1/46 508 O-lin Boeing PT-17 - First O-Lin Release and the 2nd Issue Of The First Plastic Aircraft Model From the USA
Plastic Model Kit, Box Condition: VG+
This is a very rare kit for the advanced collector and is even more desirable in never started and 100% complete condition. This model has a fascinating history. In 1946 Varney cut molds for the PT-17 and injected them in tenite plastic. This 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 trying 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 He 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. Two issues of the O-lin PT-17 are known so far: the one-piece box release (this kit) and the hardbox issue. Both have the same box artwork. 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: the one-piece box has great color, almost as new. There are no repairs and all four box flaps and both ends are still solidly attached. There is a bit of wear as shown but the main flaw is that the left flap is creased & concave; but it's still 100% intact. Inside, the main parts are molded in gloss white plastic with black engine, tires, propeller and tail wheel. All of the small parts are still in the original factory-sealed 'krinkle' bag. The kit has been inventoried with all parts present, 'excellent' condition decals and instructions, which are on the back of the box. NOTE: this kit must be shipped insured.
$285.00
