{"title":"Allies WWII (1939-1945)","description":null,"products":[{"product_id":"curtiss-p-40b-warhawk","title":"Airfix 1\/72nd Scale Curtiss P-40B Warhawk","description":"\u003cp data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eAbout the Aircraft:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eThe P-40 served the United States Army Air Force throughout the Second World War, fighting in Europe, across Asia and in the deserts of North Africa. While not as maneuverable as the Japanese Mitsubishi Zero, or as fast as the German Messerschmitt Bf109, the P-40B still proved to be a tough opponent. Pilots liked the fact it could often get them home after sustaining heavy damage, as well as being able to inflict it with its armament of six machine guns.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eAbout the Model:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eIf you're after an aircraft that's reliable in both service and looks, then now's the perfect time to bring home the P-40B for your Airfix model range! With an eye-catching livery, sprues and decals as well as measuring 134.5mm in length, this is the perfect addition to any Military or aircraft collection!\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Airfix","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":45339237974330,"sku":"MMMS-HHC-A01003B","price":8.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0776\/4603\/7306\/files\/a01003b_curtiss-p40b-tomahawk_box-front.jpg?v=1692428277"},{"product_id":"hobbyboss-1-48th-scale-lavochkin-la-11-fang","title":"HobbyBoss 1\/48th scale Lavochkin La-11 Fang","description":"","brand":"Hobbyboss","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":46564736106810,"sku":"MMMS-CML-HBB81760","price":36.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0776\/4603\/7306\/files\/hbb81760.jpg?v=1695051218"},{"product_id":"hobbyboss-1-32nd-scale-il-2m3-ground-attack-aircraft","title":"HobbyBoss 1\/32nd scale IL-2M3 ground Attack aircraft","description":"The Ilyushin Il-2 (Russian: Илью́шин Ил-2) is a ground-attack plane that was produced by the Soviet Union in large numbers during the Second World War. The word shturmovík (Cyrillic: штурмовик), the generic Russian term for a ground-attack aircraft, became a synecdoche for the Il-2 in English sources, where it is commonly rendered Shturmovik, Stormovik and Sturmovik.\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eTo Il-2 pilots, the aircraft was known by the diminutive \"Ilyusha\". To the soldiers on the ground, it was called the \"Hunchback\", the \"Flying Tank\" or the \"Flying Infantryman\". Its postwar NATO reporting name was Bark.\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eDuring the war, 36,183 units of the Il-2 were produced, and in combination with its successor, the Ilyushin Il-10, a total of 42,330 were built, making it the single most produced military aircraft design in aviation history, as well as one of the most produced piloted aircraft in history along with the American postwar civilian Cessna 172 and the German then-contemporary Messerschmitt Bf 109.\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eThe Il-2 played a crucial role on the Eastern Front. When factories fell behind on deliveries, Joseph Stalin told the factory managers that the Il-2s were \"as essential to the Red Army as air and bread.","brand":"Hobbyboss","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":46564807082298,"sku":"MMMS-CML-HBB83204","price":60.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0776\/4603\/7306\/files\/71hhKeeGVFL._AC_SL1000.jpg?v=1695116936"},{"product_id":"hobbyboss-1-35th-scale-pz-kpfw-vi-sdkfz-182-tiger-ii-1","title":"HobbyBoss 1\/35th scale Romanian TACAM T-60","description":"The TACAM T-60 (Tun Anticar pe Afet Mobil T-60 – \"Anti-tank gun on T-60 mobile gun carriage\") was a Romanian tank destroyer used during World War II. It was built by removing the turret of captured Soviet T-60 light tanks and building a pedestal to mount a captured Soviet 76.2 mm (3.00 in) M-1936 F-22 field gun in its place. A three-sided fighting compartment was built to protect the gun and its crew. Thirty-four were built in 1943, and they served in the Jassy-Kishniev Offensive, and the Budapest Offensive.","brand":"Hobbyboss","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":46564819697978,"sku":"MMMS-CML-HBB84556","price":29.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0776\/4603\/7306\/files\/613036981a52b.jpg?v=1695129001"},{"product_id":"hobbyboss-1-72nd-scale-u-2a-dragon-lady","title":"HobbyBoss 1\/72nd scale U-2A Dragon Lady","description":"The Lockheed U-2, nicknamed \"Dragon Lady\", is an American single-engine, high altitude reconnaissance aircraft operated from the 1950s by the United States Air Force (USAF) or the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA). It provides day and night, high-altitude (70,000 feet, 21,300 meters), all-weather intelligence gathering.\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eLockheed Corporation originally proposed it in 1953, it was approved in 1954, and its first test flight was in 1955. It was flown during the Cold War over the Soviet Union, China, Vietnam, and Cuba. In 1960, Gary Powers was shot down in a CIA U-2C over the Soviet Union by a surface-to-air missile (SAM). Major Rudolf Anderson Jr. was shot down in a U-2 during the Cuban Missile Crisis in 1962.\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eU-2s have taken part in post-Cold War conflicts in Afghanistan and Iraq, and supported several multinational NATO operations. The U-2 has also been used for electronic sensor research, satellite calibration, scientific research, and communications purposes. The U-2 is one of a handful of aircraft types to have served the USAF for over 50 years, along with the Boeing B-52, Boeing KC-135, Lockheed C-130 and Lockheed C-5. The newest models (TR-1, U-2R, U-2S) entered service in the 1980s, and the latest model, the U-2S, had a technical upgrade in 2012. The U-2 is currently operated by the USAF.","brand":"Hobbyboss","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":46564880875834,"sku":"MMMS-CML-HBB87270","price":30.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0776\/4603\/7306\/files\/hbb87270_1.jpg?v=1695138135"},{"product_id":"icm-1-35th-scale-it-34-76-wwii-soviet-flamethrower-tank","title":"ICM 1\/35th scale IT-34\/76 WWII Soviet Flamethrower Tank","description":"The T-34 is a Soviet medium tank from World War II. When introduced, its 76.2 mm (3 in) tank gun was more powerful than its contemporaries, and its 60-degree sloped armour provided good protection against anti-tank weapons. The T-34 had a profound effect on the conflict on the Eastern Front, and had a long-lasting impact on tank design. The tank was praised by multiple German generals when encountered during Operation Barbarossa, although its armour and armament were surpassed later in the war. Though, its main strength was its cost and production time, meaning that German panzer forces would often fight against Soviet tank forces several times their size. The T-34 is also a critical part of the mechanized divisions that form the backbone of the Deep Battle Strategy.\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eThe T-34 was the mainstay of the Soviet Red Army armoured forces throughout the war. Its general specifications remained nearly unchanged until early 1944, when it received a firepower upgrade with the introduction of the greatly improved T-34-85 variant. Its production method was continuously refined and rationalized to meet the needs of the Eastern Front, making the T-34 quicker and cheaper to produce. The Soviets ultimately built over 80,000 T-34s of all variants, allowing steadily greater numbers to be fielded despite the loss of tens of thousands in combat against the German Wehrmacht.","brand":"ICM","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":46564975706426,"sku":"MMMS-CML-ICM35354","price":30.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0776\/4603\/7306\/files\/icm35354_5.jpg?v=1695138921"},{"product_id":"icm-1-35th-scale-panhard-178-amd-35","title":"ICM 1\/35th scale Panhard 178 AMD-35","description":"The Panhard 178 (officially designated as Automitrailleuse de Découverte Panhard modèle 1935, 178 being the internal project number at Panhard) or \"Pan-Pan\" was an advanced French reconnaissance 4x4 armoured car that was designed for the French Army Cavalry units before World War II. It had a crew of four and was equipped with an effective 25 mm main armament and a 7.5 mm coaxial machine gun.\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eA number of these vehicles were in 1940 taken over by the Germans after the Fall of France and employed as the Panzerspähwagen P204 (f); for some months after the armistice of June production continued for the benefit of Germany. After the war a derived version, the Panhard 178B, was again taken into production by France.","brand":"ICM","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":46564989468986,"sku":"MMMS-CML-ICM35373","price":31.