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AIRFIX
Airfix A03313A 1/48 WWII RA...
$30.99
With the nickname “pneumonia wagon” due to its collapsible windscreen, the Bedford MWD truck was used throughout the Second World War by the RAF. Seen here with both early and late war options, this vehicle that transported the RAF ground crew was considered to be just as important as the aircraft they flew and maintained.
AIRFIX
Airfix A04003 1/72 Supermar...
$49.95
The Swift still holds the honour of being the first swept-wing jet fighter in RAF service. The FR.5 proved itself in the reconnaissance role, winning the NATO 'Royal Flush' reconnaissance competition in 1957 and 1959, conclusively beating off the best types other nations could offer.Specifications
Item Length - Without Packaging (cm): 18
Item Width - Without Packaging (cm): 13.8
How many pieces will be found in the box opened by the customer?: 62
Item Scale: 1:72 Scale
License line: BAE SYSTEMS is a registered trade mark of BAE Systems plc.
Contents (what's in the box) sets: Plastic kit, instruction sheet, paint guide and decal sheet.
Finish: Plastic
Number of Scheme options: 2
Skill Level: 2
Flying Hours: 1
Wingspan (mm): 138
AIRFIX
Airfix A04011V 1/72 Handley...
$42.95
Unquestionably one of the most distinctive British aircraft of the Second World War, the Hampden was an impressively manoeuvrable medium bomber which saw extensive service during the early stages of the war, with its narrow 3ft-wide fuselage earning it the nickname of the 'Flying Suitcase'. It was used on the RAF's first bombing raid against Berlin in August 1940.
Specifications
Item Length - Without Packaging (cm): 22.6
Item Height - Without Packaging (cm): 6.3
Item Width - Without Packaging (cm): 29.2
How many pieces will be found in the box opened by the customer?: 123
Item Scale: 1:72 Scale
Contents (what's in the box) sets: Plastic kit, instruction sheet, paint guide and decal sheet.
Finish: Plastic
Number of Scheme options: 1
Skill Level: 2
Flying Hours: 2
Wingspan (mm): 292
AIRFIX
Airfix A04017 1/72 Bristol ...
$40.95
Bristol Blenheim Mk.IVF Fighter
Ordered straight from the drawing board this aircraft had been overtaken by fighter development by the outbreak of the Second World War. The Blenheim was used extensively by the RAF as both a light bomber and fighter before being phased out of service in 1943, replaced by more modern types less vulnerable to enemy fighters.
Ordered straight from the drawing board in 1935 the Bristol Type 142, later called the Blenheim was, for its time, a very advanced aircraft but by the outbreak of the Second World War it had been overtaken by fighter development. Seeing service across all the major fronts of the Second World War, the Blenheim was used extensively by the RAF as both a light bomber and fighter before being phased out of service in 1943, replaced by more modern types less vulnerable to enemy fighters.
Includes
Sprues
Decals
AIRFIX
Airfix A04021 1/72 Bristol ...
$40.95
Bristol Beaufort Mk.1
Entering Royal Air Force service with No.22 Squadron Coastal Command in January 1940, the Beaufort proved to be a rugged and highly manoeuvrable aircraft. The 700 Beauforts produced in Australia were regarded as some of the most reliable Allied aircraft to operate in these often demanding environments and were well-liked by both air and ground crews.
1:72 Scale
Highly Detailed Model
The second in a successful trio of twin engined aircraft designed by the Bristol Aeroplane Company during the 1930s, the Beaufort is significant as the only monoplane produced for the Royal Air Force designed from the outset as a torpedo bomber and reconnaissance platform. Developed from the Blenheim light bomber, the Beaufort was ordered off the drawing board by the Air Ministry, a move which showed great faith in the Bristol Company whilst illustrating the RAF's urgent need for an effective torpedo bomber at the same time.
Although initially intended as an evolutionary adaptation of the existing Blenheim bomber, it quickly became apparent that the new aircraft would look significantly different from its predecessor, with a much deeper front fuselage section housing a crew of four and the ability to carry a torpedo in a semi-recessed configuration. These modifications resulted in a gross weight increase of around 25% over that of the Blenheim and would require the installation of more powerful engines, if the new aircraft was not to suffer a significant performance reduction indeed, the new engines for the aircraft, combined with the existing production commitments for the Blenheim would cause lengthy delays during the Beauforts development. With the initial contract placed in August 1936, despite the pressing need for the new aircraft, it would be more than two years before the prototype Beaufort took to the air.
