Aurora Albatross D-3 - (Albatros DIII), 1/48, 104-69
Plastic Model Kit, Box Condition: Good
$59
Rare. Please note, this is a 'Famous Fighters' logo, first box art issue kit WITHOUT the Parents' Magazine Logo and a 69 cent price extension. This is the first time I have seen a FF original art version with no PM logo with a 69 cent price extension. Just when you think you have Aurora figured out, another variation comes along! That would make this the true third issue of this kit - only three issues have the 69 cent extension and are from 1956 and 1957. This kit has not been factory overstamped to 79 and still shows 69 on both sides The kit is molded in gloss dark green and black. The kit has never been started. It has been inventoried complete with all parts and includes decals and instructions. The decals are 'excellent' and the instructions are near mint. Please NOTE that the box only grades 'good.' The box has good color, is very solid (including all four corners) and has no fading but there is the obvious short litho tear under the logo on the box top. Additionally, there is general wear as shown and a short piece of masking tape on each of the two long sides.
Hawk Curtiss Racer R3C-1 - One Piece Box Issue 1949 - (R3C1), 1/48, 600
Plastic Model Kit, Box Condition: Exc++
$125
For the advanced collector. This is a model kit with a fascinating history as it may be among the very first injection molded kits produced in the United States (please see the article about early USA kit production on this website). The Hawk model company was the most innovative in America and had been making constant 1/48 scale models in wood and metal since the late 1920s. During the re-run of the World's Fair in 1933, Hawk may have made the world's first injection molded airplanes models - but they were not kits. The models were completely finished and were on display for the princely sum of $25 each. The Mates brothers, who founded and ran Hawk, were quick to incorporate this new technology by adding injection molded details to the wooden kits in the late 1930s. During the war, Hawk put it's injection molding knowledge to work making ID models for the US Armed Forces. Originally there was a nation-wide program to have children and adults make these from wood, but consistency was an issue - injection molded solved this problem. Immediately after WWII in 1946, Hawk made the Curtiss Racer model injection molded in black tenite. The box was a simple one-color affair. This kit, like Varney's PT-17, met a very cool reception at hobby shops. Hawk quickly changed the box to two colors, added box artwork and molded the kit in bright yellow acetate. That was the second issue, still from 1946. By 1948/49 Hawk was using injection molded styrene plastic and still molding it in high-gloss yellow - that is this kit, the third issue. Other than the material, there are subtle changes to the box. It is still one piece but much larger, has much simpler (and larger) text on the end flaps and the box top says "All Plastic Airplane Assembly Kit" (instead of "...Construction Kit"). The box is in remarkable 'excellent++' condition with great colors, no creases, rips or tears, no splits and all 6 flaps present and 100% attached. The box has not been crushed or flattened, which is unusual as it was not very strong. Inside, the kit has never been started and has been inventoried 100% complete with all parts and instructions. The instructions are in excellent condition. Please note that Hawk did not issue decals with this issue of this kit.
Frog Blackburn Shark Torpedo Bomber - Red Series, 1/72, F179
Plastic Model Kit, Box Condition: Good++
$38
From the 1960s but very well detailed. Can be built with floats or land/carrier versions and the wings can be folded or extended. Includes markings for 3 aircraft- Portuguese Air Force, FAA HMS Courageous 1937 or a Trainer. Molded in gloss gray and clear. Never started. The parts are still in the internal factory sealed bag and includes decals and instructions.
