{"title":"Home page","description":null,"products":[{"product_id":"airfix-f-35b-starter-kit","title":"Airfix 1\/72nd scale F-35B Starter Kit","description":"\u003cp data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eAs one of the most advanced aircraft in the world, the Lockheed Martin® F-35B® Lightning® is a fifth generation multi-role combat aircraft designed to dominate the skies, using stealth technologies to operate undetected in hostile airspace, striking at the heart of the enemy, or relaying vital battlefield information to other friendly forces. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eThe United Kingdom has elected to take the short take-off and vertical landing (STOVL) 'B' variant of the F-35, allowing their aircraft to operate from traditional airfields, from the decks of Britain’s two new Queen Elizabeth class aircraft carriers and should the need arise, from dispersed locations, in much the same way as the famous Harrier previously did. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eIn British service, the F-35 will not carry the Lightning II denotation, as the new jet is actually the third aircraft in RAF service to carry the name, after the Lockheed P-38 from the Second World War and the famous English Electric Lightning which served throughout the Cold War era.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Airfix","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":45339210809658,"sku":"MMMS-HHC-A55010","price":18.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0776\/4603\/7306\/files\/a55010_1.jpg?v=1755943404"},{"product_id":"italeri-1-48th-f-35b","title":"Italeri 1\/32nd scale F-35A Lightning II","description":"\u003cp data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe Lockheed Martin F-35 Lightning II is an American family of single-seat, single-engine, all-weather stealth multirole combat aircraft that is intended to perform both air superiority and strike missions. It is also able to provide electronic warfare and intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance capabilities. Lockheed Martin is the prime F-35 contractor, with principal partners Northrop Grumman and BAE Systems. The aircraft has three main variants: the conventional takeoff and landing (CTOL) F-35A, the short take-off and vertical-landing (STOVL) F-35B, and the carrier-based (CV\/CATOBAR) F-35C.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe aircraft descends from the Lockheed Martin X-35, which in 2001 beat the Boeing X-32 to win the Joint Strike Fighter (JSF) program. Its development is principally funded by the United States, with additional funding from program partner countries from the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) and close U.S. allies, including the United Kingdom, Australia, Canada, Italy, Norway, Denmark, the Netherlands, and formerly Turkey. Several other countries have also ordered, or are considering ordering, the aircraft. The program has drawn much scrutiny and criticism for its unprecedented size, complexity, ballooning costs, and much-delayed deliveries. The acquisition strategy of concurrent production of the aircraft while it was still in development and testing led to expensive design changes and retrofits.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe F-35 first flew in 2006 and entered service with the U.S. Marine Corps F-35B in July 2015, followed by the U.S. Air Force F-35A in August 2016 and the U.S. Navy F-35C in February 2019. The aircraft was first used in combat in 2018 by the Israeli Air Force. The U.S. plans to buy 2,456 F-35s through 2044, which will represent the bulk of the crewed tactical aviation of the U.S. Air Force, Navy, and Marine Corps for several decades; the aircraft is planned to be a cornerstone of NATO and U.S.-allied air power and to operate until 2070\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Italeri","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":46538707501370,"sku":"MMMS-THC-IT2506","price":100.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0776\/4603\/7306\/files\/italeri-132-lockheed-martin-f-35a-lightning-ii__66137.jpg?v=1693420471"},{"product_id":"italeri-1-32nd-mc202-folgore","title":"Italeri 1\/32nd MC202 Folgore","description":"\u003cp\u003eThe Macchi C.202 Folgore (Italian \"thunderbolt\") was an Italian fighter aircraft developed and manufactured by Macchi Aeronautica. It was operated mainly by the Regia Aeronautica (RA; Royal (Italian) Air Force) in and around the Second World War. According to aviation author David Mondey, the Folgore has been considered to be one of the best wartime fighters to serve in large numbers with the Regia Aeronautica.\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eThe C.202 was designed by a team headed by the company's chief of design, Italian aeronautics engineer Mario Castoldi. As per company tradition, Macchi aircraft designed by Mario Castoldi received the \"C\" letter in their model designation, hence the Folgore is commonly referred to as the C.202 or MC.202. The C.202 was a development of the earlier C.200 Saetta, powered by an Italian-built version of the German Daimler-Benz DB 601Aa engine and featuring a redesigned fuselage for greater streamlining.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDuring July 1941, the Folgore went into service with the Regia Aeronautica. In combat, it very quickly proved itself to be an effective and deadly dogfighter against its contemporaries.[5][6] During its service life, the C.202 was deployed on all fronts in which Italy was involved. During late 1941, it commenced offensive operations over Malta and in North Africa, where Italian and German forces were engaged in heavy combat against British and later American operations. The C.202 continued to be used in North Africa as late as mid-1943, by which point the type was withdrawn to support defensive efforts in Sicily and the Italian mainland following their invasion by Allied forces. It also saw limited use on the Eastern Front. Following the 1943 Armistice with Italy, the type was mostly used as a trainer aircraft. It was also operated by Croatia.\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eThe Macchi C.202 was flown by almost all of the most successful Italian aces. During mid-1942, in North Africa, the Folgore achieved a ratio kill\/loss better than that of the Messerschmitt Bf 109. The Australian ace Clive Caldwell, who fought a wide variety of German, Italian and Japanese fighters during 1941–45, later stated that the C.202 was \"one of the best and most undervalued of fighters\".[10] The type also had well-known design flaws: in particular, like the C.200, the C.202 was prone to suddenly entering dangerous spins. Its radios were also unreliable, routinely forcing pilots to communicate by waggling their wings. The C.202 was lightly armed relative to its contemporaries, with just a pair of machine guns that had a tendency for jamming. To improve its performance it was developed into its successor: the Macchi C.205 Veltro.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Italeri","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":46538734534970,"sku":"MMMS-THC-IT2518","price":100.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0776\/4603\/7306\/files\/61u9h01-VTL._AC_SL1000.jpg?v=1693420745"},{"product_id":"rareplane-1-72nd-scale-breda-ba-64","title":"Second Hand: Rareplane 1\/72nd scale Breda BA-65","description":"The Breda Ba.64 was an Italian single-engine ground-attack aircraft used by the Regia Aeronautica during the 1930s.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eDesigned by Antonio Parano and Giuseppe Panzeri, it saw limited service in two units from 1936, together with the contemporary Caproni A.P.1. It was retired from active service in 1939, replaced by the more powerful derivative, the Ba.65.","brand":"Rareplane","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":46581882290490,"sku":"MMMS-EBY-RPBB01","price":5.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0776\/4603\/7306\/files\/IMGP3707.jpg?v=1695049400"},{"product_id":"copy-of-frog-1-72nd-scale-fairey-barracuda","title":"Collectors: Frog 1\/72nd scale Fokker D.XXI","description":"The Fokker D.XXI fighter was designed in 1935 by Dutch aircraft manufacturer Fokker in response to requirements laid out by the Royal Netherlands East Indies Army Air Force (Militaire Luchtvaart van het Koninklijk Nederlands-Indisch Leger, ML-KNIL).