A highly collectable series
of world famous planes released under the Texaco name each year from 1992
until Texaco closed down.
The real (but
unofficial) first edition in this "Wings of Texaco" series was a 1930 Travel
Air Mystery Ship mono-plane replica, tail number NR1313. This model was to
be the first in a series that "would have been" had Texaco not halted the
Spec Cast production run midstream.
Distribution of this first model was approximately 5,000, or 1/28th of the
quantity seen during the following year which saw the official start of the
Ertl-produced "Wings of Texaco" series. This series began with a Lockheed
Air Express, predictably yet confusingly enough labelled No. 1, and
continues through this year with the Eaglet glider, coming in as No. 10. Most Regular Edition releases came painted largely in Texaco red. Concurrent
with the release of No. 6 Texaco also introduced "Special Edition" models,
the first being a beautiful yellow/red edition of the previous No. 5.
Shipped one per carton with the subsequent No. 6 it perhaps overshadowed its
later sibling. Subsequent Special Editions were released concurrent with the
Regular Edition of the same model. First came a gold version of No. 7, then
a chrome version of No. 8, and then an anodized version of No 9. The Regular
Edition's fancier twin returned to wearing simply a more beautiful paint job
with Special Edition No. 10.
All Regular and Special Editions were sold separately, except for No. 9,
which was offered individually in Special Edition dress or as a two-plane
set. A No. 11 will perhaps be announced later this year, rumours are
flying as to what it might be. Meanwhile, the values of the earlier
models are rising, but are still below retail in some cases. Special
Editions have fared slightly better. The Ertl No. 1, the gorgeous Special
Edition of the No. 5, and the true First Edition Spec Cast are the most
highly valued, seeing book prices from the low $300's on up to close to
$500. |
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