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Supermarine Spitfire Mk.Vc

Product code: A02108

About the Aircraft:

A much more complicated aeroplane than the Hawker Hurricane which preceded it into RAF service, the Spitfire represented the pinnacle of aviation design when the first examples were delivered to No.19 Squadron at Duxford in the summer of 1938. As the clouds of war were gathering, the RAF were going to need as many of these magnificent aeroplanes as they could get. 

The Spitfire's Finest Hour came during the savage dogfights of the Battle of Britain, where the enduring reputation of this iconic fighter was secured in a four month struggle for aerial supremacy in the skies above Southern England. Fighting alongside the more numerous Hawker Hurricanes, Fighter Command thwarted the Luftwaffe in their attempt to clear the skies of British fighters and effectively removed the immediate threat of German invasion. Following the end of the Battle of Britain and a period of rest and replenishment, the RAF were ready to go on the offensive, with raids across the Channel selecting targets of opportunity and attempting to lure the Luftwaffe into combat. The Spitfire has the distinction of being the only Allied fighter to be in continuous production throughout the Second World War and was constantly upgraded to keep it at the forefront or wartime fighter technology. The Spitfire Mk.V combined the additional power of the Rolls Royce Merlin 45 engine with the original Mk.I/II airframe (plus a number of design improvements for the proposed future Mk.III) and proved to be more than a match for the latest Luftwaffe fighter. Spitfire Mk.V fighters were produced at a spectacular rate with almost 6,500 manufactured. Seeing service in every theatre the Allies contested the war, Spitfire Mk.Vs fought in the home defence role above the deserts of North Africa and jungles of the Far East. 

Introduction of the Spitfires C or Universal Wing was something of an engineering triumph and provided the fighter with a wing capable of supporting various weapons configurations. The new wing strengthened the undercarriage, making the challenging ground handling a little more manageable for pilots. In order to preserve engine life whilst operating in hot and dusty airfield environments, the fitting of a Vokes Air Filter under the front cowling of the aircraft may have done little for the aesthetic appeal of the Spitfire, yet it clearly illustrated that many would go on to operate in environments from which the aircraft was never originally intended. This further enhanced the enduring legacy of this magnificent aeroplane.

About the Model:

For many people, the Supermarine Spitfire is regarded the most famous fighting aeroplane ever to take to the skies, and you can now bring this legacy home as part of your Airfix collection today. With a highly impressive history of service in the RAF and ability to survive even the most toughest of environments, this aircraft has definitely earned a spot in your Airfix collection! The Spitfire has two livery schemes as well as sprues, decals  and vomces with 73 pieces in each kit. Described as arguably the most effective stop-gap aircraft the RAF ever introduced, this makes the Supermarine Spitfire a number one choice for Airfix fans and military enthusiasts alike.

Individual price: £11.99

Mig 17F Fresco Douglas A-4B Skyhawk Dogfight Double

Product code: A50185

Armed with cannons, bombs and unguided missiles, the little A4 Skyhawks would skim across the rice paddies and hug the densely forested mountains of Vietnam in the early days of the Vietnam war of the 1960s. Against them ranged small arms fire, artillery, guided surface to air missiles and MiGs of the North Vietnamese Air Force.

Alongside the supersonic MiG-21 was the older subsonic MiG-17F. This aircraft, codenamed Fresco, was a very maneuverable opponent, and certainly a match for the Skyhawk. Between them, they formed the backbone of the air war over Vietnam.

Individual price: £35.99

Messerschmitt Me262B-1a/U1

Product code: A04062

As the first operational jet fighter in the world, initial Messerschmitt Me262s combat operations were flown by single seat aircraft, piloted by some of the Luftwaffe's most experienced airmen. A two seat trainer version soon followed, which allowed new pilots to acquaint themselves with this advanced technology, without their conversion from piston power being their first solo jet flight.

Scheme 1: 10./NJG 11, W.Nr 111980, Red 12 + RAF Version 

Scheme 2: Avia CS-92 Czech AF

Individual price: £23.99

Sherman Calliope

Product code: A02334V

About the Tank:

The Rocket Launcher T34 (Calliope) was a tank-mounted multiple rocket launcher used by the US Army during WWII. The launcher was placed atop the tank, and fired a barrage of 4.5 in (114mm) rockets from 60 launch tubes. It adopts its name from the musical instrument 'Calliope', also known as the steam organ.

About the Model:

No Airfix collection is complete without that one eye-catching model, and the Sherman Calliope will defninitely not dissapoint. As reflected in the tank itself, this exclusive Airfix model features the iconic mounted rocket launchers and livery scheme for you to make a well-deserved part of your Airfix range today!

Individual price: £10.99

WWI Female Tank

Product code: A02337V

About the Tank:

The 'Female' version of the MkI tank was produced in larger numbers than its 'Male' partner. This was due to the four Vickers machine guns mounted on the sides, which were more effective in combat than the heavier guns carried by the 'Male' tank in the treacherous conditions on the Western Front.

About the Model:

If it's a tank with reliablity and power that you're after then the WWI Female Tank is the next must-buy for your Airfix model collection. Featuring a highly detailed paint scheme as well as the side machine guns emulated from actual tank itself, orders yours to bring home today!

