iiinova — where your digital self keeps evolving

James D Kightly @jdkightly.bsky.social · 23h

The latest Aeroplane, Nov 2026 is out! It has my Database on the Junkers F 13, which includes an attempted royal coup(!) disputing pioneering air crash probes from the UK and Germany, Soviet propaganda, plus a sleigh board and boiled moose hide propeller ... Thanks to Editor @bdaviation.bsky.social

Cover of the Nov 2026 Aeroplane Monthly with the Database cover inserted.

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James D Kightly @jdkightly.bsky.social · 25/09/2026

To clarify, I'm not (yet) sure which Fiat CR 32 kit I'll use, but the intent is to end up with one . Interestingly, three Fiats, and three kits from Italy as well as (required) all Italian made subjects. However there WILL be a twist, if I manage it!

Three kit boxes (see previous post for contents) featuring a Meng Fiat G 91, and two Fiat CR 32s, one from AZ Model, one from Supermodel. All 1/72. A phone shows the date of Thursday 24 September 2026. By James Kightly.

Two kit boxes (see previous post for contents) featuring a Italeri Fiat CR 42 and a Supermodel Regiane RE 2000 Falco I, both 1/72. A phone shows the date of Thursday 24 September 2026. By James Kightly.

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James D Kightly @jdkightly.bsky.social · 25/09/2026

Well, work (+other things) delayed my entry to #histscalemodels #ItaliaGB, but I couldn't miss it! My first idea wasn't quite 'right', but I think it's resolved now. So. I'm trying (will I get there?) is 2 displays of 2 aircraft each. Thankfully simple (ha) single seat fighters. V Italian so far!

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James D Kightly @jdkightly.bsky.social · 07/09/2026

The New Yorker, January 13, 1940, the great Charles Addams. Wouldn’t want to be without the two great visually subversive, witty and destabilising cartoonists from the New Yorker stable, Addams, or Arno. An analysis of the cartoon in the first link.

A very strange cartoon of two skiers that looks normal at first glance. See the article in the following link for detail.

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James D Kightly @jdkightly.bsky.social · 24/08/2026

I’m presenting the Wellesley story at the Aviation Historical Society of Australia’s Melbourne meeting 7.30 on Wednesday night. It’s a great story, I’ll try and do it justice… If you’re able to join us, it’d be good to see you! Also available on Zoom for members: www.ahsa.org.au/wp/ahsa/ahsa...

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James D Kightly @jdkightly.bsky.social · 15/08/2026

Getting back to #DrawingAugust, #DrawingAugust2036, a quick and companionable sketch at the local Ecotherapy park with @bevlaing.bsky.social. She got the brushes out and did one lovely one, I rattled off a few quick ink notes. Individual art to follow!

Two drawing notebooks, one, smaller one, with an ink sketch, the bigger with a watercolour painting, both showing a building and plants from slightly different viewpoints. By James Kightly and Bev Laing.

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James D Kightly @jdkightly.bsky.social · 12/08/2026

Today’s #DrawingAugust #DrawingAugust2026 A curious set of belted Galloways who came to the gate as I was undoubtedly the most interesting thing they saw on the day. Being up a rural dead end.

Pencil outline sketch of a group of cows in a field with a gate just visible in the foreground. By James Kightly.

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James D Kightly @jdkightly.bsky.social · 11/08/2026

Missed a couple, here’s a recent drawing for #DrawingAugust, #DrawingAugust2026 from BC, Canada. Another grabbed sketch with a view to a return and another go. I liked the trees peaking over the very straight lines and triangles of the cabin roof and windows. Drawing board and ruler next time.

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James D Kightly @jdkightly.bsky.social · 11/08/2026

Tonight’s the datapoint for the 2026 Census – Australia; you (if in Aus, and not a diplomat) might’ve filled it out already, or be doing it soon, but as the envelope says: ‘please return without delay’. 1/3

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James D Kightly @jdkightly.bsky.social · 08/08/2026

Another sketch from the RAAF Museum, a proper aircraft. Well, sort of. It’s a detail of the Maurice Farman Shorthorn, which could be described in many ways, few of them flattering. #DrawingAugust / #DrawingAugust2026.

Ink sketch of the nacelle of an aircraft. By James Kightly.

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James D Kightly @jdkightly.bsky.social · 07/08/2026

Here you can see how playing with colour and texture could be fun.

The drawing contrasted with a photo of the scene. Muted colours.

