*(200-1-98) BARNSTORMER CUSTOMISING KIT,1960
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BARNSTORMING CUSTOMISING KIT (200-1-98), 1960
THIS rare combination featured two of Aurora's larger WWI model kits in a big, bright box representing Barnstorming biplanes that were very much in vogue in the USA during the 'Roaring Twenties'. Scores of war-surplus Jennys in particular enjoyed lengthy post-war careers as joyriders; inaugurating airmail flights; private training hacks; performing aerobatics and barnstorming... Plenty of flickering cine reels and old photos show these aircraft with daredevils cambering between the struts; safelyhanging from undercarriages and rope ladders and playing mock tennis on the upper wing-all the while relying on their skilled pilots to keep them aloft. With such stunts in mind Aurora repackaged two of their popular two-seaters: the DH4 and JN-4-in a special set with new colours and new customising decals. The DH-4 was now in bright yellow plastic and the Jenny resplendent in metallic green, both retaining their original military embossed markings making problems for those adding any of the new decal designs! Still, it's a fairly rare item now and attractively packaged thanks to the talents of Jo Kotula, Aurora's resident artist. Our example is in VGC with all plastic content in mint shape, although the fanciful decal sheets have yellowed with the passage of time...
AURORA doubled-up their WWI kits only occasionally and the most dramatic of all was a 'Barnstormer' re-boxing of the original de Havilland DH-4 ( Kit No, 112) with the equally scarce Curtiss JN-4 Jenny ( Kit No, 114) as a special two-in-one set. Both of them were identical to the original issues aside from the colours of the main parts. The DH-4 was presented in a deep lemon yellow plastic, whilst the Jenny was moulded in lurid metallic malachite green which was strangely attractive. Black 'accessory' runners remained the same for each. Separate instruction sheets were provided along with large-area decals for 'customising'. Aurora missed a trick here by providing outlandish decor of their own rather than genuine period Barnstormer liveries-examples of which were many and varied. Now yellowed with age both sheets are of questionable value especially since both kits' original etched military markings remain on the mouldings! Nevertheless, this odd-ball pairing did enable modellers to obtain the rare DH-4 and even scarcer JN-4 if they had missed them the first time around-and for a little under two dollars. The unique package did not linger long on stockists' shelves however being withdrawn a year following release:as a result becoming a relatively rare boxing much sought after by collectors and completists. Our example is in very good condition with all parts accounted for and all in perfect condition. The box is reasonably well preserved with its lower tray and separator being repaired with period gummed paper strips to preserve some errant edges-but the lid is fine. Despite Jo Kotula's spirited and colourful box art,no wing-walking figures were provided in the kit and no rope ladders either!
