Flightpath UK FHP72009

How to Build The Revell 1:32 Supermarine Spitfire Mk.IIa (designed to be used with Revell kits) The name Supermarine Spitfire has now become synonymous with an entire island people, and their battle to maintain their freedom in the shadow of the Nazi jackboot. The very shape and sound of the Supermarine Spitfire seems to still invoke and embody the usually reserved pride of the British person. It is probably true to say that Reginald Mitchell's beautiful aircraft design is one of the most easily recognised and much-loved shapes that ever took to the skies. When actual mass production of the Supermarine Spitfire ceased in 1948, over 20,000 machines had been built, and operated by over thirty countries around the world. This iconic series saw service with the RAF right up until the mid-1950s. It also saw service with the Irish Air Corps as late as 1961; a full 26yrs after the flight of the prototype K5054. Revell has now released an all-new 1:32 scale Supermarine Spitfire Mk.IIa. With some minor modifications, this model may also be built as a Mk.I or a Mk.Va. Over the course of five Chapters, James Hatch examines the kit contents in detail, describes construction of the model with lavish illustrations, and points out the areas of the kit that may be improved and corrected. This new book features an exhaustive step-by-step guide to construction; plus a painting and weathering tutorial. A number of essential reference resources are also included. More than 200 photos, a reference guide, and photos of the kit sprues are all included-a must have before you build the model!

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RAF Type A and A1 National Insignia/Roundels for fighters (RAF roundels)

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Recently discovered! Israeli Air Force. 20 different squadron badges and Hebrew stencilling. For many aircraft types

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Eagle Squadron Supermarine Spitfire Mk.V Eagle Squadron Spitfire Mk.VBs: The American Volunteers of Nos. 71, 121, & 133 Squadrons - Small series screen-printed production - Available in 1/72 (AOD72019), 1/48 (AOD48019) , 1/32 (AOD32019 stock availability TBA) , & 1/24 (AOD24019 stock availability TBA) scale versions - The 1/72 and 1/48 scale editions include decals to model at least 2 (if subjects featuring each variant of national markings are chosen) of 10 photo-documented subjects, based on carefully interpreted graphic reconstructions. - The larger 1/32 and 1/24 scale coverage is split into two independent part-sets each, divvied up according to the type of national markings used AOD32019.1 and '24019.1 features aircraft with early war 'type A' fuselage, underwing, and tail national markings while AOD32019.2 and '24019.2 features aircraft with 'type C' fuselage, underwing, and tail markings. The (pt.1) and (pt.2) labels in the subject list below indicate the subject aircraft featured in each of these larger sets. - Six 8.5 x 11 in. pages of illustrated documentation* *Black and white laser prints are supplied in the package, and a high resolution, home/office-printable, colour PDF version is made available via email after purchase (automatically sent for direct-purchase customers). Documentation includes subject specific (i.e. not generic) decal placement and comprehensive painting instructions compete with multi-view colour depictions clarifying propeller, exhaust, and canopy variations for all subject aircraft. Aircraft covered in this set: 71 Squadron - AB875 / XR-X, Martlesham Heath, February 1942 aircraft nicknamed 'Little Joe' with Eagle Squadron motif nose art, P/O Joe Kelly. (pt.1) - AB908 / XR-Y, Kirton-in-Lindsey, November 1941 P/O Carrol 'Red' McCoplin. (pt.1) - AD196 / XR-Q, Martlesham Heath, February 1942 aircraft nicknamed 'Miss North Dallas' with Victor France originated nose art, various pilots. (pt.1) - BL287 / XR-C, Martlesham Heath, March 1942 'Sioux Chief' nose art, P/O Leo Nomis. Choice of three (white as printed, or Sky or light blue as overlays) background colour interpretations are provided for. (pt.1) 121 Squadron - W3711 / AV-H, Kirton-in-Lindsey, December 1941 P/O Richard Patterson (features neat dice gambler-themed 'tail art' adjacent to serial number on port side). (pt.1) - BM405 / AV-J, Southend, June 1942 aircraft nicknamed 'Barry', P/O 'Barry' Mahon. (pt.2) - BM581 / AV-P, Southend, July 1942 Uncle Sam's Hat + 13 stars nose art, P/O Bill Kelly. (pt.2) - BM590 / AV-R, Southend, July 1942 aircraft nicknamed 'Olga', P/O Gilbert Halsey. (pt.2) 133 Squadron - BM263 / MD-A, Kirton-in-Lindsey, April 1942 'Mine's a Bitter' nose art with Squadron Leader's rank pennant, S/L Eric Thomas. (pt.2) - EN951 / MD-U, Biggin Hill, late summer 1942 P/O DonBlakeslee. (pt.2)

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Re-printed! Sukhoi Su-27 Flanker family Full Stencil Data. 562 types of stencil for aircraft and various types of armament

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Petlyakov Pe-2... with opportunity make 108 marking variations of Pe-2 family aircraft's all types, from next AF's: VVS RKKA, Finland, Poland, Yugoslavia, Czechoslovakia, Bulgaria and Hungary. Including two big size decals, one small size decal and 23-pages booklet A4-size instruction.

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Yakovlev Yak-9 with the opportunity make 67 marking variations of Yak-9 family aircraft's all types, from next AF's: USSR. Including one big size decal, one small size decal and 11-pages instruction A3-size instruction. http://www.begemotdecals.ru/doc/72-074%20Yak-9%20ins%201.pdf http://www.begemotdecals.ru/doc/72-074%20Yak-9%20ins%202.pdf

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Lavochkin La-9/La-11 USUALLY £16.99. TEMPORARILY HALF PRICE!!! Decal with opportunity make 29 marking variations of La-9 and La-11 family aircraft's all types, from next AF's: USSR, China, North Korea, Romania and Indonesia. 4 sets of full stencil for La-9(11) aircfat included. Including one big size decals and 5-pages instruction A3-size instruction.

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RAF Type A1 Roundels/National Insignia -45' -54'

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Convair F-106A Delta Dart "City of Jacksonville" For a short time during 1976, one of the Delta Darts of the Florida Air National Guard wore the most colorful paint scheme ever seen on an F-106 : the "City of Jacksonville". This decal sheet will allow you to build a model of this beautiful aircraft in all its glory. Extensively researched and carefully designed to fit the new Meng kit, this 1/72 scale sheet features all the unique markings on this aircraft and spare stars of all three different types used on the design. Some careful masking and painting is required.

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McDonnell-Douglas F-18 Hornet - The Early Years The second sheet in our "The Early Years" series covers a wide variety of prototype/FSD Hornets from the early, exciting years of F-18 development. We provide markings for jets that took part in critical stages such as spin testing, weapons tests, and carrier trials. The wide selection of markings are supplemented by crew and mission markings when appropriate, different carrier name options, and enough decals for those ubiquitous photo-calibration stickers that could be seen on all FSD Hornets. The instruction sheet has information on what modifications are needed for your prototype Hornet project, making it easier to build an F-18 that will be really different from the many others on the contest table. The options on this decal sheet are: F-18A #2 BuNo. 160776 F-18A #3 BuNo. 160777 (carrier trials aircraft) F-18A #4 BuNo. 160778 F-18A #5 BuNo. 160779 F-18A #6 BuNo. 160780 (spin testing aircraft) F-18A #6 BuNo. 160780 (as NASA 840) F-18A #7 BuNo. 160782 TF-18A #1, BuNo. 160781

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USAF Fairchild A-10A "Cold War Hogs" Twelve marking options for Cold War era A-10 Warthogs in Euro 1 camouflage scheme. This very comprehensive decal set provides markings for A-10A Thunderbolts in the "European One" camouflage scheme that the type wore during the height of the Cold War and the first Gulf War that followed. With this sheet, you finally can build an accurate, high-quality model representing what the iconic A-10 looked like during most of the 1980s and early 1990s. Many of the options on CD72112 feature colorful, intricate nose art and period-accurate unit markings. The options on this decal sheet are: A-10A 78-0670 138th TFS, New York Air National Guard A-10A 78-0685 138th TFS, New York Air National Guard A-10A 81-0979 509th TFS, RAF Alconbury A-10A 81-0967 "Brothers in Arms", 511st TFS, RAF Alconbury A-10A 80-0206 92nd TFS, RAF Bentwaters A-10A 81-0952 510th TFS, RAF Bentwaters A-10A 81-0962 91st TFS, RAF Bentwaters A-10A 81-0950 78th TFS, RAF Bentwaters A-10A 78-0599 "Bird of Prey", 355th TFS, Operation Desert Storm A-10A 79-0099 "Fang", 355th TFS, Operation Desert Storm A-10A 79-0112 "Here Comes The Judge", 355th TFS, Operation Desert Storm A-10A 78-0724 "Leslie the Seminole Warrior", 355th TFS, Operation Desert Storm

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McDonnell F-15 "ADTAC Eagles" The F-15 Eagles of ADTAC (Air Defense - Tactical Air Command) during the 1980s wore some of the most colorful unit markings ever seen on the type. In this decal sheet, we provide markings for both single and twin-seat Eagles from all three ADTAC Eagle units in the continental US as well as the unique "FAST pack" equipped Eagles of the 57th FIS which was based at Keflavik, Iceland. When applicable, alternative unit markings are provided so you can build your model with the 1st Air Force or ADTAC shields. The options on this decal sheet are: F-15A 76-0111, 318th FIS commander's aircraft F-15A 76-0105, 318th FIS F-15B 76-0139, 318th FIS F-15A 76-0114, 48th FIS commander's aircraft F-15A 76-0113, 48th FIS F-15B 75-0086, 48th FIS F-15A 76-0015, 5th FIS commander's aircraft F-15A 76-0058, 5th FIS F-15B 76-0128, 5th FIS F-15C 80-0041, 57th FIS F-15D 80-0057, 57th FIS

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"Aggressors Now - and Then" This multi-subject sheet features markings for five different types of aircraft flown in aggressor roles by USAF. Starting with the most modern USAF jet to fly in this role (F-35A), we provide markings for the striking "Wraith" F-16C in an overall black scheme, and three Soviet jets that were operated by the top-secret "Constant Peg" program. The markings for "Constant Peg" jets were designed using the most recently classified video footage and two books published on the subject. We recommend the Modelsvit MiG-21F-13, and RV MiG-23M / MiG-23BN kits. For F-35A and F-16C options, we recommend the Hasegawa (for F-35) and Revell/Tamiya (for F-16) kits. The seven options on this sheet are: F-35A 11-5020, 65th Aggressor Squadron, Nellis AFB F-35A 11-5021, 65th Aggressor Squadron, Nellis AFB F-16C Block 42 89-2048 "Wraith", 64th Aggressor Squadron, Nellis AFB F-16C Block 25 85-0418 "Wraith", 64th Aggressor Squadron, Nellis AFB MiG-21F-13 (USAF "YF-110") "Red 85", 4477th TES, 1986 MiG-23MS "Flogger-E" (USAF "YF-113E") "Red 49", 4477th TES, 1986 MiG-23BN "Flogger-F" (USAF "YF-11B") "Red 74", 4477th TES, 1985

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Sukhoi T-10K / Su-27K "Flanker-D" Early Type. 8 marking options. Begemot decal includes original CTA research options for two Aircraft, T10K-3 and T10K-7. USUALLY £13.99. TEMPORARILY SAVE 1/3RD!!!

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RAF SEAC Insignia - A5 sheet covering SEAC dull roundel blue and India white roundels and fin flashes in standard and non-standard sizes, applicable to most RAF types operated in the Far East 1943-46.

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Lockheed F-104 Starfighter In 180 pages, a complete portrait of the legendary F-104 Starfighter is brought in over 450 photos, picturing the aircraft both in action and in detail. Versions include the early subtypes but mainly the D/F/G/J/S and S ASA-M as well as the two-seat trainer CF-104D and TF-104G. Every detail of the aircraft is included and differences between the types are pointed out. For this book, currently flying aircraft of Starfighter Aerospace in Florida have been photographed as well. Aircraft from these countries are included: USA, Belgium, Germany, The Netherlands, Norway, Spain, Japan, Italy, Denmark, Turkey, Greece, ... This book also contains an impressive maintenance chapter, ideal for the scale modeller. Many interesting details, often overlooked, are included. With some of the benefits of this book, HMH Publications will financially support the further restoration of an F-104G at Volkel Air Base in The Netherlands.

