> The New Releases

This release programme includes three full Decals 'n Docs sets that have been in the works for some time now, as well as a few new Airframe Stencil Data Markings sets that complement the featured aircraft types. All are being produced in multiple scales according to kit availability.

     The RCAF Overseas Catalinas set featured here grew out of a desire to depict the 413 (General Reconnaissance) Squadron "Saviour of Ceylon" action aircraft flown by then S/L Leonard Birchall and crew when, on 4 April 1942, they spotted and reported on the Japanese fleet sailing for Ceylon. This evolved into the wider research project summarized below...

     Similarly, the RCAF Canso A sub-killers project was initiated by the desire to depict F/L David Hornell's Victoria Cross action (24 June 1944) aircraft, as well as others of 162 (Bomber Reconnaissance) Squadron that performed so successfully against U-boats in the Northern Transit Area while operating out of Reykjavík, Iceland, and Wick, Scotland, in the summer of 1944. Again, the project widened to include other aircraft that were in service either side of that epic performance. Please scroll down for more...

     The final full Decals 'n Docs set within this release programme features a collection of Eagle Squadron Spitfire Mk.VBs presented in the same profile and finish and markings scheme intensive way as our perennially popular Vital Storm Hurricane sets. This project grew out of in (Terry's) personal interest in the subject of American fighter pilots in the RCAF and RAF prior to the advent of the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbour. Please scroll down for details...

     Two new additions to our multi-scale Airframe Stencil Data Markings line-up - one for the various Consolidated Model 28 (PBY, etc) versions and the other for early marque Spitfires - complement these releases (see below...).

Since the 1980s, veteran researcher / author / publisher / and longtime Aviaeology associate Carl Vincent has been working on a history of any and all Canadian connections to the Curtiss Hawk series of single-engined fighters. Carl has reinstated the project within the decade that we have been working together and the first volume is currently in layout here. With the four RCAF Overseas squadrons (Nos. 400, 403, 414, & 430) that operated the Tomahawk at its core, extensive photographic coverage, and a range of Terry's colour profiles spread throughout, it promises to be a must-have for modellers and armchair historians alike. If you liked our AviaDossier I: Canadian Aircraft of WWII, you'll love this one. A comprehensive decal set designed to complement the book, featuring aircraft of all three squadrons, is also in the works.
     As the layout and illustration phase wraps up and we lock in a print-production schedule, we'll provide some visuals - likely in the final newsletter edition of 2016.

The Mosquito R/P Rig and Gee Cockpit Components photo-etched detail sets that many of you pre-ordered from our previous newsletter are running a little late - most probably by two to three weeks. Due to late-comer pre-order demand, for most of the sets involved we had to add a second order for additional quantities over and above our initial order, and this has introduced a minor work-in-progress complication. The situation should be resolved and pre-orders either in the mail or very close to it by the time our next newsletter is scheduled to post on November 3rd/4th.
     Meanwhile, we plan to commit to larger initial order quantities for additional EtchSential sets now in development. Near-future releases include a range of sets covering external radar and external armament details for both Beaufighters and PBY / Catalina / Canso type aircraft. If all goes to plan, these will feature in one of the two final newsletters planned for 2016.