Don41

Hey fellows I have two ancient TopFlite warbird kits from the mid 80s. I was asked to quote a sell price by a fellow flyer but I really don't know their value so I'm wondering if you have some suggestions.

1. P39 Airacobra kit RC18, wingspan 60", 40 t0 60 engine, flying weight 5.5 to 6.5 pounds. Kit is complete, including plans.

2. P51 A thru D TopFlite kit RC16, wingspan 60", 40 to 60 size engine, weight 5.5 to 6.5 pounds. Kit is complete BUT the plans are missing. I assume this one to be worth nothing but spare parts without the plans.

Regards

TLH101

My Feedback: (90)

Start here. The collector value page is down right now, but I would guess will be back soon. http://members.aol.com/Skylane42a/collector.html

Don41

Thanks TLH. The link appears broken but I emailed him and I'll Google for similar sites.

jrbmoto

Judging by what I've seen on ebay, I wouldn't take less than $100 for each

-Johnny-

iron eagel

I am guessing that these older kits are the "Redbox" type.

I have seen the p-39 go for up to $180 on ebay

The mustang is in the $200 dollar range with everything, without the plans it not worth much more than the value of the balsa unless someone has the plans for it.

Don41

While doing some research today I believe I found a source for the Mustang plans. The source? TopFlite,,, imagine that (:-).

bigtim

My Feedback: (13)

the price would also depend on which version you have there is a;
yellow box kit, one of the oldest versions pure stand off scale,I have only seen one built before it was a way off scale looking model but might be a fun build for someone.
red box kits,which tend to go for between 125$ and 250$ depending on how rare and the condition of the kit contents.
and the Gold edition,the newest version of TF models they will sell for the retail price about 150$ to the out of production models like the FW 190D9,and the aircobra for as much as 300$
am I a ebay junky, I am beginning to think so

Don41

Red box, yellow box? All terms I'm unfamiliar with. Looks like I need to dig deeper. They're probably just ordinary kits (I didn't have a ton of money when I bought them) but it won't hurt to check.

Thanks for the info fellows

iron eagel

And to think I am going to build my P-39.....

ravensgait

The older Red box kits(they have a red box P-39 have been going for 100 to 150 bucks. I recently bought one in mint condition off of ebay for 150.00, the Gold kit P-39s have sold for over 200.00 one sold on ebay less than a month ago for about 230.00.
I've seen listings on ebay for the old red box 51s for around 125.00 to 150.00 and most seem to go bid less at that price. There is a yellow box 51 listed there now for 135.00 Buy it now price.

If you decide to part with the 39 let me know I might be interested they are one of my favorites...

bigtim

My Feedback: (13)

the red and yellow box kits are the older versions and from what I have gatherd were a little heavy when built.
the Gold edition kits have all the hardware included and have been re engenered to fly better, the box has alot more graphics and descriptions on it also.
if you post a photo then its easy to identify which version you have.

Don41

Thanks bigtim,,, I just received this reply from Sig. They say red box but I looked at the kits and they are more or less yellow. I guess I'll start researching red box prices.


SNIP
Don,

Thank you for your recent email. The kit numbers that start with RC ( RC-16 and RC-18) it is a RED box edition. The Red box editions were in production before we took over Top-Flite. The Gold editions are our current kits.

If you are looking for parts for these kits we do not have any available. We only plans and/or manuals available.

If you need further assistance, please contact us. You may contact us by email at [email protected], by phone at (217) 398-8970, or by fax at (217) 398-7721. (Please be sure to copy all previous email's into any future questions.)


Sincerely,
Mary Ann
Product Support Technician

AllTheGoodNamesAreTaken

My Feedback: (180)

The red box kits are way overvalued. The kits are 70's technology with 70's die crunching and poor wood quality. Unless you just have to build a Zero, or Bearcat in the 60" wingspan size, save your money. The Gold Edition kits are a far better value for the money (cheaper than what red box kits sell for) and a quantum leap forward in quality.
I'm still building a red box Bearcat. I've replaced/re-cut almost half of the wood in the kit. It's got to the point where I really don't enjoy working on it anymore.
Just my .02.

Jeff

WhiteRook

My Feedback: (38)

some of the older kits are demanding alot of money, why? i dont know.

i think there might be a nostalga factor, like owning a 57 chevy or something.

there's good and bad points about the older kits, for instance , take the old dynaflight
kits , nice thick wings , great sheeting , i got some sheet in a dyna fun 51 that was like steel, lousy cutting , good plans . I recently saw one on RCU for sale , way too high.

just my op

flyoz

My Feedback: (7)

Big bucks considering they need covering as well. I think people now just collect em increasing the perceived value