Wings of Angels Takes Flight!

After two very long years filled with the blood, sweat and more than a handful of tears, the Wings of Angels: A Tribute to the Art of World War II Pinups and Aviation Vol. 1 and 2 books are now available for pre-order worldwide. That's right you can save yourself a bundle in shipping by choosing the location nearest your location to reduce the amount of shipping you have to pay to have the books arrive at your doorstep on May 28th which is when the publisher has slated the book for release.

The easiest way to locate where you can pick up a copy of the book that is closest to where you live is to type the ISBN - 978-0764346408 (Volume 1) and 978-0764346415 (Volume 2) in your browsers search window.

 

Google will automatically list all the places you can pre-order the books that are close to your location. Amazon world-wide, Barnes and Noble,Schiffer Publishers, Booksamillion, and so many other local retailers are all on board to help get these books into your hands. If you are a Prime Member with Amazon, your shipping costs are generally Free! So make sure you shop around for the best value for you!

In general these volumes are selling for between $30-$40 each and you'll want to make sure you have them both so you don't miss out on anything. These first pre-order guarantees you that you will have a first edition until those run out or are sold out. Not sure when that will happen but it's always great to have a first edition book if you are a collector. Some other interesting developments are that if you purchase a Limited Edition Collector's set from Schiffer Publishing, you will get one of only 250 sets to be produced in an exclusive sleeve to house both volumes. These are guaranteed to be first editions and are being sold for $100.00 for each and only sold on Schiffer's website.

People have asked me who is in which volume or what is included in each volume and as of this moment, only the publisher has that information. It's like they say in movies, you just never know what will wind up on the cutting room floor or how they have created the books to fill two complete volumes. All of the Wings of Angels models and their planes will be displayed in these hardcover books. There will truly be something for everyone.

People have started emailing me with questions about getting theirs signed by the models of their choice or to have me autograph and personalize copies, but until the books are officially released, I can't tell you how that can be arranged. I know we will work something out at a later date and will have book signings scheduled so you can come talk with me or some of the models and have yours signed at that time. Do I know when or where that will happen, not at this time.

I know May 28th is a way off but trust me when I tell you it will be worth the wait. We will be working hard to make the time pass and continue to make sure you don't miss out on my giveaway exclusive offers by being a member of my blog. If you aren't getting notifications on your Facebook feed, please make sure you are clicking on the "Liked" button and then making sure you have "Get Notifications" checked by clicking on it. After all the updates to Facebook, it keeps defaulting you to not receiving any notifications and you have to redo it to see it in your feed. (See Photo below where the arrow indicates).

Don't forget we've got lots of surprises are coming your way. You won't want to miss out on anything!

The Idea Behind Michael's Dream

For those of you that may not have heard, Michael Malak's Wings of Angels: A Tribute to the Art of World War II Pinups and Aviation Volumes 1 and 2 are now available for pre-order at your local book retailer for release on May 28, 2014.

For an in-depth look at this project that has taken more than two years to see it finally complete, Michael takes us into the inspiration that gave birth to this project.

For those of you that are interested in pre-ordering your copies of the Wings of Angels: A Tribute to the Art of World War II Pinups and Aviation Volumes 1 and 2 and 2 please click on the links below. Don't forget by pre-ordering your hard cover books today, you are getting first editions until they are sold out So get your's today!

Wings of Angels: A Tribute to the Art of World War II Pinups and Aviation Volumes 1
Wings of Angels: A Tribute to the Art of World War II Pinups and Aviation Volumes 2

Are you ready for the Big News?

I know so many of you have been asking these questions?

When will the Wings of Angels Book be available?

Where can I order it when it does become available?

Congratulations goes out to Michael Malak as his latest pre-order release of not just one Wings of Angels: A Tribute to the Art of World War II Pinup and Aviation Volume 1, but also Wings of Angels: A Tribute to the Art of World War II Pinup and Aviation Volume 2!

Huh? Did you just read that right?

Two books?

Okay, I can just hear your next question, just how much will those books be?