[1]\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe D.XXI was designed as an inexpensive, rugged, and compact fighter aircraft that would possess respectable performance for its era. Entering operational use in the early years of the Second World War, it provided yeoman service for both the Luchtvaartafdeling (Dutch Army Aviation Group) and the Finnish Air Force. Additionally, a few examples were constructed by the El Carmolí factory before it fell into rebel hands during the Spanish Civil War. Following the invasion and occupation of the Netherlands in May 1940, several captured Dutch D.XXIs were subsequently placed into service with the Luftwaffe.","brand":"Frog","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":46581947662650,"sku":"MMMS-EBY-FGFD01","price":10.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0776\/4603\/7306\/files\/IMGP3722.jpg?v=1695049319"},{"product_id":"revell-1-72nd-scale-grumman-f-11-tiger","title":"Collectors: Revell 1\/72nd scale Grumman F-11 Tiger","description":"\u003cp\u003eRevellThe Grumman F11F\/F-11 Tiger is a supersonic, single-seat carrier-based fighter aircraft designed and produced by the American aircraft manufacturer Grumman. For a time, it held the world altitude record of 76,939 feet, as well as being the first supersonic fighter to be produced by Grumman.[2]\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eWork on what would become the Tiger commended in 1952 as a design study, internally designated G-98, to improve the F9F-6\/7 Cougar. However, the resulting design produced had little association with the Cougar by the end of the project. The U.S. Navy Bureau of Aeronautics placed order for two prototypes, initially designated XF9F-8. On 30 July 1954, the first prototype performed its maiden flight, during which it almost achieved Mach 1; the second prototype became the second U.S. Navy aircraft to exceed the speed of sound. On 21 September 1956, the Tiger became the first jet aircraft to shoot itself down. Originally designated the F11F Tiger in April 1955 under the pre-1962 Navy designation system, the aircraft was redesignated as F-11 Tiger under the 1962 United States Tri-Service aircraft designation system. A total of 200 Tigers were produced for the United States Navy, with the last aircraft being delivered to the service on 23 January 1959.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe Tiger entered service with the U.S. Navy during 1956, and was flown from the carriers Intrepid, Lexington, Hancock, Bon Homme Richard, Shangri-La, Forrestal, Saratoga and Ranger. Frontline use of the Tiger was relatively brief, largely due to its performance being inferior to the competing Vought F-8 Crusader, such as its limited endurance, while its Wright J65 turbojet engine had also proved to be somewhat unreliable. Through to the late 1960s, the aircraft used flown by the Naval Air Training Command in South Texas at NAS Chase Field and NAS Kingsville, to give students experience of supersonic flight. Between 1957 and 1969, the Tiger was used by the Blue Angels flight team, being eventually replaced by the McDonnell Douglas F-4 Phantom II. The last examples were withdrawn from U.S. Navy service during 1969, although a handful of aircraft remained operational and were conducting test flights as late as 1975.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Revell","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":46581972369722,"sku":"MMMS-EBY-RVMT01","price":30.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0776\/4603\/7306\/files\/IMGP3714.jpg?v=1695049518"},{"product_id":"aurora-1-72nd-scale-republic-f-105-thunderchief","title":"Collectors: Aurora 1\/72nd scale Republic F-105 Thunderchief","description":"The Republic F-105 Thunderchief was an American supersonic fighter-bomber that served with the United States Air Force from 1958 to 1984. Capable of Mach 2, it conducted the majority of strike bombing missions during the early years of the Vietnam War; it was the only American aircraft to have been removed from combat due to high loss rates.[1] It was originally designed as a single-seat, nuclear-attack aircraft; a two-seat Wild Weasel version was later developed for the specialized Suppression of Enemy Air Defenses (SEAD) role against surface-to-air missile sites. The F-105 was commonly known as the \"Thud\" by its crews.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eAs a follow-on to the Mach 1 capable North American F-100 Super Sabre, the F-105 was also armed with missiles and a rotary cannon; however, its design was tailored to high-speed low-altitude penetration carrying a single nuclear weapon internally. First flown in 1955, the Thunderchief entered service in 1958. The single-engine F-105 could deliver a bomb load greater than some American heavy bombers of World War II such as the Boeing B-17 Flying Fortress and Consolidated B-24 Liberator. The F-105 was one of the primary attack aircraft of the Vietnam War; over 20,000 Thunderchief sorties were flown, with 382 aircraft lost including 62 operational (non-combat) losses (out of the 833 produced). Although less agile than smaller MiG fighters, USAF F-105s were credited with 27.5 kills.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eDuring the conflict, the single-seat F-105D was the primary aircraft delivering heavy bomb loads against the various military targets. Meanwhile, the two-seat F-105F and F-105G Wild Weasel variants became the first dedicated SEAD platforms, fighting against the Soviet-built S-75 Dvina (NATO reporting name: SA-2 Guideline) surface-to-air missiles. Two Wild Weasel pilots were awarded the Medal of Honor for attacking North Vietnamese surface-to-air missile sites, with one shooting down two MiG-17s the same day. The dangerous missions often required them to be the \"first in, last out\", suppressing enemy air defenses while strike aircraft accomplished their missions and then left the area.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eWhen the Thunderchief entered service it was the largest single-seat, single-engine combat aircraft in history, weighing approximately 50,000 pounds (23,000 kg).[2] It could exceed the speed of sound at sea level and reach Mach 2 at high altitude.[3] The F-105 could carry up to 14,000 lb (6,400 kg) of bombs and missiles. The Thunderchief was later replaced as a strike aircraft over North Vietnam by both the McDonnell Douglas F-4 Phantom II and the swing-wing General Dynamics F-111 Aardvark. However, the \"Wild Weasel\" variants of the F-105 remained in service until early 1984, at which point they were replaced by the specialized F-4G \"Wild Weasel V\".","brand":"Aurora","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":46582008021306,"sku":"MMMS-EBY-AURT01","price":30.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0776\/4603\/7306\/files\/IMGP3712.jpg?v=1695049277"},{"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-eurofighter-gift-set","title":"Airfix 1\/72nd scale Eurofighter Gift Set","description":"\u003cp\u003eThe Eurofighter Typhoon is a European multinational twin-engine, canard delta wing, multirole fighter. The Typhoon was designed originally as an air-superiority fighter[5] and is manufactured by a consortium of Airbus, BAE Systems and Leonardo that conducts the majority of the project through a joint holding company, Eurofighter Jagdflugzeug GmbH. The NATO Eurofighter and Tornado Management Agency, representing the UK, Germany, Italy and Spain, manages the project and is the prime customer.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe aircraft's development effectively began in 1983 with the Future European Fighter Aircraft programme, a multinational collaboration among the UK, Germany, France, Italy and Spain. Previously, Germany, Italy and the UK had jointly developed and deployed the Panavia Tornado combat aircraft and desired to collaborate on a new project, with additional participating EU nations. However disagreements over design authority and operational requirements led France to leave the consortium to develop the Dassault Rafale independently. A technology demonstration aircraft, the British Aerospace EAP, first flew on 6 August 1986; a Eurofighter prototype made its maiden flight on 27 March 1994. The aircraft's name, Typhoon, was adopted in September 1998 and the first production contracts were also signed that year.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe sudden end of the Cold War reduced European demand for fighter aircraft and led to debate over the aircraft's cost and work share and protracted the Typhoon's development: the Typhoon entered operational service in 2003 and is now in service with the air forces of Austria, Italy, Germany, the United Kingdom, Spain, Saudi Arabia and Oman. Kuwait and Qatar have also ordered the aircraft, bringing the procurement total to 623 aircraft as of 2019.