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NATO Fishbeds 10x MiG-21MFN, booklet Decal set for any 1/72 scale MiG-21MFN model kit. Covers all 10 MiG-21MFN used by the Czech Air Force between 1999 and 2005. Contains national insignia for two aircraft, one set with darker blue and one set with lighter blue, and remaining decals for all the aircraft. Also included is 36-page bilingual (CZ+EN) booklet containing overview of type history and service, decal placing guide and painting schemes for all the aircraft. Set contains: decal sheet with decals for aircraft nos. 2205, 2500, 3008, 4003, 4017, 4127, 4175, 4403, 5581 a 5603 booklet with type history, decal placing guide and painting schemes additional laser-printed sheet with decals for inscriptions written on MiG-21MFN no. 5603 the final day of MiG-21 service in QRA duty

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Messerschmitt Bf-109F-4 Tropical. H.J.Marseille special. Includes decals for his Kubelwagen 'Otto' and 4 'Yellow 14' aircraft. W Nr 8673 with G Type propeller; W Nr 10137; W Nr 10059; W Nr 8693

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Model Aircraft Extra 4. Building the North-American P-51D Mustang. WAS £14.99. TEMPORARILY SAVE 1/3RD!!! Marrying an American dive-bomber design and a British engine, the North-American P-51 Mustang became one of the greatest fighters of World War II. The iconic P-51 was a World War II single-seat fighter and fighter-bomber that also saw service in the Korean War and other conflicts. The Mustang was designed in 1940 by North-American Aviation (NAA) in response to a requirement of the British Purchasing Commission. The Purchasing Commission approached North-American Aviation to build Curtiss P-40 fighters under license for the Royal Air Force (RAF). Rather than build an old design from another company, North-American Aviation proposed the design and production of a more modern fighter. The prototype NA-73X airframe was rolled out on 9 September 1940, 102 days after the contract was signed, and first flew on 26 October. The Mustang was designed to use the Allison V-1710 engine, which had limited high-altitude performance in its earlier variants. The aircraft was first flown operationally by the RAF as a tactical-reconnaissance aircraft and fighter-bomber (Mustang Mk I). Replacing the Allison with a Rolls-Royce Merlin resulted in the P-51B/P-51C (Mustang Mk III) model and transformed the aircraft's performance at altitudes above 15,000ft, without sacrificing range, allowing it to compete with the Luftwaffe's fighters. The definitive version, the P-51D, was powered by the Packard V-1650-7, a license-built version of the two-speed two-stage-supercharged Merlin 66 and was armed with six .50 calibre M2/AN Browning machine guns. From late 1943, P-51Bs and P-51Cs (supplemented by P-51Ds from mid-1944) were used by the USAAF's Eighth Air Force to escort bombers in raids over Germany, while the RAF's Second Tactical Air Force and the USAAF's Ninth Air Force used the Merlin-powered Mustangs as fighter-bombers, roles in which the Mustang helped ensure Allied air superiority in 1944. The P-51 was also used by Allied air forces in the North African, Mediterranean, Italian and Pacific theatres, and during World War II, Mustang pilots claimed to have destroyed some 4,950-enemy aircraft. At the start of the Korean War, the Mustang, by then redesignated F-51, was the main fighter of the United Nations until jet fighters, including North-American's F-86, took over this role, the Mustang then became a specialised fighter-bomber. Despite the advent of jet fighters, the Mustang remained in service with some air forces until the early 1980s. In Model Aircraft Extra #4, some 15 P-51 Mustang build projects will be included, in a 'how-to' format, and continue this fantastic series modelling guides from MA Publications, the new name in scale modelling.

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Building the Republic P-47D Thunderbolt. The Republic P-47 Thunderbolt Big, powerful, and truly a juggernaut of an aircraft, resulting in its appropriate nickname 'Jug', the Republic P-47 Thunderbolt was one of the really great warplanes of its generation. Alongside the superlative North-American P-51 Mustang and the twin-engined Lockheed P-38 Lightning, it was one of the three principal fighter types which the US Army Air Forces (USAAF) successfully operated in the later stages of World War Two. The initial production version was the P-47B, and examples of this type started to reach the USAAF's 56th Fighter Group in June 1942. The first really combat-ready model was the refined and slightly longer P-47C, which entered service later in 1942. Like all front-line P-47 versions it packed a formidable punch of four 0.5in M2 Browning machine guns in each wing, although early models did not carry the wing pylons that became so important later in the Thunderbolt's combat career. The first P-47C examples to reach Britain for the US Eighth Army Air Force did so in December 1942, followed by what became the main combat model of the Thunderbolt, the P-47D, in April 1943. Weighing in at some 15,000lb (6,804kg) fully loaded and powered by the R-2800-59 Double Wasp of 2,000hp, the P-47D was a big, powerful beast. Water injection introduced for some versions of the R-2800 would see even greater power on demand when needed in aerial combat. All of these early Thunderbolts had the 'razorback' high line rear fuselage pioneered with the P-35 and P-43, with a rearwards-sliding heavily framed cockpit canopy. Although the USAAF at first saw the Thunderbolt as a high altitude interceptor, its main initial role very soon became that of daylight bomber escort with the England- based Eighth Air Force, which was in great need of escort fighters for its B-17 Flying Fortresses and B-24 Liberators that were increasingly facing stiff Luftwaffe fighter opposition. he Thunderbolt helped to turn the tide for the US daylight bombing offensive during 1943 and early 1944, with a number of P-47 pilots gaining impressive scores in air-to-air combat against Luftwaffe fighters. Eventually the appearance of the Merlin-engined P-51B Mustang and later versions of the superb Mustang long-range fighter resulted in the Eighth Air Force almost completely re-equipping its fighter groups with the P-51, but the Eighth's 56th Fighter Group continued to fly the Thunderbolt right up to the end of the war in Europe in May 1945. The Eighth Air Force also pioneered the P-47 for air-to-ground operations as a part of its policy of taking the fight to the Luftwaffe, and additional to this the Thunderbolt eventually equipped several fighter groups specifically for fighter-bomber operations within the tactical England-based US Ninth Air Force. The P-47 proved to be a formidable fighter-bomber due to its impressive eight-gun armament, bomb load and ability to survive enemy fire. The underwing pylons that proved so useful for long-range fuel tanks were equally at home carrying a 500lb (227kg) bomb (one under each wing), and the Ninth Air Force in particular used this capability to devastating effect against German tactical targets before and after D-Day. 'Razorback' Thunderbolts additionally equipped USAAF units in Italy, the Pacific (including exceptional use by the Fifth Air Force), and the China-Burma-India theatre (CBI). Continuing development of the P-47 design led to the adoption later in P-47D manufacture of a cut- down rear fuselage spine and all-round vision 'bubbletop' canopy. This resulted in a further series of later Thunderbolt versions with even greater range and capabilities, but many 'razorback' P-47s nevertheless continued in service right to the war's end " some pilots in fact preferring the 'razorback' to the later models particularly for their better directional stability. Other important users of the Thunderbolt in World War Two included the Soviet Union, the RAF and the Free French. This seventh book in the highly successful MA Extra Series contains fourteen showcase and step by step model builds and will be a must for any P-47 aficionado!

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RAF WWII Roundels. Type B 60 inches , 64 inches , 75 inches , 77 inches , 84 inches , 100 inches ; Type C 77 inches , 84 inches , 100 inches ; Type C1 50 inches , 56 inches (RAF Roundels)

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Pilatus PC-21 Birth' oft he PC-21 started in November 1997 when Pilatus modified a PC-7 with new wings and a Pratt and Whitney Canada PT6 turbine. Based on those trials, actual development started early 1999 metal was cut in 2001 and the Rollout was celebrated in May 2002. Type certification was reached by the end of 2004. Soon after, Pilatus started serial production despite the fact, that they had no orders in their books. The PC-21 was developed with characteristics of a Jet Trainer in mind. The PT6A-68B turbine is throttled electronically to simulate a jet engine the propeller torque is automatically compensated over the rudder. The roll rate of the aircraft is enhanced to 2000/s with additional spoilers on top of the wings. The airfoil is build for speed the PC-21 reaches a top of Mach 0.72 but still lacking the power of a real jet engine. Hart of the system are the flexible avionics depending on the Jet the customer has in mind. The cockpit is equipped with two Martin-Baker CH16C ejection seats. The wing is prepared with 5 hard points 2 wet for long-range fuel tanks. Thus the PC-21 carries no weapons they are simply simulated electronically for the training of the pilot. The big breakthrough happened in November 2006 when Singapore placed an order for 19 aircraft. The Swiss Air Force followed with an order for 6 JEPAS (Jetpiloten Ausbildungssystem) PC-21. A-101 to A-106 were delivered in 2008 to the Swiss Air Force. Already in the middle of this year, the first pilot training course on the PC-21 with direct transition onto the F-18D Hornet started, avoiding the step via the F-5F Tiger. Training cost for new F-18 pilots could be reduced by 50%. However it was soon realized, that the demand of 6 to 8 new pilots per year could not be satisfied with 6 training aircraft only. A second order of two additional aircraft was placed in 2010 and the handover to the air force in 2012 increased the PC-21 fleet to 8 aircraft. While the first 6 PC-21 carried a striking red and white scheme, visibility of the aircraft was deemed unsatisfactory - the follow up aircraft were painted all red with white trim. In time, all six PC-21 were painted in the same manner. A further exterior modification are the black leading edges of the wings and stabilizers. The landing gear, wheel wells and inside of the gear doors are painted white, as well as all Antennae. The cockpit canopy has a black trim. As a general note SAF PC-21 are glossy painted and kept in impeccable clean condition. By the end of 2017, Pilatus has received orders for 209 PC-21. Next to Singapore and Switzerland, the following countries have ordered the type: Australia, France, Jordan, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates and the United Kingdom. As always I like to stress, that the decals should be applied to glossy surfaces. They react well to Micro Sol and Micro Set if you are using a stronger decal softener, please make your own tests. This decal sheet has been designed with a 1/48 scale version as an option. This said in 1/72 scale some markings are ways too small to be readable when screen-printed. On the real aircraft, the maintenance markings are subdued and barely recognizable from a short distance. However I feel to give you the most data as possible on this decal sheet and it is up to your decision, to make use of them, or not. The Whites have been double printed with the intention of a high opacity on the red surface. Before applying the decal for the canopy detonation cord, please dip the canopy into 'Future' as the decal will not stick on the bare plastic for a long time.

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J33 Venom Swedish Airforce decal. If you plan to buy the Maestro Model kit MMMS7202 you should be aware that these decals will be included in the kit Decals made for the Maestro Models J33 Venom but will also be good for converted Frog/Novo kits. Six paint schemes included, for all four squadrons of F1 wing in Vasterås plus both camoufl aged and yellow painted aircraft on civilian registry. Night fighter and target tug. Stencilling included, with options for both types of paint livery de Havillandd

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SCHWERER GEL�"NDEG�"RGIGER PERSONENKRAFTWAGEN AND SUCCESSORS Camera On series #27 Alan Ranger This latest photo-album in the "Camera On" series contains 140 photographs of a broad selection of Germany's heavy off-road passenger vehicles in operation with the Wehrmacht during World War II. It includes both the Schwerer Gelandegangiger Personenkraftwagen and its successors, the Horch 108 type 1 and its licensed-built Ford type EG equivalents as well as the heavy cars built on light truck chassis such as the Styer 1500 and Mercedes 1500A & S types. This book contains over 140 images of German heavy passenger cars photographed in operation in the conditions they had to work in. This volume illustrates these vehicles as the soldiers themselves viewed them in both their working environment and indeed in many cases the homes they had to live in, not the highly polished and sanitized views of the official photographers. The result is an invaluable reference for military historians and modellers * Camera On: a new series of books on the equipment and operations of the German Wehrmacht in WW2.

