Hudson Miniatures 1913 Mercer Raceabout Lil' Old Timers 'Quickie Kit', 1/32
Plastic Model Kit, Box Condition: Good
$39
Rare. When the Gowland/Revell 'Highway Pioneers' burst upon the hobby scene in 1951, they started a hobby revolution. Plastic model kits were not new in 1951, but successful mass marketing of plastic kits was new. The sensation swept the country, and Gowland & Revell could not make the kits fast enough. The fact that the public was buying these models shocked the successful hobby establishment. One such manufacture was Hudson Miniatures. In the 1940s, Hudson had established a name in making 1/16 scale 'Old Timer' models of automobiles. These were excellent kits with wood and metal parts, but a high degree of skill was required to carve and finish the wood parts. In the late 1940s, they added some injection molded plastic parts (usually acetate wheels) to the series but did not consider a completely plastic kit. When Hudson saw what was happening with the Highway Pioneers, he began to design his own 1/32 scale line called 'Lil Old Timers', which hit the stores in 1954. An early paper fold-out catalog shows 18 models including some real gems like the 1910 International Harvester Passenger Car, 1911 Brush Delivery Truck and 1906 Columbia Electric Car just to name a few. The line was bought by Revell a short time after it's release, and Revell did reissue some (but not all) of the kits. As you would expect from Hudson, this is a nice kit with excellent moldings and detail for the time. The kit has never been started. Inventoried 100% complete including instructions. The Mercer was perhaps the most famous sports car of it's day, and it can be successfully argued that it was America's first sports car. The 30 horsepower 'T' head 4 cylinder engine sped it along at over 80 miles per hour. A 1914 Mercer clocked 112 mph at Daytona Beach - no mean feat for that age.
Revell 1915 Fiat Tourer Highway Pioneers, 1/32, H55-89
Plastic Model Kit, Box Condition: Good-
$44
1953 early issue molded in red acetate plastic. The kit has never been started. It has been inventoried complete with all parts and includes instructions. This is from the issues produced with Gowland & Gowland as it carrier their 'balloon' logo on the side. Before the 1950s 'model building' never made the top 10 list of boy's activities. Hobbies were nothing new to America in the 1930s/40s, but they were not mainstream. Shortly after the turn of the century, many dedicated modelers built flying or static airplanes, ship, train, automotive or other subjects. Basic kits existed, but the majority of these models were built from scratch, which demanded a high talent level developed from years of experience. That changed in the early 1950s. The phenomenon of the Revell/Gowland & Gowland 'Highway Pioneers' car 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 could be built in an hour after dinner and looked much like the real car. The Highway Pioneers series lead to the production of other subjects in plastic and the effect was revolutionary. By the early 1960s, model building was the #1 past time of American boys.
Life-Like 1932 Lincoln KB Sport Convertible - (ex-Pyro), 1/32, 09342
Plastic Model Kit, Box Condition: Good-
$26
1970s Life-Like issue from the original 1965 Pyro molds. In the early to mid 1960s the Pyro company chose many of their kit subjects based more on historical significance than popularity. Luckily for us, Pyro not only made these kits but did an excellent job for the time. The Pyro car models are based on the actual cars that Pyro engineers and designers had access to. Features detailed chassis with suspension, gas tank and steering linkage, complete motor and interior, spoked wheels, optional convertible top and removable hood. Molded in purple, chrome plate, clear and with rubber tires. The kit has never been started. Inventoried 100% complete including instructions. NOTE: instructions are photocopies.
StromBecker American Airlines Convair Flagship - 10 Inch Wingspan Solid Wood Kit, C-38
Wood Model Kit, Box Condition: Fair
$110
Highly prefabricated kit made from Solid Western Pine - not balsa wood. Makes a very impressive display model when built. Includes precut and shaped fuselage, wings, elevators, rudder and nacelles, a bag of sealed detail parts including propellers, wheels, etc, envelopes of wood filler and glue, sandpaper, detailed instructions and drawings with aircraft history and a large, colorful American Airlines decal sheet. Never started. 100% complete with all parts and plans. NOTE: the box is only fair. The ends are heavily taped and the tape extends onto the box top and bottom. It is graded 'fair', not collectible but an ideal builder as the parts and paperwork are all in very good condition. Before plastic kits were introduced, Strombecker was famous as the premier hardwood preshaped model manufacturer. In the 1940s and 1950s, Strombecker kits were flawlessly engineered but not inexpensive. All wooden parts are hardwood and are precarved to shape - usually only a quick sanding would finish them.
