Forces of Valor, Unimax, releases an F-15E Strike Eagle.

Pictures have begun circulating of the upcoming 1:72 scale Unimax F-15E Strike Eagle. It is based on an aircraft flown by the 391st Fighter Squadron, 366th Fighter Wing, out of Mountain Home AFB, Arkansas.

Their first-ever Strike Eagle will come with a complete load out of air-to ground and air-to-air weaponry and painted in a dull grey low-vis camouflage scheme. 

Revised Hobby Master Master May 2013 releases.

Hobby Master has revised its May releases. The 1/72 scale Israeli F-16 and ROCAF Invader have been replaced with a Swiss Patrouille Suisse F-5E with decals for six aircraft and a Texas ANG F-102A.

US Air Force grounds combat planes.

The US Air Force has begun grounding about a third of its combat aircraft in response to deep budget cuts that began to take effect in March.

Photo courtesy of RP Defense

The move will affect units in the US, Europe and the Pacific. Air Force Gen Mike Hostage said aircraft would be grounded on a "rotating basis" to focus on "fulfilling critical missions".

Separately, the US Navy said the cuts will force it to ground its Blue Angels air show team for the rest of the year.

The Air Force's budget for the fiscal year ending in October is being reduced by $591m (£386m).

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-us-canada-22082928

Forces of Valor B-26 Marauder "Flak Bait".

Forces of Valor has recently released another 1/72 scale B-26 Maruader, Unimax 35084. Earlier versions had some quality control issues but "Flak Bait" has landed and met with favourable reviews.

For anyone looking for a die-cast B-26 Marauder, Forces of Valor is your only option. It fits into any collection with Corgi heavies or Hobby Master twins. Some may want to address a few shortcomings with custom touches but ultimately it looks like a great B-26.

FHC Hellcat First Flight

Flying Heritage Collection test flew their newly restored F6F-5N Hellcat for the first on the 27th March 2013. The Hellcat is their latest addition to the collection and will be flying for the 2013 season at Paine Field, Everett, Washington.