23385

John Wayne Flying Tigers Model Plane

Currency:USD Category:Memorabilia / Movie - Memorabilia Start Price:1,200.00 USD Estimated At:4,800.00 - 7,200.00 USD
John Wayne Flying Tigers Model Plane
<B>John Wayne Flying Tigers Model Plane.</B></I> When Republic Studios released the film <I>Flying Tigers</B></I> in 1942, starring John Wayne, the film was a smash hit -- the biggest to that time in Republic's history. The P-40 Warhawk, with its painted, ferocious tiger mouth, rip-roaring speed, and blasting machine guns, was as big a star of the film as the Duke himself. Yet wartime audiences who flocked to the film probably never guessed that Wayne's P-40B fighter (in the combat scenes) was actually a model created by the legendary Lydecker brothers, Republic's special effects magicians. In 1951, the same model appeared in Warner Bros.' <I>Flying Leathernecks,</B></I> where, as fate would have it, John Wayne was again the star, and again the plane's "pilot." This magnificent model warplane, fully-restored to its 45" length and 55" wingspan. After being decommissioned, this miniature P-40B went on display at the late James Brucker's Movie World in Buena Park, California, and it was Brucker who did a complete restoration of the historic prop. The plane comes with a letter of provenance, plus three great bonuses: a folder of terrific photos, showing the plane's amazing restoration process; two stills of John Wayne from <I>Flying Tigers,</B></I> one with his plane; and a colorful, star-filled poster from Movie World, featuring a list of the "Cars of the Stars" and "Planes of Fame" that were retired to the attraction. The entire lot is in Excellent condition. Here's a very rare chance to own this venerable Hollywood warbird, masterfully restored to all its former glory!