August warbirds (1 Viewer)

[Gunn Miniatures]

WOW 408 Focke Wulf 190 D Fighter The Fw 190 along with the Messerschmitt Bf 109, was the backbone of the Luftwaffe fighter force during WW2. Designed by Kurt Tank the Fw 190 entered service in 1941 and quickly proved itself superior to the RAF’s Spitfire MK V in virtually every aspect. The Fw 190 was upgraded throughout its service during WW2 and was liked by its pilots for its ruggedness and ability to land on the rough airstrips, which were often found on the Russian front. Not only was the Fw 190 used as a day fighter, but saw service as a night and ground attack fighter and towards the end of the war it was also utilized to carry the Mistel, a radio controlled Junkers Ju 88 packed with explosives which was often used to destroy bridges. The long nose D variant was able to compete with the Mustang and newer Spitfires, but the lack of experienced pilots and fuel made it less than effective against the Allied tidal wave of equipment and manpower that simply overwhelmed the Third Reich towards the end of the war. Our 1/30 scale model was issued to JG.26 and was surrendered at the end of the war to the Allies, it now stands in the Flying Heritage & Combat Armour Museum. It is the sole intact FW-190D (13) left in a complete state anywhere in the world. Although ostensibly designed as an interceptor/fighter the Germans were so short of ground attack aircraft by 1944, that as the Allies closed in, JG.26 found itself mainly being used in the ground attack role in order to stem the Allied advance. It's FW190 D's were fitted with bomb racks and were ordered to attack any Allied ground targets that were considered a worthwhile opportunity. Our model comes fitted with these bomb racks and makes the model an interesting version of this iconic aircraft. This model retails at $650 plus postage, the figures and accessories are shown for display purposes only. Only 3 pieces worldwide available for this super looking model. That's all for this month, we sincerely hope you enjoy the pictures and would love to hear from you if any of these magnificent models appeal to you. They are all now on our website www.tomgunn.co.uk and can be paid upfront or over an extended monthly period. All Gunn Club members qualify for a 5% discount on the website listed price, joining is free so well worth registering. Best wishes The Gunn Team

 

[Gunn Miniatures]

WOW 407 B-25 Mitchell The North American B-25 Mitchell was an American twin-engine, medium bomber manufactured by North American Aviation (NAA) company. The design was named in honour of Major General William (Billy) Mitchell, a pioneer of U.S. military aviation. Used by many Allied air forces, the B-25 served in every theatre of World War II and after WW2 ended many remained in service, operating across four decades. Produced in numerous variants, nearly 10,000 Mitchells rolled from NAA factories. The majority of B-25s in American service were used in the war against Japan in Asia and the Pacific. The Mitchell fought from the North of the Pacific to the South and also the Far East. These areas included the campaigns in the Aleutian Islands, Papua New Guinea, the Solomon Islands, New Britain, China, Burma and the island hoping campaign in the Central Pacific. The aircraft’s potential as a ground-attack aircraft emerged during the Pacific war. The jungle environment reduced the usefulness of medium-level bombing and made low level attack the best tactic. Using similar mast height level tactics and skip bombing, the B-25 proved itself to be a suitable anti-shipping weapon and sank many enemy vessels of various types. An ever-increasing number of forward firing guns made the B-25 a formidable strafing aircraft for island warfare. The strafe versions were the B-25C1/D1, the B-25J1 and with the NAA strafer nose, the J2 sub-series. In Burma, the B-25 was often used to attack Japanese communication links, especially bridges in Central Burma. It also helped supply the besieged troops in Imphal in 1944. The China Air Task Force, The Chinese American Composite Wing, the First Air Commando Group, the 31st Bomb Group and eventually, the relocated 12th Bomb Group, all operated the B-25 in the China Burma India theatre. Many of these missions involved battle field isolation, interdiction and close air support. Our latest version 'The Flying Dragon' saw service in the Far East and was one of the most heavily adorned Mitchell's with extensive artwork adorning it's fuselage. We only have 2 x 1/30 scale models available priced at $1500 plus postage, this is likely to be our last Michell for a while so if you are considering a TG B-25 then this could be the one for you.

