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Plastic Model Kits

Revell Documented Arizona Factory Display Owned By Esther Ross, Who Christened The USS Arizona

Plastic Model Kit, Box Condition: VG

$3800

An incredibly rare, documented, one-of-a-kind piece of history in amazing investment-grade collector condition. For the very advanced collector of unique military history and model kits. This Revell Factory Model was originally owned by Mrs. Esther Ross Wassell, who earlier was Miss Esther Ross who christened the USS Arizona in New York on June 19, 1915. She went on to play a very key role in the creation of the USS Arizona Memorial. Thanks to newspaper reports, we know that her father, William Ross, was a prominent pharmacist in Prescott, Arizona. He and his friends convinced Gov. Hunt to choose his daughter from the other 100 applicants anxious to do the honors. It turned out to be a wise choice reasons no one could foresee. Miss Ross took the task of launching the world's most powerful battleship very seriously. She practiced her duties every day after school for months, smashing syrup bottles full of water against a fence behind the house. Miss Ross was popular and well respected in Prescott. Even the Associated Press reported that she "was one of the prettiest girls in the state." A special train took Gov. Hunt, Miss Ross, her family and others to New York for the event. Although the applause for the then unpopular Gov. Hunt, the cheering for Miss Ross was "heard for miles." Page 1 of the Prescott Journal Miner, June 20th, 1915, reported that at the Brooklyn Navy Yard Miss Ross cried "I dub thee Arizona," and "Not a hitch or sign of accident marred the success of the launching." "This is the proudest moment of my life," she stated, "and I am most intensely gratified at the magnificent demonstration that my friends and the city of Prescott has given me." Sometime after the launching ceremony, Miss Ross married Mr. Arthur Wassell and became Mrs. Esther Ross Wassell. She saw the horror of World War II and the disaster of the Arizona touched her deeply. After the war, she joined the drive to create a memorial over the ship to the 1177 sailors entombed in her. She joined the Arizona Memorial Committee which raised all the funds needed to build the Arizona Memorial. She served on the staff and toured the USA giving numerous media interviews and key speeches for the fund raising. Out of gratitude, the USS Arizona Memorial Committee ordered a special Revell Factory Display USS Arizona for her. It came with two specially affixed small Fleet Reserve and Arizona Committee signs (shown in the photos) on the right side; these special markings are only found on the rare "appreciation gift" factory displays from the Arizona Memorial Committee members to important fundraisers. The model was shipped to her in Los Angeles. You can see the original "Arizona Memorial Committee" mailing label that has her full name and address, documenting that it was her model. Esther treasured this gift and kept it in remarkable and very complete condition. Included is the original shipping box in "very good++" condition with all the original shipping tape, all the original internal special cardboard packing material, the model ship in exceptional condition, the cardboard display base(complete but with small tears and very light wear as shown), the colorful backdrop (with wear and slight tears as shown, missing one lower tab), the original display assembly instructions and even an original fund raising card from the Arizona memorial campaign. This display, box and all materials were always in a climate controlled environment. The colors on the cardboard display are in stunning, factory-new condition. The instructions for the display are 'excellent.' The ship is 100% complete and the factory paint is in exceptional condition. Even the factory rigging and all flags are intact. There is very little dust on the ship; it appears to be in 'not displayed' condition; but I know it was displayed for a short time because of the small tears and one tab on the cardboard display backdrop (see photos), which were probably due to putting it up and taking it down. I have only found one repair; the jackstaff broke and was neatly repaired at some point. The factory shipping box still has all the original tape and very little wear for that age. The original Arizona Memorial Committee shipping label is in 'very good' shape. Due to it being on the bottom of the shipping box, it does have some wear, but all the writing can be clearly read with slight magnification. This piece passed to Esther's daughter, who gave it to a friend who then gave it to another friend. The later friend is wife to an OMK customer, who sold me the model. This kit must be shipped insured and I may require it shipped by special courier.

Hobby-Time Sealed Factory Case of 12 Bell XV-3 US Army Convertiplane, 1/43, 901-98c

Plastic Model Kit, Box Condition: Sealed Good

$545

This is a factory-sealed case of 12 Hobby-XV-3 model kits from the 1950s. Hobby-Time shipped them to the address on the box, and I purchased them from the man at that address. The case has never been opened and is still securely sealed top and bottom with the factory tape. The box is in 'excellent' condition. The actual model kits (12 inside the case!) are the one and only issue of this amazing aircraft. This is a very nice kit for that time with fine raised panel lines, interior detail and molded in gloss silver and clear.

