| Very rare. For the advanced model collector. This is a model kit with a fascinating history for it is among the early 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 with metal accessories 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 then-large sum of $25 each. The Mates brothers, who founded and ran Hawk, were quick to incorporate this new technology by replacing the metal detail parts with 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 may have been the first injection molded airplane kit produced in the USA; another contender is the Varney's PT-17. Both met a very cool reception at hobby shops. Hawk quickly changed the Curtiss box to two colors and added box artwork while molding the kit is bright yellow acetate. In 1947, Hawk approached toy stores since hobby shops were giving the kit poor promotion. The toy stores did much better. Spurred on by toy store sales in 1947, Hawk added four classic racers in 1948, all molded in acetate - the Gee Bee, Howard Ike, Laird Solution and the Supermarine S6B. This kit is the one in bright yellow acetate and is from 1948. (Hawk went to polystyrene in 1949). The box is in excellent condition with great colors. The box has not been crushed, bent or flattened, which is unusual since this type of box is not very strong. Inside, the kit has never been started. The model is 100% complete with all parts. The instructions are in excellent condition. Please note that Hawk did not issue decals with this issue of this kit. |
