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Volume 1 Number 3
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October - December 2002 |
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Introducing...
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The Flight Miniatures
Airline Preservation Series
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Over the years certain selected airplanes have been restored or preserved in the authentic airline livery of their day. These restored planes may be on display at an aviation museum or with an airline, or they may still be in use. Flight Miniatures works cooperatively with the airlines and museums that hold the rights to these restored and preserved planes. So far, the Flight Miniatures Airline Preservation Series includes the following models:
- Continental DC-3 (Continental flies it)
- Delta DC-3 (Delta flies it)
- TWA DC-3 (is under restoration by the Airline History Museum in Kansas City, MO) and will be flown to air shows once restoration is completed.
These 1:100 scale models of the actual DC-3 aircraft are 7.75” in length and 11.25” across the wingspan. Two of these historic planes are featured below.
We plan to produce other aircraft types and/or scales in the future. Look for additional models in this series as well as other vintage series collectibles on our website.
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Eastern Airlines DC-3
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The DC–3 accommodates 21 or more passengers and was originally designed as a sleeper transport – the DST – to carry passengers overnight from New York to Los Angeles. With a full load, it was the first transport airplane that could make a profit by flying passengers without also carrying mail.
The DC–3's streamlined, versatile design and strong wing construction made it an exceptional aircraft, and at least 400 of these airplanes are still flying today. Shown here is the model of the Eastern Airlines DC–3 (registration number N18124), now retired, restored, and on display at the Smithsonian National Air & Space Museum in Washington, DC.
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TWA DC-3
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The TWA DC–3, registration NC1945 (model shown below), is a legend in its class. Built in February 1941, in Santa Monica, California, it was delivered to Transcontinental & Western Airlines at Kansas City, Missouri, on March 4. While sixty percent of all DC–3s served as transports during World War II, NC1945 did not go to war. In fact, it is one of the few existing DC–3s with the rare 24-passenger, 8-window configuration.
This airplane flew with TWA from 1941 until 1952, then spent 14 years with North Central Airlines. In 1968 it went into charter operations as a travel club airplane with Coronado Airlines in California. In 1993 the aircraft was purchased by the Airline History Museum in Kansas City, where it is undergoing a complete restoration.
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The goal for this restored DC-3 is to fly to air shows and showcase as well as preserve the history of propeller-driven commercial aircraft. More information about this aircraft can be found at www.airlinehistorymuseum.com.
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And More to Come…
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We are pleased to announce that Boeing has selected Flight Miniatures to produce models of historical aircraft being featured in the "Boeing Milestones Series" celebrating the Centennial of Powered Flight. The Boeing Milestones Series will showcase several airplanes which are representative of significant periods of aviation history. These special edition models will be packaged in attractive "special edition" boxes displaying the historical information pertinent to the aircraft . . . a treasured addition for collectors worldwide. As the models become available, they can be purchased from Flight Miniatures as well as through the Boeing marketing channels.
The first launch of the Boeing Milestone Series will commemorate The Beginnings & The Early Years of Boeing aircraft. Flight Miniatures is producing the “Douglas Demo Colors” DC-3 which was the first sleeper transport introduced in 1935. Keep an eye out for our Email Updates announcing the availability of this model in late October!
Subsequent models in the Boeing Milestone Series will represent The War Years and Post War Innovation & The Jet Age. Look for them to become available throughout 2003.
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Celebrating the Evolution of Flight
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The discovery of powered flight – sustained by crucial developments in science and technology and the inconceivable expansion of human knowledge and experience all within the last 100 years – has had a tremendous impact on our civilization and shaped our entire existence. The journey from Kitty Hawk to the jet age to space exploration has been exhilarating, and the ride is still going!
The idea of flight has always sparked the human imagination, probably since the first man looked up and saw birds flying high in the sky. Initially, man attempted to fly like the bird, using various types of wing-like flying apparatus. Greek mythology tells of Icarus, who, in escaping from the island of Crete, flew so close to the sun that the wax fastenings in his artificial wings melted and he fell into the Aegean Sea. Leonardo da Vinci’s notes of the late 1400’s shows designs of the first flying machines, using bird wings for models. In 1783, the first hot-air balloon flew over 22 miles at 11,000 feet altitude. And in 1896, the first steam-powered glider successfully flew for 3/4 of a mile over the Potomac River.
However, powered flight and modern aviation really began at the dawn of the 20th century, with a vision shared by two brothers.