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0776\/4603\/7306\/files\/icm35373.jpg?v=1695204987"},{"product_id":"airdfix-1-72nd-scale-bagged-mustang-p-51d","title":"Collectors: Airfix 1\/72nd scale Bagged Mustang P-51D","description":"Over twenty variants of the North American P-51 Mustang fighter were produced from 1940, when it first flew, to after World War II, some of which were employed also in the Korean War and in several other conflicts.","brand":"Airfix","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":46582132474170,"sku":"MMMS-EBY-AXNM01","price":20.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0776\/4603\/7306\/files\/IMGP3731.jpg?v=1695044941"},{"product_id":"kader-lincoln-internatinal-1-72nd-scale-venom","title":"Collectors: Kader (Lincoln International) 1\/72nd scale Venom","description":"The de Havilland DH 112 Venom is a British post-war single-engined jet aircraft developed and manufactured by the de Havilland Aircraft Company. Much of its design was derived from the de Havilland Vampire, the firm's first jet-powered combat aircraft; it was initially referred to as the Vampire FB 8 prior to the adoption of the Venom name.[2]\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe Venom was developed during the late 1940s to fulfil Air Ministry Specification F.15\/49, under which the aircraft was intended to be operated as an interim solution, lying between the first generation of British jet fighters – straight-wing aircraft powered by centrifugal flow engines such as the Gloster Meteor and the Vampire – and later swept wing, axial flow-engined combat aircraft, such as the Hawker Hunter and de Havilland Sea Vixen. In comparison with the Vampire, it had a thinner wing and a more powerful de Havilland Ghost 103 turbojet engine, making the aircraft more suitable for high altitude flight. Both the Royal Air Force (RAF) and the Royal Navy took interest in the type; in order to suit the needs of the latter, a specialised derivative, the Sea Venom, was produced; it was a navalised model of the aircraft that was suitable for carrier operations. A dedicated model for aerial reconnaissance was also procured by the Swiss Air Force. On 2 September 1949, the first Venom prototype, VV612, performed its maiden flight.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe Venom entered service with the RAF in 1952, where it was operated as both a single-seat fighter-bomber and two-seat night fighter. Despite the type's relatively short service life with the RAF, British Venoms saw active combat on multiple occasions, including the Suez Crisis, the Malayan Emergency, and the Aden Emergency. It was withdrawn from frontline operations by the service in 1962 following the introduction of more capable aircraft. The Venom had also proved to be popular on the export market, having been sold in substantial numbers to Iraq, New Zealand, Sweden, Switzerland and Venezuela. The Swiss Air Force was the final operator to use the type in an active military role, finally retiring their last examples during 1983. Large numbers of ex-military Venoms have since been acquired by private entities and several have continued to fly, performing aerial displays at various air shows, while many examples have been preserved in static display conditions in museums and as gate guardians.","brand":"Kader","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":46582152134970,"sku":"MMMS-EBY-KRDV01","price":20.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0776\/4603\/7306\/files\/IMGP3724.jpg?v=1695049373"},{"product_id":"replikits-1-133rd-scale-b-25","title":"Collectors: Replikits 1\/133rd scale B-25","description":"The North American B-25 Mitchell is an American medium bomber that was introduced in 1941 and named in honor of Brigadier General William \"Billy\" Mitchell, a pioneer of U.S. military aviation.[2] Used by many Allied air forces, the B-25 served in every theater of World War II, and after the war ended, many remained in service, operating across four decades. Produced in numerous variants, nearly 10,000 B-25s were built,[1] It was the most-produced American medium bomber and the third most-produced American bomber overall. These included several limited models such as the F-10 reconnaissance aircraft, the AT-24 crew trainers, and the United States Marine Corps' PBJ-1 patrol bomber.","brand":"Replikits","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":46582163341626,"sku":"MMMS-EBY-RKNM01","price":10.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0776\/4603\/7306\/files\/IMGP3710.jpg?v=1695049473"},{"product_id":"revell-1-433rd-scale-uss-helena","title":"Collectors: Revell 1\/483rd scale USS Helena","description":"USS Helena was a Brooklyn-class light cruiser built for the United States Navy in the late 1930s, the ninth and final member of the class. The Brooklyns were the first modern light cruisers built by the US Navy under the limitations of the London Naval Treaty, and they were intended to counter the Japanese Mogami class; as such, they carried a battery of fifteen 6-inch (150 mm) guns, the same gun armament carried by the Mogamis. Helena and her sister St. Louis were built to a slightly modified design with a unit system of machinery and an improved anti-aircraft battery. Completed in 1939, Helena spent the first two years of her career in peacetime training that accelerated as tensions between the United States and Japan increased through 1941. She was torpedoed at the attack on Pearl Harbor in December 1941 and was repaired and modernized in early 1942.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eAfter returning to service, Helena was assigned to the forces participating in the Guadalcanal campaign in the south Pacific. There, she took part in two major night battles with Japanese vessels in October and November 1942. The first, the Battle of Cape Esperance on the night of 11–12 October, resulted in a Japanese defeat, with Helena's rapid-fire 6-inch battery helping to sink a heavy cruiser and a destroyer. The second, the first night of the Naval Battle of Guadalcanal in the early hours of 13 November, saw a similar defeat imposed on the Japanese; again, Helena's fast shooting helped to overwhelm a Japanese task force that included two fast battleships, one of which was disabled by heavy American fire and sunk the next day. Helena sank a destroyer and damaged several others in the action while emerging relatively unscathed. During her tour in the south Pacific, she also escorted convoys carrying supplies and reinforcements to the Marines fighting on Guadalcanal and bombarded Japanese positions on the island and elsewhere in the Solomons.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eFollowing the American victory on Guadalcanal in early 1943, Allied forces began preparations to advance along the Solomon chain, first targeting New Georgia. Helena took part in a series of preparatory attacks on the island through mid-1943, culminating in an amphibious assault in the Kula Gulf on 5 July. The next night, while attempting to intercept a Japanese reinforcement squadron, Helena was torpedoed and sunk in the Battle of Kula Gulf. Most of her crew were picked up by a pair of destroyers and one group landed on New Georgia where they were evacuated the next day, but more than a hundred remained at sea for two days, ultimately making land on Japanese-occupied Vella Lavella. There, they were hidden from Japanese patrols by Solomon Islanders and a coastwatcher detachment before being evacuated on the night of 15–16 July. Helena's wreck was located in 2018 by Paul Allen.","brand":"Revell","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":46582177530170,"sku":"MMMS-EBY-RVUH01","price":50.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0776\/4603\/7306\/files\/IMGP3717.jpg?v=1695049503"},{"product_id":"airfix-cromwell-mk-iv-gift-set","title":"Airfix 1\/72nd scale Cromwell Mk.IV Gift Set","description":"\u003cp\u003eThe Cromwell tank, officially Tank, Cruiser, Mk VIII, Cromwell (A27M), was one of the series of cruiser tanks fielded by Britain in the Second World War. Named after the English Civil War-era military leader Oliver Cromwell, the Cromwell was the first tank put into service by the British to combine high speed from a powerful, reliable engine (the Rolls-Royce Meteor) and reasonable armour. The intended dual-purpose high velocity gun could not be fitted in the turret, so a medium velocity dual purpose gun was fitted instead. Further development of the Cromwell combined with a high velocity gun led to the Comet tank.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe name \"Cromwell\" was initially applied to three vehicles during development. Early Cromwell development led to the creation of the A24 Cavalier. Later Cromwell development led to the creation of the competing Centaur tank (officially the Tank, Cruiser, Mk VIII, Centaur (A27L)). This was closely related to the Cromwell, both vehicles being externally similar. The Cromwell and Centaur tanks differed in the engine used; the Centaur had the 410 hp Liberty engine, the Cromwell had the significantly more powerful 600 hp Meteor; Centaur hulls were converted to Cromwells by changing the engine.