Plastic Model Kits: model airplane kits, Revell, Monogram, Aurora

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Hudson Miniatures 1906 Columbia Electric Old Timers, 1/16

Wood Model Kit, Box Condition: VG+

$85

Dated 1949 and very well detailed for that time. Big scale kit features numerous die-cut and machined-to-shape wooden parts, beautiful plastic wheels, leaf spring assemblies and lanterns and a number of metal parts, accessories and die-cut cardstock. The kit has never been started. The small parts are still in the factory sealed bag and all other parts have been inventoried present. Includes large, excellent, detailed plans with instructions. The Columbia Electric was manufactured by the Electric Vehicle Co. of Hartford, Conn. It had a 1.5 HP motor with chain drive and three speeds. It cost $1350 in 1906 and tipped the scales at 1660 pounds. We think of electric cars as 'new' today but they are anything but. There were many advantages (and manufacturers) of these cars. There were no fuel lines and radiators to freeze in the winter and no overheating in the summer. They used no smelly gasoline and produced no odor when operated. The complete lack of noise made them popular with the ladies and the range was between 40 and 50 miles on a charge - not bad at all considering you could not very far anyway (on regular business or errands) in 1906. Hudson Miniatures created a very popular line of automobile kits in a constant 1/16 scale shortly after WWII. The kits sold very well...so well that you could argue that Gowland & Gowland borrowed Hudson's subject matter for their ground-breaking 'Highway Pioneers.' The Hudson Miniatures 'Old Timers' even spawned a line of imitators, with Fador's 'Smallster' being one of the better in quality. Sales did drop on the appearance and popularity of the much smaller (and less accurate) Gowland/Revell 'Highway Pioneers' in 1951. When the all-injection molded Gowland kits proved not to be a passing fad, Hudson quickly planned and released his own all-plastic, small-scale competition called 'Lil' Old Timers Quickie Kits.' The kits were of excellent quality, but it was too little too late. Additionally, sales of the excellent wooden kits faltered further in the next few years with the introduction of accurate, 1/24 and 1/32 all-plastic cars in the mid 1950s. This forced Hudson to discontinue the wood kits and the plastic line was sold to Revell and subsequently re-released. Today, these excellent, big 1/16 kits are often the only model available of these early automobiles. In the mid 1960s Aurora thought so highly of Hudson Miniatures that they purchased the wood kit assets and released a very small number of these in all-plastic models.

Hudson Miniatures 1903 Rambler Old Timers, 1/16

Wood Model Kit, Box Condition: VG++

$89

Very well detailed large 1/16 kit from 1949. Features plastic wheels, lights, other accessories and wooden main parts and occasionally metal parts and cardstock. Although all of Hudson's 1/16 kits have excellent detail, this one has even more detail than usual thanks to Hudson's engineers having access to the actual car. This kit has never been started. It has been inventoried complete with all parts, plans and instructions. Hudson Miniatures created a very popular line of automobile kits in a constant 1/16 scale shortly after WWII. The kits sold very well...so well that you could argue that Gowland & Gowland borrowed Hudson's subject matter for their ground-breaking 'Highway Pioneers.' The Hudson Miniatures 'Old Timers' even spawned a line of imitators, with Fador's 'Smallster' being one of the better in quality. Sales did drop on the appearance and popularity of the much smaller (and less accurate) Gowland/Revell 'Highway Pioneers' in 1951. When the all-injection molded Gowland kits proved not to be a passing fad, Hudson quickly planned and released his own all-plastic, small-scale competition called 'Lil' Old Timers Quickie Kits.' The kits were of excellent quality, but it was too little too late. Additionally, sales of the excellent wooden kits faltered further in the next few years with the introduction of accurate, 1/24 and 1/32 all-plastic cars in the mid 1950s. This forced Hudson to discontinue the wood kits and the plastic line was sold to Revell and subsequently re-released. Today, these excellent, big 1/16 kits are often the only model available of these early automobiles. In the mid 1960s Aurora thought so highly of Hudson Miniatures that they purchased the wood kit assets and released a very small number of these in all-plastic models.

Skywave JMSDF Sawakaze DDG170 / HSS-2B / P-3 Orion, 1/700, 43

Plastic Model Kit, Box Condition: Good

$24

Very highly detailed waterline model. Includes P-3C Orion aircraft and HSS-2B helicopter. With extensive decals for the ship and helicopters. The kit has never been started. The parts are still in the internal factory sealed bags and includes decals and instructions.

