Welcome to Old Model Kits
Randles Sikorsky R-4 Helicopter - Float Version US Navy - 13.5 Inch Fuselage, 1/30, 105D
Wood Model Kit, Box Condition: Good+
$42
Rare. Large 1/30 scale 1940s solid wood scale model. Features large profile (2D) cut fuselage, factory cut rotor base and hardwood rotor hub, hardwood rotor blades, blocks and wood stock as required, an unopened metal tube of wood glue, insignia sheet, cockpit windows and doors and pilot printed on another sheet. Includes excellent, large full-size plans with templates, detail drawings, construction tips. Randles Was another name for Ranco and may have simply been the deluxe version of the Ranco kits as they shared the same address. Just a few of those kits include the B-29, Cessna Bobcat, Sikorsky Helicopter and Kellett Auto Giro. There is evidence that they made boat kits also.
UPC Covered Wagon - With Driver / Two Oxen / Horse And Rider - (ex Adams / Revell / Miniature Masterpieces /Life-Like), 1/48, 4010-100
Vaccuform Model Kit, Box Condition: Good-
$50
A rare model that is very finely engraved and well detailed. Never started. The parts are still in the internal factory sealed bags and includes instructions. UPC stood for Universal Powermaster Corporation which was based out of New York City, NY. UPC did not cut their own molds, but either leased molds or bought kits already molded from other manufacturers and re-boxed them in the USA. Scott Eidson, the famous artist best known for his artwork with Revell, also did UPC box art in the 1960s including this model. All UPC production ended in the 1970s. This kit has a fascinating history. It started life as one of the 'Miniature Masterpieces,' which was the brainchild of an alliance between Lou Glasser (Revell) and Steve Adams (Adams Action Models) in 1953. Although having the appearance of an independent company, the firm was run by Revell right down to the prototypes being made at the Revell plant. However, there was no evidence of the parent company on the surface. The State Coach of England was the first kit, issued in 1953. More kits of excellent quality followed. Revell completely took over the line in 1954, making the one-year original issues very rare. However, while Revell was now issuing them under their name, Adams was also issuing the line in 1958. Production was discontinued by both companies in the early 1960s; the molds then ended up with UPC. By the early 1970s, Life-Like ended up with many of the Adams molds and wound up owning the complete, original 'Miniature Masterpieces' line. Life-Like reissued them several times in that decade but the current whereabout of the molds are not known.
Revell Sears Buggy Highway Pioneers, 1/32, H45-89
Plastic Model Kit, Box Condition: Good
$35
1953 early issue molded in green plastic. This is from the issues produced by Gowland & Gowland as it carrier their 'balloon' logo on the side. These issues feature the same 5 car artwork on every box; the only way to identify the contents was an ink-stamped name on the box ends. This kit has never been started. The parts are still in the internally sealed factory bag. Includes instructions. These kits have a fascinating history. Hobbies were nothing new to America in the 1930s/40s, but they were not mainstream and never made the top 10 list of boys activities. Spurred on by the nation-wide aviation craze in the 1920s, many became modelers and built flying or static wooden models of airplanes, ships, trains, automotive and other subjects. Basic kits existed, but many of these models were built from scratch, which demanded a high talent level developed from years of experience. That changed in the early 1950s when the Gowland & Gowland/Revell Highway Pioneers became the sales sensation of the year. Demand was so great that the factories could not keep up and almost overnight 'model building' was mainstream. The phenomenon of the 'Highway Pioneers' kits was a significant force in proving that model building as a hobby could have mass appeal, provided that the kits were easy enough to build and finish. These 1/32 scale vehicles fit the bill: they could be built in an hour after dinner and looked much like the real cars. The success of the Highway Pioneers lead to the production of other subjects in plastic and the effect was revolutionary. By the late 1950s, model building was the #1 past time of American boys...and many adult males too!
Revell F-89D Scorpion 'S' Issue, 1/80, H221-89
Plastic Model Kit, Box Condition: Exc
$95
1955 'S' first hardbox issue with the fantastic box art that has makes these kits so popular and collectable today. Very well detailed with fine raised and recessed panel lines, pilots & cockpit, two piece canopy, wing tip rocket pods, full landing gear and more. Molded in silver and clear plastic and includes the famous clear Revell 'Revelving Swivel Base.' Never started. It has been inventoried complete with all parts and includes decals and instructions.
Trumpeter Sukhoi Su-15 UM Flagon-G - USSR or Russian, 1/48, 02812
Plastic Model Kit, Box Condition: Good-
$35
Well molded and features very fine recessed panel lines, detailed cockpits, inlets and gear wells, separately molded flaps, ailerons and rudder, missiles, drop tanks and four piece canopy. Never started. The parts are still in the internal factory sealed bags and includes decals and instructions.
