First rate packaging of my car and Modelcars handled my order in an expedient manner. No issues with their services.
SKU:
A11009
Level 4 Model Kit Fairey Gannet COD.4 Aircraft with 3 Scheme Options 1/48 Plastic Model Kit by Airfix
$104.95
1
Person
Is
Looking At This Right Now!
Out of Stock
Fast Shipping
30-Day Returns
Secure Checkout
Product Details
- Brand new plastic model kit of Fairey Gannet COD.4 Aircraft with 3 Scheme Options (Level 4) 1/48 plastic model kit by Airfix.
- Brand new box.
- Vintage style packaging.
- Officially licensed product.
- Contains 245 detailed parts.
- Does NOT include display stand.
- Paint and cement required (not included).
- Manufacturer's original unopened packaging.
- Parts molded in Light Gray, unless otherwise indicated.
- Includes decals to design the plane in 3 different schemes.
- Dimensions approximately L-11.5, W-13.5 inches assembled.
HISTORY ASPECTS:
The Fairey Gannet COD.4 was a specialized variant of the Royal Navy’s carrier-borne anti-submarine aircraft, adapted for Carrier Onboard Delivery duties. Originally developed in the early 1950s, the Gannet featured a distinctive double Mamba turboprop engine arrangement, which allowed one or both engines to be operated through a single propeller gearbox—an innovative design for fuel efficiency and reliability at sea. The COD.4 version replaced the anti-submarine warfare equipment with cargo space, enabling the transport of mail, spare parts, personnel, and other essential supplies between ships and shore bases. This capability was critical in maintaining fleet readiness during long deployments.
In 1969, 849 Naval Air Squadron operated the Gannet COD.4 from the deck of HMS Hermes, the Royal Navy’s Centaur-class aircraft carrier. While Hermes’ primary role during this period was centered around fleet exercises and operational readiness in the Cold War environment, the Gannet COD.4 played a vital logistical role. These missions often involved shuttling urgent supplies across the Mediterranean and the Atlantic, ensuring the carrier group could remain at sea for extended periods. Though the COD.4 was not designed for combat, its service supported operations indirectly in areas of heightened geopolitical tension, including deployments related to British commitments east of Suez and NATO readiness in European waters.
The Fairey Gannet saw its operational career span several decades, serving in different roles including anti-submarine warfare (AS.1/AS.4), electronic countermeasures (AEW.3), and COD operations. While the COD.4 did not see direct combat, it was part of the logistical lifeline that allowed Royal Navy carriers like HMS Hermes to operate effectively during the tail end of Britain’s global naval presence. By the early 1970s, COD.4 operations were gradually phased out as newer aircraft and changing carrier roles reshaped the Fleet Air Arm, but the Gannet remained an iconic symbol of post-war British naval aviation.
This 1:48 scale model captures the unique lines and distinctive engineering of this classic Royal Navy aircraft. With finely reproduced details, authentic squadron markings, and accurate paint schemes, it offers collectors and aviation enthusiasts a faithful tribute to one of the most unconventional yet essential aircraft of Britain’s carrier era.
Shipping and Returns
Orders are processed and shipped within 1 business day. Depending on your location, packages take 2 to 7 business days for transit in the Continental United States.
Ordered the wrong model? Didn't like the decals? We want to be sure you get exactly what you want.
- Contact us and let us know which item you need to return or exchange.
- We will give you an RA number. Be sure to write this on the outside of the shipping box.
- Send the return to the address we provide, and you're done!
Richard S.
Great selection on your site and loving the idea of getting free shipping!
Why ModelCars.com?
In a market full of broken promises, we keep it simple. What you see is what you get, every single time.
Built for Builders & Collectors
From your first kit to your 500th model.
15,000+ Models & Supplies
If it exists in scale, we probably have it.
Fast, Reliable Shipping
If it's in stock, it ships. No surprises.
Real Support
Real people. Real help when you need it.
Easy Returns
Simple returns if something isn't right.
Carefully Packed
We protect every detail so it reaches you safely.
Trusted by 6,000+ hobbyists
Real reviews from real builders and collectors.
Shipping and delivery was as good as the company had stated, received both models in good shape on time.
Arrived promptly in as advertised condition. Excellent quality and addition to my scale collection. terrific seller
I've bought many models from them, and when I made a mistake, Dan from customer service was prompt, courteous, and very helpful.
Questions, Answered Honestly.
A model kit comes unassembled on plastic sprues (the frames that hold the parts). You cut, glue, and paint the pieces yourself, it's a hands-on building experience that can take anywhere from a few hours to several evenings. A diecast car is a pre-built, pre-painted metal collectible ready for display straight out of the box. Both are scaled replicas, but kits are for builders who enjoy the process, and diecast is for collectors who want a finished showpiece.
