Maircraft Douglas DC-3 United Airlines' Mainliner 180 - Scale Solid Model Kit, 1/48, X-2
Wood and Plastic Model Kit, Box Condition: VG
$1800
One of the rarest and most valuable aircraft models in US history, and certainly the finest solid model ever produced. The add from Model Airplane News in 1947 states 'MUCH MORE THAN A MODEL - IT'S A MINIATURE AIRPLANE!' - and it's true. Maircraft was originally founded in the early or mid 1930s by Gordon Christoph and went by the name Aircraft Model Company. The company produced a typical line of solid 'profile cut' kits that required the usual high talent levels for carving and finishing. A former Comet Model Airplane & Supply Co. salesman, Jack Mair, bought the company in the early 1940s and renamed it Maircraft. The company continued to produce the usual solid models, but plastics were coming into play and plastic was not considered a 'strategic war material'. Maircraft decided to produce a deluxe kit with more injection molded details and soon the excellent P-61 Black Widow kit was born. The kit came out in 1945 and was priced very high for the time. The P-61 must have sold, as the next project was determined to be the DC-3. Development of this great kit must have taken 1/2 a year or more although the exact time frame is unknown. Maircraft started to run adds in late 1946 modeling magazines with a 'price to be announced' statement; the January Model Airplane News add showed the whopping price of $9.95 - almost unheard of during that time. Maircraft's timing for such a wonderful model was unfortunate - almost all model manufacturers predicted a huge boom in sales once the war ended and the opposite occurred, causing poor sales and high inventory levels. Maircraft went out of business shortly after introduction of the DC-3. I purchased this model from the original owner who purchased it new in 1947. This kit has never been started and is complete. The box is complete, has great colors, no tears, solid original corners and some litho bubbling. There is no fading, stains, writing or tears in the cardboard or the litho. The box is slightly crunched as it appears that someone place a heavier box on it at one point, but it's not serious. The kit is 100% complete and has never been touched. All internal display packing cardboard is intact. All injection molded details are still factory-affixed to the red display - landing gear and braces, two exhaust stacks, main wheels, rear baggage door and door frame, two air scoops, two cowls, two props, two P&W engines, forward cargo door and door frame, tail wheel, VHF Range and Glide Path antenna, loop antenna, two clear landing lights, main entrance door and door frame, tail wheel well and strut, two oil coolers and two clear landing lights. For the wooden parts, high quality balsa is used. Wings and stabilizers are cut to profile, except the center wing section was finished to an airfoil by the factory. Engine nacelles and fuselage sections are pre-cut and about 70% to shape. Many other stock wooden parts are factory pre-carved parts are present as well. The elaborate 'Douglas DC-3 Complete Template Sheet' is intact. Clear window material for cabin windows is included and the bag of hardware is still factory sealed. Paperwork is complete and excellent as well - the 'missing parts' sheet, 'Note from the Engineering Staff' brochure and 'Douglas DC-3 Illustrated Instruction Brochure' book are all in excellent condition with light foxing as the only flaw. The plans - the crowning glory of the model - are perhaps the most accurate ever produced outside of Douglas Aircraft Company. They are in excellent condition and have probably been opened two or three times judging from the lack of wear. The large decal sheet is near mint and even lacks the traditional yellowing or curling. Please note that the fuselage is hollow when built and full details are provided for cockpit and cabin detail and notes on lighting the model. A true investment-quality piece of modeling history for the advanced collector or museum. For the protection of the buyer this model will only be shipped via Express Mail Insured.
Airfix Douglas SBD-3 or SBD-5 Dauntless - Type Three Logo Issue, 1/72, 252
Plastic Model Kit, Box Condition: VG
$28
From the 1960s and with exceptional artwork. Has parts and decals to make -3 or -5 versions. Well molded kit features full interior with crew, optional position canopy, pivoting rear gun, working arresting hood and center line and wing bomb loads. Decals are for high-vis markings (red dot in the stars and bars) and later wartime markings. Molded in dark blue and clear. Never started. Inventoried 100% complete with all parts, decals and instructions.
Aurora 12 O'Clock High B-17 Bomber Formation, 1/156, 352-198
Plastic Model Kit, Box Condition: Exc++
$579
Rare. Dated 1965. Issued with the popular TV program '12 O'Clock High.' The box is in amazing 'excellent++' condition with factory-new color and gloss, four solid corners, no tape or price tags, no marks from either, no missing litho or fading and no creases. Very light general wear is the only flaw. Features three B-17 kits with special ground base showing airfields, railroad yards and factories, special 'bombs away' stand, one special 'battle damage' decal sheet for the B-17s, another unique decal sheet for the three B-17s 'Aces High,' 'Fancy Diver' and 'King Pin' and the 'bomb' stands. The three B-17s are molded in the correct dark green and clear, while the 'bomb' stand arms are clear and the base is black. The kit has never been started. All three B-17s are still in the factory sealed bags. Includes special stand, stand arms, two unique decal sheets and instructions. NOTE: missing box-art poster. "Damage" decal sheet is missing 5 (of 46) 'bullet hole' small decals missing (see photo). Must be shipped insured.
