Desk model manufacturer back in business....

[JohnB]

Topping (later Precise) was a small film that made countless desk models for aircraft makers. They made everything from early WWII-era models (the Corsair) to most US aircraft of the 50s, to lots of late 60s jets...F-111s, and many variations of Phantoms, as well as helicopters, missiles and spacecraft. The firm closed up shop years ago, but it's been revived. The new owner is offering a few left over models, as well as unfinished "kits" and spare parts.

They've supplied a new prop for my Hercules model and found a correct stand for an ancient F-84F model I've had since I was a kid.

I've done business with him and he's a real enthusiast who is looking to revive the firm. From our communications, I got the impression it's more of a weekend labor of love than a full time business for him.

The website has a history of the firm and pages on old products, how they were produced, as well as spare parts, and available models.

http://www.precisemodelsllc.com/Pages/default.aspx

[JohnB]

Judging by the lack of replies, I'd thought there would be more interest in this. Anyone (else) collect these?

[Ken]

When I went to the website, the RF-4 instantly reminded me of the many, many models I've seen on desks throughout my AF career. As a Herk guy I always wanted a camo C-130H and finally dropped the $165-ish at the Lockheed gift ship in Marietta to get one. (Sadly, I understand the store was recently closed). My Herk has a label on the bottom of the stand which says (paraphrased) "Toy and Models Corp, made under license from Showcase Models".

http://toysandmodels.com/

http://showcasemodels.com/

The rage these days is Squadron Toys. The Herk models guys in my unit get now are super detailed, custom fin flashes, tail numbers, you name it ... but I still dig my camo slick C-130H.

http://squadrontoys.com/

There are others I'd like but they are so darn expensive for desk art. A T-38 and a T-6G would be nice and an A-1H if I could get an AF one without the friggin Air Commando fuselage stripes. Now I will say that MRC has a line called "Easy Model" that has an impressive catalog of 1/72 prefinished airplanes where you simply unbox and insert the stand. The average price is $16. I bought a T-6G and, even though I'm a rivet counter, I'm 100% impressed with the detail and finish for the price.

Go to this site and click "aircraft", "Easy Model": http://www.modelrectifier.com/index.asp

Finally, the Skyraider I've had my eye on as a cost compromise is from Hobby Master for about $60. The detail is fantastic considering the price: http://hobbymastercollector.com/HA2902.html

Airplane models are cool. Used to love to build them and now I don't have the time - so these are are fine substitute.

Ken

[JohnB]

Ken, I bought mu Topping/Precise C-130 from the Lockheed Georgia store in the mid 90s for about $40...and got a small scale C-141 and C-5 as well.
While at Wright Patterson I made a effort to build a collection. Usually, I'd call the local office of the airframe builder and buy one through them. McDonnell-Douglas gave me a F-15, and I bought three USAF Phantoms (D,E and RF) for about $50 each. A co-worker's husband work for Northrup gave me a few B-2 models. Others (F-18, F-14), I bought second hand for about the same price. Occasionally, I'd find one at an antique store. And at the risk of sounding like an old guy, I found new Topping T-37s and T-38s at he Williams AFB BX in 1976.

[Fouga23]

I have this hanging on my wall. 1:18 scale, 39" long F-104G

[Ken]

During one of my unit interviews for UPT and to become a Herk pilot, the Ops Officer said, "I have one final question", pointing to the T-38 on his desk, "What's wrong with this model?".

Looked alot like this one: http://www.toysandmodels.com/toy-airplanes/CT38TP.htm

After much squinting and angling and a few questions, I noticed that there was a hinge line depicted on the horizontal slabs (as if there were separate elevators). Lucky save, I got the job.

Ken

[Sasquatch]

Hey JohnB, you just made my day! I have an old F-4J desk model with display stand that was given to me as an award while I was in the Navy back in the mid-70's, and the sparrow missiles had broken fins (when given to me). I was able to order replacements just now, so my model will soon be back up to like new!

Many thanks for posting that info and link!

-Tom

[tom d. friedman]

that is too cool!!! they were in my home town of elyria ohio!! i have a topping grumman tracker & an ov-1 mowhawk. i also have an original topping salesman's catalog book, not many of those around!! where has the company re-opened??

[JohnB]

The firm is in Illinois now. As I mentioned, he's supplying some replacement parts, decals, stands and unfinished blanks/kits.
I'm tempted to buy a Corsair kit. Also, a Piper Cherokee. I wish they'd make a few Cessnas as well.

Judging from ebay prices, I think prices are down a bit from a few years ago...who would have thought that...in the midst of a recession?

[tom d. friedman]

are they still under the same name of topping? are they still catering to pentagon brass / politicians?? I thought most of the molds were sold to revell. what & why got them back into business?

[JohnB]

are they still under the same name of topping? are they still catering to pentagon brass / politicians?? I thought most of the molds were sold to revell. what & why got them back into business?

To quote the website:
When the Precise Models Inc. commercial office and warehouse sold in 2010, the large model inventory of Topping, RoLen and Precise was purchased and Precise Models LLC formed. The inventory is being offered on this website over time. If you don't see what you are looking for, feel free to email and ask.

The goals of this website are:
•Provide a Collector Forum to post models to buy, sell, trade or ask general questions
•Serve as a source of information for Topping, Precise and RoLen model collectors
•Offer selected models for sale in finished and kit form
• Offer remaining NOS parts inventory as they are cleaned and sorted

No they aren't in the business of making new molds for aerospace (or other firms).
The Topping/precise desk models molds wouldn't be much use to a model kit company since they lack most details, landing gear, etc.

A very early desk model firm, Helicopter Models for Industry made models for companies and made kits (HUP/H-25, H-19, H-21, HOK) for the public. Those molds were eventually sold to Aurora in the mid-50s. And no, that H-19 mold is different from the ancient (I believe still being produced somewhere) 1/48th Revell H-19 kit.