Click here to check out TDmonthly´s article on Die-Cast war plane trends.
The world of die cast airplanes can be a confusing one for the inexperienced. Planes can be found in many sizes, and varieties, while models range from the Wright Brothers’ first plane to Air Force One. Here is a list of some of today’s most wanted planes.
United Airlines Die-Cast Airport Play Set by DARON WORLDWIDE TRADING
This set includes a commercial airliner as well as accessories such as ground support vehicles and signs.
-- This set is listed as a bestseller on KBtoys.com and etoys.com (02/18/05). -- It´s on the new product list at diecastairplane.com, and collectors are always looking for the newest thing. -- This set serves as a good cross-over between play and collecting, intended to capture kids´ interests and encourage them to move on to collecting as they get older.
Superflights – Fighter Aircraft 12-pack Die-Cast Set by RED BOX TOY USA INC
This set includes 12 realistically detailed fighter military aircraft.
-- This set is listed as a best seller on etoys.com (02/18/05). -- This set is named as a "most popular product" on Mysimon.com (02/22/05). -- Military models are always popular, according to Martin Robins of online die cast airplane retailer flyingmule.com, who said, "Military stuff always outsells non-military."
This is a model of one of the world´s largest aircrafts, designed for large, heavy cargo.
-- This plane was noted as a quick sell-out and a "very hot item" by Diecastairplane.com. -- This plane is popular because it is the first C-5 in the 1:400 scale. -- The Dragon Wings collection is authentically detailed, adding to its value, and military planes are always popular in general.
These releases from Gemini Jets are produced in 1:400 scale
-- These planes were listed as “very popular” by Diecastairplane.com. -- This particular model, a USAF Hercules, was listed as low in stock by flyingmule.com -- Dragon Wings is a well-known name in the airplane collecting market.
Designed by Willy Messerschmitt during Germany´s military build-up in the 1930s, the BF 109 was first flown on May 28th, 1935.
-- This plane was a new release in November, 2004. -- “The first version has sold briskly, and we have a long waiting list for the Black Double Chevron paint job,” said Steven Howland of Diecastairplane.com. -- This plane in the Black Double Chevron paint job is a featured new arrival product on flyingmule.com, and was noted as a popular item by Martin Robins.
This is a model of the most famous flying fortress.
-- This plane is a top seller on sites such as Diecastairplane.com, and was named as “perennially popular” by Steven Howland. -- According to Martin Robins of flyingmule.com, “In general, World War II planes are popular in any category.” -- This plane is also available with the popular nose art panel.
This plane was designed for the German Air Ministry, and was first flown in June 1939.
-- Matchbox is a trusted name for kids’ toys, which may help consumers to cross over from toys to collectibles. -- This plane is noted as “very popular” by Martin Robins at flyingmule.com. -- Models from this line offer a less expensive alternative to other more expensive collectibles.
This tri-plane model features an open cockpit with two guns mounted on the front.
-- This plane is listed as a top seller on Towerhobbies.com (02/18/05). -- This plane is listed as a top seller on KBtoys.com (02/18/05). -- It’s part of Boley’s classic plane series, and classics are almost always popular with collectors.
Aviation Archive P-51K Mustang with Nose Art Panel by CORGI USA
This new release has the added feature of a reproduction metal nose art panel.
-- “Whatever just came out from Corgi is always a big seller,” said Martin Robins, co-owner of flyingmule.com. “These recent-release models with metal panels have been very popular for us.” -- This series captures some of the works of art that adorned aircraft during WWII, making it unique. -- Corgi is a well-known name in diecast airplane collecting.
Writer's Bio: Brenda Ruggiero is a freelance writer from western Maryland. Read more articles by this author
