Hobby Master Star Warriors, the only US Military Squadron sporting a Star Wars Theme, 1:72 Diecast.

[tripoli]

The US military will allow themed liveries ( painted themed aircraft) if a squadron can get permission from the copyrighted owner. In 1977, the Navy Star Warriors squadron, which is used for electronic warfare, request and received permission from George Lucas to use the Darth Vader theme on their aircraft. It has and is the only US military flight squadron ever allowed to do so. I collect 1:72 scale aviation diecast aircraft both for general aviation and military aviation. There have been a few companies that are not that great at popping them out without licensing, One of the main stays in diecast finally got permission to produce them in a 1:72 scale models. The first just came out this month, the Hobby Master 1:72 Air Power Series HA5013 Grumman EA-6B Prowler (163884; AF501) United States Navy, VAQ-209 Star Warriors in it's 2010 livery. Given the cross over between diecast collectors and Star Wars collectors, these limited edition models will sell out quickly. The EA-6B Growler was the A-6 design with an added fuselage section to handle to electronic warfare techs in the back seat. The model comes with a range of different under the pylon loads. It can be displayed wheels down or on a stand "flying" wheels up.
Around the second week of July, we will see the later / current Hobby Master 1:72 Air Power Series HA5159 Boeing EA-18G Growler (166896) United States Navy, VAQ-209 Star Warriors 2024. A Super Hornet fitted for electronic warfare. If it piques your interest, best to purchase them asap, they are selling fast.
These are extremely detailed models, looks good in a museum display good. Retail on the Growler $ 134.99, $154.99 on the Hornet. a few sellers use coupons, always good to check for to save 15 to 20 dollars / free shipping.

 

[tripoli]

JC Wings did come out earlier with the EA-6B Growler BUT...... I do not believe they ever paid the licensing fee on that one. Every JC Wings model I have gotten has had missing parts, ill fitted and you have to sand, Dremel glue and usually look for another source model to fill in for missing pieces. Beautiful put together but an incredible pain to do so. You will do a high amount of (code 3) separate modelling and painting to get it this good.

Die cast dealer that do a great job shipping and priced: Petes Collectibles (pc1030 code for a 10% discount), Aikens Diecast, The Flying Mule (also has coupon codes on their site) and MTS Aviation here in Ohio.