Diecast Aircraft Models: 9 Examples For Your Collection
Do you have a love for all things aviation? If so, you’ll want to add diecast aircraft models to your collection. These reproductions can be used as desk accessories, decorative pieces on display on shelves, or even as paperweights. Here are 9 examples that would make a great addition to your fleet.
Who buys diecast aircraft models?
These are not just toys for kids. They’re a great way to add some fun and nostalgia to any room in your house or office, and there’s more to them than meets the eye.
Diecast aeroplanes are scaled reproductions of real aircraft and generally ship fully assembled. They come in all sizes (scales), so there’s bound to be one that will fit nicely into your home decor.
Kids will love playing with them, while adults can appreciate their intricate details and the realism they bring to any room. From the flaps to the landing gear, from the nose to the tail, it’s a pleasure to see the aircraft in this amount of detail.
If you’re looking for a unique gift idea for someone who loves aviation, a diecast aircraft model is definitely worth considering. Not everyone will end bup being a collector but many would appreciate a model of a Spitfire or Concorde on their desktop or bookshelf.
A-10 Thunderbolt II Warthog
The A-10 Thunderbolt II Warthog is a favorite among diecast aircraft enthusiasts. This powerful plane was designed for close air support of ground troops, and its unique look has made it a popular choice for modelers. The A-10 is a sturdy, all-metal plane that can take a beating in the air. It’s also one of the most maneuverable planes in the U.S. Air Force fleet, making it perfect for its intended roles.
F-14 Tomcat
The F-14 Tomcat Fighter Attack aircraft is another popular choice among diecast aircraft collectors. This sleek fighter was introduced to the U.S. Navy in 1974 and quickly became a favorite among pilots. The F-14 is a fast and powerful plane that can take on any opponent in the air.
F-15 Eagle
The F-15 Eagle Fighter aircraft is another popular choice among diecast aviation enthusiasts. This twin-engine jet was introduced in 1976 and quickly became one of the most advanced fighters in the world. The F-15 is a fast, maneuverable aircraft that is equipped with advanced weapons systems and sensors. It has been used by the U.S. Air Force in combat operations around the world for more than 40 years.
F-16 Fighting Falcon
The F-16 Fighting Falcon is a single-engine jet fighter that was first introduced to the U.S. Air Force in 1978. It’s a highly maneuverable aircraft that is equipped with advanced weapons systems and sensors. The F-16 has been used by the USAF in combat operations around the world for more than 40 years and is considered to be one of the most advanced fighters in the world.
F-22 Raptor Fighter
The F-22 Raptor Fighter Attack aircraft is one of the most advanced fighters in the world. It was designed for air-to-air combat and has been used by the U.S. Air Force in combat operations around the world. The F-22 is a fast, maneuverable aircraft that is equipped with advanced weapons systems and sensors. It has been hailed as “the most lethal fighter jet in the world” and is considered to be the future of U.S. airpower.
Concorde
The Concorde was a supersonic passenger jet that was operated by Air France and British Airways. It first flew in 1969 and remained in service until 2003. The plane was unique in that it could travel faster than the speed of sound, making it the fastest commercial airliner in the world. It was also known for its luxurious interior, which featured a bar and spacious seating. Unfortunately, the Concorde was retired due to high operating costs and concerns about safety.
Boeing 747
The Boeing 747 is a wide-body, four-engine jet airliner that was first introduced to the world in 1969. It’s the largest passenger airliner in the world and has been used by airlines all over the world for more than 50 years. The 747 is known for its spacious interior, which can accommodate hundreds of passengers, depending on the configuration. It has also been used as a cargo aircraft for more than 30 years.
B-17 Flying Fortress
The B-17 Flying Fortress was a heavy bomber that was used by the U.S. Army Air Forces in World War II. The plane was introduced in 1935 and remained in service until 1945. The B-17 was known for its durability, and many of them were able to return to base after being hit by enemy fire.
Avro Lancaster
The Avro Lancaster was a British heavy bomber that was used by the Royal Air Force during World War II. The plane was introduced in 1941 and remained in service until 1945. The plane was also equipped with four powerful Merlin engines that allowed it to carry a large payload.
Diecast Model Brands
There are several popular diecast aircraft brands on the market today. Some of the most well-known brands include:
- AeroClassics. They specialise in airliners in 1/200, 1/400, and 1/500 scales
- Century Wings. They produce military jets in the 1/72 scale.
- Corgi. A brand synonymous with high quality die cast airplane models in the 1/72 scale.
- Gemini Jets. Airliners and military transport aircraft. They also produce accessories for replicating airports.
- InFlight 200. They produce airliners and military transport aircraft available at retailers all over the world.
- JC Wings. Another producer of airliners in a variety of scales.
- Skymarks. Airliners in a variety of scales; 1/100, 1/130, 1/150 etc.
Buying Diecast Models
Given the wide variety of diecast models available, it’s advisable to start a collection that focuses on one particular aviation niche. For example, you could build a collection based on the fleet of your favorite airline. This might be a selection of Boeing or Airbus aircraft, for example.
It’s a good idea at first to stick to the same scale so that your collection looks right when on display. Some collectors like to display all their aircraft in the same configuration e.g. with landing gear up or down.
You might also want to order your items from the same diecast brand too. That will keep your collection consistent.
Subscribe to your supplier’s email list so that you can be notified of new arrivals, special offers, and product updates. These products evolve to reflect the changes in the aviation industry.
Example Collection Categories
- A particular airline fleet through the years
- The history of an air force e.g. RAF or USAF
- Aircraft manufacturer fleets e.g. Boeing, Airbus etc
- World War II fighter aircraft
- World War II bomber aircraft
- Fighter jets of the 1950s and 1960s
- Military transport aircraft
- Just collect your favorite aircraft
A short history of diecast airplanes
Dinky Toys was a British toy company that was popular right up to the 1980s when, due to economic conditions prevalent at the time, they company went bankrupt. They were well-known for their diecast examples, which were some of the first to be marketed as standalone collectibles.
Today, there are all sorts of different Dinky Toys circulating for collectors to choose from. Some still appear at auctions and online. Their value is determined not just by the condition of the toy but also by the presence and condition of the original box.
Mattel are known for making diecast cars, but they also have a wide variety. Their diecast models are highly detailed and accurate, and they’re perfect for anyone who loves aviation history.
The Mattel company has been in business since 1945, and they continue to produce some of the best-quality fully assembled diecast models on the market today. In fact, many collectors consider a decast model form Mattel to be works of art.
