[Cruver Collecter]

Just wondering if anyone out there still collects the old WWII Cruver aircraft recognition models?

[Epapazian]

While I don't make an effort to collect these recognition models any longer, at one point when I was a kid, I had about 90 of them. Sadly, many of these models have deteriorated to the point where I had to discard them. I still have around 30, most of which were painted rather amateurishly, years ago. Some of these, too, are beginning to display that dreaded chemical effect that will ultimately ruin them. I've tried freezing the planes, which slows the deterioration, but am resigned to losing them, one by one, till there are none left. The models displayed in your picture seem to be in very good shape. Were they acquired recently or long ago like mine?

[smartd]

Do I see a Supermarine Attacker down in the right corner?

[Cruver Collecter]

Do I see a Supermarine Attacker down in the right corner?

Yes it is an Attacker and is one of the harder ones to find.

[Cruver Collecter]

Originally Posted by Epapazian

While I don't make an effort to collect these recognition models any longer, at one point when I was a kid, I had about 90 of them. Sadly, many of these models have deteriorated to the point where I had to discard them. I still have around 30, most of which were painted rather amateurishly, years ago. Some of these, too, are beginning to display that dreaded chemical effect that will ultimately ruin them. I've tried freezing the planes, which slows the deterioration, but am resigned to losing them, one by one, till there are none left. The models displayed in your picture seem to be in very good shape. Were they acquired recently or long ago like mine?

I have had collection for a little over ten years now. I used to have over 250 of the Cruvers and had to trim collection down. To much time spent dusting and monitoring to see if any were starting to breakdown. Fumes off of one can effect other planes. Vinegar odor is normally the first indication a plane is starting to go. A few months back I lost a B-29 and a Short Sunderland to decay. I also have a nice collection of the Geman Wiking ID models and a few of the larger 1/50th scale German ID models.

[smartd]

Are these made out of Bakelite which tends to warp and do wonderful things as they age?

[Cruver Collecter]

Originally Posted by smartd

Are these made out of Bakelite which tends to warp and do wonderful things as they age?

These models are made of and early cellulose acetate plastic and they do have a tendancy to breakdown after time. Some models do seem to hold up better and not really sure why. May be the plastic they were made out of slightly better mix or just luck. Have found that heat does kill these models.

[Louie]

I would make molds of these before they go. Buying mold making stuff is relatively inexpensive if you know where to shop.

[Epapazian]

Originally Posted by Louie

I would make molds of these before they go. Buying mold making stuff is relatively inexpensive if you know where to shop.

Back in the early 1990s Dick Miller founded a company in Texas which was based on WWII recognition models. He amassed a collection of about 140 of these, made rubber molds of each and began selling solid plastic replicas---in effect, copies of copies. Dick has passed on but a successor firm, The Collector's Airmodel Company, still sells replicas of the old recognition models based on the 1990's molds. They have all of these listed on their website and offer customized versions with appropriate paint schemes, plus add-ons such as props, antennae, wing guns, pitot heads, etc. to make them more realistic looking. By diecast standards, these are fairly pricey and one must be careful since some of the origional recognition models were very poor while others were much more accurate depictions of the planes as they really were. Some of the Cruver models have been popping up on Ebay, recently, but they look rather worn and a far cry from the "mint condition" that is claimed. For those interested in recognition models in general, Mikes-tanks.com has many reviews and pictures. Also, Bob Mikesh wrote a well detailed article for "FineScale Modeler"about 15 years ago, which included a listing of all of the Cruver (and similar) models that were made.