TAMIYA (2522)

The F4U Corsair was a WWII American fighter aircraft that was distinguished by its inverted gull wing design, which accomodated the 4m diameter propeller without having to resort to overly long landing gear legs. Its Pratt & Whitney Double Wasp engine produced 2,000hp and allowed the Corsair to reach a maximum speed of 636km/h. Among the different variants of the Corsair, the F4U-1 was the first to be mass-produced and it featured a characteristic framed canopy that was referred to as a "Birdcage." They were deployed to the Pacific in February 1943 and became feared by Japanese forces due to their speed and firepower. A nightfighter version, designated F4U-2, was also created and featured a radar pod mounted near the wingtip of the right wing. Over 9,000 examples were produced and they were used by American, British, and New Zealand forces. Features Accurate model kit of the "Birdcage" canopy Corsair includes parts to assemble either the standard F4U-1 or the F4U-2 nightfighter. Distinctive inverted gull wing design faithfully rendered. Highly detailed engine and cockpit. One pilot figure included. Includes parts for 1,000lb bombs and drop tanks. Comes with four marking options.

Powered by a pulse jet engine, the unmanned V-1 flying bomb developed by Germany during WWII would reach speeds of 640km/h, fly a certain distance, then crash and explode. This kit reproduces the simple form of this weapon and also includes parts to depict a transport trolley.

The Britsol Beaufighter was a versatile aircraft used by the Royal Air Force for a number of roles during WWII. This kit may be assembled as either a Mk.VI fighter version or a Mk.VI Coastal Command version. The short nose, thick wings, and angled horizontal stabilizers are all accurately reproduced and the engine and cockpit are full of detail. Features Two crew figurees Three marking options are included Specifications Length: 270mm  

First introduced in 1946, the A-1 Skyraider's frontline career as the U.S. Navy's last piston-engined attack aircraft continued for thirty years until its final service providing close-air support and rescue helicopter escort during the Vietnam War. This kit depicts the most produced variant, the A-1H, and accurately reproduces the aircraft's robust form. Engine cowl flaps, wing flaps, and dive brakes may be posed in open or closed positions. Parts are included for ordnance such as 250lb bombs and 5-inch rockets to depict a fully-armed machine. One pilot figure and three marking options are also included.  

The F4U Corsair was a formidable combination of speed and firepower and was the mount of numerous aces during WWII. This kit depicts the F4U-1D variant, which was first deployed aboard U.S. Navy aircraft carriers in April 1944. Distinctive features such as the higher pilot seat position, taller tailwheel, and wider propeller blades have been accurately reproduced, and the model may also be assembled with wings folded. A pilot figure, drop tanks, and two types of canopy windshield are included together with markings for three aircraft flown by U.S. aces.Precision plastic assembly model kit. Paint and glue not included. Requires assembly and painting. For intermediate to advanced skill modellers.

The Wooden Wonder Due to its nearly all-wood construction, the de Havilland Mosquito was initially conceived as a fast, unarmed bomber and went on to serve in that and many other roles during WWII. This kit depicts the NF Mk.II nightfighter and FB Mk.VI fighter-bomber variants which were introduced in Spring 1942 and Spring 1943 respectively. Features Parts are included for the NF Mk.II's nose and wing-mounted radar antenna 500lb bombs and rockets for the FB Mk.VI. Details for the fuel tank and 20mm cannon magazines Two pilot figures and three marking options are included Specifications Length: 205mm  

Options Aplenty The Messerschmitt Bf 109 E was the Luftwaffe's mainstay fighter in the early stages of WWII. This kit depicts the E-4, which was produced from May 1940 and saw extensive action during the Battle of Britain, or the E-7, which was fitted with a drop tank for increased range. A Trop version with filtering for sand was seen in the skies over North Africa. Features The angular form of the aircraft is captured in style. Features a realistic rendering of the squared-off canopy, which can be assembled open or closed. Comes with parts recreating E-7 drop tank and rack. Also included are air intakes with sand filters for depiction of a Trop aircraft. Comes with a pilot figure and three marking options in the box.