Entering Royal Air Force service with No.22 Squadron Coastal Command in January 1940, the Beaufort proved to be a rugged and highly manoeuvrable aircraft, although the engines continued to be something of a problem. Initially employed laying mines in enemy waters, Beauforts would later mount attacks against the German battleships Scharnhorst and Gneisenau and the heavy cruiser Prinz Eugen. However, in the European theatre, the aircraft would operate in the main as a medium bomber. In the Mediterranean, Beauforts operating from Egypt and Malta would take a terrible toll of Axis shipping and during a concerted onslaught from the middle of 1942, would make a significant contribution in denying Rommels Afrika Korps the vital supplies they needed to continue fighting the desert war. Due to the weight of the aircraft, a steep diving approach was not suitable for the Beaufort and a torpedo attack run needed to commence at a relatively low, flat attitude and quite some way from the target, if the torpedo release was to be successful and not hit the water ineffectively at a steep angle.
This made the aircraft vulnerable to accurate defensive fire, yet Beaufort pilots were brave and aggressive in their flying, using the excellent manoeuvrability of the aircraft to make the enemy gunners job much more difficult. Further afield, Beauforts of the Royal Australian Air Force would also prove extremely effective in the South-West Pacific, taking a heavy toll of Japanese shipping and posting an impressive operational record in the process.
Also employed in bombing, reconnaissance, convoy protection and troop resupply duties, the 700 Beauforts produced in Australia were regarded as some of the most reliable Allied aircraft to operate in these often demanding environments and were well-liked by both air and ground crews. Eventually equipping 19 RAAF Squadrons, the Beaufort was described as being perhaps the most important Allied aircraft in defeating Japanese forces in the South West Pacific region, which is some accolade for an aircraft whose contribution has largely been overlooked in the years since the end of WWII.
Includes
Sprues
Decals
AIRFIX
Airfix A04023 1/72 de Havil...
$40.95
de Havilland Mosquito B.XVI
Also known as 'The Wooden Wonder', this multi-role aircraft was constructed using 'non-strategic' materials and employed a clever system of balsa and birch plywood lamination, which gave the aircraft great strength.
1:72 Scale
Highly Detailed Model
Without question, the de Havilland Mosquito qualifies as one of the finest fighting aeroplanes of the Second World War and one which could claim to be the envy of every other air force, particularly the Luftwaffe, who tried, but never quite managed to produce an equivalent aircraft. A true multi-role aircraft, the Mosquito's famous nickname 'The Wooden Wonder' referenced the fact that this hugely successful British aircraft was constructed using 'non-strategic' materials and employed a clever system of balsa and birch plywood lamination, which gave the aircraft great strength. Although they relied on the performance and survivability of their Mosquitos, men in these units would often take its nickname a stage further and affectionately refer to their aircraft as 'Flying Furniture'.
Developed and tested largely as a private venture and without interference from the Air Ministry, once they saw what de Havilland had managed to produce, the Ministry were suitably impressed and immediately placed an order for 150 aircraft, with the Mosquito quickly attracting a 'priority status' production requirement. The Mosquito was one of the fastest aircraft in the world at that time and one which would prove to be something of an aviation phenomenon - although initially intended as a high speed bomber, Mosquitos would also operate as day and night fighters, pathfinders, night intruders, maritime strike and reconnaissance aircraft.
Once the first production aircraft started reaching RAF squadrons towards the end of 1941, the de Havilland Mosquito quickly showed itself to be one of the most valuable assets available to the Royal Air Force, a real war winner and one which would serve with distinction for the remainder of the conflict. Originally conceived as a high speed bomber for the RAF, the final major bomber variant of the de Havilland Mosquito was the B.XVI, with deliveries to front line squadrons starting from 1944. This was a development of the earlier B.IX variant and one which had been optimised for high altitude operation, incorporating a new pressurised cabin. Another unarmed version of the Mosquito, the B.XVI could carry a 3,000lb bomb load, however, all but the first 12 aircraft from a total production run of 402 machines incorporated modifications to allow a 4,000lb 'Cookie' or blockbuster bomb to be carried internally, a weapon which possessed devastating destructive capability.
