[Epapazian]

When we talk about a possible "classic" aircraft line that HM might pursue, we seem to include a mixture of civilian and military types, in a rather haphazzard manner. Since such a high quality, premium priced line would have interest to many who do not collect warbirds ( as was pointed out on the UK forum ) ---such as museums, history buffs, etc,, it is important to be more precise in our definitions. Are we talking about nice looking birds, such as the Fury, which, otherwise, were not very significant, or are we talking about aircraft that represented major eras or milestones in the evolution of aviation?

For example, a civilian list of classic aircraft could include these entries ( note: I've left off very tough ones to do in diecast like the Wright 1903 Flyer ):

1) The Spirit Of St Louis
2) Ford Trimotor
3) Northrop's Gamma
4) Gee-Bee R-1 Racer
5) De Havilland's D.H. 88 Comet
6) Douglas' DC-2

And we might include military-oriented candidates, such as:

1) First fighter with a sybchronized machine gun firing through the propelled arc ( Fokker Eindecker )
2) First triplane fighter ( Sopwith Triplane )
3) First monoplane fighter with retractable undercarriage ( I-16 )
4) First jaircraft ( He-178 )
5) First variable sweep wing jet fighter ( Grumman XF10F-1 )
6) First stealth fighter ( F-117 )

I suspect that such a series of historically significant aircraft would sell very well, providing its purpose and candidate planes were well thought out and made clear from the outset. Even if only two or three molds were made each year, collectors would know that more were coming and plan to buy most or all of them-----even if it took a while to complete their collection. If, however, one never knew from year to year what might be forthcoming, or what constituted a "classic", then I'm not so sure about the results.

[fileasfog]

I think both the history of aviation and classic military technical achievements are great ideas, although I would not buy the writghts brothers plane, not enough substance.

[PH-LKK]

I think you're spot-on with all of these. I would, however, add that "iconic" aircraft, whether or not technologically significant, would also certainly count as "classic". Of these, I have in mind the Beech Model 17 Staggerwing, Piper J-3 Cub, Cessna 120/140, Navion, light twin Aero Commander (a la Bob Hoover), Seabee, Ercoupe and Globe Swift. Sure, most of 'em would be tiny in 1/72, but that's how I'd like 'em. Then there's the newer kites, like the Bonanza, Skyhawk and Cherokee. But we much start somewhere, and I'd be willing to wait for the 1960s while we stock up on the 20's, 30's, 40's and 50's!

[jim]

Interesting, when I read the title of the thread and before I read the post by Epapazian ,the first name that jumped to mind was the DC2.

Now thats a real classic plane, an icon of aviation.
It looks as good today as it did way back then.

[Epapazian]

To further stimulate our thinking, I've dug up some other "classics" for consideration.

1) The Pan Am Clipper
2) Curtiss NC-4 ( first seaplane to fly the Atlantic )
3) Northrop's first "flying wing"
4) Curtiss' F9C-2 "Sparrow Hawk" operating from the "Akron"
5) Any of the Schneider Trophy winners of the 1920s and 1930s
6) JU F-13 ( first all-metal aircraft in commercial service )
7) Curtiss Helldiver ( first dive bomber )
8) The Hughes Racer
9) Lockheed's Vega
10)de Havilland Comet

[Vifam7]

How about the Lockheed L-10 Electra? Clarence Kelly Johnson's first work & the airplane of Amelia Earhart's last flight.

[bandit95]

Well they did just retire the worlds forst stealth fighter ( the F-117A). Id buy every one they put out. Yes its more of a modern fighter but it IS CLASSIC and it IS RETIRED!!! What do you guys think?

[Captain Eddie]

Originally Posted by Vifam7

How about the Lockheed L-10 Electra? Clarence Kelly Johnson's first work & the airplane of Amelia Earhart's last flight.

I did not know that about Kelly. Read his book on the Skunkworks, however. I'm not into aircraft after WW II, but it was a very interesting book, really enjoyed it.

[jim]

Boeing 707s worth a mention too.

Connie must be classic also.

[Cruver Collecter]

It may be a small one, but how about a J-3 Piper Cub.