We recently had into stock two of each Fiat G.50 previously released, if these stunning models are of interest email us directly before they go.
That's all for this month's Warbirds, 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 for 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.
WOW412 McDonnell Douglas A-4 Skyhawk The Skyhawk was designed by Ed Heinemann and built due to a demand by the navy for a jet powered replacement for its A-1 Skyraider. The result was an aircraft that weighed only half of the Navy's weight specification. It had a wing so compact that it did not need to be folded for carrier stowage. The first 500 production examples cost an average of $860,000 each, less than the Navy's one million dollar maximum. The diminutive Skyhawk soon received the nicknames "Scooter", "Kiddiecar", "Bantam Bomber", "Tinker Toy Bomber", and on account of its speed and nimble performance, "Heinemann's Hot-Rod". The XA4D-1 prototype set a world speed record of 695.163 mph on 15 October 1955.
Since its inception the Skyhawk has since become one of the most iconic aircraft of the 20th century and has been exported to several airforces around the world.
Skyhawks were the U.S. Navy's primary light attack aircraft used over North Vietnam during the early years of the Vietnam War, they were later supplanted by the A-7 Corsair II in the U.S. Navy light attack role. Skyhawks carried out some of the first air strikes during the conflict and a Marine Skyhawk is believed to have dropped the last American bombs on the country. On 1 May 1967, an A-4C Skyhawk piloted by Lieutenant Commander Theodore R. Swartz aboard the carrier USS Bon Homme Richard, shot down a North Vietnamese Air Force MiG-17 with an unguided Zuni rocket as the Skyhawk's only air-to-air victory of the Vietnam War.
From 1956 on, Navy Skyhawks were the first aircraft to be deployed outside of the U.S. armed with the AIM-9 Sidewinder. On strike missions, which was the Skyhawk's normal role, the air-to-air armament was for self-defense purposes. Lightweight and safer to land on smaller decks, Skyhawks would later also play a similar role flying from Australian, Argentinean, and Brazilian upgraded World War II surplus light ASW carriers, which were unable to operate most large modern fighters. Primary air-to-air armament consisted of the internal 20 mm (.79 in) Colt cannons and ability to carry an AIM-9 Sidewinder missile on both underwing hardpoints, later additions of two more underwing hardpoints on some aircraft made for a total capacity of four AAMs.
The first combat loss of an A-4 occurred on 5 August 1964, when Lt Everett Alvarez aboard USS Constellation, was shot down while attacking enemy torpedo boats in North Vietnam. Alvarez safely ejected after being hit by anti-aircraft artillery (AAA) fire, and became the first US Naval POW of the war. He was released as a POW on 12 February 1973. The last A-4 loss in the Vietnam War occurred on 26 September 1972, when USMC pilot James P. Walsh, USMC, flying close air support, was hit by ground fire. Walsh ejected safely and was the last U.S. Marine to be taken prisoner during the war. He was released as a POW on 12 February 1973.
This all new 1/30 scale release represents a A-4E Skyhawk that served with the VMA-311 Tomcats during the Vietnam War and is loaded down with ordnance. VMA-311 served for nearly 8 years of operations in Vietnam, flying 54,625 combat sorties – June 1965 to January 1973. Supporting operations in Vietnam, Laos and Cambodia. Including a four-day a total of 240 sorties, 5[SUP]th[/SUP] to 8[SUP]th[/SUP] May 1968, in support of the Marines during the Battle of Khe Sahn.
We only have 3 of these hand carved Mahogany warbirds priced at $750 plus postage. The K&C soldiers/dog and TG accessories/mat are shown for scale comparison purposes and are not included please note.
WOW409 Fiat CR.32 Falco
The Fiat CR.32 was an Italian fighter used in the Spanish Civil War and WW2. Designed by the Celestion Rosatelli, it was a compact, robust and highly manoeuvrable aircraft for its era, leading to it being a relatively popular fighter during the 1930s. The CR.32 fought in North and East Africa, in Albania, and in the Mediterranean theatre. It was extensively used in the Spanish Civil War where it gained a reputation as one of the most outstanding fighter biplanes of all time. It also saw service in the air forces of China, Austria, Hungary and others. Furthermore it frequently performed impressive displays all over Europe in the hands of the Italian Pattuglie Acrobatiche.
During the late 1930s, the CR.32 was overtaken subsequently by more advanced monoplane designs; by the start of WW2, it was considered to be obsolete. While it had been superseded by a number of newer Italian fighters, including the newer Fiat CR.42 that had been derived from the CR.32, the type continued to be flown throughout the war.
