September 2024

Product Spotlight: Clipped Wings

Beginning in early 1941, well after the Battle of Britain had been fought and won, there suddenly appeared a new shape in the skies over occupied Europe. Early reports of a new Luftwaffe fighter were initially met with derision, but losses soon began to mount as the RAF tangled with this latest warbird. Fighter Command soon realized that this new adversary had a significant advantage over the Spitfire, its incredible rate of roll and maneuverability far surpassing that of the Spitfire. This new scourge had a name — the Focke-Wulf Fw-190 — and it had tasted blood for the first time. Something had to be done to deal with this harbinger of death before the pendulum swung back to the Axis side.

To increase the roll rate of the Spitfire and improve its combat fighting qualities, the wingspan needed to be made shorter. Fortunately, ever since the first Spitfires, the wingtips were a separate piece constructed from wood with an aluminum skin, often by Rolls-Royce coach building firms such as Freestone and Webb. They were attached with two bolts and a number of small screws to hold a covering strip where the wing and the tip joined, so naturally, it was an obvious idea to unmount them and fit a simple fairing in its place. All you needed to do was remove the two bolts, undo the screws, remove the tip, remembering to disconnect the wingtip light and replace it with a simple cover fairing, which was held in place by the same screws. With the light reconnected the job was done. Simple, and effective – but just how effective?

A test flight was arranged by the Air Fighting Development Unit at RAF Duxford, comparing a standard wing Spitfire Mk V with the new modified version at various heights up to 25,000 feet. It was discovered that the clipped Spitfire wing made the aircraft 5mph faster at 10,000 feet and slightly faster at 25,000 feet, but with better acceleration across the board. In a dive, the clipped wing aircraft could pull away from the standard version and in a dogfight, the improved roll rate meant it could shake off the pursuing unmodified Spitfire. Climb performance wasn’t affected much and there was no noticeable change to the take-off and landing performance.

The Spitfire wing is quite large and actually blocks out a lot of the ground from the pilot’s perspective, which could potentially hide an enemy aircraft, but the removal of the wingtips, shaves over four feet from each side. Clipped Spitfire wings improve the downward view considerably. From a combat perspective, a downward view becomes a sideways view at large angles of bank.

Having improved the performance of the Spitfire Mk V, in conjunction with supercharger modifications (although losses were still heavy against the FW190s), the latter stages of the war saw the clipped wing configuration became a very common, almost standard specification on Mk 9 and Mk16 Spitfires, as high altitude sorties became fewer and low altitude missions such as ground strafing became a priority. (Courtesy: www.Flyaspitfire.com)

Pictured here is a 1:48 scale replica of a clipped wing Supermarine Spitfire Mk. Vb fighter that was piloted by Flying Officer Jack Sheppard, who was attached to No.401 Squadron, then deployed to RAF Catterick, England, during 1943. Look for this modified Spitfire to take wing this December.

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Luft-X and Wings Receive Valuable Reinforcements

Late yesterday, Historic Sales, the owners of both the Luft-X and Wings of the Great War series, announced an additional aircraft for each of their longstanding series. In the case of Luft-X, the range will now come with its first 1:144 scale model — an Arado E.555 I long-range strategic bomber, meant to wreak havoc on the shores of the US and Canada. Its an impressive model if smaller than their predecessors, largely because of its wingspan, which measures nearly 8-inches in length. While ten different versions of the E.555 were being worked on at the Arado Flugzeugwerke, located at Warnemunde, in Mecklenburg, Germany, none took flight, victims of bureaucracy and precious resources needed elsewhere. In fact, all of the E.555 projects were abandoned, following a December 22nd, 1944, order by the Reich Air Ministry.

For the Wings line, Historic chose a subject that, in actuality, could better be positioned as a WWII aircraft than a WWI model since it was built years after the War ended. LZ 129 was a German commercial passenger-carrying rigid airship, the lead ship of her class, the longest class of flying machine and the largest airship by envelope volume. She was designed and built by the Zeppelin Company (Luftschiffbau Zeppelin GmbH) on the shores of Lake Constance in Friedrichshafen, Germany, and was operated by the German Zeppelin Airline Company (Deutsche Zeppelin-Reederei). She was named after Field Marshal Paul von Hindenburg, who was President of Germany from 1925 until his death in 1934. The Hindenburg famously went down in flames over New Jersey way back in 1937, a victim of its hydrogen-propelled fuel being ignited by an onrushing thunderstorm.

While the finished model won’t sport the German swastika on its tail to remain PC compliant, it will come bundled with decals so that collectors can apply them to make it more historically accurate. Like all of the other aircraft in both series, the new models are composed of resin, making them far heavier than they would ordinarily appear. Both models are slated to take to the skies in January.

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The Flight of the Valkyries

The XB-70 Valkyrie is one of those aircraft we’ve been pestering modelmakers to replicate for a very long time. Its an iconic aircraft that most warbird enthusiasts would give an arm to add to their collection even if it never made it pass the testing phase and would likely tip the scales in the ubiquitous 1:72 scale.

