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If you want to look at a VC10 the number of places you can go is limited, the next option would be a nice photo on the wall and of course you could also choose a scale model. Kit models: Metal scale models: Desktop models When the VC10 first emerged model maker Airfix was quick to issue a kit in BOAC colors, but obviously finding an example of that these days will not be easy. I've heard that they sometimes do show up on Ebay, but obviously only for outrageous sums of money. In later years Airfix reissued the kit as a VC10 K2 Tanker, and also as a civil British Airways version. Both kits for some reason lack the large inboard wing fences that are so prominent on the real aircraft, an omission still present in the 2003 re-release!
Both of the original civil and tanker versions are a hard to find item these days, but fortunately for the modellers amongst us the summer of 2003 saw the re-issue of this kit with new artwork and decals. It is now available at a reasonable price, for more details visit the Airfix website and look for model number 04026.
The next option is Welsh models. This company produces vacuform kits with additional metal parts, enough material for a good-looking model in the hands of a skilled modeller. If you're only used to injection-moulded kits these kits look daunting, but I've been told that it's not that tricky! I've found examples of a BOAC Super VC10 and a VC10 K3/K4 Tanker in a local shop, but for more details visit the website http://www.welshmodels.co.uk. I think that 'short body' versions used to exist in their product range, but I'm not sure if they are still available. A striking detail is that the decals for the BOAC version show registrations G-ARVB and G-ASGA, a Standard and a Super! Perhaps the same decal sheet serves both version. The models I've found were numbered SL38A for the BOAC version, and PJW56 for the RAF version. According to the Welsh models website only the RAF K3/K4 Tanker version is currently available (January 2006). A new search of the Welsh models website shows that kit number SL38 is now available with EAA decals as well as the K3/K4 kit (PJW56). Also there is a new kit number (SL137) which enables you to build a BOAC Super (May 2007).
Apparently, as I found out through a search on Ebay, there is a 1/72 scale kit for a VC10. I've only been able to find the images below which shows an Airways Vac Form kit for a RAF C Mk.1 version in the grey/white scheme. I'm guessing that this is an old kit which is not available anymore through regular channels.
Apart from building a kit model as per the included instructions, various firms offer additional parts and decals to create an individual favourite scheme or version. Conversion parts: To improve the detailing of your kit, or to convert it to a different version, Bra.Z Models offers a few resin kits with VC10 parts.
Decals: Decal sheets for 1/144 scale kits are available from two main suppliers: F-DCAL and TwoSixDecals.
Metal Scale Models - Heathrow Models For the less-skilled enthusiast or those that appreciate the aesthetics of metal models there are other options that provide instant results. A good place to start if you are in the UK is the Collectors Aircraft Models shop which can be found at Heathrow Airport. This shop specialises in aircraft models and usually stocks VC10 models from various manufacturers. All models can be ordered through their website at http://www.collectorsaircraft.com. Update (January 2006): Judging by the CAM shop website this range of models is no longer available. I suspect that the 'Skyline models' range of VC10s which is currently being sold is a rebranded version of the Heathrow Models VC10 and Super VC10. The first manufacturer is 'Heathrow Models'. These 1/200 scale models were available in several civil and RAF liveries.
Metal Scale Models - British Classic Aircraft Update (January 2006): Judging by the CAM shop website this range of models is no longer available. I have not been able to find another source for these models. The second manufacturer is British Classic Aircraft, also available from the Collectors Aircraft Models shop. These larger models (about 45cm / 18inch) are made to be displayed on a desktop stand and are available in three civil liveries.
Metal Scale Models - Aero Mini Around 1973 the company Aero Mini produced VC10 models produced in Japan by Masudaya. In 2003 I was able to take the photos below of an example that was then for sale at the local Aviation Megastore. The scale is approximately 1/250 and the model features a retractable undercarriage. I guess that examples might be available on the collector's market but they would be pricy.
Photos J. Hieminga, with thanks to Marcel v/d Willik Metal Scale Models - Skyline Models The abovementioned Heathrow models seems to be out of business, with their place taken over by Skyline models. A range of 20 different civil and military liveries are available on both Super and Standard VC10s in 1/200 scale. For more information see the CAM shop website through the link below and search for 'VC-10' (please note that the hyphen, although incorrect, needs to be used here to get the wanted results).
Metal Scale Models - Gemini Jets In October 2006 Gemini Jets announced that they would add the Super VC10 to their 1/400 scale model range with a BA and EAA Super VC10. The models are: British Airways Super VC10 G-ASGP and East African Airways Super VC10 5H-MOG. Both modeled in 1/400 scale from metal and priced at $29,95 each, this will give you a model which is just over 13 cm long (5 inch). These models should now be available from your trusted aircraft model retailer. The list of November/December releases also saw the addition of RAF C Mk.1 XV104 in the '40 years' anniversary livery, and BOAC Standard VC10 G-ARVH.
