Aurora F-86D Sabre Jet, 1/48, 77-98
Plastic Model Kit, Box Condition: VG++
$59
Hardbox is dated 1960. Note the 'Famous Fighters' oval logo which is hard-to-find on this box art. Furthermore, there is no Parents' Magazine seal, so this issue is likely from 1961 or 1962. This model is a modification of the original Brooklyn U-Ma-Kit molds, featuring landing gear, two wing drop tanks, 8 wing-mounted missiles, extended rocket tray, clear triangle display stand and decals for 'YF-578.' Molded in gloss silver and clear. The kit has never been started. It has been inventoried complete with all parts and includes decals and instructions.
Artesania Latina Bluenose II, 1/75, 20500
Wood and Metal Model Kit, Box Condition: VG+
$94
Very highly detailed and intricate plank-on-frame kit measuring 23 inches long and 23 inches high when assembled. Castings are in solid brass or Britannia metal. Includes full size plans and instruction book. The kit has never been started. All parts are still in the factory sealed bags and compartments.
Revell Eurocopter SA-330J Puma Bundespolizei - (ex- Aerospatiale/Westland SA-330 Puma), 1/32, 04412
Plastic Model Kit, Box Condition: Sealed Exc
$69
Still factory 'round tape' sealed. Dated 2012. I cannot confirm it, but this may be a modification of the excellent Matchbox kit with additional parts. There was another Revell issue (with the same part number) called "SA 330 Puma BGS" that was from Matchbox molds but also included large auxiliary tanks with floats, rescue cable winch, weather radar segment and decals for one BGS sea version and a regular BGS variant. IF (a big IF) this is the Matchbox model, then it features complete interior, folding passenger seats, optional position floor exit, detailed jet engines with removable cowls, complete cockpit, rotating main and tail rotors, opening doors and more.
La Belle D&RG 28 Foot Caboose HOn3 Narrow Gauge - Craftsman Model, 1/87, HOn3-37
Wood and Metal Model Kit, Box Condition: Good
$32
Please read the article on this website about older HO train kits and the modeling revolution they caused in the late 1930s/1940s. During the golden era of realistic train models, La Belle Woodworking Company created perhaps the very finest scale kits of early American equipment. The kit features die cut hardwood parts (no balsa) such as pre-cut and scribed sides with all windows factory cut, car ends done in the same fashion, clear window material, excellent underside and cast metal details, building instructions and plans and decals/transfers. I have seen these models built and they look identical to the real prototypes. The kit has not been started and is complete with two packets of small parts still factory sealed, and all other parts inventoried complete with transfers and instructions.
Airlane Luscombe Sedan - 14 Inch Wingspan Pre-Fabricated Flying Aircraft, Q7
Wood Model Kit, Box Condition: NM++
$32
Rare and in investment-grade "Near Mint++" condition. From the early 1950s. This kit is fresh from old store stock that was carefully stored; as a result, it is in exceptional, almost never touched condition. The boxes are as they left the factory with new colors and no damage - even the tabs and box ends are intact and perfect. Inside, this is a 14" wingspan flying wooden model aircraft that is prefabricated along the lines of the Comet Struct-O-Speed. Features all die-cut parts, one-piece balsa wings & tail feathers, fuselage bulkheads & sides, top and bottom in balsa, other balsa parts, completely finished hardwood wheels and thrust button, fully formed wire landing gear struts and prop shaft/rubber retainer, a beautiful bright red plastic 4" prop, cut-out red decorations for dual fuselage and horizontal stabilizer stripes, red cowling, cabin windows and windshield and full instructions. Since this model is all balsa, there is no tissue. Never started. The inside is exactly as it left the factory, including a white letter paper protector for the parts. It is 100% complete. Little is known about Airlane Model Company, but they attracted some of the top model aircraft talent in the country. They were located at 318 W. 29th Street, Chicago, IL. These plans were drawn by Bill Gough, who is a well known Model Aviation Hall of Fame Inductee. He was involved almost from the start with model airplane design and development from 1925 onward. He designed kits for Comet from 1935 to 1938, and after the war developed plastic kits for Monogram and Lindberg. He wrote early articles on model aviation for Sunday newspapers; at one point, he was in 17 national papers. His designs often appeared numerous magazines, especially in "Model Aviation" where he was known for brilliant, innovative and beautiful models that flew well. Bill was a competitive flier for more than 50 years. Starting in 1932 as a Junior Birdman, he competed for years in Chicago area contests. Later, he took parts in the AMA Nats and continued right up until 1984. His list of competition wins is too long to list here. As for Airlane, they had a series of wooden boat kits, a series of wagon (old west style) models, sold glue with their name on it (in 5 and 10 cent sizes) as well as two lines- "R" (larger wingspan, 50 cents) and "Q" (smaller, 25 cents) flying kits which included R1 through R9 Taylorcraft, Betty Skelton Little Stinker, Luscombe Sedan, Ercoupe, Spitfire, Curtiss Helldiver, A2D Skyshark, F-86 Sabre, Mig-15 and Q1-Q12 Cessna 170, Stinson Voyager, Taylorcraft, Piper Cub, Beech Bonanza, Aeronca, Luscombe Sedan, Bellanca Cruisemaster, Ercoupe, Tempest, XP81 and the F8F Bearcat.
