Plastic Model Kits
Hawk 4 Famous Racing Planes Gee Bee / Ike / R3C-1 (R3C1) / Laird Solution Gift Set, 1/48, 510-98
Plastic Model Kit, Box Condition: Good++
$159
Rare. From 1956 and this is the true first issue due to the 98 cent price extension on the part number. This gift set featured all four aircraft in the originally-molded vivid colors as well the R3C-1 with landing gear (shortly after this, the molds were modified to make it a floatplane). The Gee Bee is molded in bright gloss red, the Laird Solution in a gloss antique gold, the Ike in bright white and the R3C-1 in brilliant yellow. Inside, everything is just like it left the factory. The kits have not been started. All four are still sealed in the original stapled bags. Includes special one-piece instruction sheet and correct one-piece decal sheet.
Hawk 1909 Hupmobile - Highway Classics, 1/24, 635-50
Plastic Model Kit, Box Condition: NM
$85
Rare hardbox issue dated 1964. The box is in amazing 'Near Mint' condition. Hawk did not issue many automobile kits, but when they did they chose interesting subjects. This one is 1/24 scale and molded in yellow plastic with black wheels. The kit has never been started. Inventoried 100% complete including instructions. The 1909 Hupmobile was among the first cars to look 'long, low and lovely' with a racy appearance. Rarely seen now, the Hupmobile was very popular in that day due to good performance, looking a bit like a Mercer or Stutz but sporting a much lower price tag. And this kit has a very interesting history also! The molds were originally cut by Kaysun in Japan @ 1954. The kits were a huge advance over the 'Highway Miniatures' and if put side to side put the Revell offerings to shame. I do not know of other kits from Kaysun beyond the two cars. Later in the 1950s Strombecker purchased these molds and issued them in very colorful boxes. However, Strombecker discontinued all plastic kit production in the late 1950s. In 1964 Hawk somehow located these molds. Always with an eye to quality, the Mates brothers knew these were perfect kits for their expanding line of models. The called the Rambler and Hupmobile 'Highway Classics' and issued them in full color boxes that sported photos of the actual built models. There were at least three issues; one at 50 cents, one at 60 cents and one with a special case. However good the kit, the subject matter simply did not catch on and eventually the kits were withdrawn from the line. Polks Hobby Modelcraft found and purchased the molds in 1982 but did not issue the kits. In 1988 Mandrill Manufacturing purchased the Strombecker molds and it is possible these two Kaysun kits is among them.
Hawk Mister Mulligan - 1935 Thompson Trophy Winner - One-Piece Box Issue, 1/48, 703
Plastic Model Kit, Box Condition: VG
$95
Very rare and for the advanced model collector. This is the true first issue of the Mister Mulligan. It has a fascinating history for it is among the earlist injection molded kits produced in the United States. The Hawk model company was the most innovative in America and had been making constant 1/48 scale models in wood with metal accessories since the late 1920s. During the re-run of the World's Fair in 1933, Hawk may have made the world's first injection molded airplanes models - but they were not kits. The models were completely finished and were on display for the then-large sum of $25 each. The Mates brothers, who founded and ran Hawk, were quick to incorporate this new technology by replacing the metal detail parts with injection molded details to the wooden kits in the late 1930s. During the war, Hawk put it's injection molding knowledge to work making ID models for the US Armed Forces. Originally there was a nation-wide program to have children and adults make these from wood, but consistency was an issue - injection molded solved this problem. Immediately after WWII in 1946, Hawk made the Curtiss Racer model injection molded in black tenite. The box was a simple one-color affair. This may have been the first injection molded airplane kit produced in the USA; another contender is the Varney's PT-17. Both met a very cool reception at hobby shops. Hawk quickly changed the Curtiss box to two colors and added box artwork while molding the kit is bright yellow acetate. In 1947 Hawk approached toy stores since hobby shops were giving the kit poor promotion. The toy stores did much better. Spurred on by toy store sales in '47, Hawk added four classic racers in '48, all molded in acetate - the Gee Bee, Howard Ike, Laird Solution and the Supermarine S6B. In 1949 Hawk molded them in a much more stable polystyrene and additional Thompson Trophy Races were introduced to the line; this Mister Mulligan kit is one of those. It is molded in high-gloss white plastic, clear and with a dark brown pilot figure. Inside, the kit is factory-new. The small parts are still sealed in the factory 'krinkle' clear bag. The fuselage halves and wing were never factory sealed and inventoried complete. Includes the correct instructions with the '703' part number and advises the use of "...carbon tetracholoride" as a cement because plastic model glue was still not widely available. The instructions are also a detailed painting guide because at this point Hawk did not furnish decals with their plastic kits. The box is in very good condition with great colors. The box has not been crushed, bent or flattened, which is unusual since this type of box is not very strong. The instructions are in 'excellent' condition.