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe Eurofighter Typhoon is a highly agile aircraft, designed to be an effective dogfighter in combat. Later production aircraft have been increasingly better equipped to undertake air-to-surface strike missions and to be compatible with an increasing number of different armaments and equipment, including Storm Shadow, Brimstone and Marte ER missiles. The Typhoon had its combat debut during the 2011 military intervention in Libya with the UK's Royal Air Force (RAF) and the Italian Air Force, performing aerial reconnaissance and ground-strike missions. The type has also taken primary responsibility for air-defence duties for the majority of customer nations.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Airfix","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":46599823884602,"sku":"MMMS-HHC-A50098A","price":22.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0776\/4603\/7306\/files\/a50098a_1.jpg?v=1695036106"},{"product_id":"airfix-english-electric-lightning-f-2a-gift-set","title":"Airfix 1\/72nd scale English Electric Lightning F.2A Gift Set","description":"\u003cp\u003eThe English Electric Lightning is a British fighter aircraft that served as an interceptor during the 1960s, the 1970s and into the late 1980s. It was capable of a top speed of above Mach 2. The Lightning was designed, developed, and manufactured by English Electric. After EE merged with other aircraft manufacturers to form British Aircraft Corporation it was marketed as the BAC Lightning. It was operated by the Royal Air Force (RAF), the Kuwait Air Force (KAF), and the Royal Saudi Air Force (RSAF).\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eA unique feature of the Lightning's design is the vertical, staggered configuration of its two Rolls-Royce Avon turbojet engines within the fuselage. The Lightning was designed and developed as an interceptor to defend the airfields of the British \"V bomber\" strategic nuclear force from attack by anticipated future nuclear-armed supersonic Soviet bombers such as what emerged as the Tupolev Tu-22 \"Blinder\", but it was subsequently also required to intercept other bomber aircraft such as the Tupolev Tu-16 (\"Badger\") and the Tupolev Tu-95 (\"Bear\").\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eThe Lightning has exceptional rate of climb, ceiling, and speed; pilots have described flying it as \"being saddled to a skyrocket\". This performance and the initially limited fuel supply meant that its missions are dictated to a high degree by its limited range.[5] Later developments provided greater range and speed along with aerial reconnaissance and ground-attack capability. Overwing fuel tank fittings were installed in the F6 variant and gave an extended range, but limited maximum speed to a reported 1,000 miles per hour (1,600 km\/h).\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eFollowing retirement by the RAF on 30 April 1988, many of the remaining aircraft became museum exhibits. Until 2009, three Lightnings were kept flying at \"Thunder City\" in Cape Town, South Africa. In September 2008, the Institution of Mechanical Engineers conferred on the Lightning its \"Engineering Heritage Award\" at a ceremony at BAE Systems (the successor to BAC) Warton Aerodrome.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe Eurofighter Typhoon is a highly agile aircraft, designed to be an effective dogfighter in combat. Later production aircraft have been increasingly better equipped to undertake air-to-surface strike missions and to be compatible with an increasing number of different armaments and equipment, including Storm Shadow, Brimstone and Marte ER missiles. The Typhoon had its combat debut during the 2011 military intervention in Libya with the UK's Royal Air Force (RAF) and the Italian Air Force, performing aerial reconnaissance and ground-strike missions. The type has also taken primary responsibility for air-defence duties for the majority of customer nations.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Airfix","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":46600237252922,"sku":"MMMS-GAM-A55305A","price":22.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0776\/4603\/7306\/files\/a55305a_1.jpg?v=1695037649"},{"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":"copy-of-airfix-sherman-firefly-starter-set","title":"Airfix 1\/72nd scale Sherman Firefly Starter Set","description":"\u003cp\u003eThe Sherman Firefly was a medium tank used by the United Kingdom and some armoured formations of other Allies in the Second World War. It was based on the US M4 Sherman but was fitted with the more powerful British 76.2 mm (3.00 in) calibre 17-pounder anti-tank gun as its main weapon. Conceived as a stopgap until future British tank designs came into service, the Sherman Firefly became the most common vehicle mounting the 17-pounder in the war.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe British Army made extensive use of Sherman tanks. Though they expected to have their own tank models developed soon, the rejected idea of mounting the 17-pounder in the Sherman was eventually accepted, despite initial government reluctance. This proved fortunate, as the Cruiser Mk VIII Challenger and Cruiser Mk VIII Cromwell tank designs experienced difficulties and delays.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eAfter the problem of getting such a large gun to fit in the Sherman's turret was solved, the Firefly was put into production in early 1944, in time to equip the 21st Army Group, commanded by General Bernard Montgomery, for the Normandy landings. It soon became highly valued, as its gun could almost always penetrate the armour of the Panther and Tiger tanks it faced in Normandy, something no other British tank could reliably do.[2] Because the Firefly's barrel was visibly longer than that of a normal 75 mm Sherman, crews tried to countershade camouflage it so the tank would look like a regular Sherman from a distance. Between 2,100 and 2,200 were manufactured before production ended in 1945.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Airfix","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":46600268087610,"sku":"MMMS-HHC-A55003","price":11.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0776\/4603\/7306\/files\/a55003_1_starter-set-sherman-firefly_pack.jpg?v=1755943404"},{"product_id":"airfix-raf-red-arrows-gnat-starter-kit","title":"Airfix 1\/72nd scale RAF Red Arrows Gnat Starter Kit","description":"\u003cp data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eThe Folland Gnat is a British compact swept-wing subsonic fighter aircraft that was developed and produced by Folland Aircraft. Envisioned as an affordable light fighter in contrast to the rising cost and size of typical combat aircraft, it was procured as a trainer aircraft for the Royal Air Force (RAF) as well as by export customers, who used the Gnat in both combat and training capacities.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eDesigned by W. E. W. Petter, the Gnat has its origins in the preceding private venture Folland Midge. The issuing of Operational Requirement OR.303 by the British Air Ministry served to motivate the type's development; the Gnat was later submitted to meet this requirement. Its design allowed for its construction and maintenance tasks to be carried out without specialised tools, making it suitable for use in countries that had not yet become highly industrialised. The Gnat has been viewed as a major motivating factor towards the issuing of the NATO NBMR-1 requirement, which sought to make available a common strike\/attack light fighter with which to equip the air forces of the various NATO members.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eAlthough never used as a fighter by the Royal Air Force (RAF), the Gnat T.1 jet trainer variant was adopted and operated for some time. In the United Kingdom, the Gnat became well known due to its prominent use as the display aircraft of the RAF's Red Arrows aerobatic team. The Gnat F.1 was exported to Finland, Yugoslavia and India. The Indian Air Force became the largest operator and eventually manufactured the aircraft under licence. Impressed by its performance during combat, India proceeded to develop the improved HAL Ajeet, a modified variant of the Gnat. In British service, the Gnat was replaced by the Hawker Siddeley Hawk.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Airfix","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":46600349122874,"sku":"MMMS-HHC-A55105","price":11.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0776\/4603\/7306\/files\/1628589785-10155000.jpg?v=1695048534"},{"product_id":"airfix-1-72nd-scale-cromwell-mk-iv","title":"Airfix 1\/76th 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":46726442418490,"sku":"MMMS-HHC-A02338","price":11.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0776\/4603\/7306\/files\/a02338-front.jpg?v=1695208302"},{"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":32.