Individual price: £10.99

Gloster Meteor F.8 Korea

Product code: A09184

Gloster Meteor F.8 Korea

Individual price: £46.99

Panther G

Product code: A1352

On 3rd April 1944, M.A.N. reported that it had successfully completed trial production runs of the new Ausf.G chassis. M.A.N. built about 1143 Panther Ausf.G tanks between March 1944 and April 1945. Between July 1944 to March 1945 M.N.H. constructed 806 Panther Ausf.G tanks.

Daimler-Benz finished 1004 Panther Ausf.G tanks between May 1944 and April 1945. There were some minor differences between factory built tanks. M.N.H. fitted a cast steel Gleitschuh skid shoes instead of a rubber tire return roller behind the front track drive sprocket. The other two factories continued to fit rubber rimmed return rollers.

Individual price: £51.99

Avro Vulcan B.2

Product code: A12011

This 1:72 scale model of the Avro Vulcan B.2 represents a standout aircraft in the annals of British aviation. Comprising 277 pieces and boasting a wingspan of 470mm, this skill level 3 kit allows modellers to recreate the definitive version of the RAF's renowned delta wing strategic bomber. Suitable for enthusiasts aged 8 and up, the kit offers two detailed paint schemes from the Cold War period, enabling modellers to build this emblem of Britain's nuclear deterrence.

Key Features

• 1:72 scale model with 277 components for intricate assembly
• 470mm wingspan showcasing the unique delta wing design
• Includes two authentic RAF paint schemes from the Cold War era
• Skill level 3 - perfect for intermediate modellers
• Recreates the definitive B.2 variant with a kinked leading edge wing
• Suitable for ages 8 and above
• High-quality plastic construction for precise detailing

History

The Avro Vulcan is a pivotal piece of post-war British aviation history, recognised for its massive delta wing, nearly as iconic as the elliptical wing of the Spitfire. Designed to fulfil an Air Ministry demand for a swift, high-altitude strategic bomber capable of carrying a 10,000-pound nuclear payload, it served as a deterrent to threats against the UK, doubling the capability of earlier British bombers.

The Vulcan's first flight in August 1952 marked the debut of the world's first delta bomber, also becoming one of the most effective strike bombers. Nine years prior, Avro Lancasters had executed the renowned Ruhr Valley dam raids. By entering squadron service in July 1957 with No.83 Squadron at RAF Waddington, Britain possessed the fastest nuclear-capable bomber globally. Despite its destructive potential, the Vulcan became Britain's most effective peacekeeping tool during the Cold War, symbolising the dire consequences of any attack on NATO.

As the RAF trained Vulcan crews for Quick Reaction Alert, Avro engineers enhanced the design to outpace Eastern Bloc fighter and missile advancements. The introduction of more powerful Bristol Olympus engines led to stability challenges, necessitating a wing redesign. The definitive B.2 variant, launched in July 1960, featured a larger wing with two distinct kinks in the leading edge, improving both performance and appearance. The B.2 became the most renowned and numerous Vulcan variant.

The B.2's introduction coincided with more advanced nuclear weapons and a shift in delivery strategies due to Soviet anti-aircraft advancements. To sustain deterrence, Avro developed the Blue Steel air-launched nuclear stand-off missile, allowing attacks from 100 miles away, beyond Soviet missile range. This enhanced the V-bomber force’s effectiveness and tilted the nuclear balance in Britain’s favour.

In July 1969, the Royal Navy’s submarines assumed responsibility for Britain’s strategic nuclear deterrent, and the RAF conducted its final V-bomber Blue Steel mission in 1970. Vulcans continued in a conventional strike role with retained nuclear capability for another 14 years before being retired. Cherished by the British public, the Vulcan Display Flight operated one aircraft on the UK airshow circuit for nine years after service ended.

Remarkably, the last flying Avro Vulcan, XH558, returned to the skies in October 2007 under civilian management. Over eight years, it captivated millions and became a national aviation treasure, a beloved relic of the Cold War era.

BAE SYSTEMS is a registered trade mark of BAE Systems plc.

Individual price: £74.99

Sherman Firefly

Product code: A02341

The Sherman Firefly is a remarkable British adaptation of the American M4 Sherman, combining a highly effective tank design with the renowned 17-pounder anti-tank gun. This 1:72 scale model kit highlights the unique characteristics of this tank destroyer, notably its elongated barrel, which made it a formidable adversary for German Panzer units. Comprising 88 pieces and rated at skill level 1, this kit is ideal for modellers aged 8 and above, providing an easy entry into military modelling while honouring one of D-Day's key armoured vehicles. The kit offers two paint scheme options, enabling you to depict authentic versions from the Normandy campaign.

Key Features

• 1:72 scale model with 88 pieces
• Skill level 1 - ideal for beginners aged 8+
• Two authentic D-Day paint schemes included
• Extended 17-pounder gun barrel accurately represented
• Perfect introduction to World War Two military vehicle modelling

History

As Allied troops advanced from the D-Day beaches into the Normandy countryside, they anticipated facing significant resistance from German Panzer divisions, including the formidable Heavy Tank Battalions. Luckily, they had a tank capable of challenging the Tigers and Panthers: the Sherman Firefly, a British-engineered combination of the M4 Sherman and their renowned 17-pounder anti-tank gun.

Typically fielded in a ratio of one Firefly to four regular Shermans, German tank leaders quickly learned to identify the Firefly by its longer barrel and aimed to eliminate these tanks first. To make recognition more challenging, British crews would disguise the front of their guns with light-coloured paint, making their tank resemble a standard 75mm armed Sherman, hoping this ruse would allow them to fire the first shot in any confrontation.

Individual price: £11.99