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"Able Mable" Martin AM-1/1Q Mauler By Bob Kowalski 152-pages, 326 b&w photos, 4-color photos, 48-drawings, and 15-squadron insignias. "Able Mable", the Martin AM-1/1Q Mauler, was the product of a 1943 Navy contract for two prototype bomber torpedo (BT) planes. Two other contractors, Curtiss and Fleetwings also received prototype contracts. In 1944 after the testing of these prototypes and a new entry the Douglas Skyraider, the Navy placed production orders for the Martin Mauler and the Douglas Skyraider. Even though the Skyraider proved more suitable for carrier operations, 139 AM-1s and 18 AM-1Qs were produced and served with five attack squadrons and one composite squadron before being relegated to the reserves. With its huge R-4360-4W 28-cylinder 3,000 BHP engine, the Mauler performed like a fighter and had the power to out lift any other single engine aircraft in the world at the time. In addition to its heavy-lift capabilities (10,648 lbs of fuel, 4-20mm guns with ammo, 3-torpedos and 12 250 lb bombs) the unique finger-type dive brakes on the AM-1 gave it extremely accurate and rock-steady dive bombing performance deemed best in the world by navy test pilots. Its Awesome performance made it a challenge at times particularly around the boat and earned it the enduring nickname of "Awful Monster".

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FROM BATS TO RANGERS A Pictorial History of Electronic Countermeasures Squadron Two (ECMRON-2) Fleet Air Reconnaissance Squadron Two (VQ-2) by Angelo Romano and AMHC (AW) John D. Herndon, USN, Ret. This Pictorial History of US Navy's Electronic Countermeasures Squadron Two (ECMRON-2 or VQ-2), later designated Fleet Air Reconnaissance Squadron Two (FAIRECONRON TWO or VQ-2) by Angelo Romano and AMHC (AW) John D. Herndon, USN, Ret. is the second title of the new U.S. Navy SQUADRON HISTORIES by GINTER BOOKS. The photo coverage of the history of the Electric Bats, also known as the Rangers, is comprehensive, both in terms of photography and in terms of historical content. Much of the squadron's mission was top secret, as were many of its cold war missions, but the authors were able to utilize official (declassified) documents and first-hand accounts to write this book. For completeness, it is also a history of the U.S. Navy Electronic Intelligence gathering activities going back to WWII, beginning with the creation of the Cast Mike (Counter Measures) Project in 1942 and the deployment of early XARD receivers aboard aircraft like the Consolidated PBY Catalina and PB4Y Liberator. After WWII, the Navy started to use the Privateers as dedicated ELINT platforms and assigned them to two special units operating jointly with the National Security Group. One of these units, designated Port Lyautey Patrol Unit (NPU), was based at Naval Air Activities Port Lyautey, in French Morocco. It was first assigned modified PB4Y-1s and later, the Martin P4M-1Q Mercator. The NPU teamed with the Naval Security Group's Naval Communications Unit 32 George (NCU32G), which provided the ELINT equipment installed on board and the crew to operate them, mostly for covert operations around Europe and the Mediterranean. When the NPU reached its full complement of four P4M-1Qs, the unit and NCU32G, needed to have an administrative identity for budgetary and logistics purposes. Airborne Early Warning Squadron TWO (VW-2), based at NAS Patuxent River, was therefore selected to be its "mother" squadron. On 1 May 1953, NPU Port Lyautey became VW-2 Detachment A (or DET ABLE). In 1955, the Navy decided to establish a dedicated squadron for the unique mission rather than continue with a detachment: Electronic Countermeasures Squadron TWO (ECMRON TWO) was established on 1 Sep 1955. ECMRON TWO was assigned the alphanumeric designation "VQ-2". Its mission was to conduct electronic-search in support of fleet operations to obtain adequate and timely information on enemy radar, communications, and other emissions in support of fleet operations. The Squadron inherited the P4M-1Qs from VW-2 DET A and acquired a Lockheed P2V Neptune for utility purposes. On 1 Jan 1960, EMCRON TWO was redesignated Fleet Air Reconnaissance Squadron TWO (FAIRECONRON TWO) but still retained the alphanumeric designation "VQ-2". In 1956, VQ-2 received its first Douglas A3D-1Q Skywarrior, followed in 1957 by one A3D-1. In 1958, the Squadron received the Lockheed P2V-5F Neptune to augment the P4M-1Qs. The more capable A3D-2Q/EA-3B arrived in 1959 followed by the big Lockheed WV-2Q/EC-121M Constellation in 1960. The first Lockheed EP-3E ARIES arrived in 1971 and the squadron continued to fly this aircraft until disestablishment in 2012. The VQ-2 history and all worldwide events surrounding it are very well described and documented. This 242-page book contains 180 B&W and 444 color photos, most never published before. Thirty-seven superbly detailed aircraft color profiles show the evolution of the color schemes and markings and the different aircraft types and sub-types, providing very useful information for the benefit of both modelers and aviation historians. The inclusion of many squadron patches completes this masterpiece. THE AUTHORS Angelo Romano Angelo has authored six books: Wings from Coral Sea (Golden Wing Publications, 1986), Naval Fighters (Osprey, 1990), Naval Air Weapons Meet 1956-1959 (Model Publishing, 2006), First and Foremost - An illustrated History of Carrier Air Wing One - CVW-1 Part One 1934-1957 (Model Publishing, 2006), CVW-1 Part Two 1957-1973 (Model Publishing, 2008), and Black Knights Rule! (BKR) - A Pictorial History of VBF-718 / VF-68A / VF-837 / VF-154 / VFA-154 - 1946-2013 (Ginter Books, 2014). John D. Herndon AMHC (AW) Retired U.S. Navy John joined the U.S. Navy in 1978, Assigned to VQ-2 a total of 13 years E-1 to E-7, deployed to six Aircraft carriers in support of the EA-3B aircraft. Additionally deployed to locations all around the world in support of the EP-3E aircraft, Maintenance Control, Aircraft Division and Detachment Leading Chief Petty Officer. Retired out of VQ-2 his last tour which ended in 2000, went on to civilian life, employers ATA and American Airlines and finally the FAA as an Aviation Safety Inspector, currently the Boeing 787 Fleet Program Manager overseeing United Airlines safety compliance. Very involved over the years in collecting VQ-2 information/ history, assisted in raising funds and restoring a VQ-2 EA-3B Aircraft in Fort Worth Texas Ranger 15 BuNo 146453.

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Douglas C-74 Globemaster By Nicholas M. Williams, 104 pages (88 in b&w, 16 in color), 141 b&w photos, 35 color photos, 22 illustrations. The Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor in December 1941 brought U.S. Army Air Corps strategists to the realization that a new global transport was needed to carry large loads over great distances. The Douglas Aircraft Company in Santa Monica, California, also quickly saw this need and design studies were begun immediately on an expanded version of the company's DC-4. The "C-74 Project Group" adopted a design philosophy to produce a "no frills" transport able to accommodate at least two of the Army's T-9 tanks, two 105mm Howitzers, or two angle dozers. Douglas contacted the Air Corps early in 1942 to determine their interest and a letter of intent was issued in March 1942 for procurement of the Model 415A, now designated the C-74. A contract of over $50 million was signed in June 1942 for fifty airplanes. To speed its delivery to operational units, the C-74 was designed to be released without the benefits of an experimental or prototype model, all aircraft being designated as C-74s with design features following conventional "state-of-the-art" practice. Originally, powered by Wright R-3350 engines, a decision was made in March 1943 to switch to the new, mammoth Pratt & Whitney R-4360 Wasp Major. The first C-74 was rolled out in July 1945 from the Douglas Long Beach factory. At rollout, the C-74 was the largest land-based transport in the world with a wingspan of 173 feet, length of 124 feet, and gross weight of 145,000 pounds. Able to carry 125 passengers, the C-74 was called the Globemaster as its 11,100-gallons of internal fuel gave it a maximum range of over 7,000 miles, enabling it to circumnavigate the world with only two refueling stops. In its final form, the C-74 was a remarkably efficient airplane, using a semi-laminar flow airfoil for its wings with a full-span flap arrangement. The pilots were enclosed by two teardrop-shaped, double-bubble canopies that provided them with a 360-degree view. Douglas had every intention of adapting the C-74 into a civil airliner once hostilities had ended. In 1944 Pan American World Airways ordered 26 examples of the civil version, the DC-7, for a route expansion program into Latin America. However, further development of this DC-7 design increased its gross weight to 162,000 pounds and the unit cost to $1.4 million and Pan American cancelled its order in October 1945, opting for smaller transports. The first C-74, 42-65402, made its maiden flight from Long Beach in September 1945, but with the end of World War II, most of the C-74 production order was cancelled and only 14 Globemasters were built. Unfortunately, during contractor demonstration flights the second Globemaster crashed. The fourth C-74 was subsequently diverted for static tests and its components tested to destruction at Wright Field, Ohio. Beginning in September 1946, the remaining twelve C-74s were flown for the next nine years by the Army Air Forces' Air Transport Command and the U.S. Air Force's Military Air Transport Service. Once in service, the C-74 Globemaster, based first in Memphis, Tennessee, then Morrison Field, West Palm Beach, Florida, finally at Brookley AFB, Mobile, Alabama, set many records for tonnage carried. In November 1949, a C-74 flew the Atlantic to England with a record 103 passengers aboard. One Globemaster set several records during the Berlin Airlift, averaging over 38,000 pounds of cargo and setting a new Airlift Task Force utilization record by flying 20 hours in a 24-hour period. Until one C-74 was converted to the prototype C-124A and the Globemaster II became available, the C-74 was the only Air Force transport capable of carrying outsized cargo. After the C-74's retirement from service in 1955, several were purchased surplus and began flying for a contract air carrier, Aeronaves de Panama, hauling prize cattle from Denmark to the Middle East, horses to Singapore, and ships' parts and vegetables throughout Europe. Unfortunately, after the tragic crash in 1963 of one C-74 in Marseilles, France, the airline suspended operations and its C-74s eventually were scrapped. Today, no examples of this record-setting transport exist. This monograph of the C-74 Globemaster is written by Nick Williams, an award-winning author of over two dozen articles published in the Journal of the American Aviation Historical Society and publications in the U.K. Nick has written two previous books in Steve Ginter's Naval Fighters series as well as his 1999 book published in the U.K., "Aircraft of The Military Air Transport Service 1948-1966". His new book on the C-74 is the result of nearly fifty years of research, containing comments from several of the C-74's engineers as well as former Douglas and Air Force pilots.

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North-American YF-93A Penetration Fighter Air Force Legends 227 By William Simone 52-pages, 4-color and 87-b&w photos, with 39 draqwings. North-American's oft-forgotten YF-93A (NA-157) was an advanced version of the F-86A Sabre day fighter designed for the penetration fighter reqirement. It was originally designated the F-86C and was designed around NACA flush inlets and a 8,000 lb thrust J48 afterburning engine with three times the fuel of the F-86A, which gave it extremely long range. The two other penetration fighter candidates (the XF-88 and XF-90) had flown much earlier than the YF-93. All three types were not developed beyond the prototypes as the penetration fighter requirement was dropped by the Air Force. The aircraft sported F-86-style wings and tail mated to a new beffy fuselage with added electronics and 6-20mm cannon. The increased weight of the design led to a redesigned and strengthened dual-wheel main undercarrige. Only two-aircraft were built and the NACA flush intakes were replaced on ship one with conventional ram intakes resulting in increased overall performance. After retirement the two YF-93As were utilized at Moffett Field, CA, for further NACA testing before being scrapped.