StromBecker North American F-86 Sabre Jet - Flip Top Box Issue, C44-69

Wood Model Kit, Box Condition: Good-

$79

1950s one-piece 'flip top' box issue. 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 quality hardwood (not balsa) and are smooth precarved to final shape - usually only a quick sanding would finish them. When complete it makes an impressive desk top display. Features original glue and sandpaper, clear plastic canopy, special Strombecker 'teardrop' display stand and extensive full color decals. Never started. 100% complete with all parts, decals and detailed plans, instructions. Please NOTE that the box displays better than the 'good-' grade; it is graded as such due to closed corner tears and a 1.5 x 1 missing litho section on the box back.

Strombecker Beechcraft Bonanza V35, C-41

Wood Model Kit, Box Condition: Good

$95

Rare. Classic early 1950s kit. Made of solid Western Pine - not balsa. Builds up to an impressive display model. Kit includes fuselage, wings, elevators, rudder all cut to shape, sandpaper and a small parts bag with propeller, wheels, etc. The kit has never been started. Inventoried 100% complete including decals and instructions. Decals and instructions are excellent. 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.

Strombecker Lockheed F-94 Starfire - Woodline Issue, G-43

Wood and Plastic Model Kit, Box Condition: VG+

$45

Strombecker was famous for this line of precarved hardwood and plastic kits. All parts are made to shape, including the fuselage, which made these kits easy to assembly and finish. The scale is not listed but has roughly a 6.5 inch wingspan when completed. This kit also includes a clear injection molded canopy, wooden base, wire support, color decals, glue and sandpaper and a stand. When complete it makes an impressive desk top display. Never started. All parts are still in the factory sealed internal bag and includes instructions.

Comet US Army Observation Y10-43 - (Y10 43) - 22 Inch Wingspan Flying Aircraft

Wood Model Kit, Box Condition: Good-

$145

Very, very rare kit from 1934. Stick and tissue kit almost never turn up from this early. The box top is complete with all four sides and top but is tattered on an along the lower long side; there is also general wear and damage as shown. It does display better than the grade, which reflects the worse condition of the box sides. The tray (bottom box) is 'very good-' with some wear to the edges. Inside, the superb plans are 'very good++.' They were never 'pinned down' for assembly, have no writing on them and the folds are solid (not fragile.) Flaws are a 3" closed tear and the normal yellowing. They are very highly detailed with numerous drawings, parts layout and full-size templates, numerous detailing tips and excellent text instructions. They even have an actual photo of the fuselage being built. In addition there is a full size sheet of separate text instructions. The parts feature four sheets of printwood, strip wood in different sizes, original two colors of tissue paper, very large, colorful and comprehensive insignia sheet, fully carved wood prop, fully carved spinner and wheels, two sheets of sandpaper, a paper envelope of metal detail parts, clear canopy material with the window frames printed on, metal stock, quality strip balsa and balsa blocks and rigging cord. NOTE: the following fuselage bulkheads have been cut out and are missing but are full-size on the plans: #1, #2, #3 and #4. Otherwise inventoried with all other parts and plans present. Three other parts are neatly cut out and present. No other parts are cut.

Empire Model Airplane Co Consolidated Vultee L-5 Flying Jeep (Stinson Sentinel), 1/38

Wood Model Kit, Box Condition: VG++

$34

Very nice solid wood display model from about 1945/46. Big-scale kit has a 10.75 inch wingspan and features accurate, factory profile cut wood fuselage, factory cut wings, a high quality printwood sheet with 21 other parts, fully formed tread wheels, sandpaper, color insignia sheet (US Army) and excellent instructions including full construction details, numerous templates for the fuselage, excellent full-size drawings with additional detail sketches and history on the aircraft. Never started and complete.

Revell Boeing 747 Aerolineas Argentinas Jumbo Jet - Lodela, 1/144, RH4513

Plastic Model Kit, Box Condition: Sealed VG+

$125

Still factory sealed and the seal has drawn the box top concave. Very rare Lodela issue. Please note the 30th anniversary of Lodela logo at the top right. The kit appears to be from the mid to late 1980s as the side panel mentions that in 1987 Aerolineas Argentinas celebrates 20 years of service between Argentina and Mexico. Features extensive decals with all side stripes, fin flash, name boards and more, fine raised and many recessed panel lines, detailed landing gear that can be built retracted or extended, detail main gear bay, good engine inlet and exhaust detail and a large display stand.

Airmodel Hughes OH-6 Cayuse and UH-2A Seasprite - Bagged, 1/72, 216

Vacuform Model Kit, Box Condition: Sealed VG+

$16

Includes fuselage halves molded in clear for both helicopters. Basic kit only with fuselage. A certain degree of modeling skill is required to build vacuform kits. They are not recommended for beginners.

