of this iconic Cold War bomber.

The 160 page paperback publication is currently available for pre-order with release set for March 30.

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ICM is following up the recent release of their new tool HP.52 Hampden B.Mk.I (48352) with a model of the TB.Mk.I variant in 1/48 scale.

The HP.52 Hampden B.Mk.I was the standard medium bomber version, designed primarily for high‑speed level bombing with an internal bay carrying up to 4,000 lb of bombs, whereas the TB.Mk.I was a later conversion optimized for the torpedo‑bomber role, configured to carry a single 18‑inch torpedo internally plus typically two 500 lb bombs under the wings.

The new kit (48353) is currently in process. As of this writing a final release date has not yet been announced. Click below to check out additional renderings.

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A 1978 Cessna 310R project has been spotted for sale. The listing states (in part):

This 1978 Cessna 310R Twin Engine Tail N821BT has always been hangered. Serial 310R1298. Currently it is out of annual. Last flown in 2015. We have all the logbooks. 100-150 engine hours & 520hp. The service people say the cylinders need to be replaced on all engines. Owner says they were told that the engine do still run…Always hangared… Sold with FAA Bill of Sale.

The aircraft is located in San Diego, California and is currently available for bidding. Click here to check out the eBay listing, which includes additional photos and details.

Coming soon from Avonmore Books and authors Michael Claringbould and Peter Ingman is Solomons Air War Volume 4: Operation Ke: The Evacuation of Guadalcanal January – February 1943, which sheds new light on hitherto little-known or misunderstood episodes in the Pacific air war.

This fourth volume of Solomons Air War chronicles aerial warfare throughout the Solomons theatre during the months of January and February 1943. It can be read alone or as part of the ongoing Solomons Air War series. This crucial period saw the Japanese swallow a bitter pill and launch Operation Ke, which was the evacuation of Guadalcanal. It was a complex operation conceived under utmost secrecy, which then unfolded over several weeks. Included was a widespread air offensive that saw the Japanese Army Air Force in the Solomons for the first time. Ironically, this operation was arguably the most successful yet for the Japanese in the theatre.

Against this background the intense air campaign continued. Enjoying a secure foothold on Guadalcanal and ever-growing facilities, Cactus Air Force expanded and pushed operations northwards into the Solomons chain where the Japanese were operating from Munda and building a new airfield at Vila. Temporary reinforcements were provided by carrier squadrons from both sides operating from land bases, including for the first time air units from USN escort carriers. [continue reading…]

Another new tool Airfix release slated for 2026 is a new tool English Electric Canberra B.2 in 1/72 scale.

The kit (A05065) chronicles the service of B.2 airframe WJ640 from 1968 to its retirement in 1981, showcasing the evolving RAF Canberra paint schemes of the era. It was designed based on Lidar scans and original drawings of the full-size aircraft, as well as research input from the Canberra Heritage Trust.

In addition to three livery options worn by WJ640, it will include over 170 parts, detailed cockpit and bomb bay and representation of 1000lb bombs. It is currently slated for release sometime this summer. Click below to check out newly released renderings.

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A 1978 Mooney M20K 231 has been spotted for sale. The listing states (in part):

The aircraft is based at KTVR and has been flown regularly on trips to the Florida coast, North Carolina, and throughout the mountains of Colorado, as well as Arizona, Utah, and New Mexico. She flies exceptionally well and has never let us down—anywhere, anytime. That reliability is a true testament to the meticulous maintenance this aircraft has received. This is a turnkey airplane that needs absolutely nothing. Simply get in, fire up, and go fly with confidence and enthusiasm!

The aircraft is located in Tallulah, Louisiana and is currently available for US $199,000. Click here to check out the eBay listing, which includes additional photos and details.

Coming soon from Air World and author Robin Adams is Flying Through a Nuclear Cloud: Twenty Years on the Frontline During the Cold War, which tells the unusual story of a frontline navigator who flew on Canberra, Shackleton and F4 Phantom squadrons between 1954 and 1974 as well as his involvement with nuclear weapon testing in 1956 and 1958.

It was during his time on Canberras that, in 1955, volunteers were called for ‘An Interesting Overseas Tour’. Robin Adams put his hand up. The task was to collect samples resulting from nuclear explosions. This, however, was only revealed to the volunteers after they had arrived in Australia.

On 19 June 1956 that Robin, then the navigator of Canberra WH976, took off from the RAAF Perth. Along with his pilot, Robin was about to be involved in the second and final nuclear test under Operation Mosaic – both explosions taking place at the Montebello Islands.

In 1957 Robin joined Coastal Command flying the Avro Shackleton. After this interlude, a year later he was back nuclear testing. This time it was at Christmas Island in the Pacific, with the awesome megaton H bombs of Operation Grapple Z. His task was to collect weather data and clear shipping from the potential danger areas. From 1963-1966 Robin was on 31 Squadron which, equipped with Canberra PR.7s, was stationed in Germany and tasked with day and night low-level photo reconnaissance. It was during this time that he was involved in a serious aircraft accident following a single engine approach at night.

By 1969 the front-line days were over for the Canberra, and Robin was posted onto the F4 Phantom as a Flight Commander on 14 Squadron. The squadron’s primary role was all-weather tactical nuclear weapon delivery to targets in East Germany, secondary roles being ground attack and air defence. Crews stood Quick Reaction Alert for twenty-four hour stretches, twice a month, in a hut, with a nuclear weapon loaded on the aircraft parked outside. Robin’s nuclear journey had gone full circle.

The 256 page hardcover book is currently available for pre-order with release slated for March 30.

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