Another of the extremely rare, discontinued balsa model kits covered in a build log on our YouTube channel DX Modelworks has hit the market, this time an elegant 1928 Velie Monocoupe 113.

The model is based on plans designed by David Deadman and was released by Aero Graphics. It boasts a 24.5″ wingspan and includes build plans, stripwood and printed balsa panels, covering tissue, lightweight molded plastic wheels and spinner, rubber motor and plastic propeller. The associated listing states that box contents are “all present.”

Click here to check out the eBay listing for the model and click here to check out the DX Modelworks build log for the kit.

In his new book Volunteer Aces of Churchill’s Few: The Part-Time Pilots and their Auxiliary Squadrons which Helped win the Battle of Britain author Martin Wade tells the story of those pilots, both Auxiliary and Volunteer Reserve, who flew with the squadrons of the AAF – a most remarkable band within “The Few.”

It has been many decades since the Battle of Britain raged over southern England, where part‑time pilots who had joined before the war played a vital role in victory. Formed in October 1924, the Auxiliary Air Force (AAF) contributed fourteen of the sixty‑two RAF fighter squadrons in the battle, and together with RAF Volunteer Reserve pilots, produced some of the highest‑scoring aces of the summer of 1940.

The book conveys the sense of adventure shown by these “weekend flyers,” exemplified by the 1933 first flight over Mount Everest by the CO of No. 602 (City of Glasgow) Squadron and by Flight Lieutenant Findlay Boy, who joined in 1935 while working as a mining engineer and went on to score the fastest victory of the battle by shooting down a Ju 87 Stuka less than a minute after take‑off. Their efforts led Air Vice Marshal Keith Park to declare that without the Auxiliaries the Luftwaffe would not have been defeated in 1940 and at the height of the battle Air Chief Marshal Sir Hugh Dowding exclaimed, “Thank God for the RAFVR!”

The 248 page hardcover book is currently available for pre-order with release slated for January 30.

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After “excessive delay” related to obtaining the highest possible quality, Kotare has announced that their much anticipated 1/32 Spitfire Mk.Vb (Early) has finally entered production.

The new kit will reportedly feature 141 high-quality injection molded plastic parts, including 38 all new tooled parts such as wings, 20mm cannon barrels, alternate magazine fairings, control column, engine driven undercarriage controls, cockpit sidewalls, starboard engine cowlings, ailerons, and oil cooler fairings. Additional features include windscreen with de-icing, canopy hood with Martin-Baker jettison system, fireproof bulkhead, dual-height rudder pedals, instrument panel with rectangle & curved flying panels, composite pilot’s seat with and without Sutton Type K harness detail, IFF Mk.II, ice/snow guard, port wing fillets with electrical connection door, Supermarine and CBAF undercarriage doors and top engine cowlings, open & closed cockpit doors with optional crow-bar, de Havilland & Rotol propellers and wheels with weighted tyres featuring correct alignment. High quality Cartograf decals will also be provided offering marking options for RAF, Polish, and USAAF aircraft.

The company expects to receive stock and begin shipments in mid January. Click below to check out additional images.

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A 1965 Piper Cherokee 180C has been spotted for sale. The listing states (in part):

This beautifully restored 1965 Piper Cherokee 180C is a turnkey four-seat aircraft that has been rebuilt from the ground up with exceptional attention to detail. With complete logs dating back to 1965, all ADs current, and recent annual inspection, this aircraft reflects true pride of ownership. The airframe has been fully stripped, primed, painted, and upgraded with new seals, windows, bearings, overhauled landing gear components, and restored control surfaces. The engine features a Superior Millennium cylinder kit, overhauled carburetor, new starter, overhauled mags, new harnesses, fuel system updates, new oil cooler and hoses, and a fully restored prop. Equipped with ADS-B out, dual Com radios, dual Navs, autopilot with heading hold, and updated instruments. The interior retains an authentic vintage Piper feel with restored upholstery, excellent headliner, updated cabin ducting, and added USB power. Balanced, smooth, and extremely reliable, this Cherokee 180C is a true standout ready for cross-country flying and everyday enjoyment.

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

The San Diego Air and Space Museum is currently offering an Early WWII Ranger L-440-1 engine for sale, complete with stand. The listing states (in part):

The Ranger L-440 series was widely used in WWII-era primary and advanced trainer aircraft, particularly in Fairchild PT-19, PT-23, and PT-26 trainers. These engines were known for their lightweight construction and reliable air-cooling design, making them well-suited for training aircraft. Includes custom made steel metal stand with wheels. This engine has been on display at the San Diego Air and Space Museum. It is in great visual condition. UNTESTED.

The engine is located in San Diego, California and is currently available for US $4,500. Click here to check out the eBay listing, which includes several additional photos.

Soon to be released from Osprey Publishing and author Angus Konstam is Okinawa 1945: The Royal Navy’s biggest carrier campaign. The title is described as “a fully illustrated study explaining the British Pacific Fleet’s campaign against the Japanese in the Sakishima Islands, and its overlooked role in the battle for Okinawa.”

In this book, naval expert Angus Konstam offers a newly researched account of the Fleet Air Arm’s air campaign in the Sakashimas. By 1945, the carriers and their aircrews were well worked up, and ready to tackle challenging and important targets. He explains the capabilities of the late-war Fleet Air Arm at Okinawa, and analyses their effectiveness against Japan’s still-dangerous airpower. Famously, at Okinawa the Royal Navy’s armoured carriers proved much more resilient to kamikaze strikes than the wooden-topped carriers of the Americans. Packed with spectacular original artwork, photographs, diagrams and maps, this book is a superbly illustrated history of the Royal Navy’s most extensive carrier campaign.

The 96 page paperback book is currently available for pre-order with release slated for January 27.

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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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