Collectors > Collector's Newsletter > Volume 2 Number 1 - Archive

     Volume 2 Number 1

January - March 2003   

 

100 Years of Powered Flight

Special Events and Celebrations Continue Throughout the Year

Just 100 years ago, a machine lifted mankind to a new era — the age of powered flight.

The year 2003 marks the centennial of the Wright Brothers' momentous achievement of powered flight. The Wright Brothers' first journey of December 17, 1903, was a flight with no defined destination, except the sky. Though it was a short trip, their "First Flyer" ushered in a new perspective on space and distance. It is a trip we are still on!

Sounds like a good reason to party! Flight Miniatures joins collectors from all over the world in celebrations, events and air shows commemorating the 100th anniversary of powered flight.
 

Regardless of how you choose to participate, commemorate the centennial with the Flight Miniatures model that best captures the experience for you. Perhaps a model — of the commercial aircraft you traveled in, or a historic DC-3 you saw on display at a museum — will remind you of this special year.

A monument atop Kill Devil Hill (Kitty Hawk), North Carolina, honors the Wright Brothers and their "first flight." These words are carved in the granite:

In commemoration of the conquest of the air by the brothers Wilbur and Orville Wright. Conceived by genius, achieved by dauntless resolution and unconquerable faith.

Each year on December 17, an event is held in honor of Wilbur & Orville at the Wright Brothers National Memorial on Kill Devil Hill. This year, a grand celebration will mark the 100th Anniversary of Powered Flight — commemorating a century of aviation. In addition, celebrations across the nation — and the world — are being planned for the whole year.
 

Wright Brothers National Memorial
 

We've compiled a schedule of some of the centennial events and air shows planned for January through May that might interest you and your family as many of these events offer programs and activities for all ages. Click on Centennial Celebration Events Schedule below to see the list. June through December events will be posted in the April issue of this Newsletter to help you plan your Summer.
 
 

 

 
 

Thanks for Your Letters . . .
 

I have been an avid collector for over 17 years and have over 300 aircraft (models), all commercial. I was first introduced to Flight Minis at a show in Newark NJ. I have every 727 that has been produced in with the exception of the New Northwest Orient that I plan to order shortly. I have a vast collection of all aircraft and have put together fleets of Delta, American, USairways, TWA, Southwest, United. I pride myself on having also a large assortment of airlines that have gone to the giant airport in the sky.

All of my planes are on display in my office. I have them on display by type – 707, 727, 737, 747, MD80, ATR42, ATR72, DASH7 AND 8, SAAB 340, A300, 310, 320, 340. I even have the new A380.

Needless to say I am hardcore. I also have over 200 books and full collections of both airplanes and airways. It is the best hobby in the world and (I will) continue to grow my collection on a regular basis.

Ira Josephson
Coral Springs, FL
 
 

Part of Ira Josephson's 300-model collection.
 
 

My name is Corey Rust. I live in Portland, Oregon, and have purchased 8 of your airliner models. I'm 16 years old and I started getting your models 2 years ago. I want to fly for United Airlines flying the 757. My first models were a United Shuttle 737 and a United 727. I also have a United Airlines 747-400 and 757 and it is my favorite airline. I also have an American 777, a Delta MD-11, and a Delta "Olympic" 757 all in scale 1:200, and a Qantas 747 in scale 1:250.

I really enjoy your models and I wish I could come down to Cottonwood sometime and see your headquarters, but future plans do not involve a trip to Arizona. Anyway, keep up the good work and please try to get somebody to open a store at the Portland International Airport.

Thanks!

Corey Rust
 
 

Inspired by your updated web-site and email notices, I want to take a moment to write – with a word of thanks!

I am an avid collector of the Flight Miniatures series commercial aircraft models. Despite a market wide flood of imitations, I always prefer "Flight Mini's" above all. Your attention to detail in recent history has been superb...and getting better. My collection, over 15 years strong, numbers near 300 — and grows with each new release.

As an airline employee, my collection often stuns my counterparts...and that's just the way I like it!

Thanks again for adding to my hobby and airline career!

Forever clearing more space,
I remain a devoted fan,
Mike Gofberg
 
 

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!

 


A New and Improved Website!

We’re pleased to present our totally new website format, offering several new features for your convenience. Keep in mind that it’s still a work in progress and we’re still working on certain aspects of the site. For example, soon you’ll be able to discover interesting information about specific aircraft types on which our models are based, as well as info on major airlines we work with.
 
Each month we’ll feature a different model that we feel is unique and special, with a short description and link to its location within the fleet. Flight Brief offers aviation-related facts you may find interesting. From the home page, you can easily navigate to different areas using the stationary tool bar across the top of the page.
 
Models & More takes you to the products we have available. Clicking on Snap-fit Models displays info about what they are and how they’re produced. Fleet allows you to search for models by aircraft types (over 60 to choose from) or by airline (well over 200). You can also search for military models by country. In response to popular request, we’ve implemented a new SHOPPING CART component, so now you can select and securely purchase models right from our website. We still personally handle all on-line orders and, depending on when we receive the orders, we usually ship them out the same day or the next day.
 
Arrivals are the new models we’ve produced within the last three months. Departures are the models with very limited inventory that we most likely will not produce again – so it may be your last chance to purchase these particular Flight Miniatures models from us. Model Parts feature the additional parts we have available in case you need them. Scale Reference consists of a chart showing the scaled relative sizes of the actual aircraft and the measurements of all the aircraft types that are offered in our model fleet.
 
The & More button takes you to other products that we offer, such as windshield sunshades, featuring the world famous U.S. Navy Blue Angels aerobatics team in action, and a Delta 777 flying over snow-capped mountains. The sunshade twists down to an approximate 10" disc for storage and pops into shape when opened, protecting your vehicle from heat and sun damage. We can also produce customized sunshades for businesses.
 
The Collectors section includes our quarterly newsletter and archives of past newsletters, a list of some of the retailers who carry our models, and answers to some Frequently Asked Questions. An upcoming feature is the Classified Ads designed specifically for collectors, so you can place free ads to buy, sell or trade Flight Miniatures models that are "retired," i.e., models that are no longer available for purchase from us. We’ll also feature a list of all our retired models for your reference.
 
In the B to B (Business to Business) section, retailers and distributors can find information on carrying our models, placing a wholesale order, etc. Our objective is to wholesale to additional retail locations around the world, so our collectors and other aviation enthusiasts can shop for our models in local hobby shops, pilot shops, airport gift shops, and at air shows and other aviation related outlets.
 
We hope you enjoy our new website format and appreciate your feedback. Feel free to email us with your comments on what you like about our new site and/or what you think may need improvement. Thank you for your time in reviewing our site and newsletters. We look forward to an exciting year of producing new models for your collections as well as celebrating the centennial of achievements in powered aviation.


  Click above to see a listing of new models.
 

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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 January 2003