Combining the power of these fearsome weapons with the legendary speed and bombing accuracy associated with Mosquito operations allowed Bomber Command to keep the pressure on the enemy throughout the latter stages of WWII. Interestingly, these huge bombs were exactly four times the weight of the original bomb load this exceptional aircraft was designed to carry, which is testament to the strength of the Mosquito's construction techniques. Optimised for high altitude operations, this final major bomber variant of the Mosquito could be powered by several different 'seventy series' versions of the Rolls Royce Merlin engine, in addition to incorporating a modified wing, which could now accept either a 50 or 100 gallon paper drop-tank on either side and up to four externally mounted 500lb bombs, further enhancing the strategic capabilities of this superb aircraft.
By the end of its ten year production run, which began in 1940, almost 8,000 of these highly effective warplanes had been constructed. For an aircraft which earned such an impressive wartime reputation, it is sobering to think that the Mosquito may have been stopped in its tracks, as Air Ministry officials were initially concerned that work on this new aircraft project might disrupt production of the Tiger Moth training biplane, something they could not allow to happen. Thankfully, designers at de Havilland knew they were on to a winner and were determined to see their magnificent new aircraft fly.
Includes
Sprues
Decals
AIRFIX
Airfix A04050A 1/72 BAe Har...
$45.95
The Harrier GR9 was a heavily updated development of the existing GR7, incorporating the ability to use a wide range of advanced precision weaponry, new communication systems and airframe upgrades.
Includes
Sprues
Decals
AIRFIX
Airfix A04051A 1/72 BAe Har...
$40.95
Bae Sea Harrier FRS.1
This version of the Sea Harrier is best known for its successful campaign in the war of 1982, where it suffered no air-to-air losses against the Argentinian forces.
1:72 Scale
Wingspan: 107 (mm)
Highly Detailed Model
New Scheme
Re-Introduction
This version of the Sea Harrier is best known for its successful campaign in the war of 1982 in the South Atlantic, where it suffered no air-to-air losses against the Argentinian forces. They flew from both the carriers used in the operation; HMS Invincible and HMS Hermes. BAE SYSTEMS is a registered trade mark of BAE Systems plc.
Includes
Sprues
Decals
AIRFIX
Airfix A04053B 1/72 Fairey ...
$45.95
Fairey Swordfish Mk.I
Eighty years ago, six Fairey Swordfish torpedo bombers made their voyage to intercept three German capital ships, while this ‘Channel Dash’ mission was doomed to failure, their heroic legacy lived on. Airfix’s has faithfully recreated one of the six’s Fairey Swordfish Mk.I to commemorate all their efforts
1:72 Scale
Wingspan: 19.26 (mm)
Highly Detailed Model
Eighty years ago, six Fairey Swordfish torpedo bombers flew from RAF Manston to attack the three German capital ships Scharnhorst, Gneisenau and Prinz Eugen making a dash up the English Channel in February 1942. This heroic attack was doomed to failure and all the Swordfish were shot down without any damage to the enemy ships. Lieutenant Commander Esmonde won a posthumous Victoria Cross and only 5 of the aircrew survived.
Includes
Sprues
Decals
AIRFIX
Airfix A04054A 1/72 BAC/EE ...
$45.95
The F2 introduced in 1962 was much modified in 1968 producing the F2A with square cut fin, kinked leading edges and enlarged ventral tank which gave an enhanced combat air patrol time of some 2 hours.
Includes
Sprues
Decals
AIRFIX
Airfix A04056 1/72 Westland...
$40.95
Well-suited for amphibious warfare and the tactical insertion of ground troops, the 'Commando' was an important variant of the Sea King. It was initially proposed as a tactical transport for the Egyptian Air Force, for which the amphibious capability of earlier Sea Kings was not required, and so the side floats were deleted. With folding rotors and tail, the Commando entered service with the Royal Navy as the Sea King HC.4. It was eventually provided with radar-warning and infrared jamming devices, and could also deploy M130/M147 flares as counter-measures. Besides troops, it could also carry underslung loads of up to 2.5 tonnes.
Increased range and a 28-troop capacity made it ideal as an amphibious transport aircraft, and the HC.4 saw operational service in the Falklands, Balkans, Gulf, Lebanon and Afghanistan conflicts. It was often deployed to evacuate wounded personnel and refugees, as well as preparing for and supporting ground advances. It was due to be retired from UK Forces service in March 2016.
