Aurora Model Kits
Aurora DeHavilland DH-4, 1/48, 112-98
Plastic Model Kit, Box Condition: VG
$54
First issue dated 1957 with classic Jo Kotula artwork. This model is part of the famous WWI 1/48 scale series of aircraft issued by Aurora starting in 1956. Molded in the correct gloss olive drab and black plastic, including figures and the ground base with chocks. Never started. It has been inventoried complete with all parts and includes decals and instructions. Besides it's distinguished career in WWI, the DH-4 saw extensive post war service in numerable ways. One of the most interesting was as a United States Post Office air mail service aircraft. The aircraft's likeness even graced an airmail stamp of the time. In about 1925, the Post Office decided to upgrade. The prototype was the Douglas M-1 and an improved version, the M-2, became the next mail carrier. The M-2 is also an Aurora kit in the same scale.
Aurora Bristol F2B Brisfit - (F.2B), 1/48, 113-98
Plastic Model Kit, Box Condition: Exc++
$67
1957 first issue in fantastic 'Excellent++' condition. The box has perfect color and gloss and four solid corners. The only flaws are very light and isolated age foxing and light wear. This issue has dramatic Jo Kotula artwork and is molded in the correct gloss olive green and black. Inside, the kit has never been started. It still includes the factory packing tissue. Inventoried 100% complete with all parts, decals and instructions present.
Aurora Albatross D-3 Red Dot Issue - (Albatros D.III / DIII), 1/48, 104-69
Plastic Model Kit, Box Condition: Good
$44
Rare very early issue from 1956 with Northern Lights logo and the 69 cent price circle on the right of the box top. What is most unusual is that the price is within a red-filled circle; this is the first instance of this that I have seen. Just when you think you have Aurora's kit history figured out, they throw you another curve ball! Molded in the correct glossy dark green and black. Decals and instructions are correct for the first issue as well. There is no assembly but NOTE: the outlines of the Maltese crosses have been painted on the wings and fuselage. You can remove this paint with any safe plastic paint stripper - I personally like spray-on oven cleaner. Inventoried 100% complete with all parts, decals and instructions present.
Aurora Spad XIII, 1/48, 107-79
Plastic Model Kit, Box Condition: Exc
$52
Second issue 'Famous Fighters' hardbox is dated 1957 with great Jo Kotula artwork. This is part of a popular and very successful series of 1/48 scale WWI aircraft that Aurora started in 1956 and added to well into the 1960s. Many of the line were in production right up until the demise of Aurora in the mid 1970s. Molded in correct olive drab and black plastic. Never started and inventoried complete with all parts and includes decals and instructions.
Aurora Breguet 14 - With Additional Final Issue Decals, 1/48, 141-100
Plastic Model Kit, Box Condition: VG
$62
This kit includes the original decal as well as the greatly improved mid 1970s issue decals. Dated 1963 with superb boxart by Jo Kotula. This is one of Aurora's very popular and successful 1/48 World War 1 aircraft series. It is molded in the correct gloss dark green and black plastic. The kit has no assembly but NOTE: the pilot has been neatly painted. There is no other painting. Inventoried 100% complete with all parts, decals and instructions present.
Aurora Focke-Wulf Fw-190 Famous Fighters Of All Nations - First Issue, 1/48, 30-59
Plastic Model Kit, Box Condition: Good++
$289
Very rare and 100% correct first issue from 1954 with the proper swastika box art and swastika decals. This one is even rarer as it is never started and complete. The model is molded in the correct gloss black and clear, with the rectangle-based clear stand, matching instructions, decals and even the original factory packing tissue paper. The decals are flat and in stunning 'excellent++' condition with the only flaw being slight age yellowing to the backing paper only. The instructions are 'near mint.' The box has very good color and gloss, four solid original corners (no repairs), no price tags or tag marks, no tape or tape marks (other than the thin factory sealing tape of course), no fading, stains or missing litho. Flaws include general wear & scuffing as shown and light corner wear. This kit has a fascinating history. The FW-190 was among the first (or was the first) kit made at the new West Hempstead factory in 1954. It immediately followed the famous "Brooklyn 8" (Aurora's first 8 aircraft kits). It was Aurora's first WWII aircraft kit to be originally issues with landing gear and bombs but still retains the small clear rectangle stand which was also shown on the instructions. This first issue shows the swastika on the box art and decals; however, Aurora quickly realized that they could not sell the kit in Europe. So they used an ink stamp to black out the offensive mark on the box top and initially cut it out of the decal sheet; however, they were quick to make a completely new decal sheet with the 'iron cross' replacing the swastika. These alterations are often called the 'second issue' although it carried the same part number and everything else was the same.
