Die-Cast Collector

This is a departure from the scale that I collect. The North American XB-70 Valkyrie is the first 1:200 in my collection. Along with the Concorde and the SR-71, this is one of my favorite aircraft, mostly because of its unique delta wings with drooping tips that were lowered during  supersonic flight.  The Valkyrie is an experimental bomber developed in 1964. Only two were built, and this particular model is the first prototype, designated as AV-1. The second prototype, AV-2, was destroyed in a mid-air collision.   The XB-70 can fly over Mach 3 and reach altitudes more than 74,000 feet.  Model: North American XB-70A Valkyrie Livery: United States Air Force Manufacturer:  Dragon Wings Scale: 1:200 Length: 11.75" Wingspan: 6.25"   Provenance: Lil's Hobby Shop Megamall Price: PhP 1198 Notes: molded plastic construction; comes with 2 wingtips , one for drooped position

On a recent trip to Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia I passed through the Low Cost Carrier Terminal of the Kuala Lumpur International Airport. The LCCT is the hub of the budget carrier AirAsia (which is also the airline I took for Langkawi, my onward destination), and the airline has a kiosk in the terminal that sells die-cast planes. I've purchased this 1:400 Airbus A340-300 in AirAsia X livery.  AirAsia X is the long haul twin of the airline, and it serves destinations to Asia and Australia.  The Airbus A340-300, which started service in 1993, is a four-engined long-haul widebody airliner that can typically accomodate 295 passengers. The 3-abreast  economy-class and mid-section business class  configuration of AirAsia X can carry 327 passengers. Model: Airbus A340-300 Livery: AirAsia X CAPA Best New Airline Manufacturer:  Dragon Wings? Scale: 1:400 Length: 6.21" Wingspan: 5.88"   Provenance: AirAsia  Price: RM 119 Notes: also avai...