Aurora Model Kits
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.
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 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 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.