For those unfamiliar with the aircraft, the North American Aviation XB-70 Valkyrie is a retired prototype version of the planned B-70 nuclear-armed, deep-penetration supersonic strategic bomber for the United States Air Force Strategic Command. Designed in the late 1950s by North American Aviation (NAA) to replace the B-52 Stratofortress and B-58 Hustler, the six-engined, delta-winged Valkyrie could cruise for thousands of miles at Mach 3+ while flying at 70,000 feet (21,000 m).

As it turns out, our prayers may have been answered. Recently, we learned that JC Wings plans on tackling the Valkyrie, posting an unpainted prototype image of well, the prototype aircraft. Granted, no plans are underway to replicate the bomber in 1:72 scale, largely because of its size and concomitant cost. So, they plan on putting the Valkyries to flight in both a smaller 1:400 and 1:200 scale, the latter still tipping the scales in both weight and size. We don’t as yet have a timeline as to when this warbird will be ready for pre-order much less available for shipment, not to mention its length and heft, but we can presume it’ll be a whopper when its completed and ready for ogling. Keep your fingers crossed that it satisfies everyone’s appetite.

Update: Apparently, Dragon once offered the XB-70 in 1:200 scale several years back although it was composed of plastic not metal. The model measured almost 12-inches in length and boasted a wingspan of just under 7-inches, roughly the size of a 1:72 scale F-14 Tomcat. So, we’re guesstimating the model will clock in at around 4-pounds, give or take a few ounces. Still a pretty nice-sized bird of prey.

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Amazon Enters the World of 3-D

I’m all about advancing the hobby whenever the opportunity presents itself. When we first started out nearly 25 years ago, I remember several e-commerce businesses that sold models by listing them in a tabular format without any accompanying images or text. Instead they provided the SKU, a quick description and its price, sometimes showing the item’s anticipated date of release, if you were lucky. How they got by is anyone’s guess and, as you might have guessed, most of them have since folded, victims of old world marketing, lack of computing skills or laziness.

Needless to say that as the hobby has evolved so too has the tools used to promote the merchandise. Gone are the days of simple text, garish colors and oddly formatted graphics that neither entice nor excite. Instead, most companies are able to take advantage of the latest technological achievements that have come to the fore, all in an effort to make the customer as at ease as possible by enabling them to shop from the comfort of their phone, computer or tablet.

With this in mind, Amazon recently announced that merchants can now upload 3-D models to certain product listings/categories to showcase products from all angles and give customers more information that can help drive sales. Apparently, there’s no need for the wearing of special glasses, 3-D-enabled storefronts or any other modern-day contrivance that might spring to mind to give these products added spark over the more traditional 2-D images we’ve been used to over the last two decades. Spectacular, yes?

Using the latest in rotoscoping technology, 3-D models will enable would-be buyers to zoom in on an item from any conceivable vantage point, something they are unable to do using static imagery. In the case of an aircraft, customers can get a better close-up image of the model’s cockpit or rotate the product so they can see underneath an aircraft to view its weapons load out. While 2-D imagery can provide the same viewpoints, 3-D modeled products are more suitable for this type of scrutiny since you can zoom in or out using a singular vantage point.

We’ve sent this announcement to several of the hobby’s leading modelmakers to see if they can begin creating 3-D models for all of their upcoming products. While we recognize there’s a learning curve involved with new technology, we also realize that both the hobby and e-commerce are continuing to move forward, no longer bound by institutions and technology that pre-date the Internet. Its a brave new world out there and those companies still working in the past with outdated tools and technology will be the first to tell you they should’ve kept up.

The end result for several upcoming items could look like this:

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Product Spotlight: Green with Envy

The Martin B-26 Marauder is an American twin-engined medium bomber that saw extensive service during World War II. The B-26 was built at two locations: Baltimore, Maryland, and Omaha, Nebraska, by the Glenn L. Martin Company. First used in the Pacific Theater of World War II in early 1942, it was also used in the Mediterranean Theater and in Western Europe.

After entering service with the United States Army aviation units, the aircraft quickly received the reputation of a “widow maker” due to the early models’ high accident rate during takeoffs and landings. This was because the Marauder had to be flown at precise air speeds, particularly on final runway approach or when one engine was out. The unusually high 150 mph (241 km/h) speed on short final runway approach was intimidating to many pilots who were used to much slower approach speeds, and when they slowed to speeds below those stipulated in the manual, the aircraft would often stall and crash.

Martin B-26B-15-MA Marauder 41-31576/AN-Z ‘Dinah Might’, was given the important task of leading an anti-beach fortification raid against Widerstandsnest 5 (which means ‘nest of resistance’, or ‘strong point’) overlooking Utah beach. The raid happened only a couple of minutes before the landing craft released their troops on their assigned beaches on D-Day itself, one of the final missions to take place before the landings.

Flown by Major David Dewhurst, the experienced Commander of the 553rd Bomb Squadron, US 8th Air Force, this was one final opportunity to neutralize German defensive fortifications, therefore giving Allied troops a better chance of making it off their assigned landing beach in the terrifying hours to come.

