The Speedbirds Collection features aircraft that won the prestigious Schneider Trophy from 1913-1931, rendered in 1/35th scale gorgeously hand painted miniatures.
The Coupe d'Aviation Maritime Jacques Schneider, commonly called the Schneider Trophy or Schneider Prize (sometimes it is incorrectly referred to as the Schneider Cup, which is an entirely different prize), was a trophy awarded annually to the winner of a race for seaplanes and flying boats. The race was significant in advancing aeroplane design, particularly in the fields of aerodynamics and engine design, and would show its results in the best fighters of WW2. The streamlined shape and the low drag, liquid-cooled engine pioneered by Schneider Trophy designs are obvious in the British Supermarine Spitfire, the American P-51 Mustang, and the Italian Macchi C.202 Folgore.
The Schneider Trophy itself has been entrusted to the Royal Aero Club and can be viewed along with the winning Supermarine S.6B floatplane at the London Science Museum Flight exhibition hall on Exhibition Road in South Kensington, London.
Due to the smaller scale of these incredibly detailed aeronautical marvels, no pilots or other figures are planned to accompany them.
Schneider Prize Winning Aircraft