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe Cromwell first saw action in the Battle of Normandy in June 1944. The tank equipped the armoured reconnaissance regiments of the Royal Armoured Corps, in the 7th Armoured Division, 11th Armoured Division and the Guards Armoured Division. While the armoured regiments of the latter two divisions were equipped with M4 Shermans, the armoured regiments of the 7th Armoured Division were equipped with Cromwells. The Centaurs were not used in combat except for those fitted with a 95 mm howitzer, which were used in support of the Royal Marines during the amphibious invasion of Normandy.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Airfix","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":46600255406394,"sku":"MMMS-HHC-A55109A","price":11.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0776\/4603\/7306\/files\/a55109a_0.jpg?v=1695037621"},{"product_id":"airfix-1-35th-scale-cromwell-mk-iv","title":"Airfix 1\/35th scale Cromwell Mk.IV","description":"\u003cp\u003eThe Cromwell tank, officially Tank, Cruiser, Mk VIII, Cromwell (A27M), was one of the series of cruiser tanks fielded by Britain in the Second World War. Named after the English Civil War-era military leader Oliver Cromwell, the Cromwell was the first tank put into service by the British to combine high speed from a powerful, reliable engine (the Rolls-Royce Meteor) and reasonable armour. The intended dual-purpose high velocity gun could not be fitted in the turret, so a medium velocity dual purpose gun was fitted instead. Further development of the Cromwell combined with a high velocity gun led to the Comet tank.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe name \"Cromwell\" was initially applied to three vehicles during development. Early Cromwell development led to the creation of the A24 Cavalier. Later Cromwell development led to the creation of the competing Centaur tank (officially the Tank, Cruiser, Mk VIII, Centaur (A27L)). This was closely related to the Cromwell, both vehicles being externally similar. The Cromwell and Centaur tanks differed in the engine used; the Centaur had the 410 hp Liberty engine, the Cromwell had the significantly more powerful 600 hp Meteor; Centaur hulls were converted to Cromwells by changing the engine.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe Cromwell first saw action in the Battle of Normandy in June 1944. The tank equipped the armoured reconnaissance regiments of the Royal Armoured Corps, in the 7th Armoured Division, 11th Armoured Division and the Guards Armoured Division. While the armoured regiments of the latter two divisions were equipped with M4 Shermans, the armoured regiments of the 7th Armoured Division were equipped with Cromwells. The Centaurs were not used in combat except for those fitted with a 95 mm howitzer, which were used in support of the Royal Marines during the amphibious invasion of Normandy.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Airfix","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":46726549307706,"sku":"MMMS-HHC-A1373","price":33.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0776\/4603\/7306\/files\/a1373_1_cromwell-mkiv_pack.jpg?v=1695208740"},{"product_id":"airfix-1-35th-scale-cruiser-mk-viii-a27m-cromwell-mk-vi","title":"Airfix 1\/35th scale Cruiser Mk.VIII A27M Cromwell Mk.VI","description":"\u003cp\u003eThe Cromwell tank, officially Tank, Cruiser, Mk VIII, Cromwell (A27M), was one of the series of cruiser tanks fielded by Britain in the Second World War. Named after the English Civil War-era military leader Oliver Cromwell, the Cromwell was the first tank put into service by the British to combine high speed from a powerful, reliable engine (the Rolls-Royce Meteor) and reasonable armour. The intended dual-purpose high velocity gun could not be fitted in the turret, so a medium velocity dual purpose gun was fitted instead. Further development of the Cromwell combined with a high velocity gun led to the Comet tank.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe name \"Cromwell\" was initially applied to three vehicles during development. Early Cromwell development led to the creation of the A24 Cavalier. Later Cromwell development led to the creation of the competing Centaur tank (officially the Tank, Cruiser, Mk VIII, Centaur (A27L)). This was closely related to the Cromwell, both vehicles being externally similar. The Cromwell and Centaur tanks differed in the engine used; the Centaur had the 410 hp Liberty engine, the Cromwell had the significantly more powerful 600 hp Meteor; Centaur hulls were converted to Cromwells by changing the engine.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe Cromwell first saw action in the Battle of Normandy in June 1944. The tank equipped the armoured reconnaissance regiments of the Royal Armoured Corps, in the 7th Armoured Division, 11th Armoured Division and the Guards Armoured Division. While the armoured regiments of the latter two divisions were equipped with M4 Shermans, the armoured regiments of the 7th Armoured Division were equipped with Cromwells. The Centaurs were not used in combat except for those fitted with a 95 mm howitzer, which were used in support of the Royal Marines during the amphibious invasion of Normandy.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Airfix","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":46726659670330,"sku":"MMMS-HHC-A1374","price":32.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0776\/4603\/7306\/files\/A1374_1_CROMWELL-MkVI_PACK_1.jpg?v=1695209228"},{"product_id":"airfix-1-35th-scale","title":"Airfix 1\/35th scale WWII British Army 30-cwt 4x2 GS Truck","description":"\u003cp\u003eAs Britain prepared for war in the late 1930s, the military weren't just desperately in need of vast numbers of aircraft, tanks and guns, they also needed many thousands of trucks and general utility vehicles to support all kinds of operations. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe ability to effectively supply modern, mechanized armies with the huge amounts of fuel, ammunition, food and other commodities they would need was crucial to the success of any military campaign and as the speed of war increased, so these supply lines began to lengthen. Rugged, reliable and adaptable, these trucks would have a vital role to play in the coming conflict.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Airfix","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":46728329691450,"sku":"MMMS-HHC-A1380","price":32.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0776\/4603\/7306\/files\/a1380_1.jpg?v=1695215980"},{"product_id":"airfix-1-35th-scale-austin-k2-y-ambulance","title":"Airfix 1\/35th scale Austin K2\/Y Ambulance","description":"\u003cp\u003eSome of the most important military vehicles of the Second World War didn't feature huge main guns, neither were they bedecked with ever thicker armour plating, but are no less fascinating to study. One of the most crucial abilities on any battlefield is to be able to transport your wounded troops quickly and efficiently from the front line, to field medical stations some distance behind the fighting, where they could receive the medical attention they needed and potentially save their lives. Although clearly any vehicle could be used for this task, a dedicated ambulance would often allow the wounded to start receiving care straight away and if you were ever in need of one's services, you would no doubt class these as the most important vehicles on the battlefield.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOne of the most famous vehicles of its type, the Austin K2\/Y Ambulance was used extensively by British and Commonwealth forces throughout WWII, both in the combat zones of the world and on the home front. Built around the chassis of the Austin K30 light truck, the casualty compartment was developed in conjunction with the Royal Army Medical Corps and therefore proved to be highly functional. Able to carry either four stretcher cases or ten seated casualties, one of the main reasons why the K2\/Y was so successful was because it was so rugged and reliable, requiring only a minimum of maintenance - an ambulance should always be ready when you need it.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe rear cabin was typically constructed of painted canvas on a timber frame, with the highly visible red cross on a white disk positioned prominently on all sides to hopefully ensure the vehicles occupants didn't come under fire. Once the K2\/Y had delivered its latest casualty load to the field station, it would invariably head straight back into the combat zone, at speeds on open roads approaching 50 mph.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAn extremely popular vehicle with British, Commonwealth and American troops, the Austin K2\/Y was viewed as something as an angel on the troops shoulders. Hopefully, they would never need to see the inside of the ambulance, but if they did 'Katy' would be ready and waiting for them. With over 13,000 examples built, these would have been a familiar sight on the battlefields of the world and it is thought that around fifty examples still survive to this day, some having undergone restoration back to something close to their original wartime configuration.