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James D Kightly @jdkightly.bsky.social · 07/08/2026

Today I liked the contrasting shapes and solidity of colour between the birds and the tree. Another quick one laid down for review and later variations. #DrawingAugust / #DrawingAugust2026.

A drawing of some birds in a tree, black cockatoos in a poplar. By James Kightly.

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James D Kightly @jdkightly.bsky.social · 06/08/2026

No question that jets are easier to draw than proper aircraft with props, wires and extra wings. Here’s the RAAF Museum’s Macchi jet trainer sketched today for #DrawingAugust / #DrawingAugust2026.

Photograph of a sketch of a jet aircraft seen from above with the sketch of it in ink seen in front. By James Kightly.

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James D Kightly @jdkightly.bsky.social · 05/08/2026

Lines and curves. I can see taking this in several different directions (ink? Paint?) so stopping here and having a think - for today’s #DrawingAugust / #DrawingAugust2026.

A pencil drawing of a knife, fork and spoon. By James Kightly.

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James D Kightly @jdkightly.bsky.social · 04/08/2026

Drawing something on the table and ‘bringing it to life’. A sketchy sketch, a fun idea. Maybe return to it with more time / detail, but I’m happy with it as it is… Yes, it’s a real subject, someone may guess the aircraft type, and if they’re clever, the kit, too. #drawingaugust #drawingaugust2026

An ink drawing of a model aeroplane box with the model coming off the top of the box.

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James D Kightly @jdkightly.bsky.social · 03/08/2026

Day 3 of #DrawingAugust. My partner picked local buildings buildings, and we sketched from the car - it was sharp and cold out there! Our local post office, a standard building type, but heavily modified of the years.

Pencil drawing of a building seen between trees. By James Kightly.

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James D Kightly @jdkightly.bsky.social · 02/08/2026

Here’s a quick smash to get loosened up and into the habit. Started with trying to get the curves of the oval’s fence, then sketched in the details. Started a bit rough (not convinced by the perspective curves) not great, but happy to have had the bash and get going with Day 2 of #DrawingAugust !

Drawing of the edge of a football oval, buildings and trees, with the real thing behind… By James Kightly.

The first go at the decline curves before more detail was added. Not great curves, but gotta try!

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James D Kightly @jdkightly.bsky.social · 01/08/2026

As it’s the 1st, it’s the start of #DrawingAugust. Not managed a sketch today, but here’s a previously unshared one from under a month ago, and done on the other side of the Pacific.

A pencil drawing by James Kightly of a set of trees, with a water inlet between foreshore and distant hillside.

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James D Kightly @jdkightly.bsky.social · 12/07/2026

This is 4/4. #BastilleBuild at #histscalemodels. Prob biggest change was NOT just going with the borrowed Airfix crew for the Bloch. (The Bréguet got a Matchbox pair). Bloch crew had heads 'turned', which makes them more alive looking, and a Matchbox(?) Daimler A/Car cdr adapted for the observer.

The original crews test fitted. Heller didn't provide crews, but flying posed models need them! Bloch in the foreground. Models and photo by James Kightly.

The revised Bloch crew. St Ex has has head turned to stbd as the nose observed calls out a point of interest. Models and photo by James Kightly.

The crews ready for paint. Bloch gunner had head also sawn off and turned, but the commander got a filler headset and Milliput harness and map, boots off another figure. Models and photo by James Kightly.

The Bloch crew test fitted, and despite the thickness of the canopy and sparse interior, surprisingly effective once 'glassed in'! Models and photo by James Kightly.

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James D Kightly @jdkightly.bsky.social · 12/07/2026

And the #BastilleBuild at #histscalemodels together. The roundel for the Bréguet 693 is a temporary paper one, I'll be replacing with an acrylic version soon (time ran out). There's a few extra stories, like that and sawing St Ex's head off(!) which I can share if of interest, once I'm back home.

Photo of the two models in the open sun on their bases. Models and photo by James Kightly.

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James D Kightly @jdkightly.bsky.social · 12/07/2026

Next #BastilleBuild at #histscalemodels, the Bloch 174 of Antoine de Saint-Exupéry. The stand display has a scale 'model' of the book 'Pilote de Guerre' he wrote about his flights during the Battle of France. I'm now reading a wartime edition of it in English (retitled as 'Flight to Arras'). 2/n

Photo of Antoine de Saint-Exupéry's Bloch MB 174 'in flight' thanks to a little post processing. Photo and model by James Kightly.

Photo of Antoine de Saint-Exupéry's Bloch MB 174 on its base which also features a dummy copy of the book he wrote about these wartime flights. Photo and model by James Kightly.