Dewhurst’s aircraft, which was named ‘Dinah Might’ after a Bing Crosby tune of the day, released its bombs at exactly 06.24.30 on D-Day, with navigation and timing critical to the success of the mission and the safety of the men waiting to make their historic seaborne assault.

The details behind this final bombing raid of D-Day clearly illustrate why the Utah Beach D-Day Museum elected to finish their preserved Marauder in this historic scheme and why it forms such a poignant center piece for their impressive museum.

‘Dinah Might’s’ target on that fateful morning in June 1944 was only meters from where this magnificent preserved aircraft is displayed today, even though it’s actually only a representation of that famous wartime aircraft.

“Dinah Might” is currently en route to us and should be ready for immediate shipment by the middle of September.

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Panzerkampf Sounds the Jericho Trumpets

One of the most iconic aircraft of the Second World War was the Junkers Ju-87 Stuka dive-bomber. Responsible for providing aerial support for advancing Wehrmacht forces in both the east and west during the early stages of the War, the Stuka was regarded by many as an integral part of the Blitzkrieg that, when taken in conjunction with armor, motorized forces and artillery, were responsible for overrunning much of Europe.

Recognizing its importance to collectors and historians alike, Panzerkampf decided to pay tribute to the Stuka with an array of 1:72 scale replicas, all of which are expected before the year is out. Thus far, four versions are in the hopper, and we’re certain that more are in the offing as is customary with this manufacturer. Interestingly, Panzerkampf has included them within their Panzerkampf range as opposed to their budget-minded Legion line because they are new toolings created from scratch as opposed to previously released builds that may have been developed by other entities. That said, here’s a pictorial of what we know thus far.

Rumor has it that the Company has been looking at expanding their WWII aircraft range by offering a Henschel Hs 129 “Panzerknacker” ground attack aircraft. The Henschel Hs 129 saw combat in Tunisia and on the Eastern Front.

A key requirement of the original specification was that the aircraft be powered by engines that were not in demand for other designs. Prototypes with low-power German Argus As 410 engines of 465 PS (459 hp; 342 kW) failed acceptance test, a more powerful replacement was found with the French Gnome-Rhone 14M engine of 700 PS (690 hp; 515 kW).

The design was relatively effective when it was first introduced, and saw service on the Eastern Front in a variety of front-line roles. As the war continued and anti-tank support became the main goal, the aircraft was continually up-gunned, eventually mounting a 75 mm anti-tank gun. Only a small number of these B-3 models were produced, late in the war. Production ceased in September 1944.

The Hs 129 would be a good choice for this fledgling aircraft manufacturer since there have been relatively few examples produced to date by just a handful of lesser known companies that have utilized the same mold over and over again. Bear in mind that as the industry matures and more manufacturers enter the fray, choices such as this help to ensure that the manufacturer is charting a path of profitability by selecting subjects few companies have addressed to-date. Given the number of aircraft that took part in the War and the wide appeal of WWII-era machines of war, there are still plenty of warplanes still crying out for replicas to be made. Twin-engined aircraft such as the Russian Pe 2 dive-bomber, Japanese Betty bomber and Grumman F9F Tigercat spring to mind and would make for obvious choices, provided, of course, sales were strong for their initial offerings and they build a loyal following. In any event, its refreshing to see them explore their options by introducing historically accurate models at truly affordable prices.

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Corgi Draws Back the Curtains on Their Remaining Aircraft

As promised, Corgi unveiled the balance of their 2024 Aviation Archives aircraft over the Labor Day weekend. While no new toolings were debuted nor was anything hinted at for the coming year, several existing models received important updates, which helps to round out their yearly roster and clear the way for their eventual 2025 line up.

Two models were included in the roll out that we haven’t as yet included on our web site largely because we aren’t sure about their relative worth to the average aircraft collector. These include a rather eclectic Heinkel He-111 medium bomber that was designed for the rock band Motorhead, and features their logo emblazoned on the underside of the model as well as adorning its nose art. Similarly, there’s a Spitfire dubbed “Aces High” that was created for the group Iron Maiden. Interestingly, the Spitfire could easily fit into anyone’s aircraft collection since it features a more traditional scheme than say “Motorhead” with its more risque exterior graphics. For those of you unfamiliar with the group, “Aces High” is Iron Maiden’s eleventh single release and one of their most famous tracks. So, for now we’ll take a pass on both new models to see if diehards are willing to integrate either or both of these models within their Aviation Archive collection.

We invite you to watch the September-December 2024 video Corgi uploaded to YouTube that more ably discusses what you can expect to see for the final three months of 2024.

Note: Hornby, the parent company of Corgi, has indicated that as of September 1st, they are increasing prices across-the-board for all of their products in an effort to offset recent increases in costs associated with the production and transport of their models. For now, we have not changed our prices for the entire line although as soon as Corgi passes along their September-December product line up we will be revising prices for both older and newer releases. So, if you’re interested in pre-ordering anything posted to our web site, we suggest doing so now before the changes are put into effect.

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