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Airfix","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":46728736964922,"sku":"MMMS-HHC-A1375","price":30.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0776\/4603\/7306\/files\/a1375_0.jpg?v=1695216332"},{"product_id":"airfix-1-72nd-scale-gloster-gladiatort-mk-i-mk-ii","title":"Airfix 1\/72nd Scale Gloster Gladiator Mk.I\/Mk.II","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAbout the Aircraft:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe 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. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAbout the Model:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eSuch a high-performing and equally eye-catching aircraft has well and truly deserved a spot in your Airfix collection. With two choices of livery to choose from and complete with sprues and decals, the Gloster Gladiator Mk.I\/Mk.II airfix model kit is a worthy addition, not to mention a fantastic gift for military enthusiastst and model makers alike.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Airfix","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":46778035732794,"sku":"MMMS-HHC-A02052B","price":11.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0776\/4603\/7306\/files\/1524113-14477-58-1080.jpg?v=1792161614"},{"product_id":"airfix-1-72nd-scale-hawker-typhoon-mk-ib","title":"Airfix 1\/72nd Scale Hawker Typhoon Mk.IB","description":"\u003cp class=\"heading--3\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAbout the Aircraft:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eBy 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, eight or in some cases even 12 \"60lb\" RP-3 rockets. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAbout the Model:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eFrom its reliability and enging power to the two impressive livery schemes, the Typhoon has it all! Measuring 134mm and containing 74 pieces per kit, the Airfix Typhoon model will make a fantastic addition to any collection for model makers and military enthusiasts alike.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"grid grid--1-col@medium\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"grid__item grid__item--60\"\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Airfix","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":46778335592762,"sku":"MMMS-HHC-A02041A","price":11.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0776\/4603\/7306\/files\/a02041a_hawker-typhoon-mkib_pack_web.jpg?v=1695464119"},{"product_id":"airfix-1-72nd-scale-hawker-typhoon-mk-ib-gift-set","title":"Airfix 1\/72nd Scale Hawker Typhoon Mk.IB Gift Set","description":"\u003cp class=\"heading--3\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAbout the Aircraft:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eBy 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, eight or in some cases even 12 \"60lb\" RP-3 rockets. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAbout the Model:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eFrom its reliability and enging power to the two impressive livery schemes, the Typhoon has it all! Measuring 134mm and containing 74 pieces per kit, the Airfix Typhoon model will make a fantastic addition to any collection for model makers and military enthusiasts alike.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"grid grid--1-col@medium\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"grid__item grid__item--60\"\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Airfix","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":46778492518714,"sku":"MMMS-HHC-A55208A","price":16.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0776\/4603\/7306\/files\/a55208a_1.jpg?v=1695464177"},{"product_id":"airfix-1-48th-scale-avro-lancaster-b-iii-special-the-dambusters","title":"Airfix 1\/72nd scale Avro Lancaster B.III (SPECIAL) 'THE DAMBUSTERS'","description":"\u003cp\u003eFollowing a short but intense period of training, the volunteer group of crack airmen who made up the new RAF No.617 Squadron took off from RAF Scampton on the night of 16th\/17th May 1943, at the start of the most audacious bombing raid in history.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eLed by their enigmatic and inspirational commanding officer Guy Gibson, he is reputed to have said, 'This squadron will either make history, or it will be completely wiped out', but nevertheless, every man was determined to play their part in this historic raid. Nineteen 'Special' Lancaster's and their crews sent a message to the German nation that could not be disguised by their propaganda ministers.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Airfix","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":46804661535034,"sku":"MMMS-HHC-A109007A","price":42.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0776\/4603\/7306\/files\/A09007_1_Avro-Lancaster-BIII_PACK.jpg?v=1695828783"},{"product_id":"airfix-1-48th-scale-gloster-meteor-f-8-korea","title":"Airfix 1\/48th scale Gloster Meteor F.8 Korea","description":"\u003cp\u003eIn many respects, the Gloster Meteor could be regarded as Britain's jet powered equivalent of the Spitfire, the first of a new breed of fighter which would go on to patrol Britain's skies for many years following its squadron introduction in July 1944. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe later F.8 variant was arguably the most effective version of the Meteor and for the five years following its introduction, it would form the backbone of the Britain's fighter defence force. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWith 1,183 aircraft built, the F.8 was both the final single seat fighter variant of the Meteor and the most heavily produced, arguably making this one of the most important British aircraft of the post war era.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Airfix","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":46804692959546,"sku":"MMMS-AHM-A09184","price":42.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0776\/4603\/7306\/files\/A09184_Gloster_Meteor_F8_3D_Box.jpg?v=1696507935"},{"product_id":"airfix-1-48th-scale-bristol-blenheim-mk-1","title":"Airfix 1\/48th scale Avro Anson Mk.I","description":"\u003cp\u003eAlthough not generally regarded as one of the most fashionable British aircraft to see service during the Second World War, the Avro Anson was nevertheless one of the most important aircraft not only of the inter-war years, but also during WWII itself and is deserving of more recognition than it usually receives. An aircraft which began its development in 1933 as a high speed, long range, modern mail carrying charter aircraft, the Avro 652 was still in development when the British Air Ministry issued a requirement for a twin engined, general reconnaissance and multi-role aircraft capable of performing a variety of roles for both the Royal Air force and the Royal Navy.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Avro team felt that their new aircraft would be perfect for the role and later entered it in an official evaluation programme with the competitor de Havilland DH89M, the military version of their biplane Dragon Rapide. The Avro design was found to possess greater range and endurance and whilst not without a few areas which would require some design modifications, an initial order for 174 militarised aircraft was placed. The Avro 652 would be given the name Anson after an Eighteenth Century British Admiral of the fleet, a development which did not please everyone at the Air Ministry, but as the aircraft was intended to undertake maritime patrols, the name did seem rather appropriate.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHighlighting the importance of the Avro Anson as a British aircraft type, when it entered service with No.48 Squadron at RAF Manston in March 1936, it became the first monoplane type to achieve squadron service status, but was also the first RAF aircraft to feature a retractable undercarriage. At this time, the advanced Anson quickly began to attract attention from several other countries and in order to capitalise on this interest, some aircraft were diverted from existing RAF orders to fulfil these requirements, with full production forcing Avro to open new manufacturing facilities in the North West of England. The RAF Anson Mk.I was equipped with a fixed forward firing .303 machine gun operated by the pilot and a single Lewis gun mounted in the manually traversed dorsal turret. It could also be equipped with a modest bomb load, something which was required by submarine hunting aircraft operated by Coastal Command and whilst there were no reports of an Anson sinking a U-Boat, their presence would keep these feared hunters submerged.