Images from Gemini Jets website In 2007 the list of available Gemini Jets VC10s has expanded rapidly. All released and/or announced models are listed below:
For a while they also listed a 1/250 scale British Airways Super VC10 model. This was the result of a project where Corgi and Gemini would work together on a VC10 model in this scale but this never progressed beyond a pre-production model. Metal Scale Models - Corgi Aviation Archive Ever since Corgi started their Aviation Archive range, they have been a favourite to produce a VC10 model. Next to their Britannia and 707 models in 1/144 scale, a VC10 certainly wouldn't look out of place. Sadly though this has still not happened. Corgi is currently focusing on military models and it appears that a new mould for a civil model is therefore out of the question. In the 2004 catalogue a hopeful note was added at the end, announcing a VC10 model by mid-2005! This was partly due to their brief partnership with Gemini, who were already producing metal models in 1/400 scale and are adding the 1/250 scale to their range. Looking at their DC-8 models in this scale they would certainly be a good choice for this task. Although the Gemini 1/250 VC10 is still listed on the CAM shop website, there is still no sign of it on the horizon. There is a VC10 model available from Corgi though, since their Corgi Collectable range features the '100 years of flight' collection which includes a VC10. Branded as 'The Corgi Collection' in 2006, this range is designed to a generic size, rather than a set scale, which means that the Hawker Hurricane is larger than the VC10. The model itself is available in BOAC and RAF C Mk.1 colours and has a wingspan of 96 millimeters. For 2006 British Caledonian and RAF C1K (gray scheme) versions are added. Images taken from the 2006 brochure are added below. It is worth noting that these models suffer from some very course detailing, and due to their size and this fact are perhaps nearer the 'toy' range than the serious collector's range.
In 2006 this situation changed with the news emerging that Corgi would be issuing a 1/144 scale VC10 model. Although unofficial, the Tricatus website had preview photos available in October of a VC10 model in the 1/144 range. At first this model will be available in three different guises with release dates spread throughout 2007. Knowing Corgi, more color schemes could of course become available at a later date. The options as they now stand are:
The inclusion of G-ARVM as part of the BA Heritage collection seemed bit odd to me as the former British Airways collection at RAF Cosford had just fallen apart amidst cries of protest from many supporters, and 'VM itself had just been partially scrapped, with the fuselage saved and moved to Brooklands. On the other hand having this model become available is a fitting tribute to this great airliner. The three models should become available in February, October and July 2007 respectively. In late 2007 news ermerged that a fourth model would become available:
By now the first of the line, XV107 as detailed above, is available in the shops and the other models will become available later in 2008.
Images from www.Tricatus.co.uk Metal Scale Models - Inflight 500 This line is available in shops now, offering Super VC10 models of an EAA and BOAC aircraft in 1/500 scale. A British Airways Super VC10 will be available in the future.
Metal Scale Models - AeroClassics This brand focuses on 1/400 scale diecast models of older airliner types and they have produced VC10 models on and off throughout their history. Currently the VC10 models are showing as 'sold out' on the company's website, the model range consists mainly of BOAC and BA schemed examples with some small runs of small airlines also having been produced. Information on the various models is available on the website, see below.
This new (to me) brand offers a 1/400 scale model of a RAF Standard VC10 in the grey scheme. Their website doesn't offer much info but apparently a hemp coloured K2 will also become available. Briefly in 2007 they also supplied a model of Omani A4O-AB but that one probably sold out rather quickly as I am not able to find it again in the shops. The quality and finishing of these models is similar to Gemini Jets but because of smaller production runs the prices are a bit higher.
Desktop Models - Charlie Bravo Models Although mainly French oriented, this company also offers mahogany desktop models in 1/72 scale of the VC10. So far three options have been shown on the Aviation Megastore website: BOAC, British Airways or EAA Super VC10. These models are fully painted and assembled and come with a display stand.
Desktop Models - Bravo Delta Models This company offers high quality hand-crafted wooden display models in 1/120 scale, fully painted and with a display stand. A BOAC VC10 is available through the CAM shop website. Desktop Models - Atlantic Models Visitor R. Brown sent me a message with photos of a model he bought from Atlantic Models. It is made from solid resin with decals in 1/100 scale and includes such small details as windscreen wipers.
Photos copyright R. Brown If the options above don't satisfy you, we'll move on to the next step. A real eyecatcher would be an old (restored preferably) travel agent model. These cannot be bought outright, you'll have to look on Ebay or deal with another collector to get one. The photo below shows an example, with some details.
Another eyecatcher would be a wooden handcrafted (unpainted finish) model. The company Planecraft produces these, their website has more details.
The last option to have a really special VC10 model on your desktop is provided by Stellar Images, they create aircraft models from stained glass. I have been unable to find a photo of the VC10 model they produce, but their website provides plenty of examples of other aircraft types.
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