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false}],"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-ferret-scout-car-mk-2","title":"Airfix 1\/35th scale Ferret Scout Car Mk.2","description":"The Ferret armoured car, also commonly called the Ferret scout car, is a British armoured fighting vehicle designed and built for reconnaissance purposes. The Ferret was produced between 1952 and 1971 by the UK company Daimler. It was widely used by regiments in the British Army, as well as the RAF Regiment and Commonwealth countries throughout the period.","brand":"Airfix","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":46726702629178,"sku":"MMMS-HHC-A1379","price":22.5,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0776\/4603\/7306\/files\/A1379-FERRET-SCOUT-CAR-Mk-2-Size-50-FRONT.jpg?v=1695209387"},{"product_id":"tamiya-1-72nd-scale-f-35a","title":"Tamiya 1\/72nd scale F-35A","description":"\u003cp data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eThe Lockheed Martin F-35 Lightning II is an American family of single-seat, single-engine, all-weather stealth multirole combat aircraft that is intended to perform both air superiority and strike missions. It is also able to provide electronic warfare and intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance capabilities. Lockheed Martin is the prime F-35 contractor, with principal partners Northrop Grumman and BAE Systems. The aircraft has three main variants: the conventional takeoff and landing (CTOL) F-35A, the short take-off and vertical-landing (STOVL) F-35B, and the carrier-based (CV\/CATOBAR) F-35C.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe aircraft descends from the Lockheed Martin X-35, which in 2001 beat the Boeing X-32 to win the Joint Strike Fighter (JSF) program. Its development is principally funded by the United States, with additional funding from program partner countries from the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) and close U.S. allies, including the United Kingdom, Australia, Canada, Italy, Norway, Denmark, the Netherlands, and formerly Turkey. Several other countries have also ordered, or are considering ordering, the aircraft. The program has drawn much scrutiny and criticism for its unprecedented size, complexity, ballooning costs, and much-delayed deliveries. The acquisition strategy of concurrent production of the aircraft while it was still in development and testing led to expensive design changes and retrofits.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe F-35 first flew in 2006 and entered service with the U.S. Marine Corps F-35B in July 2015, followed by the U.S. Air Force F-35A in August 2016 and the U.S. Navy F-35C in February 2019. The aircraft was first used in combat in 2018 by the Israeli Air Force. The U.S. plans to buy 2,456 F-35s through 2044, which will represent the bulk of the crewed tactical aviation of the U.S. Air Force, Navy, and Marine Corps for several decades; the aircraft is planned to be a cornerstone of NATO and U.S.-allied air power and to operate until 2070\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Tamiya","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":46727081853242,"sku":"MMMS-THC-T60792","price":36.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0776\/4603\/7306\/files\/tam60792_1.jpg?v=1695211783"},{"product_id":"airfix-1-48th-scale-westland-sea-king","title":"Airfix 1\/48th scale Westland Sea King HAS.1\/HAS.5\/HU.5","description":"The Westland WS-61 Sea King is a British licence-built version of the American Sikorsky S-61 helicopter of the same name, built by Westland Helicopters. The aircraft differs considerably from the American version, with Rolls-Royce Gnome engines (derived from the US General Electric T58), British-made anti-submarine warfare systems and a fully computerised flight control system. The Sea King was primarily designed for performing anti-submarine warfare (ASW) missions. A Sea King variant known as the Commando was developed by Westland to serve as a troop transport.\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eIn British service, the Westland Sea King provided a wide range of services in both the Royal Navy and the Royal Air Force. As well as wartime roles in the Falklands War, the Gulf War, the Bosnian War, the Iraq War and the Afghanistan War, the Sea King is perhaps most well known in its capacity as a Royal Navy Search and Rescue (red and grey livery) and RAF Search and Rescue Force (yellow livery) helicopter. The Sea King was also adapted to meet the Royal Navy's requirement for a ship-based airborne early warning platform.\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eOn 26 September 2018, the last remaining Sea King variant in Royal Navy service was retired. Most operators have replaced, or are planning to replace, the Sea King with more modern helicopters, such as the NHIndustries NH90 and the AgustaWestland AW101. HeliOperations continue to operate three Mk 5 Sea Kings, based at RNAS Portland, training German Navy pilots.","brand":"Airfix","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":46727335182650,"sku":"MMMS-HHC-A11006","price":54.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0776\/4603\/7306\/files\/a11006_1.jpg?v=1695212247"},{"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":"italeri-1-72nd-f-22-raptor","title":"Italeri 1\/72nd F-22 Raptor","description":"\u003cp\u003eThe Lockheed Martin F-22 Raptor is an American single-seat, twin-engine, supersonic all-weather stealth fighter aircraft developed for the United States Air Force (USAF). As a product of the USAF's Advanced Tactical Fighter (ATF) program the aircraft was designed as an air superiority fighter, but also incorporates ground attack, electronic warfare, and signals intelligence capabilities. The prime contractor, Lockheed Martin, built most of the F-22's airframe and weapons systems and conducted final assembly, while Boeing provided the wings, aft fuselage, avionics integration, and training systems.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe aircraft first flew in 1997 and was variously designated F-22 and F\/A-22 before it formally entered service in December 2005 as the F-22A. Although the USAF had originally planned to buy a total of 750 ATFs, the program was cut to 187 production aircraft in 2009 due to high costs, a lack of air-to-air missions at the time of production, and the development of the more affordable and versatile F-35. The last F-22 was delivered in 2012.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eWhile it had a protracted development and initial operational difficulties, the F-22 has become a critical component of the USAF's tactical airpower. The fighter's combination of stealth, aerodynamic performance, and mission systems enabled a leap in air combat capabilities and set the benchmark for its generation.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Italeri","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":46728852275514,"sku":"MMMS-THC-IT1207","price":16.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0776\/4603\/7306\/files\/F22.png?v=1695216759"},{"product_id":"italeri-1-35th-scale-t-34-76-premium-edition","title":"Italeri 1\/35th scale T-34\/76 Premium Edition","description":"NEW METALLIZED BOX - METAL GUN BARREL - TWO MAIN WHEELS TYPES - DETAILED ENGINE AND TRANSMISSION - GLUABLE RUBBER TRACKS OR LINK-AND-LENGTH - PHOTO ETCHED FRET - DECALS FOR 6 VERSIONS - COLORS INSTRUCTION SHEET\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eFIGURE NOT INCLUDED\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eThe T-34 was one of the most famous tanks produced during WWll and was the mainstay of the Soviet Army during this conflict. One of the key innovations introduced by the T-34 design was the sloped armor at the front which guaranteed a higher degree of protection from direct hits. The adoption of wide tracks provided excellent mobility on all types of terrain, including mud and snow. The first version of the T-34 which was armed with a 76 mm short barrel gun gained an immediate advantage over the most common German tanks of the era, such as the Panzer III and the Panzer IV. Due to its 12 Cylinders diesel engine, the tank was able to attain a maximum speed of 55 Km\/h. It was considered, in terms of sheer operational effectiveness, the best tank of the Second World War.","brand":"Italeri","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":46729060516154,"sku":"MMMS-THC-IT6570","price":44.