Aviation 72, what's happening???

Well now, I bet many are wanting to know what's happening with Aviation 72. More to the point, where's that Draken and Viggen?! 

According to Aviation 72 we can expect the first models in the summer of 2012 (northern hemishpere).

I've had a look at their website and have some updates in terms progress in the form of some pics. Some models are painted, some pre-painted, others raw.

Tiger Moth.

Chipmunk.

Bulldog.

Gazelle.

Gnat.

Seahawk.

Draken.

Viggen.

UK Exclusive Century Wings F-14A Tomcat VF-1 "Wolfpack"

Captain Tiger of Tiger Hobbies Limited made the following announcement on a die-cast forum:

Announcement from Tiger Hobbies Limited

Reference UK Exclusive Century Wings F14 VF-1 Wolf Pack.


It is with deep regret we have had to cancel this project for the foreseeable future. CW gave Tiger Hobbies an almost 40% increase in the price of the model at cost from our original quote which would have resulted in a price rise to the collector from £99.99 or about $155.00 to £139.99 or about $217.00. Not only is the price an issue but concerns over recent QC issue with some of the recent CW/XPlus products made this project too risky.


Tiger Hobbies will continue to import CW/Xplus but concentrating on their existing stock (i.e) the one made in the HM Factory such as older SR71, A6, F8, F14 and A7 which are fantastic value and fantastic quality models.

 

UK Exclusive Century Wings VF-1 F-14A Tomcat CANCELLED!!!

The UK Exclusive Century Wings F-14A Tomcat, VF-1, "Wolfpack", USN, USS Ranger has been cancelled.

The model was cancelled by the UK importer, Tiger Hobbies, who sited Quality Control and Price Increases as the reasons.

This was an eagerly anticipated model and this news is sure to disappoint many who have pre-ordered this model. VF-1  and VF-2 were the first US Navy F-14 squadrons. 

Witty / Sky Guardians Javelin.

I came across pics of this new Witty Sky Guardians 1/72 Scale Gloster Javelin FAW 9R of 64 Sqn. RAF, XH766.

By all accounts it doesn't seem to be attracting positive comment in Diecast Land. Of course there is no other Javelin in 1/72 die-cast, so, if you really want one, the choice is yours...

You judge for yourselves. The model does come with external stores but they haven't been added. 

Photos by regtheveg.

New Gemini Aces F-4K Phantom XT868.

Spey engined Phantom lovers take note!!! Gemini Aces have another Royal Navy F-4K in the pipeline. 

The GA Rolls Royce Spey engined Phantoms make for a great addition to any Phantom collection. It's a refreshing change to the J-79 engined F-4s and adds some diversity.

GARNS4006, Royal Navy F-4K, XT868.

Thunder City jets over AFB Ysterplaat.

Lightnings, a Buccaneer and a Hunter over AFB Ysterplaat. It was always a wonderful sight to see them against the Table Mountain backdrop. 

One of my favourite memories is seeing a Thunder City Hunter streaking low over the runway at Cape Town International totally missed by airline passengers. Funny thing is, I saw it happen more than once!!!

English Electric Lightnings!!!

A few pictures of the English Electric Lightnings at the Overberg at short notice from Eness Photography.

What's happening with Thunder City?

Many in Cape Town sorely missed the Thunder City fast jets at the last airshow at AFB Ysterplaat in December. There were whispers that the Buccaneers would make an appearance but it was not to be.

We were truly privileged to see up to 4 EE Lightnings, 3 Buccaneers and a good few Hunters in the skies over Cape Town. The Lightnings and Buccs are the only flying examples in the world.

Sad then to discover it would seem unlikely that we will see them take to the skies over Cape Town again. They're up for auction. We can but wonder where they will find new places to take to the sky...

See the links below:

Thunder City Aircraft Company - Historical Military Jets - GoIndustry DoveBid
www.go-dove.com

Unique opportunity to own historical military jet aircraft in an airwothy condition English Electric Lightning's "Mk F6a" (x2) and "Mk T5b" (x1), 3x Buccaneer's S Mk 2B, 4x Hawker Hunter's, various Marks.

http://www.go-dove.com/event-15794/Thunder-City-Aircraft-Company-Historical-Military-Jets/lots


Note: Updated link including aircraft for sale.

Pre-production photos of Hobby Master B-24D Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs.

HA9100 B-24D Liberator, 98th Bomb Group, 343rd Sqn. (Y: Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs), 1943.

I would think the open bomb bay doors should be the same colour as the undersides of the aircraft, not the fuselage. Hopefully Hobby Master corrects this on the production model.

HM F4U Corsair release dates.

The 2 new Hobby Master F4U-1A Corsairs have been delayed by one month from the original release dates.

HA8201 F4U-1A Corsair "White 29" VF-17 "Jolly Rogers" Lt(JG) Ira C Kepford is delayed from January 2012 to February 2012.

HA8202 F4U-1A Corsair "White 86" VMF-214 "Black Sheep" Major Gregory Boyington has been delayed from February 2012 to March 2012.

Hobby Master 1/72 General Dynamics F-16 Fighting Falcon

Please remember that these are photos of the model in the very early stages of 

development and wear parts from different variants to check the fit. This isn't 

exactly how the final model will look.