Airfix Vintage Classics Handley Page Jetstream 1:72 Military Aviation Plastic Model Kit

The Handley Page Jetstream, a particularly handsome-looking airplane, was a sleek twin-engined turboprop aircraft designed as a regional airliner to specifically cater to the potentially lucrative US market. The Jetstream offered great promise, with an order for 20 aircraft being placed even before the design drawings were completed. Re-engining the aircraft with a US Garrett TPE-331 turboprop powerplant resulted in a significant order from the USAF, which was subsequently canceled due to late delivery. The spiraling costs, however, led to the bankruptcy of Handley Page, and production of the Jetstream was taken over by Scottish Aviation. The Jetstream would go on to serve as the RAF's standard multi-engined pilot trainer for many years and later as an observer trainer with the Royal Navy.

As part of the Airfix Classic Kit Range, the 1:72 scale Jetstream is a smaller scale model, perfect for those who prefer a more straightforward and faster construction process. The kit requires painting and assembly, with Humbrol paints needed to complete the plane's liveries, as listed on the outside of the box. Paints and glue need to be purchased separately.

The dimensions of the completed kit are Length 200mm x Width 220mm, making it a compact and manageable model for hobbyists. The skill level required for this kit is 2, indicating a moderate level of difficulty suitable for those with some previous experience in model building.

In summary, the Handley Page Jetstream was a promising regional airliner that faced financial challenges, but its legacy lives on through the Airfix Classic Kit Range, offering modelers a smaller-scale, straightforward construction experience with the iconic aircraft.

product information: