Ertl Diecast Rockwell B-1 Lancer Bomber

The swing-wing, supersonic B-1 heavy bomber is one of three strategic bombers in the USAF fleet (along with the B-2 and B-52). Designed and built by Rockwell (now Boeing) it first entered service in 1986 in the former Strategic Air Command and is now part of Air Combat Command.

Sometimes it's hard to find more toy-like versions of modern aircraft  but I did come across this used B-1 from Ertl on eBay. It didn't have the packaging so I don't know when it was made and it shows some play wear but is still a fairly decent shelf display. The legs retract and the wings unfold into the variable wing configuration and measures 10" (25.3cm) L x 6" (15.24cm) wingspan (with wings tucked in) or 9" (22.86cm) wingspan (wings deployed) x 2 5/8" (6.66cm) H. Enjoy! Opa Fritz and Oma Bettina

A few shots of B-1's over Da Hood

When these fly overhead the whole house just shakes and rattles!!

The only image I could find of the B-1 in all-white livery was on the Aviastar website which apparently shows the prototype from 1983  that would indicate to me that perhaps Ertl made this version in the mid-80s - just speculation though until I can get one in the original packaging

China - PMT Holdings Diecast & Plastic F-22 Raptor

One of the newest aircraft in the Air Force inventory, the all weather, stealth Lockheed Martin F-22 Raptor was intended as the replacement for the F-15. However after many years of development, cost overruns, technical difficulties, problems associated with the newest cutting-edge technology, and development of the more versatile F-35 production was halted and only 187 were delivered by 2012. While still a highly advanced fighter, it is unlikely the program will ever be re-started and more aircraft built.

In keeping with the toy theme of the collection I opted for a much less expensive version of this plane vs. the higher cost, limited edition collectible type. The toy is a combination of plastic and diecast parts and has a button on top of the fuselage that when pressed starts a brief series of jet engine whines and a light to go on in the cockpit (see video at end). 7 1/2" (19.05cm) L x 8 1/2" (21.59cm) wingspan x 1 3/4" (4.44cm) H and has a pull-back friction motor. Enjoy! Opa Fritz and Oma Bettina

A pair of F-22s over the house

Lights on!