Photo of Antoine de Saint-Exupéry's Bloch MB 174 entering a climb 'in flight' thanks to a little post processing. Photo and model by James Kightly.

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James D Kightly @jdkightly.bsky.social · 12/07/2026

A few more glory shots of my two #BastilleBuild at #histscalemodels! First the Bréguet 693. The wheels can be lowered, so a quick borrowed base from another display gives us some lovely ground shots taken outside on a sunny day, and one 'flying' thanks to duffing out the wire and prop blurring. 1/n

Photo of the Bréguet 693 model on the grass. Photo and model by James Kightly.

Photo of the Bréguet 693 model 'in flight', thanks to some retouching. Photo and model by James Kightly.

Photo of the Bréguet 693 model on the grass, with some people watching and a speaker on a pole. Photo and model by James Kightly.

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James D Kightly @jdkightly.bsky.social · 02/07/2026

Commemorating Canada Day in the Strong and Free North! Always great to share a bit of special Canadian aviation, here with Philthy Vabre at the The KF Centre for Excellence, and (a long time ago) the Air Canada operated Lockheed 10 Electra while visiting the Canada Aviation and Space Museum.

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James D Kightly @jdkightly.bsky.social · 01/07/2026

So grateful to be in a world with one Mel Brooks. None is too few. Two would be too much. One Mel is just right.

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James D Kightly @jdkightly.bsky.social · 30/06/2026

Completed, posted, so in the position of sharing more photos of build stages, or completed models, if I (other people) want! #BastilleBuild

Photo of the fuselages of the two models test fitted together.

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James D Kightly @jdkightly.bsky.social · 15/06/2026

Personal circs have been v disruptive (as expected) for the two #BastilleBuild #HistScaleModels from me, but 'ta da'! Here's show shots of the finished Bréguet 693 and Antoine de Saint-Exupéry's Bloch MB 174. More in a while, on the built and story, when I next get a chance. In the meantime, enjoy!

Photo of the model aircraft 'flying' over distant trees. Both model and photo by James Kightly.

Photo of two models, both on stands on bases. One has a French roundel and glass base, the other a miniature book on a wooden base. Both models and photo by James Kightly.

Photo the model, on a base. The book is called 'Pilote de Guerre' by Antone de St-Exupery, and the aircraft is the Bloch 174, the type he flew and wrote about in the book. Both model and photo by James Kightly.

Photo of the model aircraft parked on an airfield. Both model and photo by James Kightly.

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James D Kightly @jdkightly.bsky.social · 03/06/2026

A bit of significant visual progress today on the two #BastilleBuild #HistScaleModels from me. Bases! Wires! It's all a lot out of order, but it'll all make sense / come together by the end. I'm sure. Certain. Next, a spray of the undersides. (Masking not shown.)

Photo of the model on a brass rod that fits onto a glass and brass base. Classy, I hope, not brassy.

The other model with a rod holding it above a wooden base.

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James D Kightly @jdkightly.bsky.social · 26/05/2026

Cunningly, Heller's team decided retractable wheels should be an option, and thanks to LOTS of care, they are! In the #BastilleBuild #HistScaleModels, we are now doing some joint filling. The model doesn't have particularly positive locations and fit, but with LOTS of care and dry fitting, it's OK.

Phot of the model with the wheels down, engines and vertical tail added temporarily.

Underside showing a little filler, mainly on both nacelles.

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James D Kightly @jdkightly.bsky.social · 26/05/2026

Chipping away on #BastilleBuild #HistScaleModels. The Breguet has a separate fwd nacelle, which needed a bit of 'interesting' pressure to be applied, after the previous step, where I'd got the wing dihedral set right thanks to blue tape. (Bonus, tailplane's attach point was skewed. Fixed.)

Photo of a model with blue tape holding the wing dihedral and tape holding the fuselage haves together.

Now rubber bands are holding the nacelles on.

Now rubber bands are holding the nacelles on - another BIG tape is 'helping'.

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James D Kightly @jdkightly.bsky.social · 20/05/2026

There was a photo essay by Terry Fincher of him returning to some of his UK bases, and even trying gliding for the first time!

Set of photos of the older James Stewart at a derelict airfield he'd flown from in WWII. Title 'James Stewart - aviator'.

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James D Kightly @jdkightly.bsky.social · 20/05/2026

'When someone shows you who they are, believe them the first time.' Maya Angelou But do keep track on their claims, too. For those not aware, AI based searches GUARANTEE a proportion of credible-seeming lie answers. And this isn't occasional 'oops', this is the one poisoned Smartie issue.