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In September 1903, two bicycle mechanics departed from Dayton, Ohio and headed for Kitty Hawk, North Carolina. Orville and Wilbur Wright carried with them an ancient dream wrapped in a newfangled machine -- their biplane glider powered by a four-cylinder engine driving a propeller. Bad weather delayed the testing of this aircraft until December 17, when Orville piloted the flight of 12 seconds and 120 feet. Wilbur flew later that day, staying aloft for 59 seconds to cover 852 feet. The dawn of a new era was born.
With the success of powered flight, many people and governments became more interested in aeronautics. The aviation industry grew rapidly and the new types of aircraft produced during that time became increasingly more efficient and multifunctional. Many companies started to produce aircraft for commercial and military use.
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The operation of aircraft presented a whole new approach to combat as was evident in World War I, World War II and other wars following. The development of jet-powered flight in the 1930’s opened new opportunities for commercial travel and advanced the agenda for more efficient military aircraft. By 1946, great feats in aviation had been accomplished. This included the launch of the first American-built rocket to actually leave the Earth’s atmosphere, reaching an altitude of over 50 miles.
When the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) was established on October 1, 1958, its first mandate was putting man into space. Barely 11 years later, building on the successes of the Mercury and Gemini projects, Apollo 11 achieved the first human moon landing on July 20, 1969, as astronauts Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin took “a small step for man, and a giant leap for mankind.”
Orville and Wilbur Wright proved that powered flight was possible; Charles Lindbergh reduced the Atlantic Ocean to a pond; and the jet age skewed our perception of distance towards when we will get there rather than how far "there" is. Even as we continue -- module by module -- to add to the International Space Station, all we can be sure of is that we are poised on the threshold of yet another era in the human experience. We can only imagine what amazing possibilities lie ahead!
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Hot Military Models
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and 
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Thunderbirds
General Dynamics F-16
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Cool Sunshades
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Check out Flight Miniatures military models!
Made to the same exacting standards as the commercial aircraft models, the military models are displayed on an aerodynamic stand that allows for adjustments.
Currently, there are over a dozen military models in stock, with more models in the works based on Boeing, Lockheed and Northrop Grumman fighters.
In addition to the models, the all-new Blue Angels Sunshade is now available to Flight Miniatures collectors for only $11.00! This is an official licensed product featuring the Boeing F/A-18 Hornet (TM) fighter.
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This dynamic sunshade captures the breathtaking beauty of the Blue Angels team in flight. The awesome photograph is used with permission from the Blue Angels.
Made up of 16 officers and 110 enlisted crew, the Blue Angels is an all-volunteer U.S. Navy exhibition team of precision flyers that performs to about 15 million spectators every year. According to their website, the Blue Angels are “representatives of the excellence and professionalism found throughout the fleet.”
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Website Re-Design on the Horizon!
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Come November, the Flight Miniatures website will have a whole new look!
Based on input from Flight Miniatures collectors, the redesigned website incorporates more features, more photos, and more aviation facts than the current site.
A special element is the all new Collector’s Page, devoted to your interest: collecting models.
A planned highlight of the Collectors Page is the Classifieds, a spot reserved for you, the Flight Miniatures Collector, to post your classified ad to buy, sell or trade for Flight Miniatures models that are no longer available. And the best part is, this service is FREE!
And thanks for your feedback!
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Collecting Bug 
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Bites All Ages!
From the young…
Hello, My name is William Ellingson. I am 10 years old and live in Denver, CO. When I was at Denver International Airport I went into a gift shop and saw for the first time a Flight Miniatures model hanging from a fishing line against a sky backdrop. I was amazed! I went to the stand and looked at the small model boxes in a neat pile. I pulled out a model and looked at the front. There was a Douglas DC-10 painted with United Old Colors. I knew from that moment that Flight Miniatures was going to be my hobby.
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I asked my Mom if she would buy me that model. Then after I got home from my trip to Dallas, Texas, I picked up the little card that was included with the model. . . . It said, "Visit us online at www.flightminiatures.com." I went to the website and found that my hobby was huge!
Back in 1999, when you had only 400 of the 600 models you now have, I didn't have such a hard time choosing two for my birthday. Finally, after two weeks I chose Alaska Airlines MD–80 and Egypt Air Boeing 777–200. That was when I got my first e-mail from Gary. Only to know that I would finally meet him two years later!
When I was in Sedona, Arizona I saw a sign that said "Cottonwood 14 miles." I asked my mom if we could go visit Flight Miniatures and she said "Okay." So we drove to Cottonwood, my mom and I both thinking two very different things. Me thinking of getting 20 models, and my mom, well, most likely "Okay we can go."
