Noticias y novedades para coleccionistas

Airfix Tiger Moth vs. BE2c: Choosing a Small Biplane Kit

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Two alternative painted Tiger Moth examples for Airfix 1:72 kit A02106A; one aircraft kit is supplied

Choose the Tiger Moth for the smaller finished footprint, or the BE2c for that specific aircraft and a wider 1:72 biplane display. Both have relatively short parts lists, but supporting struts and small components mean neither should be selected on part count alone.

Compare Airfix biplane kits

Tiger Moth A02106A: a compact project

The de Havilland Tiger Moth A02106A contains 42 listed parts and two marking schemes. Its approximate assembled dimensions are 4 inches long by 4.875 inches across.

That footprint suits a small display area or a collection of compact aircraft. The parts will also be small, so consider handling and painting comfort before choosing it for a first project.

The photograph shows two differently finished examples to illustrate the choices. It is not a twin pack of completed Tiger Moths, and the plastic parts do not arrive with either illustrated finish applied.

BE2c AIRA02101F: a wider alternative

The Royal Aircraft Factory BE2c, supplier item AIRA02101F, lists 54 parts and two decal schemes. Its approximate size is 4.52 inches long by 6.14 inches across.

Choose it because BE2c is the subject you want, not simply because both aircraft have two wings. The same scale makes a more coherent comparison on a display shelf, while their different outlines and dimensions remain part of their individual identities.

What the extra twelve parts do not tell you

The BE2c has twelve more listed parts than the Tiger Moth. That difference does not establish an exact difficulty gap or additional number of building hours.

For either kit, study how the lower wing, upper wing and supporting struts locate. Keep left and right parts organized and check the structure before the adhesive sets. Fewer parts cannot compensate for a wing attached in the wrong position.

Rigging can add another finishing task to a biplane project. Decide whether you intend to add it and confirm the instructions and required materials. Neither checked contents list establishes a complete supplied rigging-and-jig package.

Choose a finish you are ready to paint

Both kits require paint and model cement separately. Select one of the included schemes before buying colors or attaching any scheme-dependent details.

Consider access between the wings and around the struts. Work through the painting sequence before closing off those spaces, following the instructions rather than assuming everything can be painted comfortably at the end.

For a first biplane, a controlled, clean finish can be a more achievable goal than copying every detail from an elaborate display photograph. The kit choice should support the project you actually want to complete.

Display and gifting checks

The BE2c's quoted span is approximately 1.265 inches greater than the Tiger Moth's. Leave extra clearance around both models; the dimensions are not a guaranteed case fit.

No display stand is included in the checked listings. A small footprint can make either an appealing gift project, but confirm that the recipient wants assembly work, has suitable supplies and can handle the small parts.

Choose Tiger Moth for its compact size and exact subject, or BE2c for that aircraft's identity. For help separating size from skill level, read the first Airfix project guide.

Find your next Airfix biplane build

Catalog checked September 23, 2026. Dimensions are approximate. No hands-on alignment or rigging comparison is claimed.

Current Muncle Mikes Airfix examples

These are current products related to the guide. Use each listing for the exact edition, scale, contents and availability.