North American P-51D Mustang 1:48

A thoroughbred fighting aeroplane, the P-51D Mustang was produced in greater numbers than any other variant and introduced a number of improvements over earlier models. With a new wing design, teardrop canopy and lower rear fuselage, the P-51D was the mount of many USAAF aces and became the primary US fighter in the European Theatre, following its introduction in mid 1944.

Scale	1:48
Skill	3
Flying Hours	3
Number of Parts	147
Dimensions (mm)	L205 x W236
Age Suitability	8+

dehavilland-heron-mkii

Douglas A-4B/Q Skyhawk 1:72

The A-4 Skyhawk is a carrier-capable ground-attack aircraft designed for the US Navy and Marine Corps. Skyhawks were the Navy’s primary light bomber used over North Vietnam. The Argentine air force also used the type during the Falklands War in 1982.

Scale	1:72
Skill	2
Flying Hours	1
Number of Parts	75
Dimensions (mm)	L178 x W116
Age Suitability	8+

Mikoyan-Gurevich MiG-17F ‘Fresco’ 1:72

Messerschmitt Me262A-2a ‘Sturmvogel’ 1:72

Despite being the most advanced aircraft of WWII, Adolf Hitler insisted that the Me262 be developed into a fast attack bomber, diverting valuable resources from much needed fighter production. Known as the ‘Stormbird’ the attack version included hard points for two 500kg bombs under the nose of the aircraft, with its speed making it almost invulnerable from Allied air interception.

de Havilland D.H.82a Tiger Moth 1:48

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 Company’s 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 Britain’s 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.

Gloster Gladiator Mk.I/Mk.II 1:72

The Gloster Gladiator was developed from the Gloster Gauntlet as a private venture, and represented both the peak and the end of the biplane fighter. In many air arms it smoothed the transition to monoplane fighters, and in confronting aircraft of its own era it performed well.

Northrop P-61 Black Widow 1:72

One of the most distinctive aircraft of the Second World War, the P-61 Black Widow was the first US aircraft designed specifically for combat at night and the first developed with radar as its primary method of target detection. Powered by two mighty Pratt & Whitney Double Wasp engines, this was a very big aeroplane for a fighter, but if it managed to detect an enemy aircraft, its impressive array of offensive firepower would usually result in the Black Widow living up to its sinister name. It is thought that a P-61 Black Widow operating in the Pacific Theatre scored the final Allied aerial victory of the Second World War, in the hours just prior to Japan’s surrender.

Savoia-Marchetti SM79 1:72

The Savoia-Marchetti SM79 ‘Sparrowhawk’ was Italy’s main medium bomber of the Second World War and one of the most effective bombers operated by Axis forces. With its unusual three engined configuration, the SM79 was a relatively fast aeroplane, possessing excellent endurance, which made it especially effective in operations over the Mediterranean. As a torpedo bomber, the SM79 earned a reputation for being one of the best anti-shipping aircraft of WWII and should the aircraft have to land on water as a result of damage sustained during an attack, the wooden wings and fabric covered fuselage gave the crew ample time to take to their life rafts. After the armistice with Italy, around 36 ‘Sparrowhawks’ continued to fight with the Germans, some wearing Luftwaffe markings.

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Hunting Percival Jet Provost T.4 1:72

For most RAF pilots serving between 1960 and 1988, the Hunting Aircraft (BAC) Jet Provost will be an extremely familiar aircraft to them. Forming the backbone of RAF pilot training during this period, the Jet Provost was distinctive by its broad fuselage profile, which allowed for a relatively spacious side-by-side cockpit arrangement.

Hawker Typhoon Ib 1:72

By 1943 the RAF needed a dedicated ground attack fighter, and the Typhoon was suited to the role. The powerful engine allowed the aircraft to carry a load of up to two 1,000lb (454kg) bombs. From September 1943 Typhoons could also be armed with four “60lb” RP-3 rockets.

Henschel Hs123A-1 1:72

As you might expect from a new aircraft manufacturer previously involved in the production of railway locomotives, the Henschel Hs123 biplane attack aircraft was as tough as they come. Intended as a dive bomber and close air support aircraft, the Hs123 performed well during its combat introduction in the Spanish Civil War, however, its lack of range and relatively small bomb load saw future development suppressed due to the impending introduction of the monoplane Ju-87 Stuka. Despite this setback, the aircraft still in service at the start of WWII were sent into action, with its pilots perfecting the art of close air support for advancing ground units. Proving to be extremely rugged, these agile little biplanes could absorb significant levels of damage, pressing home their attacks and bringing their pilots home safely. Serving through the Blitzkrieg attacks against Poland, France and the Low Countries, the Hs123 would come into its own during the savage fighting on the Eastern Front, where aircraft would be based close to the front lines, flying several offensive sorties each day. The aircraft proved so effective, that they were only withdrawn from service in the spring of 1944 and only then due to a lack of serviceable aircraft and spares.