Specification
Item Scale: 1:72
Parts Included: 133
Skill Level: 2
Scheme Options: 2
AIRFIX
Airfix A04059 1/72 Bristol ...
$42.99
The Bristol Blenheim was conceived as a privately funded high-speed civilian aircraft, intended to wrestle the record for the fastest civilian aircraft in Europe away from the Germans. Successfully achieving this, it immediately attracted the attention of the RAF. At the outbreak of the Second World War, the Blenheim was available in more numbers than any other RAF aircraft.
AIRFIX
Airfix A04062 1/72 Messersc...
$38.95
As the first operational jet fighter in the world, initial Messerschmitt Me262s combat operations were flown by single seat aircraft, piloted by some of the Luftwaffe's most experienced airmen. A two seat trainer version soon followed, which allowed new pilots to acquaint themselves with this advanced technology, without their conversion from piston power being their first solo jet flight.Specifications
Item Length - Without Packaging (cm): 15.2
Item Height - Without Packaging (cm): 5.32
Item Width - Without Packaging (cm): 19.2
How many pieces will be found in the box opened by the customer?: 74
Item Scale: 1:72
Contents (what's in the box) sets: Sprues & decals
Finish: Plastic
Number of Scheme options: 2
Skill Level: 2
Flying Hours: 1
Wingspan (mm): 192
Schemes
10./NJG 11, W.Nr 111980, Red 12 + RAF Version
Avia CS-92 Czech AF
AIRFIX
Airfix A04063 1/72 Westland...
$45.95
As one of the highest profile aircraft in Royal Air Force history, the Westland Sea King HAS.3 served in the Search and Rescue role for almost 38 years, saving countless lives over this period and earning the admiration of a grateful British public. Possessing impressive endurance and all-weather flying capability, the stable and reliable Sea King allowed crews to carry out rescue missions in some of the most challenging flying conditions imaginable.
The Westland Sea King is a product of Leonardo MW Ltd and all rights in it, including its name, are hereby reserved. The models have been produced with the permission and assistance of Leonardo MW Ltd.
Specification
Item Scale: 1:72
Parts Included: 133
Skill Level: 2
Schemes
Westland Sea King Har.3, 78 Squadron RAF Mount Pleasant Falkland Islands Jan 1991.
Westland Sea King Mk.43 330 Squadron Royal Norwegian Air Force 1996.
AIRFIX
Airfix A04064 1/72 Gloster ...
$40.95
Gloster Meteor F.8
The Gloster Meteor was the first jet-powered aircraft to appear in the skies over Europe towards the end of WWII. Post-war, the Meteor had to evolve rapidly to keep pace with the rest of the world as jet power became the standard means of propulsion for frontline fighters, this led to the F.8 variant.
NEW TOOLING
1:72 Scale
Wingspan: 158mm
As the world watched in awe as the first jet powered aircraft appeared in the skies over Europe towards the end of WWII, capable of attaining speeds over 100 mph faster than the latest piston engined fighters, it is interesting to note that development work on jet propulsion actually started in the 1930s, with engineers in both Britain and Germany searching for the next generation of engine power. Indeed, the first flight of a turbojet powered aircraft actually took place just days before the outbreak of the Second World War, however, conflict would necessitate the production of thousands of aircraft powered by existing piston technology, so jet powered advancement proved to be relatively slow. In Britain, brilliant engineer Frank Whittle produced a viable turbojet engine and when the powerplant was installed in the Gloster E28/39 Pioneer for its first flight on 15th May 1941, it became the first British jet powered aircraft to fly - the race was now on to produce the first jet fighter for the Royal Air Force.
Conducted under the strictest security, the Gloster Aircraft Company prepared their new twin engined jet fighter for flight testing, but on test flight days, all non-essential personnel would be dismissed from the airfield and local police would close the surrounding roads to stop prying eyes discovering this closely guarded aviation secret. If anyone did catch a glimpse of this strange new aircraft in the air, they would have no doubt wondered where the propellers were and why did it sound so strange? By the summer of 1944, the secret was out and as No.616 Squadron prepared to take the Gloster Meteor F.1 to war from its base at RAF Manston, the Royal Air Force had their first jet fighter and a new era for British aviation had begun.
