1. Off the shelf for our blog today is a J3 Cub Die-Cast model, modeled after Joe Costanza’s JF-65 from 1941. Normally stationed at New Jersey’s Flying W Airport, the aircraft has an upgraded Continental A-65-8 engine and a wooden propeller instead of the Franklin engine it first came with. Lightweight, nimble, and popular, this aircraft is of 20,000 built in just the 10 year span of 1938 and 1947. The aircraft was originally designed to create a larger interest in aviation from the common public as an improvement over the original Taylor Cub, featuring a striking yellow paint scheme.
My favorite piece of this aircraft is its wooden propeller, which gives a striking
contrast to standard black coloring of most Piper props.
Our Die-Cast version has a replicated wooden propeller, accurate coloring,
printed decals and ridges that recreate the true design of the Cub. Also has a
moving propellor and includes a display stand. Measures 4”l with a 6” wingspan
at 1:72 scale, sized to fit wherever you like.
2024 Limited Edition Piper J-3 Cub Die-Cast Model
2. The iconic SR-71 Blackbird, which remains the only operational aircraft to sustain speeds over Mach 3, or 2,300 mph. The Blackbird is an awe-inspiring creation built by Lockheed Martin in the 1960s, where its high top speed would allow reconnaissance missions to be completed with relative ease. 32 aircraft were produced, serving with NASA and the CIA in thousands of missions, racking up over 50,000 flight hours within just 4 decades of service. It broke the nominal altitude record for an air breathing vehicle at 85,068ft, as well as numerous speed records across the globe.
My favorite fact about the plane is that its record for sustained speed still has
not been surpassed by any other production aircraft several decades later.
This Die-Cast model features the same detailed panel lines, printed decals, and
accurate paint scheme of the real SR-71, including deployed or retracted landing
gear and display stand for pose-ability! Measures 17.75”l with a 9.25” wingspan
at 1:72 scale, a prominent size that allows all of its tiny details to shine.
SR-71 Blackbird USAF Die-Cast Model
3. A model Cessna 172, one of the most recognizable and commonly flown aircraft of modern day. It is still the highest production aircraft since 1955, with over 44,000 built. It fills the need for new pilots as an excellent trainer or everyday reliable form of airborne transport, which students and advanced flyers come to value over time. Majority of pilots and enthusiast’s will happily tell you “my first flight was on a 172!”
My favorite part of the Cessna 172 is the cockpit, which has an excellent view
from most angles in the front seat or the passenger seat.
Our Die-Cast version features high quality panel lines, printed decals, rotating
propeller and accurate paint scheme modeled after a Cessna 172 that is stationed
on our flight line here at Sportys! Also has a moving propellor and includes a
display stand. Measures 4”l with a 6” wingspan at 1:72 scale, perfectly sized to fit
wherever you want it.
2023 Limited Edition Sporty’s Cessna 172 Skyhawk Die-Cast Model
4. The record holder of the largest aircraft ever made, the prestigious Antonov AN-225. This highly revered cargo aircraft has served as a transport for Ukraine since the early 2000s, out of Hostomel Airport near Kyiv. It was destroyed as of 2022, but still lives on in every aviation enthusiast’s heart as a massive piece of airborne history, breaking records that no traditional jet could surpass.
My favorite part of the AN-225 is the tail section, since it’s functional design just
flows with the rest of the massive aircraft.
Our Die-Cast version features high quality panel lines, printed details, and
accurate paint scheme that reflects the only AN-225 ever completed, making an
excellent statement piece in any collection. Measures 16”l with a 17.5” wingspan
at 1:200 scale, large enough to be a major talking piece of any collection.
Antonov Airlines An-225 Mriya UR-82060 Die-Cast Model
5. The UH-1C helicopter, one of the most popular rotor-wing aircraft ever and the first of its kind to feature a turbine powered propeller in the US Military. The Huey, as it is affectionately named, has been used for many combat purposes including airlifting, attack, and transport across multiple conflicts such as Vietnam. Compared to its airlifter UH-1B counterpart, the C variant is designed for the gunship role, carrying rockets, missiles, and gun pods to support troops on the ground.
My favorite part is the opening door of the real aircraft on the side, I always
love seeing pictures of the incoming troops sitting on the edge, waiting to get
down on the ground.