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Fairey Swordfish 1. L2720:680 of 821 Squadron, Fleet Air Arm, on board H.M.S. Ark Royal, February 1939. 2. Fairey Swordfish Mk.I K 6009:912 of 822 Sguadron, H.M.S. Furious, 1937-39. 3. Fairey Swordfish Mk.I floatplane K5959;809 823 Sguadron, H.M.S. Glorious 1937-38. 4. Fairey Swordfish Mk.I K8449;649 820 Sguadron, H.M.S. Courageous, 17 October 1938. 5. Fairey Swordfish floatpane P4199;E8F, 702 Sguadron, H.M.S. Resolution December 1939. Scheme 2. 6. Fairey Swordfish Mk.I L7647:4H 820 Sguadron, H.M.S. Ark Royal, 1941. Scheme 3. 7. Fairey Swordfish Mk.ll LS274;1F of 818 Squadron, 1945. Modified Type C1 roundel and fin flash for operations in Far Eastern waters, Scheme 4. 8. Fairey Swordfish Mk.lll NF374;NH-M, No-119 Sguadron, RAF, based at Bircham Newton, 1945. 9. Swordfish Mk.II 816 NAS, FAANumber: S (NF243)July 1944 Camouflage fuselage and lower surfaces - white, upper surface - the old standard color. The aircraft is marked with a thin band of white invasion okaemkoy on the fuselage and wings. Markings on the fuselage - the type C1, on the upper wing - type B, on the ground - no. 10. Swordfish Mk.III Part: 119 Sqn, RAF Number: NH-F (NF410) Knocke, Le Zoute, Belgium, 1945 The aircraft is equipped with ASV radar and armed with 113 kg bombs. Painted entirely in black. Squadron machines used against E-and R-boats (?), Were about the Dutch coast. 11. Fairey Swordfish Mk.l L2817;T4F 767 Sguadron, Kalafrana, Malta September 1940. Scheme 2. http://www.internetmodeler.com/scalemodels/nraviation/Print-Scale-1-72-Fairey-Swordfish-Decals.php

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Fairey Gannet. 1. Fairey Gannet AS.1 XA340 / 292-R, 815 NAS, H.M.S. Ark Royal, December 1957. Extra Dark Sea Grey and Sky finish. Propeller spinners painted in black and white. Serials, codes and lettering in black. 'Harp' motif painted on both outer finlets, mirrored. Squadron chest under starboard cockpit. Type D roundels in all six positions. 2. Fairey Gannet AEW.3 XL471 / 43-R, 849 Squadron B Flight, H.M.S. Ark Royal, June 1977. Extra Dark Sea Grey and Sky finish. Propeller spinners painted in black and yellow stripes. Serials, codes and lettering in black. A black map of Australia painted on the starboard nose side to denote B Flight the FAA's Australia Shield in 1975. Type B roundels in all six positions. 3. Fairey Gannet T.2 XA514 / 878-NW, 724 Squadron, Royal Australian Navy. Nowra, mid-1960s. High Speed Aluminim overall. Propeller spinners and antiglare panel in black. 36 inches yellow trainer bands on wings and fuselage. Serials, codes and lettering in black. Australian type D roundels in all six positions. This aircraft was used for live-fire training equipped with a 16 rockets full load. 4. Fairey Gannet COD.4 XA454 / 264-H, 849 Squadron A Flight, May 1970. RAF 'Royal Blue' overall. Propeller spinners painted in black and red. Serials, codes and lettering in white. Type D roundels in all six positions. H.M.S. Hermes badge on finlets are optional, as were removed at a later date 5. Fairey Gannet AS.1 XA322 / 771-CU, 796 Squadron, 1957. Extra Dark Sea Grey and Sky finish. Propeller spinners painted in red, white and black. Serials, codes and lettering in black. 'Pirate's Head' motif painted on both outer finlets, mirrored. Type D roundels in all six positions. 6. Fairey Gannet COD.4 XG790 / 040-R, 849 Squadron B Flight, H.M.S. Ark Royal, May 1970. RAF 'Royal Blue' overall. Propeller spinners, arresting gear and last portion of outer finlets painted in black and yellow stripes. Serials, codes and lettering in white. Intake interior in Sky, with metallic lip. Type D roundels in all six positions. 7. Fairey Gannet AS.4 UA+108, Nr. 1 Squadron MFG 2, Federal German Navy (Bundesmarine), Westerland, Sylt, 1964. Extra Dark Sea Grey and Sky finish. Propeller spinners painted black. Serials, codes and lettering in black. MFG 2 shield painted on both outer finlets. Bundeswehr insignia in all six positions

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Mikoyan MIG-19 Farmer 1. MiG-19 PM, a board 335. Museum of the Air Forces of GDR, Berlin-Gatov.1980. 2. Mikoyan/Gurevich MiG-19 '24 red' of the 33rd IAP based at Wittstock AB was flown by Capt. Fyodor Zinov'yev against the RB-66 which intruded into East German airspace on 10th march 1964. The plan had standard painted for this type - all silvery. MiG-19 sans suffixes '27 red', 35th IAP. This fighter was flown by Capt. Vitaliy Ivannikov when he intercepted the intruding RB-66 on 10-th March 1964 and turned the destroyer into a destroyed. Later MiG-19 sans suffixes '27 red' had a single 'kill' star applied on the port side under the cockpit to commemorate the shoot down. 3. A two tone Gray camouflaged F-6, 19 Squadron, Pakistani Air Force. The aircraft is a late production F-6 with Pakistani modifications including the deletion of the antenna mast under the cockpit and the addition of AIM-9 Sidewinder rails on the outboard wing panels. 4. Bangladeshi F-6, Black 7104. Is armed with seven shot rocket pod and two 200 gallon (760 liter) underwing fuel tanks. It is a late production F-6 with the bullet shaped braking parachute container at the base of the rudder and N-30 cannons without gun gas defectors on the muzzles. 5. Shenyang F-6s of the Commanders School area Swat hills near Sargodha, Pakistan. The plane is armed by AIM-9P Sidewinder infra red homing air-to-air missiles on the outboard wing pylons. 6. Shenyang F6, Pakistan Air Force. 7. Lim 7 (MiG-19 PM Farmer E) of the 28 Pulk Lotnictwa Mysliwskiego (28th Fighter Regiment) Slupsk-Redzikowo, Poland, 1980. Plan is overall Natural Metall. Polish aircrafts did not carry the national insignia on the wing upper surfaces. 8. MiG MiG-19/J-6 Farmer , Czechoslovakia , Aero S-105 No. 0218. 9. MiG-19/J-6 Farmer, Indonesia, No. 1904/F. 10. �l"���"-19/J-6 , China , Shenyang J

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Fokker D.XXI 1. Fokker D.XXI, No. CF-6. 2. Fokker D.XXI Netherlands, Ja V.A. I in national markings post October 1939. 3. Fokker D.XXI Netherlands,Operational No.221, 1e Ja Va. Sq. Post -October 1939. 4. Fokker D.XXI (4rd series), Unit: LeLv 30. Serial: FR-157, Winter 1942. Insignia of running Red Army man on the board. White spots painted over camouflage. In this appearance aircraft was shot down im 1942. 5. Fokker D.XXI (4-й серии), 2/LeLv 30,No: 5 (FR-142) Pilot - senior Sgt.A.Trikkonen. In 1942. Note: Death insignia and silhouette of I-16 on the tail. White background circles on the national markings are overpainted. 6. Fokker D.XXI in winter cmouflage. Winter 1939/40. This aircraft was flown by Capt. J Sarvanto of HLeLv24, top scoring pilot of the Winter War. 7. Fokker D.XXI manufactured in Finland with Bristol Mercury VIII engine. According to type marking FR-92 it was the tenth serial plane. In July 1941, during so called 'Continuos War', it was in the order of 2/TLeLv 12. 8. Fokker D.XXI Pilot - Commander of the LeLv 30, Maj. Ludvig Bremer, Porri airfield, May 1942. He had an Ace of Hearts painted on the rudder of his FR-157 between Summer 1941 and Spring 1942. Maj.Bremer chose the Hearts according to his wife Hertta. 9. Fokker D.XXI (4th series) Unit: 2/LeLv 30, No. 1 (FR-129) pilot - Capt.Veikko Karu. Suulajarvi airfield, Autumn 1941. 10. Fokker D.XXI (4th series), Unit: 3/LeLv 30, No. 3 (FR-148) Pilot - Luutnanti Martii Kalima, Tiiksjarvi airfield (now Soviet Territory), Spring 1942. 11. Fokker D.XXI part: 2. the JaVA Room: 213 (c/n. 5486) Second serial aircraft LVA (Luchtvaartafdeling) powered by a Bristol Mercury VII engine. Bear identification marks used until October 1939, the Squadron was based in Shifole, 11-14 May 1940, operated from the airfield at Bujksloot. The pilot, Lieutenant Fokuin de Greve knocked on this machine 2 German Bf-109E May 10, 1940, later on it whether it was shot down by itself . 12. Fokker D.XXI FR-97 of 4/LLv 24 (4.lentue/Len-tolaivue 24) flown by Lt.J.Sarvanto and operating from Immola, Winter 1939-1940. Note temporary winter finish on upper surfaces. This aircraft was transferred to LLv 32 in April 1940, and, during the 'Continuation War', flew from Hyvinkaa and Utti. Shot down on 25 July 1941. 13. Fokker D.XXI (4 series) part: LeLv 14 number: 11 (FR-140), 1940 At Kiel signs two WINS. Gift inscription on the machine where the Fokker to the winter war. 14. Fokker D.XXI (3 series) part: LeLv 32 number: X (FR-109) pilot-Captain e. Hejnilla. 1941. 15. Fokker D.XXI, a former Dutch Fokkers, captured in May 1940, and used for a short time in the Luftwaffe. 16. IIIJ (Fokker D.XXI), Unit: 2. Eskadrille, No. J-47A Fokker D.XXI constructed by the Danish military at Klovermarken. It served with the 2nd Squadron in April 1940 and was destroyed on the ground by Bf.110's of ZG 1.

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Fairey Battle 1. Battle MK.I part: 12 Sqn, RAF No.: V (P6597) Binbruk, United Kingdom, July, 1940. 2. Fairey Battle Target Tug. No.92, Irish Army Air Corps, 1941. Dark Green/Dark Grey Night finish with two - colour national marking over a white background on the fuselage and tri-colour(orange outboard) 20 inch-wide band around wings. Scrap view shows a different scheme with a Donald Duck cartoon on the fuselage side: Get Quacking. 3. Battle Of: the RAAF No. 89 (L5789) this aircraft was operated in the school shooters RAAF, as towing targets in 1943. 4. Turkey Fairey Battle Mklll, 2829/29, Turkish Air Force. Dark Green/Dark Earth/ Night finish; red rudder with white crescent and star superimposed. Red/white wing markings; serial 2929 in white under wings, and 29 in black on fuselage sides. 5. Fairey Batle Mk l K9299/GV, No.103 Squadron (RAF), Benson, early 1939. Dark Green/ Dark Earth/ Night finish with white codes; black serial on fuselage and rudder, white under wings reading from leading edge under port and from trailing edge under starboard A type roundels on fuselage and above wings; note unit badge on fin.

