Airfix North American F-86F/E(M) Sabre (1:72)

North American F-86F/E(M) Sabre (1:72) Product Info: This 1:72 scale model kit recreates the renowned North American F-86 Sabre, a pioneering classic jet fighter celebrated for its exceptional pilot-friendly design. Equipped with six dependable 0.50cal M3 Browning machine guns and expertly balanced controls, the Sabre epitomised advanced aviation technology before rockets became standard. Comprising 63 components and rated at skill level 2, this kit invites you to construct a piece of aviation heritage. Key Features: -1:72 scale replica of the iconic F-86F/E(M) Sabre jet fighter -63 intricately moulded plastic parts for detailed assembly -Six 0.50cal M3 Browning machine guns rendered with precision -Includes two genuine decoration schemes -Skill level 2 - suitable for modellers aged 8 years and older -Part of the esteemed Vintage Classics collection History: Nearly 10,000 Sabres were built, serving in about 30 different air forces globally. The F-86 Sabre's outstanding performance and reliability led to its widespread international use, with production under licence in Canada, Australia, Japan, and Italy. This impressive production and global deployment solidified the Sabre's reputation as one of the most successful jet fighters of the Cold War era, marking a significant shift in aviation history with the advent of swept-wing jet technology.   Produced under licence. (Vehicle/Aeroplane Models) the distinctive logos, product markings, and trade dress are all trademarks of The Boeing Company.  

Airfix Junkers Ju52/3mg4e 'Tante Ju' (1:72)

Junkers Ju52/3mg4e 'Tante Ju' (1:72) Product Info: This remarkable 1:72 scale model of the Junkers Ju52/3mg4e comprises 218 parts, providing hobbyists with an intricate assembly of one of the most renowned transport planes of the 20th century. With a wingspan measuring 444mm and a skill level 3 classification, this kit offers three paint options to reflect various aircraft configurations. Key Features: -218 parts for a detailed 1:72 scale model -Selection of three genuine paint options -Completed wingspan of 444mm -Skill level 3 - ideal for modellers aged 8 and up -Faithfully replicates the unique corrugated metal design -Depicts a versatile aircraft used for transport, medical evacuation, glider towing, and more History: One of the standout aircraft of the 20th century, the Junkers Ju52 began as a single-engine cargo plane, making its debut flight in October 1930. Merely six months later, the three-engine version made a significant impact in aviation, delivering enhanced power and the safety of multiple engines. This aircraft could accommodate 17 passengers in relative comfort for its time, aiding Lufthansa in establishing early European commercial routes. Notable for its corrugated magnesium/aluminium construction, the Junkers Ju52 was a dependable and robust aircraft, serving as the mainstay of the Luftwaffe's transport fleet during WWII. The aircraft was also utilised as an air ambulance, paratrooper carrier, glider tug, seaplane, and even a minesweeper, equipped with a large metal degaussing ring under the fuselage to create a magnetic field that triggered Allied naval mines. Nearly 5,000 of these planes were built, but now that it's available in 1:72 scale, you can construct as many of these model kits as you desire!  

Airfix North American B-25C D Mitchell (1:72)

North American B-25C D Mitchell  Includes: - Detailed plastic kit - Cockpit detail and glazing - Pilots included - Optional undercarriage (Up or down positions) - Engine and prop detail - Gun turrets - Body panel lines - Waterslide transfers/decals for 2 new schemes:   - (A)    - (B)  - Kit requires glue and paint to complete NOT included - 1:72 Scale Aircraft information and history: The role of medium bomber proved to be one of the most crucial during the Second World War and after something of a challenging service introduction, the North American B-25 Mitchell developed into a highly successful aircraft. Seeing service in every theatre of operation, the B-25 was the most versatile aircraft of its type, fulfilling a multitude of tactical roles in many different operating environments.  Arguably, the most famous action involving the North American B-25 Mitchell came just after 8am on 18th April 1942, when sixteen of the bombers lifted off the relatively short deck of USS Hornet and set course for Japan. Intended as a strike at the heart of the Japanese Empire who had infamously attacked the US Pacific Fleet at Pearl Harbor, this audacious and heroic raid illustrated the resolve of the American people and the determination of their military forces to strive for victory. The early B-25B aircraft used on the Doolittle Raid performed well, but were already in the process of being upgraded. The later C/D model (different letters were used to denote the manufacturer) proved to be the definitive version of this extremely effective medium bomber and was the first truly mass produced version of the aircraft. An extremely rugged and versatile aircraft, the Mitchell saw service as an anti-submarine patrol aircraft off the coast of Florida and as a strike bomber in the deserts of North Africa, proving successful at both. Some of the later versions of the B-25 became the most heavily armed aircraft of the war, with no less than 18 machine guns and an array of other offensive weaponry. With a solid nose housing 8 heavy guns, these aircraft were lethal gunships, capable of destroying anything in its line of fire.

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 

Airfix Curtiss P-40B Warhawk (1:72)

Curtiss P-40B Warhawk Includes: - Plastic kit - Cockpit and interior detailing - Optional undercarriage (up or down positions) - Armaments - Waterslide transfers/decals - Number of Pieces 47 - Wingspan (mm) 158 - Requires glue and paint to complete NOT included - 1:72 Scale