Airfix Vintage Classics: German Mountain Troops (1:32)

Vintage Classics: German Mountain Troops These 1:32 scale model kit figures vividly portray German Mountain Troops, making them an excellent addition to your military diorama, infused with the unique charm of the Vintage Classics collection. This set, comprising 49 pieces, is perfect for hobbyists aged 8 and older, showcasing troops trained for mountain warfare with lighter weaponry and extra ammunition, ensuring agility in challenging alpine environments. Key Features: 1:32 scale figures illustrating German Mountain Troops 49 pieces for detailed diorama creation Skill level 2 - suitable for modellers aged 8 years and above Part of the nostalgic Vintage Classics range Figures depict troops trained in skiing and mountain operations Lighter weapons and gear reflecting authentic mountain warfare equipment History: In regions like Norway and the Alps, German forces were adept at winter combat. These units, trained in skiing and mountain tactics, carried lighter arms and additional ammunition, boosting their mobility and stamina. Their ability to adapt made them highly successful in the demanding, high-altitude battlefields of World War Two. These figures encapsulate the spirit of these specialised mountain units, allowing hobbyists to recreate realistic scenes from some of the most demanding theatres of the Second World War. The meticulous detail in these vintage-style figures makes them ideal for both display and educational purposes, bringing historical events to life on your workbench.

Airfix Vintage Classics: Romans (1:76)

Vintage Classics: Romans This captivating 1:76 scale collection vividly portrays the formidable Roman Army, featuring 55 components to assemble a chariot with horses and driver, a leading centurion, a standard bearer, and legionnaires in dynamic battle stances. Enthusiasts of Airfix will recognise these classic Vintage Classics figures, which are excellent additions to any model diorama. Key Features: 55 pieces illustrating the formidable and organised Roman Army Includes a chariot complete with horses and driver Features a centurion, standard bearer, and legionnaires in varied poses 1:76 scale ideal for diorama creation Vintage Classics figures cherished by generations of hobbyists Suitable for ages 8 and above History: The Roman Army is renowned as one of the most powerful military forces in history, with its exceptional discipline and strategic prowess allowing Rome to exert control over the ancient world for centuries. Central to this military strength was the legionnaire - heavily equipped, thoroughly trained, and functioning within a strict hierarchy under the command of centurions. These leaders, identified by their transverse-crested helmets, maintained discipline and led their units into battle with steadfast authority. The standard bearer, or signifer, held a crucial role, bearing the unit's standard which acted as both a rallying point amidst the chaos of battle and a representation of the legion's honour and identity. Losing a standard in combat was seen as a severe dishonour. Roman chariots, although not used in large formations like those of the Celts and Greeks, were still important for ceremonies, victory parades, and occasionally in specific combat situations. The chariot driver needed significant skill to manage the strong horses while manoeuvring across the battlefield. This Vintage Classics set encapsulates the essence of Rome's military strength, from the individual legionnaire poised with gladius and scutum, to the command structure that made the Roman Army an indomitable force across three continents.

Airfix Twin pack Typhoon FGR.4 (Blackjack) & Tucano T.1 (1:72)