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDuring the Dunkirk evacuations, Ansons used to cover the operation came under attack by Messerschmitt Bf 109 fighters, which had real difficulty engaging the slow flying British aircraft. Consistently overshooting the Ansons, they came in the sights of the aircraft's forward firing gun and astonishingly, two of the Luftwaffe fighters were shot down and a third was badly damaged, with all the Ansons escaping from the engagement unscathed. Despite the fact that the RAF entered the Second World War with 26 squadrons equipped with Avro Ansons, they were basically obsolete as a fighting machine and particularly for the ones assigned to Bomber Command, they were quickly withdrawn to secondary training roles, a task for which the 'Faithfull Annie' was particularly well suited. As part of the Empire Air Training Scheme, many thousands of aircrew destined for service with Bomber Command were trained both in the UK and overseas, including those destined to serve in the Avro Lancaster, the mighty bomber which was produced in some of the same factories previously used to produce Ansons.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWith just under 11,000 Ansons eventually produced, the final RAF example was only withdrawn from service as a station communications aircraft in 1968.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Airfix","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":46804809974074,"sku":"MMMS-HHC-A09191","price":45.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0776\/4603\/7306\/files\/a09191_1g__75943.jpg?v=1696501917"},{"product_id":"copy-of-airfix-1-48th-scale-bristol-blenheim-mk-i","title":"Airfix 1\/48th scale Bristol Blenheim Mk.I","description":"\u003cp\u003eWhen the first Bristol Blenheim Mk.I light bomber entered Royal Air Force service with No.114 Squadron at Wyton in March 1937, they not only replaced the squadrons Hawker Hind biplane bombers, but also pointed to the future of a new, modern air force. Capable of speeds approaching 100 mph faster than its predecessor, the Blenheim was the most capable light\/medium bomber in the world at that time and would be the benchmark for all future aircraft designs, including those it would soon be forced to meet in combat.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDuring the early months of WWII, Blenheim crews would carry a heavy burden of strike operations against enemy targets, both from bases in the UK and in France as part of the Advanced Air Striking Force and British Expeditionary Force. Being relatively lightly armed and with constant equipment additions increasing the aircrafts weight, the Blenheim was no match for the modern fighters of the Luftwaffe and despite the heroic actions of a great many Allied pilots, the RAF suffered significant losses during this period.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 0.875rem;\"\u003e68.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Airfix","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":46804831273274,"sku":"MMMS-HHC-A09190","price":45.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0776\/4603\/7306\/files\/A09190_1_Bristol-Blenheim-Mk1_PACK.jpg?v=1696502055"},{"product_id":"airfix-1-48th-scale-avro-lancaster-b-ii","title":"Airfix 1\/72nd scale Avro Lancaster B.III","description":"\u003cp\u003eAs the third of Britain's four engined heavy bombers to enter RAF service during WWII, the Avro Lancaster proved to be an exceptional aircraft, possessing a large unobstructed bomb bay, which allowed it to carry some of the largest bombs of the war. At least thirty five Lancasters managed to complete an astonishing 100 missions or more and are referred to by historians and enthusiasts as the Lancaster Centurions, an exclusive group of extremely hard working bombers.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eScheme 1: R5868 S-Sugar 467 Squadron RAAF.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eScheme 2: LM624 57 Squadron.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Airfix","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":46810865860922,"sku":"MMMS-HHC-A08013A","price":38.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0776\/4603\/7306\/files\/A08013A_Avro-Lancaster-BIII_Box-Front.jpg?v=1695829439"},{"product_id":"airfix-1-72nd-scale-douglas-c-47a-d-skytrain","title":"Airfix 1\/72nd scale Douglas C-47A\/D Skytrain","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eDescribed by General Eisenhower as one of the four weapons that helped the Allies to win the Second World War, the Douglas DC3 and its military variant the C-47 Skytrain (Dakota in RAF service) has since gone on to be an instantly recognizable symbol of both air travel and the liberation of occupied lands that so characterized the Second World War. Continuing to serve even today in both modernized and original formats the DC3\/C-47 is now seen as a pioneer of air travel.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Airfix","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":46810965279034,"sku":"MMMS-HHC-A08014","price":38.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0776\/4603\/7306\/files\/A08014DouglasC-47Skytrain3D.jpg?v=1695830798"},{"product_id":"airfix-1-48th-scale-vickers-wellington-mk-ii","title":"Airfix 1\/72nd scale Vickers Wellington Mk.II","description":"\u003cp\u003eThe most capable medium bomber of the day was the twin-engine Vickers Wellington, which first flew in 1936 and entered RAF service with No.99 Squadron at Mildenhall in October 1938. The production aircraft bore little resemblance to the prototype aircraft and compared to contemporary medium bombers already in service, the Wellington appeared to be much more advanced in design and an aircraft feared by any potential enemy. Its sleek monoplane design and heavy defensive armament placed the new Wellington as one the advanced and capable medium bombers in the world.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePerhaps the most significant feature of the Wellingtons design was the adoption of a geodetic construction method, which was developed by famous British engineer and inventor Barnes Wallis. Duralumin W-beams were used to form a metal lattice-work construction on to which wooden battens would be screwed, which would then allow the doped fabric outer skin of the aircraft to be attached. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe resultant fuselage was relatively light in weight but possessed great strength and whilst the method o construction posed challenged for companies engaged in manufacturing Wellington bombers, the inherent strength proved crucial when the aircraft was thrust into combat. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCapable of withstanding significant battle damage, numerous RAF Wellingtons managed to bring their crews back home, when the other bombers would have failed to do so.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Airfix","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":46811028193594,"sku":"MMMS-HHC-A08021","price":38.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0776\/4603\/7306\/files\/A08021_1_VICKERS-WELLINGTON-M-II_PACK.jpg?v=1695828642"},{"product_id":"hobbyboss-1-72nd-scale-ilyushin-il-2m3-attack-aircraft","title":"Hobbyboss 1\/72nd scale Ilyushin Il-2M3 Attack Aircraft","description":"\u003cp\u003eThe Ilyushin Il-2 (Russian: Илью́шин Ил-2) is a ground-attack plane that was produced by the Soviet Union in large numbers during the Second World War. The word shturmovík (Cyrillic: штурмовик), the generic Russian term for a ground-attack aircraft, became a synecdoche for the Il-2 in English sources, where it is commonly rendered Shturmovik, Stormovik and Sturmovik.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eTo Il-2 pilots, the aircraft was known by the diminutive \"Ilyusha\". To the soldiers on the ground, it was called the \"Hunchback\", the \"Flying Tank\" or the \"Flying Infantryman\". Its postwar NATO reporting name was Bark.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eDuring the war, 36,183 units of the Il-2 were produced, and in combination with its successor, the Ilyushin Il-10, a total of 42,330 were built, making it the single most produced military aircraft design in aviation history, as well as one of the most produced piloted aircraft in history along with the American postwar civilian Cessna 172 and the German then-contemporary Messerschmitt Bf 109.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe Il-2 played a crucial role on the Eastern Front. When factories fell behind on deliveries, Joseph Stalin told the factory managers that the Il-2s were \"as essential to the Red Army as air and bread.\"\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Hobbyboss","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":46830945763642,"sku":"MMMS-EBY-H80285","price":12.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0776\/4603\/7306\/files\/hb80285_1__36570.jpg?v=1695739068"},{"product_id":"airfix-1-72nd-scale-north-american-b25c-d-mitchell","title":"Airfix 1\/72nd scale North American B25C\/D Mitchell","description":"\u003cp\u003eThe 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. