Recently released by the folks at ICM is the Focke-Wolf Fw-189C/V-6 in 1/72 scale. The kit received my attention due to the unique shape of the cockpit as well as the resemblance to the American P-38. The kit builds with relative ease, but I would recommend it to modelers with experience in dealing with smaller parts.

The real aircraft came from the experience gained by the Luftwaffe during the Spanish Civil War as a needed attack aircraft. Powered by two Argus As410A-1 engines, each providing 465 hp, the plane had a service ceiling of 6800km (4225 feet) and a maximum speed of 368 km/h (228 mph). The plane carried two 20mm cannons and up to six 7.92mm machine guns as well as up to four bombs. While the plane tested well in 1940, the Henschel Hs-129A would be selected for production.

The UK’s Fantasy Print Shop has released another set of 1/48 decals in their Euro Decals range, this one covering the Mustang III (P-51B/C) in RAF service.

There are a very generous 11 options available – these are as follows:

Arma Hobby has released a new 1/48^th scale P-39N Airacobra. It is the new tooled 2024 version following the P-39Q, released earlier, and they share the same sprues, but the wing sink marks noted in the “Q” boxing looks to be fixed.

In The Box

The kit is enclosed in a side open box with all the contents sitting in a sturdier cardboard tray. The sprues are enclosed in a single plastic bag and within are more bags that hold three (3) steel ball bearings (for nose weight), the clear sprue, and another for a small 3D printed nose air louvers.

The injected plastic hardness is on the medium side. The recessed and raised molded details are good for this scale.

This book is 349 pages long with 84 color photos and dozens of B&W photos. It has information on over 4000 aircraft in around 700 locations throughout the United Kingdom and Ireland. Whether it be in a museum, private collection, military gate guard, junkyard or even backyard, you will find information on the preserved aircraft, wrecks, cockpits, and major sections. The book is broken down into 10 major sections. After the preface and acknowledgments there is a use guide and then sections by geographical background. These geographical sections are broken down to England, Scotland, Wales, Channel Islands, Northern Ireland, and Ireland. Each of these sections are then separated out in alphabetical order by County and City/town. All known existing aircraft or substantial remains are listed with specific locations and whether or not they are accessible to the public. The two color photo sections cover 50 pages total.

This English language book, Messerschmitt Me 309 Development & Politics, is authored by Dan Sharp and Calum E. Douglas and was published on July 3, 2024.