Pavesi Fiat G-91, 1/72
Plastic Model Kit, Box Condition: Good
$44
Very rare. Pavesi was an Italian confectionery company that in the 1960s managed a series of motorway service stations. They still exist today and are famous for the "Pavesini" Biscuits. In the 1960s Pavesi had an awards program. You could accumulate points for buying certain products, then choose a prize. There were various gadgets, micro-ship models and eventually one series of four scale models. The firm of Plurex, located in Cornaredo (near Milan) was sub-contracted to make these. Plurex was an injection molder but had no experience in plastic modeling. The four Plurex aircraft were based on Airfix models but with certain changes, possibly to avoid copyright issues. They were supposed to be 1/72 scale, but different collectors have reported them as being significantly different, such as 1/82. However, it turns out that they really are 1/72 (see the notes at the end of this description). This exact issue was made as an advertisement and promotion for the Pavesi Service Stations, but there was a run of all four aircraft marketed in a transparent plastic bag with a header, exactly like the bagged Revell Air Cadet series and similar to the early Airfix kits. These issues only had the name of the subjects and not the service station and were marketed in various service stations in the Lombardy Region. Thank you to Italian model collector and historian Giampiero Grammatico for the information above! Here are the details of the actual kit pictured. The Italian text on the short box sides says (in English): "The sale of this item is strictly prohibited as part of the special offer. Complete the series of planes a unique offer for 4 perfect scale models." The other three models are A-4D Skyhawk, Mirage IIIC and Mig-21. Features very fine raised panel lines, recessed control surface lines, complete landing gear, two wing drop tanks, a clear canopy and complete decals for the box art aircraft. The model has never been started and is 100% complete with all parts, decals and instructions (on the back of the box). There is a small piece of paper inside that is in Italian which translates to: "Dear friend, for you an exceptional Pavensi offer; a beautiful Fiat Jet to assemble. Nothing should be missing ... but if you do not find a few pieces in the bag, write to this address: Ditta Plurex Via Monsignore Moneta N. 23, 20010 Cornaradeo". Today (19-7-21) I received an update from collector and historian Giampiero Grammatico - "I compared the Fiat G.91 Pavesi with the Airfix and with the 1/72 scale drawings by Richard Caruana published on the Fiat G.91R, PAN, Y monograph published in 1991. it seems clear to me that the Pavesi model turns out to be absolutely in 1/72 scale. I also compared the other three subjects with the Airfix equivalents without opening the envelopes and the results, albeit with slight differences, are dimensionally identical. At this point I would say there is no longer any doubt that the scale used by Pavesi is 1/72." Again, many thanks to Mr. Giampiero for all his help on this manufacturer.
Pegasus Albatros D-III (Oef) 53 / 153 / 253 Series, 1/72, 1027
Plastic Model Kit, Box Condition: VG+
$16
Limited run kit with cleanly molded, nicely detailed injection molded parts, many metal detail parts and decals. Never started. Factory sealed bag or 100% inventoried with all parts, decals and instructions present.
Precise Douglas Bendix Royal Canadian Air Force Sparrow II Missile For The CF-105 Arrow
Plastic Model Kit, Box Condition: VG+
$550
Very rare and historical piece from the CF-105 program weapons subcontractor, Douglas-Bendix. The Sparrow II was to be the weapons system for the supersonic CF-105 Arrow interceptor; please note the "R.C.A.F." on the body and Roundel on the fin. However, major problems prevented the Sparrow II from ever seeing operational service and played a small roll in the demise of the Arrow. Other systems were more expensive or less effective. The AWG-9 was offered, but was too costly. The Falcon was offered (and originally planned), but was not adequate. Thus this beautiful and capable aircraft was without a weapons system, which contributed to the ultimate cancellation. This very rare display model was made by Precise as a promotional item for Douglas and Bendix (the two main contractors). The missile is 6.5 inches long as is the clear base. It comes in the original shipping box with a two-sided information card on the missile. Condition is near mint - it has only been taken out of the box twice. Base upright reads 'Douglas Bendix Sparrow II'. No touch ups/repairs or cracks. Insurance required on shipping.
Hasegawa TWO Heinkel He-51B-2 or A-1 Floats Or Landing Gear - Civil or Two Luftwaffe Aircraft, 1/72, JS-053-130
Plastic Model Kit, Box Condition: VG++
$24
SALE!! Includes two builder kits, but please read carefully. Well molded float or land model with decals for three aircraft and parts for A-1 or B-2. NOTE: they have 'professional' quality subassembly as follows: Kit #1 fuselage halves with painted cockpit installed; prop assembly. Inventoried complete with all parts, decals and instructions present. Kit #2 same as kit #1 but with both main floats built also. Inventoried and NOTE: missing windshield and float skid (used only if you wish to use floats; not used on land based model). Includes all other parts, decals and instructions.
