A recent addition to my die-cast aircraft collection is this Motor Max Sky Wings SR-71 with D-21 drone. Strictly speaking, the carrier aircraft is a variant of the A-11, called the M-21, rather than a true SR-71.
The D-21 was a Mach 3 class, unmanned drone carried on the back of the M-21. It was launched, and flown over especially dangerous sites.
The idea was that after its photographic run, the drone would return to friendly airspace, eject its film canister, and self-destruct. The film then being picked up.
The D-21/M-21 programme was abandoned after a fatal crash, but the D-21 was used operationally from converted B-52 bombers. The programme ended in 1971.
For more information see the Wikipedia page:
This model is unusual for a modern die-cast toy in being all-metal, apart from the plastic undercarriage. However the fins are a very loose fit.
The M-21 carrier aircraft is 117 mm long, with a 60 mm wingspan. There are no clear parts
It is painted gloss black, and carries US Air Force markings in white. The US star and bar markings are upside down on both sides of the fuselage - the stars should point upwards.
The tail carries the Lockheed Skunk Works insignia on the fins. The only markings under the model are the number A210, and CHINA, both cast-in.
The D-21 is 41 mm long, with a wingspan of 19 mm. It is all-silver, with no markings.
There is no display stand, but the model runs along nicely on its wheels. A really nice, and unusual, variant of the Blackbird family.
Paul Adams from New Zealand
I had a loose one of these about 15 years ago, a very hefty Blackbird with a nice silver drone on top. A good runner too. I had considered painting it in Triang SpaceX colours but left it black.
ReplyDeleteMMM! Just what I like!
ReplyDeleteA dose of technology history along with a neat toy!
Thanks!
The tail fins are a little rounded, maybe they were looking at the Monogram Stealth Fighter model while producing it! I had a similar SR-71/Drone combo, with a slightly larger drone. A great little model all the same! Bill
ReplyDeleteAnother great little post! It suddenly struck me, you obviously take your toys out if their packets to examine them more closely.
ReplyDeleteHow do you open your bubble packed items? I usually insert a big needle between the heat sealed plastic bubble and the backing card, then slowly work it around the seam to separate them without too much damage to the printing.
I leave a hinge of unseparated seam at the top so I can return the toy to the pack for storage and I can also carefully reglue the bubble down again if so compelled!
What are your thoughts and methods?
I did not have much luck with a blade or letter opener under the plastic shell, and usually ended up taking off the upper layer of the cardboard, with the printing on it. I never thought of a large needle. Must give that a try. Thanks.
ReplyDeleteSince a blade under the plastic did not work for me, I have taken to carefully cutting through the plastic bubble with a sharp modelling knife. Like you, I leave an uncut flap, so I can return the model to its bubble, but the bubble can not be resealed.
I have seen a technique mentioned which involved dissolving the glue - I think using acetone ? But I have never tried this.
A lot of my models are still on their cards, as I do not want to cut them open. Not being able to reseal the packaging is a real problem, as the models can fall out.
A lot of people on You Tube just seem to tear the packaging open, which always makes me cringe - the card and its artwork are part of the model, and should not be destroyed.
I think the You Tube tearing is part of the act Paul. Makes me cringe too!
Delete