Comet SPAD - 12 Inch Wingspan Flying Balsa Airplane Model, 3105
Wood Model Kit, Box Condition: VG
$29
From the late 1960s or early 1970s. Features traditional wood/tissue construction, quality die-cut print wood, factory-cut stringers & spars, fully formed wheels, plastic propeller & thrust button, rubber motor tissue and detailed full size plans with building instructions. The kit has not been started and has been inventoried complete with all parts and plans. 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.
Comet Ryan SC - 15 inch Wingspan Powered Flying Model, 3103
Wood Model Kit, Box Condition: Exc
$29
1980s issue of this classic model. Features traditional stick and tissue construction, die-cut balsa printwood sheets, factory-cut stringers and spars, fully formed wire landing gear struts, rubber motor, metal propeller shaft/rubber hook, clear material, fully formed wheel, thrust button & propeller, tissue and full size plans. The model has not been started. Inventoried 100% complete with all parts and instructions. 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.
Comet Curtiss P-40 Tiger Shark - 18 inch Wingspan Balsa Flying Airplane Model, 3201
Wood Model Kit, Box Condition: Exc
$29
Traditional late 1960s/early1970s stick and tissue flying model that features quality balsa printwood, balsa strip stock for stringers & spars, completely shaped wooden wheels, block & dowel stock as required, rubber motor, plastic propeller, clear material for canopy, covering tissue and full size plans. The kit has never been started. It has been inventoried complete with all parts and includes instructions.
California Model Co Nieuport 17C-1 - 19.75 Inch Wingspan Balsa Flying Aircraft - (Ni17 Nieuport 17), 1/16
Wood Model Kit, Box Condition: Good
$52
Probably from the late 1940s or early 1950s. Higher quality stick-and-tissue flying model to a constant 1/16 scale. Can be built for static scale display or flown with rubber, CO2 or small gas motors for power. Features quality balsa printwood and strip wood, factory-carved balsa propeller (needs final finishing), completely finished wheels and thrust button, hardware, stock wood and metal as required, blocks as needed, covering tissue and beautifully drawn full-size plans. The model has not been started. Inventoried complete with all parts and plans. Made by California Model Company out of Long Beach, CA USA. If you have more information on this manufacture, please email me. How far back they go is unknown; they claim to have the 'Know How of 30 Years Experience' on the box side, but that could be interpreted many ways. From the box there was at least a Spad, SE-5, Fokker DVII, Niuport and a Sopwith Camel for rubber power as well as the 'Spacer A-B' & 'Spacer 1/2A' and the indoor Featherette. We know they also issued some ex-Suydam railroad kits as well. From Bill Baker Jr - "California Model Company originated in Long Beach, Calif in the late 1940's or early 1950's. My grandparents, William (Bill) Loyal Baker and his wife, Ruth (Tripp) Baker were the founders. The company started out as primarily balsa based model aircraft but later, in the late 50's or early 60's, branched into the model RR craft kits and Cub Scout craft kits. They even had a balsa speed boat kit powered by a model airplane gas engine adapted to fit. When they retired, around 1968 or 1969, they sold the business and the "shop" in North Long Beach they built to house their business. I have many fond memories as a young child "working" with them in the shop, assembling kits. I have a few unbuilt kits today!"
California Model Co Featherette Microfilm Indoor Airplane - 18 inch Wingspan Airplane for Class B Competition
Wood Model Kit, Box Condition: Exc+++
$54
Probably from the 1940s. Stick and tissue flying model kit to a constant 1/16 scale with very nice quality. Made by California Model Company out of Long Beach, CA USA. Kit uses rubber for power. Features required wooden parts, instructions and full size plans. The model has not been started. Inventoried 100% complete with all parts and instructions. From Bill Baker Jr - "California Model Company originated in Long Beach, Calif in the late 1940's or early 1950's. My grandparents, William (Bill) Loyal Baker and his wife, Ruth (Tripp) Baker were the founders. The company started out as primarily balsa based model aircraft but later, in the late 50's or early 60's, branched into the model RR craft kits and Cub Scout craft kits. They even had a balsa speed boat kit powered by a model airplane gas engine adapted to fit. When they retired, around 1968 or 1969, they sold the business and the "shop" in North Long Beach they built to house their business. I have many fond memories as a young child "working" with them in the shop, assembling kits. I have a few unbuilt kits today!"
Comet North American P-51D Mustang - 22 inch Wingspan Gas or Rubber Powered Wooden Aircraft Kit, 1624
Wood Model Kit, Box Condition: VG+
$42
1970s large scale issue for rubber or gas free flight, or easily converted to RC using today's tiny and light servos and receivers. Box art is by Locher, who did a great deal of the Monogram box artwork also. Kit features traditional wood/tissue construction with all die cut parts, 'Tube-O-Matic' fuselage construction and 'Rugged Super X Simplified Non-Warping Wing' construction, colorful insignia, detailed full size plans, building instructions, wheels, hardware, tissue and propeller. The model has not been started. The small parts that were factory sealed are still in the factory sealed bag; the parts that were never factory sealed have been inventoried complete and includes insignia and instructions. 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.