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eArguably, 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAn 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.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Airfix","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":46842292011322,"sku":"MMMS-HHC-A06015","price":32.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0776\/4603\/7306\/files\/A06015_North-American-B25-Mitchell_BOX-FRONT.jpg?v=1695831575"},{"product_id":"airfix-1-72nd-scale-north-american-b25b-mitchell","title":"Airfix 1\/72nd scale North American B25B Mitchell","description":"\u003cp\u003eThe 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. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eArguably, 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe early B-25B aircraft used on the Doolittle Raid performed well, but were already in the process of being upgraded. 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With a solid nose housing 8 heavy guns, these aircraft were lethal gunships, capable of destroying anything in its line of fire.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Airfix","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":46842328023354,"sku":"MMMS-HHC-A06020","price":32.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0776\/4603\/7306\/files\/A06020_North-American-B-25B-Mitchell_PACK-FRONT.jpg?v=1695831531"},{"product_id":"airfix-1-72nd-scale-wwii-usaaf-8th-bomber-resupply-set","title":"Airfix 1\/72nd scale WWII USAAF 8th Bomber Resupply Set","description":"\u003cp\u003eAs 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 specialised US Air Force equipment. From fuel trailers to bomb trolleys, Bedfords were quickly being replaced by Chevrolets.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAutocar 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 refuelling on a daily basis, it was usual for each base to have numerous examples of the U-7144-T available at any one time.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eChevrolet 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. 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The Mark V variant was actually something of a stop-gap upgrade from the aircraft which fought during the Battle of Britain, but with 6,487 produced, it would prove to be the most heavily produced mark of Spitfire.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Airfix","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":46842615136570,"sku":"MMMS-HHC-A05125A","price":26.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0776\/4603\/7306\/files\/A05125A_1_Supermarine-Spitfire-MkVb_PACK.jpg?v=1696508944"},{"product_id":"airfix-1-48th-scale-spitfire-mk-1-a","title":"Airfix 1\/48th scale Supermarine Spitfire Mk.1 a","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe Supermarine Spitfire was, by 1940, the interceptor of choice for Fighter Command. It was capable of speeds of over 360mph and had exceptional manoeuvrability. An excellent dog-fighter, the Spitfire Mark I is seen as a symbol of The Few, vital to the defence of the United Kingdom against the previously all-conquering Luftwaffe. Along with the Hurricane, it cemented its place in history during the Battle of Britain.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Airfix","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":46842635682106,"sku":"MMMS-HHC-A05126A","price":27.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0776\/4603\/7306\/files\/A05126A_Supermarine-Spitfire-MkI_BOX-FRONT.jpg?v=1696508855"},{"product_id":"airfix-1-48th-scale-hawker-hurricane-mk-1","title":"Airfix 1\/48th scale Hawker Hurricane Mk.1","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe Hawker Hurricane was the RAFs most vital fighter in the early years of WWII. These tough, partly fabric covered monoplane fighters put in a valiant defence against the numerically superior Luftwaffe during the Blitzkrieg. Although slower than the Messerschmitt Bf109, and with a less destructive armament, the Hurricane was able to turn tighter and absorb considerable punishment.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Airfix","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":46842661077306,"sku":"MMMS-HHC-A05127A","price":27.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0776\/4603\/7306\/files\/A05127A_Hawker-Hurricane-MkI_BOX-FRONT.jpg?v=1696508122"},{"product_id":"airfix-1-48th-scale-hawker-hurricane-mk-i-tropical","title":"Airfix 1\/48th scale Hawker Hurricane Mk.I Tropical","description":"\u003cp\u003eThe rugged and reliable Hawker Hurricane was arguably the most important fighter aircraft available to the Royal Air Force at the beginning of WWII. Easier to produce and more forgiving to fly than the more glamorous Spitfire, the Hurricane was available in much greater numbers than any other fighter at the time of the Battle of Britain and proved decisive in securing eventual victory for the pilots of the RAF.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eEarly RAF operations in the Mediterranean and North Africa saw small numbers of Hurricane Mk.I fighters pitted against vastly superior numbers of Regia Aeronautica aircraft. They proved to be more than a match for anything the Italian Air Force could hurl at them, but the arrival of battle hardened Luftwaffe fighters in 1941 saw a change in fortunes. Many of the Hurricanes were 'tropicalised' and arrived in theatre with the chin mounted Vokes carburettor dust filter, which significantly altered the profile of the Hawker fighter.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Airfix","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":46842675659066,"sku":"MMMS-HHC-A05129","price":26.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0776\/4603\/7306\/files\/A05129_Hawker_Hurricane_MK1_Tropical_3D_Box.jpg?v=1696508152"},{"product_id":"airfix-1-48th-scale-boulton-paul-defiant-mk-1","title":"Airfix 1\/48th scale Boulton Paul Defiant Mk.1","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAs the least effective of the RAFs interceptor fighters at the start of the Battle of Britain, it is interesting to note that the Boulton Paul Defiant actually entered service much later than either the Spitfire or Hurricane, but was quickly relegated to nightfighter operations when it became obvious the extra weight of the power operated turret made the aircraft a relatively easy target for Luftwaffe fighters.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Airfix","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":46842719928634,"sku":"MMMS-HHC-A05128A","price":26.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0776\/4603\/7306\/files\/A05128A_Bolton-Paul-Defiant-MkI_BOX-FRONT.jpg?v=1696502005"},{"product_id":"airfix-1-48th-scale-curtiss-p-40b-warhawk-1-48","title":"Airfix 1\/48th scale Curtiss P-40B Warhawk","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eDuring 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.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan\u003eArguably, the most striking versions of the P-40 were the early machines, which displayed an extremely sinister profile '”œ 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.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Airfix","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":46842762690874,"sku":"MMMS-HHC-A05130A","price":27.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0776\/4603\/7306\/files\/A05130_CurtisP-40B_Warhawk_3D_Box.jpg?v=1696502161"},{"product_id":"airfix-1-48th-scale-north-american-p-51d-mustang","title":"Airfix 1\/48th scale North American P-51D Mustang","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe North American P-51 Mustang is viewed as one of the iconic American fighters of the Second World War. Designed to fulfil an RAF specification, the Mustang was transformed once the Rolls Royce Merlin engine was installed. The P-51D model's long range and excellent firepower made it a superb escort fighter, able to protect the bombers all the way to Berlin and back. The P-51 is recorded as being the top scoring Allied fighter of the war with 4,950 enemy aircraft destroyed. After the war the P-51D saw service in Korea and was used by some South American country's air arms until the early 1980s.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Airfix","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":46842773569850,"sku":"MMMS-HHC-A05131A","price":26.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0776\/4603\/7306\/files\/A05131A_1.jpg?v=1696508429"},{"product_id":"airfix-1-48th-scale-north-american-p51-d-mustang-filletless-tails","title":"Airfix 1\/48th scale North American P51-D Mustang (Filletless Tails)","description":"\u003cp\u003eIllustrating the strength and adaptability of its basic design, the Supermarine Spitfire saw constant development throughout the Second World War, with over 20,000 aircraft eventually being produced in 24 different marks. The Mark V variant was actually something of a stop-gap upgrade from the aircraft which fought during the Battle of Britain, but with 6,487 produced, it would prove to be the most heavily produced mark of Spitfire.