13 best airfix baes

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Britain's most pressing need was for aircraft and in 1940, the British Purchasing Commission approached US aircraft manufacturer North American Aviation, to produce license-built Curtiss P-40 fighters for the RAF. Slightly indignant at the prospect, North American officials proposed to build a totally new aircraft for the Royal Air Force, which would be superior to the P-40 and more suitable for their needs. So impressive was their pitch, the British agreed to their proposal and signed a contract for the new aircraft. Unfortunately, time was very much against the North American design team, as Britain desperately needed aircraft without delay. Work on the new project began immediately. What North American Aviation achieved with their new aircraft design was nothing short of astonishing. Incorporating highly advanced new features and the very latest manufacturing techniques, the prototype aircraft (NA-73X) rolled out of their hangar on 9thSeptember 1940, only 120 days after the contract had been signed. The first flight of the aircraft took place just 47 days later and other than the usual issues associated with a first flight, the aircraft showed great promise and was a clear vindication of the confidence North American Aviation had in their design capabilities. Please note images are digital renders and subject to change. Produced under license by Boeing. The distinctive Boeing logos, product markings and trade dress are trademarks of The Boeing Company. Please note, box and model dimensions are shown as identical however only represent the box/package size.

• 1: 48th scale WWII military aircraft plastic A05131 kits
• Scheme 1- North American P-51D Mustang, 'Little Indian', 2nd Air Commando Group, 10th Air Force, United States Army Air Force, Kalaikunda, India 1945.
• Skill level: 2 number of parts: 147
• Humbrol paints needed are listed on the outside of the box.
• Construction and painting required: yes, glue and paints need to be purchased separately

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Few aircraft in the history of aerial warfare can boast the impact and combat credentials of the Grumman F6F Hellcat, one of the finest fighting machines ever to take to the skies. A product of the already successful Grumman ‘Ironworks’, the company’s design philosophy was only to produce aircraft which were easy to manufacture and maintain and must be reliable in a combat situation. Importantly, it must be an effective combat aircraft and able to be mastered by the average wartime pilot following a standard conversion period. This no nonsense approach ensured that the Hellcat was ready to fight and available in some numbers when they eventually reached US Navy units in 1943. Despite its combat introduction taking place relatively late in the war, the Hellcat would prove to be the 'mount of aces' and unquestionably ruled the skies of the Pacific Theater. Posting some astonishing statistics, it has veen reported that almost 75% of all aerial victories claimed by US Navy Pilots were attributed to the Hellcat, which earned an impressive combat kill ratio of 19 to 1 in the Pacific Theater. Although combat claims can be notoriously difficult to corroborate, this meant that on average, nineteen enemy aircraft were destroyed for the loss of a single Hellcat, a statistic which could not be bettered by any other combat aircraft of WWII. Perhaps the most impressive combat statistic earned by the Gumman Hellcat was that made 'Aces' of no fewer than 305 US airmen, each one claiming five victories or more. Can be built with wings open or folded. Includes full cockpit detail with open or closed canopy options. Complete fully detailed radial engine, engine mount and all ancillaries. Separate engine cowling and forward fuselage panels. Detailed undercarriage, undercarriage bays and arrestor hook with options to build with wheels up or down. Fully detailed gun bays with complete machine guns and ammunition trays. Can be built with closed or extended landing flaps. Poseable control surfaces and trim tabs. Realistic surface detailing showing rivets, fasteners and rippled ‘stressed skin. ' Drop tanks (2 types), 250Ib and 500Ib bombs and rockets all included. Includes a choice of four decal schemes.