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0776\/4603\/7306\/files\/itl6570-1.png?v=1695220862"},{"product_id":"italeri-1-35th-scale-steyr-rso-01-with-german-soldiers","title":"Italeri 1\/35th scale Steyr RSO\/01 with German Soldiers","description":"CONTAINS 7 FIGURES, ACCESSORIES AND WINTER TRACKS - CANVAS COVER NOT INCLUDED\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eIn order to cope with the poor road conditions on the Eastern front, the Germans built tracked tractors to tow all types of vehicles and also serve to carry various loads from ammunition to food supplies. The official description of this vehicle was “Raupenschlepper-Ost” (tracked tractor-East).The RSO\/1 was built by the Steyr-works in then annexed Austria. It had a commercial-type pressed steel cab, but a wooden cargo body. It proved ideal for the mud and slush conditions of the Russian front. The vehicles were part of the desperate German efforts to avoid defeat by the overwhelming Soviet armies.","brand":"Italeri","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":46730028253498,"sku":"MMMS-THC-IT6549","price":40.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0776\/4603\/7306\/files\/6549_box.jpg?v=1695221125"},{"product_id":"italeri-1-35th-scale-flakpanzer-ostwind","title":"Italeri 1\/35th scale Flakpanzer IV Ostwind","description":"\u003cp data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cspan lang=\"EN-GB\" data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eLINK-AND-LENGTH TRACKS OR GLUABLE RUBBER \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eTRACKS - \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eDECALS FOR 2 VERSIONS\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e - \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eCOLORS INSTRUCTION SHEET\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eDuring the war, the need to produce self-propelled anti-aircraft guns capable of protecting troops against low-flying air attacks became marked. To this end, the hull of the Panzer IV medium tank, the Flakpanzer IV Wirbelwind, was used as a platform to add on a 20 mm Flak 38 quadruple gun system. By the end of 1944 the Wirbelwind was joined by the more powerful Ostwind, which was mounted with a 37 mm Flak 43 anti-aircraft gun. Providing a greater range of fire, the anti-aircraft armament protected by a thick and characteristic shield mounted on an \"open-roof\" hexagonal turret, the Ostwind could also be effectively deployed against ground targets in close support of troops on the battlefield. The few “Ostwind” that were produced were delivered to the anti-aircraft units of the Panzer Division, and proved very effective on operations.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Italeri","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":46730068951354,"sku":"MMMS-THC-IT6594","price":36.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0776\/4603\/7306\/files\/itl6594_1.jpg?v=1695221394"},{"product_id":"italeri-1-35th-scale-pz-kpfw-iv-ausf-h","title":"Italeri 1\/35th scale Pz.kpfw. IV Ausf H","description":"METAL GUN BARREL - GLUABLE RUBBER OR LINK-AND-LENGTH TRACKS - DECALS FOR 5 VERSIONS - COLORS INSTRUCTIONS SHEET\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e3 FIGURE INCLUDED\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eThe Panzer IV was deployed for the entire duration of WW2 by the Wehrmacht and benefited from frequent updates. It acquired the status of being known as the \"backbone\" of the Panzer Divisions on all operational fronts. The Panzer IV Ausf H which came into service from mid-1943, was improved in its offensive capability by the adoption of the 75 mm L \/ 48 KwK 40 cannon, which was characterized by greater penetrative capability and overall general effectiveness against enemy armoured vehicles. A technical innovation entitled Schürzen, was applied to the tank design which afforded additional sheet metal protection to the sides of the hull and around the turret. This in turn provided greater protection against enemy ‘hits’ and reduced damage to the Panzer. This addition of further side protection was often linked to the use of Zimmerit, a cement-based paste that was applied to the armour","brand":"Italeri","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":46730139042106,"sku":"MMMS-THC-IT6578","price":36.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0776\/4603\/7306\/files\/EyrtBmCKOZa5kSMVCfx98OKzukxo5cO81i5CkpFz.jpg?v=1695221747"},{"product_id":"italeri-1-35th-scale-panther-ausf","title":"Italeri 1\/35th scale Sd.Kfz 171 Panther Ausf A","description":"METAL GUN BARREL - GLUABLE RUBBER OR LINK-AND-LENGTH TRACKS - DECALS FOR 5 VERSIONS - COLORS INSTRUCTIONS SHEET\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e3 FIGURE INCLUDED\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eThe Panzer IV was deployed for the entire duration of WW2 by the Wehrmacht and benefited from frequent updates. It acquired the status of being known as the \"backbone\" of the Panzer Divisions on all operational fronts. The Panzer IV Ausf H which came into service from mid-1943, was improved in its offensive capability by the adoption of the 75 mm L \/ 48 KwK 40 cannon, which was characterized by greater penetrative capability and overall general effectiveness against enemy armoured vehicles. A technical innovation entitled Schürzen, was applied to the tank design which afforded additional sheet metal protection to the sides of the hull and around the turret. This in turn provided greater protection against enemy ‘hits’ and reduced damage to the Panzer. This addition of further side protection was often linked to the use of Zimmerit, a cement-based paste that was applied to the armour","brand":"Italeri","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":46731256824122,"sku":"MMMS-THC-IT270","price":35.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0776\/4603\/7306\/files\/oBAp0JrTL88jt7Mr92suS5sQjkT1Yxcw3I3LToi2.jpg?v=1695462882"},{"product_id":"airfix-1-72nd-scale-tiger-i","title":"Airfix 1\/72nd scale Tiger I","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAbout the Vehicle:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eWhen the mighty German Tiger 1 entered service during the Autumn of 1942, it was the most advanced tank in the world and one designed specifically to dominate the battlefield. Capable of destroying anything the Allies had in service, the Tiger possessed a stand-off advantage where it could kill without being killed, picking off enemy tanks before they could even think about returning fire. Unfortunately for the Wehrmacht, the awesome potential of the Tiger was never fully realised, as it was over engineered, extremely complex and expensive to produce, ensuring that there were never enough Tigers on the battlefield at any one time.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eBetween 1942 and 1944, only 1,347 Tiger 1s were manufactured and, whilst it was undoubtedly one of the finest tanks ever produced, it could not hold back the ever increasing numbers of Allied armour. Highlighting this numerical disparity, American factories were able to produce over 49,000 Sherman Tanks during WWII.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAbout the Model:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003eAs one of the most advanced and destructive tanks ever created, now's your chance to bring home a much-loved piece of WWII history for your Airfix range. With 2 choices of livery schemes, You can relive the victories of the technically advanced, destructive Tiger 1!\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Airfix","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":46778681196858,"sku":"MMMS-HHC-A02342","price":11.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0776\/4603\/7306\/files\/a02342_1_tiger-i_pack.jpg?v=1695464824"},{"product_id":"airfix-1-72nd-scale-avro-vulcan-b-2","title":"Airfix 1\/72nd scale Avro Vulcan B.2","description":"\u003cdiv class=\"grid__item grid__item--60\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOccupying a significant position in the history of post war British aviation, the Avro Vulcan was without doubt one of the most distinctive aircraft ever to take to the skies, with its huge delta wing profile becoming almost as iconic as the elliptical wing of the Supermarine Spitfire. Built to satisfy an extremely demanding Air Ministry requirement for a fast, high altitude strategic bomber, capable of carrying a special payload of 10,000 imperial pounds in weight (a nuclear device), the new aircraft was intended to serve as an airborne deterrent to any future military threat against the UK, with the required specifications representing a 100% increase in the capabilities of any previous British bomber aircraft. When the Vulcan made its maiden flight in August 1952, the Avro team were well on the way to presenting the Royal Air Force with not only the worlds first delta bomber, but also one of the worlds most effective strike bombers.