Britain's first jet fighter was still quite a primitive design and the reason it proceeded as a twin engined aircraft was down to the fact that these early jet were not overly powerful and rather slow to respond to the pilot's power input requests, so the use of two engines seemed practical. The view from the cockpit was however superb, with no propeller to obscure the pilots view and plenty of power available once the aircraft was up to speed. Undergoing almost constant development, the early marks of Meteor were all based around the first aircraft to enter service, however, the service arrival of the F.8 variant in 1950 saw the Meteor maturing into a truly exceptional early jet, one which would not only see service with the RAF, but also with several other air arms across the world. Slightly longer than its predecessors, the F.8 featured uprated engines, greater fuel capacity and the inclusion of an ejector seat. To counter some instability issues discovered during development, the new aircraft also featured a redesigned tail unit, something which really serves to identify this later mark of Meteor.
For five years following the squadron introduction of the Meteor F.8, the aircraft formed the backbone of the RAF's fighter defence force, a jet powered equivalent to the Spitfire's which patrolled Britain's skies during the Battle of Britain just ten years earlier.
Includes
Sprues
Decals
AIRFIX
Airfix A04066 1/72 Messersc...
$42.99
The Messerschmitt Me410 was developed as a heavy fighter but went on to perform several roles such as night fighter, bomber destroyer and reconnaissance. Entering service two years later than scheduled in 1943 as a replacement for the Me210, the aircraft featured several distinctive features including the twin gun barbettes.The Me410 was essentially a development of the 210 featuring a lengthened fuselage, revised wings and more powerful engines. Although the Me410 performed well, it entered service too late to make an impact on the tide of war and was soon relegated to reconnaissance roles.The Messerschmitt Me410 is undoubtedly one of the most impressive looking aircraft types of the Second World War, the ultimate incarnation of Germany's fascination with the Zerstörer heavy fighter concept.Today, just a single complete example of a Messerschmitt Me410 is to be found on display anywhere in the world, one of the prized aviation possessions maintained by the Royal Air Force Museum at their Midlands RAF Cosford site, the very aircraft Airfix scanned at the outset of this exciting new model tooling project.Although an excellent and extremely heavily armed aircraft, the Me410 could not adequately defend itself against the latest Allied single engined fighters. No match for the latest Spitfires, Tempests, and P-51D Mustangs, once USAAF commanders freed their fighters from bomber protection duties and allowed then to go hunting the Luftwaffe, any advantage the heavily armed Me410s had were effectively negated and if caught in the gunsights of Allied fighters, they were unlikely to survive the encounter.Production of the Messerschmitt Me410 ended during August 1944, when the manufacturing lines were switched to producing single engined Messerschmitt Bf 109G fighters for home defence duties, however by that stage in the war, things were already looking rather futile for the struggling Luftwaffe.Specifications
Item Length - Without Packaging (cm): 17.5
Item Height - Without Packaging (cm): 4.5
Item Width - Without Packaging (cm): 22.6
How many pieces will be found in the box opened by the customer?: 137
Item Scale: 1:72 Scale
Contents (what's in the box) sets: Plastic model kit, instruction sheet, paint layout sheet and decals.
Finish: Plastic
Number of Scheme options: 2
Skill Level: 2
Flying Hours: 2
AIRFIX
Airfix A040681/72 Westland ...
$41.95
The Westland Wessex HC.2 was a licence-built turbine-powered development of the classic American Sikorski S-58 ‘Choctaw’ helicopter, one of the world’s first truly capable helicopters which established these aircraft as essential for a host of military and civilian applications. The continuation of an existing arrangement between Sikorsky and Westland, the Wessex was initially developed for the Royal Navy in the anti-submarine and utility roles but was further developed as the HC.2 for the Royal Air Force, entering service in 1962, a year later than the Navy machines.
In RAF service, these powerful helicopters performed several roles, including troop and supply transportation, ground support and air evacuation duties. However, it was their use as Air Sea Rescue helicopters which made these some of the highest-profile aircraft in service at that time. The Wessex represented the pinnacle of rotary technology when introduced and could operate from, and into places that other aircraft couldn’t.
AIRFIX
Airfix A04069 1/72 Messersc...
$42.99
Born out of Germany’s apparent obsession with the heavy fighter concept, the Messerschmitt Me 410 was an excellent multi-role successor to the Messerschmitt Bf 110 but entered service too late due to the protracted development of its immediate predecessor, the Me 210. The A-1 variant was described as a high-performance light bomber.
