1/700 Short Stirling Mk.I RAF Heavy Bomber - (x2) 3D Printed - Superb!

Description

NO RESERVE. We're offering here two beautifully detailed 1/700 scale Short Stirling Mark I heavy bomber models that have just come out of the 3D printer! The Stirling was the largest British bomber of the Second World War and the first four engine 'heavy' to see service with Bomber Command. Interestingly, the design specification issued for the Stirling limited its wingspan to fit the size of the hangars of the day and greatly compromised its performance at high altitudes. While its career as an operational bomber was relatively short (most having been withdrawn as frontline bombers by the end of 1943), the Stirling was an amazing airplane that flew over 14,500 Bomber Command sorties and dropped 27,000 tons of bombs. From the spring of 1942 the number of starlings in service began to increase and from May 1943, raids on Germany were often conducted by over a hundred Stirling bombers at a time. Stirlings were amongst the RAF bombers used in the first 1,000 bomber raid against Cologne. In the words 214 Squadron pilot Murray Peden, it was "one of the finest aircraft ever built". In fact, in addition to being able to take punishment to a great extent, it was capable of actually out-turning some of the German night fighters like Me 110s and Ju 88s!
After withdrawal as a front line bomber, the Stirling was used for mining of German ports and new and converted aircraft also flew as glider tugs and supply aircraft during the Allied invasion of Europe during 1944-1945. 2,371 of all variants were built before production ended in 1942. None survive.
The Stirling Mk.I was previously offered in 1/700 scale as a very fine resin model by WEM although these are almost impossible to find today. We believe that the detail of this 3D printed model compares very favorably with the WEM model and, in fact, likely surpasses it by a good measure. We've posted high resolution photos so
you can judge for yourself. The Stirling is a HUGE airplane that dwarfed both of its contemporaries, the Lancaster and Halifax.
While photography of these little gems is a challenge for our equipment and limited skills, check out the well proportioned and accurately detailed canopy, engines, and turrets. Note that this model has a small hole in the bottom of the fuselage that should be perfect for wargamers that wish to mount these on stands. In fact, the "in flight" photos were made with the model supported by a small plastic rod or a sewing needle inserted into the hole.
The surfaces are not perfectly smooth (3D printing is done in layers) but the plastic used can be sanded and painted much the same way you would handle resin or styrene. The models may still have some powder and oil-like agent on them that needs to be removed by washing in warm water with a drop of detergent added to it. While the landing gear is represented in the retracted in-flight position, it should be fairly straight forward to add photo etch parts for a "gear down" rendition, perfect for an air base diorama.
These beautiful Stirling models should be a welcome addition to any WW2 wargamer's or 1/700 modeler's collection, particularly those interested in the early war Bomber Command operations. Please take a look at the other 1/700 scale aircraft models that we have on auction this week as well. We're always happy to combine shipping for multiple purchases to save whenever possible. Please don't hesitate to contact us if you have any questions whatsoever.