Love this episode. A vendor at an IPMS/USA contest sold a vintage Revell DC-7 kit to me for $5 a few years ago because the box and artwork was trash. I digitally restored the artwork to wrap a new box. It's a proud addition to my "hobby shop" display. Keep'em coming, Mike!
Great video. Brings back a lot of memories. I was transferring a bunch of my father-in-laws 8mm home movies to digital and I got to see my future wife's first airplane flight on an American DC-7 from LAX in 1958. The previous movie was their visit to DisneyLand :). I was astounded at how close the model kit cover box art was at depicting the ground environment at LAX from the stairs to the ground equipment for the baggage to the "carpet". Everyone was dressed in their Sunday best, no pajama pants/sneakers/hoodies. They had driven out to LA from Lansing, Michigan to deliver the car to one of my father-in-law's friends and they were flying back home by way of Chicago. I still don't know if they actually changed planes or just stopped in Chicago. I found the 1958 American Airlines timetable but I can't tell if the connection from Chicago to Willow Run was on the same plane.
Another excellent video paving the way down memory lane. Loved collecting and building these classic airliners with money I earned from mowing lawns in the summer.
That Frog kit is something else. I can see why it would sell for double the cost of other kits of the time. First it's imported, large scale, includes glue and paint so there is a lot of value add to the kit. Obviously, not all model builders could afford it, but I feel there are probably modern day comparable examples in todays kits as well. Thanks for the show and tell, Mike! Happy DC-7 month!
It's funny you say that Joe. I'm in the UK and we were Airfix snobs! When Revell kits came over here they were not thought to be so good, despite their exoticism and the fact that they often came "complete with paints and adhesive"😁. Now of course, I wish I'd bought every Revell kit I could get - would have been an investment if I could resist making them up.
@@Robutube1 Airfix, Frog and Heller kits were so exotic and rare when I was a kid that they were not tempting to me, also they were aircraft or ships that were unknown to me. I did, if I remember correctly, have a FROG Battle class destroyer from FAO. Later on, I liked Airfix and FROG kits. I could never have stocked piled any manufacture's kits and resisted building them....RESISTANCE IS FUTILE!
According to the book, "In Plastic, Commerical Aircraft Kits," by John W. Burns (1989), the Revell H-257, PAA DC-7C kit was first issued in 1956 and the description of the kit reads as follows, "DC-7C parts (prop, spinner, etc.) added and issued with the airport scene ground equipment. Some kits were issued without the extra DC-7C parts."
Very good . It’s nice to hear memories of seeing these kits in the shops . My airliners , were mainly Airfix ones as I come from UK, down to Woolworths or the local toy shop to select a kit . My first one was a Trident ,but then went onto get Vanguards, Comets , VC10s . I knew about Frog and Revell but they were usually different scales to Airfix 1/144 , although I’ve subsequently bought Revells DC8 which would have been considered a quite exotic kit by me back in the late 60s early 70s . Great days
Had no idea it was DC7 month. Thanks for the heads up! Wonderful aircraft. The Connie was still better looking for me. Great box art on those. Thanks again for all you do.
Mike, A lot of the times back in the 1950’s the fueler climbed up the side of the fuel truck then step over to the wing for over the top fueling. It kept the extra equipment to a minimum
In 1970 I found a FROG DC7C kit and Bristol Britannia kit in a shop that had a discount sale going because it was closing down. I got them both in a “Buy 1 get 1 free” deal. Both had decals for the post 1956 all blue tail fin markings of BOAC. I still have both kits.
Mike, good to see you on UA-cam, great history and memories, you forgot to show the backside of the United instruction sheet with the cool United Airlines route map, LOL
Hey Mike, great step back into my days building the Revell models of airliners. I built both the American DC-7 and United DC-7 kits. Thanks again for your videos.
Thanks again to Mike for another great video. Your collection makes a great backdrop for the presentation, good job. Until today I never heard of "FROG" kits, thanks for info. Thanks again for all your time and work you put into your videos.......
Excellent video. Thank you for posting. I saw the Delta DC-7B in Atlanta at the Delta museum for the first time last week. Too bad they don’t have that style of color scheme today. I also see the Everts Air DC-6s in Anchorage. The sound they make taking off while fully loaded is a symphony.
The secret is to find a vintage kit in an old beat-up box, and build that one while leaving the pristine mint example of that same kit safely in your prized collection. Thanks for watching!
Thanks Mike. Wonderful insight into these old kits. Instant nostalgia. FROG produced some interesting kits in their day, including a 1/144th scale Super VC10 with lighting.
I like your videos .... I remenber some of yours when I was a kid ..! Today I owned some as collectors ... no build them !!! I like their smell and box art , a dream !!! Sometime , I open a box . We need more from you !!! Congratulation from France !!!
Took a flight on a United 7 from LA 2 Willow Run back in 58, remember staring out at 1 and 2 watching the blue flame coming out over the wing, it was mesmerizing, can still hear those big wrights
Outstanding story on the Revell DC-7 airport sets and the FROG DC-7C. I really like how you are able to actually present how the FROG kit was originally packed at the factory. Thanks for sharing! Too bad that FROG DC-7C has never been reissued much like the FROG Bristol Britannia and De Havilland Comet over the years.
Douglas dc 7 week... not surprised... You have your research down... I’M ENJOYING YOUR VIDEOS...I like all the extras that came with the kit... I would make a TARMAC DIORAMA for sure I DO COLLECT KITS , REVELL box art kits 1/72 , the single seat fighters... Try to find kits in decent shape / and cost I go to TOY FAIRS , general FLEA MARKETS ANTIQUE MARKETS...and of course On line...it’s a fun hobby / interest... I CAN TELL YOU PICKED UP SOME WELL CARED FOR KITS... I’LL KEEP WATCHING CHRIS from OHIO
Thanks for another great video sir. Those kits are awesome. As for pricing, there was a big difference here in Canada at the time. Even though the US dollar was 5 to 10 cents higher, the model kit prices here were 40 to 60 percent higher in Canadian dollars. Import duties and excise taxes raised the prices. Even the Aurora kits molded in Canada were 30 percent higher in costs.
Another fun video. Its so nice to hear about all these wonderful old kits. Thanks again Mike! Ps I'm envious, after I went to College, my parents got rid of all my old kits... Sigh....lol
Another great video presentation Mike.... happy to see mention of FROG brand and what the name was derived from.... in Canada, FROG and AIRFIX were both easily obtainable, but more expensive as you've noted.... I built many of the smaller aircraft types because of that.... again, you created another great video....
Regarding the "Inspected by #9" sticker. I have often wondered if, sometimes, something like that was done just to add quality perception. And there was no "#9". Maybe I'm just too cynical, or diabolical, in my thinking. I do know that the furniture touch up craftsman at a Levitz store I worked with did an "inspected by" sticker trick. If something like a chest of drawers had a small hole in it's Masonite or plywood back, he would fill the hole, and then affix an "Inspected by" sticker over it and scribble some initials. He said customers will never take off one of those stickers.
Another fascinating “time travel “ video Mike. I’m curious, when did you start collecting these models and how did you resist the temptation to build them at the time? Or did you buy a couple at a time. One to build and one to collect?
Gee. If I had one of each, I'd have to use a lot of forced perspective to pose them both on the same ramp.The 1/96 DC-7C just about taking off, and the 1/122 smalller scale bird in the BG with the accessories. Maybe a Terminal building... RAF 1/76 scale lorries, ambulances, fire/crash trucks, fuel bowsers, were made by Airfix.. Forced perspective puts the trucks in the observer's foreground, so the take off is about to be seen thru the ground clutter of little ground support vehicles -- as in real life...
So much love for the subject, Mike. I watched every episode even though I wasn't attracted to aviation at all. I am a musician. That brings me to the question: What does this "Ludwig" book tell, sir? Are you a drummer too?
Good catch Wolfgang - yes, that Ludwig binder holds my vintage drum catalog collection from the 1960s, and yes, I played drums professionally in New York and Los Angeles back in the day. The framed album on the wall at left was my rok band in high school, and above that is my treasured Slingerland promo photo of Gene Krupa, Buddy Rich, and Lionel Hampton, autographed by Buddy in 1973. Thanks for watching!
@@celebratingaviationwithmik9782 Thanks Mike - that makes sense (is this a 'doh' moment?)! I thoroughly enjoy your posts BTW; they're a calm, friendly place in amongst quite a lot of madness on YT.
