Cleveland Playboy Senior Class C Gas Balsa Flying Model Airplane Kit, GP-5017
Wood Model Kit, Box Condition: Exc
$225
70 inch wingspan class 'C' gas free-flight model airplane. Cleveland entered the 1930s gas model market with the famous Playboy series. The design is so solid and popular that it is still a favorite at meets today (Like SAM - Society of Antique Modelers) where free-flight competitions are still held. Cleveland was late to introduce these kits (1939), but they wanted to ensure that the quality and performance was there. It appears that there were three aircraft in the Playboy line - the Baby, Junior and Senior. The model has not been started and is in exceptional condition. Whoever buys it will be the second owner; the first lives in town with me. The parts are inventoried 100% complete and includes covering tissue and 'excellent' never-used plans. Please NOTE: that there is some bug damage to the issue paper and very tiny bit to the edge of the plans. The Cleveland Model and Supply Company played a pivotal role in the development of true scale models. In 1909 Bleriot's English Channel flight caused a surge in aviation and model aircraft around the globe. Several companies were ideally positioned to take advantage of the aviation craze. In the USA, Wading River Manufacturing Co. (1909), White Aeroplane (1911), Ideal Model Aeroplane (1911), Broadfield Model Aeroplanes (1919) were among these pioneers, offering everything from plans and parts to complete kits and ARF models. Lindbergh's 1927 crossing of the Atlantic Ocean caused an even bigger world-wide phenomenon called 'The Aviation Craze' that extended up to the start of World War II. Many companies such as Megow, Guillow's and others started right around the time of Lindbergh's flight. Some of these models flew and flew well, but they all had one thing in common - were generally not accurate scale representations. In 1929, a youngster named Ed Packard had a very advanced dream to produce incredibly accurate, true scale models that flew perfectly. This radical idea established the world's longest operating single-owner model airplane supply business, called Cleveland Model and Supply Company. To this day, Cleveland models are treasured as the most accurate flying scale models produced. The fact that Mr. Packard started and successfully grew this business during The Great Depression is a testament to his ideals and business skill. I highly suggest the excellent book called 'Aviations great Recruiter, Cleveland's Ed Packard' by H.L. (Herm) Schreiner. It is an excellent history of the man, his company and the times of the Golden Age of Model Aviation.
Aurora F-86D Sabre Jet Brooklyn - Famous Fighters of All Nations, 1/48, 77-79
Plastic Model Kit, Box Condition: Exc+++
$249
First issue early 1950s U-Ma-Kit from Brooklyn factory. Kit is completely correct for the first issue. Molded in high-gloss gray, no rivet detail, no landing gear/missiles (the rivets and gear/missiles did not come till later issues) and correct instructions/decals. Also includes correct Brooklyn stand and original packing tissue paper. Inventoried 100% complete with all parts, decals and instructions present.
Aurora Martin B-26 Marauder, 1/46, 371-259
Plastic Model Kit, Box Condition: Good-
$225
Very rare first issue from the early 1950s. When Aurora moved to the West Hempstead plant, they planned a series of very large scale bombers. All kits released up to this time had been small. Aurora's instincts were correct, and the B-26, B-25 and B-29 were a big sales success. This box art was done by Jim Cox and was only used for about one year, making it very rare. The kit has never been started and is inventoried 100% complete with the original tissue paper, all parts, large clear stand, instructions and decals.
Revell A3D Skywarrior (A-3) - 'S' Issue, 1/84, H241-98
Plastic Model Kit, Box Condition: NM
$145
First issue dated 1956 with great "S" artwork. The box is in amazing investment-grade "Near Mint" condition with perfect color and gloss. The only thing keeping it from being mint is occasional, isolated very light wear. Features folding wings and tail, optional position landing gear and speed brakes, escape hatch, three crew figures and refueling probe. Never started. It has been inventoried complete with all parts and includes decals and instructions. Instructions and decals are in 'near mint' condition also with very light yellowing as the only flaw.