Scale is the size ratio compared to the real vehicle:
1:12 — About 14". Museum-level detail, large display piece.
1:18 — About 10". Most popular collector scale. Often features opening doors, hood, and trunk.
1:24 / 1:25 — About 7". Most popular kit-building scale. Great balance of detail and size.
1:32 / 1:43 — About 4–5". Compact, ideal for larger collections.
1:64 — Hot Wheels size. Perfect for collecting by the dozens.
1:87 — Smallest. Typically used with model train layouts.
Choose based on your display space, detail preference, and whether you're building a collection or a single showcase piece.
Start with a snap-together kit, no glue or paint required. Revell and AMT both make great beginner kits in 1:25 scale, rated skill level 1 or 2. Pick a car you love, that motivation makes the build more enjoyable. Once you're comfortable, move to a cement-assembly kit with basic paint. We carry beginner kits starting under $20. Check our Beginner's Guide for step-by-step recommendations including your first tools, paints, and techniques.
It depends on the kit and your preference:
- Acrylic (water-based) — Beginner-friendly, easy cleanup, low odor. Tamiya and Vallejo are popular choices.
- Enamel — Smoother finish, longer drying time, requires mineral spirits. Testors is the classic choice for Revell kits.
- Lacquer — Dries fastest, hardest finish, requires good ventilation. Tamiya TS spray cans are lacquer-based.
Important: Don't mix paint types on the same surface without a primer coat between them. Every paint listing on our site clearly shows the type and compatible brands.
Skill levels help you choose the right kit:
Level 1 — Snap-together, no glue or paint needed. Great for kids and absolute beginners.
Level 2 — Simple glue assembly, minimal painting.
Level 3 (Intermediate) — Standard cement assembly with painting. Most kits fall here.
Level 4 & 5 (Advanced) — Complex builds with many parts and detailed painting. For experienced modelers.
We display the skill level on every kit listing, so you can make an informed choice.
Every product we sell is 100% authentic. We source directly from authorized distributors and carry genuine products from over 60 brands including Tamiya, Revell, AMT, AUTOart, Maisto, Bburago, Hot Wheels, Greenlight, and many more. No counterfeits, no gray-market imports, no relabeled products.
All orders ship within 1 business day. If a product shows "In Stock" on our site, it's ready to go, no backorder surprises, no ghost inventory. Delivery typically takes 3–7 business days within the US. You'll receive a tracking number via email as soon as your order leaves our facility.
Orders over $99 ship free within the United States. For orders under $99, shipping is calculated at checkout based on package weight and your location. We also ship to Canada, though international rates vary. A progress bar in your cart shows how close you are to the free shipping threshold.
Yes, we ship to Canada. Rates are calculated at checkout. International orders may be subject to customs duties and import taxes (buyer's responsibility). Delivery to Canada typically takes 7–14 business days. For other destinations, contact us to discuss options.
Every order is double-boxed with bubble wrap, the product box is wrapped and cushioned inside a larger shipping box. For fragile or high-value diecast models, we add extra padding. Our customers consistently mention our packaging quality as a reason they come back.
Yes. If a product shows "In Stock," it is in our warehouse and ready to ship. We do not list items as available if they're on backorder or in transit from a supplier. We know how frustrating it is to order something marked "in stock" only to get a backorder notice days later, that doesn't happen here.
Yes. Once your order ships, you'll receive an email with a tracking number and link to follow your package in real time. You can also log into your account to view order status at any time.
We offer a 30-day return window from the date of delivery. Items must be in original, unopened condition. For opened kits or diecast with damaged packaging, contact us, we handle these case-by-case and always try to find a fair solution.
If your item arrives damaged, contact us right away with photos of the damage (both product and shipping box). We'll send a replacement or issue a full refund, no runaround, no fighting. If we shipped it, we take responsibility for it arriving safely.
Email us at customerservice@modelcars.com. We're real people, not bots, not an outsourced call center. You'll get a personal response, typically within 24 hours. We pride ourselves on making things right when issues come up.
Contact us immediately and we'll ship the correct item right away, at no cost to you. We'll also provide a prepaid return label for the incorrect item. You won't pay a cent to fix our mistake.
We strive to offer competitive pricing across our 25,000+ products. While we don't have a formal price-match guarantee, reach out to us if you find a lower price on an identical in-stock item at another authorized retailer. We'd rather earn your business than lose it over a few dollars.
We're actively exploring ways to reward repeat customers. Right now, the best way to save is through our free shipping over $99 threshold and our sale and clearance section. Sign up for our email list to be the first to know about exclusive deals and any future loyalty program.
Still have questions?
Our team responds within 24 hours. Real people, real answers.
