Aurora Model Kits
Aurora Boeing B-52 Stratofortress - (ex Comet), 1/317, 2494-60
Plastic Model Kit, Box Condition: Good++
$129
Very rare issue dated 1964. This is the seldom seen Aurora reissue of the Comet kit for the Canadian market only. Several small-scale Comet molds were never reissued for the USA market and for decades I have wondered what happened to them. Aurora had no need for them, as they had already cut their own (superior) small-scale molds for most of those subjects, including the B-52 and B-47. Well, the ex-Comet molds went to Aurora Canada! The small, less detailed Comet kits were issued there using the same box art as their slightly larger and more detailed Aurora counterparts in the USA. Simply looking at the box top, you could not tell the difference. However, the four digit part number gives it away as do the contents. Molded in silver and clear and still retains the original Comet 'teardrop' shaped two-piece stand. Naturally the instructions are completely unique since this is a different kit from the Aurora USA B-52. This kit is 100% correct and has never been started. It has been inventoried complete with all parts and includes decals and instructions.
Aurora Gotha Bomber G-V, 1/48, 126-198
Plastic Model Kit, Box Condition: Exc
$95
The box has factory-new color and gloss but flaws include a crease at the upper left and light wear as shown, especially near the 198 price circle. Dated 1958 with 'Famous Fighters in the sunburst logo and the 1.98 price circle at the upper right. Jo Kotula composed the stunning composition for Aurora; by this point, his commercial art in aviation was in high demand. This big and impressive model is molded in a stunning gloss deep burgundy and black. Never started. Inventoried 100% complete with all parts, decals and instructions. This model is part of a very successful 1/48 scale WWI series that Aurora started in 1956. They sold so well that they introduced new kits almost annually well into the 1960s. Some sold well right up until the end of Aurora in the mid 1970s.
Aurora Sopwith Camel, 1/48, 102-69
Plastic Model Kit, Box Condition: Exc
$56
From about 1959. Rare and seldom seen true third issue, numbered 102-69. Aurora blotted out the rectangular Northern Lights logo with yellow and applied the 'new'(for 1957) 'Famous Fighters' sunburst oval logo and no '69' price circle and no Parents' Magazine seal. Aurora retained the colorful Jim Cox box art from the original 1956 issue. (Mr. Cox was Aurora's first box artist; please read his biograpny on this website) This model is part of a very successful WWI aircraft line in 1/48 scale that Aurora introduced in '56. The line sold so well that kits were added to it into the 1960s. Molded in the glossy olive drab green and black. Never started. Inventoried 100% complete with all parts, decals and instructions.
Aurora Albatross D-3 - (Albatros DIII), 1/48, 104-69
Plastic Model Kit, Box Condition: VG
$54
First issue from 1956 with Northern Lights logo. Molded in the correct glossy dark green and black. Decals and instructions are correct for the first issue as well. The kit has not been started. Inventoried 100% complete with all parts, decals and instructions.
Aurora Fokker Eindekker - (E-III Eindecker), 1/48, 134-100
Plastic Model Kit, Box Condition: VG+
$59
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 Gotha Bomber G-V - Parents Magazine Seal Issue, 1/48, 126-198
Plastic Model Kit, Box Condition: Good++
$85
First issue dated 1958 with 'Famous Fighters in the sunburst logo, Parents Magazine seal and the 1.98 price circle at the upper right. Jo Kotula, a famous commercial aircraft illustrator, painted the stunning artwork. Molded in a stunning gloss deep burgundy and black. Never started. Inventoried 100% complete with all parts, decals and instructions. This model is part of a very successful 1/48 scale WWI series that Aurora started in 1956. They sold so well that they introduced new kits almost annually well into the 1960s. Some sold well right up until the end of Aurora in the mid 1970s.
