Air Force 1 Model Company

Air Force 1’s Upcoming Army-Navy (Helicopter) Game

Air Force 1’s 1:72 scale US Navy Sikorsky MH-60 Knighthawk Helicopter – HSC-2 “Fleet Angels”, NAS Norfolk, VA, 2008

With Hobby Master testing the helicopter market and established players such as Forces of Valor and Corgi continuing to provide vertical envelopment, Air Force 1 has quietly staked its own claim the to the rotary wing arena. This summer, two renditions of the ubiquitous Sikorsky Black Hawk helicopter are slated to drop in, each looking to provide a different take on the workhorse of US combat forces.

Firs up is this US Navy Sikorsky MH-60 Knighthawk Helicopter, which was attached to HSC-2 “Fleet Angels”, then deployed to NAS Norfolk, VA during 2008 (AF10090A). The multimission Sikorsky MH-60S Knighthawk helicopter entered service in February 2002. The US Navy is expected to acquire a total of 237 of the MH-60S helicopters, to carry out missions such as vertical replenishment, combat search and rescue, special warfare support and airborne mine countermeasures.

The helicopter began full-rate production in August 2002. As of January 2011 52 MH-60R and 154 MH-60S helicopters were in the service with the US Navy. First deployment of the new helicopter took place on board USS Essex, Wasp Class amphibious assault ship, in January 2003 and a number of MH-60S helicopters were deployed in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom.

The helicopter was originally designated CH-60S, as a replacement for the US Navy’s Boeing CH-46D Sea Knight heavy-lift helicopters in the vertical replenishment role. The helicopter was redesignated MH-60S as a result of an expansion in mission requirements to include a range of additional combat support capabilities. Retirement of the US Navy Sea Knights concluded in September 2004.

Air Force 1’s 1:72 scale US Army Sikorsky HH-60M MEDEVAC Black Hawk Helicopter – 377th Medical Company (Air Ambulance), South Korea, April 2007

Later this summer, expect to lay claim to this US Sikorsky HH-60M (MEDEVAC) Black Hawk Helicopter, which was attached to the 377th Medical Company (Air Ambulance), then deployed to South Korea during April 2007. The HH-60M Black Hawk helicopter is a medical evacuation (MEDEVAC) version of the UH-60M Black Hawk multi-mission helicopter. Built by Sikorsky Aircraf for the US Army, the helicopter is designed to evacuate wounded troops from the battlefield.

The HH-60M helicopter is integrated with medical evacuation mission equipment package (MEP) kit. It provides aerial medical support and ambulatory patient transport services. The helicopter can be reconfigured to carry out missions including personnel transport, search and rescue, resupply, aerial reconnaissance, cargo transport, and wild fire suppression.

Both helicopters are ruggedly constructed out of diecast metal and feature free-spinning rotors, sliding side access doors, accurate markings and insignia and a sturdy display stand.

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Air Force 1 Braves the AA Fire to Take a Swipe at Ploesti

Air Force 1’s 1:72 scale USAAF Consolidated B-24D Liberator Heavy Bomber – “Wongo Wongo,” 512th Bomb Squadron, 376th Bomb Group, 9th Air Force, North Africa, 1943

Air Force 1 isn’t one of those diecast model makers that sticks to any hard-and-fast schedule when it comes to announcing new product. So when they do finally poke their heads out of their research and design room, it usually comes with a bit of fanfare.

With June just a day away, the Company drew back the curtains on “Wongo Wongo”, an odd-sounding Consolidated B-24 Liberator heavy bomber that served in the Mediterranean Theatre of Operation during WWII with the US 9th Air Force. Selecting “Wongo Wongo” as their inaugural 1:72 scale Liberator is a bit of a risk for several reasons. First, collectors typically associate the Allied bombing campaign as being waged from England and not North Africa. Second, “Wongo Wongo” never made it to its target, having succumbed to enemy anti-aircraft fire. And third, because it took wing from a North African air base, it is painted in desert sand rather than a European scheme, meaning it tends to stick out a bit in any diecast collection.