This kit may be assembled into either the B Mk.IV bomber version or the PR Mk.IV photo-reconnaissance version of the multi-role twin-engined de Havilland Mosquito. The distinctive characteristics of these versions, such as the clear nose, canopy bulges, and crew access hatch with ladder have all been accurately reproduced. Parts for the bomber version's 500lb bombs and the reconnaissance version's cameras are also included. To top it off, the kit comes with two pilot figures and three marking options, two for B Mk.IV and one for PR Mk.IV.

Here's the version of the Corsair flown by Pappy Boyington and several other "bent-wing bird" aces. Tamiya's new F4U-1A kit is basically a cross between their two earlier issues (the F4U-1/2, and -1D), including the canopy of the latter, and propeller of the former, plus the other necessary detail changes, including two figures (one seated, one standing on the wing). Markings are included for VMF-111's famous #122 (see box art) and "Big Hog" of VF-17. Flaps are fixed down, canopy can be open or closed. Easily the finest Corsair kit that's ever been produced.

Originally designed as a carrier-borne attack aircraft, the Skyraider eventually had a distinguished career which spanned over thirty years. The A-1J variant which was introduced in 1956 equipped the U.S. Air Force, which employed it as an escort for search and rescue helicopters as well as in the normal ground attack role. Distinctive features of the USAF version such as the various antennas on the fuselage have been accurately reproduced and the kit includes an impressive arsenal of bombs, rocket pods, and gun pods with which to arm the model. One pilot figure and two marking options are also included.

Moving Right Along This set combines the F4U-1D Corsair with a "Moto-Tug", a little tractor which was used to position aircraft around the decks of Navy carriers during WWII. They are ideal as a small vignette on their own or as part of a larger diorama. Fast and heavily armed, the Corsair dominated opposing Japanese aircraft in the latter half of WWII. Following the initial F4U-1 and F4U-1A variants which were flown from land bases by the U.S. Marine Corps, the F4U-1D introduced in April 1944 was the first official carrier-capable version. It had a raised pilot seat position, bubble canopy and broader propeller blades. In addition to its six 12.7mm machine guns, it had two additional pylons on the inner wings as well as the ability to carry eight rockets on the outer wings. The type was used as a fighter-bomber in attacks against the Japanese home islands from February 1945. WWII U.S. aircraft carriers, from the large fleet carriers down to escort carriers, had many of these little tractors to increase the efficiency of flight deck operations. Powered by a 45hp engine, it was capable of pulling approximately 1.8 tons. Features (Corsair Dimensions) Length: 205mm, Wingspan (Extended): 236mm; ("Moto-Tug" Dimensions) Length: 62mm, Width: 29mm Distinctive features of the F4U-1D variant such as the higher pilot position and broader propeller blades have been accurately reproduced. Model may be assembled with either folded or extended wings. Includes parts for two drop tanks and eight rockets. "Moto-Tug" includes parts for two types of tow bars. Pilot and driver figures as well as three aircraft marking options are included.

The revolutionary Messerschmitt Me262 was the first jet powered plane to see service. The construction of pre-production aircraft designated Me262 A-0 started in April 1944 but the fighter production version that should have been the first version to be mass-produced was delayed because of Hitler's strict contrary orders prioritizing the deployment of fighter/bomber A-2a version. Then, in November 1944, the Me262 A-1a fighter version was finally put into production. It was equipped with four 30mm cannons in the nose to counter Allied bombers and escorting fighters. Late production planes were equipped with hooks under the nose to mount rocket launchers and with 24 R4M air-to-air rocket under the wings making the Me262 the most feared German fighter by Allied pilots. Features Tamiya presents the plastic assembly kit of the Messerschmitt Me262 that was used by the Luftwaffe during the closing days of WWII. 1/48 scale. Fuselage length: 221mm, wingspan: 264mm. The unique form of the Me262 with its engine nacelles under each wing has been accurately replicated. The 30mm cannon mounted in the nose and cockpit have been reproduced down to the finest details. Canopy and gun bay access panels can be mounted in either open or closed position. R4M air-to-air rockets with launchers to be mounted under the wings and W.Gr 21 air-to-air rocket-launchers to be assembled under the nose are part of the kit. Nose wheel well comes as a die-cast weight. A pilot figure and decals for 4 different markings are included in the kit.