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Curtiss P-40N Warhawk 1. P-40N, 7th Fighter Squadron (49th Fighter Group), Gusap, New Guinea, 1943. The leading edges were white as was the tail. Flown by Major Arland Stanton, seven kills of which three with this P-40N. 2. P-40N, serial number 42-23736 from a non-identified training unit in the USA, 1943. 3. P-40N, 18th Fighter Squadron (51 st Fighter Group) China, summer 1944, flown by 1st Lt Carl E. Harby. 4. P-40N, 8th Fighter Squadron (49th Fighter Group), Mailian, New Guinea, end of 1943, flown by Capt. Robert H. Wright. The white for the theatre of operations has been transferred to the leading edges of the wings. 5. P-40N, 8th Fighter Squadron (49th Fighter Group), Gusap, June 1944. Flown by Lt. Marion Felts. This plane had its original olive drab removed after an accident and subsequent repairs; it only kept the yellow 45 on the green background. the tail is white which continues under the American roundel for better visibility. 6. P-40N, 7th Fighter Squadron (3rd Fighter Group), Laohow, China, January 1945, flown by Wang Kuang Fu, a veteran of C.L. Chennault's American Voluneer Group, and an ace of the Chinese Air Force, with 6.5 victories. 7. P-40N, P-11249, 8th Fighter Squadron (3rd Fighter Group), Liangshan, China, Raymond L. Callaway, six confirmed kills, one probablle and one aircraft damage. 8. P-40N, 89th Fighter Squadron (80th Fighter Group) Assam, India 1944. 9. P-40N, 8th Fighter Squadron (49th Fighter Group) Kalamazoo, Guadalcanal, in 1943, flown by Ernie Harris, unit commander, 10 kills on P-40 and the first ace in the Pacific to reach this score on this type of machine. 10. P-40N, 7th Fighter Squadron (49th Fighter Group) New Guinea 1943. 11. Curtiss P-40N Warhawk Kittyhawk Mk.lV, No 122 Squadron RAF, flown by Flight Sergeant G.F. Davis Cutella, Italy, April 1944.

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Bristol Beaufort Part 1 1. Bristol Beaufort Mk.l L4449:OA-H of No. 22 Squadron, Thorney Island, UK, January 1940. B scheme of Dark Green and Earth with Sky undersides. 2. Bristol Beaufort Mk. l. N1016: OA-X of No. 22 Squadron, St Eval, UK. Flown by FO Kenneth Campbell during attack on Gneisenau, Brest, 6 April 1941. 3. Bristol Beaufort Mk. l. W6498: WA-K of No. 42 Squadron, Leuchars, Scotland,1941. B scheme of Dark Earth and Dark Green with roughly sprayed black undersurfaces. Codes in white. 4. Bristol Beaufort Mk. l. AW243:AW-O of No. 42 Squadron, Leuchars, Scotland, December 1941. Piloted by PO Philpot, one of the 'Wooden Horse' escapers. B scheme of dark Slate Grey and Extra Dark Sea Grey with Sky undersurfaces. Note the cut back faring around the rear turret to improve the arc of fire. 5. Bristol Beaufort Mk. l. L9802:GX-S of No. 415 Squadron, Thorney Island, November 1941. B scheme of Dark Slate Grey and Extra Dark Sea Grey with black undersurfaces. Codes in black with aircraft letter in white and also on nose in yellow. 6. Bristol Beaufort Mk. lA LR906:42 of No. 2 Torpedo Training Unit, Castle Kennedy, Scotland, September 1943. Overall white finish with Extra Dark Sea Grey on upper surfaces. Codes in Dark Slate Grey. 7. Bristol Beaufort Mk. lA. Ek997 of the A&AEE used for tests of an airborne flame thrower for fighter defence, Boscombe Down, England, Spring 1943. Type B scheme of Extra Dark Sea Grey and Dark Slate Grey over Sky lower surfaces. Note the pipe and nozzle extending from the open bomb bay. 8. Bristol Beaufort Mk. lA L9965:T of an unknown Mediterranean unit circa 1942. Scheme type B of Dark and Light Mediterranean Blues over Azure Blue lower surfaces. Code in Azure Blue. 9. Bristol Beaufort Mk. lA EK979:35 of the Middle East Check and Conversion Unit, Bilbeis, Egypt, July 1944. Type A scheme of Middle Stone and Dark Earth over Azure Blue lower surfaces. Codes in white. Spinners red.

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Nakajima A6M2-N "Zero" Part-1 1. A6M2. Unit: ATAIU. Serial: ATAIU-SEA (ex BI-12). ATAIU - Allied Technical Air Intelligence Unit. 2. A6M2-N Type 2. Unit: 934th kokutai. Serial: 934-06. Pilot - Chief P/O Matsunagi Etioku - the best Japanese hydro-ace (8 victories). Ambon Island, September 1943. 3. A6M2-N Type 2. Unit: 802nd kokutai. Serial: NI-118. Pilot - 1st Lt.Keizo Yamatsaki. Solomon's Islands, February 1943. 4. A6M2-N Type 2. Unit: 5th kokutai, 5th kantai, Kashima Naval Air Group. Serial: KoShi-103. Kashima AB/Ibagari, 1944. 5. A6M2-N Type 2. Unit: unknown. Serial: Yo-180. Aleutian Islands, 1943-1944. 6. A6M2-N Type 2. Unit: 5th kokutai. Serial: R-106. Kiska, Aleutian Islands, September 1942. 7. A6M2-N Type 2. Unit: 802nd kokutai. Serial: NI-112. Solomon's Islands, 1943. 8. Nakajima A6M2-N Ku-101 of Takuma Ku, Japan in August 1943. This heavily weathered Rufe reveals the original amber- grey factory scheme and in red-oxide primer beneath its very dark green camouflage. 9. Nakajima A6M2-N Sa-104 of the Sasebo Ku previous subject as it was in factory fresh condition when photographed. Unusually for Rufe the prop is dark brown with yellow tip stripes and the spinner is painted dark green. This aircraft carries underwing bomb ravks. 10. Nakajima A6M2-N Serial: R-106 of the 5th Ku at Kiska lsland in the Aleutians, August 1942. This aircraft is in the factory scheme with 'ghosting' around the fuselage. 11. A6M2-N Type 2. Unit: 81st kokutai. Aleutian, 1943.

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Polikarpov R-5 1. R-5T. Torpedo-bomber, Moscow, Spring, 1934. The first produced aircraft of this type. 2. R-5. Serial: 3.Moscow military district. 3. R-5. Serial: 22. The aircraft of training brigade of Air Fleet academy. Moscow, 1933. 4. R-5SSS. Unit: RKKA Air Force. Serial: 66. Winter War. Winter 1939-1940. 5. R-5. Unit: 7th Separate Corps detachment. Serial: 3. Pilot commander of detachment D.Nikishin. Pavlograd, 1936. 6. R-5Sh. Unit: 15th ShAP, 60th air brigade, ZabVO Exercises at Chita area, 1938. Most probably this is the regiment commander aircraft. 7. R-5. Unit: 37th BLAE, 454th air brigade. Serial: 4. Pilot - L.G.Petrushevskiy. Middle Eastern military district, August 1934. 8. R-5Sh. Unit: 12th ShAP, VVS of OKDVA. Serial: 5. Pilot - Ivanov N.N. Lazarevo airfield, August 1939. 9. R-5. Serial: 4. Sinkiang Aviation School, 1935. 10. R-5. Serial: 22. This aircraft was used as trainer. Circa 1930. 11. R-5SSS Unit: 15th Group. Serial: RR-21. 1 Escuadrilla de Ataque Nocturno; December 1937. 12. R-5Sh. Unit: Mongolian Air Corps. Nomonhan Conflict, Mongolia, 1939. Originally this unit was part of the Soviet 150th mixed air regiment (VVS RKKA). However some sources said that some aircraft were under command of Mongolian pilot Bor served with Mongolian Air Corps and wore Mongolian insignias. 13. R-5. Unit: Tatbikat Bolugu-Eskishehir. Serial: 1. October 1933. Immediately after the ceremonies of the 10th anniversary of the Turkish Republic. Most probably the emblem underwing and the inverted flag were painted in Russia, before the aircraft arrived. Squadron of Polikarpov R-5's and a Tupolev ANT-9 arrived Ankara to participate the 10th anniversary ceremonies on 29 October 1933. After the ceremonies 3 R-5 and the sole ANT-9 were presented to Turkey as a symbol of Turko-Russian friendship, cooperation and good relations (The Soviet Government under the leadership of Lenin helped Turkey a lot during our War of Independence).

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Bristol Beaufighter Mk.X Part 2 1. Beaufighter TF.Mk.X Unit: unknown.Serial: R (NV215). Turkish Air Force, 1944. Camouflage: Dark Sea Grey/Dark Green on upper surfaces; Medium Sea Grey undersides. 2. Beaufighter Mk.X Unit: 22 Sqn, RAF. Serial: Q (RD 515). Burma, late 1944. Dark Green/Dark Earth/Medium Sea Grey with SEAC type roundels. 3. Beaufighter TF.Mk.X Unit: Aviacao Maritima. Serial: BF10 (ex RD220) Portela de Sacavem, 1946. This aircraft was interned on 28th March 1945. 4. Beaufighter TF.Mk.X Unit: 103 tajeset, IDF/AF. Serial: D-171. Middle of 1948.

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Lockheed U-2/TR-1 1. Lockheed U-2R s/n 68-10331,of the 6th Strategic Reconnaissance Squadron, 9th Strategic Reconnaissance Wing, based at Osan Air Base, South Korea. 2. Lockheed TR-1A, s/n 80-0182 Note Bulldog insignia carried on fin. 3. Lockheed U-2R, s/n 68-10338, possibly serving with the 9th Strategic Reconnaissance Wing. Beale AFB. 4. Lockheed TR-1B, s/n 80-1091. The Q-bay was occupied by the second cockpit on this variant. Earlier TR-1B'swere white overall. 5. Lockheed U-2A, NACA-320. This is actually the prototype, as it appeared in February, 1957. The purpose of the NACA, (later to become NASA),markings was purely a cover-up exercise. The aircraft is shown as it appeared in the first officially released photograph of the U-2. 6. Lockheed U-2A, NASA 55741. 7. Lockheed TR-1A, c/n 80-01074. 8. Lockheed U-2R Senior Span, 68-10338. 9. Lockhed TR-1A , 80-01099. 10. Lockheed TR-1A , 80-01084.

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F-16 Fighting Falcon US Part 1 US Versions by Andy Evans Real To Replicas Red series Number 1 The Real to Replica book series presents, as the title suggests, a publication that has both historic references, aircraft details, colour artwork and modelling projects on a particular aviation subject. Titles will include subjects from World War I through to present day and written by renown authors. F-16 Fighting Falcon Part 1: US VERSIONS by Andy Evans The F-16 Fighting Falcon is a single-engine multirole fighter aircraft originally developed by General Dynamics for the United States Air Force. Designed as an air superiority day fighter, it has evolved into a highly successful all-weather multirole aircraft, and over 4,600 aircraft have been built since production was approved in 1976. Although no longer being purchased by the USAF, improved variants continue to be built for export customers, up to and including the latest F-16V 'Viper' version. The Fighting Falcon's key features include a frameless bubble canopy for better visibility, side-mounted control stick to ease control while manouvering, an ejection seat reclined thirty-degrees from vertical to reduce the effect of g-forces on the pilot, and the first use of the relaxed static stability/fly-by-wire flight control system, that helps to make it an agile aircraft. The F-16 has an internal M61 Vulcan cannon and eleven locations for mounting weapons and other mission equipment and can carry fuselage mounted conformal fuel tanks and a variety of targeting pods and ECM equipment. The F-16's official name is 'Fighting Falcon', but 'Viper' is most commonly used by its pilots and crews, due to a perceived resemblance to a viper snake as well as the 'Colonial Viper' starfighter on the TV show Battlestar Galactica which aired at the time the F-16 entered service. In addition to active duty in the US Air Force, Air Force Reserve Command, and Air National Guard units, the aircraft is also used by the 'Thunderbirds' aerial demonstration team, and as an adversary/aggressor aircraft by the United States Navy. The F-16 has also been procured to serve in the air forces of over twenty-five other nations. The initial production-standard F-16A flew for the first time on 7 August 1978 and its delivery was accepted by the USAF on 6 January 1979, entering USAF operational service with the 34th Tactical Fighter Squadron, 388th Tactical Fighter Wing at Hill AFB in Utah on 1 October 1980. The US Air Force, including the Air Force Reserve and the Air National Guard, flew the F-16 in combat during Operation 'Desert Storm' in 1991 and in the Balkans later in the 1990s. F-16s also patrolled the no-fly zones in Iraq during Operations 'Northern Watch' and 'Southern Watch' and served during the wars in Afghanistan (Operation 'Enduring Freedom') and Iraq (Operation 'Iraqi Freedom') from 2001 and 2003 respectively and Air Force F-16s took part in the intervention in Libya. In this book, Part 1 of the F-16 story, we will look at the origins of the F-16 and its service with the US Air Force and US Navy, as well as the different variants, proposed versions, test platforms and sub-types of the aircraft. Part 2 of the F-16 story will look at the International Versions and their operators and both will include colour artwork and how to model the F-16 in popular scales. [General-Dynamics Lockheed-Martin]