Hawk Lockheed F-90 - One Piece Flip Top Box 1st issue, 1/48, 500
Plastic Model Kit, Box Condition: VG
$175
Very rare and early Hawk kit in the first issue, one-piece flip top box. It is widely accepted that the Hawk version is superior in scale fidelity to the Aurora release. Includes a clear display stand with "Lockheed F-90" on the base. The kit has never been started. The clear parts are still factory sealed. The gloss silver parts are inventoried 100% complete. Includes decals in "excellent++" condition and instructions that are "excellent." The box is in very good condition as shown. Aurora, in an attempt to enter the plastic kit market as quickly as possible, bought the Hawk F-90 and quickly copied it to create their own model. This caused more than one tense moment at the big Toy and Hobby Shows when both companies were present.
Matchbox Focke-Wulf FW-190 - 111th Group JG 51 Russia or SG1 Crimea 1943, 1/72, PK-51
Plastic Model Kit, Box Condition: Exc
$22
Dated 1989 and includes decals for the aircraft involved in the first FW-190 sortie, which resulted in 7 PE-2s being destroyed. Optional parts and decals are also included to make a fighter bomber from SG.1 in Crimea, Russia in 1943. Never started. It has been inventoried complete with all parts and includes decals and instructions.
Matchbox DH-6C Twin Otter Floats Skis Or Landing Gear - RCAF or Aurigny Air Service Ltd, 1/72, PK-127
Plastic Model Kit, Box Condition: Exc
$38
Dated 1983 and a well detailed model which features good cockpit detail, optional baggage and non-baggage noses, regular landing gear, skis or floats and more. Includes a three-view, full color painting guide and decals for Aurigny Air Service (Channel Islands) and RCAF rescue. The kit has never been started. It has been inventoried complete with all parts and includes decals and instructions.
AMT Mercury Capri II Cafe Racer, 1/25, T224
Plastic Model Kit, Box Condition: Good-
$39
This very good kit from the 1970s features detailed engine and compartment, opening hood, complete interior, very good front and rear suspension and driveline detail, optional fender flares and more. The kit has never been started. It has been inventoried complete with all parts and includes decals and instructions.
Revell Junkers Ju-88 A-4 / Ju-88 D-1 - Bomber or Reconnaissance Versions (Ju88A4 Ju88D1), 1/72, H113-130
Plastic Model Kit, Box Condition: Exc
$34
1967 issue of this popular model. The is kit is modeled off the D-1 on exhibit at the USAF Museum at Wright-Patterson AFB in Ohio, USA. Includes parts and decals for D-1 or A-4 variants. Features removable cowling, two detailed engines, optional position landing gear, rotating wheels and propellers, crew of three and four 550lb bombs and bomb racks for the A-4 bomber version. Never started. Inventoried complete with all parts, decals and instructions present.
Revell Brewster F2A Buffalo, 1/72, H636-50
Plastic Model Kit, Box Condition: VG
$29
Two piece box issue dated 1964. Features Brian Knight's classic art of the Buffalo departing from a Lexington-Class carrier in the 'as-launched' configuration. I believe this is the first issue of this kit. Molded in gloss medium gray and clear. The kit has never been started. Inventoried complete with all parts and includes decals and instructions.
Airfix SA-330 Puma - RAF Or France - Type 4 Logo Issue, 1/72, 03021-6
Plastic Model Kit, Box Condition: VG
$22
Very nicely molded kit from 1975 which features full cockpit, complete cargo bay with troop seats and bulkheads, opening side cargo/troop doors, detailed rotor head & working rotors as well as decals for both air forces. The kit has never been started. It has been inventoried complete with all parts and includes decals and instructions.
MPM Tupolev SB-2 M-100 / B-71 - Czech / Chinese / Spanish Republic Air Forces, 1/72, 72046
Plastic Model Kit, Box Condition: Exc
$34
Very well molded kit features optional parts for different variants, all recessed panel lines, photoetched brass details, film instruments, excellent cockpit and very good crew stations, enclosed and detailed gear bays and more. Includes multi-view paint guide and decals for all three aircraft. Never started. The parts are either still in the factory sealed bag or inventoried 100% complete. Includes decals and instructions.
MPM Fairchild M-62 / PT-19A, 1/72, 72063
Plastic Model Kit, Box Condition: Exc
$44
This highly successful aircraft trained more WW2 pilots in initial flight instruction than any other. High quality limited production model features recessed panel lines, photoetched details and full decals. The kit has never been started. The parts are still in the internal factory sealed bags and includes decals and instructions.
Monogram Stealth F-19 Fighter, 1/72, 1128
Plastic Model Kit, Box Condition: VG+
$74
Rare 1987 kit of the incorrect stealth concept fighter. While the Monogram designers missed the mark, their design actually looked more like future stealth designs than the F-117 that they were researching. Never started. The parts are still in the internal factory sealed bags and includes decals and instructions.