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Airfix","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":46842785530170,"sku":"MMMS-HHC-A05138","price":26.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0776\/4603\/7306\/files\/A05138_North-American-P-51D-Mustang_PACK-FRONT.jpg?v=1696508522"},{"product_id":"airfix-1-72nd-scale-wwii-bomber-resupply-set","title":"Airfix 1\/72nd scale WWII RAF Bomber Resupply Set","description":"\u003cp\u003eAs the air war over occupied Europe progressively developed, so did the equipment used by the RAF and its Bomber Command. Specialist vehicles were introduced to supply arms and equipment to waiting machines and maintenance tasks were made easier through the introduction of specialised equipment. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe mechanization of these tasks and duties is well represented in this set. While not as glamorous as their flying counterparts, the contribution played by trucks, tractors, and vans, as well as the men that crewed them, cannot be forgotten, or underestimated.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Airfix","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":46842807058746,"sku":"MMMS-HHC-A05330","price":26.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0776\/4603\/7306\/files\/a05330_0.jpg?v=1696509545"},{"product_id":"airfix-1-72nd-scale-fairey-swordfish-mk-i","title":"Airfix 1\/72nd scale Fairey Swordfish Mk.I","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eEighty years ago, six Fairey Swordfish torpedo bombers flew from RAF Manston to attack the three German capital ships Scharnhorst, Gneisenau and Prinz Eugen making a dash up the English Channel in February 1942. This heroic attack was doomed to failure and all the Swordfish were shot down without any damage to the enemy ships. Lieutenant Commander Esmonde won a posthumous Victoria Cross and only 5 of the aircrew survived.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Airfix","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":46843135295802,"sku":"MMMS-HHC-A04053B","price":22.5,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0776\/4603\/7306\/files\/A04053B_1.jpg?v=1695830991"},{"product_id":"airfix-1-72nd-scale-de-havilland-mosquito-pr-xvi","title":"Airfix 1\/72nd scale De Havilland Mosquito PR.XVI","description":"\u003cp\u003eWithout a doubt, the Mosquito's greatest attribute was its speed and even though it was developed as a high-speed, unarmed bomber, the sheer fact it could outpace fighter aircraft of the day made it an attractive proposition to those in the military charged with obtaining photographic intelligence of potential enemy targets.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eIt is interesting to note that the second Mosquito prototype aircraft to begin construction was a photo reconnaissance variant and indeed, the first Mosquito to be taken on charge by the RAF was a PR Mosquito, so vital was this work to the British war effort.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe months prior to the D-Day landings saw the introduction of the upgraded Mosquito PR Mk.XVI variant, an aircraft which was the most effective photo reconnaissance aircraft in the skies at that time. Able to fly higher, faster and for longer, these latest reconnaissance Mosquitoes could go anywhere and see everything and the Germans hated them. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eSpecialist Luftwaffe units were established specifically to challenge Mosquito reconnaissance incursions, however, it wasn't until the introduction of rocket and jet-powered aircraft that they had much hope of success. Even then, Mosquito crews were well-versed in evading interception and continued to bring home their vital tactical imagery.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Airfix","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":46843218592058,"sku":"MMMS-HHC-A04065","price":23.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0776\/4603\/7306\/files\/A04065_1.jpg?v=1695830657"},{"product_id":"airfix-1-72nd-scale-supermarine-spitfire-mk-vc","title":"Airfix 1\/72nd Scale Supermarine Spitfire Mk.Vc","description":"\u003cp class=\"heading--3\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAbout the Aircraft:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eA 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. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe 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. \u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eIntroduction 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.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAbout the Model:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eFor 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.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"grid grid--1-col@medium\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"grid__item grid__item--60\"\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Airfix","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":46843690910010,"sku":"MMMS-HHC-A02108","price":11.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0776\/4603\/7306\/files\/A02108_1_SUPERMARINE-SPITFIRE-MkVc_PACK.jpg?v=1695828447"},{"product_id":"airfix-1-72nd-scale-boulton-paul-defiant-mk-i-1","title":"Airfix 1\/72nd Scale Boulton Paul Defiant Mk.I","description":"\u003cp\u003eThe Boulton-Paul Defiant was the only 'turret fighter' to enter service with the RAF. The Defiant used the philosophy that a fighter aircraft, armed solely with a turret bristling with machine guns would be able to enter a bomber stream causing havoc and the turret would also enable it to defend itself from enemy fighters. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDuring its first few engagements during the Battle of Britain in 1940, enemy pilots were taken by surprise and the Defiant fared well but soon the Luftwaffe pilots worked out its weaknesses, especially the lack of forward firing guns and the Defiant was soon relegated to night fighting duties were it fared better.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"grid grid--1-col@medium\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"grid__item grid__item--60\"\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Airfix","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":46843889287482,"sku":"MMMS-HHC-A02069","price":11.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0776\/4603\/7306\/files\/A02069_Boulton-Paul-Defiant-MkI_FRONT.jpg?v=1695829975"},{"product_id":"italeri-1-35th-scale-jeep","title":"Italeri 1\/35th scale Willys MB Jeep with Trailer","description":"\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eIn 1940, after World War II had broken out, the US general staff ordered various factories to design a light multi-purpose vehicle with all-wheel drive. The American Bantam Company, Willys Overland, and Ford Motor Co. competed with each other. Willys prototype was chosen, which, after an initial run of 1500 vehicles, went into mass production at the beginning of 1941 and reached a total output of 640.000 units out of which 277.000 pieces were produced by Ford under a licensing agreement. This shows that the Jeep was the most widely produced light vehicle of the war industry during World War II.\u003c\/span\u003e","brand":"Italeri","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":46971110818106,"sku":"MMMS-THC-IT314","price":14.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0776\/4603\/7306\/files\/314_1.jpg?v=1697730637"},{"product_id":"tamiya-1-48th-scale-hawke-sea-harrier","title":"Tamiya 1\/48th scale Spitfire Mk.Vb","description":"\u003cp data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eThe Spitfire MkV was one of the most successful ‘stop-gaps’ ever introduced into Royal Air Force Service. Over one hundred and forty RAF squadrons operated the type. It served on all battlefronts and was supplied to nine other countries including the Soviet Union and the United States.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eDuring 1940 the Spitfire MkI and MkII barely maintained superiority over the Messerschmitt Bf109E so the Air Staff turned their attention to the question of a replacement. Their preferred successor was the MkIII, fitted with a Merlin XX engine and incorporating a new wing design.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eRealising it would take time to tool up for a new production aircraft and because of problems with the Merlin XX, the Air Ministry asked Rolls-Royce, as an interim measure, to install the Merlin 45 engine in the Spitfire MkI airframe. Between 1941 and 1943 over 6500 of this MkV version were produced. The spitfire MkIII never did go into production but some of the new design features intended for it were incorporated into the MkV\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eBy 1944 only five squadrons remained in service. Even so, two Spitfire MkV squadrons provided gunfire direction on 6 June 1944 for naval units off the D-Day beached of Normandy.