Revell Consolidated PBY Catalina - Japan Issue, 1/72, H277
Plastic Model Kit, Box Condition: Exc++
$75
Rare Revell of Japan 1972 issue with unique box artwork of a Coast Guard PBY on the scene of a large freighter in flames. Well detailed with cockpit, crew of two, rotating turret, complete set of beaching gear (mains and tail), and operating wing floats. Molded in silver and clear. The kit has never been started. The parts are still in the internal factory sealed bags and includes decals and instructions.
Aurora Piasecki H-21 Work Horse Helicopter, 1/48, 504-98
Plastic Model Kit, Box Condition: Sealed Exc+
$165
Still factory sealed but the seal has splits as shown. 1963 issue with John Steel artwork. This is the second artwork Aurora issued for the kit, and and judging from the 98 cent price extension, it is the true 1963 issue. Large 1/48 scale model from ex-Helicopters for Industry molds, which Aurora purchased in about 1955/56.
Monogram Grumman TBF Avenger - Four Star Issue, 1/48, PA31-149
Plastic Model Kit, Box Condition: Exc
$59
Original issue hardbox dated 1958. Part of a very successful series of Monogram 1/48 World War II aircraft. This model has many action features: the wings fold properly as on the real aircraft, landing gear retracts, bomb bay doors open and torpedo drops, machine gun rotates and elevates, and the prop and wheels turn. Includes four airmen. Molded in the correct dark gloss blue and clear plastic. The kit has never been started. It has been inventoried with all parts and instructions present.
Airfix A-10 Thunderbolt II Warthog - 57 TTW JAWS II Or 23 TFW, 1/72, 906005
Plastic Model Kit, Box Condition: VG
$19
Well detailed with a good cockpit, pilot, two piece canopy, good engine inlet and exhaust detail, optional position landing gear, extensive weapons load and decals for two aircraft. Never started. The parts are still in the internal factory sealed bags and includes decals and instructions.
Silver Streak Grey Boom Car Crane Tender (Work Train) - HO Craftsman Kit with Metal Sprung Trucks, 1/87, S805-295
Wood and Metal Model Kit, Box Condition: VG+
$22
From the 1950s. In my opinion, the Silver Streak 'DeLuxe Kits' were among the finest and most complete of the craftsman models. Features hardwood car sides that are completely factory painted and lettered, metal trucks with working springs, completely cut and shaped hardwood roof, floor, roof walk and more, paper envelopes full of detail parts, a large plastic container full of precision metal cast parts such as car ends, brake wheel and mount, brake platform, brake gear, bolsters, ladders, couplers, draft gear, screws, grabirons and more. The factory painted and lettered sides are in mint condition. The kit has never been started. The envelope is still factory sealed; the clear tube parts have been inventoried complete.
Micro Scale Blue Angels A-4F Skyhawk / T-38A Talon Thunderbirds, 1/72, 72-138
Other Materials, Box Condition: VG+
$15
Mint condition decals that have always been stored in a climate controlled home. Never used and complete.
Monogram F-19 Stealth Fighter The Mystery Plane - Bagged, 1/48, 5824
Plastic Model Kit, Box Condition: VG+
$55
NOTE: Factory sealed bagged kit - there is no box. The box is shown for reference only. Rare large scale version. 1987 first and only issue of Monogram's rather costly blunder. 'Stealth' was on everyone's lips in those years and several model companies took a stab at what the plane might look like. Monogram's kit was quite off the mark and was quickly discontinued when the real aircraft appeared in photographs. Never started. The parts, decals and instructions are still in the factory sealed bag.
Airfix EE Lightning F-2A/F6 - RAF 19 Sq Gutersloh Germany (early or late) 1974 / 92 Sq Germany Late '73 / 56 Sq Wattisham UK '76 / 11 Sq Binbrook UK 1986 / 5 Sq Binbrook UK '84 / Training Flight Binbrook '83 / 11 Sq GCapt J Spencer Binbrook '88, 1/48, 09178
Plastic Model Kit, Box Condition: Sealed VG++
$52
Still factory sealed. Highly detailed and very nicely molded with all fine recessed panel lines. Features optional parts for F-2A and F-6 variants, full cockpit, pilot figure, excellent intake and exhaust design, optional position canopy and speed brakes, detailed gear wells, Redtop and Firestreak missiles, drop tanks and more. Has decals for the many aircraft listed.