Our Fiat was one flown by Captain Mario D’Agostini, 163[SUP]rd[/SUP] Squadron, based at in Rhodes-Marizza airport in 1940. Captain Mario D’Agostini was killed during an attack on Tobruk on June 15[SUP]th[/SUP] 1942, aged 28. Flying a Macchi M.C.200 "Saetta" or “Lightning”. He joined the Italian Air Force Academy in 1935, receiving his military pilot's license in 1937 and in May 1938, the appointment as second lieutenant. Assigned first to the Miraglia, a float plane support ship. He was transferred in March 1939 he was transferred to the 163rd squadron autonomous fighter in the Aegean theatre, where he was promoted to lieutenant. He participated in numerous bomber escort missions after the declaration of war. Promoted to captain, he assumed command of the 94th fighter squadron of the 8th group.
He was posthumously awarded the Italian Gold Medal of Valour. While previously awarded a Silver Medal and a Bronze Medal for Military Valour, the Knight's Cross of the Order of the Crown of Italy and the German Iron Cross Second Class.
We have 3 x 1/30 scale CR.32's available priced at $650 plus postage. The figures/accessories are shown for scale comparison purposes only and are not included. Model measures 25cm by 33cm approximately.
WOW339 Blohm & Voss BV.141 We have had many request for a new version of this isosteric aircraft and here she is for all of those of you who missed out on the first release.
The Blohm & Voss BV 141 was originally developed from a 1937 requirement for a new reconnaissance aircraft with optimal visual characteristics. Arado were the preferred competitor but after the aircraft prototype failed to impress, the field was left wide open. Focke Wulf stepped in with the FW189 although this aircraft had two engines despite the RLM's requirements for a single engine aircraft design type. Blohm & Voss submitted a design with a highly unusual asymmetric design feature, which surpassed all requirements and was powered by a single engine. Unfortunately for Blohm and Voss the design was considered too radical and Focke Wulf were awarded the lucrative contract. Only 20 B&V aircraft were produced with some seeing action on the Eastern Front, several examples were captured by the Allies including the British, as they advanced through Germany. Our version is portrayed in standard Luftwaffe colour scheme for this period. Despite being a single engine aircraft the BV 141 was very large for its time with a wingspan of over 57 ft and a fuselage of approximately 46 ft in length. The BV 141 had a crew of three personnel and our 1/32 scale model measures 55cm x 43cm approximately.
We have 3 of these 1/30 scale models available priced at $950 plus shipping.
The TG/KC figures/accessories in the photos are shown for scale comparison purposes only and are not included
WOW407 DFS 230 Glider
The DFS 230 glider was used in virtually every significant Axis airborne operation during WW2, including Eben Emael, Crete and the rescue of Mussolini. Initially designed as an assault glider capable of transporting 9 men with exit and entry via a side door. The DFS 230 could land almost directly on top of its intended target, thanks to its parachute brake and achieved considerable surprise at Eben Emael when used in this role.
The DFS 230 was one of the few armed gliders of WW2 and could carry a machine gun on top operated by one of its passengers, another was also placed on the right hand side for the pilot to operate if needed. The DFS was often a welcome sight for surrounded German troops as its arrival often meant the delivery of fresh supplies and ammunition, it excelled in the supply role particularly in the Demyansk and Kholm Pockets. Although production ceased in 1941 there were sufficient gliders produced to
ensure the design saw service right up until the end of the war even supplying Breslau and Berlin in the final days of WW2.
This glider had a wingspan of 72ft and was nearly 37ft long but had a very narrow fuselage. It was not much wider than the humans it was designed to carry, giving it a somewhat streamlined but unusual appearance over other conventional aircraft.
Our all new 1/30 scale version measures approx. 74cm in wingspan and is nearly 38cm long. The model is priced at $750 plus post and packing, production is limited to 5 pieces worldwide and this item is in stock now. The FJ figure shown is not included and is shown for scale comparison purposes only.
Dear all, a sad week here in UK as our Queen has passed away, someone who has been here for all of us and our nation since most of can remember. Our condolences go out to her family.
With that duty comes first here at TG and we say a big welcome to you all as we launch our September 2022 Aircraft newsletter.
All our hand carved Mahogany aircraft take in the region of 250 days to manufacture plus many more hours of drying time. For this reason we only make small numbers of each model and every aircraft is a unique piece. For those of you who wish to spread your budget when buying our aircraft, please note we do accept stage payments where you can spread the cost over several months. If you require further details of any of the aircraft in today's newsletter, please email welcome@gunnclub.co.uk and ask for a quote.
A big thank you to Mark Dyer and others who wish to remain nameless with their assistance in the research and development of these models, it really is invaluable.
All our aircraft now come with their own stands and can be displayed in flying mode if required.
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