Revell Hermann Marwede Seenotkreuzer Search and Rescue, 1/72, 05238
Plastic Model Kit, Box Condition: Good+
$89
Dated 2005. Very large scale and highly detailed. Suitable for R/C or static display. The kit has never been started. The parts are still in the internal factory sealed bags and includes decals and instructions. The prototype vessel is the flagship of the German Society for the Rescue of the Shipwrecked (DGzRS). Hermann Marwede (1878-1959) was a notedGerman philanthropist and industrialist, known for his support of civil sea rescue and lifesaving operations.
Hawk F-84F Thunderstreak Picture Gallery, 1/72, 606-50
Plastic Model Kit, Box Condition: VG+
$48
Rare early issue hardbox Hawk kit. The rare 'Picture Gallery' series was Hawk's first move away from the thin one piece boxes and to full color artwork. The artist doing this early work fell sick and Hawk needed the artwork immediately - Bill Campbell was contacted and did box art for Hawk from that point on. Hawk was a manufacturer of 1/48 constant scale solid wooden models well before plastic, but they jumped on the plastic band wagon very early. The kit is molded in the correct glossy silver with the early style stand and correct instructions and decals. Never started. Inventoried 100% complete with all parts, decals and instructions. Thanks to Jean-Claude who told me that the boxart shows a standard F-84F but in reality the model inside is of prototype YF-96A, (aka YF-84F), s/n 49-2430. this aircraft was later modified to become the YRF-84F parasite fighter in combination with GRB-36F.It is on display at the USAF Museum, Wright Patterson AFB, Ohio.
Matchbox Mosquito NF30 or Mk IX - 85 Sq RAF Swanington 1944 or 105 Sq RAF Marnham 1943, 1/72, PK-116
Plastic Model Kit, Box Condition: Sealed Exc
$24
Still factory sealed. Dated 1989. Builds either version from No. 85th squadron 1944 or No. 105th squadron 1942. Three color kit that has a full color painting and marking guide on the back of the box
Marx Chris Craft Constellation Motor Yacht, 1/20, 5707
Plastic Model Kit, Box Condition: Good+
$525
One of the finest motor yacht kits ever made. From the late 1950s. Features very good detail and 225 parts. Measures approximately 30" long, 10" high and 8 inches wide when assembled. Can be made for radio control or as a highly detailed static model. This is the finest example of this model that I have had. The outer box is very good with some wear but has perfect color and shine. The model has never been started. This kit is in mint condition inside - all parts are still in the factory sealed bags. The very large instructions/plans are mint also. Molded with cast metal accessories, metal and brass hardware and classic 1950s turquoise, brown, white, clear and peach colored and chrome plated plastic. Includes the famous Captain, deck chairs and the two 'Bathing Beauties'. Shipping insurance is required for this kit.
Testors AH-64 Apache Attack Helicopter, 1/72, 631
Plastic Model Kit, Box Condition: Sealed NM
$14
Still factory sealed. Nicely detailed with over 70 parts, full cockpits, many moving features, 8 Hellfire missiles, rocket launchers and more.
KVZ Yak-24P Aeroflot, 1/100
Plastic Model Kit, Box Condition: Good++
$22
Hard-to-find kit of the Yak-24 in civil service colors. Well detailed for a KVZ kit and molded in white, silver, clear and black. Never started. NOTE: missing one clear round window. Otherwise inventoried with all other parts, decals and instructions present. KVZ was the logo used by this East German kit manufacturer from 1969 to 1973. During this time, some fantastic Cold War kits were produced of Russian Airliners and Military Helicopters and Aircraft.