When we finally arrived I was jumping off the walls with excitement. The day was very hot. We went inside and saw a glass showcase with about 50 models all lined up. Gary was sitting at a desk talking to someone who was taking an order. He got up, said hello, introduced himself, and asked us where we were from. We said Denver. He knew who we were! I said, "I like your location near the airport". . . .
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William with his collection
Above & Left: William expresses his passion in his art!
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Instead of the Boeing 777-300 Demo Colors I had saved to get, my mom said, "This will be your birthday present." She bought me the Canadian Old Colors 747-400 1:130 scale, the largest model on the market. Then we left after my mom finally pulled me away. When I got home I found an e-mail saying "William, I liked meeting you today. Thank you again, Gary". . . . Now my collection has grown to about 20 or so models but it is still growing and always will be.
Mostly why I buy models is because I have flown on them. I buy them so I remember my first flight on a Boeing 747-400 or something like that. I like to buy commercial and cargo aircraft. I usually buy 1:200 scale planes, rarely a different scale. . . .
I want to say I appreciate you Gary, for your time to talk. I want to say Thank You to the entire staff at Flight Miniatures. Even if we have not met, you are still included in that Thank You. . . .
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And from William's Mom . . .
In submitting the materials for the Newsletter, Will's mother writes, "What an honor to have William selected to be part of your web site! His interest in aviation, in collecting, and in your company is truly remarkable. William’s attention to detail is keen; every aspect of aviation is phenomenal to my passionate ten-year old son. Thanks to all of you for your continued support of his hobby and the kindness and respect you show him."
She mentions that the aircraft models "bring hours of good, old-fashioned play time to our family. Yes, we actually play (her emphasis) with your models! Fun Stuff! " Looks like William is also generous in sharing his collection with his family!
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William's collection in dramatic relief.
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To the Young-at-heart —
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My name is Kelly Evans from Denver, Colorado. I’ve worked at the Denver International Airport since 1994 and I love it.
I got started collecting Flight Miniatures in November of 1994. My very first model was a People’s Express Boeing 727 which I bought at Stapleton International Airport in Denver (the old airport), and I fell in love with these models. (Before then) I didn’t know that these models existed!
The pictures Kelly sent (above and below) shows that
he keeps his prized collection in mint condition
and close to his heart!
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Kelly takes pleasure in his 200-model collection,
cleaning and rotating his display every few weeks.
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I was so impressed with the quality of the work that was put into the models that I just had to buy more airplanes. My second plane was an Eastern Boeing 727; my third was a Continental Boeing 727 and the rest is history. I now have 200 airplane models!
I’ve been fortunate to have travelled to different airline collection shows around this great country of ours (the USA) over the years. Early this year I made a special trip down to Cottonwood, Arizona, just to see the Flight Miniature's showroom and warehouse. I finally met Andrea upfront and Gary in the warehouse. I also got to meet the owner, Robert Flynn. I really enjoyed the time I spent at Flight Miniatures. All the people at Flight Miniatures treated me well.
I enjoy my collection very much. Every three weeks or so, I take them apart and clean them and switch them out. I only set out about 20 to 30 planes at a time. Ever since I can remember I have always loved aircraft (mainly airliners). (And) I really like the way they paint the leading edge on the new planes.
I plan to keep collecting in the future. Collecting these fine models is my hobby and passion.
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Showcase YOUR Collection
in the Collector's Corner!
Here's your chance to share your model collection, and brag a little -- you're allowed.
Digital photos can be emailed. Hard copies should be mailed and will be returned on request.
We'd love to hear from you!
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Click above to see a listing of new models.
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Customer Service
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Level is a “High” for Gary!
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To Gary Hellems, customer service is the most important part of his job as warehouse supervisor in charge of shipping the models.
Most model orders are shipped within a day of our receipt of the order. If you provide us with your
e-mail address, Gary will shoot you
a notice that your order has
shipped, including the date of the
shipment, and a tracking number so
you can follow your order, day or
night, at the UPS website.
“Being able to contact as many Flight Miniatures customers as possible is a key to communication,” says Gary. “And communication, to me, is a high priority at all times.”
If you have questions or comments about your order,
you may also email us or via the Customer Service link on the Flight Miniatures web site: www.flightminiatures.com.
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© 1998, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002 Genesis Worldwide Enterprises, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
Trademarks: Flight Miniatures products, other products and company names mentioned herein may be trademarks of their respective owners. Any rights not expressly granted herein are reserved.
Last update October 2002
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Phone: 888-777-6311 - Fax: 928-634-6700 - Email: