1/46 508 O-lin Boeing PT-17 - 2nd Issue Of The First Plastic Aircraft Model From the USA
Plastic Model Kit, Box Condition: Good
This is a very rare kit for the advanced collector. It is in very good, complete and never started condition. This model has a fascinating history. In 1946 Varney cut the molds for the PT-17 and molded them in tenite plastic. It was the first all-plastic model kit made in the USA. Gorden Varney sold them to hobby shops through his strong pre-war model train wholesale network. Unlike almost all early plastic kit producers, Varney understood the value and draw of box art and issued the PT-17 with full-size box art in color. However, dealers didn't really know how to market the PT-17 (and it's partner in '46, the US Fleet Sub) so they did not sell well. Mr. Varney kept rying for a few years but eventually became disillusioned with plastic kits. Around 1948 or 49, he sold all his molds to O-Lin so Varney could concentrate on HO scale trains (which they did very successfully). O-Lin was founded by Paul Lindberg and a Mr. Olsen - hence the company name. Although a producer of flying models in the 1930s, O-lin was busy producing some of the earliest American injection molded kits in the late 1940s. The O-Lin PT-17 is numbered kit 508. Since there are earlier kit numbers from O-Lin, one could safely assume that O-Lin had already made a few original models before purchasing the Varney molds. The kit is even rarer as it appears to be the same parts and part count as the original Varney issue (other than the display stand). That is important because Lindberg quickly re-worked the molds, forever altering the pieces. The condition of the model is as follows: he box has wear and light stains as shown in the photo. All for corners are solid with no repairs. There is no tape or tape parts, no price tags or tag marks, no rips, no tears and the only missing litho is at the lower left corner as shown. All four box top sides are in the same condition as the box top. The box tray is 'excellent' with four solid original corners. Inside, the kit is factory-new. The main parts are molded in gloss white plastic with black engine, tires, propeller and tail wheel. All of the small parts are still factory-sealed in the original 'krinkle' bag. The instructions are 'very good+' with light edge wear and light yellowing. The decals are in 'excellent+' condition - very colorful, minimal yellowing and flat other than slight curling only on the tips. The parts that are not factory sealed have been inventoried complete and it includes all paperwork. NOTE: this kit must be shipped insured.
This item has been sold.
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