[DADoser]

This year Santa has already arrived in the form of my parents, local diecast dealer, the Ebay "gods", and myself.

(I've got this "thing" about not spending over $35 for a "toy" plane.)

Since my parents are half way across the country, they authorized me to pick up a Corgi B-25 Crab 2 for myself for Xmas (They would reinburse the cost for my gift.)

As soon as my local dealer got the Marge P-38's in, I stopped by to pick up my Xmas. Long story...longer.... I've known and been pretty loyal to this dealer since he started by selling action figures out of his garage. I went up to the counter with (1) B-25 Crab 2; (1) Spitfire (US31923 http://www.tricatus.co.uk/US31923.htm ); and (1) Marge P-38. We had been talking for awhile and when I was ready to checkout, I asked him to give me his customer "loyalty" price.

He played my Santa this year by selling me the B-25 for $50; the Spit for $20; and the P-38 for $35. (This was pretty uncharacteristic of him - while he is a friend and a great guy - this business is his means to feed his family. He generally cuts me a slight break on Corgi - but nothing like this.)

And then last week the Ebay "gods" delivered an additional Xmas present - I picked up an Ike Kepford Corsair NIB for $26.01 and shipping (keeping it right around my self imposed $35 limit. ) I'd had chances at this one before - for $50; for $46; again for the $46 range - but had passed.

[flyXwire]

Originally Posted by DADoser

As soon as my local dealer got the Marge P-38's in, I stopped by to pick up my Xmas. Long story...longer.... I've known and been pretty loyal to this dealer since he started by selling action figures out of his garage.

I know the feeling exactly. When Martin was in my neck of the woods, I would just drop in and drool/marvel at his shelves after shelves of diecasts. Too bad he moved to Grass Valley up in Northern California. I sure miss the quickie trip to his store.

[Raven]

Officialy: The Corgi Bong P-38 and the Dragon Gabreski P-47D

Unofficially: The above plus anthing else I can sneak in without getting noticed....

[parsig9]

Santa was kind! Armour B-25 Hells Belles and the Corgi Nowotny 262. Boy is this Mitchell a big sucker. I really like it but it just barely fits on my shelf. It's bigger and heavier than a Corgi 1/72 Lancaster.

[Cardinal]

Originally Posted by parsig9

Santa was kind! Armour B-25 Hells Belles and the Corgi Nowotny 262. Boy is this Mitchell a big sucker. I really like it but it just barely fits on my shelf. It's bigger and heavier than a Corgi 1/72 Lancaster.

Talk about heavy metal - try putting a 1/48 FM Armour B17 on the shelf! . Mine remains safely in its box .

(Would love to get a RAF Coastal Command B24 though .)

[First Sgt]

I got three:
1. "Really George" F-104 - my first Hobbymaster and very nice!
2. Dragon ME-262 nightfighter - I know the paint scheme has been discussed quite a bit, but I like the plane itself.
3. A Sunstar F-117 - one of those that I have been "getting around to" getting for a long time!

Now to plan for my next birthday acquistions!

[mustangdriver]

I got money for diecast, and a membership to Planes of Fame. I do't think I did too bad.

[Gunslinger]

I was a good boy and did not sneak anything under the tree for myself.

I took the month of December off buying stuff for myself.

I was really surprised when I opened a gift from my Mom,

A FM 262 Limited edition (#13 ) that had been bought back in July and had been kept a secret from me all this time. Holy cow.

I had not bought one because I was unemployed at thetime and even though I knew it would be a good investment, could not rationalize it at the time.

My brother had arranged for my mom to buy one on her credit card for me when he bought one for himself and kept it a secret.

I also got some really cool homemade diorama bases for my planes that my brother made for me ! Really Cool!

[PappyB]

That's awesome Gun! Post some pics of those display bases, if you can -- love to see 'em

No diecast for me, but I did get a one of a kind painting of Doolittle's B-25, done by a vietnam vet in colorado, who specializes in aviation art

[STARMAN 352ND]

I got the planes i ordered a few weeks ago...Due to my sister in law taking them while at work
But i did get a few i didn't expect to see..
The Corgi black Swordfish and one i have never seen before a FOV P-51D Sharkmouth Bluenoser in 1/32.
This plane was flown by Capt John Bennette of the 352nd FG and all his P-51's had the Sharkmouth marking on them.
Thought it looked neat But FOV could use a new updated mold for there P-51's.
JP