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eInterestingly, all this was achieved just nine years since the Avro Lancasters of RAF No.617 Squadron had launched their famous raid against the great dams of the Ruhr Valley. As the Avro Vulcan entered squadron service with No.83 Squadron at RAF Waddington in July 1957, Britain now possessed the fastest nuclear capable bomber in the world. It seems strange to describe an aircraft which possessed such potential for untold destruction as Britains most effective peace keeping asset, however, that is exactly what the Vulcan turned out to be. Throughout the aggressive posturing of the Cold War, the Warsaw Pact nations were in no doubt that if they dared to launch an attack against a NATO member country, the consequences of the inevitable retaliatory strike would be catastrophic. Without Doubt, during the early years of its service career, nothing represented this doomsday scenario more effectively than the mighty Avro Vulcan.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAs the Royal Air Force exhaustively trained their new Vulcan crews to provide Britain with an effective Quick Reaction Alert strike force, Avro engineers were already working to improve the capabilities of their original, iconic design. In order to ensure the aircraft continued to maintain its effective deterrent threat and stayed one step ahead of advances in Easter Bloc fighter and surface-to-air missile technology, designers incorporated developments which endowed the aircraft with greater range, speed and altitude performance. The installation of more powerful versions of the Vulcans Bristol Olympus engines would result in a number of unforeseen stability issues with these first bombers, which concerned designers enough to necessitate a re-design of the original wing shape.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBy the time the definitive B.2 variant of the Vulcan entered service, the aircrafts wing area had increased significantly and although still classed as a delta, would look quite different from the first bombers which entered service. To cope with the increased power availability from subsequent engine upgrades and to cure the instability issues of the original straight wing design, the B.2 wing had two defined kinks in its leading edge, well forward of the profile of the original wing design. Rather than detract from the pleasing aesthetics of the early Vulcans delta wing, the B.2 actually enhanced the profile of the aircraft and even though these changes were obviously made for reasons of operational effectiveness, as opposed to appearance, the B.2 would go on to be considered the most famous (and most numerous) of all the RAFs Vulcans. The service introduction of the Vulcan B.2 in July 1960 coincided with the availability of more capable nuclear weapons for the V-bomber force, both in number and destructive potential. It would also bring about a change in thinking regarding the delivery of such weapons, as significant advances in Soviet anti-aircraft technology now threatened the success of a free-fall gravity bomb mission. A significant new weapon would have to be developed in order to maintain the deterrent threat of the Vulcan and its V-bomber partners.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDeveloped to maintain the validity of Britain's nuclear deterrent threat, designers at Avro produced the powerful Blue Steel air-launched, nuclear stand-off missile, which would allow V-bomber crews to launch their attacks 100 miles away from their intended target and out of the range of Soviet surface-to-air missile batteries, allowing crews valuable additional time to avoid the resultant blast. Further boosting the effectiveness of the V-bomber force, the arrival of Blue Steel raised the nuclear stakes in Britains favour once more and would have caused much consternation amongst the Warsaw Pact nations.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe responsibility of providing Britain's strategic nuclear deterrent passed to the submarines of the Royal Navy in July 1969 and saw the RAF performing its final V-bomber Blue Steel mission late the following year. Although taking on a more conventional strike role, RAF Vulcans would retain a nuclear capability and maintain their position as one of the worlds most effective bombers for the next fourteen years, before finally being withdrawn from service. Due to the affection in which this aircraft was held by the British public, the Vulcan Display Flight was almost immediately formed to operate one aircraft on the UK Airshow circuit for a further nine years, before itself being disbanded.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTo the amazement of the historic aviation world, the last flying Avro Vulcan, XH558, the aircraft which had previously served as the Vulcan Display Flight aircraft, triumphantly returned to the air once more, this time in the hands of a civilian organisation in October 2007. Over the course of the next eight years, the Vulcan thrilled millions of people around the country, becoming something of an aviation national treasure a relic of the Cold War which was held in great public affection.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Airfix","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":46804561133882,"sku":"MMMS-HHC-A12011","price":68.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0776\/4603\/7306\/files\/A12011_1_AVRO-VULCAN-B2_PACK.jpg?v=1695828857"},{"product_id":"airfix-1-48th-scale-blackburn-buccaneer-s-2","title":"Airfix 1\/48th scale Blackburn Buccaneer S.2C\/D","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":46804609892666,"sku":"MMMS-HHC-A12012","price":65.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0776\/4603\/7306\/files\/a12012_1.jpg?v=1696507523"},{"product_id":"copy-of-airfix-1-48th-scale-westland-sea-king-has-1-has-5-hu-5","title":"Airfix 1\/48th scale Westland Lynx HMA8\/Mk.88A\/Mk.90B","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe Westland Lynx is a British multi role helicopter that has seen service in both land based army forms as well as ship based naval variants. Entering service in 1977, the Lynx has since seen many upgrades and improvements throughout its service history. The Mk8 naval variant entered service with the Royal Navy in the early 1990s and has since gone on to provide them with an excellent maritime attack helicopter, performing well in the anti-submarine role as well as search and rescue and more recently anti-piracy operations off the coast of Somalia. Fiercely armed with either missiles, depth charges or a heavy machine gun the Lynx is a formidable machine and is more than capable of taking on the best of the world's surface vessels as well as any potential underwater threat.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Airfix","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":46804628767034,"sku":"MMMS-HHC-A10107A","price":45.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0776\/4603\/7306\/files\/a10107a_1.jpg?v=1696509284"},{"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":42.0,"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-bristol-blenheim-mk-i","title":"Airfix 1\/48th scale Hawker Hunter FGA.9\/FR.10\/GA.11","description":"\u003cdiv class=\"grid__item grid__item--60\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eProving the old adage 'If it looks right, then it is right', the Hawker Hunter was a thing of aviation beauty, streamlined and cultured, but a deadly fighting aeroplane at heart. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eUnderlining the Hunter's adaptability, the FGA.9 variant was developed in response to an RAF requirement to replace ground attack Venoms serving with units in the Middle East and was basically an F.6 airframe optimised for close air support operations. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eStrengthening the Hunter's wing enabled it to carry an impressive array of offensive ordnance, with the FGA.9 presenting the RAF with one of their most capable ground attack fighters. 128 Hunter FGA.9s would see service with home based and overseas squadrons.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"grid__item grid__item--40\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"section section--default\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"container\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Airfix","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":46804837531962,"sku":"MMMS-HHC-A09192","price":42.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0776\/4603\/7306\/files\/A09192_1.jpg?v=1696508010"},{"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":36.0,"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":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0776\/4603\/7306\/files\/A08014DouglasC-47Skytrain3D.jpg?v=1695830798"},{"product_id":"copy-of-airfix-1-72nd-scale-douglas-c-47a-d-skytrain","title":"Airfix 1\/72nd scale Boeing B17G Flying Fortress","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAs a much-valued and one of the most well-known fighting aircraft designs of the Second World War, the Boeing B-17G Flying Fortress will look as eye-cathcing in your Airfix range as it did on the battlefield. Measuring at 457.2mm, featuring two livery schemes and a 254mm wingspan, no military collection is complete without the Boeing B-17G. Order direct from Airfix today!