 

[Gunn Miniatures]

WOW 406 P-38 Lightning

The Lockheed P-38 Lightning was a twin engined aircraft developed for an Army Air Corps requirement for a heavy fighter. The P-38 had a distinctive shape with twin booms and a central nacelle containing the pilot and armament. Reputedly the Germans nicknamed the aircraft the fork tailed devil and the Japanese called it the ‘two planes, one pilot’ fighter. The P-38 was used as an interceptor, bomber, ground attack and reconnaissance aircraft, it was used most successfully in the Pacific theatre. Its most noteworthy role was where it was used to ambush Admiral Yamamoto who was flying in a Mitsubishi Betty bomber on a morale boosting tour. Unbeknown to him the Japanese codes had been partially broken and the USA were aware of his movements. Yamamoto’s aircraft was shot down with Yamamoto being killed by 2 wounds during the air strike. His body was thrown clear of the wreck and he was found the next day sitting upright in his chair underneath a tree as if asleep. The Lightning’s greatest strengths were long range, high speed, fast climb and concentrated firepower, it was a formidable airplane and the only one to see service for the entire length of the US involvement during WW2. Our latest 1/30 scale aircraft 'Putt Putt Maru' and was flown by Colonel Charles Henry MacDonald (November 1914- March 2002). MacDonald was a United States Army Air Force officer and a WW2 fighter ace. He commanded the 475th Fighter Group for 20 months in his P-38 Lightning, "Putt Putt Maru", and became the third ranking fighter ace in the Pacific during WWII with 27 kills. This is a strictly limited edition of 3 pieces worldwide. Our model aircraft is priced at $750 plus shipping. The K&C figures and TG accessories shown are for display purposes only and are not included.

 

[Gunn Miniatures]

WOW 405 Royal Navy Helldiver The Curtiss SB2C Helldiver, also known as the Curtiss A-25 Shrike, was a dive bomber developed by Curtiss-Wright during World War II. As a carrier-based bomber with the United States Navy (USN), in Pacific theatres, it supplemented and replaced the Douglas SBD Dauntless. A few survivors are still in existence dotted in various museums around the world. Initially poor handling characteristics and late modifications caused lengthy delays to production and deployment, to the extent that it was investigated by the Truman Committee, which turned in a scathing report. This contributed to the decline of Curtiss as a company. Nevertheless, the type was faster than the Dauntless, and by the end of the Pacific War, the Helldiver had become the main dive bomber and attack aircraft on USN carriers, with over 7000 being manufactured. Nicknames for the aircraft included "Big-Tailed Beast" or just "Beast", "Two-Cee", and "Son-of-a-***** 2nd Class"; the latter nickname was derived from the name SB2C and the Shrike's reputation for having difficult handling characteristics. The Helldiver, however, could still deliver ordnance with more precision against specific targets than other types of US aircraft and its two-seat configuration permitted a second set of eyes. The Helldiver also had a significant advantage in range over a fighter while carrying a bombload, which is extremely important in naval operations. After the war Helldivers were supplied to various airforces including France and Greece who used them extensively in post war conflicts. This 1/30 scale model is one supplied to the Royal Navy Fleet Air Arm and is priced at $1100 plus shipping. The K&C figures and TG mat are shown for display purposes only and are not included.

 

[Gunn Miniatures]

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Dear all, welcome to our August 2022 Aircraft newsletter featuring a new selection of our latest warbirds. Also a big thank you to Mark Dyer and others with their assistance in the research and development of these models, it really has been invaluable. All our hand carved Mahogany aircraft now come with their own stands and can be displayed in flying mode if required, all have a fully detailed interior and a high level of detail that sets them apart from many other makers of wooden warbirds. Each model takes over 6 months to manufacture, some take even longer and come in strictly limited numbers.

 

[MLH13]

Beautiful group of warbirds! I am still in awe with my TG Me264 Amerika Bomber. It is a super impressive piece of craftsmanship with incredible cockpit detail.

 

[Barkmann]

Beautiful group of warbirds! I am still in awe with my TG Me264 Amerika Bomber. It is a super impressive piece of craftsmanship with incredible cockpit detail.

I saw the TGunn ME264 when collecting some stuff from Thomas Gunn, very impressive, great looking aircraft. Got me thinking of potential other such aircraft, one other that comes to mind was the BV238 flying boat, saw a decent video on YouTube, see below,

The Plane Built for Hitler to Escape? - BV 238 - YouTube

I have 3 TG planes on order, a Vampire, Walrus Flying Boat and a BV141.

How are you going to display your new plane?

 

[MLH13]

I saw the TGunn ME264 when collecting some stuff from Thomas Gunn, very impressive, great looking aircraft. Got me thinking of potential other such aircraft, one other that comes to mind was the BV238 flying boat, saw a decent video on YouTube, see below,

The Plane Built for Hitler to Escape? - BV 238 - YouTube

I have 3 TG planes on order, a Vampire, Walrus Flying Boat and a BV141.

How are you going to display your new plane?

These are not flattering photos of my Me264, but my collection will be moving into a bigger room soon where I can better display my wares.

BTW.....excellent video of the BV238. Because of this plane's size, I don't know if TG can make such an aircraft in 1:32 scale but I would definitely be a buyer if they could.

Mark