Specifications
Item Length - Without Packaging (cm): 17.5
Item Width - Without Packaging (cm): 22.6
How many pieces will be found in the box opened by the customer?: 149
Item Scale: 1:72 Scale
Contents (what's in the box) sets: Plastic model kit, instruction sheet, paint layout sheet and decals.
Finish: Plastic
Number of Scheme options: 2
Skill Level: 2
Flying Hours: 2
Wingspan (mm): 226
Schemes
A04069 - Messerschmitt Me410A-1, WNr.10185, U5+KG, 16./Kampfgeschwader 2, Amsterdam-Schipol, Netherlands, October 1943. (A)
A04069 - Messerschmitt Me410A-1, U5+CX, 13./Kampfgeschwader 2, Coulommiers, France, August 1943. (B)
AIRFIX
Airfix A04070 1/72 de Havil...
$51.95
From 1944, the de Havilland Mosquito B.XVI was delivered to front line squadrons. The B.XVI was a development of the earlier B.IX variant, but a new pressurised cabin had been incorporated so the aircraft could operate at high altitude.
Although it was unarmed, the B.XVI could carry a 3,000Ib bomb load. Not long after the start of B.XVI production, modifications were incorporated on the production line to allow a 4,000Ib ‘Cookie’ or blockbuster bomb to be carried internally, a weapon which possessed devastating destructive capability.
Combining the power of these fearsome weapons with the legendary speed and bombing accuracy associated with Mosquito operations allowed Bomber Command to keep the pressure on the enemy throughout the latter stages of WWII.
By this time, with its first test flight on 12 March 1945, the last bomber version of the Mosquito, B.35, was at an advanced stage of development. Powered by the Merlin 113/114 engine, the war ended before the B.35 entered service. However, it had a long career with the post-war RAF, serving operationally until early 1954.
When the RAF’s new jet-powered replacement for the Mosquito, the English Electric Canberra was introduced to service in May 1951, the Mosquito B.35 was relegated from frontline operations and many B.35s continued to operate in secondary roles after conversion to target tugs.
These conversions were undertaken by Northamptonshire-based Brooklands Aviation Ltd and called TT.35s. These remained in service with Civilian Anti Aircraft Cooperation Units (CAACU) until the last one was retired in May 1963. The TT.35’s target-towing system consisted of a wind-driven ML Type G winch with 6,000ft of non-twisting steel cable towing a fabric target drogue.
Features
This 1:72 scale kit consists of 182 parts and introduces 21 newly designed parts
Open and closed bulged bomb bay doors
4000lb “Cookie” bomb,
Bomb bay interior parts,
Target towing winch parts and other details.
Marking options for 3 distinctive new schemes which tell the story of the Mosquito’s changing roles in late World War 2 and into the post-war era- including the colourful TT.35 target towing variant “TA719” which survived into preservation.
AIRFIX
Airfix A04104 1/48 De Havil...
$38.95
Even though the classic de Havilland Tiger Moth has to be considered one of the most important aircraft in the history of British aviation, it rarely receives the popular respect it deserves and is usually in the shadow of more glamourous types, such as the Supermarine Spitfire and de Havilland's own Mosquito. Despite this, without the availability of thousands of Tiger Moths to train a constant stream of pilots for military and civilian service, Britain and her Commonwealth would have been in real trouble during WWII and most pilots who would go on to fly the numerous Allied aircraft types of the Second World War would have learnt their trade on this classic training aircraft.Coming from a successful line of biplane designs, the DH.82 Tiger Moth made its first flight in October 1931 and was the result of the Companys founder wanting to produce an aircraft superior to its predecessors, whilst possessing enough appeal to attract interest from several different aviation sectors. Its success resulted in an immediate order from the RAF, who viewed the aircraft as an ideal primary trainer for pilots beginning on their flying careers and destined to fly their latest front line aircraft. Their modest original order was followed up by several subsequent orders and as the world descended into conflict in 1939, the Royal Air Force would have around 500 Tiger Moths on strength. Many more examples were owned by flying clubs all over the country and many of these would also being pressed into military service, due to the need to train as many new pilots as possible.With its growing reputation, the aircraft also secured many overseas orders, ensuring that the de Havilland production lines were fully committed in supplying this superb aircraft. From the perspective of the student pilot, the Tiger Moth was a relatively stable and forgiving aircraft to fly, with few