ITC Mercer Raceabout Motorized Cam-a-Matic with Working Lights, 1/8, 36376-895
Plastic Model Kit, Box Condition: Fair++
$185
The largest injection molded kit ever made of this famous car. From the very early 1960s; features good detail for that time and operates realistically with Cam-a-Matic action. Car moves forward with real motor sound, then begins one of several pre-set steering patterns via one of four cams, stops at selected intervals, then flashes the headlights on then reverses at selected intervals! Measures about 17 inches long when built. Molded in red, black, clear and with plated plastic. The kit has never been started. The motor with metal parts and plated parts are still in their factory sealed bags, as are half of the red parts, the brass plated parts and the black wheels/tires. NOTE: one red parts bag is open; the kit appears (I say appears because one red bag is still sealed) to be missing the starting crank and short steering column sleeve; both are easily made. Also missing decals. Otherwise inventoried with all other parts and instructions present. The yellow interior display cardboard is present and in 'good' condition. The box top displays much better than the 'fair++' grade but is graded as such because one short side is torn but complete and taped from the inside. The lower box (tray) is complete but split on many corners and repaired with clear tape. There is a small, high quality repair to the underside of the chassis where there was a 1 inch closed split on a fender mount.
AMT 1963 Chrysler Imperial 2 Door Hardtop 3 in 1 Customizing Kit, 1/25, 6823-149
Plastic Model Kit, Box Condition: Good
$149
Rare original issue. Very nicely detailed with an impressive host of custom and optional parts. Features full engine and compartment, opening hood, complete interior and detailed underside. The kit has never been started. The stock version has been inventoried complete. On the custom version, NOTE: missing scissors jack and custom steering wheel. Otherwise includes all other parts. With excellent condition decals and instructions. Please note that the box displays better than the 'good' rating; but it is graded as such because there are tape pulls on both short ends and there is some bug damage at two lower corners.
CM CA2 USS New York (Armored Cruiser 1895) - Later USS Saratoga and USS Rochester, 1/350
Resin Model Kit, Box Condition: Good
$235
SPECIAL ORDER limited production kit. Museum quality high definition resin castings. Complete kit with all parts needed for assembly. Some kits include photo-etched details and decals if required -email for details on a certain kit. Kits are molded upon receipt of payment. Normal wait is two to three weeks. The USS New York CA-2 was the second US armored cruiser, the Maine being the very first. The Maine took so long to finish that the New York actually entered service first. After diverting from a trip to Key West, New York became flagship at Santiago de Cuba, 1898 in the Spanish American War. She enjoyed a long and eclectic Navy career. She was renamed USS Saratoga (ACR-2) to make 'name space' for the Battleship New York on Feb 16, 1911. On December 1, 1917, she was renamed Rochester to free up the name for CV-3. As Rochester, she served in Haiti, Shanghai, and the P.I. Hulked at Cavite in 1938, the veteran of 40 years in the Fleet was scuttled on December 24, 1941 to prevent capture.
Aurora Jap Zero Brooklyn - Famous Fighters of All Nations, 1/48, 88-59
Plastic Model Kit, Box Condition: Exc
$725
Rare very first issue from Aurora's first factory in Brooklyn. This early kit, as with the other Brooklyn's, was issued without landing gear, bombs and has very little rivet detail. All parts correct for this kit molded in high-gloss yellow and clear including Brooklyn Base, Brooklyn Instructions and correct early Tatem Decals - even the original tissue packing paper is present. The box is solid and displays nicely. Gloss and colors are like new. On the top, there is light surface wear at the lower left. On the sides there is a 1" thin tape tear on one long side and a 1/2" thin tape tear on the other long side from the original tape seal. There is no other tape, price stickers or other defects. Never started. Factory sealed bag or inventoried 100% complete with all parts, decals and instructions.
Revell Boeing B-47 Giant Stratojet Pre 'S' Tall Box Issue, 1/112, H206-98
Plastic Model Kit, Box Condition: VG+++
$155
1954 second issue in the Pre-'S' hardbox. The second issue has a slightly taller box, 4 piece stand and revised instructions. Color and gloss are fantastic. The kit inside is mint. Never started. Factory sealed bag or inventoried 100% complete with all parts, decals and instructions.
CM BM2 USS Amphitrite (Costal Monitor 1898), 1/350
Resin Model Kit, Box Condition: VG+++
$125
SPECIAL ORDER limited production kit. Museum quality high definition resin castings. Complete kit with all parts needed for assembly. Some kits include photo-etched details and decals if required -email for details on a certain kit. Kits are molded upon receipt of payment. Normal wait is 2 to 3 weeks.
