[DADoser]

Fri. June 8, 2007

FOV diecast Stuka downs Corgi P-51 Mustang in an amazing accidental mid-air collision. Both planes considered a total loss.

While rushing to put up groceries in order to catch the repeat of Stargate SG1, a female,14 yr. old high school freshman (who shall remain nameless) accidently hit one of DADosers diecast shelves sending the FOV Stuka into an immediate dive. Wthin a foot, the cascading Stuka then rammed the rare, Corgi P-51 "Bunnie" (of Tuskegee Airmen fame) and both planes fell an addition 4 ft crashing into the hard cermanic tile floor, resulting in the total loss of both aircraft.

Commenting on the tragedy, DADoser said, "the Stuka wasn't that big of a deal - I think I even have another one packed away in a box somewhere....but the Corgi "Bunnie", man that's a tough loss to take." DADoser added that the Tuskegee Airmen have a special place in his love for military history and that when he bought his first house, an actual Tuskegee Airman veteran helped him paint it before moving in with his family. Additionally, DADoser started collecting diecast aircraft after that particular model was long gone from dealer shelves. After months of searching Ebay, be had finally found and won that P-51 for a great price. DADoser further added, "Of all the planes that I could have lost, that one has to hit me the hardest." None of the other planes in the immediate area were damaged in the incident. Other planes included: 2 FOV Corsairs; FOV P-40; FOV Zero; Corgi "Creamer's Dream; Corgi Tuskegee P-47; and Matchbox "Bunnie."

DADoser will now begin a search in order to find a replacement for the lost Corgi "Bunnie" P-51.

[david cotton]

Its not good when that happens.

When we had the earth quake (more of an earth wobble really) my B24 Jerks Natural fell from its stand. It hit B17 Bit Of Lace and B17 Mount n Ride on the way down.

There was bad damage to the B24, but BOL and MNR all got away with no damage, despite falling a couple of feet.

On the good side, I won a Jerks Natural B24 on Ebay for £12.50 this week.

[flyXwire]

That's very heart-breaking...thanks for sharing.

[Old Crow]

What was the fate of the unnamed High School Freshman?

[Folgore]

Originally Posted by Old Crow

What was the fate of the unnamed High School Freshman?

Interned for the duration, no doubt.

[ZS-VAN]

Sorry for your loss mate. I feel it with you. The model that got me into this addiction was Corgi Tuskegee P51D, Bunnie.

[Louie]

sorry for your loss mine was hard to come by too. It is oxidizing proudly on my display shelf. I am anxiously awaiting the Flying Mule Tuskegee B model.

[STARMAN 352ND]

That is every collectors nightmare .
I'm sure the teenager felt awful after what they did.
Hope you will find another to replace it.
JP

[DADoser]

Originally Posted by Old Crow

What was the fate of the unnamed High School Freshman?

She is (was? ) my daughter. As my initial reaction was "&*^%!>" , however, I'm sure it was an accident. I also very carefully and lovingly explained that accidently breaking a glass while washing dishes, has a far less "cost" ($$ and emotional) than breaking a collectible, no-longer-made plane. I explained to her that she needs to be careful and pay attention in ALL things she does.

Also to her credit - I think she was genuinely sorry and felt bad for me. She has a good capacity to empathize (unless it involves anything w/ her younger brother ).

Its really made me stop and think about how I display the aircraft that are more "rare" and/or have more meaning to me. The fact that my collection is displayed on open shelves in one-half of a laundry room (with high activity) is probably an issue. Actual enclosed display cases are not an option until the kids grow up and move out or till we buy a bigger house (highly unlikely!).

If/when I get a replacement for the Corgi "Bunnie" - I don't think I will display it in my current situation. It may stay in the box, and only come out occasionally to "play."


I think I actually went through the Stages of Loss/Grief in the span of 24 hours:
(In NO way am I trying to make light of anyone actually losing someone they love and/or equating a zinc airplane to the same.)

Denial - As I heard that crashing sound and my daughter's scream coming from the laundry/hobby room.
Anger - as I walked in and saw the pieces on the floor and realized the exact plane(s) that were lost.
Bargaining - (may have missed this stage, but...) As I searched for pieces that rolled under cabinets - Can I fix it? Can I get replacement parts - if not exact, I could paint a different...maybe take a prop off a "Creamer's Dream"...
Depression - kicking everyone out of the hobby room and sitting on the floor alone, head bowed, dejected....
Acceptance - its totalled. not much else to do but keep my eye on ebay for another one....at the price I got this one for...under $30....then back to Denial, then Anger, then....

[SKUNKY]

One thing I've learned about teenagers - they never feel nearly as bad about the havoc they create as they should.

Sorry about your loss, DADoser, but count your blessings....at least it wasn't a Draggin'!!