I finished my P40 Flying Tiger model. 1/48 scale.

There were some bumps along the way, but it is what it is; finished.

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P40 Aircraft Model Kits | Books on Building Aircraft Model Kits

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Photos and images for detailing out models, in this case, aircraft, can be found in some unusual places.

Ford Images has saved up quite a few photos, some even in color, of aviation they have been involved with. I especially like the aircraft factory pictures from WWII.

I recommend you check them out. The images are also available for purchase, but even if you browse through them, you can still be inspired to build your next aircraft project.

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B17 Bomber Model Kits | Books on Aircraft Models

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I have to say I have a thing for P40 aircraft, and the Flying Tigers. I just like the design and look of the aircraft. They are basic, spartan in comforts, and remind me of a "put together" well worn old hot rod. With character.

I have built a 1/48 Hasegawa kit before. (Click here for that one). And about one year ago or so, I bought another. For some reason, I stopped working on it, after completing the cockpit. But yesterday I dug it out, and decided it deserved a second look. Not that there are any issues with the kit. It all fits like a glove so far, I don't really remember why I put it away.

But it's now back on the bench. We'll see what happens. :-)

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P40 Aircraft Model Kits | Books on Aircraft Models

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Revell has reissued it's OS2U Kingfisher in 1/48 scale.

This plastic kit features a choice of open or closed canopies, optional parts for wheeled and float versions, and an optional dolly to model the "floatplane" version on land. Additional features are: pilot and gunner figures, illustrated assembly instructions, and waterslide decals with authentic markings for 2 versions. The kit contains 62 pieces.

Originally designed in the late 1930s as an observation aircraft, the OS2U Kingfisher had a remarkable career aiding the Allies in rescue and reconnaissance missions during WWII. Decal sheet represents planes of: 1. OS2U-3 Kingfisher of Cruising Scouting Squadron One (VCS-1), catapults U.S.S. Detroit (CL-8), Aleutian Islands and 2. Kingfisher OS2U-3 Naval Air Station, Corpus Christi, Texas, 1942.

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Flying Boat Aircraft Models | Model Aircraft Boks and Publications

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New from Italeri models, is their 1/48 P-38/F-5E Lightning model kit.

The Lockheed P-38 Lightning was without a doubt one of the most original aircrafts of the 2nd World War. It was a revolutionary heavy bomber for its twin-boom fuselage, in which two Allison V engines were installed, with the pilot accommodated in an advanced cockpit at the centre of the aircraft. The Lockheed P-38 was very sturdy, reliable and stable thanks to its engines which "rotated" in opposite directions.

From the famous twin-engine bomber was born the version destined for reconnaissance and strategic tactics called the F-5E of which more than 500 samples were made. Substantially deriving from the P-38J or the P-38L, the Lockheed F-5E was equipped with two Allison 12 cylinder V turbo compression 1.475 hp engines which propelled the plane to over 660 Km/h. The L/F-5E was equipped with as many as 6 cameras with different filming angles ideal for air reconnaissance. Its reconnaissance role was carried out in an outstanding way also thanks to the aircraft's operative ceiling. The high altitudes which it could reach made it difficult to be intercepted by enemy bombers.

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Military Model Books | Aircraft Model Books and Publications

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New from Dragon models, is a 1/144 scale Stealth Helicopter model kit.

This "dark" helicopter was / is used by U.S. special operations troops. Befitting the innovative and ultra-secretive shape of the helicopter, this model is newly tooled in every aspect. All the low-observable features such as the angled surfaces are carefully rendered. Created using Dragon's famed engineering expertise, the various parts fit together with precision. The box includes two complete Stealth helicopters, making the set even more appealing. This 1+1 package will even allow modelers to recreate the raid on bin Laden's hideout! For those wanting to taste the very latest and best of US military helicopter technology, this 1/144 kit is a must-have!