Are you ready for this? $39.99 for each volume. Some local online retailers are offering a price-break as well through Amazon and Barnes and Noble for $30.59 for each volume!

So where can you pre-order yours now to ensure you have one when they release on May 28, 2014?

• Schiffer Publishing
• Amazon
• Barnes and Noble
• Bookamillion.

• Hardcover: 160 pages
• Publisher: Schiffer Publishing Ltd; 1 edition (May 28, 2014)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0764346407
• ISBN-13: 978-0764346408

Each volume is a beautiful illustrated hardcover with 160 pages showcasing a 2 year long project in the making now finally available for pre-order. Trust me, you'll definitely one to grab one of these collector's edition Wings of Angels books today before they are SOLD OUT!

• Hardcover: 144 pages
• Publisher: Schiffer Publishing Ltd; 1 edition (May 28, 2014)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0764346415
• ISBN-13: 978-0764346415

Join me in congratulating Michael Malak for seeing his dream come true!!!I've ordered mine today, have you?

1944 North American NA-88 Texan (AT-6D) (SNJ-5)

Today's Tribute to WWII Aircraft highlights the North American NA-88 Texan (AT-6D) (SNJ-5) the plane featured in Judy Luck's Wings of Angels Photo Shoot. This beautiful plane currently resides at Yanks Air Museum in Chino, California.

"In 1937 North American won the Air Corp design competition to produce the new combat trainer that developed into the AT-6.

The most universally used trainer in the allied air forces. Known as the AT-6 by the USAAF, the T-6 after 1948, was produced well into the 1950's.

Cadet training consisted of 26 weeks of pre-flight, 11 weeks primary training in the N3N and 22 weeks advanced training in the SNJ.

Carrier landings, gunnery, bombing and rocket attack were completed and finally the reserve officer was moved to a combat training team.

The attack on Pearl Harbor found the Navy with only 4,000 combat pilots.  By the end of the war there were 60,747 Navy aviators.

Over 2,000 AT-6's remained in service after WWII also serving abroad as the famous T-6F Harvard.
This powerful trainer was very successful in prepping pilots for fighter aircraft." (Yanks Air Museum)

The North American Aviation T-6 Texan was a single-engined advanced trainer aircraft used to train pilots of the United States Army Air Forces, United States Navy, Royal Air Forceand other air forcesof the British Commonwealth during World War II and into the 1950s, and of Israel. Designed by North American Aviation, the T-6 is known by a variety of designations depending on the model and operating air force. The USAAC and USAAF designated it as the AT-6, the United States Navy the SNJ, and British Commonwealth air forces, the Harvard, the name it is best known by outside of the US. After 1962, US forces designated it the T-6. It remains a popular warbird aircraft used for airshow demonstrations and static displays. It has also been used many times to simulate the Japanese Mitsubishi Zero in movies depicting WWII in the Pacific.

Specifications:

Manufacturer: North American
First Produced: 1938
Horsepower: 550
Service Ceiling: 24,200 feet
Top Speed: 205 mph
Range: 750 miles
Armament: (1) .30 cal forward firing machine gun, (1) .30 cal machine gun in rear cockpit

Photo Credits: Michael Malak, Malak Photography.com, Wings of Angels, Yanks Air Museum

Sponsor Spotlight - LTW Custom Cosmetics

LTW was created by Lynn Tassinari Wegiel, a professional makeup artist, so you can be sure you are getting the highest and best in product and performance.


So what makes LTW Custom Cosmetics Custom?

Our Custom Blend Lipstick and Lip Glosses are taking the beauty industry by storm! These sexy shades are hand crafted to your specifications by adding specialty additives to existing shades such as flavors, scents and anti-aging treatments. Color matching is also available.  If you have a shade of discontinued lipstick, we can duplicate it for you. Have a dress you want to match? Send us a swatch we will create it for you. Custom Blended lip products can also be ordered without additives.

We also want you to feel confident with your choices so we offer the Try Before You Buy option.  Here you can order sample swatches of our Creme Stix Foundations and all of our Lipsticks from the Ready To Wear line as well as the Custom Blend line. We offer free shipping when ordering these on their own.

