So I am about to embark upon my next build adventure, Italeri's 1:72 Stirling Mk.IV, and As.51 Horsa Mk.I to recreate the glider tug and pay tribute to the role they played during D-Day. The first kit I'm using is the Stirling Mk.IV, the Short Sterling was the RAF's first heavy bomber to be used during World War Two. The Mk.IV was adapted as a glider tug and used to tow Horsa and Hamilcar gliders.
The box includes 5 excellently detailed sprues, as well as a clear sprue and Pe parts.
There are 4 different colour schemes, with accompanying decals. I am planning to go with the scheme of 299 Squadron which flew from RAF Keevil, and could have towed the Horsa I am planning to build.
The second kit, the AS. 51 Horsa Mk.I in contrast is minimal in parts and appearance. The box contains 2 sprues (with very little detail, as you probably would expect on a glider) and a clear sprue.
There is also a sprue of Paratroopers (although I am not planning on using them for this project). The colour scheme and decals are that of the Horsa used in Operation "Tonga" Pegasus bridge 1944. I am planning on building them in flight, with the Stirling towing the Horsa, for that I will be adding small stands, but apart from this adaptation they will be out of the box builds. It's going to be a long build but I'm very excited about the work ahead.