Twin pack Typhoon FGR.4 (Blackjack) & Tucano T.1 (Linton)(1:72) Product Info: This 1:72 scale twin pack features two of the RAF's most iconic display aircraft: the Eurofighter Typhoon FGR.4 'Blackjack' and the Shorts Tucano T.1. Both models showcase bold all-black Aggressor designs with union flag inspired markings and RAF roundels on their tails. Comprising 91 pieces across both kits and rated at skill level 2, this set is perfect for modellers looking to enhance their skills. Key Features: -Twin pack including both Typhoon FGR.4 'Blackjack' and Shorts Tucano T.1 display aircraft -Both aircraft sport unique black schemes with red, white, and blue accents -91 pieces in total across both models -Skill level 2 - suitable for advancing modellers -1:72 scale models appropriate for ages 8 and up -Includes two genuine RAF display aircraft schemes History: Among the specially decorated RAF Typhoon FGR.4 display aircraft over the last decade, ZJ914 was the most enduring on the UK airshow scene and the most patriotic in design. Dressed in a sleek all-black Aggressor scheme, it also featured union flag inspired markings and an RAF roundel on each side of its tail. Regardless of the weather, when this aircraft performed with afterburners lit, it was a spectacle to witness. This scheme was reminiscent of the one used by the RAF Shorts Tucano T.1 display in 2008, which also had a black airframe with red, white, and blue accents to commemorate the 90th anniversary of the Royal Air Force. Two Tucanos were adorned in this style: ZF210 and ZE338, with one acting as a backup should the primary display aircraft be unavailable. The Tucano served as the RAF's basic training aircraft for three decades until its retirement in 2019. Continuing a now well-loved tradition, Typhoon ZJ914 was affectionately nicknamed 'Blackjack' by enthusiasts. The aircraft sported this admired scheme for three complete display seasons and even during the early months of preparation for the 2024 airshow season. Is it any surprise that 'Blackjack' became one of the most beloved aircraft to represent the Royal Air Force in the 21st century? 'Blackjack' and the aircraft that inspired its appearance are now both available to construct in 1:72 scale - an excellent project for modellers beginning to gain confidence in this hobby. BAE SYSTEMS is a registered trade mark of BAE Systems plc.

Airfix Gift Set: 617 SQN. Dambusters 80th Anniversary (1:72)

Dambusters 80th Anniversary - Gift Set As the first of 20 modified Avro Lancasters arrived at RAF Scampton on 8th April 1943, the specially assembled volunteer crews of specialist 'Squadron X' (later allocated the RAF squadron number 617) from within 5 Group Bomber Command must have been intrigued. The new aircraft were B.III (Specials), referred to at Avro's Woodford factory as Lancaster Type 464 Provisioning and each one had been modified with equipment to deliver the Vickers Type 464 'Upkeep' mine. Although the mines had not been delivered to Scampton at that time, talk amongst the crews inevitably turned to discussing their intended target, with most assuming they would be sent to attack the massive German battleship Tirpitz. As more Lancaster's arrived, the commander of this new squadron, Wing Commander Guy Gibson, selected Lancaster ED932/AJ-G as his own aircraft, due to the fact that the bomber's codes were the same as his father's initials, Alexander James Gibson. Gibson and the crew of ED932 were amongst the first to train with their new aircraft and their unusual bombs, releasing their mines at a test site at Reculver on the north Kent coast from 12th May 1943, just five days before crews embarked on their historic raid. After a period of intense training and on the day prior to the raid, Gibson was finally briefed on the intended targets - 'Operation Chastise' would be striking at the industrial heart of Germany, the great dams of the Ruhr Valley. At 21.39 on 16th May 1943, Gibson and Lancaster ED932 took off from RAF Scampton at the head of the first attack wave of nine Lancasters heading for the Mohne Dam, flying a route over Suffolk, then the North Sea, crossing the Dutch coast at Zeeland, before heading inland attempting to avoid known areas of Luftwaffe defences. As Gibson and his crew made their attack run on the Mohne Dam, the other Lancasters of the first wave circled the target area, watching the effectiveness of the attack run and waiting for the instruction to commence their own attack. Having released their mine, Gibson and his crew flew alongside the other aircraft during their attacks, attempting to draw enemy fire away from the attacking aircraft, giving them the best chance of effecting a breach. The fifth mine dropped was a perfect run and exploded in exactly the right place to cause the already weakened dam to fail – they had done it. In the years which followed, this incredible operation was referred to as the 'Dambusters Raid' and No.617 Squadron would become one of the RAF's most famous units. 'Operation Chastise' was heralded as a spectacular success for Bomber Command, but at a heavy cost, as eight Lancasters and 53 airmen failed to return. Includes: - Detailed plastic kits of F-35B Lightning and Avro Lancaster - Cockpit detailing includes Pilots - Optional undercarriage (up or down positions) - Lancaster Features the famous "Bouncing Bomb" designed and developed by Sir Barnes Wallis - Armament detailing - Waterslide transfers/decals - 2x Display stands - Glue, paints and brushes included - 1:72 Scale