The raid on the compound of the fugitive Osama bin Laden on May 2, 2011 was an enormous success, with the Al-Qaeda leader finally being eliminated after nearly a decade on the run. The team of elite US Navy SEALs was inserted into the town of Abbottabad in Pakistan using special radar-evading helicopters. Were it not for the fact that one of them crash-landed and had to be destroyed, the world would probably not have realized that the US possesses such stealthy helicopter variants. Looking like a mixture of MH-60 Black Hawk and F-117 Stealth Fighter, this mysterious helicopter from the 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment (SOAR) has distinctive edges and angles. The fuselage, nose and tail were all modified to reduce the craft's radar cross-section.

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Military Model Books | Aircraft Model Books and Publications

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After about 3 months, I have finished my Revell F15 kit. Click here to see more.

Squadron Aircraft Books | Aircraft Books and Publications

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Williams Brothers 1/8 scale Pratt & Whitney Wasp Radial Engine model kit.

Personally, I think this would go great with a WWII aircraft kit that used these engines, as an extra display to compliment your model project.

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Williams Brothers Pratt & Whitney WASP Eadial Engine Model Kit | Aircraft Books and Publications

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Williams Brothers 1/32 Gee Bee R1 aircraft model kit.

This kit is the best Gee Bee out there that I have come across.

Williams Brothers Models, if you have not built one before, are very exacting. The Gee Bee R1 is one of the most famous, if not THE most famous race plane. Just about anyone will recognise it, even if they don't know much about airplanes.

This kit is finely molded, with good fit. It includes highly detailed plastic pieces molded in grey. The Radial engine is made up of several parts for added realistic details. The model features recessed panel lines. It also includes waterslide decals and well done Illustrated instructions / and information. Length: 6-5/8" (168.27mm) - Wingspan: 9-1/4".

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Williams Brothers Gee Bee R1 Model Kit | Aircraft Books and Publications

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Italeri 1/48 WWII Messerschmitt Me262 B1a/U1 Nachtjager Fighter aircraft model kit.

This kit includes 2 frets of photoetch parts, detailing the cockpit harness and interior.

Deriving from the Messerschmitt Me 262 A, the B-1a/U1 version was developed to produce a night time reaction bomber intended to check the numerous allied bomber air raids over the skies of Germany in the last phase of World War II. Equipped with the characteristic Neptun system antenna masts on its nose, it was characterised with a two-man fuselage which housed the pilot and the radar operator. Like the one-man Me 262 A version, it was powered by two Junker Jumo 004-B jet propulsion engines that brought it to a record speed, for the 1940's, of 870 Km/h at a 6,000 metre altitude, making it about 150 Km/h faster than any other allied piston engine bomber. Heavily armed with 4 MK 108 30mm cannons, it arrived at operation units too late and with only a few models, but it quickly obtained a good number of victories over the allied airplanes.

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Italeri Messerchmitt ME262A Model Kit | Aircraft Books and Publications

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Great Wall Hobby 1/48 WWII U.S. Northrop P-61A "Black Widow" aircraft model kit.

If you have ever built the Monogram / Revell P61 Black Widow, you know that model is a pretty fair kit. For one thing, it includes two figures. Which kind of makes it a diorama waiting to happen, the kind of extras I like to see. In my lifetime, I have built two of them. I believe it is a good kit. Worth building even for a third time.

However, Great Wall Hobby models (from it's distributer Dragon USA), has a kit of an all new P61A "Black Widow". So rather than snatch up another Revell offering, this kit might prove to be a good project to get my hands on. It's the same great scale of 1/48.

This new kit features: Features:

• - Highly detailed P-61A model
• - Accurate radar cabin
• - Interior details
• - Fully detailed R2800 engine
• - Weighted tire
• - Fully detailed M3 20mm cannon
• - Nose gear wheel bay
• - Choice of weapons
• - Photo-etched parts included
• - Decals included

Dragon / Great Wall Hobby P61A Black Widow Model Kit | Aircraft Books and Publications

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Italeri has released it's new Spitfire Mk.Ixc "Beer Truck" model for 2011. This would be a great addition to your Spitfire collection of kits.

The Spitfire is certainly the most famous and best known fighter aircraft of World War II. Winning many dogfights of this conflict, the plane was first developed in the 1930s. It underwent a continuous evolution and improvement of its aerodynamic features as well as its engine and armament made it last with numerous airforces until after the appearance of the first jets.