UPC Kawasaki Ki-61 Hien 'Tony' (ex-Fujimi), 1/70, 8016-49

Plastic Model Kit, Box Condition: Exc

$16

From older but quality Fujimi molds and with box art by Scott Eidson. The kit has never been started. The parts are still in the internal factory sealed bags and includes decals and instructions. UPC stood for Universal Powermaster Corporation which was based out of New York City, NY. UPC did not cut their own molds, but bought kits already molded from other manufacturers and re-boxed the kits in the USA. Scott Eidson, the famous artist best known for his artwork with Revell, also did UPC box art in the 1960s. All UPC production ended in the 1970s.

Monogram Ford F-150 Ranger Pickup Truck - (F150), 1/24, 2262

Plastic Model Kit, Box Condition: Fair

$36

This kit is dated 1980. Very nicely detailed featuring full engine, excellent engine compartment and opening hood, detailed chassis with two or four wheel drive driveline & differential, opening tail gate, optional bed cover, detailed interior and more. Molded in gloss red, clear and chrome plate with rubber tires. NOTE: this kit has minor and neat assembly. The long block (engine 1/2, intake, heads and exhaust manifolds) are built to 'professional' quality. The two bed inner walls are assembled to 'excellent++' quality. There is no other assembly and zero painting. It has been inventoried complete with all parts and includes decals and instructions. Although the box has bug damage, the decals and instructions are in 'excellent++' condition. Before you use any older kit decals, please read the articles (located on this website) about saving old kit decals.

Varney US Navy Fleet Submarine - The First Plastic US Ship Model, 1/240

Plastic Model Kit, Box Condition: Good+

$795

This model is a landmark in the history of Plastic Kits. The Varney Fleet Sub is the primary candidate for the first all-plastic ship kit made in the USA. The famous HO/O train manufacture, Varney, branched out into other scale model kits at the end of WWII. In late 1945, they introduced what are thought to be the first USA produced plastic model kits - the Fleet Sub and the PT-17 Stearman. Both kits were excellent scale models given the state of modeling at that time. However, Varney was 6 years too early. The Fleet Sub and PT-17 met a cool reception when it was introduced to retailers. Hobby Shops were not sure if it would sell, and did not know how to sell it. Consequently, most retailers would not order it and those who did put them where they were not seen by the public. Distributors stopped carrying the kits due to a lack of re-orders. The result was inevitable - they did not sell, and Varney pulled both kits from production very quickly. Varney was committed to cutting the molds on the LST and it was released in 1946 with the same result. That marked the end of Varney's venture into "non-train" scale plastic models. Varney dedicated all production to HO trains and in the late 1940s they sold the molds for the Fleet Sub, the LST and the PT-17 to O-Lin. The molds underwent modification (the hull was divided into two parts instead of one) and it was released by O-Lin and later Lindberg. This kit is a a very nice, never started and complete example. The box top grades 'good+' and has nice color as shown, general light stains and wear, three solid corners and one closed split corner. Three sides are as nice as the top, with one small piece of clear tape on both long sides. The right short side does have a 3/4" x 1/2" tape tear but is fine beside that . Inside, it is complete. The yellow parts display is intact and in 'good-' condition. The original krinkle small parts bag is present but split open; I have included the bag and all parts are inventoried complete. The original glue is present but the tube shattered; I have put it in a zip lock. The stand was glued to the yellow at the factory; the glue has come off. The factory glass rectangle for the stand arm is still present and in it's holder. The heavy one-piece molded hull is in rare crack-free condition and cradled into the holder. The base is in very good condition also. Very large instruction sheet is 'very good++' and folds out to illustrate construction and offers numerous display ideas for this new medium in hobby kits. Decals were not provided with the kit. This kit was made with gray injection molded details, glass stand arm and black injection molded stand and sub hull. I have seen versions with no paint on the base and hull; however, this one has the base and hull factory painted gray. The paint is in 'very good' condition on the hull and 'excellent' on the stand base. A rare example of a classic kit. Shipped with insurance only.

Premiere BAe Hawk T.Mk 1A Red Arrows, 1/48, P3102

Plastic Model Kit, Box Condition: Exc+

$26

Large scale 1/48 Hawk. Features colorful decals for any of 11 (10 flying aircraft and a spare) of the Red Arrows Display Team, detailed cockpit, optional position landing gear, AIM-9 Sidewinder missiles and optional gun pack. The model has not been started. Factory sealed bags with decals and instructions.