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Tamiya","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":46971415527738,"sku":"MMMS-THC-T61033","price":19.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0776\/4603\/7306\/files\/61JqZvGiu9L._AC_SL1000.jpg?v=1697115590"},{"product_id":"tamiya-1-48th-scale-bristol-beaufighter","title":"Tamiya 1\/48th scale Bristol Beaufighter","description":"\u003cp data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eThe Bristol Type 156 Beaufighter (often called the Beau) is a British multi-role aircraft developed during the Second World War by the Bristol Aeroplane Company. It was originally conceived as a heavy fighter variant of the Bristol Beaufort torpedo bomber. The Beaufighter proved to be an effective night fighter, which came into service with the Royal Air Force (RAF) during the Battle of Britain, its large size allowing it to carry heavy armament and early airborne interception radar without major performance penalties.\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eThe Beaufighter was used in many roles; receiving the nicknames Rockbeau for its use as a rocket-armed ground attack aircraft and Torbeau as a torpedo bomber against Axis shipping, in which it replaced the Beaufort. In later operations, it served mainly as a maritime strike\/ground attack aircraft, RAF Coastal Command having operated the largest number of Beaufighters amongst all other commands at one point. The Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) also made extensive use of the type as an anti-shipping aircraft, such as during the Battle of the Bismarck Sea.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Tamiya","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":46971440103738,"sku":"MMMS-THC-T61053","price":24.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0776\/4603\/7306\/files\/81dzFf1bu_L._AC_SL1500.jpg?v=1697115829"},{"product_id":"tamiya-1-48th-scale-mosquito-fb-mk-vi-nf-mk-ii","title":"Tamiya 1\/48th scale Mosquito Fb Mk.VI\/NF Mk.II","description":"\u003cp data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eFirst flown in 1942, the Mosquito FB Mk.VI fighter-bomber was intended for ‘intruder’ strike missions, and became the most numerous and widely-used Mosquito variant. Based on the F Mk.II day fighter version without Air Interception radar, it retained the formidable armament of four Browning 0.303 in machine-guns in the nose and four Hispano 20 mm canon in the belly. But it was also given a bomb-bay behind the cannon, which enabled it to carry two 500 lb bombs internally (with fins cropped to fit) plus another two under the wings. Since it operated primarily at low altitude, the FB.VI was unpressurised, and retained single-stage supercharged Merlin engines. Targets for 2TAF (Second Tactical Air Force) FB.VI Mosquitos included power stations, communications centres and V-weapon sites, but operations also included one-off special raids e.g. on Amiens jail and several Gestapo HQs. Coastal Command FB.VIs used eight underwing 60 lb RPs in anti-shipping strikes. Despite problems with wood and glue in tropical conditions, FB.VI Mosquitoes also operated in the Far East Royal Navy trials with an FB.VI in 1944 achieved the first landing of a British twin-engined aircraft on the deck of an aircraft carrier (HMS Indefatigable), and led to the navalised torpedo-reconnaissance Sea Mosquito TR Mk.33.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Tamiya","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":46971466023226,"sku":"MMMS-THC-T61062","price":23.5,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0776\/4603\/7306\/files\/s-l1600_07e47b28-4ae7-418d-a2f8-b4cd53ec89b4.jpg?v=1697116049"},{"product_id":"copy-of-tamiya-1-48th-scale-mosquito-v-mk-iv","title":"Tamiya 1\/48th scale Mosquito V Mk.IV","description":"\u003cp\u003eThe Mosquito B.Mk IV bomber variant entered service on the 8th September 1941. Able to carry four 500lb bombs over a range of 2,040 miles its pair of 1,460-hp Merlin 21s gave it a top speed of 374 mph. These would initially be available in November 1941 when No. 105 Squadron stationed at RAF Swanton Morley had their Bristol Blenheim Mk IVs replaced. They would spend the next few months familiarising themselves with the aircraft and working out tactics. Their first sortie with the type saw four raid Cologne, Germany on the 31st May 1942 with all returning back to base.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eFour months later another four Mosquitos from No. 105 Squadron attacked the Norwegian headquarters of the Gestapo in Oslo at low-level on the 25th September 1942 with the following day seeing the type revealed to the British public. This wouldn't be the last low-level nuisance raid carried out by the squadron. Another such raid on the 30th January 1943 saw a radio speech by Herman Goring interrupted when the broadcasting station in Berlin, Germany was attacked.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Tamiya","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":46971484832058,"sku":"MMMS-THC-T61066","price":23.5,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0776\/4603\/7306\/files\/DeHavilland-Mosquito-BMk.IV-PRMk.IV.png?v=1697116398"},{"product_id":"tamiya-1-48th-scale-fairey-swordfish-mk-ii","title":"Tamiya 1\/48th scale Fairey Swordfish Mk II","description":"\u003cp\u003eThe Fairey Swordfish is a biplane torpedo bomber, designed by the Fairey Aviation Company. Originating in the early 1930s, the Swordfish, nicknamed \"Stringbag\", was principally operated by the Fleet Air Arm of the Royal Navy. It was also used by the Royal Air Force (RAF), as well as several overseas operators, including the Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF) and the Royal Netherlands Navy. It was initially operated primarily as a fleet attack aircraft. During its later years, the Swordfish was increasingly used as an anti-submarine and training platform. The type was in frontline service throughout the Second World War.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eDespite being a representation of early 1930s aircraft design and teetering on the edge of becoming outdated (in comparison to some alternatives), the Swordfish achieved some spectacular successes during the war. Notable events included sinking one battleship and damaging two others of the Regia Marina (the Italian navy) during the Battle of Taranto, and the famous attack on the German battleship Bismarck, which contributed to her eventual demise. Swordfish sank a greater tonnage of Axis shipping than any other Allied aircraft during the war. The Swordfish remained in front-line service until V-E Day, having outlived some of the aircraft intended to replace it.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Tamiya","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":46971504263482,"sku":"MMMS-THC-T61099","price":52.5,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0776\/4603\/7306\/files\/hc-61099-1.jpg?v=1697116592"},{"product_id":"tamiya-1-48th-scale-supermarine-spitfire-mk-i","title":"Tamiya 1\/48th scale Supermarine Spitfire Mk I","description":"\u003cp\u003eThe Spitfire is the most famous British fighter aircraft in history. It became a symbol of freedom during the summer months of 1940 by helping to defeat the German air attacks during the Battle of Britain. It was the highest performing Allied aircraft in 1940.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe crowds at the 1936 RAF Display at Hendon had a first glimpse of the prototype Spitfire in the New Types Park but it was not until August 1938 that production Spitfires began to enter service. By the outbreak of war, a year later, nine squadrons were equipped. In spite of vigorous demands from the France the Commander in Chief of Fighter Command refused to send any Spitfires to France during the German Blitzkrieg of 1940. The wisdom of that decision was clearly shown. By July 1940 RAF Fighter Command had nineteen Spitfire MkI squadrons available.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eOnce the RAF modified their tactics to properly counter the Luftwaffe, the Spitfire MkI proved to be the only British fighter capable of meeting the Messerschmitt Bf109E on equal terms. Often the outcome of a combat depended more on the quality of the pilot than his aircraft.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eFurther improvements in performance were made by fitting new type propellers, known as constant speed units, and modifying the Merlin engine to run on 100 octane fuel.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Tamiya","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":46971521073466,"sku":"MMMS-THC-T61119","price":32.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0776\/4603\/7306\/files\/642853_1000_1_-tamiya-supermarine-spitfire-mk-i-model-kit-1-48.jpg?v=1697122175"}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0776\/4603\/7306\/collections\/wwii_385f313d-2b21-44d8-801f-15a916ef23b5.png?v=1792535378","url":"https:\/\/www.mannsmodelmoments.com\/collections\/allies-wwii-1939-1945.oembed?page=20","provider":"Mann's Model Moments","version":"1.0","type":"link"}