• October 24, 1944- the battle of Leyte Gulf in the Pacific. Lt. Carl Allen brown Jr. A member of vf-27 flying f6f-5 'paper doll' From the USS price ton shot down 5 enemy 'zekes' Before evading a further 4 that were competing to shoot him down. His machine was damaged and he was Wounded but brown was able to land safely on the USS Essex after the Princeton was Sunk.
• Scheme 1) gumman f6f-5 Hellcat 'paper doll' Aircraft flown by lt. Carl a. Brown Jr. Vf-27, USS Princeton October 1944. Scheme 2) GRUMMAN f6f-5 Hellcat vf-12 USS Randolph (cv-15) may 1945. Scheme 3) GRUMMAN Hellcat Mk II 'operation sunfish' No. 808 Naval air Squadron, fleet air arm, HMS khedive, East Indies, March-April 1945. Scheme 4) GRUMMAN f6f-5 Hellcat flotille, carrier arromanches (R95), l'aeronavaler, Indochina War 1953.
• Skill level: 4 (expert). Dimensions of completed kit: length of fuselage 16. 7 in X width of wingspan 21. 4 in. Number of parts: 572.
• Can be built with wings open, or folded. Includes full cockpit detail with open or closed canopy options. Detailed undercarriage, undercarriage bays and arrestor hook with options to build with wheels up or down. Can be built with closed or extended landing flaps.
• Painting required: yes, paints need to be purchased separately. Humbrol paints needed are listed on the outside of the box.

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First flying in 1939, the Focke-Wulf Fw190 proved to be an immediate threat to RAF fighters when introduced in late 1941, being faster and more maneuverable than the Spitfire V then in service. This A-8 version was the most numerous and heavily armed variant, which entered service in 1944, as an attempt to stop the Allied daylight raids, however, by then the new Allied fighters had begun to outclass it.

• Part of the Airfix classic kit range, the 1: 72 scale is a smaller scale and is perfect for those models where you want a more simple and faster construction.
• Skill level: 1. Dimensions of completed kit: length 152mm x width 145mm. Number of parts: 53.
• Primary scheme: Focke-Wulf fw190-a8 flown by feldwebel Martin Ullmann, 9/jgs
• Painting required: yes, paints need to be purchased separately.
• Humbrol paints needed are listed on the outside of the box.

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Powered by the 18-cylinder Pratt & Whitney XR-2800 Double Wasp radial engine of 2,000hp, the Corsair required the largest propeller used on a single engine aircraft in WWII. Originally considered unsuitable for use on aircraft carriers by the US Navy, it was the Royal Navy that first used the Corsair from its carriers in April 1944. From then on the Corsair saw service in both Atlantic and Pacific theatres until the end of WWII.

• 1:72nd Scale WWII Military Aircraft Plastic Model Kit
• Skill Level: 1 Number of Parts: 85
• Older tool. May require extra cutting/sanding for edges to fit pieces together
• This kits contains all the paints, glue and brushes necessary to complete this kit
• Doesn't come with detailed interior

Product description

During the early stages of WWII, the American built Curtiss P-40B proved to be one of the most important fighter aircraft available to Allied Air Forces. Flying with the RAF in North Africa and the American Volunteer Group in China, the Allison V-1710-33 powered P-40B was to became one of the most distinctive fighters of the entire war, wearing their fearsome shark-mouth artwork. Arguably, the most striking versions of the P-40 were the early machines, which displayed an extremely sinister profile – with a shorter, more pointed nose and an extremely throaty Allison V-1710 engine, the P-40B (Tomahawk IIa in RAF service) aircraft looked almost like flying Great White sharks. When RAF No.112 Squadron of the Desert Air Force added aggressive looking sharks teeth and eyes to their aircraft in 1941, they inadvertently turned their Tomahawks into some of the most iconic aircraft of WWII and certainly some of the most visually appealing. These designs would find their way on to many different aircraft throughout the remainder of the war, but the RAF Desert Air Force certainly started the trend. Livery A: P40B Lt. George Welch, 47th PS, 15th PG, December 1941 Hawaii Livery B: Hawk 81-A-2 No47 (P-8127) Robert T. Smith, 3rd Squadron (Hell's Angels) American Volunteer Group, Kunming, China, June 1942

• 1:48th Scale WWII Military Aircraft Plastic Model Kit Skill Level: 2 Number of Parts: 106
• Livery A: P40B Lt. George Welch, 47th PS, 15th PG, December 1941 Hawaii
• Livery B: Hawk 81-A-2 No47 (P-8127) Robert T. Smith, 3rd Squadron (Hell's Angels) American Volunteer Group, Kunming, China, June 1942
• Humbrol Paints needed are listed on the outside of the box.
• Construction and painting required: yes, glue and paints need to be purchased separately