handling vices and generally supportive of the odd silly mistake. It has been described as an easy aeroplane to fly but a difficult one to fly well, which seemed to have made this the ideal aircraft to serve as a primary/basic trainer for large numbers of future pilots destined for the war effort. As Britain prepared for invasion during the early summer of 1940, there were plans for the gentle natured Tiger Moth to show a much more aggressive side and support the Spitfire and Hurricane pilots they had previously trained. Operation Banquet called for the use of every available aircraft in the defence of Britains coastline, attacking any potential invasion force by all means at their disposal. This would see even the most unlikely of aircraft equipped with bomb racks and given a new offensive capability. Should a German invasion have been attempted, there would have been the very real possibility of swarms of bomb laden Tiger Moths raining fury on the enemy troops below, as Britain used every means in her power to ensure the failure of such a cross channel incursion.Thankfully, due in no small part to the qualities of this effective pilot maker and the resolve of the Royal Air Force, German invasion plans were indefinitely postponed following the Luftwaffe's inability to score a decisive victory during the Battle of Britain. With many Tiger Moths remaining in airworthy condition, it is interesting to consider that this famous basic training aircraft is still doing the same job today as it did during its service introduction in the 1930s. The magnificent Tiger Moth allows potential Warbird pilots the opportunity to gain valuable experience flying a taildragger aircraft, before eventually moving on to display the Spitfires and Mustangs which thrill the crowds at Airshows all over the world.BAE SYSTEMS is a registered trade mark of BAE Systems plc.Specifications
Item Length - Without Packaging (cm): 16.15
Item Height - Without Packaging (cm): 4.5
Item Width - Without Packaging (cm): 21.79
How many pieces will be found in the box opened by the customer?: 91
Item Scale: 1:48
License line: BAE SYSTEMS is a registered trade mark of BAE Systems plc.
Contents (what's in the box) sets: Sprues & decals
Finish: Plastic
Number of Scheme options: 2
Skill Level: 2
Flying Hours: 1
AIRFIX
Airfix A04105 1/48 de Havil...
$40.95
de Havilland Chipmunk T.10
Despite being a Canadian design, the Chipmunk has become one of the most recognisable Royal Air Force aircraft of the post-war era and has enjoyed a military career which began in the early 1950s and continues to this day. In fact, it has become one of the most popular aircraft types on the civilian aviation scheme and it is estimated that well over 300 aircraft are still in airworthy condition worldwide..
1:48 Scale
Highly Detailed Model
With the de Havilland designed Tiger Moth biplane proving to be such an important pilot training aircraft during the Second World War, it is no wonder that the same company would have a say in producing its replacement, when both the RCAF and Royal Air Force were looking to upgrade their primary pilot training capabilities. In order to keep pace with wartime aircraft production and to allow increasing numbers of Canadian airmen to be trained, de Havilland established an overseas subsidiary in Canada, the de Havilland Aircraft Company of Canada.
Following the end of WWII, the company began design work on a new aircraft, one intended as a replacement for the ageing Tiger Moths still in RCAF service. A tandem two seat monoplane, the new trainer incorporated many advances over its predecessor, but shared many of its design philosophies, in that it was intended to be both simple to maintain and relatively forgiving to fly - these aircraft needed to be in the air, earning their keep.Having the distinction of being the first aircraft type designed and built by de Havilland Canada, the first Chipmunk took to the skies in May 1946 and almost immediately gained interest from the military.
By April 1948, the Royal Canadian Air Force had taken delivery of their first Chipmunk, but they were not the only ones admiring the qualities of this extremely capable aeroplane. The vast majority of the 1,283 de Havilland Chipmunks built would be manufactured under licence in the UK, in factories at Hatfield and Chester, with around 735 of these going on to see service with the Royal Air Force, again as the direct replacement for the venerable old Tiger Moth. In RAF service, the British built machines were known as the de Havilland Chipmunk Mk.10 and they would go on to provide basic flight training support many thousands of future military aviators, in addition to providing air experience opportunities for many more as part of the University Air Squadron organisation.