Comet Supermarine Spitfire II - Super Stars 19.5 inch Wingspan Gas or Rubber Powered Wooden Aircraft Kit, 1620
Wood Model Kit, Box Condition: Sealed Exc
$48
Still factory sealed. This deluxe model is from early 1970s. It is large scale and designed for rubber or gas free flight, or easily converted to RC using today's tiny and light servos and receivers. Box art is by Locher, who did a great deal of the Monogram box artwork also. Features traditional wood/tissue construction with all die cut parts, 'Tube-O-Matic' fuselage construction and 'Rugged Super X Simplified Non-Warping Wing' construction, colorful insignia, detailed full size plans, building instructions, wheels, hardware, tissue and propeller. 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.
Comet Stinson Voyager Model 105 - 12 Inch Wingspan Flying Balsa Airplane Model, A6
Wood Model Kit, Box Condition: Fair
$38
Rare 1940s issue that features traditional wood/tissue construction, printwood, factory-cut stringers, nose block, detailed full size plans with building instruction notes and covering tissue. The model has not been started. Inventoried 100% complete with all parts and instructions. 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.
Comet Mustang P-51B - 18 Inch Wingspan Balsa Wood Flying Model Kit, E8
Wood Model Kit, Box Condition: Fair+
$46
Much older 1940s Comet issue of this rubber-powered, stick-and-tissue flying model. Features a large sheet of printwood, factory-cut spars and stringers, fully finished wooden whees, dowel for gear struts, clear canopy material, nose block and other stock wood parts as required, covering tissue and Comet's excellent full size plans that including building notes and historical information. Never started and complete with all parts and includes all paperwork. These aircraft models were common from the 1930s to the early 1950s when the sport of free-flight model airplanes was at it's zenith. It was not uncommon to see one 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.
Comet Sparky - 32 Inch Wingspan Wakefield-Style Balsa Flying Model Airplane, 3408
Wood Model Kit, Box Condition: Good+
$54
Rare large flying model and the 1970s reissue of the popular 1930s kit. Kit features traditional wood/tissue construction, quality printwood sheets, factory-cut stringers and spars, hardwood stock, metal stock, fulling formed and finished wheels, fully formed metal propeller shaft/rubber hook, canopy material, covering tissue and detailed full size plans with building instructions/notes. The model has not been started. Inventoried 100% complete with all parts and instructions. 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 sight, 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.
Comet Vultee A-35 Vengeance - 20 Inch Wingspan Flying Balsa Model Airplane, 3405
Wood Model Kit, Box Condition: Exc
$44
This early 1970s model features traditional wood &tissue construction, quality print wood, factory-cut spars & stripwood, fully formed and finished wheels, rubber motor, propeller and thrust button, other wood stock as required, metal rubber hook/propeller shaft, clear canopy material, tissue covering and detailed full size plans/building instructions. Never started. It has been inventoried complete with all parts and includes all paperwork. 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.
Hawk Heinkel He-112 B - Solid Wood Airplane Model, 1/48, 82
Wood Model Kit, Box Condition: Good+
$36
For the advanced model collector and from 1940. Hawk was one of the few manufacturers making wooden kits to a constant scale of 1/48 in the 1930s. Hawk kits were considered high quality and very complete for that time and often included metal or plastic details. and superb quality drawings for the true scale enthusiast. The side of this box shows photos of 4 other built-up Hawk aircraft kits and gives a rare look at the product line. The model features a 3D (three axis) cut fuselage, 2-D cut wings and tail features, turned and completely finished hardwood spinner & wheels, finished propeller, sandpaper, wooden stock as needed, complete insignia sheet and excellent, well-detailed plans that include many templates and painting instructions. There is even another large fold-out instruction sheet with heavily illustrated text instructions for how to carve and build a solid scale model aircraft. Even the original Hawk factory packing tissue is present. The model has not been started and is 100% complete with all parts and paperwork. Please note that this kit is simply called the "Heinkel Fighter." From what what can tell, this is a He-112B, with the three-piece bubble canopy and probably the V-10 with the big undernose radiator scoop.
Hawk De Havilland DH-4 - Solid Wood Airplane Model, 51
Wood Model Kit, Box Condition: Good+
$34
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 kit dates from 1946 and contains profile precarved fuselage, wings and tails, injection molded wheels, propeller, & machine guns, wooden stock as needed, metal seat, sandpaper and full size well-detailed plans that include numerous templates, detail drawings, full rigging information, a photo of the completed model and more. This kit has not been started. The parts have been inventoried and NOTE: missing decals. Otherwise complete with all other parts and paperwork included.