Aurora Tiger Moth DH-82, 1/48, 110-79
Plastic Model Kit, Box Condition: NM
$79
1958 issue with fantastic Jo Kotula artwork. The box is in investment-grade 'Near Mint' condition with perfect color and gloss. The only flaw is very light wear in a few spots. This is the second issue due to the 79 cent price extension. Molded in gloss dark olive drab and clear, with the clear triangle-based Aurora stand. The kit has not been started. Inventoried 100% complete with all parts, decals and instructions present.
Aurora Bristol F.2B Brisfit - (F-2B), 1/48, 113-98
Plastic Model Kit, Box Condition: Exc+
$69
From 1963 with classic John Steel artwork. The hardbox is in excellent condition with nice color and gloss. Never started. It has been inventoried complete with all parts and includes decals and instructions.
Aurora Halberstadt CLII Test Shot - (CL-II / CL.II), 1/48, 136-98
Plastic Model Kit, Box Condition: Exc++
$149
Very rare. Factory Test shots were done in colorless plastic to confirm that new molds were ready for production. They seldom left the factory; most were destroyed but some leaked out, usually through employees. This model came from a long time collector and archiver/historian who sold it in the late 1990s; I obtained it from him. The first issue box, dated 1959 with 98 cent price extension has 'Famous Fighters' around the early oval sunburst logo, Parents' Magazine seal and Jo Kotula boxart. Since two different molds were used for the Aurora WWI kits, the main aircraft parts are in clear plastic and the black parts are made from black plastic. The kit has never been started. It has been inventoried complete with all parts and includes decals and instructions.
Aurora De Havilland Tiger Moth - DH-82, 1/48, 110-79
Plastic Model Kit, Box Condition: Good++
$59
1958 issue with fantastic Jo Kotula artwork. This is a nice kit for that time with cockpit floor, seats, control sticks and instrument panels, clear windscreens, pilot figure, display stand, jigs to ensure correct wing angle and more. Never started. It has been inventoried complete with all parts and includes decals and instructions.
Aurora The Barnstormers Customizing Kit DH-4 and JN-4 Jenny, 1/48, 200-198
Plastic Model Kit, Box Condition: Exc
$179
Rare one-and-only 1960 issue that contains both the DH-4 and Curtis JN-4 Jenny. The box is in exceptional condition with 'excellent' color and gloss, four solid corners, no tape or price tags (and no marks from either), no stains, fading or torn/missing litho. Very light wear and edge wear are the only significant flaws. Aurora really went out of the way to make this a special kit; however, it did not sell well and was retired after one year. Features completely new box artwork, a DH-4 molded in gloss dark green and black, the JN-4 molded in gloss bright yellow and black, great custom decal sheets for both aircraft and special 'Barnstormer' instructions for each aircraft. The kit has never been started. It has been inventoried complete with all parts present and includes decals and instructions. The instructions sheets are both in 'near mint' condition and the decal sheets are both completely flat with the typical age yellowing as the only significant flaw.
Aurora P-51 Mustang Screwdriver Issue, 1/27, 377-350
Plastic Model Kit, Box Condition: Sealed NM+
$275
Still factory sealed and in remarkable investment-grade 'Near Mint+' condition. The seal is intact. 1969 hardbox issue. This kit was originally designed as a gas powered flying model. However, Aurora discontinued the gas powered line very shortly after introduction due to returns and liability issues. Since the mold investment was already made, Aurora marketed these kits as large scale static models and they became know as "Screwdriver Kits" to collectors. For example, the 1/32 scale B-25 was issued in Gas U-Control and then static - but the P-51 may have only been issued in static.
Aurora SNJ Trainer, 1/48, 80-130
Plastic Model Kit, Box Condition: Sealed NM
$65
Still factory sealed. Aurora of Canada issue dated 1964. This was a good kit for the time, featuring 'good' cockpit detail, pilot and student figures, rotating prop and US Navy decals.