\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Airfix","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":46810985038138,"sku":"MMMS-HHC-A08017B","price":36.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0776\/4603\/7306\/files\/A08017B_1_B-17G-FLYING-FORTRESS_PACK.jpg?v=1695829928"},{"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":36.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0776\/4603\/7306\/files\/A08021_1_VICKERS-WELLINGTON-M-II_PACK.jpg?v=1695828642"},{"product_id":"airfix-1-48th-scale-canadair-sabre-f-4","title":"Airfix 1\/48th scale Canadair Sabre F.4","description":"\u003cp\u003eThe last few months of the Second World War saw the introduction of the worlds first operational jet aircraft and with their appearance, a clear indication as to the future of aviation. Taking a significant lead in jet powered aviation technology, Germany was at least 12 months ahead of their Allied adversaries in this regard and with the end of the conflict, there was a rush to gain access to as much of this information as possible, so it could be applied to British, American and Soviet aviation projects. In the US, the aviation industry had concentrated their efforts on perfecting piston powered aviation during the war, a decision which was vindicated through the success of the P-51 Mustang and the sheer numbers available to Allied air forces. Inevitably, this would have an impact on Americas entry into the jet age and whilst their first operational jet fighter, the Lockheed P-80 Shooting Star, was an excellent aircraft, it utilised the straight wing technology synonymous with WWII designs.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWith its P-51 Mustang being widely regarded as the best single engined fighter of WWII, it was not long before the designers at North American aviation applied their undoubted talents to producing a new jet powered fighter, one which would incorporate research material obtained from the German jet programme. In their quest for ever greater speed, the new aircraft featured a 35% wing sweep and beautifully streamlined fuselage, whilst retaining the exceptional pilot visibility first introduced on the D variant of the Mustang. With three nose mounted .50 calibre machine guns on either side of the fuselage, the new Sabre shared much with the attributes of its piston engined predecessor, beautiful to look at, but a deadly fighting aeroplane.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe first flight of the XP-86 prototype took place on 1st October 1947, in the hands of famous WWII Pearl Harbor Curtiss P-40 fighter ace George Welsh, who was North Americans chief test pilot at that time. Later in the development programme, an F-86A Sabre would go on to set a new world airspeed record of 670.84 mph, underlining the credentials of this important new fighter.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOn entering USAF service in 1949, the North American F-86 Sabre was not only Americas first swept wing fighter, but also the fastest fighter in the world and one of the most important aircraft in the post war jet era. The Korean War would witness the advent of the first jet versus jet combat and pitch Americas new jet fighter against the latest Soviet design, the highly capable Mikoyan Gurevich MiG-15, an aircraft which possessed a great aviation pedigree of its own and one which proved to be quite a shock for Western Powers. With both aircraft possessing advantages over the other, this aerial duel would prove to be quite an even contest, with the more robust training and previous WWII experience of Sabre pilots proving decisive in the end.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWhilst US military planners were quick to publish combat victory ratios of 10:1 in favour of the F-86 Sabre, later research suggested the Sabres dominance was probably nearer 3:1, though still underlining the effectiveness of the aircraft. As one of the worlds first classic jet fighters, the F-86 Sabre was produced in great quantities and went on to serve with around 30 of the worlds air forces, as well as being produced under licence in Canada, Australia, Japan and Italy.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOut of a final total production run which exceeded 9,800 aircraft, the Royal Air Force would operate around 430 Canadian built Sabres from 1953 until 1956, as the introduction of the excellent Soviet MiG-15 continued to have an impact on NATO military strategies. With the indigenously designed Supermarine Swift and Hawker Hunter still in development, the Sabre provided the RAF with a capable jet fighter at a crucial period in world history and whilst they would only see service for a relatively short period, it bought the RAF valuable time until they could introduce their own swept wing fighter designs.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Airfix","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":46811041890618,"sku":"MMMS-HHC-A08109","price":36.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0776\/4603\/7306\/files\/A08109_1_CANADAIR-SABRE-F4_PACK.jpg?v=1696502098"},{"product_id":"airfix-1-48th-scale-north-american-f-86f-40-sabre","title":"Airfix 1\/48th scale North American F-86F-40 Sabre","description":"\u003cp\u003eThe last few months of the Second World War saw the introduction of the worlds first operational jet aircraft and with their appearance, a clear indication as to the future of aviation. Taking a significant lead in jet powered aviation technology, Germany was at least 12 months ahead of their Allied adversaries in this regard and with the end of the conflict, there was a rush to gain access to as much of this information as possible, so it could be applied to British, American and Soviet aviation projects. In the US, the aviation industry had concentrated their efforts on perfecting piston powered aviation during the war, a decision which was vindicated through the success of the P-51 Mustang and the sheer numbers available to Allied air forces. Inevitably, this would have an impact on Americas entry into the jet age and whilst their first operational jet fighter, the Lockheed P-80 Shooting Star, was an excellent aircraft, it utilised the straight wing technology synonymous with WWII designs.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWith its P-51 Mustang being widely regarded as the best single engined fighter of WWII, it was not long before the designers at North American aviation applied their undoubted talents to producing a new jet powered fighter, one which would incorporate research material obtained from the German jet programme. In their quest for ever greater speed, the new aircraft featured a 35% wing sweep and beautifully streamlined fuselage, whilst retaining the exceptional pilot visibility first introduced on the D variant of the Mustang. With three nose mounted .50 calibre machine guns on either side of the fuselage, the new Sabre shared much with the attributes of its piston engined predecessor, beautiful to look at, but a deadly fighting aeroplane.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe first flight of the XP-86 prototype took place on 1st October 1947, in the hands of famous WWII Pearl Harbor Curtiss P-40 fighter ace George Welsh, who was North Americans chief test pilot at that time. Later in the development programme, an F-86A Sabre would go on to set a new world airspeed record of 670.84 mph, underlining the credentials of this important new fighter.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOn entering USAF service in 1949, the North American F-86 Sabre was not only Americas first swept wing fighter, but also the fastest fighter in the world and one of the most important aircraft in the post war jet era. The Korean War would witness the advent of the first jet versus jet combat and pitch Americas new jet fighter against the latest Soviet design, the highly capable Mikoyan Gurevich MiG-15, an aircraft which possessed a great aviation pedigree of its own and one which proved to be quite a shock for Western Powers. With both aircraft possessing advantages over the other, this aerial duel would prove to be quite an even contest, with the more robust training and previous WWII experience of Sabre pilots proving decisive in the end.