In May 1941, as the war raged in Europe, a single-engine fighter of more than 4 tons made its first flight. This fighter was the XP-47B, prototype of the Republic P-47 Thunderbolt of which a total of 15,683 units would be built. Thanks to war experience, this aircraft was equipped with a 2,000hp radial R-2800 engine, a supercharger and eight 12.7mm machine guns. The XP-47B was to reach 633km/h and in January 1942, just after the United States went to war, the production of P-47B began. It was followed by the P-47C that incorporated various improvements and, from April 1943, by the P-47D, the most built version. The P-47D was equipped with an R-2800-59 engine, which can develop up to 2,300hp with combat emergency water injection system engaged. The ducts that were passing on the sides and below the cockpit to connect the supercharger placed behind the pilot's seat gave to this plane its massive aspect. Many sub-types of the P-47D, designated D-1 to D-40, were produced but the first versions were called "Razorback" because of their sharp edge dorsal fin. The D-25 sub-type, which was introduced around June 1944, was fitted with an electrically actuated bubble canopy in order to improve pilot visibility and increased capacity fuel tanks. This decision resulted in a completely remodeled plane shape. All subsequent sub-types were also fitted with the bubble canopy and became a characteristic feature of late production Thunderbolts. The P-47 "Bubbletop" proved to be an excellent, well-balanced fighter-bomber. Features Republic P-47D Thunderbolt "Bubbletop" plastic assembly kit. 1/48 scale. Fuselage length: 230mm, wingspan: 259mm. This is the representation of P-47D late production that was nicknamed "Bubbletop". The massive form of the plane, especially its belly and its cowling, has been accurately reproduced. Flaps come as separate parts and can be attached in the up or down position. Parts for replication of 3 types of mirrors, gun sights and 4 types of propellers are provided. Engine cowling flaps and the intercooler air outlets on each side of the fuselage can be represented in the opened or closed position. Parts for replication of 500-pound bombs, rocket launchers and three types of drop tank are part of the kit. A pilot figure and decals for two different markings are included.

Tamiya produces the most famous aircraft in the world taken from the most popular subjects in history, In the modelling world, 1/48 is one of the main scales for aircraft models, and this series includes numerous famous aircraft from around the world. Modelers can choose from WWII piston-engined fighters all the way to the latest jets.

The Buffalo was first developed in 1935 as a U.S. Navy carrier based fighter. Featuring a modern mid-wing monoplane design with enclosed cockpit and retractable landing gear the first mass produced Buffalo was designated F2A-1, which was shortly followed by the improved F2A-2. Based on the U.S. Navy Buffalo, the B-339 Buffalo was for export only and was fitted with an export approved 1,100hp Wright Cyclone engine and redesigned for land use with navy equipment such as life raft and arrestor hook removed. The Royal Air Force (RAF) and the Netherlands East Indies Army Air Corps (ML-KNIL) used the B-339 to protect colonial outposts in Malaysia, Singapore and Java during WWII.

The Fastest Piston-Engined Fighter of WWII This late-production variant of the already battle-proven P-47 Thunderbolt entered service in January 1945. Equipped with the massive Pratt & Whitney R-2800-57 radial engine with 2,800 horsepower, the P-47M's 756km/h top speed made it capable of chasing even the Luftwaffe's vaunted Me-262. Features High-quality assembly kit display model of the Republic P-47M Thunderbolt. ●Length: 230mm, Width: 259mm Parts included for 3 types of dorsal fin, and fuselage without dorsal fin is also included so modellers can depict any "bubble top" P-47. Parts for initial production type cockpit as well as late-production speed brake are included for extra modelling options. Separately-molded flaps can be posed in both open and closed positions, and 4 types of propellers are also included. Various drop tanks and 500lb. bombs, as well as other ordinance are included to depict many payload options. Comes with 1 pilot figure and 3 types of markings.