Falcons Models Kfir C7 new tooling.

Falcon Models are introducing a new 1/72 tooling, FA729001 Kfir C7 No. 535 Israeli Air Force for May 2013 release.

While Falcon Models have been introducing great subjects that other manufacturers aren't making they just don't seem to be delivering the quality models their prices demand.

To date their Mirage III and Mirage F1 have failed to deliver accurate reproductions of the real thing which have proved very disappointing to Mirage enthusiasts and may have negatively impacted on sales. Let's hope things change for the better with this new release. 

Ysterplaat Shackleton "1717/O" scrapped!!!

Many in the aviation fraternity in Cape Town are outraged by the scrapping of the Avro Shackleton Mk.3 "1717/O" that was on display at Ysterplaat AFB, Cape Town. 

The airframe is in fact that of 1720/M - c/n 1530 and was accepted by 35 Sqn. in January 1958. Her first flight was on 26 September 1957. She was badly damaged at D.F. Malan airport when she undershot the runway during asymmetric practice on 18 September 1961.

The aircraft was repaired on site and progressively modified to Phase III standard by March 1973. She was withdrawn from service on 10 March 1983 after reaching the end of her fatigue life. She was then displayed outside the WO's Club at AFB Ysterplaat in the 1957 delivery colours of 1717/O.

Apparently the effects of the elements took their toll on the majestic airframe and the nose collapsed and she ended up on her tail. Due to safety concerns it had been decided a year ago that she would be scrapped since she beyond economical repair.

It really is a shame that no attempt was made to rescue the airframe or offer it to potential interested parties in the UK. 

For more insights please follow the link below:

http://www.iol.co.za/news/south-africa/western-cape/it-s-a-flying-shame-say-aviation-fans-1.1486597

Final product photos, HA3531, F/A-18B RAAF 3 Sqn.

Hobby Master 1/72 Air Power Series, HA3531, F/A-18B RAAF A21-103, 3 Squadron, 2006.

RAAF F/A-18B serial A21-103 was built as c/n 0215/ATF103 and along with A21-104 were flown by C-5 Galaxy to Australia arriving on June 6, 1984.

These two aircraft were re-assembled and when A21-103 rolled out on November 16, 1984 it was considered the first Australian built Hornet.

After flight testing A21-103 was delivered to 20 CU (Conversion Unit) at Williamtown on May 17, 1985. On January 1, 2005 the aircraft was with the RAAF 3 Squadron at Williamtown.

Final product photos, HA3811, F-16CG "Black Widows"

Hobby Master 1/72 Air Power Series, HA3811, F-16CG 88-0471 412st FS "Black Widows", Balad Air Base, Iraq, 2006 421st FS motto "Kiss of Death".

On January 29, 1990 F-16C 88-0471 was accepted by the USAF and assigned to the 388th FW at Hill AFB, Utah. The aircraft deployed in support of ODS, four times in support of Operation Southern Watch and three time in support of OIF.

On June 23, 2006 88-0471 was the Boss Bird for the 421st "Black Widows" and was being flown by Lt. Col. Mark Cline 421st EFS Commander.

On this day his aircraft along with F-16 88-0428 were the first block 40 F-16s to reach 6,000 hours while flying in combat conditions.

Pre-production photos, HA1933, F-4EJ Kai, 302nd Sqn,. JASDF.

Hobby Master 1/72 Air Power Series, HA1933, F-4EJ Kai Phantom II 67-8377, 302nd Sqn., JASDF.

Pre-production photos, HA4201, A-20G Havoc "La France Libre".

Hobby Master 1/72 Air Power Series, HA4201, A-20G Havoc 49-9224, 5H-E, "La France Libre", 668th BS, 416th BG, France 1944.

Pre-production photos, HA8304, Spitfire F.IX PK-E Francis Gabreski.

Hobby Master 1/48 Air Power Series, HA8304, Spitfire F.IX BS410 "PK-E" flown by Francis Gabreski, PK-E, No. 315 Sqn., January 21 1943.

Final product photo, HA7412, Fw 190A8, JG54 Lt. Hans Dortmann.

Hobby Master 1/48 Air Power Series, HA7412, Fw 190A8 2./JG54, Lt. Hans Dortmann, France, June 1944.

Upon completion of his flight training Leutnant Hans Dortenmann was assigned to II/JG 54 on the Eastern Front. JG 54 was known as the Grünherz (Green Hearts). While on the Eastern 

Front; Dortenmann accumulated 14 victories. 

In June 1944 2./JG 54 relocated to the Western 

Front to join III/JG 54 and became Staffelkapitän of 2./JG 54. On the 26th of that same month 

while flying “Red 1” he was shot down near Paris and safely bailed out. Throughout his 

illustrious career Dortenmann accumulated 38 victories flying 150 combat missions.

Hobby Master releases for May 2013.

Hobby Master has a more interesting batch of releases due for May. In 1/48 we have a Finnish Buffalo, P-47 and Spitfire Mk.IX. In 1/72 an Israeli F-16, EF-111 Raven, Sea Harrier and Invader.

Avalon Airshow & Air Expo 2013, Geelong Australia.

My friend Stew down in NZ has attended an airshow recently and has some pics to share. The show took place at Avalon Airport, Geelong, Australia on the weekend of the 26th February. Thanks a stack mate.

Hi all,

A few pics I took weekend before last.

A number of my flying shots were too blurry to show, a big disappointment (have included a couple at the end, close but no cigar!)

But I hope you enjoy.

Cheers,

Stew.

A few Stew wasn't happy with.