Aurora Model Kits
Aurora Crown Logo Blue Knight of Milan 1520, 1/8, K2-98
Plastic Model Kit, Box Condition: Good+
$150
Very Rare. In the mid 1950s, Aurora was searching for faster and less expensive ways to expand their model kit line beyond simply designing new kits then cutting new molds. Aurora was able to find several such sellers, like Comet, Best, Helicopters for Industry and others. However, their most famous and profitable deal they negotiated was the purchase three 'Knight' molds from Crown Plastics. They quickly issued them as K1, K2 and K3 and these were the very first Aurora figure kits. This first issue from 1956 has the one-year-only Aurora 'Northern Lights' logo with the correct 'Crown Line' logo inside it. Inside, the kit is mint as it left the factory. The shiny, very dark blue plastic parts are complete and there is a red feather plume. The instructions are correct with the Crown logo in the Aurora logo.
Aurora Superboy Comic Scenes - With Base / Backdrop Mural And Comic Book, 1/8, 186
Plastic Model Kit, Box Condition: Good-
$49
This is the 1974 issue which includes the comic book with the base and backdrop mural to create a 3-D Action Display. Superboy, Krypto and the monster are all molded in medium blue plastic. The comic book is in 'very good' condition. This kit has never been started. Inventoried 100% complete with all parts, decals and instructions.
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 Aurora Racing Scenes Four Funny Car Drivers, 1/16, 841
Plastic Model Kit, Box Condition: Sealed NM+
$119
Still factory sealed. Very rare and part of Aurora's incredible 1/16 scale Funny Car series that includes different kits for chassis, Vega or Pinto bodies, Donovan 417 Blown Engine, Chrysler Fuel Injection Engine, Speed Shop and Racing Mechanic With Accessories. This model includes four drivers with movable, interchangeable heads, movable arms, extra racing trophies and regular, Bell Star & Firesuit helmets, full decals and more.
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 155mm Long Tom Gun, 1/48, 308-98
Plastic Model Kit, Box Condition: VG+
$79
1963 hardbox issue with superb John Steel artwork. This was a very nice model for that time with numerous working features and crew. Molded in the correct gloss olive drab green and with black rubber tires. Never started and inventoried complete with all parts and includes instructions. Aurora did not provide decals with this kit.
Aurora US Army 8 Inch Howitzer Gun, 1/48, 307-98
Plastic Model Kit, Box Condition: VG++
$64
Second issue hardbox from 1963 of this rare kit with great John Steel artwork. This is a well detailed model for that time which features 96 pieces, moving wheels, breech, recoil mechanism, limber and gun trails. Molded in gloss olive drab green and with black rubber tires. NOTE: this kit has very minor and 'professional' quality subassembly to only two parts: the gun barrel halves. There is no other assembly and zero painting. Inventoried 100% complete with all parts and instructions. The box displays higher than the 'very good++' rating but it graded as such because there is scuffing on the four sides; the sides only rate 'good+.'
Aurora US Army 8 inch Howitzer, 1/48, 307-79
Plastic Model Kit, Box Condition: Good++
$75
First issue from 1958 with incredible artwork and the oval 'Famous Fighters' sunburst logo. Well detailed model for that time which features 96 pieces, moving wheels, breech, recoil mechanism, limber and gun trails. This kit has never been started. Inventoried 100% complete with all parts and instructions present. Even includes the original factory tissue packing paper. Aurora did not furnish decals with this kit.
Aurora SSN Nautilus SSN-571 First Under The North Pole, 1/242, 708-98
Plastic Model Kit, Box Condition: Good
$110
1958 issue with fantastic 'North Pole' box artwork by Jo Kotula. Molded in the correct high gloss black plastic. This kit has never been started. 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++
$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 HMS King George V British Battleship, 1/600, 712-149
Plastic Model Kit, Box Condition: VG++
$110
Rare 1959 first issue hardbox; please note the 'Famous Fighters' in the border of the oval 'Sunburst' logo. This is an excellent model for that time and features full hull with propeller and rudder detail, separately molded superstructures & upper decks, motor launches, rotating main turrets with elevating guns, separately molded secondary armament & AA guns, gun directors, cranes, searchlights and more. Includes a display stand and name plate. Never started. Inventoried 100% complete with all parts and instructions present.