Revell 1907 Renault Highway Pioneers, 1/32, H53-98
Plastic Model Kit, Box Condition: VG
$38
1960 issue hardbox with full artwork; Highway Pioneers prior to this year simply had generic artwork and an ink stamped name on the box ends was the only way to identify the contents. This kit has never been started. All parts are still sealed in the factory bag. Includes instructions. The box would rate slightly higher than 'very good' but there is age foxing on the box side panels. These kits have a fascinating history. Hobbies were nothing new to America in the 1930s/40s, but they were not mainstream and never made the top 10 list of boys activities. Spurred on by the nation-wide aviation craze in the 1920s, many became modelers and built flying or static wooden models of airplanes, ships, trains, automotive and other subjects. Basic kits existed, but many of these models were built from scratch, which demanded a high talent level developed from years of experience. That changed in the early 1950s when the Gowland & Gowland/Revell Highway Pioneers became the sales sensation of the year. Demand was so great that the factories could not keep up and almost overnight 'model building' was mainstream. The phenomenon of the 'Highway Pioneers' kits was a significant force in proving that model building as a hobby could have mass appeal, provided that the kits were easy enough to build and finish. These 1/32 scale vehicles fit the bill: they could be built in an hour after dinner and looked much like the real cars. The success of the Highway Pioneers lead to the production of other subjects in plastic and the effect was revolutionary. By the late 1950s, model building was the #1 past time of American boys...and many adult males too!
Revell Me-262 B-1a/U1 Night Fighter - History Makers Issue, 1/32, 8641
Plastic Model Kit, Box Condition: Good-
$32
1983 History Makers issue from the original molds. This is a well molded and detailed model that features removable engine panels to show detailed Jumo 004 turbojets, full tandem cockpits, crew of two, opening canopy, two belly tanks, FuG 219 "Neptun V" radar antennas, enclosed gear bays with some detail, clear wing tip lights and more. The kit has never been started. Inventoried 100% complete including decals and instructions.
Special Hobby Illyushin Il-10 - Last WWII Days Configuration, 1/48, SH48109
Plastic Model Kit, Box Condition: Good
$44
Very well detailed and features injection molded parts with very fine recessed panel lines, many cast resin parts and photoetched details, full cockpit and gunners station, excellent gear well detail and more. Includes a decal sheet and full painting guide for four different aircraft. Never started. The parts are still in the internal factory sealed bags and includes decals and instructions.
Guillows Messerschmitt Bf-109 - Scale Balsa Flying Airplane Model, 1/24, 505
Wood Model Kit, Box Condition: VG
$32
From about 1962. This is a high quality stick-and-tissue flying model from Guillow's very popular series of WWII kits that sold well for decades. Features 16.5 inch wingspan, color decals, quality die-cut balsa wood, strip wood, plastic propeller, vacuform cowling, spinner, radiator, exhaust, air scoop & other details, wood wheels, clear canopy (in perfect condition & not yellowed), covering tissue and more. The full size plans are excellent and contain a significant amount of building instruction and guidance as well. This kit has not been started. Inventoried 100% complete with all parts, decals and instructions present.
Randles Kellett Autogyro YG-1B - XR-2, 1/42, 103D
Vaccuform Model Kit, Box Condition: VG
$62
Very rare kit from the 1940s. This is a large (17 inch LOA) model of this 1930s craft. This unique ship had no ailerons, rudder or elevator. Directional control was through a pivoting rotor head. Rotor blades folded for storage. The KD-1 made the worlds first autogyro roof-top landing in May of 1935 at the US Post Office in Philadelphia. The plans say this is the XR-2 and YG-1B. The plans certainly look like the YG-1B Army Craft; the YG-1B was modified with a constant speed rotor and became the YG-1C; it was then redesignated XR-2. This craft is also known as a KD-1; the model will built any of the three. Features 2D (profile) carved fuselage, hardwood rotor blades, other precut parts and a sealed envelope of small parts. Includes excellent full size plans with many detail drawings, templates and construction notes. Never started. Complete with all parts, plans and unused glass bottle of glue (some of which is still a liquid). Randles was another name for Ranco and may have simply been the deluxe version of the Ranco kits as they shared the same address. Just a few of those kits include the B-29, Cessna Bobcat, Sikorsky Helicopter and Kellett Auto Giro. There is evidence that they made boat kits also.
Polar Lights The Wolf Mans Wagon - (ex Aurora), 1/10, 5015
Plastic Model Kit, Box Condition: Sealed Exc+
$24
Still factory sealed and an ideal 'Classic Builder' model. Avoid building your rare Aurora kit or the hours that it will take to restore a built-up basket case or glue bomb!
Hawk F2B Brisfit - Solid Wood Aircraft Model, 1/48, 53
Wood Model Kit, Box Condition: VG
$38
Rare model from 1946 for the advanced Hawk collector. Hawk was one of the few manufacturers making wooden kits to a constant scale of 1/48. However, the company was innovative as it quickly included injection molded accessories. This model features profile (2D) cut wooden fuselage, wings and tail feathers, injection molded wheels, propeller and machine gun, wooden stock as required, metal seat, full color decals and high quality, full-size plans. Never started and complete.