Revell F-84F Thunderstreak Pre 'S' Issue, 1/54, H215-79

Plastic Model Kit, Box Condition: Exc

$95

1955 Pre 'S' issue with dramatic box artwork. Kit features rotating wheels, cockpit and pilot detail, famous 'Revelving' clear globe stand and is molded in gloss silver and clear. Never started. 100% inventoried complete with all parts/decals and instructions present.

Airfix Bristol Beaufighter Craftmaster Issue, 1/72, 7-49

Plastic Model Kit, Box Condition: VG

$28

Purchased new on September 28, 1965 in Cleveland, Ohio. Very colorful box art of a Beaufigher making a low attack run on shipping. Kit includes torpedo and rocket load-outs. Never started. Inventoried and 100% complete with all parts, decals and instructions. Please NOTE the box looks better than the grade, but is graded 'very good' because there is a closed tear on one side. Craftmaster kits were made in the UK by Airfix and marketed by MPC in the USA.

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.

Kader Vickers Viscount BEA - British European Airways, 1/121, 393

Plastic Model Kit, Box Condition: Exc

$36

Ex-Lincoln molds. Very close to 1/144 scale. Good detail and complete decals including all pin stripes. Never started. Factory sealed bag or inventoried 100% complete with all parts, decals and instructions.

Arii USS Nautilus SSN571 Nuclear Submarine, AR116-D100

Plastic Model Kit, Box Condition: VG

$69

Very rare; not even listed in John Burn's guide. Small scale kit that measures about 6.6 inches long when assembled. The kit is basic, featuring only 10 plastic parts. It is also designed for motorized operation, and comes with a big slow-rpm prop, rubber motor and torpedo-shaped weight holder and weight that hang from the bottom when you wish to operate it. The kit has never been started. The parts are still in the internal factory sealed bags and includes instructions. The instructions are on the bottom of the box top.

Aurora Atomic Submarine Nautilus SS571, 1/242, 500-98

Plastic Model Kit, Box Condition: Exc

$179

Rare, Brooklyn-produced, early 1950s U-Ma-Kit. This was Aurora's first naval model. Molded in the correct glossy very dark gray plastic and includes a display stand and decals to match the box art. Never started and complete with all parts, 'very good++' condition decals and 'near mint' instructions. The box has excellent color, four solid corners with no repairs, no fading and no price tags. The only tape is the factory sealing tape on the long sides. There is a light grease pencil price at the top center as shown and general shelf/edge wear.

Microscale YF-102 (Prototype F-102 Delta Dagger), 1/60, MS4-4

Plastic Model Kit, Box Condition: Sealed NM

$95

Still factory sealed. Ex-Allyn molds. Rare kit showing the original subsonic configuration of the prototype F-102 before the Area Rule 'Coke Bottle' fuselage. With two decal sheets and stand. Aircraft builds to in-flight configuration and includes display stand.

Hobby-Time Sealed Factory Case of 12 Bell XV-3 US Army Convertiplane, 1/43, 901-98c

Plastic Model Kit, Box Condition: Sealed Exc

$635

Pyro IJN Musashi Battleship - Table Top Navy, 1/1200, C392-50

Plastic Model Kit, Box Condition: Good

$22

Small scale ship kit from the Table Top Navy series. Very nicely done kits for their time. Can be built full hull or waterline. Features propeller and shaft detail, separately molded turrets, stacks, many superstructure parts and more. The kit has never been started. It has been inventoried complete with all parts and instructions. Many of the Pyro kits came from Eagle (then Eaglewall) molds in England. Eaglewall went out of business around 1962 and Pyro acquired at least some of the molds. Pyro reissued some of these kits in the mid 1960s with AJ Rudisill artwork. Evidently the line was successful, as Pyro then cut some of their own molds and expanded the series significantly. The earlier issues have the full color artwork and a three digit part number. Later issues have a 'B' or 'C' in front of the three digit kit number; some have simplified box art that is a modification of the original Rudisill paintings by painting out most of the background. Pyro issued these kits into the late 1960 when Life-Like took over the molds. Some were reissued by Life-Like.