Megow The Cadet 51.5 Inch Wingspan Early Gas Free Flight Aircraft, E-17
Wood and Metal Model Kit, Box Condition: Good++
$425
Very, very rare. From the early 1930s. Notice that the motor is referred to simply as 5/8" bored engine. There is no record of a public sale of this kit since the mid 1990s and no public photo of one until now. It is safe to say that only a handful are left. Fred Megow once stated that they lost money on the big gas models (like this Cadet) and sold very few; they were done for status only. The box top and tray are in exceptional condition given the age of the model. The box top and litho are both 100% intact, although the corners are taped due to splits and the litho has stains as shown. The tray is better with no splits. This is an incredible kit for that time with a high degree of prefabrication- "Can Be Built In A Few Evenings!" at the box says and it is true. Features ready-carved, completed hollow wing leading edges from a single block of balsa, conical monocoque fuselage, universally acceptable motor mounting, special wing mounting that protects the model (the wing will fly off loose undamaged in case of a collision), realistic cabin, high aspect ratio, solid, factory cut tail, high quality printwood, spars, stripwood and sheet wood, balsa blocks as required, metal stock, finished rubber tires with wooden hubs, the original paper envelope including all hardware, embossed and outlined aluminum sheet including lower, top and nose cowls, beautiful fuselage-length 'CADET' insignia in black and silver, covering material, huge, detailed plans and even a four page, illustrated brochure by Maxwell B. Bassett (Pioneer Gas Model Builder and Designer) called 'Flying Gasoline Powered Models.' Even the original cardboard dividers and inserts are present. There is no assembly but NOTE: 20 wing ribs are cut out to 'professional' quality. All other parts are uncut. Carefully inventoried and NOTE: missing the prop blank and fluids. The factory rubber bands disintegrated. Otherwise includes all other items, insignia and paperwork.
Nitto Boeing 727-200 - ANA (All Nippon Airways 727), 1/100, 190-500
Plastic Model Kit, Box Condition: Fair+
$125
Early issue labeled "Nitto Kagaku" with superior mold quality. Large scale model measures 18 inches long when assembled. Excellent detail including rear airstair and very large colorful decal sheets for ANA. Decals are in 'excellent++' condition. The kit has never been started. The parts that were factory sealed (the small parts) are still in the sealed bags. The parts that are not factory sealed have been inventoried complete including decals and instructions.
Monogram Skyhawk A-4E VMAT-102 Marines or VA-144 Navy, 1/48, 5406
Plastic Model Kit, Box Condition: Good
$38
1977 issue. Very well detailed model that is finely molded featuring optional position dive brakes, canopy, wing flaps and leading edge slats, detailed cockpit, full underwing stores including drop tanks, 6 bombs and two missiles and more. Has decals for two aircraft including the colorful box art Marine aircraft. Never started. The parts are still in the internal factory sealed bags and includes decals and instructions.
Lindberg Air Force Tank Destroyer P-47 Thunderbolt Motorized, 1/48, 303M-129
Plastic Model Kit, Box Condition: Sealed Exc+++
$115
Still factory sealed. First motorized release from the 1950s/early 60s in a hardbox and classic Ray Gaedke Art. Features motor driven prop, full landing gear, bombs and rocket load-out and extensive cowl checkerboard and invasion white-black stripe decals. Molded in green and clear (although I cannot confirm that). Lindberg is a company with a fascinating history The original 'Lindberg Line' stretches back to the 1930s when Paul Lindberg drew plans for famous modeling magazines and marketed his balsa wood 'stick and tissue' by urging dealers to carry the '...Complete Lindberg Line'. After the war, Lindberg and Olsen had a strong hand in early United States injection molded kit development. Please see the article located on this website about early USA plastic kit manufacturers.
Revell The Great Waldo Pepper Sopwith Camel, 1/28, H910
Plastic Model Kit, Box Condition: VG+
$145
Hard-to-find 1975 issue that was tied into Universal Pictures movie 'The Great Waldo Pepper' staring Robert Redford. The box top has a unique perforated 'signed' picture of Redford that can be 'detached and framed'. Inside, the kit is the large 1/28 'S' issue with detailed rotary engine the moves with the prop, authentic fine fabric texture finish over ribs, complete cockpit with movable control stick and rudder bar, removable cowling, pilot and crew figures, rigging instructions, correct Waldo Pepper decals (with USA 'N' registration numbers) and instructions. The kit has never been started. Inventoried 100% complete including decals and instructions.