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Donated Birds Pt.IV - Japanese Army Aircraft with Patriotism Inscriptions "Aikoku" Includes decals for 9 aircraft: Nakajima Ki-27, Aikoku 397 (Nagoya Shibuya Ward Citizens/Hiroyuki Electric Co., Ltd), Akeno Rikugun Hiko Gakko, Mie Prefecture, Japan Nakajima Ki-27, Aikoku 645 (Zenitaka), Akeno Rikugun Hiko Gakko, Mie Prefecture, Japan Mitsubishi Ki-51, Aikoku 569 (Kyushu Cpnfectionery), Hiko Dai 44 Sentai, China Area, 1943 Mitsubishi Ki-51, Aikoku 727 (All Japan), Hokota Rikugun Hiko Gakko, Ibaragi Prefecture, Japan, September 1942 Nakajima Type 91, Aikoku 84 (Tamura), probably 5th Hiko Rentai (later 2nd Hiko Daitai and Hiko Dai 5 Sentai, Osaka, May 1933 Nakajima Type 91, Aikoku 3 (Obuse), 2nd Daitai of 1st Hiko Rentai (later Hiko Dai 1 Sentai), Osaka, March 1932 Nakajima Ki-43-I, s/n 388, Aikoku 1028 (Okamoto Industries), Akeno Rikugun Hiko Gakko, Mie Prefecture, Japan Nakajima Ki-43-II initial production version, Aikoku 2068 (Hokuriku Distribution), probably Hiko Dai 1 Sentai, September 1943 Nakajima Ki-43-II late type, Aikoku 3948 (Advance Resolutely No.1), Hiko Dai 77 Sentai, Singapore, Malaya, probably January 1944

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Aircraft in Profile US Navy and Air Force Vol 1 issue 2 Aircraft in Profile is a monthly section occupying the centre pages of Scale Aircraft Modelling magazine providing an initial 'first step' in researching an aircraft type, and is aimed at those readers who have had little previous interest in its subject, rather than those with expert knowledge. The section outlines the history and development of its chosen type providing a context for a modelling project, while the plans and drawings are designed to expand upon this and we hope we hope will be of use or interest to both modellers and aviation enthusiasts alike Issue two collects six US Navy and Air Force subjects following a number of requests to provide the material in book form. 72 pages

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Douglas A-20 HAVOC IN ACTION Doyle. The Douglas A-20 Havoc was a light bomber, attack, and intruder aircraft of World War II. Used by the American Army Air Forces, nearly one-third of the aircraft served with the Soviet military, while many other A-20s fought with the RAF. Taking its first operational shape on the eve of the outbreak of the war in Europe, the 7B prototype actually crashed with a French observer aboard, kicking off a scandal in still-isolationist America where military aircraft were not to be exported. U.S. President Franklin Roosevelt pressed for a change in that restrictive rule and the French, impressed by the plane's rugged dependability and maneuverability, proceeded to place orders for 100 of the aircraft, albeit with modifications that resulted in the DB-7 version. Even before shipments began in November 1939, Paris had increased its order by another 170 aircraft. Many of those, however, found their way into the British RAF, which flew them under the nickname Boston, after the fall of France in June 1940. The U.S. Army Air Corps issued its first contracts for the aircraft they called the A-20 and A-20A, in May 1939, these were only delivered during the months from late 1940 through much of 1941. A dozen A-20As had recently arrived in Pearl Harbor when the Japanese surprise attack destroyed two of them on the ground. Modifications of the design continued and it was after the U.S. entry into the war when the A-20C version, produced by Douglas and Boeing, first were accepted. Of the first 515 A-20Cs, 108 were retained by the U.S. Army Air Forces, while 407 were shipped off to the Soviet Union. Numerous versions of the aircraft followed. About half of the A-20G were sent to the Soviet Union, as were many of the A-20H. In fact the Soviet air forces had more A-20s than the USAAF. Illustrated with 192 vintage photographs and detailed line drawings. 80 pages. (now out of print so be quick!)

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Mil Mi-24V Hind-E ''U.S. Coast Guard'' This Mi-24 was painted in U.S Coast Guard scheme to fulfill the role of an American Search and Rescue (SAR) helicopter in the Soviet film "Charged with Death" (Zarjazhennye smert'ju) , it appeared some time after filming during public days. In 1991, as the Soviet Union declined, relations with the United States improved. It is in this context that the film "Charged with Death" comes out in Russia. The scenario tells the story of traffickers hunted by the Soviet Navy, in collaboration with the US Coast Guard. If it happens that western aircrafts wear of the communist or middle-east block style schemes, such as the "Aggressors" of the Naval Fighter Weapons School (Top Gun) in the US Navy, or the US Air Force's "Aggressor Squadrons." It is much less common to see Soviet aircrafts in American colors, especially when it's a Mil Mi-24 (attack helicopter) which plays the role of a rescue helicopter. However, it should be noted that the decoration of the "U.S Coast Guard" type which has been applied to it respects the original scheme in the smallest detail, notably the faithful insignia of the U.S coast guards. The only breach would be the bands bordering the American star which are a little too long, this detail is obviously included in the decals.

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Boeing F/A-18F Super Hornet A44-210 "100 Years 1 Squadron" RAAF - 2016. The No 1 Squadron of Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) was formed in 1916 at Point-Cook (Victoria) with no aircraft. It started the missions in Egypt, Palestine and Sinai during the World war I. The squadron re-raised during World war II as maritime patrol squadron. Then from 1948, become part of No 82 Wing, as heavy bomber unit, since that based on RAAF base Amberley in Queensland. Along it's history, the No 1 Squadron flown with following aircrafts : - Avro Lincoln (1948-1956), - Camberra (1956-1970), - F-4E Phantom II (1970-1973), - F-111C (1973-2009), then on 2010, the No 1 squadron was converted to F/A-18F Super Hornet. The squadron attained full operational capability with Super Hornet in end 2012. For the Century of the No 1 Squadron on 2016, it's one of these Super-Hornet, who received the special paint, The A44-210 tails was black painted with the yellow silhouettes of former aircrafts flown by the squadrons on inner sides, when the outer sides are orned with the insigna of the squadron No 1 since 100 years. The No 1 squadron is the sister-unit of No 6 squadron, sharing common history for decades, both based on Amberley, and flown the same aircrafts types. (see Syhart 119).

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AM-15 The Grumman F6F Hellcat - A Complete Guide To The Famous American Naval Fighter. Valiant Wings Publishing is pleased to announce that our next title in the well-established Airframe & Miniature series will be The Grumman F6F Hellcat - A Complete Guide To The Famous American Naval Fighter by Richard A. Franks. The Hellcat is a very popular aircraft modelling subject and our latest book will go some way towards unpicking the bewildering choices of variants and schemes that apply to the type This fifteenth book in our much-acclaimed series will contain at least 224 pages packed with vital information that no active modeller and Hellcat enthusiast should be without. It will contain: 40+ pages of technical information 20+ pages of walk-around images and technical diagrams 5+ pages of camouflage and markings 25+ pages of model builds and modelling information 200+ photographs including wartime images Colour side views and four-views by Richard J. Caruana 3D isometric views of all variants by Wojciech Sankowski Specially commissioned extensive full kit builds in four scales by Libor Jekl, Steve A. Evans & John 'Tigger' Wilkes Specially commissioned front cover artwork by Arkadiusz Wrobel Bonus set of 1/48 scale plans

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AA-04 The Westland Whirlwind Airframe Album No 4 A Detailed Guide to The RAF's Twin-engine Fighter by Richard A. Franks (Second Edition) This second edition is perfectly timed for the release of the new 1/32 scale Special Hobby kit Contents will include all the elements listed plus: A wealth of historical and modern photographs Detailed study of the structure, equipment and armament used Isometric views by Wojciech Sankowski of all prototype and production airframes Colour profiles and camouflage detail by Richard J. Caruana 96 pages in total Updated lists of all Whirlwind kits, accessories and decals produced in all scales Specially commissioned build of the new Special Hobby Hobby (1/32) kit by Steve Evans Bonus 1/48 scale plans as part of the text pages Airframe Album No 4 - The Westland Whirlwind - A Detailed Guide to The RAF's Twin-engine Fighter by Richard A. Franks Publication is scheduled for early August 2021. ISBN is 978-1-912932-22-1

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AM-16 The Hawker Hurricane - A Complete Guide To The Famous Fighter by Richard A. Franks. This will be the sixtieth book published in our ten year history. The Hurricane is a very popular aircraft modelling subject and our latest book will go some way towards unpicking the bewildering choices of variants and schemes that apply to the type. This sixteenth book in our much-acclaimed series will contain at least 240 pages packed with vital information that no active modeller and Hurricane enthusiast should be without. It will contain: 40+ pages of technical information 20+ pages of walk-around images and technical diagrams 5+ pages of camouflage and markings 25+ pages of model builds and modelling information 200+ photographs including wartime images Colour side views and four-views by Richard J. Caruana 3D isometric views of all variants by Juraj Jankovic Specially commissioned extensive full kit builds by Libor Jekl & Steve A. Evans Specially commissioned front cover artwork by Jerry Boucher Bonus set of 1/48 scale plans

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AM-18 - The North-American P-51D/K Mustang (inc. the P-51H & XP-51F, P-51G & P-51J) - A Complete Guide to the Cadillac of the Skies By Richard A. Franks The P-51 Mustang is one of the most popular aircraft modelling subjects around. Our latest book will go some way towards unpicking the different variants and colourful schemes that apply to the type. This eighteenth book in our much-acclaimed series. AM18 has now been expanded to 272 pages plus covers and plans section in order to accommodate extra material. Packed with vital information that no active modeller and USAAF enthusiast should be without. It will contain: 60+ pages of technical information 60+ pages of walk-around images and technical diagrams 8+ pages of camouflage and markings 25+ pages of model builds and modelling information 200+ photographs including wartime images Colour side views and four-views by Richard J. Caruana 3D isometric views of all variants by Wojciech Sankowski Specially commissioned extensive full kit builds by Libor Jekl & Steve A. Evans Specially commissioned front cover artwork by Jerry Boucher Bonus set of 1/48 scale plans

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AM-20: The Avro Lancaster (including the Manchester) Part 1 - Wartime Service - A Complete Guide to the RAF's Legendary Heavy Bomber by Richard A. Franks This covers the Avro Manchester and Lancaster B Mks I, II, III & VI in RAF (inc. RCAF/RAAF) service in WWII The Avro Lancaster Part 2 will cover postwar variants, use by foreign air forces, civilian types, both Lancaster and Lancastrian, and trials and test-bed machines. This volume will published later this year. Full details of its contents will be announced in due course. The Lancaster has been a popular aircraft type with modellers and has recently been the subject of several new toolings in all scales, especially in 1/32nd and 1/48th. Our latest book will go some way towards unpicking the different variants and detail differences that apply to the type. It will contain at least 272 pages packed with vital information that no active modeller and RAF Bomber Command enthusiast should be without. They each contain: 60+ pages of technical information 60+ pages of walk-around images and technical diagrams 8+ pages of camouflage and markings 25+ pages of model builds and modelling information 200+ photographs including wartime images Colour side views and four-views by Richard J. Caruana 3D isometric views of all variants by Juraj Jankovic Specially commissioned extensive full kit builds by Steve A. Evans Specially commissioned front cover artwork by Jerry Boucher Bonus set of scale plans [B.I/III B.III]

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AM-22 The Grumman F4F Wildcat (Inc. GM FM-1 & FM-2) - A Complete Guide to Grumman 's First 'Cat' by Richard A. Franks. The Wildcat has been a popular aircraft type with modellers and has recently been the subject of several new toolings in all scales, especially in 1/72nd and 1/48th. Our latest book will go some way towards unpicking the different variants and detail differences that apply to the type. This twenty-second book in our much-acclaimed series will contain at least 208-pages packed with vital information that no active modeller and Wildcat enthusiast should be without. It will contain: 80+ pages of technical information 60+ pages of walk-around images and technical diagrams 20+ pages of camouflage and markings 25+ pages of model builds and modelling information 200+ photographs including wartime images Colour side views by Richard J. Caruana 3D isometric views of all variants by Juraj Jankovic Specially commissioned extensive full kit builds by Steve A. Evans and Libor Jekl Specially commissioned front cover artwork by Jerry Boucher Bonus set of scale plans Publication is scheduled for the end of October 2023 [F4F-1 [F4F-2 [F4F-3 [F4F-4 [F4F-5].

