Aurora Model Kits
Aurora HC-1B Chinook - (CH-47), 1/48, 350-198
Plastic Model Kit, Box Condition: Sealed NM
$169
Still factory sealed and in fantastic, investment-grade 'near mint' condition. The colorful Jo Kotula artwork hardbox is dated 1961. This is a very large 1/48 scale kit with 'good' cockpit and rotor detail, moving rotors, clear side and cockpit windows and full decals.
Aurora P-38 Lightning Brooklyn - Famous Fighters of All Nations, 1/48, 99-98
Plastic Model Kit, Box Condition: VG
$219
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 De Haviland DH-10 Bomber - Playcraft Issue, 1/48, 125
Plastic Model Kit, Box Condition: Good
$59
SALE!! Rare Aurora Great Britain issue made by Playcraft Toys Ltd, London. Dated 1957 with classic Jo Kotula box art. Please note that the Sunburst Logo has "Playcraft Hobby Kits" in the border and not 'Famous Fighters' like the USA issues have. Although made in England, it is molded in the same glossy dark olive drab, black and clear plastic as the US issue. Never started. Inventoried 100% complete with all parts, decals and instructions. The box has wear and creasing as shown and a 1cm x 1cm area of pen writing on the left short side panel.
Aurora German Pfalz D-3 - (D-III), 1/48, 109-69
Plastic Model Kit, Box Condition: Good++
$54
SALE!! Dated 1957 with classic Jo Kotula artwork. This is the second issue; please note 69 cent price extension, 'Famous Fighters' logo border and the Parents' Magazine Seal at the right. Never started. Inventoried 100% complete with all parts, decals and instructions. This is part of the famous Aurora WWI series of 1/48 scale aircraft. The series began in 1956 and Aurora added new kits into the early 1960s. The line proved incredibly popular, so these kits were included in the 'mold upgrade' in the 1970s before Aurora went out of business.
Aurora Convair F-102 Delta Dart - (YF-102), 1/121, 290-29
Plastic Model Kit, Box Condition: Exc
$52
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 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 British Churchill Tank, 1/48, 315-129
Plastic Model Kit, Box Condition: Good
$59
Hardbox 'long' issue dated 1966. At that early date in modeling history, reviewers wrote that Aurora made the best tank kits - this one is no exception. Features all moving bogies and drive wheels, flexible black treads, elevating main gun, rotating turret, one tankman, three soldiers and decals. The kit has never been started. It has been inventoried complete with all parts and includes decals and instructions.
Aurora Albatross D-3 - (Albatros D-III), 1/48, 104-79
Plastic Model Kit, Box Condition: VG+
$55
Fourth or fifth issue of this kit and much rarer than the first (1956) issue. The box is dated 1956 but this is from about 1960 issue with the oval starburst logo but no 'Famous Fighters,' 79 cent price extension and no Parents' Magazine Seal. This is a true 79 cent box - there is no 'stamp out' of the old 69. Molded in gloss green and black. Never started. Inventoried 100% complete with all parts, decals and instructions.
Aurora Lockheed P-38 Lightning, 1/48, 99-130
Plastic Model Kit, Box Condition: NM
$115
This model is in amazing, investment-grade 'Near Mint' condition. The box has brand-new color and gloss and the only flaws are very light wear, mainly on the lower edges of the long box sides. Aurora did a major face-lift on the P-38 in 1959 with fantastic and new Jo Kotula box artwork. Although dated 1959, this kit is from the mid 1960s due to the '130' price extension and the lack of 'Famous Fighters' in the oval logo. Molded in olive drab and clear has the 'triangle-base' clear stand and stand arm. The kit has never been started. Inventoried 100% complete including decals and instructions.
Aurora Bell AH-1G Huey Cobra - Assault Helicopter - Rectangle Box Issue, 1/48, 501-130
Plastic Model Kit, Box Condition: Sealed Mint
$64
Still factory sealed and in investment-grade 'Mint' condition. Big 'A' logo issue is dated 1972 and this is likely the third issue of this kit. In the late 1960s Aurora realized that the older molds were out of date and modelers were demanding more realism. They made a new set of molds for ships, airplanes and helicopters. These were significant improvements as the new molds were on par with current offerings. This Cobra kit is one of the improved models. Features full cockpit, pilot and copilot figures, rotating main and rear rotors and optional weapons load of miniguns or rocket pods.
Aurora North American B-70 Valkyrie Bomber - XB-70A, 1/105, 370-249
Plastic Model Kit, Box Condition: Sealed Exc++
$195
Still factory sealed. There are some small seal splits on the lower long side. The hardbox is dated 1962 and it has, in my opinion, some of the best Jack Leynnwood box art. Jack primarily did Revell artwork, but since he was freelance, he did others as well. At this point, the XB-70 was planned for production, so the kit is called the B-70 and the artwork shows a winter night-time quick turn around of a SAC B-70 while another Valkyrie roars overhead after takeoff. This large model features 6 detailed General Electric J93-3 engines, landing gear and clear canopy.