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Product description

When the Japanese Zero first entered service in 1940, it was without doubt the most advanced naval fighter in the world and quickly earned a reputation as a ruthless dogfighter. In early engagements, the Zero proved so effective that pilots were able to post an almost unbelievable victory ratio of 12 to 1 against their adversaries. As the Wehrmacht began its march across Europe in 1940, little attention was being given to developments in the Far East. Following years of re-arming and upgrading, the Japanese Navy could boast some of the most advanced naval aircraft in the world within its inventory, including the superb Mitsubishi A6M Zero. This long range Naval fighter would be at the forefront of Japan’s expansionist ambitions throughout WWII and in the early war years, proved to be unequalled in the Pacific region. Possessing exceptional maneuverability, the Zero quickly earned a reputation as a dogfighter and Allied pilots quickly learned to avoid a slow, turning fight with this beautifully balanced aircraft. As the fighter aircraft to beat in the Pacific, American pilots soon developed tactics that avoided playing into the hands of the Zero and began to score victories. As newer fighters began to enter service, the A6M Zero began to show its weaknesses, which were a lack of armour protection for the pilot and no self-sealing fuel tanks in the wing. Using their ‘boom and zoom’ hit and run tactics, the Americans finally began to get the measure of the feared Zero.

From the Manufacturer

The Mitsubishi A6M Zero was a long range naval fighter aircraft that formed the backbone of the Imperial Japanese Navy's Air Arm throughout the Second World War. Blessed with exceptional maneuverability, as well as long range, the Zero proved to be the best carrier fighter aircraft in the world when it made its debut in China in 1940 and then again in the opening stages of the Pacific War against the United States.

• 1: 72 scale plastic scale model kit
• Skill level: 1 (where 1 is for the beginner and 4 is for the more experienced modeler)
• Number of parts: 47

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Although usually associated with the Wehrmacht's feared; 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 optimize 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 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; the attack sequence had begun. Please note, box and model dimensions are shown as identical however only represent the box/package size.

• Being a slightly larger scale, 1:48 allows modelers to add those intricate details that is absent from smaller scales.
• Scheme 1- Junkers Ju 87R-2 Stuka, 2/Sturzkampfgeschwader 3, Greece Spring 1941.
• Skill level: 3 number of parts: 158
• Painting and assembly required. Paints and glue need to be purchased separately.
• Humbrol paints needed to complete the plane liveries are listed on the outside of the box.
• Skill level: Intermediate

Product description

Flying the Curtiss Hawk 81-A-2 from late 1941 the Flying Tigers, known officially as the 1st American Volunteer Group, were a unit of the Republic of China Air Force.

• 1:72 scale plastic scale model kit
• Skill level: 1 (where 1 is for the beginner and 4 is for the more experienced modeler)
• Number of parts: 47

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Product description

Dogfight Double, After the fall of France in 1940, the two great air arms of the day, Great Britain’s RAF and Germany’s Luftwaffe, faced each other in large numbers for the first time. The spearhead of the Luftwaffe was the Messerschmitt Bf109E. A formidable fighting machine, it had proven itself to be world class throughout its previous campaigns. However, over southern England in the summer of 1940, it faced a new set of challenges. The most serious test for the Luftwaffe pilots was the widespread use of the RAF’s finest fighter, the Supermarine Spitfire. More manoeuvrable than the 109E, the Spitfire was the finest fighter of its day. This set contains two aircraft flown by aces, Helmut Wick and John Dundas. Neither survived their fateful engagement on 28th November 1940.

• 1:72 scale plastic scale model kit
• Skill level: 2 (where 1 is for the beginner and 4 is for the more experienced modeller)
• Number of parts: Spitfire 36 / Messerschmitt 64
• Includes all paints, adhesive and brushes you need

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Product description

A fast and fun introductory war game playable with all your Air fix figures and vehicles. Air fix battles comes with everything you need to play exciting WWII battles straight out of the box, including die-cut cardboard counters for tanks, infantry and guns in case you don't have any figures to hand. Air fix battles lets you plan your army using the force deck. Draw the cards or select the ones you need to build an exciting army to challenge your friends. Set up the battle using step-by-step instructions in the mission book you're ready to play. Each player has a Hand of command cards to move and fight their forces, bring airstrikes or artillery support. You never know what your opponent is going to do next!

