Aurora Model Kits
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 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.
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 Boeing B-17 Flying Fortress, 1/156, 491-49
Plastic Model Kit, Box Condition: VG+
$125
Rare issue with 'Famous Fighters' in the oval sunburst logo; this release only lasted only one year and is the true 1961 issue. (in 1962 the 'Famous Fighters' was dropped from the logo). The kit is molded in the correct gloss olive drab and clear plastic and contains the correct clear Aurora 'world' triangle stand. The kit has never been started. Inventoried 100% complete with all parts, decals and instructions.
Aurora United States Sailor, 1/8, 410-98
Plastic Model Kit, Box Condition: Good++
$125
First issue dated 1957 and with artwork by Marinelli. This model is part of the famous early Aurora 'figure' kits, which were launched with the purchase of the Crown knight molds. Never started. It has been inventoried and the actual sailor is complete but NOTE: missing the ~1" disc for the display stand. Otherwise complete with all other parts and includes decals and instructions.
Aurora Russian Stalin Tank, 1/48, 303-98
Plastic Model Kit, Box Condition: VG+
$125
Rare second issue from 1957 with oval 'Famous Fighters' logo replacing the 'yellowed-out' Northern Lights rectangular logo. This issue turns up less than the first issue. Molded in the correct gloss deep green with flexible black treads. Never started. It has been inventoried complete with all parts and includes decals and instructions.
Aurora General Patton Tank - (M46), 1/48, 301-129
Plastic Model Kit, Box Condition: Exc
$75
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. The kit has never been started. Inventoried 100% complete including decals and instructions.
Aurora 1920 Monroe Special Indianapolis 500 Winner - (ex Best), 1/30, 521-69
Plastic Model Kit, Box Condition: Good
$129
Very rare kit dated 1958. The superb box art was painted by Monaghan, who did all of the Aurora Indy 500 winners. This kit is from Best molds. Aurora purchased these molds just for the Indianapolis 500 Winners and made only one issue. Molded in a beautiful gloss blue with real rubber tires, spoke wheels and includes a crew of two and some interior detail. The kit has never been started. It has been inventoried complete with all parts and includes decals and instructions. Even the original factory tissue packing paper is present. Please note that the box displays better than the 'good' grade but is rated as such because the upper long side has numerous small, dark spots. These spots are on the outside of the tray (lower box) also. Decals and instructions are only 'good' quality. This famous car is directly tied to one of racings greatest names, Louis Chevrolet. Louis and his brother He and his brother Arthur came to American in about 1905 and immediately began racing; Louis alone won 10 National Championship races between 1909 and 1919. Louis and Arthur joined forces with William Crapo 'Billy' Durant to form the Chevrolet Car Company in 1911. However, few people got along with Durant and the Chevrolet brothers were no exception. By 1915 they had sold their stock and moved on to Indianapolis. They immediately went back into racing and built their own cars. However, they were not allowed to use the Chevrolet name. The unofficial Chevrolet team was the first to achieve consecutive Indianapolis 500 wins. The first is this kit, the 1920 Monroe Special driven by younger brother Gaston Chevrolet and in 1921 in a Frontenac Special driven by Tommy Milton.
Aurora 1913 Mercer Raceabout - Old Timers Issue, 1/16, 572-198
Plastic Model Kit, Box Condition: Sealed NM
$125
Still factory sealed with a very short split at the top right long side. Dated 1961. This big 1/16 scale model, along with the other 'Old Timers' represented a significant leap forward in quality for Aurora. It features a rolling chassis build like actual automobile, full suspension, transaxle and driveline, complete exhaust, detailed interior and more. Usually molded in gloss ivory, gloss black and with brass plated parts and real rubber tires. 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 Mace TM-76 Guided Missile, 1/48, 130-79
Plastic Model Kit, Box Condition: Good++
$189
1958 'Famous Fighters' first and only release. This large 1/48 scale model of this early guided missile is molded in gloss white plastic and includes the booster engine & clear triangle-based display stand. Never started. Inventoried 100% complete with all parts, decals and instructions. The box has wear as shown and hobby shop stamp on the top.
Aurora Curtiss Hawk P-6E, 1/43, 116-130
Plastic Model Kit, Box Condition: Sealed NM
$64
Still factory sealed and in amazing, investment-grade 'Near Mint' condition. The kit is dated 1958, but this is clearly a later issue as the Aurora logo does not say 'Famous Fighters' in the border and has no sunburst - due to the 130 price extension, it is most likely from 1961 or '62. This was a fine kit for that time and still a favorite 'Classic Builder' today. It features movable rudder, elevators & ailerons, cockpit with pilot, seat, instrument panel, gun sight and feet stirrups, auxiliary gas tank and rotating propeller and wheels. Usually molded in gloss dark green and clear, but I cannot confirm that since it is factory sealed.