Testors McDonnell F-15E Strike Eagle - Prototype, 1/72, 651

Plastic Model Kit, Box Condition: Exc++

$18

Very nice kit dated 1989. Features more than 50 parts, conformal fuel tanks, optional position gear, pylons, weapons load with Mk.20 Rockeye bombs, two GBU-8 guided bombs, two AIM-9 Sidewinders, 30mm gun pod, optional position canopy and speed brakes and decals for the No.1 Strike Eagle. This kit has not been started. The parts are either still in the factory sealed bag or inventoried 100% complete with all parts, decals and instructions.

Pegaso Convair F4Y (Navy C-131 / 240 / 340 / R4Y) with Airport Diorama, 1/126, P4040

Plastic Model Kit, Box Condition: Sealed Exc++

$42

Still factory sealed. From Ex-Olin and Lindberg Molds. Makes and excellent builder in place of your valuable Lindberg kit.

Heller Boeing 707 Air France Chaleau de Chambord, 1/125, L700

Plastic Model Kit, Box Condition: Good-

$125

Very rare, from the late 1950s. Early Heller issue with fantastic artwork. Some early Heller kits had some wonderful engineering (such as in the Etendard IV) and this model is no exception. You can built this model and will look like the airplane on the cover with no painting at all. The kit is molded in white, gray/silver, clear and includes black rubber tires. The fuselage lower section is molded in gray/silver along with the wings and engines, and the upper fuselage is in white. There are two sheets of colorful Air France decals including complete side pinstripes and tail 'feathers' all in 'excellent+' condition. The landing gear and gear doors can be positioned up or down. This kit has never been started. The parts are still in the internally sealed factory bags. Includes decals, instructions and the correct large black display stand.

Aurora Boeing F4B-4 - (F4B4), 1/48, 122-79

Plastic Model Kit, Box Condition: VG+++

$65

1958 issue with fantastic Jo Kotula boxart. This is the Parents' Magazine issue with the seal located in the lower right. Classic 1930s Navy Biplane Fighter that is still famous for their colorful paint jobs at that that time. Cowl, tail and trim color would vary with the Aircraft Carrier (Ranger, Lexington or Saratoga) that the group was based on and the aircraft's position in the flight formation. Inventoried 100% complete with all parts, decals and instructions.

Revell Starburst Mobile - For 15 Aircraft Models, S-8180

Plastic Model Kit, Box Condition: Good+

$115

Rare. You have seen this item on the old Revell instructions and box side advertisements. This is the Starburst Model-Holding Mobile made from plastic and metal, the ultimate display accessory for your built up Revell kits. The mobile has not been started and is complete with center ball, grease pencil, eye-screw, all arms and rubber arm cups.

Revell Boeing 727 Mexicana - Lodela Issue, 1/144, RH245

Plastic Model Kit, Box Condition: Sealed Exc

$89

Very rare. This Revell of Mexico kit was manufactured by 'Plasticos Lodela, S.A' in Mexico DF. This is Revell's excellent 51 piece 'short body' 727 kit molded in white with a display stand and very colorful Mexicana markings. Landing gear can be built up or down as can the rear passenger loading ramp (Airstair Door).

Park Plastics Boeing 707 Jetliner RCA Promotional Item, 1/180

Plastic Model Kit, Box Condition: Good

$38

Special late 1950 or very early 1960s promotional model given away by RCA to promote the new 'Jetliner' television sets. Includes RCA wing and tail decals and RCA instructions that also advertise the new television set. Older but nice kit with retractable landing gear. This may be the only aircraft kit issued by Park. The molds are from Pegapan (France) thanks to Dusty Rhodes' research (thanks Dusty!) Never started. NOTE: missing one internal retainer (easily made), one wheel and two engine inlet cones. Otherwise inventoried with all other parts, RCA decals and instructions present.

Sasquatch Dougals MD-87 - With AHS Window and Windshield Decals, 1/200, SQ-32

Resin Model Kit, Box Condition: Exc

$22

Complete kit including undercarriage. Features resin fuselage with injection molded wings, engines, elevators, landing gear and all other parts. Includes the superb AHS windows decal set. The kit has never been started. It has been inventoried complete with all parts and includes instructions.

Monogram SA-16B Albatross - Air Rescue Amphibian (Hu-16), 1/72, P20-149

Plastic Model Kit, Box Condition: Good++

$70

Rare first issue hardbox dated 1957. The first issue is P20 and the second is PA20; the "P" designation lasted less than a year. Features retracting landing gear, rotating wheels/props, three man crew, optional position door and two survivors in life rafts. Molded in correct high gloss silver and clear. The kit has never been started. It has been inventoried complete with all parts and includes decals and instructions. The Albatross was the primary sea rescue aircraft of the Aerospace Rescue and Recovery Service, a branch of MAC - Military Airlift Command. Operational service began in 1947 and Hu-16s saw wartime action in Vietnam.

Fujimi D4Y2-S Type 12 Suisei 'Judy' - Carrier Dive Bomber, 1/72, C-7