Airfix Junkers Ju-87 B-1 Stuka (1:72)

Junkers Ju-87 B-1 Stuka Although usually associated with the Wehrmachts feared Lightning War attacks at the beginning of WWII, the Ju87B Stuka was also a highly effective maritime strike bomber. Capable of performing precision dive bombing attacks against any Allied vessel, the Stuka took a heavy toll of shipping in the English Channel, North Africa and in the Mediterranean. The Stuka also saw service with the air forces of Italy, Romania, Bulgaria and Hungary, as well as remaining in Luftwaffe service throughout WWII. The attack dive of the Stuka was so severe, that quite a number of automatic features had to be incorporated into the manoeuvre. At an altitude of approximately 15,000 ft., the pilot would locate his target through a bombsight window, which was located in the floor of the cockpit. His engine and propeller had automatic controls, to optimise the aircraft when in a dive, and an automatic trimmer would make the aircraft tail heavy, as the pilot initiated the dive. He would move the dive lever to the rear, which would limit the kick of the control column and quickly begin a defined sequence of actions, which if done correctly, would see his ordnance detonate on his intended target. He quickly set the trim tabs, reduced the throttle and closed the engine coolant flaps. The aircraft would automatically become tail heavy and pitch over in a 180-degree roll, placing the aircraft in a steep nose-down dive at the same time, dive breaks were automatically deployed, to reduce the speed of the dive, to a constant 360 mph. This was the point of no return as the attack sequence had begun. As the strain on the body of the pilot increased, he still had much work to do. The angle of his dive could be checked by looking at a series of red lines on the side of his cockpit window and lining them up against the horizon 60, 75, or 80 degree angle of attack. He would then look forward through the fixed gun sight, to line up his attack, before releasing his heavy main bomb - the optimum release height was indicated to the pilot, by a light flicking on in his altimeter. The bomb was carried on a large U-shaped cradle, which would swing down on release, throwing the bomb safely clear of the large propeller and on to the target. As all this action was taking place, the pilot would have certainly had at least a couple of reassuring glances at the red pins protruding up from the top of the wings, which informed him that the automatic dive recovery system was engaged, should he fall victim to a g-induced black-out. All this would have been taking place in just a matter of a few, frantic seconds! Once the bombs had left the aircraft, it automatically began its dive recovery sequence. This was the point at which the maximum g loading on the crew would be felt and forces in excess of six times the force of gravity were regularly experienced, which could result in vision impairment at the very least. Once recovered and the nose of the aircraft was above the horizon, the dive breaks were automatically retracted, the throttle was opened and the propeller was set to climb the pilot then quickly had to manually open the coolant flaps, to prevent the engine from overheating and then resume flying the aircraft. This was the point that the Stuka was at its most vulnerable, flying at low level, at relatively slow speed and in hostile territory. His rear gunner may still be blacked out and indeed the pilot might still be feeling a little light headed, but every anti-aircraft gun, rifle and enemy fighter in the vicinity would be taking pot-shots at them, from every angle. Includes: - Plastic kit - Cockpit detail including pilot - Undercarriage detailing - Bomb and armament detail - 2x sets of waterslide transfers/decals:  - Scheme A - Junkers Ju 87B-1 Stuka VK+ER, II./Sturzkampfgeschwader 77, Breslau-Schöngarten, Germany (now Poland), Spring 1939  - Scheme B - Junkers Ju 87B-1 T6+IH, I./Sturzkampfgeschwader 2 ‘Immelmann’, Balkans, 1940/41. - Kit requires glue and paint to complete (NOT included)  - 1:72 scale