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eWhilst US military planners were quick to publish combat victory ratios of 10:1 in favour of the F-86 Sabre, later research suggested the Sabres dominance was probably nearer 3:1, though still underlining the effectiveness of the aircraft. As one of the worlds first classic jet fighters, the F-86 Sabre was produced in great quantities and went on to serve with around 30 of the worlds air forces, as well as being produced under licence in Canada, Australia, Japan and Italy.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOut of a final total production run which exceeded 9,800 aircraft, the Royal Air Force would operate around 430 Canadian built Sabres from 1953 until 1956, as the introduction of the excellent Soviet MiG-15 continued to have an impact on NATO military strategies. With the indigenously designed Supermarine Swift and Hawker Hunter still in development, the Sabre provided the RAF with a capable jet fighter at a crucial period in world history and whilst they would only see service for a relatively short period, it bought the RAF valuable time until they could introduce their own swept wing fighter designs.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Airfix","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":46811077181754,"sku":"MMMS-HHC-A08110","price":36.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0776\/4603\/7306\/files\/A08110_1.jpg?v=1696508336"},{"product_id":"minicraft-1-144th-scale-nasa-space-shuttle-endeavor","title":"Airfix 1\/144th scale Saturn V - Gift Set","description":"\u003cp\u003eSurely every modeller wants to get their hands on this Saturn V gift set? This 1:144 scale model kit is a wonderful replica of the first rocket to land on the moon, with 79 parts and, of course, only one possible scheme option.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHistory\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIf there’s one machine which underlines man’s mastery of technological innovation and ability to overcome insurmountable challenges, then it's the Saturn V rocket series. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIt was the largest and most powerful flying machine the world had ever seen when it made its first test launch in November 1967. A super heavy-lift launch vehicle developed by NASA in support of their Apollo program and America’s desire to place human beings on the moon in the 1960s and 70s, everything about the Saturn V was incredible, from the immense power of its launch sequence to the graceful way it pierced earth’s atmosphere and onwards into space. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe Saturn V stands tall as one of the great engineering achievements of the 20th century.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Airfix","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":46830838874426,"sku":"MMMS-HHC-A50201","price":45.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0776\/4603\/7306\/files\/a50201_2.jpg?v=1757592664"},{"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-1-48th-scale-north-american-f-86f-40-sabre-1","title":"Airfix 1\/48th scale Junkers JU87B-2\/R-2","description":"Although usually associated with the Wehrmachts feared Lightning War attacks at the beginning of WWII, the Ju87B Stuka was also a highly effective maritime strike bomber. Capable of performing precision dive bombing attacks against any Allied vessel, the Stuka took a heavy toll of shipping in the English Channel, North Africa and in the Mediterranean. The Stuka also saw service with the air forces of Italy, Romania, Bulgaria and Hungary, as well as remaining in Luftwaffe service throughout WWII. The attack dive of the Stuka was so severe, that quite a number of automatic features had to be incorporated into the manoeuvre.\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eAt an altitude of approximately 15,000 ft., the pilot would locate his target through a bombsight window, which was located in the floor of the cockpit. His engine and propeller had automatic controls, to optimise the aircraft when in a dive, and an automatic trimmer would make the aircraft tail heavy, as the pilot initiated the dive. He would move the dive lever to the rear, which would limit the kick of the control column and quickly begin a defined sequence of actions, which if done correctly, would see his ordnance detonate on his intended target. He quickly set the trim tabs, reduced the throttle and closed the engine coolant flaps. The aircraft would automatically become tail heavy and pitch over in a 180-degree roll, placing the aircraft in a steep nose-down dive at the same time, dive breaks were automatically deployed, to reduce the speed of the dive, to a constant 360 mph. This was the point of no return as the attack sequence had begun.\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eAs the strain on the body of the pilot increased, he still had much work to do. The angle of his dive could be checked by looking at a series of red lines on the side of his cockpit window and lining them up against the horizon 60, 75, or 80 degree angle of attack. He would then look forward through the fixed gun sight, to line up his attack, before releasing his heavy main bomb - the optimum release height was indicated to the pilot, by a light flicking on in his altimeter. The bomb was carried on a large U-shaped cradle, which would swing down on release, throwing the bomb safely clear of the large propeller and on to the target. As all this action was taking place, the pilot would have certainly had at least a couple of reassuring glances at the red pins protruding up from the top of the wings, which informed him that the automatic dive recovery system was engaged, should he fall victim to a g-induced black-out. All this would have been taking place in just a matter of a few, frantic seconds!\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eOnce the bombs had left the aircraft, it automatically began its dive recovery sequence. This was the point at which the maximum g loading on the crew would be felt and forces in excess of six times the force of gravity were regularly experienced, which could result in vision impairment at the very least. Once recovered and the nose of the aircraft was above the horizon, the dive breaks were automatically retracted, the throttle was opened and the propeller was set to climb the pilot then quickly had to manually open the coolant flaps, to prevent the engine from overheating and then resume flying the aircraft.\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003e\u003cbr data-mce-fragment=\"1\"\u003eThis was the point that the Stuka was at its most vulnerable, flying at low level, at relatively slow speed and in hostile territory. His rear gunner may still be blacked out and indeed the pilot might still be feeling a little light headed, but every anti-aircraft gun, rifle and enemy fighter in the vicinity would be taking pot-shots at them, from every angle.","brand":"Airfix","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":46842234306874,"sku":"MMMS-HHC-A07115","price":32.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0776\/4603\/7306\/files\/A07115_Junkers-Ju87B-2-Stuka_BOX-FRONT.jpg?v=1696508203"},{"product_id":"airfix-1-72nd-scale-heinkel-he111p-2","title":"Airfix 1\/72nd scale Heinkel He111P-2","description":"\u003cp\u003eFirst flying in 1935 when Germany was banned from building bombers under the Treaty of Versailles, the Heinkel He111 was at first disguised as a fast transport plane. However its real purpose soon became clear when it was used as a bomber during the Spanish Civil War. The early variants proved to be capable fast bombers with only small numbers being lost to enemy action.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBy the start of the Second World War the He111 had undergone some major changes, resulting in the P model. The engines were now more powerful Daimler Benz DB601 units, and there was an enlarged glass nose section housing the majority of the crew. This afforded them excellent visibility but made them very vulnerable.During the Battle of Britain the P variant was being phased out, but it continued to serve in some numbers. Against the modern RAF fighters the He111 now suffered from a lack of speed and defensive armament. Before being switched to night duties the He111 formed the backbone of the Luftwaffe's bomber force, but did suffer some heavy casualties.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Airfix","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":46842273562938,"sku":"MMMS-HHC-A06014","price":30.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0776\/4603\/7306\/files\/A06014_Heinkel-He111_FRONT.jpg?v=1695831289"},{"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":30.0,"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"}],"url":"https:\/\/www.mannsmodelmoments.com\/collections\/frontpage.oembed?page=44","provider":"Mann's Model Moments","version":"1.0","type":"link"}