Aurora British Churchill Tank, 1/48, 315-129
Plastic Model Kit, Box Condition: Exc++
$89
SALE!! Long hardbox issue dated 1966. In those days, it was said by reviewers that Aurora made the best tank kits - this one is no exception. Features all moving bogies and drive wheels, flexible black treads, elevating main gun, rotating turret, one tankman, three soldiers and decals. The kit has never been started. It has been inventoried complete with all parts and includes decals and instructions.
Aurora 1903 Rambler Model E Touring, 1/16, 151
Plastic Model Kit, Box Condition: Good++
$129
1964 issue of Aurora's 'Super Detailed Museum Model with Plated Parts.' 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. This kit features full engine, transaxle and driveline detail, complete interior, suspension and steering linkage, exhaust and more. Molded in red, black and with nickel plated parts and real white rubber tires. Never started. The red parts are still factory sealed; the parts that were never factory sealed have been inventoried complete. Includes 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 Gotha Bomber G-V - Abare Issue - (GV), 1/48, 126-198
Plastic Model Kit, Box Condition: NM+
$69
Ross Abare issue Gotha in amazing investment-grade, 'Near Mint' condition. Mr. Abare, a rare kits dealer in the earliest days of the hobby, contracted with Aurora to produce a copy of the original 1958 kit. However, Aurora had the printers use the mid 1960s oval logo without the 'Famous Fighters' in the border- thus forever separating the Abare issue from the original issue. Mr. Abare was reportedly quite upset, as he wanted exact copies. Molded in deep burgundy and black plastic. Never started. It has been inventoried complete with all parts and includes decals and instructions.
Aurora German Pfalz D-3 - D-III, 1/48, 109-69
Plastic Model Kit, Box Condition: Good++
$58
Dated 1957 with classic Jo Kotula artwork. This is the first issue of this kit - please note 69 cent price extension and 'Famous Fighters' in the sunburst logo. Never started. Inventoried 100% complete with all parts, decals and instructions. This is part of the famous Aurora WWI series of 1/48 scale aircraft. The series began in 1956 and Aurora added new kits into the early 1960s. The line proved incredibly popular, so these kits were included in the 'mold upgrade' in the 1970s before Aurora went out of business.
Aurora German Gotha G.V Bomber - Abare Issue, 1/48, 126-198
Plastic Model Kit, Box Condition: Exc
$69
Ross Abare issue Gotha in 'Excellent' condition. Mr. Abare, a rare kits dealer in the earliest days of the hobby, contracted with Aurora to produce a copy of the original 1958 kit. However, Aurora has the printers use the mid 1960s oval logo without the 'Famous Fighters' in the border- thus forever separating the Abare issue from the original issue. Mr. Abare was reportedly quite upset, as he wanted exact copies. Molded in deep burgundy and black plastic. Never started. It has been inventoried complete with all parts and includes decals and instructions. The box has perfect color and gloss but some very light general wear and a light crease in the upper left hand corner.
Aurora Bristol F2B Brisfit - (F-2B / F2B), 1/48, 113-98
Plastic Model Kit, Box Condition: Sealed Exc
$64
Still factory sealed and from 1963. A few years after setting into the new West Hempstead, Long Island factory, Aurora unveiled it's most successful kit line: the 1/48 WWI Aircraft. The first models were issued in 1956 and new kits were added up to the early 1960s. These were so popular that many continued to sell right up until Aurora's end in 1976.
Aurora Sopwith Triplane Black Maria, 1/48, 100-100
Plastic Model Kit, Box Condition: Sealed NM+
$72
Still in the factory seal and in investment-grade 'Near Mint+' condition. This hardbox issue is dated 1963 and has superb Jo Kotula artwork. This issue is actually from the mid 1960s due to the one dollar price extension on the part number. Nicely done kit for that time featuring 'good' cockpit and engine detail, ground base, pilot figure and mechanic.
Aurora Mace TM-76 Guided Missile, 1/48, 130-79
Plastic Model Kit, Box Condition: VG+++
$265
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 decals and instructions are both in amazing 'near mint' condition. Even includes the factory tissue packing paper.
Aurora Breguet 14, 1/48, 141-98
Plastic Model Kit, Box Condition: Good+
$44
Dated 1963 with artwork by Jo Kotula. Molded in gloss green and black. Never started. The kit has been inventoried and the entire aircraft is complete, however NOTE: Missing ground base and two ground crew. With decals and instructions present.