Airfix Boeing 314 Pan Am Clipper - Dixie or BOAC Berwick, 1/144, SK602
Plastic Model Kit, Box Condition: Good++
$49
Type three logo issue from the 1960s. In the 1930s Pan Am was a household word in the USA for their romantic foreign routes and the glamorous 'China Clippers' that crossed the Pacific Ocean, stopping at such ports as Wake Island. Pan Am's attention soon turned to the Atlantic. Since non-stop service would be needed, a new aircraft was designed. The Boeing 314 was chosen. This huge flying boat started flying the Atlantic mail in 1939 with a trip over 26 hours long. Before the war, the 314 fleet flew the Pacific, Atlantic and other routes. The airliner was a palace compared to the cramped jets and limited service of today. The flight deck compared to the bridge of a ship and housed a crew of 6 in comfort. It was connected to the passenger cabin by a spiral staircase. The luxurious cabins were divided into 5 standard compartments, each seating 10 passengers, a dining salon for 14, a special compartment for four and a deluxe bridal suite. 74 could be carried on day trips and 40 when sleeping quarters for all passengers was required. Chefs prepared gourmet meals while passengers lounged in deeply cushioned wicker chairs and enjoyed a grand view of the scenery from about 5,000 feet. The age of the Clippers ended shortly after WWII when land planes could operate at much higher speeds than the flying boats. This model includes decals for both aircraft listed. Never started. It has been inventoried complete with all parts and includes decals and instructions.
Heller Liore 45, 1/72
Plastic Model Kit, Box Condition: Sealed Exc
$28
Still factory sealed. The box artwork is dated 1965 and like all early Heller kits, it has no part number. This sleek twin engine French bomber is well detailed for that time with full cockpit, crew stations, optional position landing gear and more.
Revell Convair B-36 - Takara Japan Issue, 1/184, H139-700
Plastic Model Kit, Box Condition: VG++
$42
Hard to find Revell Takara issue dated 1977 with high-gloss box art unique to this kit. The model is from the same molds as the classic 1950s Pre-S kit. NOTE: this kit has minor, 'professional' quality subassembly as follows: horizontal stabilizer halves and jet engine pods. There is no other assembly. The aircraft has been inventoried with all parts present and includes decals and instructions.
ESCI United Nations Bell 205 - Flying Referee, 1/48, SC-4037
Plastic Model Kit, Box Condition: Sealed Good
$34
Still factory sealed and the seal has shrunk and drawn the box top concave as shown. Unusual civil issue has very good detail including full interior with cockpit and stretchers, opening doors, engine and more.
AMT Tandem Semi Truck Vans - Two 27 Foot Exterior Post Trailers, 1/25, T521
Plastic Model Kit, Box Condition: Sealed VG+
$55
Still factory sealed and the seal has many splits. This is an early issue from the 1970s and not a recent reissue. The two highly detailed vans feature over 230 parts, vinyl air hose tubing, parts so you can attach the vans to any 1/25 scale semi truck, sliding loading doors, hollow rubber tires, CF decals and more.
Arii Vertol 107, 1/72, 1
Plastic Model Kit, Box Condition: Fair
$29
Rare Arii model from the 1960s. The box is complete and intact but has the obvious stains as shown. The kit inside is often attributed to Airfix and it may be; however, I am suspicious of this as it is a bit cruder in mold quality, so it may simply be a copy of the Airfix kit. Never started. The parts are still in the internal factory sealed bags and includes decals and instructions.
Lincoln Douglas DC-7 - BOAC, 1/150, 105
Plastic Model Kit, Box Condition: Good-
$48
Rare, very early issue with "ALL PLASTIC no cutting no sanding" on the box top. Nicely made small scale kit from the 1950s. Molded in gloss silver with a large clear display stand. Never started. Inventoried complete including decals/transfers and instructions. Lincoln was an injection molding firm located in Hong Kong. Model kits were not their primary business but an important sideline and they established an early presence. Major countries of distribution were Hong Kong, Great Britain, New Zealand and Australia. Through specialty hobby shops, they often found their way to the West Coast of the USA. As early as 1956 Lincoln reissued about 16 Hawk kits from the USA, often with 'Picture Gallery' artwork. Although not their primary business, they established quite a line of plastic before discontinuing production in the late 1960s/early 1970s. Many molds moved to Kader, also in Hong Kong, who reissued the line. Some molds eventually found their way to the USA either through ATP (who purchased the excess kit stock when Kader sold out) or IM.
Eagle Model Aircraft Co Hawker Typhoon, 1/48
Wood Model Kit, Box Condition: Good-
$25
Rare kit from the 1940s. Solid wood, large-scale display model has a 10.5 inch wingspan when built. Features profile cut fuselage & wings, printwood, sandpaper, color insignia sheet for the RAF and detailed plans with cross sections and painting guide. Never started and 100% complete.