Revell 1/48 Stearman Aerobatic Biplane – Classic Civil & Airshow Aviation Model Kit

Celebrate the golden era of open-cockpit aviation and high-flying barnstorming thrills with this authentic quarter-scale replica of America's beloved aerobatic biplane. Originating in the 1930s as the rugged Boeing Model 75 "Kaydet," the Stearman trained tens of thousands of military aviators for both the U.S. Army Air Corps and U.S. Navy throughout World War II. Following its military service, the dependable biplane discovered a thrilling second life across American skies, becoming a legendary favorite for aerobatic demonstrations, airshows, and wing-walking teams due to its exceptional low-speed agility and robust airframe. This Revell 1/48 scale model kit delivers a rewarding building experience, capturing the biplane's signature fabric-over-frame ribs, dual open cockpits, and aerodynamic wheel spats. Complete with an intricate radial engine, detailed tubular interior cockpit cage, and full rigging diagram guide, this classic kit transforms into a vibrant centerpiece for any vintage civil aviation or classic airshow collection. Key Features & Specifications Classic Fabric Wing Replication: Authentic rib tape and scalloped fabric surface detailing molded across the upper and lower staggered wings. Open-Air Dual Cockpit: Detailed tandem cockpit tub featuring dual flight seats, control sticks, foot pedals, and instrument panels set inside an exposed fuselage truss framework. Exposed Radial Engine: Crisply molded multi-cylinder radial powerplant with a speed cowl and chrome-plated two-blade propeller. Aerodynamic Airshow Landing Gear: Fixed main landing gear assemblies fitted with streamlined teardrop wheel pants (spats) and steerable tail wheel. Air Devils Stunt Markings: High-quality waterslide decal sheet featuring the colorful "Air Devils Stunt Wing Walkers" aerobatic scheme with intricate red scallops and registration numbers. Rigging Wire Layout Guide: Comprehensive factory instruction diagram detailing scale rigging wire lengths and anchor points for authentic tension-wire installation. What’s in the Box? Precision-Molded Polystyrene Sprues: 67 parts molded in clean light gray plastic containing upper and lower wings, fuselage halves, struts, and engine components. Chrome-Plated Components: Mirror-finish chrome tree featuring the central propeller hub and exterior dress-up details. Clear Transparent Components: Individual windscreen glazings for the front and rear open cockpits. Waterslide Decal Sheet: Authentic airshow livery markings, scalloped trim, side logos, and cockpit instrument panel dials. Illustrated Assembly Instructions: Step-by-step visual diagram booklet including complete rigging wire plans and dual-color paint layout guides. Technical Product Details Manufacturer: Revell Product Number: 85-5269 (REV855269) Scale: 1:48 Subject Type: Civil Aviation / Historical / Aerobatic Biplane Skill Level: Level 3 Model Dimensions: Length: 6.125 in (15.5 cm) | Wingspan: 8.1875 in (20.8 cm) Packaging Dimensions: 12.0 in L x 7.5 in W x 1.6 in D Age Recommendation: 12 Years and above Assembly Requirements: Unassembled plastic model kit; liquid plastic cement and model paints sold separately Tips: Cockpit Truss Sub-Assembly: Paint the internal framework, seats, and forward/aft instrument panels completely prior to trapping the tubular cockpit module inside the fuselage halves. Wing Strut Alignment: Dry-fit the N-struts and cabane struts to ensure identical dihedral angle between the upper and lower wings, using low-tack tape to brace the assembly square while the cement cures. Rigging Preparation: Pre-drill shallow 0.3mm guide holes at the strut attachment points before cementing the wings to cleanly rig fine monofilament thread or elastic line using the included rigging guide. Suggested Colors (Revell Paint Match) Classic Cream / Off-White: Primary fuselage, tail fin, and upper/lower wing surfaces. Gloss Red: Cowling trim, fuselage scallop striping, wing struts, and wheel spats. Flat Black: Cockpit floorboards, instrument facings, and tires. Aluminum / Steel: Radial engine cylinders, exhaust collector ring, and internal framework. Clear Green & Clear Red: Wingtip navigation position lights. Relive the excitement of classic airshow barnstorming and add the Revell 1/48 Stearman Aerobatic Biplane to your modeling workbench today.