Planes,Trains and Automobiles

1:72 Scale. The Swordfish proved to be one of the few biplanes that remained in service throughout World War II. It was used from 1936 onwards by 25 squadrons of the Fleet Air Arm. Many important combat missions were successfully flown by the Swordfish, the most famous of which was the attack on the Bismarck in May 1941. Features Structural surface details, Cockpit with pilot figure, Detailed radial engine, Movable propeller, Optional torpedo or rockets and Decals for 2 versions. Skill Level 2

1:48 scale. Turn your model of the Fairey Swordfish into a show-stopper with this great photo-etched set from Tamiya. Skill level 4 for expert builders.

The Mk II was a subsequent variant of the Mark I with metal lower wings to enable the mounting of rockets. It was introduced in 1943. Kit consists of 337 parts on 16 sprues plus 3 rubber tires. Additional features: photo etched bracing wire set, 2-level landing gear, foldable wings, torpedoes, bombs, rockets and flares. Markings for HS158 # 816 & HS180 #815. Completed kit measures over 13" long with a wingspan of over 17". (Case pk: 6)

During World War Two an American naval officer stared at a Swordfish for the first time. 'Where did that come from?' he asked. 'Fairey's', came the reply from a British naval officer standing nearby. He stroked his chin thoughtfully. 'That figures', he replied. This is a narrative account of the operations of the Fairey Swordfish throughout World War Two. The most famous of these was the attack on the Italian fleet at Taranto, crippling three battleships and damaging several other ships as well as the seaplane base and an oil storage depot. The Swordfish played a prominent part in the Battle of Matapan and in the sinking of the Bismark. Less happily, Swordfish were used in the unsuccessful and ill-prepared raid on the Germans at Petsamo and in the abortive attack on the battle cruisers Scharnhorst and Gneisenau during the Channel Dash in 1942. Throughout the book, the text is interwoven with personal accounts by naval airmen

The primary torpedo bomber of the British Royal Navy during the first half of WWII. Fought during the Bismarck, Channel Dash & Taranto actions, then served in the ASW role. Approximately 100 photos, numerous line drawings, 10 color profiles, 3 cover paintings, 50 pages.