KVZ Mil Mi-10K Aeroflot, 1/100
Plastic Model Kit, Box Condition: Sealed Exc+
$36
Still factory sealed. Early issue in the shorter and narrow box. Large Soviet helicopter with a unique gondola below the cockpit for the crane operator. It is very nice for a KVZ kit with 'good' detail. Molded in white, silver, clear and black. Includes full color large decal sheet with Aeroflot markings. KVZ was the logo used by this East German kit manufacturer from 1969 to 1973. During this time, some fantastic Cold War kits were produced of Russian Aeroflot Airliners and Military Helicopters and Aircraft.
Airfix Handley Page Halifax B.Mk.III Craftmaster Issue, 1/72, 2-129
Plastic Model Kit, Box Condition: VG++
$38
Craftmaster box artwork. Kit features movable control surfaces, elevating guns, rotating turrets, retracting landing gear, rotating props and wheels. Never started. Factory sealed bag or inventoried 100% complete with all parts, decals and instructions. NOTE: two prop blades are broken but are present.
Comet Sparky - 32 Inch Wingspan Wakefield-Style Flying Aircraft, 3408-149
Wood Model Kit, Box Condition: VG++
$52
Purchased new on Feb. 28, 1968. Rare large flying model. It is a reissue of the 1950s release. Features high quality print and strip balsa wood, a beautiful, large carved balsa prop that needs final sanding to shape, fully formed wheels, thrust button, metal and wood stock as required, tissue, and excellent full size plans with instructions. Never started and complete. These aircraft were common in the 1930s when the sport of free-flight model airplanes reached it's zenith. It was not uncommon for these models to fly for 45 minutes or more on rubber power alone - many flew out of site, and it became common practice to write your name, address and phone number on the covering tissue. Comet was a famous manufacturer of stick and tissue flying and static models. In the 1930s Great Depression, they lead the low-priced kit revolution with the "Dime Scale" kits and famous advertisements in Model Airplane News magazine and others. Comet reached it's peak in the 1930s when they acquired the services of Carl Goldberg. Goldberg was a highly accomplished modeler with articles in Model Airplane News and famous designs that won him several National level competitions in the 1930s and beyond. (Carl Goldberg went on to found his own company and produced well designed and popular free-flight and RC aircraft). Comet survived the post World War economic slump and continued kit production until they were bought out by long-time competitor Guillow's in 1998.
Inpact Hawker Fury, 1/48, P202
Plastic Model Kit, Box Condition: Sealed Exc+++
$34
Still factory sealed. Large (1/48) kit. Well molded with many parts and fine detail. Has realistic subtle cloth texture on the areas covered by fabric and a smooth surface on metal sections. Includes display stand, rigging material and colorful decals.
Revell Douglas DC-7 Pan Am Airport Scene - 'S' Kit with Boarding Ramp / Stanchions / Gasoline Truck & Trailer / Tractor with 3 Baggage Carts / Aircraft Tractor and 7 Figures, 1/122, H257
Plastic Model Kit, Box Condition: Exc
$2200
Very, very rare, complete and 100% correct. The Pan Am Airport Scene was commissioned by Pan Am in the late 1950s and only sold through the airline, not through Revell distributors. This has made it one of the rarest Revell kits in existence. It is widely considered an 'S' kit since it was made at that time and features that style of artwork, but the box never had the yellow 'S' anywhere on it. It contains all the parts and markings listed in the title and makes an incredible airport diorama. The box has excellent color and gloss with no tears or stains. Three corners are solid - the other has been repaired very neatly with clear tape. There is general wear as shown but no other damage. Inside, the parts are as new. All pieces are in the correct gloss silver plastic with the clear Revell 'Swivel Base Display Stand.' The airport accessories are still sealed in the original factory bag, including the metal axles. The unique decal sheet for this special issue is intact, never cut and in 'good' condition. It contains Pan Am DC-7 decals and markings for the ground equipment. The decals are flat but have some yellowing and two creases. On the back they have the correct Revell markings and part number to be original for this model. The instructions are 100% correct and original for this model. They are in 'very good+' condition with the usual yellowing, two very small thin spots and one very light stain. In all, an excellent investment piece that has never been started with the airport parts bag sealed and otherwise inventoried complete with the correct decals and instructions. Please note that Revell did NOT issue this kit with paper 'carpet' like the United Airlines Flight 707 Airport Scene. The 'carpet' has been intentionally de-listed from the area of the box that describes the contents and has been removed from the instructions as well. Although this kit does not have an 'S' on it, I have included it as an 'S' kit since it is from that time frame and shares the common box art theme.
