Soon to be released by Air World is Spitfire: The Iconic Fighter in Unique Photographs, described as “a photographic history of the Supermarine Spitfire, tracing its design, global service, and lasting wartime legacy.”
Countless photographs have been taken of the Spitfire, including innumerable high-quality press photographs. During the Second World War, however, private photography on service installations was prohibited – but, nevertheless, some personnel, aircrew and groundcrew alike, took furtive snapshots. Forming the basis of this book, these amateur images providing us with an authentic and candid window on the past. Drawing on a unique collection of rare archive images, the renowned aviation historian Dilip Sarkar MBE, RHistS, FRAeS, explores the history of the Spitfire from its inception and first flight in 1936, through its introduction to service and then its service to the Allied nations throughout the Second World War.
The 224 page book is currently available for pre-order with release slated for January 6, 2026.
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Arma Hobby has released photos showing the sprues for their highly anticipated new tool Hawker Hurricane Mk I (40015) in 1/48 scale. These are expected to be the final sprue tests prior to launching production and consist of the fuselage halves, updated and corrected radiator / tropical filter for the Mk I version, and the propeller components (two propeller types and three spinners).
The fuselage halves show the full variety of surface textures typical of early Hurricanes: fabric-covered sections, aluminum panels with very fine rivets, dzus fasteners, air intakes and outlets, and ventilation slots. These varied textures and micro-details were among the most challenging parts of the project, which is why we are pleased to see them reproduced exactly as planned in the test shots.
The company states that if test assembly goes smoothly, production will commence “in about a week.” Shipping will hopefully begin before the end of the month. The kit will reportedly include a highly detailed cockpit and canopy parts from the award-winning Hurricane Mk IIb, four historically accurate RAF marking options, high-quality Techmod decals and masks for canopy and wheels. Chick below to check out a selection of images.
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A 1948 Ercoupe 415E fuselage has been spotted for sale. The listing states (in part):
Please Note: This is an archived post. The information presented here may not be current and the associated listing may no longer be active.
Ercoupe Fuselage. 1948 Ercoupe 415E N94791, S/N 4902. TTAF 2,884.7. Abandon project. No corrosion noted anywhere. Center section rebuilt with new lower skin and inspection panel kit for AD compliance. Looks like some of the fuselage skins may have been changed also. Very clean and straight. Ready to start assembling. Logs are available. This airplane has been de-registered.
The project is located in Middletown, Ohio and is currently available for although offers are also being accepted. Click here to check out the eBay listing, which includes additional photos and details.
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Eduard has released a new tool, 1/48 scale kit of the Avia S-199, a Czechoslovak version of the Bf109G-10. This is reportedly the first in a new series of HYBRID kits combining injected plastic and 3D printing technologies.
The offering (948011) includes Eduard plastic parts and decals, resin parts (cockpit, wheel wells, exhausts, barrels, antennas, air intake) painting mask and marking options for six aircraft. It also includes a “special material” for landing gear legs which are described as “high durability” and “long lifespan.”
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MMPBooks will soon release a new publication profiling the Messerschmitt Bf 109 E. The 16 page publication includes detailed scale plans in 1/72 scale as well as 14 color profiles, providing a visual guide to various markings. It will no doubt be a valuable resource for modelers, artists, flight sim creators, and anyone else interested in the type and its colors / markings.
The new profile is slated for release in December.
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Italeri has released a series of renderings detailing their upcoming new tool Macchi MC.200 in 1/32 scale.
The Macchi MC.200 Saetta, designed by Mario Castoldi, first flew in December 1937 and became Italy’s primary frontline fighter at the beginning of World War II. Known for its excellent maneuverability and robust construction, it featured a distinctive combination of a radial engine and streamlined fuselage, with early models even reaching dive speeds of up to 800 km/h. Although it was eventually outpaced by newer aircraft, the MC.200 stood out for its stability, agility in combat, and innovative design elements like interconnected ailerons and flaps that improved takeoff and landing performance.
The upcoming release (2516) will be made from 100% new molds. At the moment additional details have not yet been released. Click below to check out the newly released renders.
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A Cessna 165 airframe project is currently available for sale by the Air Combat Museum of Illinois. The listing states (in part):
Please Note: This is an archived post. The information presented here may not be current and the associated listing may no longer be active.
Does not come with an engine or a prop. Comes with new spar blanks and comes with 2nd fuselage on wheels + extra cowling.
Th project is currently available for US $14,000, although offers are also being accepted. All proceeds will support the museum. Click here to check out the eBay listing, which includes a number of additional photos.
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A major piece of aviation history is currently for sale with the offering of de Havilland DH.9 E8894/G-CDLI.
Please Note: This is an archived post. The information presented here may not be current and the associated listing may no longer be active.
E-8894, now registered G-CDLI, was restored to flying condition with an original engine, making it the only First World War bomber currently capable of flight and the sole flying example from the Imperial Gift Scheme. Its counterpart, D-5649, was restored to a non-flying, conserved condition and is now displayed in the Imperial War Museum’s Airspace hangar. Both restorations were completed to the highest standards in the Retrotec workshops in East Sussex. The restoration of E-8894, completed in late 2018, ensures this remarkable aircraft’s place in aviation history as a genuine flying relic of the First World War and a testament to Aero Vintage’s dedication to preserving aviation heritage.
The airframe and Siddeley-Deasy Puma 200 BHP engine each have 25.0 Hrs SMOH by Aero Vintage Ltd. The aircraft is currently being offered for GBP£1,600,000. Click here to check out the full listing, which includes additional photos and details.
(Photo: Alan Wilson via Wikimedia Commons)
The FIAT G.55 Centauro will be the focus of Scale Planes No. 80 from MMPBooks and Dariusz Karnas.
The Fiat G.55 Centauro was designed by Giuseppe Gabrielli and featured an aerodynamic, all-metal structure powered by a German Daimler-Benz DB 605 inline engine, which marked a significant shift from earlier Italian fighters that favored radial engines. Its streamlined fuselage and robust build allowed for high-altitude performance and exceptional durability in combat. First flown in April 1942, the G.55 entered service in 1943 and became one of Italy’s most effective fighters during World War II, especially valued for its reliability and advanced design features.
The upcoming release provides 12 A3 size plans for G.55 in 1/32, 1/48 and 1/72 scale. The title is currently available for pre-order and is slated for release on December 30.
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DBMK Model Kits is developing a new tool Spitfire F.21 in 1/32 scale.
The SF.21 was uniquely advanced due to its new laminar flow wing, which was much stiffer than those of earlier Spitfires and allowed for higher speeds and improved handling at all altitudes. Its standardized armament of four 20mm Hispano cannons gave it unprecedented firepower for the Spitfire series, and revised undercarriage geometry enhanced ground stability. As a late / post-war fighter, the F.21 was the pinnacle of piston-engine Spitfire development and bridged the transition to the next generation of British fighters.
Additional details about the upcoming kit have not yet been released, although it will apparently include the standard 5 blade propeller as well as the contra prop seen above. Click below to check out additional renderings.
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