TDmonthly's Top 10 Most Wanted Die-Cast Airplanes

By Brenda Ruggiero
March 2005

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. 2/28/2005 (Age: 4 and Up)

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." 2/28/2005 (Age: 3 to 10)

C-5B by DRAGON MODELS LIMITED

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. 2/28/2005 (Age: 14 and Up)

C-130 planes by DRAGON MODELS LIMITED

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. 2/28/2005

BF-109 by CORGI USA

BF-109 by CORGI USA

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. 2/28/2005 (Age: 14 and Up)

B-17 Memphis Belle by CORGI USA

B-17 Memphis Belle by CORGI USA

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. 2/28/2005 (Age: 14 and Up)

Fockwulf FW190 by MATCHBOX COLLECTIBLES

Fockwulf FW190 by MATCHBOX COLLECTIBLES

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. 2/28/2005 (Age: 14 and Up)

Fokker DR1 by BOLEY CORP

Fokker DR1 by BOLEY CORP

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. 2/28/2005 (Age: 14 and Up)

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. 2/28/2005 (Age: 14 and Up)