While the choice of aircraft may be a wee bit risky, the aircraft type is as they say, “a no-brainer”, coming hot on the heels of a pair of best selling Boeing B-17 Flying Fortresses. Its certainly priced right — carrying a MAP of $115.99 – making it an ideal companion piece to either of their Fortresses. Best of all, because its expected in August, collectors won’t have to wait long to wrap their mitts around this war winner.

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Air Force 1 Returns to the Fold this Summer

Air Force 1’s 1:72 scale USAF Lockheed SR-71A Blackbird Reconnaissance Aircraft – 61-7962, “R.I.P. Detachment 1”

Most collectors need no introduction to the SR-71 Blackbird. During the Cold War, the US Air Force’s fleet of super-sleek, high altitude reconnaissance aircraft gave the Soviets fits, as the planes routinely rocketed high above the USSR’s air defense network to keep a careful eye on their adversary. As better and more efficient satellites came online, however, the SR-71s were eventually retired, turned out to pasture to become the stuff of legend no one seems willing to forget.

From a collectible stand point, the SR-71 is also one of the most popular warbirds we’ve ever stocked, regularly snapped up by aviation buffs no matter who seems to make them and at what price. Air Force 1 has been out of this iconic plane for several months now, although they are finally bringing it back and at a MAP slightly lower than past releases (AF10088C). Scheduled for a June over flight, we highly recommend including this stalwart member of aviation history to your collection before it too becomes the stuff of legend.

Air Force 1’s 1:72 scale US Army Sikorsky MH-60 Night Hawk Helicopter – HSC-2 “Fleet Angels”, NAS Norfolk, VA, 2008

Two other models were also announced as part of Air Force 1’s summer roll out. Another USMC F-35B Joint Strike Fighter will be added to the AF1 foot locker (AF100009B), along with a Sikorsky MH-60 Night Hawk, clad in the markings of HSC-2 “Fleet Angels”, who are based out of NAS Norfolk in Virginia (AF10099A).

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Air Force 1 Spends Another Night at the Museum

Four more aircraft were added to the Air Force1 Smithsonian series late last week, representing something for everyone no matter the war nor epoch. The quartet includes a 1:72 scale P-51D Mustang (AF10149), 1:200 scale B-17G Flying Fortress heavy bomber (AF10147), 1:144 scale A-10 Warthog (AF10144) and 1:144 F-4C Phantom II (AF10148). Priced at just $24.99 apiece, each are great ways to introduce younger collectors to the hobby and make great stocking stuffers for the upcoming holiday season. Look for them to fly-in during the August-October tome frame.

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Air Force 1 Tears a Page Out of the History Books

Air Force 1’s US Army Bell UH-1H Huey Helicopter – Sp4 Joseph G. LaPointe, B Troop, 2nd Squadron, 17th Cavalry, 101st Airborne Division, June 2nd, 1969

It’s comforting to see a model company draw its inspiration from one of the most heroic deeds a soldier could make. Back in 1969, Specialist Fourth Class Joseph G. LaPointe, Jr., a member of the 2nd Air Cavalry Squadron, 17th Cavalry, 101st Airborne Division, was awarded the Medal of Honor for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty in Quang Tin Province on June 2nd, 1969.

SP4 LaPointe distinguished himself while serving as a medical aidman during a combat helicopter assault mission. SP4 LaPointe’s patrol was advancing from the landing zone through an adjoining valley when it suddenly encountered heavy automatic weapons fire from a large enemy force entrenched in well fortified bunker positions. In the initial burst of fire, two soldiers in the formation vanguard were seriously wounded. Hearing a call for aid from one of the wounded, SP4 LaPointe ran forward through heavy fire to assist his fallen comrades. To reach the wounded men, he was forced to crawl directly in view of an enemy bunker. As members of his unit attempted to provide covering fire, he administered first aid to one man, shielding the other with his body. SP4 LaPointe continued his lifesaving duties until he was again wounded and knocked to the ground. Making strenuous efforts he moved back again into a shielding position to continue administering first aid. An exploding enemy grenade mortally wounded all three men. SP4 LaPointe’s courageous actions at the cost of his life were an inspiration to his comrades. His gallantry and selflessness are in the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit on himself, his unit, and the U.S. Army.

