As previously reported, Arma Hobby recently received the final sprues for their highly anticipated new tool Hawker Hurricane Mk I (40015) in 1/48 scale. Since then the company has completed the very first full build of the model and released a series of test build photos.

Since these are test shots, some elements do not yet have all the final milling details, and a few minor short shots and excess plastic appeared during assembly. This is completely normal at this stage — all corrections are already planned and will be implemented in the next few days before the mould enters full production cycle.

Arma reports that everything is coming together beautifully and full production is only days away. Click below to check out additional images.

[continue reading…]

A pedal Pitts has been spotted for sale. The listing states (in part):

Reduced price – rare vintage pedal plane / car collectible child’s riding toy airplane 55″ long x 44″ wide that is in good working condition – the plane was probably built between 1960 – 1980.

The pedal plane is located in McCaysville, Georgia and is currently available for US $899 although offers are also being accepted. Click here to check out the eBay listing, which includes additional photos and details.

A 2015 Just Aircraft Superstol has been spotted for sale. The listing states (in part):

Low time, great flying aircraft… Great deal on a fantastic flying FACTORY BUILT plane. Hurricane Helene damaged this aircraft while in the hangar (See “Condition” for details) The plane has been professional restored since by Plane Fun Aircraft (dealer/builder). 100 HP stock 912 ULS TT on engine and airframe is around 270hrs. Cato climb prop. My home field is 500’ and usually use less than half of that. It is always been stored inside. Custom Plane Fun Aircraft flap handle (great upgrade). This plane flies as straight as an arrow. Locking tail wheel. Added front facing camera for taxi. Matco dual brakes. Landing sub 100’ and take off sub 200’ with a light load.

The aircraft is located in Galax, Virginia and is currently available for US $96,000 although offers are also being accepted. Click here to check out the eBay listing, which includes additional photos.

Among the newest releases from Casemate / Hikoki is James Jackson’s Wings Over the Fleet: British Naval Aircraft since 1945, which is described as “a comprehensive history of Royal Navy carrier aviation from the 1940s to today, covering aircraft, helicopters, technology, and operations from Sea Hawks to F-35Bs.”

Wings Over the Fleet describes the evolution and development of the Royal Navy’s frontline aircraft from the late 1940s to the present day. All the major types are covered, from all-weather fighters, interceptors, strike aircraft, anti-submarine helicopters and airborne early warning aircraft. The planning and requirements behind the aircraft such as the Sea Hawk, Sea Vixen, Buccaneer, Gannet, Wasp, Sea King and Sea Harrier are examined, as are many design studies and proposals that remained on the drawing board. Guided missiles during the post-war period and the evolution of the Royal Navy’s aircraft carriers and the new technologies required to operate jet aircraft from ships are also analysed.

The hardcover book measures 8.74 x 1.3 x 11.97 inches and has 400 pages.

Product Page

DoraWings has released a series of renderings for a new Republic P-47 B/C Thunderbolt model in 1/72 scale. As of this writing, details are scarce, although work on the model is reportedly underway, with the first molds having already been milled.

Click below to check out additional renders.

[continue reading…]

A Grega GN1 (Pietenpol) fuselage has been spotted for sale. The listing states (in part):

I am offering a 2 Place Grega GN1 Fuselage which is similar to a Pietenpol. The Fuselage is covered, center Section, builder records and Log Books, Bill of Sale and more is included. Beside the fuselage, there are the cowlings, seats, cables and such. Saves you 500 hours. All is in good condition. I stand behind what I sell. This may be returned for a full refund for any reason.

The aircraft is located in Easton, PA and is currently available for US $750. Click here to check out the eBay listing, which includes additional photos and details.

A Aero L-39C Albatros fuselage has been spotted for sale. The listing states (in part):

For sale: Aero L-39C Albatros fuselage, serial number 0442, Czechoslovak Army, Czech Republic. Manufactured in 1975 for the 2nd School Aviation Regiment, where it flew until the unit was abolished. On 1 January 1993, it was handed over to the Slovak Republic as part of the division of Czechoslovakia. In 2006, the usable equipment was used in the modernization/new construction of the L-39CM, serial number 5253, with an airframe from the 52nd series, which was left after the end of production in Vodochody. Since 1991, the aircraft has flown in attractive national colors with the Biele Albatrosy air group.

The fuselage is located in Jablonne na Orlici, Czech Republic and is currently available for US $4,500 although bids are also being accepted. Click here to check out the eBay listing, which includes several additional photos.

In their upcoming book The Lost Dambuster Lancaster: The Story of 617 Squadron’s Attack on Hitler’s V2 Rocket Site authors Trevor Kerry and Gaëtan Sagot tell the story of 617 Squadron’s 1944 Tallboy raid on the V2 site at Wizernes and the tragic loss of Lancaster DV403.

On 24 June 1944, eighteen aircraft from 617 Squadron took off to attack the V2 rocket site at Wizernes, now known as La Coupole. During the raid, Lancaster DV403 was hit by flak, killing several crew members and forcing the others to bail out as the damaged plane crashed in nearby fields. Amid the wreckage, Resistance member André Schamp courageously aided a wounded airman and searched for survivors.

The story of DV403 has been recently honoured in France on the 80th anniversary, with an exhibition, lectures and a wayside interpretation board compiled by the authors, who have encouraged strong involvement of crewmen’s families in the evolving narrative. This is the story of their fate that night, as well as of 617 Squadron’s attack on the V2 site as a whole.

The 248 page title is currently available for pre-order with an expected release date of January 10.

Product Page

ICM has announced the development of a new tool Do 217K-2 in 1/48 scale.

The Do 217K-2 was a specialized variant of the German Dornier Do 217 bomber, developed during World War II to carry the heavy Fritz X radio-guided anti-ship bomb. To accommodate this advanced weapon, the K-2 featured a significantly increased wingspan (24.8 meters) and was the heaviest in the series at 16,850 kg, making it well suited for precision attacks against naval targets. Its battlefield debut saw it play a crucial role as an early platform for precision-guided munitions, notably leading to the sinking of the Italian battleship Roma.

Details on the new kit (48275) are currently limited, but it will reportedly include the Fritz X. A series of renderings were also released, additional examples of which can be seen after the break.

[continue reading…]