A photo of an artwork featuring Google's 'Don't be evil' on a wall.

A screenshot of cartoon figures removing 'Don't' making Google's homepage read 'Be Evil'.

Shot of Google's presentation screen showing 'Google Search is AI Search' their loopy, idiotic decision to replace the search engine with AI search. This is a disaster, one hopes for Google alone, but probably wider-spread.

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James D Kightly @jdkightly.bsky.social · 20/05/2026

Ha, prob not. Given it was for filming of 'Spirit of St Louis', where Stewart was playing Lindbergh, and they were both combat veterans of WWII, I think there would've been other topics. Not least Lindbergh was Stewart's inspiration to become an aviator. (Stewart also generally avoided politics.)

Photo of Stewart as Lindbergh in front of a Ryan replicating the 'Spitit of St Louis' aircraft.

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James D Kightly @jdkightly.bsky.social · 20/05/2026

2/2. Researching Stewart was a rare case where the reality beat the legend. A man of remarkable integrity, courage and much more, he did 'walk the talk'. The article origin was looking past Grace Kelly. Hah. My unanswered question is what might Stewart and Lindbergh have talked about when they met?

Cover and details of my The Aviation Historian article on Stewart in Issue 50.

'Colonel Jimmy Stewart' on the cover of 'Life' Magazine.

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James D Kightly @jdkightly.bsky.social · 20/05/2026

Hollywood's greatest aviator's birthday. James Stewart, born #OTD 20 May 1908, a man who flew for pleasure, flew in films and flew against fascism. Presenting a @avculturesconf.bsky.social / @popcrn.bsky.social paper led to my article in The Aviation Historian... 1/2 www.theaviationhistorian.com

James Stewart, seen here sitting on the railing of a USAAF watch office during his service with the US military against German in WWII. As a combat airmen bore the weight of genuine senior combat command. He came home aged.

James Stewart,, centre, acting the pilot with Hardy Kruger (left) and Richard Attenborough in the background 'Flight of the Phoenix'.

James Stewart learned to fly before the war as a Hollywood star on the rise. Here he is with his own Stinson aircraft, NC26210.

Stewart the flying family man. With his wife, two daughters and two sons in front of his exec and family aircraft.

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James D Kightly @jdkightly.bsky.social · 20/05/2026

So I *had* to replace the Bréguet 693 decals, because they were the standard Heller 'rigid' ones (I *wanted* to replace the Bloch ones for St Ex's - the kit decals would've been fine.) Then the 693 decals arrived - HOW many options? AND overleaf... #BastilleBuild #HistScaleModels

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James D Kightly @jdkightly.bsky.social · 20/05/2026

The 3rd parcel arrived (first 2 were the kits) w decals; 1. because tinplate signage is better than vintage Heller decals, 2. because I discovered Antoine de Saint-Exupéry was a Captain in the Battle of France flying Bloch 174s! So: the decals, plus bonus Aéronavale. #BastilleBuild #HistScaleModels

Three decal packs, as mentioned Bloch 174, Aéronavale adaptable roundels and Breguet decals. But wait!

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James D Kightly @jdkightly.bsky.social · 20/05/2026

Apols for the silence on #BastilleBuild #HistScaleModels front, delighted so many other projects forging ahead! Here's the current status (together for viz-prog) w Capt St Ex's Bloch (stay tuned for more!) and the Breguet coming along. Repositioning pilot heads & a tank commander enlivens the crew!

Photo of a grey model showing the partly painted figures.

Photo of ANOTHER grey model, also with partly painted figures, but it's evident the wings and tail are just in position temporarily, not fixed.

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James D Kightly @jdkightly.bsky.social · 15/05/2026

Indeed! I wrote on Lt Petre re- his work in the foundation of the Central Flying School, Point Cook, Vic, Aus in ‘Bristol Boxkites Over Point Cook’ (2014) and I’m aware of others’ research on him, but never connected him to Kay. I think that’s timing, rather than the more usual hiding the woman.

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James D Kightly @jdkightly.bsky.social · 07/05/2026

Just arrived, quick and a reasonable price from @blackwells.bsky.social (good to see them here!). Looks VERY interesting at a quick scan through, thanks @rowan-thompson.bsky.social , and well done. H/T @airminded.org for obtainment tips. There’s free download option, as well. Academia done right.

Photo of a book, the one listed in the shared message, Rowan Thompson’s ‘Organised Militarism in Interwar Britain’, in front of a bookcase of other books.

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James D Kightly @jdkightly.bsky.social · 05/05/2026

Already wandering from OOB zone. As the aircraft have the gea... undercarria... train d'atterrissage retracted, crews required. Spares box 'modern' Airfix, old Matchbox guys. NOT helped by Bloch's cabin floor way too high and NO int in the Breguet. None. Test fit. #BastilleBuild #histscalemodels

Photo of the fwd section of two model aircraft in grey, with crew figures inserted.

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James D Kightly @jdkightly.bsky.social · 05/05/2026

Another aspect is distraction or misdirection camouflage. While the Great War example on the Sopwith Camel fuselage was never flown as far as I've ever found, it was not a dead end, as some assume. The RCAF F/A-18 Hornet's fake canopy shape on the underside is another example of misdirection.

1918 dazzle camouflage experiment with a Sopwith Camel fuselage standing on its wheels. The wheels have black and white spirals painted on. The fin and rudder has been painted with a shorter, smaller rudder on it, the fuselage has an ovoid roundel and open boxes on the side of uncertain perspective. The cowling has an edge painted to throw off the perspective. The idea was to trick enemy pilots into giving too little “lead” when aiming. The spiral patterned wheel covers are mean to help spoil pilots’ aim. Origin unclear, copies likely in the IWM collection.

Author's photo of a RCAF F/A-18 underside in overall grey, with a fake cockpit canopy painted in darker grey on the underside.

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James D Kightly @jdkightly.bsky.social · 01/05/2026

Right! The #BastilleBuild, in #histscalemodels starting whistle sprint is on! Just arrived, the Heller twin-engine twin-tail Bloch 174, has also arrived, joining the Heller Breguet 693. A contrast from the tragic Battle of France era. They're going to both be out of the box, albeit with new decals.

Photo of two open model kit boxes, Breguet 693 and Bloch MB 174 from Heller, with a phone showing 6.55 on 1 May 2026.

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James D Kightly @jdkightly.bsky.social · 27/04/2026

OK! For #BastilleBuild, the first of 3 packages has arrived with the Tout en français stylee 1960s Heller Breguet 693 in 1/72. They don't make 'em like that any more, but I will. Ha ha. Heavy rivets, random details but I'm going to TRY and stick to 'build not fiddle'. We'll see. #histscalemodels !

Photo of the opened box of a Heller 1/72 Breguet 693 kit showing the kit, instructions and excellent box art.

Photo of the opened box of a Heller 1/72 Breguet 693 kit showing the kit parts laid out, as well as the instructions and excellent box art.

Photo of the #BastilleBuild #histscalemodels modellers rushing for their start on 1st May. In fact its the drivers running to their 1960s race cars at the start of the 24 Hours of le Mans race.

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James D Kightly @jdkightly.bsky.social · 27/04/2026

Good evening in Australian Autumn back to you, Mika!

Photograph of some leaves on a deck with raking shadows.

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James D Kightly @jdkightly.bsky.social · 20/04/2026

One for women in aviation. This survey was brought to my attention by a female aviation colleague. She wrote: "Women in aviation, this one is for you - ICAO have been circulating a landmark global study on women in aviation, conducted as part of ICAO’s Gender Equality Programme. ... 1/3

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James D Kightly @jdkightly.bsky.social · 06/04/2026

Good series on the Dornier Do 24 et al by James. I'd add that the Dornier patent sponsons gave exceptional seaworthiness to these 'boats, and the Do 24 was a remarkable aircraft by any measure, as I explored in my Database for Aeroplane magazine in July 2024.

Cover of the Database section in Aeroplane in July 2024 by James Kightly on the Dornier Do 24.

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James D Kightly @jdkightly.bsky.social · 05/04/2026

I like in my av library (see below for the @librarything.com link) to include non mainstream. Recent acquisitions, one looking at the fascinating (British Empire based) aviatrixes in fact and fiction. The other on camouflage, a rare look at the 'why' and 'how' beyond the usual views. 1/2

Photo of two book covers, one 'Women with Wings : Female Flyers in Fact and Fiction' by Mary Cadogan, the other 'Camouflage Australia : Art, Nature Science and War' by Ann Elias.

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James D Kightly @jdkightly.bsky.social · 05/04/2026

Back your team, rescue them. But first, don't put them in peril and waste huge resources. “Every gun that is made, every warship launched, every rocket fired signifies in the final sense, a theft from those who hunger and are not fed, those who are cold and are not clothed” – Dwight D. Eisenhower

Eisenhower with the Shah of Iran, Mohammad Reza Pahlavi (1959). Via Wiki.

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