Our other feature of the line is our 6 Pan empty compact. This holds any combination of Shadows, Blush and Brush On Brows. You fill it the way you want it. This eliminates makeup bag clutter by having it all in one convenient compact and eliminates waste. Make several for your collections or just one the way you like it. The compact is refillable and magnetized so you can use it over and over again. This saves you money in the long run. The Eyeshadow pans are larger than average so our products will last a long time.

Unleash your Secret Sexy with LTW Custom Cosmetics 7 super hot collection. What every woman wants to be for 5 minutes…Movie Star, Rock Star, Temptress, Showgirl, Vamp, Bad Girl and our latest Pin Up! Transform yourself into your secret desire with these beautiful, fun and sexy shades. More collections are in the works, so keep checking back for updates.

Don't forget to check out the "Wings of Angels" Pin Up Collection! Authenitc Pin Up shades created for Malak Photography.com book project "Wings of Angels, A Tribute to WWII Pin Up and Aviation." 

Be sure to look for LTW Custom Cosmetics on Facebook for all the latest products available for you.  

The Heritage Flight of Electra Jr.

So just what does famed photographer Michael Malak do for fun on the weekends, he invites his sister and brother-in-law along for an air to air photo shoot at Yanks Air Museum out in Chino, California. Under brilliant blue skies and few clouds and temperatures hovering around mid 80's, we all meet for a pre-flight check for the Lockheed 12-A Electra Jr (C-40D) (UC-40D), a plane similar to that of the one Amelia Earhart purchased and flew. Built in 1938, this nostalgic plane had quite the flying history.

This glistening beauty was polished and shined to perfection for an air to air shoot using the Texan T-6 Trainer as the plane that Michael would use for the photos you see represented here. As the pilots gathered for a pre-flight check and discussion of the types of shots that they wanted to gain, it was agreed that they would do two passovers the Yanks Air Museum before heading out to Lake Elsinore and Lake Matthews for some brilliant air to air shots that only a handful of people ever get to witness.

Michael was strapped in the gunner's seat which is capable of rotating 360 degrees allowing for freedom of movement within the plane itself. The only thing lost in the process was Michael's Texas Tech baseball cap (pictured above) probably landing somewhere over the airport or the city of Chino. If you happen to find it, please drop it off at Yanks and tell them you found Mike's hat! All in all the photo shoot was pretty incredible and can't wait for even more opportunities to do this in the future.

Some fun facts about the Lockheed 12-A Electra Jr (UC-40D) (C-40D) that is housed in Yanks Air Museum is that it was the fastest transport plane in the world. It could out-climb and out-fly any other twin, it handled nicely, had power to spare and pilots liked to fly it. Night crossings and poor terrain were restricted to twin aircraft in 1934, this created a need for the new Electra. Big and small businesses like the advantage of landing in many small town airports. Many options were offered including: autopilot, partitions, plush seats, couch, lavatory, desk and typewriter. The first all-metal aircraft and the first twin-engine aircraft built by Lockheed was the Electra. The fastest transport aircraft in the world was the Lockheed Electra Jr. The Electra name was made famous by the story of Amelia Earhart. A favorite of oil barons, the steel industry and the government this was a glistening, glamourous, revered aircraft. Just being inside this beauty was truly a once in a lifetime experience. (Yanks Air Museum.) 

Photo Credits: Michael Malak, Malak Photography.com, Yanks Air Museum, Steven Smith Photography (Behind the Scenes Photo)

Special Thanks to All Pilots involved: Lockheed Left Seat Pilot: Matt Walker, Right Seat Pilot: Frank Wright, Back Seat: Bob Haden, T-6 Camera Ship Pilot: Chris La Fave, Christen Wright

A heart felt thanks goes out to Yanks Air Museum for the opportunity to take part in this Heritage Flight of the Electra Jr Air to Air Photo Shoot! What a memorable time!

After 76 years it's still going strong!

Name that Caption!

Love to get your best caption for this photo! Feel free to submit as many as you would like!

