Aviation 72 Folland Gnat Single Seat RAF Cosford Museum XK724 (1:72)

Folland Gnat Single Seat RAF Cosford Museum XK724 Following in the contrails of Aviation 72's successful two-seat T.1 trainer variant that has spawned many versions in 1/72 scale, the Gnat's casting was modified to replicate the original solo cockpit 'light fighter' F.1 that first flew in 1955. The British Folland Gnat was developed as a compact swept-wing subsonic fighter aircraft that was produced by Folland Aircraft. Envisioned as an affordable light fighter in contrast to the rising costs and size of typical combat aircraft, it was procured as a trainer aircraft for the Royal Air Force as well as by overseas customers in Finland, Yugoslavia and India, who used the Gnat in both combat and training capacities. Although never used as a fighter by the RAF, the 2-seat Gnat T.1 jet trainer variant was also adopted and operated for some time. The Gnat also became well known due to its prominent use as the original display type used by the Red Arrows aerobatic team. The Gnat was replaced by the Hawker Siddeley Hawk. This RAF version (a limited edition of 360) is rightly missing the underwing extras modelled on later releases of this casting as it depicts the aircraft as it is today, on display at The RAF Cosford Museum. The single-seater Gnat really looks the part with the smaller cockpit and is wonderfully finished in the correct livery. The paintwork on both features a suitable level of sheen and the markings are all beautifully applied, plus there is plenty of excellent detailing to enjoy. Undercarriage is fixed in the deployed position and the model comes complete with a display stand to use, if desired. - 1:72 Scale

Aviation 72 Fairey Swordfish 'The Navy Wings Heritage Flight' (1:72)

Fairey Swordfish 'The Navy Wings Heritage Flight' W5856/4A The Swordfish is a biplane torpedo bomber, designed by the Fairey Aviation Company and principally operated by the Fleet Air Arm of the Royal Navy. The design first flew in 1934 and was retired from frontline duties towards the end of World War II. W5856 is the oldest surviving airworthy Fairey Swordfish in the world and is now part of the Navy Wings historic naval aircraft collection. W5856 first flew in 1941 and served with the Royal Navys Mediterranean Fleet for a year, then returned to Fairey's Stockport factory for refurbishment over the winter of 1942/43. Transferred to the Royal Canadian Navy in 1944 and used in a training role, this aircraft was then stored in reserve after the end of the war. Sold off and passing into civilian ownership, W5856 was eventually purchased by Sir William Roberts and brought to Scotland to join his Strathallan Collection. In 1990, the aircraft was bought by British Aerospace and completely restored to flying condition. Following a successful test flight at Brough in May 1993, she was gifted to the Royal Navy Historic Flight. Three years later, the aircraft was adopted by the City of Leeds, in tribute to the local companies that built Swordfish components during World War II, and W5856 now wears the citys coat of arms and name on her port side just forward of the pilot's cockpit. W5856 was grounded with corrosion in her wing spars in 2003, but BAE Systems generously stepped in and constructed a new set of wings, which were delivered in 2012. W5856 was saved by a major grant from the Peter Harrison Heritage Foundation. The aircraft re-joined the display circuit in 2015, carrying a new paint scheme which depicts Swordfish of 820 Naval Air Squadron during the attack of the Bismarck in 1941. Released as part of the lower-priced Inceptor series, this second Swordfish in the series (after AV72-FB-001, the other Swordfish in the Navy Wings collection) makes for another excellent value model. It comes complete with a display stand in a window presentation box. - 1:72 Scale