Aurora Sopwith Camel, 1/47, 102-79
Plastic Model Kit, Box Condition: VG+++
$48
Rare early 1960s issue. This release has turned up less than any of the other issues and was only made for a year or two at the most before the new artwork release. This is the only issue with the full, original artwork due to the 'transparent' new simplified oval logo at the lower right. The side logos do not have 'Famous Fighters' in the border. One side has the original printed '102-79' part number while the other end has a factory-applied '100' sticker over the 79. Molded in the correct gloss olive drab and black plastic and with the chock ground base and pilot & mechanic figures. Never started. Inventoried 100% complete with all parts decals and instructions. Please NOTE that the box displays much closer to 'Excellent++' but is graded lower because there is a small tape pull on the lower long side and some missing litho at the right short side.
Aurora Boeing F4B-4 - (F4B4), 1/48, 122-69
Plastic Model Kit, Box Condition: Good+
$59
1958 first issue with fantastic Jo Kotula boxart. This is the Parents' Magazine issue with the seal located in the lower right and the '69' price circle at the upper left. This was considered a fine model in the day and rated highly in magazine reviews. These classic 1930s Navy Biplane Fighters are still famous for their colorful paint jobs at that that time. Never started and inventoried complete with all parts and includes decals and instructions. Cowl, tail and trim color would vary with the group's Aircraft Carrier (Ranger, Lexington or Saratoga and the aircraft's position in the flight formation.
Aurora Albatross D-3 Red Dot Issue - (Albatros D.III / DIII), 1/48, 104-69
Plastic Model Kit, Box Condition: Good++
$48
Rare very early issue from 1956 with Northern Lights logo and the 69 cent price circle on the right of the box top. What is most unusual is that the price is within a red-filled circle; this is the second instance of this that I have seen in more than 26 years. Just when you think you have Aurora's kit history figured out, they throw you another curve ball! Molded in the correct glossy dark green and black. Decals and instructions are correct for the first issue as well. Never started and inventoried complete with all parts and includes decals and instructions. Even includes the original factory tissue packing material.
Aurora Curtiss Hawk P-6E, 1/43, 116-98
Plastic Model Kit, Box Condition: Good-
$42
First issue from 1956 that still has the 1954/55 early logo. This was a well-reviewed and fine kit for that time. It features moving ailerons, elevators and rudder, 'good' cockpit, pilot figure, clear windscreen, rotating wheels & propeller and more. Molded in the correct gloss dark green and clear & includes the correct large rectangle-based early Aurora stand. Never started. It has been inventoried complete with all parts and includes decals and instructions. Even includes the original factory tissue packing paper.
Aurora P-38 Lightning Brooklyn - Famous Fighters of All Nations, 1/48, 99-98
Plastic Model Kit, Box Condition: VG
$200
Very rare first issue Brooklyn kit from the early 1950. Molded in the correct light blue with little surface detail and no mass balances, pitot tube or landing gear struts, wheels and doors. Includes the correct rectangular clear stand for this issue. Decals and instructions are in excellent condition. Inventoried 100% complete with all parts, decals and instructions. The Aurora issues of the 1/48 scale P-38 are interesting to say the least. The first issue is the Brooklyn kit with the P-38/B-24 box artwork. Inside, the plastic is light blue with minimal surface detail and a clear canopy and rectangular stand that says 'Aurora Plastic Corp. Brooklyn, 4, N.Y.'. There are no landing gear, gear doors or mass balances. The second issue has identical box art, plastic color, decals and rectangular stand, but the box and instructions says 'West Hempstead' instead of Brooklyn. The clear stand mold has had 'Brooklyn' milled out, and there is no location on the stand. The third issue has the same artwork, but the full color 'Aurora Line' logo is used - but the big changes were on the inside. Aurora modified the molds, adding a pitot tube, elevator mass balances and landing gear struts, wheels and doors. The decals and stand remain the same, but the new instructions reflect the changes to the molds. This time the kit is molded in an attractive metallic blue. The fourth issue dropped the Jim Cox artwork in favor of a new P-38 flying from right to left across a threatening sky. The plastic still metallic light blue and the decals and stand remain unchanged. The new details were retained. The fifth issue was 1959. The oval 'Famous Fighters' logo was used with Jo Kotula artwork of two P-38s. The detail level of the kit remained the same, but it was molded in olive drab and clear. The newer 'Triangle' base was added at this time. Further issues kept this box artwork, but the oval logo changed as well as the price extensions.
Aurora Russian Nuclear Powered Bomber - (M-50/M-52 Bounder), 1/182, 128-98
Plastic Model Kit, Box Condition: Good+
$179
1959 one-and-only release with colorful Jo Kotula artwork. This kit bears much resemblance to the 'Bounder' bomber. In the late 1950s, a drawing of the Bounder appeared in a popular aviation magazine; it is widely assumed that Aurora made the kit from that drawing. Aurora's push to always be first with new subject matter resulted in some errors in judgment which resulted in some incredibly rare kits like this one. Molded in the correct gloss light gray & clear. Never started. Inventoried complete with all parts, decals and instructions present. The decals intact, fairly flat (with one corner starting to curl) and the normal yellowing. The instructions are in 'excellent++ condition with light yellowing as the only flaw. The box top is solid with great color and gloss, no repairs, no price tags or tape (or marks from either), no rips, tears or fading but it has edge wear and general wear as shown.
