Aurora Model Kits
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.
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 Japanese Sub I-19 - With Large Display Base, 1/275, 728-150
Plastic Model Kit, Box Condition: VG++
$85
The I-19 is famous for firing history's most successful torpedo spread. On September 14, 1942 off Guadalcanal, the I-19 was patrolling of the Solomons when she fired a 6 torpedo spread. Three hit and sank the US Carrier CV-7 WASP, and the remaining three exploded against the BB North Carolina and the destroyer O'Brien. The destroyer sank & the North Carolina had to be repaired at Pearl and did not enter service again until November 16, 1942. The I-19's Glen seaplane also flew night reconnaissance on February 23, 1942 over Pearl Harbor for the planned second attack by Emily flying boats on that base. This kit is the 1969 issue in the 'Big A' logo hardbox. This large scale kit is almost 16 inches long when assembled and is an excellent model from Aurora's best efforts of the late 1960s/early 1970s. Aurora knew that most of their kits were outclassed, so in the mid and late 1960s they cut a new molds with much better detail - the I-19 was one of those. Includes display stand, a large wood-grained display base, decals, periscope and cranes, detailed Glen Seaplane, conning tower, deck guns and more. The kit has never been started. It has been inventoried complete with all parts and includes decals and instructions.
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 1913 Mercer Raceabout Old Timers, 1/16, 572-198
Plastic Model Kit, Box Condition: Good-
$79
1961 first issue hardbox. Produced in big 1/16 scale, this kit and the other 'Old Timers' in the series represented a significant leap forward in quality for Aurora. This kit features full suspension, transaxle and driveline detail. It builds up a rolling chassis like the real car, and includes full exhaust and a detailed interior. Molded in gloss ivory, gloss black and with chrome plated parts and real rubber tires. The kit has never been started. Inside, it is exactly as it left the factory. The black and chrome parts are still in the factory sealed bags. The ivory and clear were never factory sealed and have been inventoried complete including the 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 Convair F-102 Dart - (YF-102 Delta Dagger), 1/121, 290-29
Plastic Model Kit, Box Condition: Exc
$50
1957 hardbox issue with the Parents' Magazine seal. Please note that this is an earlier issue with 'Famous Fighters' in the oval border of the Aurora logo and is has the '.29' cent price extension. This small scale kit has dramatic Jo Kotula box artwork and is nicely molded kit with clear canopy, full landing gear and display stand. This is a model of the very early YF-102 prototype with the straight (non-area rule) fuselage. The kit has never been started. Inventoried 100% complete including decals and instructions. Around this time, Aurora issued a series of inexpensive (usually 29 cent) small scale kits that were designed to sell at almost any type of retail location. The line was successful and further expanded - when Aurora purchased the Comet molds, they fit in nicely with this established line.
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 AT-6 Texan, 1/48, 70-79
Plastic Model Kit, Box Condition: Good
$44
Hardbox release dated 1960. This is the harder-to-find issue because it has desirable 'Famous Fighters' in the logo border. The one without 'Famous Fighters' is much more common. This was a nice kit for the time featuring 'good' cockpit detail, pilot and student figures, rotating prop and USAF decals. Molded in silver and clear. The kit has never been started. It has been inventoried complete with all parts and includes decals and instructions. Please note that the box is only ranked 'good' because there is light brown age spotting on the box top; you can see it best against the yellow areas.
Aurora General Patton Tank - (M46), 1/48, 301-129
Plastic Model Kit, Box Condition: Good
$40
This hard-to-find armor kit is dated 1963 and has John Steel hardbox artwork. Aurora made excellent armor kits for that time and this is no exception. In the early 1960s modeling reviewers declared them as the finest armor kits in any scale. Molded in gloss olive drab with flexible black treads. NOTE: this kit has been started and has 'professional' quality sub-assembly as noted here: partial scratch-built interior installed; turret halves built; side panels to lower hull. Lower turret plate trimmed to clear interior detail. There is no other assembly. Inventoried 100% complete with all parts, decal and instructions present.
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.
Aurora Republic F-84 Thunderstreak - (F-84F), 1/80, 299-39
Plastic Model Kit, Box Condition: VG
$42
This hardbox issue is dated 1963 and is from ex-Comet molds; it includes the modified ex-Comet 'teardrop' stand as well. This is a fine early kit with recessed panel lines, clear canopy, very good profile and a display stand for 'in flight' configuration only. Never started. Inventoried 100% complete with all parts, decals and instructions present. The decal have very light age spots on the backing paper only; the actual transfers have no spots. The box display better than the 'very good' grade, but it is rated as such because there is a factory tape pull tear on the upper long box side.
Aurora Boeing B-17 Flying Fortress, 1/156, 491-49
Plastic Model Kit, Box Condition: Good
$125
Very rare first issue from 1956 with the 'Northern Lights' rectangular logo. This logo was only used one year. This famous model is also part of the '12 O'Clock High' B-17 Set. Features many clear windows and clear turret 'blisters', nose turret and tail guns, landing gear, rotating propellers and a display stand. Inside, the kit is 100% correct for a first issue. It includes the early clear West Hempstead rectangular stand, instructions showing this stand and the correct decal sheet with no stand decal. Molded in gloss dark green and clear. This kit has never been started. Inventoried 100% complete with all parts, decals and instructions present. Decals are in 'excellent+' condition and the instructions are near mint. Even includes the original factory tissue packing paper. Please NOTE that this is a later 1956 release since the instructions, while still showing the old rectangle stand, have the famous fighters logo. Aurora began putting 'new logo' instructions into kits before the end of 1956.
Aurora British Centurion 50 Ton Tank, 1/48, 300-98
Plastic Model Kit, Box Condition: VG
$110
Very rare 1959 first issue with unique artwork by Jo Kotula. Like all Aurora 1/48 scale armor kits, this one was greeted by the modeling press at that time with glowing reviews for it's detail and accuracy. Features rotating bogie wheels & sprockets, working flexible treads (in fine condition and not brittle), tank commander and machine gunner figures, rotating turret with elevating gun, optional position hatches, spare tracks, tools and more. This kit has never been started. It is inventoried 100% complete with all parts, decals and instructions present.
Aurora 1913 Mercer Raceabout Old Timers, 1/16, 572-198
Plastic Model Kit, Box Condition: Good
$74
1961 issue. 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. The kit features full suspension, transaxle and driveline detail. It builds up a rolling chassis like the real car, and includes full exhaust and a detailed interior. Molded in gloss ivory, gloss black and with chrome plated parts and real rubber tires. The kit has never been started. Inside, it is exactly as it left the factory. The black parts are still in the factory sealed bags. The ivory, chrome and clear were never factory sealed and have been inventoried complete including the instructions. Please note that the radiator emblem is neatly broken off but present for a simple repair. 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.