Duracraft Inc Dura-Plane With Extras - 45 Inch Wingspan R/C Trainer Quick Build
Metal and Plastic Model Kit, Box Condition: VG
$119
Very rugged and crash-survivable R/C trainer that is easy to build. Features 45" molded foam wing, durable PVC fuselage, aluminum main channel, aluminum landing gear and all hardware included. Designed for .20 to .40 two cycle power and a 3 to 4 channel radio. Building time is estimated at 6-10 hours. Includes highly illustrated instructions for building and radio installation. Iron on covering is not required. Never started. The parts that were factory sealed are still in the sealed internal bags. The parts never sealed have been inventoried complete with all paperwork. Includes the following after-market extra parts: (2) 2.5 Inch Wheels, Du-Bro #140 5/32" plated brass Dura Collars (sealed), Du-Bro fuel tank (sealed), Blue Line Silicone thick fuel line (sealed) and a big sealed package of R/C Latex Foam for shock mounting equipment. NOTE that this item will be shipped in the factory-original sturdy shipping box unless you specify otherwise. If you do wish to have it boxed, extra shipping will apply.
Megow Ranger Class B Gas Model - 44 Inch Wingspan Early Free Flight Aircraft, E-22
Wood and Metal Model Kit, Box Condition: Good
$175
Very, very rare. From the late 1930s or pre-war 40s. Fred Megow once stated that they lost money on the big gas models and sold very few; they were done for status only. This is a one owner kit; the box top and tray are in good condition given the age of the model; that stain on the litho lowers the overall grade to 'good'. The box top and bottom are 100% intact, never repaired and have great corners. Inside, the kit has never been touched. The small parts are still in the sealed paper envelope and it appears that the plans have never been unfolded. Includes quality printwood, stock balsa, factory cut stringers and spars (still held in a bundle together with the factory rubber bands), balsa and hardwood stock cut to general shape, fully formed wooden wheels, fully formed wire landing gear struts, sealed hardware packet and more. It is complete with all parts and plans. I do not see any covering tissue, but some models did not come with it (and it may be in the never opened plans).
Monogram Phantom Huey UH-1B Chopper Motorized with Sound, 1/24, PA226
Plastic Model Kit, Box Condition: Good-
$659
SALE!! Rare. First issue dated 1969. Large and completely transparent with a 20 inch long fuselage and nearly 2 foot rotor diameter. Well detailed with 184 parts and structural members and full internal detail. Features complete cockpit, pilot and co-pilot figures, full cabin, opening cabin door, inner fuselage framing, detailed engine and more. In the display base with the batteries is an electric motor which turns the main and tail rotors while the sound unit makes "chop-chop" sound that varies correctly with main rotor speed. To minimize painting, the kit is molded in clear, zinc chromate green, black, chrome plate, gray, olive drab and flexible black/gray ammo belts. The clear fuselage halves have no breaks or cracks, they are mint. The kit has never been started. Inside, the original red cardboard presentation material is complete and in 'excellent+' condition. All parts have been inventoried 100% complete including motor, hardware, wire, decals and instructions. Please NOTE that the decals have bug damage to the backing paper and some transfers have damage also; I have included two sets of excellent reproduction decals with complete instructions: one on clear decal paper and the other on white decal paper. The Phantom Huey box tops are thin, fragile and easily damaged. This one is no exception- it is 99+% complete, but I have correctly repaired two split corners and two closed tears (on the short sides) from the inside, using cardstock and book binding glue. The box bottom has three closed split corners. NOTE: this kit must be shipped insured.
Aurora British Korean War Centurion Tank - British or Israeli Markings, 1/48, 330
Plastic Model Kit, Box Condition: Sealed Mint
$115
Still factory sealed and in investment grade condition. Hard-to-find 1/48 scale armor kit in the 'Big A' box from 1972. Features elevating gun, rotating turret, figures, operating treads and bogies and battlefield display stand.
Aurora P-51 Mustang Screwdriver Issue, 1/27, 377-350
Plastic Model Kit, Box Condition: Good
$195
1969 hardbox issue. This kit was designed as a gas powered flying model. However, Aurora discontinued the gas powered line very shortly after introduction due to returns and liability issues. Since the mold investment was already made, Aurora marketed these kits as large scale static models. For example, the 1/32 scale B-25 was issued in Gas U-Control and then static - but the P-51 may have only been issued in static. Never started. The small parts are still in the factory sealed clear bag. The other parts have been inventoried 100% complete including decals and instructions.