To commemorate his valor, Air Force 1 will be offering a 1:48 scale UH-1H Huey helicopter on which he served (AF10151). Expected this August, this venerable chopper will come with the usual heavy display stand and detail everyone has come to expect from this up-and-coming model maker.

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Air Force 1 Returns With a War Winner

Air Force 1’s 1:72 scale USAAF Boeing B-17G-30-BO Flying Fortress Heavy Bomber – “Nine-O-Nine”, 323rd Bomb Squadron, 91st Bomb Group, Bassingbourn, England, 1944

“Why, it’s a flying fortress.”
– Richard Williams, reporter for the Seattle Times, upon seeing a B-17 heavy bomber for the first time

The Boeing B-17 is one of those iconic aircraft of the Second World War that instantly conjures up images of the Allied powers fighting back against Nazi aggression. Swarms of B-17s were used to take the war back to the Axis powers, striking their targets deep inside enemy territory under a campaign known as daylight precision bombing. As a result, many collectors can’t seem to get enough of the venerable “Flying Fortress”, despite their huge footprint on a typical desk, shelf or ceiling tie off.

That said, Air Force 1’s second look at the B-17 is due to arrive in late February, and is decked out in an olive drab exterior that seems to be more familiar to aviation buffs than their first reproduction, which was a cacophony of polished silver, yellow and burnished parts that made it look more at home in a salvage yard than as a front line bomber. Indeed part number AF10110A portrays a USAAF Boeing B-17G-30-BO Flying Fortress heavy bomber known as “Nine-O-Nine”, which was attached to the 323rd Bomb Squadron, 91st Bomb Group, then deployed to Bassingbourn, England, during 1944.

For those unfamiliar with this craft, “Nine-O-Nine” completed 140 combat missions during World War II, believed to be the Eighth Air Force record for most missions, without loss to the crews that flew it.

The original aircraft, a block 30 B-17G manufactured by Boeing, was nicknamed after the last three digits of her serial number: 42-31909. Nine-0-Nine was added to the USAAF inventory on December 15th, 1943, and flown overseas on February 5th, 1944. After depot modifications, she was delivered to the 91st BG at RAF Bassingbourn, England, on February 24th, 1944, as a replacement aircraft, one of the last B-17s received in factory-applied camouflage paint.

A former navigator of the 91st BG, Marion Havelaar, reported in his history of the group that Nine-O-Nine completed either 126 or 132 consecutive missions without aborting for mechanical reasons, also believed to be a record. M/Sgt. Rollin L. Davis, maintenance line chief of the bomber, received the Bronze Star for his role in achieving the record.

Her first bombing raid was on Augsburg, Germany, on February 25th, 1944. She made 18 bombing raids on Berlin. In all she flew 1,129 hours and dropped 562,000 pounds of bombs. She had 21 engine changes, four wing panel changes, 15 main gas tank changes, and 18 changes of Tokyo tanks (long-range fuel tanks).

After the hostilities ceased in Europe, Nine-O-Nine was returned to the United States on June 8th, 1945, and was consigned to the RFC facility at Kingman, Arizona on December 7th, 1945, and eventually scrapped.

“Nine-O-Nine” is now en route to us and expected the last week of February..