Aurora Fokker Eindekker - (E-III Eindecker), 1/48, 134-100
Plastic Model Kit, Box Condition: VG+
$48
1963 issue with Jo Kotula artwork. This kit was part of Aurora's very popular and successful 1/48 WWI series. The line started in 1956 and was expanded through the 1960s. Never started. Inventoried 100% complete with all parts, decals and instructions present. This is the second issue because the box side logos does not have 'Famous Fighters' in the border of the logos. Thank to Dusty Rhodes for pointing out that the decals are for serial 419/15, Bayerische Feldflieger Abteiling 9, Autumn 1915.
Aurora Breguet 14, 1/48, 141-98
Plastic Model Kit, Box Condition: Good+
$48
Dated 1963 with artwork by Jo Kotula. Molded in gloss green and black. Never started and inventoried complete with all parts and includes decals and instructions.
Aurora Boeing B-47 Stratojet, 1/180, 493-70
Plastic Model Kit, Box Condition: VG+
$68
Dated 1961 but the price extension and logo tell us that this kit is likely from 1964 to 65. Features classic Jo Kotula box art. Molded in gloss silver and clear featuring full landing gear and the clear 'triangle globe' stand and arm. Never started and inventoried 100% complete with all parts decals and instructions. Please note that this box actually displays 'excellent++' but is graded only 'very good+' because there are two narrow pieces of masking tape on both short sides and some clear tape on both long sides. In both cases, the tape was being used to 'reseal' the kit at home.
Aurora Boeing B-17 Flying Fortress, 1/156, 491-49
Plastic Model Kit, Box Condition: VG+
$129
Very rare 1956 first issue hardbox with the one-year-only 'Northern Lights' rectangular logo. This logo was was replaced the very next year with the famous oval 'Famous Fighters' Starburst. Inside, the kit is 100% correct for the first issue and includes the early rectangular-based stand, instructions showing this stand, the correct decal sheet with no stand decal and is molded in gloss olive drab green and clear. This kit has never been started. Inventoried 100% complete with all parts, decals and instructions present. It even includes the original factory tissue packing paper. Please NOTE that the box would grade slightly higher but it rated as 'very good+' because there are two tape tears on the lower long box side.
Aurora Grumman S2F Hunter Killer, 1/54, 145-98
Plastic Model Kit, Box Condition: Exc
$58
1963 hardbox issue in 'excellent' condition. This big scale kit features fine recessed panel lines, clear cockpit windows and spotlight lens, retractable MAD boom and sonar dome, rotating propellers and under-wing rocket load-out. Molded in the correct dark Navy Blue and clear plastic. Never started. Inventoried 100% complete with all parts, decals and instructions. This is the larger of the two Comet molds for the S2F.
Aurora Nieuport 11, 1/48, 101-69
Plastic Model Kit, Box Condition: Good++
$42
First issue from 1956 with the one-year-only 'Northern Lights' rectangular logo. The artwork is by Jim Cox. This is a very nice model for that time that includes a pilot, ground display with chocks and a ground crew member as well. Molded in the correct gloss olive drab and black plastic. Inventoried 100% complete with all parts decals and instructions. This kit is one of a very successful line of 1/48 WWI aircraft that Aurora launched in 1956. The line sold so well that new kits were added into the 1960s. Molded in the correct gloss olive drab green and black. Inventoried 100% complete with all parts, decals and instructions. Thanks to Eugene DuBey, we know some history on the aircraft that Aurora modeled. The tail # on the kit rudder is 1354, the number of a Nie 16 that served with "CAM de Dunquerke / St Pol sur Mer", 1916-17.
Aurora British SE-5 Scout, 1/48, 103-100
Plastic Model Kit, Box Condition: Sealed Exc+++
$49
1963 issue with Jo Kotula box art. Still factory sealed but the seal has split, and there is minor box wear on the center of the far left side.
Aurora Convair B-36 Giant Bomber, 1/333, 492-49
Plastic Model Kit, Box Condition: Exc
$125
Rare early issue copyright dated 1956; please note the Northern Lights rectangular logo at the lower right. The box art is by the famous Jo Kotula. Inside, this kit is 100% correct with the early West Hempstead rectangular-base display stand, early decal sheet and even the instructions have this early stand illustrated. However, the instructions also have the Famous Fighters oval! That would make this kit late 1956/early 1957 right when Aurora was transitioning to the FF logo and just about to blot out the rectangle 'Northern Lights' logo. Molded in correct silver and clear plastic. Inventoried 100% complete with all parts, decals and instructions present. The box might grade slightly higher than 'excellent' but it rated as such because there is a factory tape pull about 3/4 x 1/4 inch on the long lower side.