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Warpaint Aviation #1 - Fall of Iron Edited by Gary Hatcher & Chris Meddings. Fall of Iron is the first in a series of compendium volumes covering military aircraft with a focus on some of the less well-covered subjects. The series is designed to offer a brief one-stop historical reference combined with colour artwork and is aimed primarily scale modellers but offers plenty for the general aviation enthusiast too. This first volume looks at some of the twin-engined medium bombers of World War Two and includes a selection of profiles written by Richard Mason, as well as a ground-breaking piece of research on the early B-25 Mitchell by Brian Derbyshire that offers an incisive look into the business of wartime mass-production and the vast number of changes to the ensuing airframes brought about as a result of ongoing combat experience. Other aircraft covered include the rarely discussed Tupolev SB-2, the Mitsubishi G4M Betty, Bristol Blenheim, Savoia-Marchetti SM.79, Petylyakov Pe-2 and the Handley Page Hampden. Many of these aircraft have been overlooked as 'also-rans' by history and the scale modelling community but an examination of similar types designed for similar roles from various Axis and Allied air forces demonstrates just how much aircraft development kept pace during the conflict, and how despite their clear external differences aircraft designers all over the World were drawing the same conclusions as a result of experience gained in a shooting war. Comprehensive enough to inform but concise enough to be useful, Fall of Iron presents a picture of Wartime bomber development that will help the reader understand the essential role these unsung machines played and the sometimes remarkable use that was made of them. This books is 92 pages

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Bristol Beaufighter AUTHOR: Jackson/Foster FORMAT: 26pp col/Bw/dwgs 297x210 Pb Designed with both the aircraft enthusiast and the modeller in mind, this series offers a comprehensive and accurate account of a single aircraft type within each issue. Drawings provided in both colour side and plan view with 1:72 scale plans, kit decal and accessory lists, squadrons, units and individual aircraft serials in codes, etc. [Mk.X Mk.21 Mk.I Mk.IC Mk.IF Mk.II Mk.IIF Mk.V Mk.VI Mk.VI/X Mk.VIF/C Mk.XXI NF.I/F6C/TF.10 TF.X TT.X]

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Republic F-84F Thunderstreak and RF-84F Thunderflash. Fraught with engine and aerodynamic teething problems that resulted in its missing the Korean War for which it was intended, the F-84F Thunderstreak, initially seen as languishing in the shadow of the more well-known and proven F-86 Sabre, matured to become a formidable fighter-bomber that served not only with the USAF's Tactical and Strategic Air Commands, but also with numerous European air forces for many of which it also offered the first experience in swept wing jet fighter operation. It provided a much-needed deterrent during the critical early years of the Cold War and the 1960s, especially with NATO air forces, where it normally replaced its straight-wing predecessor, the F-84 Thunderjet. No fewer than 2,711 examples of the Thunderstreak were built, so that for a time it was the fighter most in widespread use in Europe, becoming the backbone of the Alliance's combat element. In contrast, its service with the USAF was rather short-lived when newer fighters such as the F-100 Super Sabre and F-4 Phantom with superior and supersonic performance supplanted it in service. However, with the outbreak of the Vietnam War, when these modern fighters and the USAF's other more valuable combat aircraft were deployed to Southeast Asia, the USAF recalled the Thunderstreak for another spell of frontline service in defence of mainland United States. It was only the French who used it in anger when it carried out strikes on Egyptian targets during the Suez Crisis of 1956. Sharing the Thunderstreak's main characteristics including its vices and virtues, its offshoot, the RF-84F Thunderflash, was considered to be the best photo-reconnaissance fighter of its time, capable of carrying six cameras in its abundant nose in 15 different combinations. The Thunderflash, too, was exported to most of NATO's air forces, as well as to the Republic of China Air Force where it carried out routine overflights over mainland Communist China in a hostile environment. The French, too, used it in a firing war, again in Suez, while the Turkish Air Force similarly employed it during its brief war with Greece in 1974. Again, the advent of such types as the RF-101 recce Voodoo and the RF-4C Phantom replaced it in USAF service, while the F-104 was the type that most replaced it in NATO air arms. But both the Thunderstreak and Thunderflash remained in service for a long period in some of the European air forces, the last Thunderflash being retired from the Greek Air Force in 1991. This latest Warpaint title gives an account of these two types' service, with detailed lists of serials, squadron service, production and variants in 80 pages of text accompanied by no fewer than 190 colour and B&W photos, eight pages of colour artwork by and foldout scale drawings, describing the development and operational career of these remarkable aircraft. This book is written by Charles Stafrace and is superbly illustrated by Richard J.Caruana.

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Convair (Consolidated Vultee) B-36 'Peacemaker' Conceived when the Americans thought that the stuttering British candle would be snuffed out by Germany, the Consolidated Vultee, Convair, B-36 was intended to take the air war to Europe from the Continental USA. Fortunately Britain hung on and caused the cancellation of the invasion due to the stalwart efforts of the RAF during the Battle of Britain. As global war developed the B-36 programme was put on the back burner as other needs were more pressing. Eventually the B-36 would resume this time as a high altitude long range nuclear delivery platform. Numerous versions entered service with USAF covering both the bombing and reconnaissance versions, both undertaking overseas deployments in support of their intended missions. Continued production of the B-36 caused a great rift with the U.S. Navy whose first super carrier was cancelled to pay for more B-36's that the Admirals regarded as redundant. It would be the emergence of the reliable turbojet engine that would spell the end of the B-36 as a front line aircraft as both the Boeing B-47 and B-52 bombers would quickly see the types demise. Outside the needs of Strategic Air Command there were other uses for the B-36 airframe, one would be used to transport a B-58 Hustler fuselage/ wing assembly for structural testing, another would become the NB-36 and carried a working nuclear reactor aboard whilst the final throw of the dice saw the type developed into the YB-60 eight engined bomber in competition with the B-52. The basic design threw up one more off shoot, the XC-99 transport that saw a new fuselage married to the original wings and fittings plus the original tail feathers, as a unique one off the XC-99 survives in preservation. This book is written by Kev Darling and is superbly illustrated by Richard J.Caruana.

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Sopwith Pup by Matthew Willis (Hall Park Books Limited) By Matthew Willis The Sopwith Pup, as it is unofficially but universally known, was one of the first true British fighter aircraft, and one of the most significant of the First World War. It played a key part in maintaining control of the skies over the Western Front during and after the RFC's toughest period, Bloody April, 1917. Its superb flying qualities kept it competitive as ever-faster and more powerful opposition appeared, and it played an unglamorous but important role in the defence of the UK against zeppelin and heavy bomber attacks, and was fundamental to the development of ship-based aviation. With the very well-established categories of military aircraft that are familiar today, it is hard to comprehend the world in which the Pup was born, where these clear delineations did not exist. Certainly the idea of the fast, agile single-seat fighter was barely thought of when the Pup's outline was first chalked on the floor of the experimental workshop at Sopwith's Kingston-upon-Thames premises in 1915. The new aircraft was known as the 'Sparrow', was powered by a 50hp Gnome rotary. Test pilot Harry Hawker took the aircraft to Brooklands and amazed trainee RFC pilots by flying it under the bridge across the Byfleet Banking. It was fully aerobatic and capable of a speed just shy of 85mph despite the low engine power. It is unclear whether Sopwith intended the machine to form the basis of a military aircraft but in any event, its performance and handling, even on such low power, must have recommended it for that purpose. The 'Sparrow' therefore became the progenitor of the aircraft that would become the 'Pup'. It was around the time of the prototype's first appearance that the Pup seems to have gained its popular name. Brigadier-General SeftonBrancker, then the RFC's Director of Air Organisation, is reputed to have remarked, on seeing the prototype Scout beside its larger sibling at Brooklands, 'Your 1 Strutter has had a pup!' For all its value as a front line fighting aeroplane, the Pup had a potentially even greater impact on the development of naval aviation; in particular, the sometimes tortuous path of launching aircraft from, and returning them safely to, ships at sea. Moreover, the Pup became one of the more successful operational aircraft in this fledgling area of combat. This is the first WWI title in the series and includes all the usual Warpaint features historical text, modellers glossary, colour artwork by Richard Caruana and a three page colour walkaround by author Matthew Willis.

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Douglas A3D Skywarrior. by Charles Stafrace Never glamorous and not receiving the recognition showered on its deck mates, the shipboard Douglas A3D Skywarrior will be remembered by U.S. Navy fans and historians for many reasons, most of all because it figured prominently in the Cold War crises of the late 1950s and early 1960s, culminating in the Vietnam War that dragged on until the mid-1970s. The Skywarrior will also be remembered for its longevity, the first examples having shared deck space with FJ Furies aboard Second World War-vintage carriers in the 1950s, and the last examples mingling with F-14 Tomcats on nuclear-powered Nimitz Class carriers in 1987. However, this magnificent aircraft, affectionately known as the 'Whale', achieved fame in roles different from that for which it had been designed. After its strategic nuclear bomber role faded owing to changed U.S. Navy and Pentagon policies, the Skywarrior excelled in other roles entrusted to it such as aerial tanking and electronic jamming, electronic and photoreconnaissance, vital tasks which it carried out faithfully in the first line of battle for several years from 1965 onwards. Indeed, the RA-3B version was also used during the 1991 Operation Desert Storm. Some examples were converted into bombardier trainers and VIP staff transports, while others found their way to experimental establishments and aerospace companies as testbeds for various systems and weaponry until 2011, resulting in many strange nose shapes and radomes. The Skywarrior will be recorded, too, as being the heaviest jet aircraft to ever operate from any U.S. Navy aircraft carrier. It served with several types of squadrons - VAH, VAQ, VAK, VAP/VCP, VQ and VR. All versions and squadrons, both shipboard and land-based, are listed in this new Warpaint series by Guideline Publications, written by Charles Stafrace and illustrated by Richard J Caruana. Apart from the usual detailed text that describes each version and its operational service, several other tables are included in this profile, including production serials, versions lists, squadron use and Appendices giving detailed data on each Skywarrior cruise, specifications, and the 1962 type re-designation of U.S. Navy aircraft. No fewer than 200 B&W and colour photos, many of which are being published for the first time, illustrate the various versions of this versatile aircraft.

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Grumman F9F Panther When the US Navy decided to enter the jet age it was no surprise that it turned to Grumman for its first carrier borne jet fighter bomber with a recon option. The first design produced by the company was a mighty beast, more akin to a bomber than a fighter. Unfortunately American jet engine development was concentrating mainly on the turbojet, a slow process as little was really known about manufacturing such a powerplant. Back to the drawing board and Grumman designed a small straight winged single engined machine that would be powered by a centrifugal engine. However, America was going through an 'American stuff only' period therefore an overseas powerplant was put of the question, or was it? The problem would be solved by having the Rolls Royce Nene license manufactured by Pratt & Whitney as the J42. As insurance the Allison J33 was selected to power one batch of aircraft although all were converted to the J42 later. The resulting aircraft would be designated the F9F Panther and would enter squadron service at a fairly steady pace although this quickened once the United States found itself embroiled in the Korean War. The Panther proved itself to be a tough bird although there was the odd mix 'n' match that resulted in a blue tailed fly! The remaining Panthers would finally leave USN service in the early 1960s. The only overseas operator of the type was Argentina who also used them as carrier aircraft. This book is written by Kev Darling and is superbly illustrated by Richard J. Caruana.