New Wings of Angels Prints Now Available!

I am often asked where people can purchase my prints of the Wings of Angels models. I am pleased to let you know that I have new ones available in much larger sizes that you can order through Escape Collectibles. In fact there are 147 prints available for sale in sizes ranging from 13 x 19 which are signed and numbered  to 11 x 17 prints and 8.5 by 11. The prices range from $15.95 to $149.95 with domestic shipping included. So there is something for every price range available.

All of the prints available are Fine Art Giclée professionally printed on museum quality Pearl Metallic Paper with high grade archival inks. The paper and printing ink used producing this print gives Michael's exceptional work a very unique look and depth of field. Using the Giclée method of printing renders a quality print with detail and depth of color that has impressed our buyers. Museum quality Premium Pearl Metallic Paper with high grade archival inks.

Escape Collectibles, Ltd. is an authorized and exclusive dealer of photographic artwork created by Michael Malak.We work closely with the artists we represent so that their artwork will be presented in a manner in which they intend.

Escape Collectibles offers a variety of payment methods including Secure encrypted payment via PayPal, MasterCard, Visa, Discover, and American Express. All prints ship within a day and if you are not satisfied, they offer a money back guarantee. Print delivered in an acid-free archival sleeve and backing board.

To view the images available for purchase, please visit Escape Collectibles. 

Got Questions for Lexi Weege?

It's that time again for another Wings of Angel Model Spotlight. This Saturday we will be spotlighting Lexi Weege, also known as Rosie the Riveter in the Wings of Angels photo shoot. This is your opportunity to ask Lexi any question you would like and we'll grab a handful for a candid interview on Saturday. Feel free to ask as many questions as you would like.

Photo Credits: Michael Malak, Malak Photography.com, Yanks Air Museum, LTW Custom Cosmetics, Secrets in Lace Lingerie, My Baby Jo, and Christina Marie (Hair and Makeup).

Mitchell III - The B-25J Bomber

Today's Tribute to the WWII Planes features the 1945 North American B-25J-30-NC also nick named "Mitchell III" which was the plane featured in Sarah Barton's Wings of Angels Photo shoot. This beauty can be found at the Yanks Air Museum in Chino, California.


The North American B-25 Mitchell, a twin-engine bomber that became standard equipment for the Allied Air Forces in World War II, was perhaps the most versatile aircraft of the war. It became the most heavily armed airplane in the world, was used for high- and low-level bombing, strafing, photoreconnaissance, submarine patrol and even as a fighter, and was distinguished as the aircraft that completed the historic raid over Tokyo in 1942.

 
It required 8,500 original drawings and 195,000 engineering man-hours to produce the first one, but nearly 10,000 were produced from late 1939, when the contract was awarded to North American Aviation, through 1945.
Basically, it was a twin-tail, mid-wing land monoplane powered by two 1,700-hp Wright Cyclone engines.Normal bomb capacity was 5,000 pounds. Some versions carried 75 mm cannon, machine guns and added firepower of 13 .50-caliber guns in the conventional bombardier's compartment. One version carried eight .50-caliber guns in the nose in an arrangement that provided 14 forward-firing guns.

During its long career, the B-25 experienced a number of modifications. The first major change occurred with the G model that included a 75mm cannon and two fixed .50-cal. guns in the nose. The H model was the first to add additional forward firing .50-cal. guns in cheek blisters. In the J version, the most numerous variant, the aircraft returned to its initial arrangement as a level bomber, reverting to a transparent nose that included one flexible and two fixed .50-cal. guns.

Driven by requirements in the Pacific, however, field-modified Js and finally production versions once again featured a solid nose that housed eight fixed .50-cal. guns for low-level attack. In this configuration, the J model could devastate vehicles and shipping with up to 14 forward firing heavy machine guns. 

The B-25 would go on to gain national fame in the United States as the aircraft used by the famous "Doolittle Raiders", the end result having shown the American ability to bomb the heart of Tokyo from the USN carrier stationed in the Pacific (USS Hornet).

