Airfix de Havilland Tiger Moth Model Kit - 1:48 Scale

The DH.82 Tiger Moth, originating from a lineage of successful biplane designs, made its maiden flight in October 1931. This aircraft was the result of the Company's founder's desire to produce an aircraft superior to its predecessors, while possessing enough appeal to attract interest from various aviation sectors. The aircraft's success led to an immediate order from the RAF, who saw it as an ideal primary trainer for pilots embarking on their flying careers and destined to fly their latest frontline aircraft. As the world descended into conflict in 1939, the Royal Air Force had amassed around 500 Tiger Moths in their inventory. Furthermore, many more examples were owned by flying clubs across the country, with many pressed into military service due to the need to train as many new pilots as possible.

The Tiger Moth's growing reputation also secured numerous overseas orders, ensuring that the de Havilland production lines were fully committed to supplying this superb aircraft. From the student pilot's perspective, the Tiger Moth was a relatively stable and forgiving aircraft to fly, with few handling vices and generally supportive of the occasional mistake. It has been described as an "easy aeroplane to fly but a difficult one to fly well," which made it the ideal aircraft to serve as a primary/basic trainer for the vast numbers of future pilots destined for the war effort.

As Britain prepared for a potential invasion during the early summer of 1940, there were plans for the gentle-natured Tiger Moth to showcase a more aggressive side and support the Spitfire and Hurricane pilots they had previously trained. "Operation Banquet" called for the use of every available aircraft in the defense of Britain's coastline, attacking any potential invasion force by all means at their disposal. This would have seen even the most unlikely of aircraft, including the Tiger Moth, equipped with bomb racks and given a new offensive capability.

Thankfully, due in no small part to the qualities of this effective pilot maker and the resolve of the Royal Air Force, German invasion plans were indefinitely postponed following the Luftwaffe's inability to secure a decisive victory during the Battle of Britain. The magnificent Tiger Moth continues to offer potential Warbird pilots the opportunity to gain valuable experience flying a "taildragger" aircraft, before eventually moving on to display the Spitfires and Mustangs that thrill the crowds at Airshows around the world.

The 1:48 scale model kit allows modelers to add intricate details that are absent from smaller scales, making it a compelling choice for enthusiasts. The kit includes two distinct paint schemes: the de Havilland DH82a Tiger Moth k-2585/g-ankt, RAF Central Flying School Acrobatic Team, The Shuttleworth Collection, Old Warden Aerodrome, Bedfordshire, England, and the de Havilland DH82a Tiger Moth K-4259/G-anmo, Headcorn Aerodrome, Kent, England 2018. The skill level for this kit is rated as 3, and the completed model measures 152 mm x 184 mm, with 91 pieces. Painting and assembly are required, and the necessary Humbrol paints are listed on the outside of the box.

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