Aurora 12 O'Clock High P-51 Mustang, 1/48, 345-98
Plastic Model Kit, Box Condition: Good+
$145
Rare limited issue. Hardbox is dated 1965. Issued as a promotion with the famous TV show "12 O'Clock High," which centered on the exploits of USAAF B-17s flying over Hitler's Germany. Has many working features: detailed engine with removable cowling, full cockpit and retractable landing gear. Molded in gloss olive drab and clear. The kit has no assembly, but NOTE: the interior parts are painted with one thin coat of zinc chromate green. There is no other painting. Never started. Inventoried 100% complete with all parts, decals and instructions present. Other kits in this rare series include the B-17 Bomber Formation (3 kits with a special stand and battle-damaged decals), P-38 Lighting, ME-109 (Bf-109), P-47, B-25, B-26 and Fw-190.
Revell Eurofighter JF-90 / EFA Typhoon Prototype, 1/72, 4356
Plastic Model Kit, Box Condition: Sealed VG++
$20
Still factory sealed but the seal has split on the bottom. Dated 1988. Features structurally detailed surfaces, detailed cockpit, leading edge slats, optional position landing gear, ECM and missile loads and decals and paint guide for the prototype.
Aurora Breguet 14, 1/48, 141-98
Plastic Model Kit, Box Condition: NM-
$95
First issue dated 1963 with a 98 cent price extension and artwork by Jo Kotula. The box is in fantastic condition with like-new color and gloss, four solid corners, no repairs, no price tags or tape (not even the factory sealing tape) and no missing litho or fading. There is light general wear as shown. Never started. Inventoried 100% complete with all parts decals and instructions present.
Revell B-36 Giant Bomber - True First Issue Pre 'S' With One Piece Stand Arm, 1/184, H205-98
Plastic Model Kit, Box Condition: Good
$275
Very rare 1954 true first issue, narrow height Pre 'S' box with full background artwork. It is molded in gloss silver and clear plastic and has the early one-piece stand arm (three prongs at the top) and correct instructions showing that stand. Never started. It has been inventoried complete with all parts and includes decals and instructions. It even has the original 'Thick Paper Towel' packing material that Revell used for a short time. One prop blade is neatly broken at the hub but is present so it can be repaired. The Revell B-36 had an interesting early history which took years to unfold. All early issues share the H205-98 part number and are molded in gloss silver and clear plastic. The first issue (this kit) has the full background art and the one piece stand arm (also shown on the instructions). The second issue carries the same full background box art but has the improved two piece stand arm and the instructions that reflect that. For the third issue, Revell made the box taller by .25 inches and improved the contrast of the artwork by adding a completely new and very light (yellow) background. This issue also had the two piece stand arm and instructions reflecting that.
Aurora F7U Cutlass Navy Jet Fighter, 1/70, 496-50
Plastic Model Kit, Box Condition: VG
$54
1961 hardbox issue with fantastic box art by jo Kotula. Includes decals for F7U-1 NATC aircraft. Molded in gloss medium gray and clear, with full landing gear and a display stand. The kit has never been started. It has been inventoried complete with all parts and includes decals and instructions.
Aurora F6F Hellcat, 1/43, 40-130
Plastic Model Kit, Box Condition: Sealed Exc+
$149
Still factory sealed but the seal has split on the left short side. Aurora of Canada issue. The factory-applied stickers have a '130' price suffix, but the box was originally '100' priced. Dated 1964 with fantastic Mort Kunstler artwork.
ODK Bf-110 - (Me-110), 1/67, 4
Plastic Model Kit, Box Condition: Good-
$52
ODK was the logo used by Odaka Sangyo. Odaka began plastic model kit production in early 1960, but all production stopped by 1965. This early issue has very high gloss box art and the 'postage stamp' artwork frame. The Bf-110 was probably their 4th kit. The box top says "Sohatsu Series" and thanks to my friend Mr. Jiro Kawashima in Japan, this means "Dual Engine" series ('so' = dual and 'hatsu = engine') On the side, the first four kits are listed with the Bf-110 as #4. (The instructions say 'No.5' but Burn's guide agrees with the box top side that it is #4.) It is molded in a very dark green, black and clear like so many other ODK kits. Never started. The parts have been inventoried 100% complete and includes decals and instructions. The decals are noteworthy as they have giant all-red vertical stabilizer swastikas and fuselage markings for AE+JK.
ODK Nakajima J1N1 Irving Getsuko, 1/71, 1
Plastic Model Kit, Box Condition: Good
$42
ODK was the logo used by Odaka Sangyo. Odaka began plastic model kit production in early 1960, but all production stopped by 1965. The Irving is their first kit. Never started. The parts are still in the internal factory sealed bags and includes decals and instructions.