The B-25 was initially designed as a three-crew high-mounted wing bomber utilizing twin Pratt & Whitney R-1830-S6C-3 radial engines.By the end of its production run, the system would be overhauled to include 5 to 6 crew members in various gun positions, a shoulder mounted wing assembly, and twin Wright GR-2600-A71 radial engines. After over 9800 were produced, the Mitchell had evolved into a host of variants that included trainers, dedicated ground strike, reconnaissance and torpedo carriers.

The more identifiable B-25s were a twin-engine design with radials mounted underneath either wing element. The forward fuselage was a green-house type of design affording the forward-locating gunners and bombardiers a good field of vision. The pilot and co-pilot sat in a raised location just behind the nose assembly and had good vision forward, above and to the sides. A top dorsal turret was included and was mounted with twin .50 caliber machine guns. Waist gunner positions were added with single .50 caliber guns, as was a twin .50 caliber gun position in the tail. The b-25 made use of a powered-tricycle landing gear system and a decent internal bomb bay. Twin rudder assemblies differentiated the system from other similar looking twin-engine medium bombers of American design. 

Photo Credits; Michael Malak, Malak Photography.com, Yanks Air Museum.

 

Model Spotlight - Sarah Barton

Today's Wings of Angels Model Spotlight shines itself on Sarah Barton! Sarah was born on July 12th and grew up in North Dakota by has lived in Wyoming since she was 16. She is a gorgeous mom to a wonderful 13-year-old daughter and is a licensed esthetician! In case you didn't know what that is she's a skin care specialist who is definitely great and talented at what she does because she looks amazing! So now it's time to learn more about Sarah Barton who was wonderful enough to take the time to answer some of your questions!

Terry Myers wanted to know 1. What has been you greatest modeling accomplishment and (2) what is your greatest roadblock? 

My greatest modeling accomplishment is #1 the Wings of Angels Project. I have been wanting to be a part of the Pin Up photos for quite some time and really wanted someone who I worked well with and who provided the types of photos I would be proud of. I loved going to places like Italy to do some magazine shoots which were definitely a whole lot different than you would expect. They wanted you screaming or yelling in your photos, so for me that was definitely a whole lot different that what you see here.

My greatest roadblock has been myself. It has been a challenging time for me in learning to face my own fears. There have been so many opportunities presented to me that I couldn't face because of my own fears getting in the way. That is why I got into modeling was to learn to grow as a person and to face those fears. I have always struggled with self esteem but have been on a journey of seeking out who I really am and in learning how to push myself to do the things I've wanted. I faced down my fear of flying in order to visit the locations I've wanted to do photo shoots in.

Quack 42 asked Sarah "(1) How do you find about shooting assignments, and then (2) how do you decide those which are attractive to you?

I got most of my assignments through Model Mayhem. I also Google the locations I want to visit as well as photographers who are taking the types of photos I admire. I actually do quite a bit of extensive research and background into the photographer I'm considering. I look for ones whose work is clean and images I would be proud to show my family and friends. As a model you are always worried of those photographers who take advantage of models and I didn't want to fall into one of those situations. I;m pretty religious and didn't want to put myself in a compromising situation and again wanted photos that my family would be proud of. I've always wanted photos that looked like paintings.

What's it like to work with Michael Malak?

Michael is a lot of fun!!! He has such an amazing sense of humor. He is funny and had me laughing all of time. That made working with him so much fun! We actually became good friends both before and after my photo shoot and will continue to do so. He so amazing to work with!

Who is your role model, and why?

Jesus Christ! It's simple actually because during my own search of discovering who I am, I have realized that He is the only source of peace and comfort. I have found that when I put my focus on Jesus and give him 100%, it definitely makes me stronger. It shows me what I am capable of and its more than I could ever have imagined!

If Hollywood made a movie about your life, whom would you like to see play the lead role as you?

Oh wow, that's a tough question. I had never thought of something like that before. I guess in order to have someone play me, they'd really have to know who I am first. I'll have to think about that one a bit. Can I get back to you on that one?

