Aircraft Models

About Our Aircraft Model Range

At Flightstore, our aircraft model store has been supplying model aircraft to collectors, aviation enthusiasts, and hobbyists across the UK for over 20 years. Our range covers everything from meticulously detailed diecast model planes to classic model aircraft kits, there's something here whether you're a seasoned collector or picking up your first model airplane.

Types of Aircraft Model

We stock four main types of aircraft model, each suited to different styles of collecting and display:

Diecast Scale Models are ready-to-display, pre-painted models cast from metal alloy. These are the most popular choice among serious collectors, offering exceptional detail and durability. Our diecast range features civil airliners, military jets, and classic propliners across 1:200 and 1:400 scale  with brands including Gemini Jets, JC Wings, Corgi, InFlight 200, and Hogan Wings.

Plastic Snap-Fit Models are pre-painted plastic models that require no glue or painting - they simply clip together and are ready to display. Brands like Skymarks and PPC Holland offer excellent snap-fit model planes in 1:200 scale, perfect for building a large collection without the workbench time.

Plastic Model Kits are the traditional hobbyist's choice - unpainted kits that require assembly, painting, and finishing. Airfix is the iconic name in this category, producing highly detailed 1:72 and 1:48 scale kits of everything from WWII Spitfires and Hurricanes to modern fast jets. This range is perfect for modellers who enjoy the build as much as the finished piece.

Military Models span the full sweep of aviation history - from WWI biplanes and WWII fighters through Cold War jets to modern combat aircraft. Brands including Hobby Master, Corgi Aviation Archive, AF1 Models and Century Wings produce highly detailed military model airplanes in 1:48 and 1:72 scale. Our military range includes Spitfires, Hurricanes, Lancasters, F-14 Tomcats, F-15 Eagles, F-35 Lightnings and many more iconic aircraft..

Aircraft Model Scales Explained

If you're new to collecting model aircraft, scale can be confusing. Here's a quick guide to the most common scales we stock, for more info see our detailed model aircraft scales guide:

• 1:400 - The most compact scale, popular with airline livery collectors. A Boeing 747 in 1:400 measures around 18cm - ideal for display cases with multiple models. This is the most popular scale for airline livery collectors, and Gemini Jets and JC Wings are the dominant brands. We stock over 230 aircraft models in 1:400 scale.
• 1:200 - Twice the size of 1:400, offering more detail. A 1:200 747 measures around 36cm. The preferred scale for diecast collectors who want real shelf presence. Gemini Jets, InFlight 200 and Skymarks all produce in this scale, and it's the preferred choice for collectors who want real visual impact. We stock over 500 models in 1:200 scale.
• 1:72 - the standard scale for plastic model kits and many military diecast models. Corgi Aviation Archive and Airfix both work predominantly in 1:72, making it the most widely produced scale for WWII and modern military aircraft.
• 1:48 - A larger kit scale offering even greater detail, popular with serious modellers. Airfix, Tamiya and Corgi produce kits and diecast models at this scale.
• 1:100 / 1:130 - Common for snap-fit plastic models, bridging the gap between the detail of 1:72 and the compactness of 1:200. Commonly used by Skymarks and PPC Holland for snap-fit plastic models.

Popular Airlines & Liveries

We stock model planes in dozens of airline liveries, including many that are hard to find elsewhere. Our most popular airline models include British Airways, American Airlines, Emirates, Lufthansa, Virgin Atlantic, Delta Air Lines, Air France, and Alaska Airlines, with new releases added regularly. We also carry a wide range of retro and heritage liveries for collectors seeking something a little different.

Frequently asked questions about aircraft models

What is the best scale for collecting aircraft models?
The most popular collector scales are 1:400 and 1:200. 1:400 scale is ideal if you want to display many models in a limited space - a 1:400 Boeing 747 measures around 18cm. 1:200 gives you more detail and shelf presence, with a 747 measuring around 36cm. For plastic model kits, 1:72 is the standard scale with the widest range of subjects. If you're just starting out, 1:400 diecast models from Gemini Jets or JC Wings are the most accessible entry point.

What are the best aircraft model brands?
For diecast civil airliners, Gemini Jets, JC Wings and InFlight 200 are regarded as the top manufacturers for detail and accuracy. Phoenix Models and NG Models are also highly rated. For military models, Hobby Master and Corgi Aviation Archive are benchmark brands. For plastic model kits, Airfix remains the UK's most iconic name, with Tamiya and Italeri also producing excellent kits at 1:72 and 1:48 scale.

Where can I buy aircraft models in the UK?
Flightstore is one of the UK's largest specialist aircraft model retailers, with over 1,000 models in stock across diecast, snap-fit and plastic kit formats. All orders over £150 qualify for free UK delivery, and we dispatch in-stock models immediately. You can browse by scale, brand, airline livery, or aircraft type using the filters on our aircraft models page.

What is the difference between diecast and plastic aircraft models?
Diecast aircraft models are cast from metal alloy and are ready to display straight out of the box - no assembly or painting required. They are more durable and typically more expensive, making them the preferred choice for serious collectors. Plastic model kits require assembly and painting, offering a hands-on building experience. Plastic snap-fit models sit in between - pre-painted and clip together without glue, making them quick to display without any modelling skill.

Are Airfix kits good for beginners?
Yes - Airfix produces kits across a range of skill levels from Starter to Expert. Their 1:72 scale kits are the most widely available and cover an enormous range of subjects from WWII fighters to modern jets. A Starter-level Airfix kit is a great introduction to scale modelling for adults and older children. Flightstore stocks a wide range of Airfix kits alongside paints, glues and accessories needed to complete them.

Do you stock new releases from Gemini Jets and JC Wings?
Yes - we receive new model releases from Gemini Jets, JC Wings, NG Models, Phoenix Models and InFlight 200 regularly. New arrivals are added to the website as soon as stock is received. Sign up to the Flightstore newsletter to be among the first to know about new releases and limited-edition models.

What's the difference between model aeroplanes and model airplanes?

Nothing beyond spelling - 'model aeroplanes' is the British English term, and 'model airplanes' is the American English equivalent. Both refer to the same diecast, plastic and kit-built aircraft models. Flightstore stocks the full range under both names, so whichever term you search for, you'll find the same collection of model planes, kits and diecast aircraft. 

Shop Aircraft Models at FlightStore

Flightstore has been supplying aircraft models to UK collectors and hobbyists for over 20 years. We stock all the major diecast and plastic model manufacturers under one roof, with genuine depth across scales and subjects that general hobby retailers can't match. Our team are aviation enthusiasts themselves: knowledgeable about the range and happy to help you track down a specific model or livery.
All orders over £150 qualify for free UK delivery. In-stock models dispatch immediately. Our returns policy is straightforward, and we're contactable by phone at 01924 480777 if you need advice before buying.