RAF S.E.5a Balsa Wood Aircraft

Military aircraft are often popular choices for models as they tend to have a very distinctive appearance and come with a unique history that appeals to both model builders and aircraft enthusiasts. The RAF S.E.5 were a series of fighter aircraft built for World War One by the Royal Aircraft Factory, and have been described as being the ‘Spitfire of World War One’. They helped Allied forces maintain air superiority along with the arguably more famous ‘Sopwith Camel’ (which found its way into mainstream recognition through the ‘Biggles’ series of adventure books).

Less than a hundred S.E.5 were produced, before the more refined S.E.5a model with a superior engine was commonly adopted. In the end, over 5000 S.E.5a aircraft were produced.

This lovely little model actually flies when assembled, as it comes with a ‘rubber band engine’ (you wind the propeller to twist the band tight, which then rapidly spins the propeller in the other direction when released). A great gift for older children or young-at-heart adults, and makes a fantastic decoration piece displayed in any room, or a fun activity with a bit of space outdoors.

• Age: 14+
• Size: 53cm x 13cm x 5.5cm
• Contents: Everything you need