The Mk. IX version was first produced in large numbers at the end of 1942.

Over the course of its long operational use, this fighter aircraft was used to "transport" beer to lift up the spirits of English troops right after the landing in Normandy in the summer of 1944. This was actually a very limited operation, though it was to have a great impact in terms of propaganda on the spirits of the soldiers.

Aircraft Modeling Books | P51 Mustang Aircraft Model Kits

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Such as this kit, a Monogram PBY-5A Catalina from Monogram, and built by Jorge Roberto Wolf.

The attention to detail is amazing. What started out as flat plastic stock, once cut and assembled, becomes seats, desks, radio equipment, and much more. This is an aircraft kit that is almost to well done to be fully assembled and painted. While the pictures are clear, and worth an hour of your time, there is a lot of text where Jorge tells you some of his methods and tips. I highly recommend you read it through, it can be very helpful if you ever thought of tackling a similar project.

Don't miss the links at the bottom of his page, those go to Page 2 and Page 3 of the build.

AIRCRAFT MODEL BOOKS | PBY: THAT CATALINA FLYING BOAT | PBY CATALINA FLYING BOAT PILOTS FLIGHT OPERATIONAL MANUAL |

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The SU-27 is Russia's fourth generation fighter, and serves with some of the the CIS Air Forces, including Russia and the Ukraine. As well as with other countries such as China, Vietnam, Latin America, Africa and Asia.

The kit features engraved panelling, highly detailed landing gear, and colorful decals to model any aircraft of the "Russian Knights" Display Team.

"The Russian Knights are an aerobatic demonstration team of the Russian Air Force. Originally formed on April 5, 1991 at the Kubinka Air Base as a team of six Sukhoi Su-27s, the team was the first to perform outside the Soviet Union in September 1991 when they toured the United Kingdom. On December 12, 1995, disaster struck as three team members flew into a mountainside while practicing formation flying in adverse weather. Despite this unprecedented tragedy, the team bounced back and now performs with four Su-27P's and 2 Su-27UB's..." www.electronicaviation.com.

ICM SU-27 MODEL AIRCRAFT MODELS | SUKHOI SU-27 FLANKER WARBIRD TECH | AIRCRAFT MODELING BOOKS |

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Silverwings offers models of airplanes from the years 1914-1939. This era has a special niche as a pioneering age for many unique and experimental designs in the aviation industry. Especially during WWI.

FOCKE-WULF 44D MODEL KITS | GERMAN FIGHTER UNITS 1914-1917 | BIPLANES, TRIPLANES AND SEAPLANES |

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Official Company Piper aircraft (subsidiary & licensed), specifically some of the the PA-18 / L-18/21s, were built right on up to 1994. Replicas of PA-18 Pipers and SuperCubs are still being built today, by companies such as Backcountry Supercubs.

With this long aircraft history, there are plenty of chances to get some great reference to detail out your model. If you don't want the float-landing gear version, a wheel gear version is available also.

PIPER CUB PA-18 FLOAT PLANE MODEL KIT | SUPER PIPER CUB MODEL KITS | PIPER CUB PIN | PIPER CUB SIGN | REVELL |

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Italeri has released their 1:48 scale Tornado IDS "Black Panthers" kit, with some great decals. The British born Tornados have always looked sleek to me, and this new paint scheme is very cool.

The Tornado was the result of a collaborative project between three countries (the UK, Germany, and Italy) aimed at developing a bomber able to operate in TFR (terrain following radar) mode, flying at low level over uneven terrain. These IDS aircraft have been used in Desert Storm and in the operations in the former Yugoslavia. Today, about 750 Tornado IDSs remain in service with the nations of the consortium that built them and with Saudi Arabia.

Italeri also makes a 1:48 Tornado kit with brighter paint scheme of orange. You may want to check that one out as well. Both would make fine additions to your aircraft model collection.

TORNADO BLACK PANTHER MODEL KITS | TORNADO NATO ORANGE MODEL KITS | AIRCRAFT REFERENCE | THE TORNADO STORY |

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