Varney US Navy Fleet Submarine, 1/240

Plastic Model Kit, Box Condition: Exc+

$1100

This model is a landmark in the history of Plastic Kits. The Varney Fleet Sub is the primary candidate for the first all-plastic ship kit made in the USA. The famous HO/O train manufacture, Varney, branched out into other scale model kits at the end of WWII. In late 1945, they introduced what are thought to be the first USA produced plastic model kits - the Fleet Sub and the PT-17 Stearman. Both kits were excellent scale models given the state of modeling at that time. However, Varney was 6 years too early. The Fleet Sub and PT-17 met a cool reception when it was introduced to retailers. Hobby Shops were not sure if it would sell, and did not know how to sell it. Consequently, most retailers would not order it and those who did put them where they were not seen by the public. Distributors stopped carry the kits due to a lack of reporders. The result was inevitable - they did not sell, and Varney pulled both kits from production very quickly. Varney was committed to cutting the molds on the LST and it was released in 1946 with the same result. That marked the end of Varney's venture into non-train scale plastic models. Varney dedicated all production to HO trains and in the late 1940s they sold the molds for the Fleet Sub, the LST and the PT-17 to O-Lin. The molds underwent modification (the hull was divided into two parts instead of one) and were released by O-Lin and Lindberg. This kit is a superb, investment-grade "excellent++" example. The box top has like-new color and gloss, four solid corners with no repairs, no tape or price tags, no marks from tape or tags and no tears or other litho damage. Flaws include very light and even edge wear (as shown), very slight 'dishing' inward and very light foxing on two box sides. Inside, the kit is still as it came from the factory. The yellow parts display is 'very good++' and the only flaw is the scuffing as shown. The small parts bag is still factory sealed and factory stapled to the yellow display. The glass display stand arm is tucked into its holder. The heavy one-piece molded hull is beautiful and in rare crack-free condition and cradled into the holder. The base was factory glued to the yellow display but has come loose. It also includes the unused factory tube of Testors cement in its own holder. Very large instruction sheet is near mint and folds out to illustrate construction and offers numerous display ideas for this new medium in hobby kits. Decals were not provided with the kit. This kit was made with gray injection molded details, glass stand arm and black injection molded stand and sub hull. I have seen versions with no paint on the base and hull; however, this one has the base and hull factory painted gray. The paint is in 'near mint' condition on the hull and 'excellent' on the stand base. A rare example of a classic kit. Shipped with insurance only.

Kemziv Antonov AN-2M - (ex-MEE), 1/50

Plastic Model Kit, Box Condition: Good

$69

Rare and likely from the late 1970s. One of at least two Kemziv issues, and probably the earliest of the two known. Large almost 1/48 scale kit of the popular and successful AN-2, the world's largest single engined biplane. The model has never been started and all parts are still sealed in the factory 'krinkle' clear plastic bags. Includes color insignia sheet and full instructions. The insignia are CCCP and Aeroflot for a civil AN-2 transport. This model is the Ex-MEE 1/50 AN-2 kit that was sold as a built up display model and a kit. Production ended at MEE in about 1984. Some molds passed to Genton at that point, and obviously Kemziv got them at some point. Thanks to Tom Marino for help on this.

Revell F-105B Thunderchief - 'S' Issue, 1/75, H285-89

Plastic Model Kit, Box Condition: Exc

$89

1958 first issue with dramatic hardbox artwork. The box has excellent color and gloss. Features optional position landing gear, movable wheels, four bombs, pilot figure and hinged cockpit canopy and refueling probe. The kit has never been started. Inventoried 100% complete including decals and instructions.

Airmodel Dornier Do-217 K-1 Conversion, 1/72

Plastic Model Kit, Box Condition: Exc

$14

Injection molded conversion has new nose section molded in clear, full instructions and paint guide with listed colors. Never started and complete with all parts and instructions. Conversion kits require a base injection molded kit to complete (the Airfix kit is recommended for this one). Parts included are for the conversion only. Some scratchbuilding may be required.

Life-Like 1936 Ford Roadster - (ex-Pyro), 1/32, 09288

Plastic Model Kit, Box Condition: Sealed Exc+

$32

Still factory sealed. 1970s Life-Like issue from original 1960s Pyro molds. Features detailed molded chassis underside with separately molded front and rear suspension, complete interior, top boot or top in the 'up' position and rear trunk mounted spare tire. In the early to mid 1960s the Pyro company chose many of its 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. Pyro stated that it can be converted to a 'road racing' or slot car.

Old Plastic Model Kits