If you could visit any period in time, what would it be and why?

That would be easy for me, it would be when Jesus was alive. I would have loved to have met Him, to experience was life was like to just be around Him. To watch Him, listening to Him talk and just get to know Him by physically being here. It would have been incredible to have been part of that story.

What is your favorite photo that Michael has taken?

Oh that one was easy it's the one sitting on the bomb, "Bombs Away" I think that one was funny but I love it. I also love my Sinister Shadows photo, I'm not sure what it's called but I'm holding a gun. Mike knows what it's called. I love that one!

What has been the biggest benefit of being part of the Wings of Angels project, personally and professionally?  

 Professionally I have slowed down a bit. I am not doing that much in the way of modeling at least right now. I have learned so much about me during my life and what I've gone through right now and can look back and see so much growth for me personally. I have learned to love myself and it's not so much about being pretty enough but it's about learning to find something much deeper than your 5 minutes of fame in this life. So I believe you need something more to get you through life and I believe I've found that now. I am still growing and learning! I am thankful I got to meet Mike. It's been a couple of years of knowing him and we are still great friends!

I want to personally thank Sarah Barton for taking the time to answer your questions in today's Model Spotlight. As you can see, she is truly a beautiful person both inside and out.We leave you now with the Behind the Scenes Photo Shoot of Sarah's!

Photo Credits: Michael Malak, Malak Photography.com, Robert Austin Photography (Behind the Scenes), Hair and Make Up by Christina Marie, Yanks Air Museum, Ellie Shoes, LTW Custom Cosmetics, Secrets in Lace Lingerie, Bettie Page Clothing and Allen Freeman (video)

How to Hide An Airplane!

In today's Friday Fun Facts, I thought I would share something interesting I read about a couple years ago and wanted to share just how you go about hiding an airplane!

During World War II the Army Corps of Engineers needed to hide the Lockheed Burbank Aircraft Plant to protect it from being a target for a Japanese air attack. They covered it with camouflage netting and to make it look like a rural housing subdivision from the air. The completed the work in a flash trading studio props into real looking terrain.

These photos tell the story of ingenuity during trying times. Watch! 

You can view more pictures by clicking here.

Feel free to share your own interesting WWII fun facts. I'd love to see what you have found! Have a fantastic Friday!

Sponsor Spotlight ~ Ellie Shoes

Any women understands the important of completing their outfit with a pair of great looking shoes and that is why we choose Ellie Shoes as the Wings of Angels sponsor to supply our models with great looking shoes in their photo shoots. In fact if you're looking for where to buy any of the shoes featured in the Wings of Angels photos, look no further than Ellie Shoes. They offer four different lines of shoes to meet every expectation you might require when looking for the perfect shoe!

Ellie Shoes is a family owned and operated company.  It was founded in Orange, California by Ellen Renger in 2000. The company started out as a footwear company that specialized in lingerie and bedroom shoes for women. Over the years, as Halloween costumes began getting sexier, the demand for a sexy costume shoe to match the outfit inspired Ellie’s involvement in the Halloween industry. Halloween has opened up new opportunities and has given us a lot of exposure to a whole new community.  It was by accident that these two industries collided, and it continues to be a force that grows our business today.  However, the DNA of Ellie Shoes is still in the lingerie business, and we’ve recently signed a license agreement with Bettie Page, catering to the Rockabilly, Pin-Up, and Burlesque genres.

Our models love the look and functionality of the shoes in each of their photo shoots and now you can enjoy those same looks yourself. Please visit Ellie Shoes on their website to look at the last styles to choose from and you can also find them on Facebook as well. Wings of Angels thanks Ellie Shoes for supplying our models with their amazing footwear collection!

Photo Credits: Michael Malak, Malak Photography.com, Ashten Goodenough, Victoria Elder, Caitlin Litzinger, Sarah Barton, Bettie Page Clothing, Ellie Shoes, LTW Custom Cosmetics, Yanks Air Museum, Martin Christopher Hair and Makeup, Secrets in Lace Lingerie, Palm Springs Air Museum.