Ever see the Marx airport playset? ( got one for Christmas 1966 from Montgomery Ward.) Around 1960, I had a Remco "ailine" pilot toy by Remco with "controls" that maneuvered an attached propliner. Ever see either of those?
Could the fueler open the ovewing escape hatch track through the engine oil crawl back shut the hatch, track oil on the carpet... Naahh. However fueling airtanker 6/7s...
Mike, your history of these model kits is stunning.
Love this episode. A vendor at an IPMS/USA contest sold a vintage Revell DC-7 kit to me for $5 a few years ago because the box and artwork was trash. I digitally restored the artwork to wrap a new box. It's a proud addition to my "hobby shop" display. Keep'em coming, Mike!
Great video. Brings back a lot of memories.
I was transferring a bunch of my father-in-laws 8mm home movies to digital and I got to see my future wife's first airplane flight on an American DC-7 from LAX in 1958. The previous movie was their visit to DisneyLand :).
I was astounded at how close the model kit cover box art was at depicting the ground environment at LAX from the stairs to the ground equipment for the baggage to the "carpet". Everyone was dressed in their Sunday best, no pajama pants/sneakers/hoodies. They had driven out to LA from Lansing, Michigan to deliver the car to one of my father-in-law's friends and they were flying back home by way of Chicago. I still don't know if they actually changed planes or just stopped in Chicago. I found the 1958 American Airlines timetable but I can't tell if the connection from Chicago to Willow Run was on the same plane.
Another excellent video paving the way down memory lane. Loved collecting and building these classic airliners with money I earned from mowing lawns in the summer.
That Frog kit is something else. I can see why it would sell for double the cost of other kits of the time. First it's imported, large scale, includes glue and paint so there is a lot of value add to the kit. Obviously, not all model builders could afford it, but I feel there are probably modern day comparable examples in todays kits as well. Thanks for the show and tell, Mike! Happy DC-7 month!
Traveled on a DC-7 as a kid. I remember the engines had a comfortable buzz. We traveled from Cincinnati to Alberta. Thanks for the post.
Great again...I remember odd European kits at FAO when I was a kid but I was a Revell snob.
It's funny you say that Joe. I'm in the UK and we were Airfix snobs! When Revell kits came over here they were not thought to be so good, despite their exoticism and the fact that they often came "complete with paints and adhesive"😁. Now of course, I wish I'd bought every Revell kit I could get - would have been an investment if I could resist making them up.
@@Robutube1 Airfix, Frog and Heller kits were so exotic and rare when I was a kid that they were not tempting to me, also they were aircraft or ships that were unknown to me. I did, if I remember correctly, have a FROG Battle class destroyer from FAO. Later on, I liked Airfix and FROG kits. I could never have stocked piled any manufacture's kits and resisted building them....RESISTANCE IS FUTILE!
Thanks Mike for another great video. Love model kit history, and yours are top notch.
According to the book, "In Plastic, Commerical Aircraft Kits," by John W. Burns (1989), the Revell H-257, PAA DC-7C kit was first issued in 1956 and the description of the kit reads as follows, "DC-7C parts (prop, spinner, etc.) added and issued with the airport scene ground equipment. Some kits were issued without the extra DC-7C parts."
Just love those old, classic, prop airliners....excellent video again! 👍🏻👌🏻👏🏻
Very good . It’s nice to hear memories of seeing these kits in the shops . My airliners , were mainly Airfix ones as I come from UK, down to Woolworths or the local toy shop to select a kit . My first one was a Trident ,but then went onto get Vanguards, Comets , VC10s . I knew about Frog and Revell but they were usually different scales to Airfix 1/144 , although I’ve subsequently bought Revells DC8 which would have been considered a quite exotic kit by me back in the late 60s early 70s . Great days
Had no idea it was DC7 month. Thanks for the heads up! Wonderful aircraft. The Connie was still better looking for me. Great box art on those. Thanks again for all you do.
The Connie was in a class by itself!
@@chuck9987 You betcha!
I made lots of frog kit's in the 1960s over here in the UK 🇬🇧
Frog model is not only bigger,but more accurate as well. I would like to see these models already assembled.