Accurate to life paint, pad printed decals, rivet lines, weaponry, and rotating
propellers are featured on this model, making it an excellent addition to any
enthusiast’s collection. Measures 5.25"l with 5" rotor span at 1:87 scale.
UH-1C US Army Huey Gunship Die-Cast Model
6. The F-4E Phantom II, one of the most beloved and capable aircraft the United States has ever created. It has served across the globe in dozens of different variants, roles, and conflicts, still seeing combat service in the 2020s. Its powerful engines, agile airframe, and large payload capacity make it ideal for strike, air superiority, and reconnaissance missions that can also support other aircraft on attack runs.
My favorite part of the F-4E is its wing design, with its uncommon canted
wingtips that were driven by the need for a stable platform in flight.
This Die-Cast representation features the iconic three tone camouflage pattern,
with included weaponry, printed details, engraved panel lines, and markings of
the 163rd TFS. Measures 10”l with a 6.5” wingspan, at 1:72 scale, a size that
shows off its miniature details well.
McDonnell Douglas F-4E Phantom II 163rd TFS Die-Cast Model
7. The C-17 Globemaster, one of the largest modern day aircraft, with massive capacity for cargo, troops, and vehicles whenever need arises. A massive wingspan and four powerful engines allow it to take-off or land in short distances, while still carrying a massive 170,900 lbs of cargo. The success of the type has led to nearly double the aircraft being produced than expected, with a quarter being directed to the Air National Guard and Air Force Reserve.
My favorite part of the C-17 is the massive cargo bay, which has places to sit
and be somewhat comfortable even in a long flight, stowed right beside where
cargo is placed.
This Die-Cast version features high quality panel lines, printed decals, detailed
landing gear and an accurate paint scheme of the Riverside ANG of California.
Measures 9”l with a 10” wingspan at 1:200 scale, a commanding scale for any
display.
Boeing C-17A Globemaster III “Charlotte” Die-Cast Model
8. Build your very own Jet Turbine Engine with our Stainless Steel 3D Mechanical Model. Learn piece by piece the inner workings of a Turbine Engine. Once you’re finished, the battery-operated motor will rotate the turbine blades. Model includes a file, 4 sheets of parts, white gloves, a microfiber cloth, a model builders tool and easy to follow instructions. Overall, the Model includes 58 pieces and has a difficulty level of 5 out of 8. When assembled the Model measures 6.77”l x 3.15”w x 4”h. Requires assembly and two AA batteries (not included). For ages 14 and up. No glue required!
Jet Turbine Engine Stainless Steel 3D Mechanical Model
9. The Cirrus SR-22, a recognizable general aviation craft that started its life at the turn of the 21st century. As the world’s best selling aircraft since 2003, you would be hard pressed to not find a SR22 on your local flight line. Over 7,000 have been manufactured since its certification in the early 2000s, adapted from the original SR20 with a more powerful engine and higher fuel capacity.
My favorite part of the Cirris is the parachute installed in the back of the
canopy, which can be deployed in the event of an emergency, such as a flatspin.
This Die-Cast version features high quality panel lines, printed decals, rotating
propeller and accurate paint scheme modeled after a Cirrus SR22 from our flight
line here at Sportys! Also has a moving propeller and includes a display stand.
Measures 4”l with a 6” wingspan at 1:72 scale, a great scale for collecting.
10. The Boeing 747SP operated by TWA, who was one of the first operators to receive Pan Am’s specially requested variant. Its shortened fuselage and enhanced aerodynamics were intended to improve range while still carrying a large number of passengers onboard compared to its predecessors. The SP variant saw its first flight in 1975 but was not delivered until much later to Trans World Airlines in 1980 when certification was complete. Within 6 years of entering TWA’s fleet, all 3 delivered were sent to be operated by American Airlines.
My favorite part of the 747SP is its shortened body, which looks almost squished
from some angles and provides a unique look unlike its predecessors.
This Die-Cast version itself features high quality panel lines, printed decals, and
accurate paint scheme of TWA. Measures 9”l with a 10” wingspan at 1:200 scale,
an excellent scale for most collections.
Trans World Airlines “Boston Express” Die-Cast Model