Hawk RE-8 - Solid Wood Aircraft Model, 1/48, 56
Wood Model Kit, Box Condition: Good+
$32
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 & machine gun, wooden stock as needed, metal seat, full color decals and high quality, full-size plans that include a markings guide for various dates, detailed rigging diagrams, templates, exploded parts diagram, aircraft history and more. Never started and complete. The decals are intact but have typical age cracking.
Comet The Red Barons Fokker DR-1 Triplane Super Stars Series - 27 inch Wingspan Flying Model, 3648
Wood Model Kit, Box Condition: Fair
$54
Dates from the early 1970s. Large scale issue for rubber or gas free flight, control line or R/C. The box art is by Locher, who also did much of the Monogram box artwork. Kit features traditional wood/tissue construction with all die cut parts, 'Tube-O-Matic' fuselage construction and 'Rugged Super X Simplified Non-Warping Wing' construction, light-weight plastic engine with exhaust ring and firewall, pilot bust, machine guns, engine cowling, upper cockpit/forward top fuselage cowl & more, scale and flying propellers, hardwood firewall for gas engine, rubber motor, fully formed wire landing gear struts, a very large and colorful insignia sheet, detailed full size plans, building instructions, wheels, hardware, tissue and more. Never started. The small parts and wheels are still sealed in the original factory bag; all other parts were never sealed and have been inventoried complete. Includes all paperwork. 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.
Comet P-38 Lightning - 34 Inches Wingspan - Coca-Cola Bottle Issue, Y5-129
Wood Model Kit, Box Condition: Exc
$74
Rare and even more so in this condition. This model is part of the deluxe high-cost Comet "Y" kit line from the 1950s. Note the box showing a bottle of Coke next to the young builder's snack tray and a finished aircraft. This big-wingspan model features traditional stick-and-tissue construction, high quality printwood, factory-cut stripwood and spars, balsa nose and spinner blocks, fully formed wooden thrust buttons, scale wood propellers, two metal propeller shaft/rubber hooks, other wood stock as required, completely preformed wood nose and main wheels, clear canopy material, one big insignia sheet that also has windshield cutting patterns, air scoops and other details, another large sheet with fillets, gear doors and many other patterns, covering tissue and superb full size plans with instruction notes. The model has not been started. It has been inventoried complete. At the time of this kit, the entire Comet "Y" line consisted of Y1 F-51 Mustang, Y2 A-26 Invader, Y3 P-47, Y4 Hellcat F6f, Y5 P-38 Lightning, Y6 F-84F Thunderflash, Y7 Cougar F9F, Y8 Taylorcraft, Y9 Douglas Skyray F4D, Y10 Piper Cub Super Cruiser, Y11 Douglas Skystreak D558-1, Y12 F-86 Sabre, Y13 Gull and Y14 Aeronca Chief. 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.
StromBecker American Airlines Convair Flagship - 10 Inch Wingspan Solid Wood Kit, C-38
Wood Model Kit, Box Condition: Good++
$110
Superb kit from the 1950s and makes a very impressive display when built. This highly prefabricated model is made from solid Western Pine (not balsa wood) and features completely precarved fuselage, wings, engine nacelles & tail feathers, ready to install propellers, full landing gear and even wood filler, glue, and sandpaper. With detailed instructions and drawings with aircraft history and a large, colorful American Airlines decal sheet. Never started. The small parts envelope is still factory sealed. All other parts were never internally sealed and have been inventoried complete. 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 Piper Cub Super Sea Scout - Float Plane - Solid Wood Aircraft Model, C-37
Wood Model Kit, Box Condition: Good++
$125
Very rare version of the Super Sea Scout floatplane. In the 1950s StromBecker was famous for this line of precarved hardwood kits. The wood is quality western pine hardwood - not balsa. The carving is all done to the final shape and when completed it makes an impressive desk top display. Never started. It has been inventoried complete with all parts and includes decals and instructions.
StromBecker Republic F-84 Thunderjet, C47-79
Wood Model Kit, Box Condition: Good-
$58
StromBecker was famous for this line of precarved hardwood kits and they are considered the finest ever made. The carving is done to the final shape which makes them remarkably pre-fabricated. Most included plastic detail parts (colored or clear), decals and sometimes even glue and wood filler (if applicable). When built it makes an impressive desk top display. This F-84 has a 5 3/4 inch wingspan. The kit has never been started. It has been inventoried complete with all parts and includes decals and instructions. Please NOTE: the box displays better than the 'good-' grade but is ranked as such due to split corners and clear tape on the corners.
StromBecker Douglas D-558-2 Skyrocket - (D-558 2), C-42
Wood Model Kit, Box Condition: VG
$48
StromBecker was famous for this line of precarved hardwood and plastic kits. The carving is done to the final shape. When complete it makes an impressive desk top display. Features completely cut hardwood parts, original Casein Glue envelope, sandpaper, decals, hardwood stand, metal stand arm, plastic canopy, sanding stick and full instructions. Never started. Inventoried 100% complete with all parts, plans, instructions and decal sheet present.