Aurora Boeing B-29 Superfortress, 1/76, 372-350
Plastic Model Kit, Box Condition: Sealed Exc++
$165
Still factory sealed. Rare and even rarer in this condition. Aurora of Canada issue is dated 1964 and this issue retaining the same artwork as the 1956 issue. This kit has arguably the most dramatic and fanciful B-29 composition from the 'Golden Era' of modeling. Note the square 'Northern Lights' logo has been replaced with the Aurora sunburst oval logo. There is no fading or stains, tape or price tags, but there is light crease along the upper left side. Responding to market information that boys wanted larger kits, Aurora introduced the B-26 followed by the B-29 and B-25, all of which sold well for many years- almost right up until the end.
Aurora Focke-Wulf FW-190, 1/48, 30-130
Plastic Model Kit, Box Condition: Sealed Exc+
$179
Still factory sealed. The box is in 'near mint' condition but the seal has a few small splits on the corners where it shrunk. Aurora of Canada issue dated 1964.
Aurora De Haviland DH-10 Bomber - 'Parents Magazine' Seal Issue, 1/48, 125-198
Plastic Model Kit, Box Condition: Exc
$95
Dated 1957 with classic Jo Kotula box art. This is the edition with the Parent's Magazine approval seal on the box and the instructions. Box is in excellent condition with like new color and gloss, four solid corners and no tape or price tags. Flaws include a ding at the top left corner and very, very light discoloration. Never started. Inventoried 100% complete with all parts, decals and instructions. Even includes the original tissue packing paper.
Aurora Spad XIII, 1/48, 107-79
Plastic Model Kit, Box Condition: Sealed Exc++
$95
Still factory sealed and the seal is intact. Hardbox is dated 1957 and has dramatic Jo Kotula artwork and the oval 'Famous Fighters' logo with the sunburst. This is the second issue as it has the 79 cent price extension on the part number.
Aurora Albatross D-3 - (Albatros DIII), 1/48, 104-69
Plastic Model Kit, Box Condition: Good
$59
Rare. Please note, this is a 'Famous Fighters' logo, first box art issue kit WITHOUT the Parents' Magazine Logo and a 69 cent price extension. This is the first time I have seen a FF original art version with no PM logo with a 69 cent price extension. Just when you think you have Aurora figured out, another variation comes along! That would make this the true third issue of this kit - only three issues have the 69 cent extension and are from 1956 and 1957. This kit has not been factory overstamped to 79 and still shows 69 on both sides The kit is molded in gloss dark green and black. The kit has never been started. It has been inventoried complete with all parts and includes decals and instructions. The decals are 'excellent' and the instructions are near mint. Please NOTE that the box only grades 'good.' The box has good color, is very solid (including all four corners) and has no fading but there is the obvious short litho tear under the logo on the box top. Additionally, there is general wear as shown and a short piece of masking tape on each of the two long sides.
Aurora The Hunchback of Notre Dame - Universal Pictures, 1/8, 461-98
Plastic Model Kit, Box Condition: Exc
$275
Very rare original issue hardbox kit from 1963. The box is in excellent condition with great color and gloss. The flaws are light corner and very light edge wear, as well as a very fine vertical scratch on the center left; it may not show up in the photo but it is there. All four corners are solid and there are no tape or price tags or marks. Inside, the kit is molded in the correct tan. It has never been started. It has been inventoried 100% complete with all parts. The instructions are in 'excellent' condition with light yellowing. This kit must be shipped insured.
Aurora 12 O'Clock High P-51 Mustang, 1/48, 345-98
Plastic Model Kit, Box Condition: Good+
$145
Rare limited issue. Hardbox is dated 1965. Issued as a promotion with the famous TV show "12 O'Clock High," which centered on the exploits of USAAF B-17s flying over Hitler's Germany. Has many working features: detailed engine with removable cowling, full cockpit and retractable landing gear. Molded in gloss olive drab and clear. The kit has no assembly, but NOTE: the interior parts are painted with one thin coat of zinc chromate green. There is no other painting. Never started. Inventoried 100% complete with all parts, decals and instructions present. Other kits in this rare series include the B-17 Bomber Formation (3 kits with a special stand and battle-damaged decals), P-38 Lighting, ME-109 (Bf-109), P-47, B-25, B-26 and Fw-190.