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Clearance Pricing on Many Air Force 1 Models

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It started with their suite of F-35 Joint Strike Fighters and now its moved on to other aircraft types and even some ground vehicles. Our distributor has acknowledged that they have reduced the pricing on many Air Force 1 SKUs, no doubt to clear out some inventory, many of which are the Chinese aircraft, helicopters and tanks they still have in stock. Here’s a list of what’s being reduced in price:

SKU Description Old Price New Price

AF100034 1:72 J-8B Fighter $52.99 $49.99

AF100036 1:48 J-5 Fighter $67.99 $49.99

AF100037 1:48 J-6 Fighter $113.99 $89.99

AF100039 1:1444 H-6K Bomber $66.99 $49.99

AF100040 1:72 J10A Fighter $39.99 $34.99

AF100044 1:48 J-10Fighter $99.99 $79.99

AF100045 1:72 J-11B Fighter $62.99 $49.99

AF100048 1:72 J-15 Fighter $52.99 $49.99

AF100053 1:72 J-16 Fighter $62.99 $49.99

AF100066 1:72 JH-7 Bomber $79.99 $59.99

AF100069 1:48 Z-9 Helicopter $89.99 $69.99

AF100072 1:48 Z-10 Helicopter $89.99 $69.99

AF100080 1:48 Z-19 Helicopter $99.99 $69.99

AF100081 1:48 AC313 Helicopter $99.99 $69.99

AF100109 1:35 ZTZ-98 Tank $99.99 $69.99

AF100110 1:35 ZTZ-99 Tank $99.99 $69.99

AF100113 1:72 Helicopter $62.99 $49.99

In some instances the savings are rather substantial, making them excellent value for the money, particularly with several important holidays coming up. As before, these items are offered on a first come first served basis and when inventory is depleted we do not expect them to return to stock.

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Air Force 1 Streaks Over the Hot Desert Sands

If you like ’em fast, like ’em high, and even like ’em signed then you better sit up and take notice because Air Force 1 may have the goods for you. Earlier today, we learned that they plan on coming out with a new take on the SR-71 Blackbird, this time around available in both an unsigned (“clean”) and signed (“dirty”) configuration (AF10088A and B). Their newest surveillance plane is based upon a mount flown by Major Terry Pappas and Captain John Manzi, which was operated over the Persian Gulf in 1987. The “dirty” version features Major Terry Pappas signature on the display base and is a paltry $10 more than the unsigned version. Look for both fliers some time in December.

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Air Force 1 Enlists in the 8th Air Force

With its eyes set on the skies, Air Force 1 Model Company announced plans to offer a 1:72 scale replica of the war-winning Boeing B-17 Flying Fortress heavy bomber. Their first effort will be a USAAF Boeing B-17G Flying Fortress Heavy Bomber, nicknamed “A Bit O’ Lace”, which flew with the 447th Bombardment Group, and was deployed to Rattlesden, Norfolk, England, during 1945 (#AF10110). Priced at just $99.99, this is quite a steal, considering the workmanship. detail, amount of diecast metal and price of other similar 1:72 scale aircraft. It even comes with a heavy metal display stand. Look for “A Bit O’ Lace” to take to the skies this August.

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Air Force 1 Remains in the Dark

Ordinarily that tag line might be a tad offensive but in the case of Air Force 1, it hits the nail right on the head since they just announced their latest take on the P-61B Black Widow night fighter (AF10090B). Crewed by Lt. Stan Logan and Radio Operator Lt. George Kamajian, this all new look at the coveted Black Widow will come unsigned, and therefore retail for only $89.99.

One of the eight squadrons flying over the islands of the South Pacific, the 418th Night Fighter Squadron also has the distinction of being the top scoring unit against the Japanese and also had the only nightfighter ace in the Pacific/CBI theater. Logan’s plane “Black Panther” didn’t achieve any kills but it is a nice example of a P-61B flown by the 418th. The name and the panther outline are yellow, with white and red details on the panther. Due in January, this likely won’t be the last time we see the P-61 piercing the night.

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“Why, it’s a flying fortress.” – Richard Williams, reporter for the Seattle Times, upon seeing a B-17 heavy bomber for the first time

“Why, it’s a flying fortress.”
– Richard Williams, reporter for the Seattle Times, upon seeing a B-17 heavy bomber for the first time