• Test your miltary combat strategy with this great introduction to fast-paced table-top war games and comes with everything needed to play. The game is inspired by Airfix military plastic models.
• Comes with round chips to represent your army, but can substitute your own figures to give a more exciting game play.
• With a combination of command cards directing your multi-level infantry and vehicles, the roll of the dice will leave you on the edge of your seat!
• Comes with a straight forward rule book that is fun for everyone to learn and simple enough for all to enjoy. A great stepping stone into the large world of table top gaming.
• Can be played in 30-60 minutes and have one to four players at a time.

Product description

As US bomber operations began to take place at airfields all over Southern England from the summer of 1942, the vehicles used in servicing their Liberators and Flying Fortresses were slowly changing from the standard RAF support vehicles, to specialized US Air Force equipment. From fuel trailers to bomb trolleys, Bedford were quickly being replaced by Chevrolets. Autocrat U-7144-T 4X4 tractor unit and F-1 fuel trailer. The U-7144-T was used extensively by the US military from 1942 onwards and was certainly found on most, if not all USAAF airfields in Britain, particularly in conjunction with the standard F-1 fuel trailer. With many aircraft requiring refueling on a daily basis, it was usual for each base to have numerous examples of the U-7144-T available at any one time. Chevrolet M6 bomb service truck. This utility 4X4 truck was capable of carrying a small number of bombs in its own right, but was more commonly used in conjunction with the M5 bomb trailer. Indeed, it was capable of towing up to five fully loaded M5 bomb trailers, which was just as well considering the number of missions USAAF bomber crews were required to undertake. The new set will also include the M5 bomb trailer. Cushman Model 39 Package Car. This light, three wheeled utility vehicle will have been used for a multitude of light duties on USAAF bases. A development of a motor scooter design, the single wheel at the back provided the power for the vehicle, which allowed a small cargo box to be fitted at the front. Again, the Cushman would have been a regular feature on a USAAF airfield.

• Part of the Airfix Classic Kit Range, the 1:72 scale is a smaller scale and is perfect for those models where you want a more simple and faster construction.
• Cushman Model 39 Package Car, Chevrolet M6 Bomb Service Truck, M5 Bomb Trailer, Autocrat U-7144-T 4x4 Tractor Unit and F-1 Fuel Trailer
• Skill Level: 2 Number of Parts:
• Painting and assembly required. Paints and glue need to be purchased separately.
• Humbrol paints needed to complete the plane liveries are listed on the outside of the box.
• Skill level: Intermediate

Product description

The Bristol Beaufighter was a WWII British long range heavy fighter, developed from the earlier Beaufort design. Featuring two powerful Bristol Hercules engines, the aircraft gained a fearsome reputation for being both fast and able to deliver a powerful blow from its four 20mm cannons and a choice of either Torpedo or Rocket projectiles. Although developed to be a fighter, and used successfully as a night fighter, it was the TF.X Coastal Command version that was most successful; its range and power enabling it to take a heavy toll of Axis shipping.

• Part of the Airfix Classic Kit Range, the 1:72 scale is a smaller scale and is perfect for those models where you want a more simple and faster construction.
• Skill Level: 2
• Number of Parts: 130
• Painting and assembly required. Paints and glue need to be purchased separately.
• Humbrol paints needed to complete the plane liveries are listed on the outside of the box.

Product description

First flying in 1939, the Focke-Wulf Fw190 proved to be an immediate threat to RAF fighters when introduced in late 1941, being faster and more maneuverable than the Spitfire V then in service. This A-8 version was the most numerous and heavily armed variant, which entered service in 1944, as an attempt to stop the Allied daylight raids, however, by then the new Allied fighters had begun to outclass it.

• 1:72nd Scale WWII Military Aircraft Plastic Model Kit
• Skill Level: 1
• Number of Parts: 53
• This kits contains all the paints, glue and brushes necessary to complete this kit
• Comes with Humbrol Paints, Glue and Brushes
• Skill level: Beginner

User questions & answers