Fujimi Junkers Stuka Ju-87 G-1 Tank Buster - Experimental Tank Fighting Unit DJ+FT or I/SG1 GS+MH, 1/72, F-15
Plastic Model Kit, Box Condition: VG++
$24
This model dates from when Fujimi made the finest models in the world. Features all fine recessed panel lines, detailed cockpit, correct armament and decals for the two aircraft listed. Excellent detail throughout. The kit has never been started. The parts are still in the internal factory sealed bags and includes decals and instructions.
Frog Canberra Mk.8 / 12 Low Level Bomber South African or RAF, 1/72, F203
Plastic Model Kit, Box Condition: Sealed VG
$32
Still factory sealed. Final Frog logo from the late 1970s. Has parts and decals for either version- RAF No.88 Sqn, Wildenrath Germany 1960 or South African Air Force No.12 Sqn, Waterkloof, 1969. Frog is considered the father of injection molded model kits. The Lines Brothers opened Frog in 1932, capitalizing on the fever caused by Lindberg's solo transatlantic flight. Almost overnight the western populations became 'Air-Minded', and anything aviation was in high demand. Frog created a quality line of stick and tissue rubber powered aircraft and gliders as well as innovative ready-to-fly rubber powered aircraft that required no assembly. The box even contained a built-in rubber motor winder and fuselage holder. Model airplane flight competitions were popular in Great Britain, and one category was 'Rise Off the Ground', or ROG. By changing this to 'Flies Right Off the Ground', the FROG name was born. In 1936 Frog created a line of injection molded plastic models, the first such kit line in the world (Hawk sold a line of injection molded aircraft models in 1934 but they were factory assembled and painted). Named 'Penguin' after the bird that does not fly, the kits were innovative beyond the means of production. At a time when models were simply built by wingspan, the Penguin line was a constant 1/72 scale. Furthermore, a large 1/72 Short S.30 Empire class flying boat contained a full interior and lights! A line of accessories such as AA guns, tractors, hanger, ambulance, sound locator, searchlights and lighting kits were quickly added to the line. WWII caused a pause in production. After the war the box color changed from silver to green, and Penguin kits were also marketed in the USA. Production ended in 1950. Frog quickly expanded and released the Red, Blue, Orange, Black, Green, Gold Token, Spin and Comet series as well as Trail Blazers and several others. It is noteworthy that while most manufacturers in the 1940s/50 were making toy-like models, Frog attempted to make very realistic models. For example, 'detailing' kits with excessively large rivets was once very popular. Frog ignored this trend and continued to mold aircraft with fine panel lines and no rivets. As a result, Frog kits can be built into very realistic replicas. Production ended in the late 1970s, but Frog molds are still in use around the world.
Eduard Sopwith Baby Floatplane With Aeroclub Metal Prop and Engine - No.445 Flight No.229 Sq RNAS 1918 / Royal Norwegian Navy early -1920s / Palestina (damaged near El Arish Sept 9 1917) / Ansaldo Baby Italian Navy 1918, 1/48, 8006
Plastic Model Kit, Box Condition: Good
$44
Includes Aeroclub E408 cast metal engine and prop set, still factory sealed. Highly detailed kit with injection molded parts, cast metal engine, a large set of brass photoetched parts and a large, colorful decal sheet for four different aircraft. The kit has never been started. The parts are still in the internal factory sealed bags and includes decals and instructions.
