A Guide To Model Aircraft of World War II
Collecting scale model aeroplanes is a fantastic hobby, showcasing impressive graphics and precise attention to detail to deliver eye-catching display pieces in your home. With intricate detailing, model World War II aircraft are exceptional pieces to add to your collection or gift to other war aviation enthusiasts and come in a variety of scales to match your environment.
During the Second World War, engineers were under pressure to deliver high-performing fighter planes, so they implemented impressive technological advancements, creating highly effective and iconic fighters and bombers.
From the Spitfire to the Lancaster Bomber, these planes remain iconic thanks to an integral part they played in taking victory and models of these aircraft are highly popular for those interested in World War II aviation.
Follow our guide on model aircraft of World War II and find Corsair, Lancaster bomber, P-51 Mustang, Spitfire models and more in our collection to embark on your model aircraft journey.
Table of Contents
- The Supermarine Spitfire Model WW2 Aircraft
- The Avro Lancaster Bomber Model WW2 Aircraft
- The P-51 Mustang Model WW2 Aircraft
- The F4U Corsair Model WW2 Aircraft
The Supermarine Spitfire Model
The Spitfire is one of the most well-known World War II fighter aircraft, becoming a symbol of defeating German air attacks during the Battle of Britain. It’s one of the most popular kits with model builders and aircraft enthusiasts.
Used by the Royal Air Force during World War II, the Spitfire was designed to reach top speeds faster than their enemies, particularly the Luftwaffe’s Messerschmitt Bf 109E aircraft.
A single-seat aircraft, its wings were elliptical shaped, smaller, and thinner than other aircraft. This sleek and aerodynamic design, paired with a more powerful Rolls-Royce engine, meant it performed exceptionally in the air.
As one of the most iconic World War II aeroplanes, the Supermarine Spitfire has inspired many model aircraft enthusiasts, whether choosing a diecast model to display or a kit to build and paint yourself.
What model Spitfire is the best?
1:72 scale - The definitive scale for WW2 aircraft
RAF Spitfire Diecast model
RAF Spitfire Mk Vb 1941 Diecast Model - Scale 1:72
This licensed RAF model comes in official RAF packaging and includes a display stand for showcasing the aircraft. Beautifully detailed, this model will make an eye-catching feature piece.
The Avro Lancaster Bomber Model
The Lancaster was above and beyond the most effective British heavy bomber of the Second World War.
Developed from the Manchester bomber, the Lancaster was powered by four Rolls-Royce engines and quickly became the RAF's principal bomber.
The Avro Lancaster could carry the largest bombs - including the 5,400 kg tallboy and the 10,000 kg Grand Slam earthquake bombs. Primarily a night bomber, the Lancaster was also an excellent daytime precision bomber. The Lancaster bomber is most famous for the Dambuster's raid on the Ruhr Valley using the specially-developed 'bouncing bombs' which inspired the 1955 film, The Dam Busters.
With 7,377 planes originally built, only two Lancaster bombers can still fly. 3,736 were lost during the war.
What Lancaster Bomber model is the best?
Diecast Lancaster Bomber model
RAF Avro Lancaster BMk.I 1945 Diecast Plane - Scale 1:144
New from the Humatt range of Royal Air Force Aircraft toys and models is the Avro Lancaster. This detailed model also includes a display stand so it can take pride of place in your collection.
P-51 Mustang Model
The P-51 Mustang was one of World War II's most iconic American fighter planes.
When Britain approached North American Aviation (NAA) during the war to build fighters for the Royal Air Force, they created their own design to modernise the fighter jet. The jet had streamlined wings that reduced the drag, increasing the plane's top speed and making it one of the best warplanes of World War II. Its original engine limited the plane's performance at high altitudes, but when its engine was replaced with a Rolls-Royce Merlin, the P-51 was transformed.
From late 1943, Mustangs were used to escort American bomber planes to the German capital and back. Their design meant they could fly deep into enemy territory and were better at air-to-air combat, ultimately leading to the Luftwaffe's defeat.
With 15,567 Mustangs built, there are around 175 Mustangs still flying today.
What P-51 Mustang model is the best?
Metal P-51 Mustang model
P-51 Mustang Aircraft Model
This detailed large metal aircraft model features a fully detailed cockpit with a sliding cover and retractable main wheels. It also has a decorative stand and a unique historical plaque to be displayed as part of your collection.
F4U Corsair
The Vought F4U Corsair was an American naval fighter plane used by the United States Navy and Marine Corps during the Second World War.
Entering combat in 1943, the Corsair was a fighter and an attack that gave naval fighters an edge thanks to its speed and firepower. The Corsair could reach speeds of up to 446 miles per hour with a maximum range of 1,005 miles.
Allied World War II forces claim that the Japanese referred to the Corsair as the 'Whistling Death' due to the distinctive sound of the air running through the slots in the wings.
Gregory "Pappy" Boyington was a Corsair pilot during World War II and commanded the Marine fighter squadron known as Black Sheep. The Black Sheep hit a record 203 planes destroyed or damaged during their first 84 days. Boyington was later shot down and held as a prisoner of war for 20 months until the Japanese surrendered, a story which inspired the '70s television show Baa Baa Black Sheep.
What P-51 Mustang model is the best?
Diecast F4U Corsair model
F4U Corsair VMF-22 Diecast Model - Scale 1:100
This Corsair model comes in a 1:100 scale with a plastic stand for displaying the model as part of your collection. With fantastic colouring, this aircraft model will certainly stand out amongst other camouflage models.
F4U Corsair WMF-214 "Pappy" Boyington" Diecast Model - Scale 1:100
This diecast Corsair model features the number 86, the number of the aircraft piloted by Major Gregory "Pappy" Boyington. It also has a plastic stand, so you can easily display it as part of your collection.
Model aeroplane sizes
Model aircraft are available in different scales and sizes to suit your collection. The scale of the aeroplane model is usually presented as a ratio. The number on the right denotes how many times smaller the model is than the original aircraft.
A 1:1 scale would mean the model is an exact replica of the plane. A 1:100 scale means that the model is 100 times smaller than the original model.
What is the biggest model aeroplane?
The biggest model aeroplane we sell at Flightstore is 1:48.
Find a World War II model aircraft for your collection
With intricate World War II aircraft models, find exceptional pieces to add to your collection or gift to other war aviation enthusiasts.
Whether you’re looking for a diecast model aircraft to display in your home or a model aircraft kit to enjoy building, find exceptional pieces in our collection from Flightstore. We have everything you need to create your replica with paint, glue and accessories all in one place.
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