Republic P-47N Thunderbolt

Posted on April 29, 2024 by atcDave

The P-47N is the final production version of the most produced piston engine fighter in US history.

Let’s take a look at a late War ‘Bolt.

Continue reading →
Posted in Fighter, USA | Tagged , , | 6 Comments

Theme Build 6 – Complete

Posted on April 12, 2024 by atcDave

Trainers

No doubt that took a lot longer than I wanted! But at long last, my trainer theme build is complete.

We looked at several different types of trainers here, two were specifically trainer airframes, the other two were (full) conversions of fighters. I do like seeing the range of types tagged as trainers.

These also run from a pre-war types to those that were cutting edge at the end. A fun assortment.

Two singles, both “advanced” trainers, although the Zero might be more properly called a transition trainer. The last step before combat assignments.

North American AT-6A Texan

Mitsubishi A6M2-K Zero

Curtiss-Wright AT-9 Jeep

Messerschmitt Me 262B-1a

The two twins… and that be all they have in common!

For the next couple months I’ll be working on a couple of medium tanks, then I’ll return with a new theme build.
Coming soon… USS Enterprise

Posted in Theme Build | 4 Comments

Messerschmitt Me 262B-1a

Posted on April 11, 2024 by atcDave

Its pretty immediately obvious this is a two seat version of the well known Me 262 fighter.

Let’s take a quick look at how it came to be and how it was used.

Continue reading →
Posted in Germany, Trainer | Tagged , , | 8 Comments

Mitsubishi Ki-51 Sonia

Posted on January 19, 2024 by atcDave

An unremarkable looking aircraft, with a mostly unremarkable legacy.

Yet the Sonia has some interesting quirks and did participate in major battles. Let’s look at one such example.

Continue reading →
Posted in Bomber - Tactical, Japan | Tagged , , | 10 Comments

Macchi MC.200 Seatta

Posted on January 5, 2024 by atcDave

Just entering use from the start of the War, the MC.200 was Italy’s most modern fighter at the time.

Let’s take a look at another first generation monoplane.

Continue reading →
Posted in Fighter, Italy | Tagged , , | 7 Comments

Curtiss-Wright AT-9 Jeep

Posted on December 4, 2023 by atcDave

No doubt a lesser known type.

Let’s look at a multi-engine advanced trainer.

Continue reading →
Posted in Trainer, USA | Tagged , , | 3 Comments

Douglass A-26B Invader

Posted on November 3, 2023 by atcDave

The capable Invader was among the last new types to see service during World War II.

We’ll take a quick look at one from the last summer of the War.

Continue reading →
Posted in Bomber - Tactical, USA | Tagged , , | 15 Comments

Grumman Hellcat Mk II

Posted on September 28, 2023 by atcDave

The Hellcat was well regarded for carrier service during the War.

Let’s look at an example that flew for the Royal Navy.

Continue reading →
Posted in Britain, Fighter, USA | Tagged , , | 3 Comments

Mitsubishi A6M2-K Zero

Posted on September 11, 2023 by atcDave

This twist on the Zero hadn’t initially been planned for, but there proved to be a big need to fill.

Let’s take a look at a 2-seat Zero.

Continue reading →
Posted in Japan, Trainer | Tagged , , | 3 Comments

Avia B-534 IV Series

Posted on August 20, 2023 by atcDave

Obviously a product of an earlier era. This plane was well into obsolescence when the Second World War broke out, yet it served almost to the end.

Let’s take a quick look at a minor type, that is symbol of resistance in its homeland.

Continue reading →
Posted in Czechoslovakia, Fighter | Tagged , , | 6 Comments