Aurora SE-5 Scout - World War I British Fighter, 1/48, 103-69
Plastic Model Kit, Box Condition: VG++
$75
First issue from 1956 with Northern Lights logo. This logo only appeared for one year. In 1957 it was replaced with the famous oval 'Famous Fighters' Sunburst logo. The artwork is by Jim Cox. This kit was one of a very famous line of 1/48 scale WWI aircraft kits introduced by Aurora at this time. Due to the popularity, subjects were still being released into the 1960s. Molded in glossy olive green and black. Inventoried 100% complete with all parts, decals and instructions.
Revell DC-10 Airbus Delta Airlines, 1/144, H118
Plastic Model Kit, Box Condition: Sealed Good++
$89
Still factory sealed but the seal has shrunk and split on a bottom long side and also drawn the box top concave as shown. 1972 issue with colorful Delta decals, detailed engine pods, clear windows and detailed landing gear.
Testors Porsche Carrera Targa Convertible, 1/24, 389
Plastic Model Kit, Box Condition: Sealed NM
$54
Still factory sealed. Highly detailed kit with more than 160 parts. Features positionable front wheels, detailed engine and drive line, opening trunk, optional engine display stand, opening hood with detailed compartment, full interior and more. Molded in color, clear, chrome and with rubber tires.
MPC AMC 1978 Pacer X - Stock or Street, 1/25, 1-7801
Plastic Model Kit, Box Condition: Good
$38
Original issue dated 1977. Can be built as a factory Pacer X or a street machine. Features rubber tires, parts molded in white, clear, red-tinted clear, chrome plate and with rubber tires, opening hood, detailed engine and underside, complete interior and more. Never started. The parts that were factory sealed are still in factory sealed bags. The parts that were never factory sealed (chrome and clear) have been inventoried complete. With instructions and decals.
Enterprise Monocoupe Nifties - Flying Aircraft, N-4
Wood Model Kit, Box Condition: VG+
$46
Rare, 1950s highly prefabricated flying model kit advertised as "Out Of The Box - Into The Air!" The Nifties series was well designed with all-balsa cabin construction (not profile) which eliminates the need for tissues. Features all die-cut parts with fuselage sides, bottom and tops, fully finished, dihedraled and airfoiled "Wonder Wing", fully factory painted on both sides of the wood (when required), finished celluloid cabin windows, factory carved wooden parts, finished wheels, formed wire landing gear, hardware, 5" wide bladed plastic flying prop, rubber motor, step by step plans and more. Never started. The small parts that were factory sealed are still in the sealed bag. The parts that were never sealed have been inventoried complete with instructions. The Nifties line for this wingspan consisted of the N-1 Piper Cub Special, N-2 Taylorcraft, N-3 Aeronca Champion and the N-4 Monocoupe.
Revell 1907 Renault Limousine Highway Pioneers - Series 4, 1/32, H53-69
Plastic Model Kit, Box Condition: NM++
$49
1954 original issue of the famous Highway Pioneers. This kit is in very rare investment-grade 'near mint++' condition. It is from original hobby shop stock that has never been for retail sale until now. Inside, the kit is nice as it is outside. It is never started, and all the parts are still sealed in the factory 'krinkle' bag. With instructions. Before the 1950s 'model building' never made the top 10 list of boy's activities. Hobbies were nothing new to America in the 1930s/40s, but they were not mainstream. Shortly after the turn of the century, many dedicated modelers built flying or static airplanes, ship, train, automotive or other subjects. Basic kits existed, but the majority of these models were built from scratch, which demanded a high talent level developed from years of experience. That changed in the early 1950s. The phenomenon of the Revell/Gowland & Gowland 'Highway Pioneers' car kits was a significant force in proving that model building as a hobby could have mass appeal, provided that the kits were easy enough to build and finish. These 1/32 scale vehicles could be built in an hour after dinner and looked much like the real car. The Highway Pioneers series lead to the production of other subjects in plastic and the effect was revolutionary. By the early 1960s, model building was the #1 past time of American boys.
Microscale Bf-109G Finnish Bulgaria Swiss Decals, 1/32, 32-0034
Cardstock Paper Model Kit, Box Condition: NM++
$6
One sharks mouth decals used. The rest are mint and complete with instructions/placement guide.