Despite being a Canadian design, the Chipmunk has become one of the most recognisable Royal Air Force aircraft of the post war era and has enjoyed a military career which began in the early 1950s and continues to this day. The Battle of Britain Memorial Flight still operate two Chipmunks regularly, providing currency training for aircrew assigned to fly the unit's historic 'taildraggers' and also to allow crews to reconnoitre new display venues in advance of their show appearance. In other situations, the aircraft can be used to deliver replacement aircrew or spare parts, whilst the Flight's Spitfires and Hurricanes are out on display duties during the Airshow season. These two Chipmunks have ensured that the aircraft must now be regarded as one of the longest serving types in Royal Air Force History.
With such an impressive military pedigree as this, it is also interesting to note that the Chipmunk has gone on to become one of the most popular aircraft types on the civilian aviation scheme and it is estimated that well over 300 aircraft are still in airworthy condition worldwide. Sometimes unfairly described as 'The poor man's Spitfire', the Chipmunk surely now has to be regarded as a historic aircraft in its own right and one which continues to underline the effectiveness of its design. With aircraft formerly serving with the RAF, Army Air Corps, Royal Navy and the mount of several RAF display teams, there is no shortage of attractive schemes available for you to present your Chipmunk in if you are lucky enough to own one, not to mention the fact that the aircraft would also be operated by several overseas air forces all over the world.
As a training aeroplane, it is obvious that more people would have experience with the de Havilland Chipmunk as opposed to the more glamourous front line aircraft types which are so popular with enthusiasts, however, the opportunity to still fly in one of these historic aeroplanes ensures that it continues to be held in great affection by owners and enthusiasts alike. Importantly, the Chipmunk is still fulfilling the role for which it was originally designed when making its first flight 74 years ago, providing basic flying training and allowing people to experience the thrill of flying for the first time.
Includes
Sprues
Decals
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Airfix A04172V 1/144 Boeing...
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Representing one of the most glamorous aircraft types to ever take to the skies, the Boeing 314 Clipper was produced to allow passengers and cargo to travel across the vast expanses of the Atlantic and Pacific oceans, in levels of style and comfort which rivalled those on the great ocean liners.
Twelve aircraft were produced for Pan American World Airways and BOAC, however, the start of the Second World War resulted in these opulent flying boats being used mainly for military purposes, with aircraft serving as transport for Franklin D Roosevelt and Winston Churchill.
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Airfix A04201V 1/600 HMS Vi...
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HMS Victorious joined the Home Fleet on commissioning in May 1941 and just nine days later her pilots encountered and attacked the German battleship Bismarck. On 26 May 1941, the new carrier HMS Victorious whose aircrews, despite their inexperience, succeeded in putting a torpedo into the battleship's midship section, which opened up a fuel tank on the Bismarck. After the sinking of the Bismarck, HMS Victorious continued to operate with the Home Fleet. Victorious's Fairey Albacore aircraft were subsequently involved in an attack on the German battleship Tirpitz in March 1942. She provided cover for Russian convoys PQ-15 and PQ-17 in May and June 1942 respectively. She then participated in Operation Pedestal and then went on to take part in the North African landings at the end of 1942.
HMS Victorious sailed to Pearl Harbor to join USS Saratoga's Battle Group, Task Force 14. She arrived and took up duties under Task Force 14 in the the Southwest Pacific on 17th May 1943. She embarked US aircraft and aircrew, and with the Saratoga swept the Solomon Islands. During that year this busy ship supported the US Pacific fleet on many operations usually carrying both British and US Wildcat fighters. HMS Victorious covered Russian convoys from January-March 1944, then took part in Operation 'Tungsten' air strike against the German battleship Tirpitz on 3 April 1944. After another refit she joined the British Eastern Fleet enroute to the Far East.
In July 1944, she led a strike against Palembang with HMS Illustrious, then on 25th July she led a strike against the Andaman Islands with HMS Indomitable. In October 1944, she was assigned to the British Pacific Fleet, serving in some of the final hard-fought operations at the end of the war.
Specification
1:600 Scale
Parts Included: 94
Skill Level: 3
Scheme Options: 1
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Airfix A04202V 1/600 Vintag...
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The largest warship in the world when launched in 1918. She was the pride of the Royal Navy on sailing to intercept the Bismarck in May 1941. After making contact with the German battleship she, with HMS Prince of Wales opened fire. The Bismarck returned fire and with her 5th salvo hit the Hood a fatal blow and she sunk within two minutes. Only three crew from her total of 1,500 survived.
Specification
1:600 Scale
Parts Included: 131
Skill Level: 3
Scheme Options: 1