Aurora 1931 Miller Special 1931 Indianapolis 500 Winner - (ex Best), 1/30, 523-79
Plastic Model Kit, Box Condition: Good-
$125
Very rare and from 1958. Best originally created the line of Indianapolis 500 Winner kits; Aurora purchased them shortly after their introduction and reissued them for a short time. The model features driver and mechanic figures, some interior detail, spoke wheels and very nice decals. Molded in white plastic with real rubber tires It has never been started. It has been inventoried complete with all parts, decals and instructions. Please note that the box is 100% intact with no repairs, no split corners, tears or missing litho but is graded 'good-' because of the age foxing (brown tint) and general but very even wear as shown. Louis Schneider and 'Jigger Johnson' (driver and mechanic) drove the Bowes Seal Special to victory in 1931. The Miller Special had rear wheel drive, and eight cylinder 151.7 CID Miller engine and won the day averages 96.629 miles per hour. The track was dangerously unsafe that year due to a heavy drizzle that made driving over 80 mph dangerous - at one point, drivers were required to slow down to 80 mph and passing was not allowed other than the pit area. There were many spectacular accidents but the rain did relent and there were many speeds over 100 mph in the later part.
Aurora US Navy Sealab III, 721-400
Plastic Model Kit, Box Condition: VG++
$395
Very rare first and only issue from 1969. This large and well detailed kit of this unique US Navy underwater habitat is highly detailed inside and out and includes a clear panel to show off the complete interior. The delicate clear part is in 'near mint' condition with only light scratches; it has been protected for shipping. Molded in bright yellow, tan (display base) and clear plastic. The kit has been inventoried 100% complete with all parts and includes 'near mint' condition decals and instructions. However, NOTE: this kit has some 'professional' quality sub-assembly as noted. Step 1: floor assembly (4 beds, four side panels), side panel 53 to panel 53A; (2) beds to wall; Step 2: (4) outer frames and (4) hatches to yellow outer hull; Step 3: ballast tank halves and lid (3 pieces total); base built (3 pieces total). There is no other assembly.
Aurora Dutch Boy, 1/8, 413-98
Plastic Model Kit, Box Condition: Exc
$125
Hard-to-find issue with a 1957 date. It is even rarer in this condition, which is with an 'excellent' box, never started and still factory sealed inside. This is part of Aurora's very famous 1/8 scale figure kits. This one includes a base with a map of Holland and Dutch Box with hat, wooden clogs and skates. Molded in a very light flesh-like color. The kit has never been started. The parts are still in the factory sealed clear internal bag. Includes instructions in 'near mint' condition.
Aurora 1913 Mercer Raceabout - Old Timers Issue, 1/16, 572-198
Plastic Model Kit, Box Condition: Exc
$95
1961 issue in an 'excellent' grade box. Done in a big 1/16 scale, this kit and the other 'Old Timers' in the series represented a significant leap forward in quality for Aurora. It features full suspension, transaxle and driveline detail, rolling chassis build up like the real car, full exhaust, detailed interior and more. Molded in gloss ivory, gloss black, clear and with chrome plated parts and real rubber tires. The kit has never been started. The black parts that were factory sealed are still in the sealed bag. The ivory and clear parts were never factory sealed have been inventoried complete including decals and instructions. Aurora was renowned for turning a profit and for keeping expenses down. In researching new kit subjects, they came upon a forgotten jewel - the Hudson Miniatures line of 1/16 scale wooden kits. Hudson had discontinued this line due to lack of sales of wooden kits. But the Hudson models were second to none in quality, research and documentation. Aurora was quick to realize this and used the research and layout from these kits to create the subjects for this 'Old Timers' series. It is fortunate for us that they did, because in most cases this is the only injection molded kit of these rare and classic early automobiles.
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.