Monogram Jet Helicopter Army HU-1A Iroquois - (UH-1 Huey) - Four Star Issue, 1/48, PA50-98
Plastic Model Kit, Box Condition: Exc+
$95
Hard-to-find first issue hardbox. This excellent model is dated 1959 and is very well detailed for that time. Features rotating main and tail rotors, full interior, optional position cabin doors, pilot figure, 2 stretchers and bearers and more. The kit has never been started. It has been inventoried 100% complete with all parts, decals and instructions present.
Monogram Boeing B-52 Stratofortress With Jet Sound, 1/72, PA215
Plastic Model Kit, Box Condition: VG
$145
First issue dated 1968 of this legendary kit that has 'A First In Modeling - Realistic Jet Sound!" This exact model came from the estate of Monogram's designer for this kit. This detailed model features 207 pieces, crew of three and cockpit, elevating and traversing rear turret, opening and closing bomb bay doors, operating wing flaps, operating spoilers, optional position entry hatch and landing gear, optional parts to display one nacelle open to show the jet engine and more. Molded in the correct green & clear plastic and with metal parts, wire and motor for jet sound. The kit has never been started. It has been inventoried 100% complete with all parts present. Includes decals and instructions. NOTE: there are two decal sheets present; each one has damage. Between the two you can make a 98% complete sheet. The white internal parts presentation cardboard is not present and there is no 'Monoglue' cement. The latter is not usual as Monogram eventually stopped including it with this issue. The box is graded as 'very good' condition but does have one closed corner split at the lower right.
Aurora Bell AH-1G Assault Copter, 1/48, 501-100
Plastic Model Kit, Box Condition: Exc
$85
1967 issue with a superb 'excellent' condition box with factory-new gloss & color and four solid corners. After the sales slow down in the mid 1960s, Aurora realized that it must put out higher quality models to compete; this AH-1G is one of those highly improved kits. Features very fine raised surface detail, very good dual cockpits, crew of two, external ordnance, rotating main and tail rotors and more. Never started. Inventoried 100% complete with all parts, decals and instructions.
Aurora Curtiss SBC-3 Helldiver, 1/48, 117-98
Plastic Model Kit, Box Condition: Exc++
$85
Rare first issue dated 1955; please note early rectangular 'Aurora Line' Logo and 'Famous Fighters of All Nations' script. Features movable control surfaces, very good cockpit, two crew members, bomb load, detailed twin-row engine, rotating propeller, working arresting hook and more. This early issue has the correct 'rectangle-base' clear stand. The instructions are correct and reflect as well, as does the decal sheet which is correct in not having a stand decal. The instructions are 'excellent' and the decals are almost flat (the the slighest curl on one end), 100% intact and also graded 'excellent' with light age yellowing. Never started. Inventoried 100% complete with all parts, decals and instructions present.
Aurora DeHavilland DH-4, 1/48, 112-98
Plastic Model Kit, Box Condition: VG
$54
First issue dated 1957 with classic Jo Kotula artwork. This model is part of the famous WWI 1/48 scale series of aircraft issued by Aurora starting in 1956. Molded in the correct gloss olive drab and black plastic, including figures and the ground base with chocks. Never started. It has been inventoried complete with all parts and includes decals and instructions. Besides it's distinguished career in WWI, the DH-4 saw extensive post war service in numerable ways. One of the most interesting was as a United States Post Office air mail service aircraft. The aircraft's likeness even graced an airmail stamp of the time. In about 1925, the Post Office decided to upgrade. The prototype was the Douglas M-1 and an improved version, the M-2, became the next mail carrier. The M-2 is also an Aurora kit in the same scale.
Aurora Bristol F2B Brisfit - (F.2B), 1/48, 113-98
Plastic Model Kit, Box Condition: Exc++
$67
1957 first issue in fantastic 'Excellent++' condition. The box has perfect color and gloss and four solid corners. The only flaws are very light and isolated age foxing and light wear. This issue has dramatic Jo Kotula artwork and is molded in the correct gloss olive green and black. Inside, the kit has never been started. It still includes the factory packing tissue. Inventoried 100% complete with all parts, decals and instructions present.
Aurora Albatross D-3 Red Dot Issue - (Albatros D.III / DIII), 1/48, 104-69
Plastic Model Kit, Box Condition: Good
$44
Rare very early issue from 1956 with Northern Lights logo and the 69 cent price circle on the right of the box top. What is most unusual is that the price is within a red-filled circle; this is the first instance of this that I have seen. Just when you think you have Aurora's kit history figured out, they throw you another curve ball! Molded in the correct glossy dark green and black. Decals and instructions are correct for the first issue as well. There is no assembly but NOTE: the outlines of the Maltese crosses have been painted on the wings and fuselage. You can remove this paint with any safe plastic paint stripper - I personally like spray-on oven cleaner. Inventoried 100% complete with all parts, decals and instructions present.