Mike, A lot of the times back in the 1950’s the fueler climbed up the side of the fuel truck then step over to the wing for over the top fueling.
It kept the extra equipment to a minimum
$5!! Wow. I've never seen a FROG kit. This was delightful.
Once again Mike, a fantastic presentation!
Thank you for the history lesson and sharing your amazing collection!
I love seeing all your models but especially your books on the shelf behind you. I have many of the same, including some you illustrated. Cheers!
Appreciate the comment, thanks!
$1.98...those days are gone.
Great presentation Mike, keep them coming.
A trip back in time. Thanks mate 👍
In 1970 I found a FROG DC7C kit and Bristol Britannia kit in a shop that had a discount sale going because it was closing down. I got them both in a “Buy 1 get 1 free” deal. Both had decals for the post 1956 all blue tail fin markings of BOAC. I still have both kits.
Lucky guy!
Great stuff-I’m sure there are some gems among my hundreds of kits !
A+ as usual Mike. Thanks for the memories!
Mike, good to see you on UA-cam, great history and memories, you forgot to show the backside of the United instruction sheet with the cool United Airlines route map, LOL
Hey Mike, great step back into my days building the Revell models of airliners. I built both
the American DC-7 and United DC-7 kits. Thanks again for your videos.
Appreciate the comment, thanks!
Absolutely beautiful kits. What a treasure trove you have. Thank you for sharing this and your knowledge
Thanks again to Mike for another great video. Your collection makes a great backdrop for the presentation, good job. Until today I never heard of "FROG" kits, thanks for info. Thanks again for all your time and work you put into your videos.......
Excellent video. Thank you for posting. I saw the Delta DC-7B in Atlanta at the Delta museum for the first time last week. Too bad they don’t have that style of color scheme today. I also see the Everts Air DC-6s in Anchorage. The sound they make taking off while fully loaded is a symphony.
I get why you collect them unbuilt, But I wouldn't be able to resist! I love those old models :D have built quite a few old kits so far
The secret is to find a vintage kit in an old beat-up box, and build that one while leaving the pristine mint example of that same kit safely in your prized collection. Thanks for watching!
Thanks Mike. Wonderful insight into these old kits. Instant nostalgia. FROG produced some interesting kits in their day, including a 1/144th scale Super VC10 with lighting.
I like your videos .... I remenber some of yours when I was a kid ..! Today I owned some as collectors ... no build them !!! I like their smell and box art , a dream !!! Sometime , I open a box . We need more from you !!! Congratulation from France !!!
Many thanks!
Fantastic!
Took a flight on a United 7 from LA 2 Willow Run back in 58, remember staring out at 1 and 2 watching the blue flame coming out over the wing, it was mesmerizing, can still hear those big wrights
Outstanding story on the Revell DC-7 airport sets and the FROG DC-7C. I really like how you are able to actually present how the FROG kit was originally packed at the factory. Thanks for sharing! Too bad that FROG DC-7C has never been reissued much like the FROG Bristol Britannia and De Havilland Comet over the years.
Douglas dc 7 week... not surprised...
You have your research down...
I’M ENJOYING YOUR VIDEOS...I like all the extras that came with the kit...
I would make a TARMAC DIORAMA for sure
I DO COLLECT KITS , REVELL box art kits
1/72 , the single seat fighters...
Try to find kits in decent shape / and cost
I go to TOY FAIRS , general FLEA MARKETS
ANTIQUE MARKETS...and of course
On line...it’s a fun hobby / interest...
I CAN TELL YOU PICKED UP SOME WELL CARED FOR KITS...
I’LL KEEP WATCHING
CHRIS from OHIO
Thanks for another great video sir. Those kits are awesome. As for pricing, there was a big difference here in Canada at the time. Even though the US dollar was 5 to 10 cents higher, the model kit prices here were 40 to 60 percent higher in Canadian dollars. Import duties and excise taxes raised the prices. Even the Aurora kits molded in Canada were 30 percent higher in costs.
Another great video of some great models of some great Airplanes. Simply amazing.
Another fun video.
Its so nice to hear about all these wonderful old kits.
Thanks again Mike!
Ps I'm envious, after I went to College, my parents got rid of all my old kits...