Contest Craft So-Lo Class B Stunt Plane - 22 Inch Wingspan Flying Aircraft
Wood Model Kit, Box Condition: VG
$95
Very rare model from 1949. Highly prefabricated and robust control line model from the "Contest Craft Company." Features high quality balsa parts that are all either factory cut to shape or die-cut, covering material, landing gear wire, full size plans and detailed instructions. This kit has been inventoried complete but NOTE: it has minor and 'professional' quality assembly. The center core of the fuselage (a flat assembly) is built. There is no other assembly. Thanks to Dusty Rhodes, we now know a little bit more about Contest Craft. Mr. Richard W. Backora registered the company name in 1949 and it appears that this model was one of his designs. Mr. Backora was born in New York, NY in 1924. He was a WWII Navy veteran and also served in the US Marine Corps. He was an Armament Equipment Branch Head for the Naval Air Systems Command and retired after 28 years of government service. He then spent 15 years in the private sector as a staff and project engineer with Thiebolt Aircraft, Republic Aviation and Melpar, Inc. Mr. Backora was very active in his local community in Church and secular organizations. He was also a member of the AMA (Academy of Model Aeronautics) and the Lewes R/C Club. Although no address is given for the manufacturer, the instructions state that you should ask your hobby dealer for other Contest Craft Company kits.
Aurora Spitfire Famous Fighters of all Nations First Issue, 1/48, 20-59
Plastic Model Kit, Box Condition: Exc++
$349
Rare first issue that is 100% correct. The box has excellent color and gloss, four solid original corners (no repairs), no fading or stains, no missing litho or tears, no tags or tag marks and no tape or tape marks (other than the factory sealing tape of course). Flaws include very light general wear as shown and moderate corner wear at the lower left corner. This first issue has minimal surface detail and is molded in the correct non-metallic medium blue and clear plastic. It also has the correct rectangle-based clear display stand and the instructions match this perfectly. (The second and all later issues had greatly increased rivet detail and were molded in a metallic blue plastic) The kit has never been started. Inventoried 100% complete with all parts, decals and instructions present. The decals are flat and in amazing 'near mint' condition with only the slightest yellowing. The instructions are 'near mint+' with slight yellowing being the only flaw. Even the original factory packing tissue is present.
E&B Valley Railroad Co Single Or Double Deck Stock Car With Trucks - HO / HOn3 Narrow Gauge, 1/87, 018-3100
Plastic Model Kit, Box Condition: VG+
$32
Superb injection molded kit with plastic truck set and dummy couplers. Highly detailed with a large number of parts. While model aircraft mold makers and molding machine operators were claiming that you could not mold parts this fine, several model train companies, like E&B Valley, were busy proving them wrong. This is kit for the serious model railroader who demands prototype fidelity. Molded in black plastic. The kit has never been started. It has been inventoried complete with all parts and includes instructions. Please note that these E&B kits did not come with decals.
AGA Sokol Polish Navy (U-Class) Submarine, 1/400, 1403
Plastic Model Kit, Box Condition: Sealed VG
$14
Still factory sealed, but the seal has drawn the box top concave. Solol and her sister Dzik were the first submarines delivered to the Polish Navy once WWII began. By Feburary of 1941 Sokol was patrolling the Bay of Biscay. The Dzik was delivered on October 11, 1942 and entered service very quickly. Both of these ships achieved significant success in the Mediterranean and Aegean Seas, where they destroyed several enemy ships. Both subs outlasted the war and were returned to England. The Sokol was broken up in 1949 and the Dzik was lent to the Danish Navy in 1946. Her active service ended in 1957 and she was broken up in 1958. Very nicely molded and detailed but certainly not a 'state of the art' Tamiya style kit. Features full hull with propellers and rudder, display stand, color paint guide for two different paint schemes on the back of the box with rigging diagram and full decals for either scheme with flags.
Rail Line D&RGW Idler Flat HOn3 - HO Scale Craftsman KIt, 1/87, 131
Metal and Plastic Model Kit, Box Condition: Exc
$19
Superb kit featuring injection molded car bed, many metal details and numerous very fine injection molded details (with better quality than almost any aircraft model). Includes full text instructions for each step and also large drawings showing the placement of all parts. The kit has never been started. The parts are still in the internal factory sealed bags and includes instructions.