Williams Brothers Le Rhone Rotary Aircraft Engine, 1/8, 301-995
Plastic Model Kit, Box Condition: Good
$48
Very nicely detailed and large 1/8 scale model. Intended as a stand-alone display model or a super detail set for large flying R/C or static aircraft. Features nine cylinders, crankcase, carburetor with sliding valve, accessory drive gears, oil pump, magneto, full wiring and more. The kit has never been started. The parts that were factory sealed (almost all) are still in the sealed bags. The parts that were not factory sealed (the cylinder assemblies only) have been inventoried complete including decals and instructions. The 80 hp Le Rhone was developed before WWI and was used in many early aircraft. It did see service early in the Great War and it's follow on, the 110 hp Le Rhone was used in larger aircraft. The crankshaft of the Le Rhone mounted directly to the firewall and was part of the air and fuel intake system. The crankcase, propeller shaft and cylinders all revolved at about 1200 rpm. These three assemblies were carefully balanced to reduce vibration.
Fujimi Grumman EA-6A - US Navy VMAQ-2 (Two Different Aircraft) / VAQ-209 / VAQ-309, 1/72, H-14
Plastic Model Kit, Box Condition: Good
$26
This kit is from when Fujimi set the world standard for model kit quality. Features all very fine recessed panel lines, detailed cockpit, separately molded speed brake doors and brake well detail, optional position leading edge slats, nicely detailed and realistic engine inlets, drop tank loadout and decals for the four squadrons listed above. Never started. It has been inventoried complete with all parts and includes decals and instructions.
ScanKit Peterbilt 359 Conventional and Ford Transcontinental Truck and Trailer, 1/72, 2001
Plastic Model Kit, Box Condition: Good+
$20
SALE!! Includes both kits. The Ford has never been started and is 100% complete. The Peterbilt is 100% complete but has very minor and neat ("professional quality") assembly to 7 parts.
Delta Campini Caproni With Book, 1/72
Plastic Model Kit, Box Condition: Good+
$48
Includes well produced and illustrated Campini Caproni paperback history book. The Campini Caproni was a early jet with a unique propulsion system. A regular piston engine turned the compressor stages. The compressed air was mixed with fuel in a combustion chamber behind the piston engine and ignited. NOTE: has minor and professional quality assembly: the seat is glued to the cockpit floor. There is no other assembly. The aircraft has been inventoried with all parts, decals and instructions. NOTE: missing display stand.
Dyna-Model Supermarine Spitfire Wood and Metal Model Airplane, 1/48
Wood and Metal Model Kit, Box Condition: VG+
$44
In the 1930s and 1940s, most modelers built the flying stick and tissue type kits with rubber, co2 or gas power. But there were a small but measurable percent that built solid aircraft display models of great detail. This required great skill worthy of the shipbuilders of old, especially considering the limited offerings. Many manufacturers issued blocks of wood and a plan - the famous (or infamous) 'Make Wood Look Like Plane' kits. A few manufacturers, like Dyna-Model Products Company, attempted to provide true-scale static models with a high level of detail. Today Dyna-Models are legendary and sought after collectibles. When you first open the kit, you see a black and white cardboard display with all the needed jigs and templates for assembly. Underneath, the fuselage is rough carved (not just profile cut) and all other parts are rough cut or die cut. Includes clear canopy, color decals, full size and well-detailed plans and the crowning jewel, a box of finished metal castings for super detailing your aircraft. The model has not been started. NOTE: missing antenna and pitot tube; I have included the Monogram plastic 1/48 (same scale) antenna and pitot. Otherwise inventoried with all other parts, decals and instructions present.
Hasegawa Mil Mi-24 Hind D K20X / Mi-24 Hind-A K19 / TWO Italeri 025 UH-60A Desert Hawks in One Box, 1/72
Plastic Model Kit, Box Condition: Exc
$28
SALE!! Includes all 4 Helicopter kits but NOTE: they are not inventoried and sold as is. They are one-owner kits and he was very meticulous, but he would cut up the sprues, leaving parts attached to the numbers but separated from each other. So far, 98% of everything has been complete from this collection, but almost always has very minor and 'professional' quality sub assembly (so count on it!). I did check for the obvious things (clear parts, large parts, instructions decals, etc) but they are sold AS IS.
Revell Airbus A340-300 - Lufthansa (A340), 1/144, 4214
Plastic Model Kit, Box Condition: Sealed Exc
$52
Still factory 'round tape' sealed. Dated 1992 and a very nicely molded kit featuring all fine recessed panel lines, detailed cockpit and gear wells, optional position landing gear, detailed engine inlet and exhaust and extensive Lufthansa decals.
Tamiya British Special Air Service Jeep, 1/35, 3533
Plastic Model Kit, Box Condition: Sealed NM
$28
Still factory sealed. Very well molded and detailed. Includes a crew of two.
Revell Douglas A-20C Havoc / RAF Boston III Medium Bomber, 1/72, H115-130
Plastic Model Kit, Box Condition: Exc++
$32
1967 softbox issue in superb condition. Builds either aircraft listed and features removable cowling with detailed Wright R-2600 engines, optional position landing gear and movable wheels and props. Never started. It has been inventoried complete with all parts and includes decals and instructions.