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Mikoyan-Gurevich MiG-3 By Nikolay Yakubovich By the time Operation Barbarossa unfolded on 22 June 1941 some 981 MiG-3s were in service with the Soviet Air Forces (VVS), the Soviet Air Defence Forces (PVO) and Soviet Naval Aviation, but the aircraft had undergone a difficult development and was an unforgiving machine to fly in combat. It had been designed for high-altitude but combat over the Eastern Front was generally at lower altitudes, where it was outmatched by its chief adversary, the Bf-109. Combat losses were high, and over time, the aircraft were concentrated in the PVO, where its disadvantages mattered less, despite which the type had been replaced in service by the end of the conflict. This latest book in the Warpaint series covers the aircraft comprehensively, with an impressive historical text, and a selection of photographs that will be essential for any modeller considering a project. Drawing on original Soviet sources and archives this is an authoritative and comprehensive account of one of the great fighter aircraft of World War 2. Once again author Nikolay Yakubovich has provided an authoritative text backed up by historical images and colour artwork and scale drawings to the same standard by artist Andrey Yurgenson.

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Douglas C-47 Skytrain/Dakota By Adrian M. Balch When the prototype Douglas DC-3 " actually a DST Douglas Sleeper Transport first flew from Clover Field, Santa Monica, California on Sunday 17 December 1935, Donald Wills Douglas never imagined that the production run would total more than 10,000, with more licence built in Russia and Japan, let alone many would be still be flying 86 years later, the C-47 being perpetuated by turbo-prop conversions, seeing the type probably still flying to see its 100th anniversary! Arguably the most famous transport aircraft of all time, the DC-3 and C-47 has been operated by just about every country in the world in service with their airlines and military air arms. This Warpaint has not skimped on the colour schemes and markings used by military operators, the C-47 being named by the USAAF as the Skytrain and the RAF and Commonwealth countries as the Dakota, both names being adopted worldwide. This lavish and extensive Warpaint by author Adrian Balch includes over 300 photographs of military C-47s, nearly all in colour, accompanied by 10 pages of colour profiles by artist Sam Pearson making this the most comprehensive reference to colours and markings for modellers and historians on the type to date.

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de Havilland (Canada) DHC-2 Beaver By Adrian M. Balch. The de Havilland Canada DHC-2 Beaver is a single-engine high-wing propeller-driven short take off and landing (STOL) aircraft developed and manufactured by de Havilland Canada. It has been mainly operated as a bush plane and has been used for a wide variety of utility roles, such as cargo and passenger hauling, aerial application (crop dusting and aerial topdressing), and civil aviation duties. It has been used by military armed forces in a variety of roles worldwide and has seen conflict in both the Korean and Vietnam wars. Production lasted 20 years and when it finally ceased in 1967, a total of 1,657 DHC-2 Beavers had been constructed since the first flight in 1947. The Beaver was designed for flight in rugged and remote areas of the world and today hundreds of Beavers are still flyinga�é-"many of them heavily modified to adapt to changes in technology and needs. This is the second de Havilland Canada type in the Warpaint Series written by author Adrian Balch with over 100 rare photographs from his extensive archives, nearly all in col-our and many never seen before, supported once again by excellent colour profiles and drawings by artist Sam Pearson. With the Airfix Beaver kit recently reissued, this is a must for modellers of the type and aviation historians alike as this is the first comprehensive publication published on this type in so much detail. Warpaint No.139 de Havilland (Canada) DHC-2 Beaver Author: Adrian M. Balch 56 pages Over 12 pages Colour Profiles 150 Images Detailed plans

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Vickers Viking, Valetta & Varsity In Military Service. By Adrian M. Balch £19.00 56 pages The Vickers VC.1 Viking was a British twin-engine short-range airliner derived from the Vickers Wellington bomber and built by Vickers-Armstrongs Limited at Brooklands near Weybridge in Surrey. After the Second World War, the Viking was an important airliner with British airlines, pending the development of turboprop aircraft like the Viscount. The Valetta was a military derivative of the Viking developed in transport and training variants for the Royal Air Force, while the Varsity was a versatile twin piston-engined aircraft developed from the Viking and Valetta but with a tricycle undercarriage and ventral pannier for bomb-aimer training, among other changes. It was brought into RAF service in 1951 for crew training as a replacement for the Wellington T.10. This Warpaint relates the history of all three types, focussing on the military operators, as per the series title. It is profusely illustrated by 125 top quality photographs, nearly all in colour, from the author's extensive photograph archive and supported by excellent colour profiles and plans by Sam Pearson.

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Westland Whirlwind Mk.I fighter [Mk.I] AUTHOR: Hall, A FORMAT: 26pp col/Bw/dwgs 297x210 Pb Designed with both the aircraft enthusiast and the modeller in mind, this series offers a comprehensive and accurate account of a single aircraft type within each issue. Drawings provided in both colour side and plan view with 1:72 scale plans, kit decal and accessory lists, squadrons, units and individual aircraft serials in codes, etc.

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Curtiss P-40. Derived from the earlier Curtiss 75 Hawk the P-40 Warhawk was an attempt to update the original design for more modern warfare. Unfortunately the aircraft that first emerged was seriously underpowered, undergunned and suffering from stability problems. Although not an auspicious start for a fighter design the Curtiss engineers and those of Allison, the engine builders, finally resulted in an aircraft that was worthy of the appellation fighter. While the P-40 would never really gain the fame of other aircraft destined to play their roles in the forthcoming global conflict it would carve out a niches for itself in the deserts of Arabia, the icy Arctic and across the Pacific. Thus in the hands of experienced pilots determined to wring the best out of tools to hand the P-40 was more than able to match the best that the enemy could throw at it. The first claim to fame for the P-40 was with the American Volunteer Group better known as the Flying Tigers created to support the Chinese Government in repulsing the Japanese invaders. Sporting shark mouths on the nose panels these early aircraft, sometimes working in desperate conditions, repulsed the invaders with great skill and held them at bay until America joined the war. With the air forces of other countries the P-40 made its mark. In the desert with the RAF and RAAF, across the Pacific with the RAAF and the RNZAF and in the frozen north with the RCAF the Curtiss roamed the skies. The P-40 saw service in other air forces with Brazil, Turkey and Russia operating the type with some success. . Written by Kev Darling this latest Warpaint covers all versions of this unique naval aircraft and is illustrated in colour by Richard J.Caruana. Unique 1:72nd scale plans are also included as well as a list of operators plus production details.

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Supermarine Scimitar By Tony Buttler AMRAeS. The Supermarine Scimitar was the first swept-wing, twin-engined, single-seat jet aircraft to serve with the Royal Navy and it was also the last all-new fighter type to be designed and built by Supermarine. It evolved from a straight wing design called the Supermarine Type 508, passed through a swept wing development called the Type 525 and then matured into a service aeroplane. When the aircraft entered service it was the largest and heaviest aircraft yet to land on a British aircraft carrier. In the end well under a hundred examples were built and the type's career was relatively quiet, but the Scimitar was an immensely strong and a spectacular-looking aircraft, an incredibly fast and noisy one as well, and it gave the Royal Navy a nuclear capability. In fact the Scimitar took on much of the Navy's conventional and nuclear strike operations but fortunately was never called upon to deliver any type of weaponry in anger. The story is quite fascinating.

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Sopwith 2F1 Ship's Camel. THIS all-new study of the Sopwith 2F.1 Camel by Colin Owers provides fresh insights into the'Navalized' version of Sopwith's most famous creation.The author traces the type's service career , both in 'The Great War' and after,with an emphasis on the pioneering wartime aircraft carrier experiments, lighter towing against Zeppelins and other shipboard developments.There are over 60 photographs to support the narrative and Mick Davis contributes hyper-accurate scale plans in both 1:72 and 1:48 scales based on original Sopwith factory drawings. In addition there are three pages of 1:32 scale structural GAs providing internal fuselage details and fittings-absolutely ideal for any modeller wishing to super-detail available model kits to this scale. With Paul Monteagle's evocative cover and three pages of new Ronny Bar colour profiles, this is a complete one-stop reference on the 'Split Camel' that is unlikely to be surpassed.

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RAF National Insignia/Roundels. WWII Type B. Red/Blue. Sizes 15 inches , 25 inches , 30 inches , 32 inches , 35 inches , 40 inches , 44 inches , 48 inches , 49 inches , 50 inches , 56 inches , 59 inches , 63 inches , 66.5 inches , 75 inches , 84 inches (RAF Roundels)

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RAF National Insignia/Roundels. WWII C Type, C1 Type,Fin Flashes. Red/narrow white/blue. C Type Sizes 16 inches ,32 inches ,40 inches ,50 inches , 54 inches ,56 inches ,63 inches ,84 inches . C1 Type Sizes18 inches , 36 inches , 50 inches , 54 inches . Fin Flashes 12 inches , 24 inches , 36 inches (RAF Roundels)

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Gloster Meteor F.TT F.8 Day-glo Orange Stripes This day-glo orange striping is typical of that used by the RAF and with adjustment can be used on many aircraft types.[Mk.8]

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RAF WWII. Sky code Numbers 18' , 24' , 30', to go with Sky code letters on X72189. RAF Yellow Prototype P. 4 sizes of the letter P in a Yellow Ring, 26' and 30' in four styles, 36' in three styles and 54' in two styles. There was no official font used so they could vary between manufacturers. (RAF codes/RAF code letters/RAF serial numbers) [Prototype 'P']

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Messerschmitt Me-262A-1a / U3 / A2A / S-92 (12) 6th prototype, April - July 1944 VI+AL Red 6; A1a W.Nr170071 White 2 Ekdo 2 Maj Erich Hohagen Lechfeld 1944; W.Nr110956 White 17 Ekdo 2; W.Nr111617 White 9 II.EJG 2 Ofw. Zander; W.Nr170047 White 1 Kommando Novotny, Franz Schal 1944; W.Nr119559 Red 13 III/EJG 2 Oblt Heinz Bar 1945; W.Nr500491 Yellow 7 IV/JG 7 Obfw Heinz Arnold and as captured in US markings; Stab III/JG 7 CO Maj Rudolf Sinner Brandenburg-Briest 1945; Yellow 5 KG(J)6; A1a/U3 White 34 III/EJG 2 Lechfeld; Red E 2/KG(J)54 Giebelstadt; White 34 III/EJG 2; A2a White F I/KH(J)51 captured near Munich; S-93 PL-01 Anti-aircraft Establisment, Olomouc, Moravia Czech Air Force 1950;

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Vickers Wellington Mk.I (8) L4272 LY-G 149(East India) Sqn RAF Mildenhall 1939; L7842 KX-T 311(Czechoslovak) Sqn RAF Honnington 1940; X9684/Y 37 Sqn, Shallvea, Egypt 1942; X9827 KX-F 311(Czechoslovak) Sqn RAF Bircham Newton 1942; X9889 BL-D 40 Sqn RAF Wyton 1941; N2887/5 Central Gunnery School, RAF Sutton Bridge 1943; Coastal Command W5674 DF-O 221 Sqn Iceland 1942; Z1111 KX-N 311(Czechoslovak) Sqn RAF Aldergrove 1942; Ideal if you want to build more than one of the superb NEW Airfix kit. Includes three camouflage schemes including Egypt Dk Earth/Mid Stone and Costal Command white and six different types of fuselage roundels. [Mk.IA Mk.IC Mk.IIC]

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