AMT Western Auto Monte Carlo Race Car, 1/25, 8404
Plastic Model Kit, Box Condition: Exc
$18
Detailed kit with over 100 parts, full engine and frame detail, racing cockpit, colorful decals and more. The kit has never been started. It has been inventoried complete with all parts and includes decals and instructions.
Model Airways Nieuport 28 1917 Skeleton Kit, 1/16, 1002
Plastic Model Kit, Box Condition: Exc++
$255
Amazing model from 2000 builds a skeletal Nieuport 28 with over 190 laser cut hardwood (basswood, birch and plywood) parts, over 200 Britannia metal, copper, aluminum, steel, brass and rubber parts, and over 50 Britannia metal castings for the Gnome-Rhone Type 9N rotary engine complete with all cylinders, distributor, spark plugs and crankcase. Details other than the engine (which is a kit to itself) include turnbuckles, guy wires, compression bar, pulleys, wire support brackets, struts, flight instruments, tires and much more. Includes three sheets of full size plans and very detailed instructions. Completed wingspan is 20 inches. Never started. All parts are still in the factory sealed bags and containers. Includes all plans and instructions. Please note that shipping insurance is required for this kit.
Heller AS-350 Ecureuil Gendarmerie Nationale, 1/50, 80487
Plastic Model Kit, Box Condition: Sealed VG
$29
Still factory sealed but the seal has drawn the box top concave. Large scale helicopter kit with 45 parts.
Frog Canberra Mk.8 / 12 Low Level Bomber South African or RAF, 1/72, F203
Plastic Model Kit, Box Condition: Sealed VG
$32
Still factory sealed. Final Frog logo from the late 1970s. Has parts and decals for either version- RAF No.88 Sqn, Wildenrath Germany 1960 or South African Air Force No.12 Sqn, Waterkloof, 1969. Frog is considered the father of injection molded model kits. The Lines Brothers opened Frog in 1932, capitalizing on the fever caused by Lindberg's solo transatlantic flight. Almost overnight the western populations became 'Air-Minded', and anything aviation was in high demand. Frog created a quality line of stick and tissue rubber powered aircraft and gliders as well as innovative ready-to-fly rubber powered aircraft that required no assembly. The box even contained a built-in rubber motor winder and fuselage holder. Model airplane flight competitions were popular in Great Britain, and one category was 'Rise Off the Ground', or ROG. By changing this to 'Flies Right Off the Ground', the FROG name was born. In 1936 Frog created a line of injection molded plastic models, the first such kit line in the world (Hawk sold a line of injection molded aircraft models in 1934 but they were factory assembled and painted). Named 'Penguin' after the bird that does not fly, the kits were innovative beyond the means of production. At a time when models were simply built by wingspan, the Penguin line was a constant 1/72 scale. Furthermore, a large 1/72 Short S.30 Empire class flying boat contained a full interior and lights! A line of accessories such as AA guns, tractors, hanger, ambulance, sound locator, searchlights and lighting kits were quickly added to the line. WWII caused a pause in production. After the war the box color changed from silver to green, and Penguin kits were also marketed in the USA. Production ended in 1950. Frog quickly expanded and released the Red, Blue, Orange, Black, Green, Gold Token, Spin and Comet series as well as Trail Blazers and several others. It is noteworthy that while most manufacturers in the 1940s/50 were making toy-like models, Frog attempted to make very realistic models. For example, 'detailing' kits with excessively large rivets was once very popular. Frog ignored this trend and continued to mold aircraft with fine panel lines and no rivets. As a result, Frog kits can be built into very realistic replicas. Production ended in the late 1970s, but Frog molds are still in use around the world.
Matchbox SH-2F Seasprite - HSL-37 USS Rathburne Pacific Fleet 1979 or HSL-32 Detachment 5 Assigned to USS Valdez Atlantic Fleet December 1980, 1/48, PK-653
Plastic Model Kit, Box Condition: Sealed Exc++
$46
Still factory sealed. Dated 1981. Rare large-scale early issue with the best mold quality. Nicely detailed kit for that time and later re-released by Revell. Includes decals for both helicopters.