Unk Mfr - Tiny Bell X1A

I found more toy airplane photos in my files. This one is made of hard plastic and is only 2" (5.08cm) L x 2 1/8" (5.39cm) wingspan x 3/4" (1.90cm) H and is based on Bell's X1A experimental aircraft. Built in 1945 to test supersonic capabilities, this aircraft was famously flown by Chuck Yeager and was strapped to the bomb bay of a B-29 were it was drop launched.

This airplane looks like one of those that would have been sold in a bag full of airplanes back in the day. I recall seeing bags of mini-planes made by MPC and other companies but as I'm not a big fan of those kinds of toys (many tiny toys in a big bag for .99¢ kind of thing), never researched who would probably have made this. Enjoy! Opa Fritz

Tim Mee Toys Cold War Jet Fighter Set No. 62163 2018 Grumman F11F/F-11 Tiger

This supersonic carrier based fighter aircraft first flew in 1954 with a total of 200 being made. The last aircraft was delivered in 1959. The Tiger has the dubious distinction of being the first jet aircraft to shoot itself down when in 1956 the pilot let off two burst from the cannon while in a dive. As the speed of the cannon shells decreased, the speed and trajectory of the aircraft caused it to run into its own cannon shells, disabling the plane enough that it had to crash land! DOH!

This is the second in the two-pack of Cold War fighters currently in production by the latest incarnation of Tim Mee Toys and can be purchased for the low price of $11.80 + shipping. The toy is molded in a durable gray plastic and measures 8 1/4" L x 5 3/4" wingspan x 2 5/8" H. Enjoy! Opa Fritz and Oma Bettina

Courtesy Wikipedia

Tim Mee Toys Cold War Jet Fighter Set No. 62163 2018 Lockheed F-104 Starfighter

I meant to do this post much sooner but the week got busy and life intervened yet again. Of the two Cold War fighters included in Tim Mee's re-issue of these classic airplanes, the F-104 is hands-down my favorite. The Starfighter has been a favorite of mine since I was kid - like a bout 100 years ago :-) and remains a favorite. Developed as a supersonic interceptor it was one of the Century Series of fighters which later took on a role as an attack aircraft but it's history is marred by both political and safety issues. In spite of those it went on to serve from 1958-2004 in over a dozen countries.

The toy is in molded in light gray plastic and measures 8 1/4" (20.95cm) L x 4" (10.16cm) wingspan x 2 1/8" (5.39cm) H. The folks at Tim Mee rightly market this as toy, meant to be played with and enjoyed. Enjoy! Opa Fritz and Oma Bettina

Tim Mee Toys Cold War Jet Fighter Set No. 62163

For those of us boys who grew up in the '50s and '60s, Tim Mee Toys (a subsidiary of Processed Plastic Co.) was a familiar site at the dimestore or supermarket and their now iconic Little Green Army Men fought many a battle on bedroom floors and backyard battlegrounds. Sadly, with competition from overseas, they closed down in 2005 BUT have since re-started their business using the original tooling and all made right here in the States! Re-issued toys are now available and can be purchased via their website Victory Buy. Their website has a more concise history of the company as well as a nice selection of those old favorites. 

When they announced the release of this two airplane set I just had to grab it and at $11.80 + shipping it was very affordable. The set includes a Grumman F11F/F-11 Tiger and Lockheed F-104 Starfighter jet, both in light gray plastic. The next two installments will feature the individual planes. Enjoy! Opa Fritz and Oma Bettina

Ertl Force One Diecast McDonnell Douglas F-4 Phantom

The F-4 first entered service in 1960 with the Navy and is still flown by some countries. Originally outfitted only with external missiles or pods as it was thought at the time that the day of air-to-air dogfights was over especially when flying supersonic aircraft. But a combination of unreliable missiles and rules of engagement restrictions limiting long range missile attacks necessitated a need for an internal gun of some sort. The F-4E variant solved the problem with inclusion of an internally mounted M61A1 Vulcan Gatling cannon.

Here's another Phantom in the collection, Ertl's F-4 from their Force One series of diecast military toys produced from about 1986-1993 or so. Finding these uncarded and in good shape is very hard. My sample is missing the 'shark nose' applique' on the nose as well as all the external missiles and pods which came in white plastic. In addition, you'll notice in the photos that the main wheels splay outwards quite unrealistically. The toy measures 7 1/2" (19.05cm) L x 5" (12.7cm) wingspan x 2" (5.08cm) H. Enjoy! Opa Fritz and Oma Bettina

F-4Ds 435th TFS over Vietnam

Courtesy Wikipedia

Bandai GoBot with Ertl F-4