Airfix RAF De Havilland Tiger Moth 1:48
AD2362
Description
Airifx A04104 De Havilland Tiger Moth 1:48
Even though the classic de Havilland Tiger Moth has to be considered one of the most important aircraft in the history of British aviation, it rarely receives the popular respect it deserves and is usually in the shadow of more glamourous types, such as the Supermarine Spitfire and de Havilland’s own Mosquito. Despite this, without the availability of thousands of Tiger Moths to train a constant stream of pilots for military and civilian service, Britain and her Commonwealth would have been in real trouble during WWII and most pilots who would go on to fly the numerous Allied aircraft types of the Second World War would have ‘learnt their trade’ on this classic training aircraft.
Coming from a successful line of biplane designs, the DH.82 Tiger Moth made its first flight in October 1931 and was the result of the Company’s founder wanting to produce an aircraft superior to its predecessors, whilst possessing enough appeal to attract interest from several different aviation sectors. Its success resulted in an immediate order from the RAF, who viewed the aircraft as an ideal primary trainer for pilots beginning on their flying careers and destined to fly their latest front line aircraft. Their modest original order was followed up by several subsequent orders and as the world descended into conflict in 1939, the Royal Air Force would have around 500 Tiger Moths on strength. Many more examples were owned by flying clubs all over the country and many of these would also being pressed into military service, due to the need to train as many new pilots as possible. With its growing reputation, the aircraft also secured many overseas orders, ensuring that the de Havilland production lines were fully committed in supplying this superb aircraft.
From the perspective of the student pilot, the Tiger Moth was a relatively stable and forgiving aircraft to fly, with few handling vices and generally supportive of the odd silly mistake. It has been described as an ‘easy aeroplane to fly but a difficult one to fly well’, which seemed to have made this the ideal aircraft to serve as a primary/basic trainer for large numbers of future pilots destined for the war effort. As Britain prepared for invasion during the early summer of 1940, there were plans for the gentle natured Tiger Moth to show a much more aggressive side and support the Spitfire and Hurricane pilots they had previously trained. ‘Operation Banquet’ called for the use of every available aircraft in the defence of Britain’s coastline, attacking any potential invasion force by all means at their disposal. This would see even the most unlikely of aircraft equipped with bomb racks and given a new offensive capability. Should a German invasion have been attempted, there would have been the very real possibility of swarms of bomb laden Tiger Moths raining fury on the enemy troops below, as Britain used every means in her power to ensure the failure of such a cross channel incursion. Thankfully, due in no small part to the qualities of this effective pilot maker and the resolve of the Royal Air Force, German invasion plans were indefinitely postponed following the Luftwaffe’s inability to score a decisive victory during the Battle of Britain.
With many Tiger Moths remaining in airworthy condition, it is interesting to consider that this famous basic training aircraft is still doing the same job today as it did during its service introduction in the 1930s. The magnificent Tiger Moth allows potential Warbird pilots the opportunity to gain valuable experience flying a ‘taildragger’ aircraft, before eventually moving on to display the Spitfires and Mustangs which thrill the crowds at Airshows all over the world.
Delivery
Delivery is charged as priced on each order. Once you have placed an order it will be dispatched the same day or the next day depending on the time the order was placed. If you wish to cancel your order after it has been dispatched, you will be charged for both delivery and collection cost.
If you are unavailable when our delivery partner tries to deliver your order, they will usually try to deliver again the next working day or they will drop a card in to offer you a collection from a local collection point. If you should refuse delivery of goods, or are not available to accept the delivery on both delivery attempts, you will be required to cover any extra costs incurred. Royal Mail staff sometimes leave parcels with a neighbour or in an outbuilding or at the rear of the property. If a parcel is too large to go through the letter box they may return it to the local sorting office and may not leave a card advising you. First Class may take up to 4 days, Second class may take up to 10 days delivery time. Please check there first before reporting non delivery.
All quoted delivery prices are for most UK Mainland addresses. Northern Ireland (BT), Isle of Wight (PO30-37), Isle of Man (IM), Scottish Highlands and Orkney Isles (PA, ML, EH, KA, G, KY, PH, DD, AB, IV, KW), Outer Hebrides and the Shetland Isles (HS, ZE), Channel Islands (JE and GY) will incur additional charges and may also experience delivery delays; morning, Saturday and "next working day" deliveries are optional and will also incur additional charges.
We will only deliver goods to the address on the order.
Due to postal restrictions we are unable to send liquids and aerosol products by Royal Mail . Some Couriers also refuse to take such products.
Returns
In accordance with your statutory rights as a consumer, claims for refunds, replacements or repairs will be offered, provided proof of purchase is produced, as applicable if goods are found to:
- Not be of satisfactory quality
- Not be fit for the purpose for which they were sold
- Not correspond with their description
- Not correspond with a sample on display , and/or
- Be sold without good title
The cost of returning goods under the rights above will be borne by us if any of these situations is found to apply. No refunds can be made until the goods have been returned and assessed.
Goods returned to us as faulty which are found not to be faulty will incur a handling charge and return postage costs.
In addition, under the Distance Selling Regulations 2000, when you buy goods over the internet (or other distance medium) you have the right to cancel your contract at any time up to 7 working days after the receipt. You must notify us of your intention to cancel the contract under these provisions, within the cancellation period and preferably in writing. You must take reasonable care of the goods whilst in your possession, and they must be returned promptly and as far as is practicable in their original condition and packaging. You are entitled to remove the goods from their packaging for reasonable examination but you may be liable for any loss of value resulting from any damage or alteration to the goods or packaging caused whilst in your possession.
Goods supplied in kit form must be returned with all component bags unopened. If the kit has been started or any of the component bags have been opened we are unable to make a refund as we can not check that all parts are present.
The cost of returning goods under these provisions is to be borne by you and we strongly advise you to return goods valued at under £39.00 (The Post Office's standard compensation) by Recorded Delivery and retain the proof of posting. For higher value items we advise that you insure the goods for their full value during return transit.
Please note that certain goods are exempt from the cancellation rights detailed above, such as goods made specifically to order and perishable goods. Items such as magazines, catalogues and CD/DVDs are also excluded.
We ask that you examine all goods delivered as soon as reasonably practicable after delivery and notify us of any problem with the goods as soon as possible.
We will have a claim against our Couriers for any items they damage in transit to you and therefore we request that you keep all packaging with the goods in order to ensure such a claim is not invalidated. The Courier will require a signature on delivery, and the package should be examined for signs of external damage at that point and the Courier advised on the delivery sheet. Items despatched by Courier should arrive within 4 days. All claims for non delivery of Courier despatched parcels must be notified promptly so the Courier can investigate. You will normally be sent a tracking number for courier delivered items.
Goods sent by First Class Royal mail can take up to 5 days to arrive. Goods sent by Second class mail can take up to 10 days to arrive. Goods sent overseas including Northern Ireland may take longer. Postmen sometimes leave parcels with a neighbour, or in an outbuilding or at the rear of the property or even in a dustbin.. Parcels too large to go through the letter box may be returned to the local sorting office (and the Postman does not always leave a card) Please check with your local sorting office first before contacting us about a non delivery.
The above statements are not intended to be a full indication of all your rights as a consumer. Details of your rights when buying goods over the internet, and otherwise, are available from your local Trading Standards Dept and/or Consumer Direct.
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