Sigh....lol
Thanks for the memories♪
I'm in a New York State of Mind♪♫♬🛫
Another great video presentation Mike.... happy to see mention of FROG brand and what the name was derived from.... in Canada, FROG and AIRFIX were both easily obtainable, but more expensive as you've noted.... I built many of the smaller aircraft types because of that.... again, you created another great video....
The best looking recip ever.
Agreed!
The Connie was often called the fastest three engine prop liner ever built lol
I bet you can't wait to build these.
Great video - I grew up to the sound of run away turbo compounds.
Too bad we don't hear large piston engines any more!
Thanks, and agree 100% - I miss that sound also!
Super as usual. 🙂
A most wonderful look into those marvelous kits! Did you build both of them back in the late fifties and did they survive?
I built the dc 7 American airlines as a child.
Regarding the "Inspected by #9" sticker. I have often wondered if, sometimes, something like that was done just to add quality perception. And there was no "#9". Maybe I'm just too cynical, or diabolical, in my thinking. I do know that the furniture touch up craftsman at a Levitz store I worked with did an "inspected by" sticker trick. If something like a chest of drawers had a small hole in it's Masonite or plywood back, he would fill the hole, and then affix an "Inspected by" sticker over it and scribble some initials. He said customers will never take off one of those stickers.
Love it!
Another fascinating “time travel “ video Mike. I’m curious, when did you start collecting these models and how did you resist the temptation to build them at the time? Or did you buy a couple at a time. One to build and one to collect?
Wow that $5.00 kit is now $400.00 the base revell kit is $99 the 707 set is $298
Another great video. Mike, what were the standard box sizes that the kits were being scaled down to fit?
Standard model box sizes measured 9", 12", 16" and 24" in length to fit ontop hobby shop shelves of that era.
I would like you to show us the SST model and history
Gee. If I had one of each, I'd have to use a lot of forced perspective to pose them both on the same ramp.The 1/96 DC-7C just about taking off, and the 1/122 smalller scale bird in the BG with the accessories. Maybe a Terminal building... RAF 1/76 scale lorries, ambulances, fire/crash trucks, fuel bowsers, were made by Airfix.. Forced perspective puts the trucks in the observer's foreground, so the take off is about to be seen thru the ground clutter of little ground support vehicles -- as in real life...
Great video as always Mike. Where do you find all these original kits???
1/96 scale 16" wingspan?
Yes, that is exactly correct. It was a large model.
But I have trouble displaying 1/72 planes due to space. I’d need a new house to display huge planes...although I’d love to have them.
So much love for the subject, Mike. I watched every episode even though I wasn't attracted to aviation at all. I am a musician. That brings me to the question: What does this "Ludwig" book tell, sir? Are you a drummer too?
Good catch Wolfgang - yes, that Ludwig binder holds my vintage drum catalog collection from the 1960s, and yes, I played drums professionally in New York and Los Angeles back in the day. The framed album on the wall at left was my rok band in high school, and above that is my treasured Slingerland promo photo of Gene Krupa, Buddy Rich, and Lionel Hampton, autographed by Buddy in 1973. Thanks for watching!
The Revell kits boast "7 sculptured figures" but I count only six shown on the box art. Which is the figure I'm missing seeing? Thanks!
Seventh figure is the pilot in the cockpit.
@@celebratingaviationwithmik9782 Thanks Mike - that makes sense (is this a 'doh' moment?)! I thoroughly enjoy your posts BTW; they're a calm, friendly place in amongst quite a lot of madness on YT.
@@Robutube1 Appreciate the comment, thanks!
Ever see the Marx airport playset? ( got one for Christmas 1966 from Montgomery Ward.) Around 1960, I had a Remco "ailine" pilot toy by Remco with "controls" that maneuvered an attached propliner. Ever see either of those?
Yes, and just recently too from the collection of a good friend. An amazing variety of aircraft (and helicopters)!
Could the fueler open the ovewing escape hatch track through the engine oil crawl back shut the hatch, track oil on the carpet... Naahh.
However fueling airtanker
6/7s...
To bad thay couldnt save 89charly delta airlines DC7B over in chandler az,
Have never heard of Frog before.....if they're a French company, I'm gonna bust a gut!😅
British 1931 to 1976 see history on Max Models.
@@edwarddillon4950 ya I got they were british when I watched the video...thanks