Frog Hawker Hunter FGA Mk.9 or Mk.59 - RAF No. 54 Sq 1969 or Swiss No.1 Sq 1964, 1/72, F204
Plastic Model Kit, Box Condition: Exc
$26
Late 1970s final logo issue. Includes parts and decals to make either version/aircraft. Excellent full color painting guide is located on the bottom of the box. Typical high quality Frog kit with fine panel lines and no rivet detail so it builds up to a realistic model. This kit has not been started. Inventoried 100% complete with all parts, decals and instructions. Frog is considered the father of injection molded model kits. The Lines Brothers opened Frog in 1932, capitalizing on the fever caused by Lindberg's solo transatlantic flight. Almost overnight the western populations became 'Air-Minded', and anything aviation was in high demand. Frog created a quality line of stick and tissue rubber powered aircraft and gliders as well as innovative ready-to-fly rubber powered aircraft that required no assembly. The box even contained a built-in rubber motor winder and fuselage holder. Model airplane flight competitions were popular in Great Britain, and one category was 'Rise Off the Ground', or ROG. By changing this to 'Flies Right Off the Ground', the FROG name was born. In 1936 Frog created a line of injection molded plastic models, the first such kit line in the world (Hawk sold a line of injection molded aircraft models in 1934 but they were factory assembled and painted). Named 'Penguin' after the bird that does not fly, the kits were innovative beyond the means of production. At a time when models were simply built by wingspan, the Penguin line was a constant 1/72 scale. Furthermore, a large 1/72 Short S.30 Empire class flying boat contained a full interior and lights! A line of accessories such as AA guns, tractors, hanger, ambulance, sound locator, searchlights and lighting kits were quickly added to the line. WWII caused a pause in production. After the war the box color changed from silver to green, and Penguin kits were also marketed in the USA. Production ended in 1950. Frog quickly expanded and released the Red, Blue, Orange, Black, Green, Gold Token, Spin and Comet series as well as Trail Blazers and several others. It is noteworthy that while most manufacturers in the 1940s/50 were making toy-like models, Frog attempted to make very realistic models. For example, 'detailing' kits with excessively large rivets was once very popular. Frog ignored this trend and continued to mold aircraft with fine panel lines and no rivets. As a result, Frog kits can be built into very realistic replicas. Production ended in the late 1970s, but Frog molds are still in use around the world.
Siedlce Bocian Glider, 1/72
Plastic Model Kit, Box Condition: VG
$19
Cleanly molded and nicely detailed glider kit. Features some cockpit detail, clear canopy, display stand and decals. The kit manufacturer Siedlce often printed PZW on their boxes. These kits and PZWPT and are all from this Polish company. They are no longer in operation.
Spojnia RWD-8 - Polish Air Force / Hungarian Air Force / Polish Civil Aircraft, 1/48
Plastic Model Kit, Box Condition: VG+
$22
Unusual large 1/48 scale RWD-8. Very nicely molded and detailed. Features detailed cockpit and engine compartment, separately molded control surfaces and decals and paint guide for the three aircraft listed. The kit has never been started. Internal factory sealed bag or inventoried 100% complete including decals and instructions.
Renwal Bristol F2B Aeroskin - Major Andrew McKeever's Aircraft - (F-2b), 1/72, 268-69
Plastic Model Kit, Box Condition: VG
$34
Contains pre-colored Aeroskin fabric created to resemble fabric covered aircraft. No painting needed since all designs are printed on the fabric. You build the inner structure of the aircraft then cover it, similar to the construction of the actual aircraft. Never started. Inventoried 100% complete with all parts, Aeroskin fabric and instructions.
Life-Like 1936 Duesenberg SSJ LaGrande-Bodied Roadster - (ex-Pyro), 1/32, 09450
Plastic Model Kit, Box Condition: VG
$19
1970s Life-Like issue from the original 1966 Pyro molds. Features detailed chassis, complete motor, removable hood, full interior and more. Molded in cream colored plastic, chrome plate, clear and with rubber tires. The kit has never been started. It has been inventoried complete with all parts and includes instructions. In the early to mid 1960s the Pyro company chose many of their 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, in this case Gary Cooper and Clark Gable's automobiles. This was the Duesenberg Company's last great automobile before going out of business in 1937. The Model J was a superb automobile and the fastest and finest car of it's day. Never to be outdone, the two brothers made two supercharged 'Super-Duesenbergs' were constructed from J models and are referred to as SSJs. The out put was a whopping 400 bhp. (The term SSJ was never used by the factory.)