Century Wings CW001634 1:72 Lockheed SR-71A Blackbird 61-7971 USAF 9th RW Det.2 Edwards AFB 1997
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- Condition
- Condition
- Grading
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- Returns
An exceptionally imposing and highly detailed 1:72 scale diecast representation of Lockheed SR-71A Blackbird 61-7971, operated by the United States Air Force's 9th Reconnaissance Wing Detachment 2 from Edwards Air Force Base during 1997. Released within the Century Wings Wings of Heroes range under model code 001634, this substantial collector model was produced as a limited edition of only 800 pieces worldwide.
Aircraft 61-7971, construction number 2022, became one of the comparatively small number of Blackbirds to experience both United States Air Force and NASA service. The aircraft first flew during November 1966 and subsequently served within the 9th Strategic Reconnaissance Wing, the principal operational organisation associated with the SR-71.
Following the initial retirement of the USAF SR-71 fleet in 1990, 61-7971 was transferred to NASA for high-speed and high-altitude research. Its military markings were replaced by NASA markings and the aircraft was assigned the NASA identification 832.
During the mid-1990s, a small number of SR-71s were returned to United States Air Force service. 61-7971 was selected for reactivation and underwent refurbishment before returning to USAF inventory, once again exchanging its NASA presentation for operational military markings.
Century Wings represents the aircraft during this unusual late-career period at Edwards Air Force Base in 1997. Contemporary photographs confirm 61-7971 operating with 9th Reconnaissance Wing Detachment 2 and appearing at the Edwards AFB Open House in October of that year.
The aircraft carries the Blackbird's famous overall black finish with subdued United States Air Force insignia and the red-bordered maintenance and warning markings which contrast subtly against the dark airframe. The vertical fins carry the distinctive red “BB” Beale Bandits markings associated with the 9th Reconnaissance Wing.
Designed by Lockheed's Skunk Works under the direction of Clarence “Kelly” Johnson, the SR-71 remains one of the most extraordinary aircraft ever placed into operational service. Its titanium-intensive construction, powerful Pratt & Whitney J58 engines and highly distinctive chines allowed the aircraft to cruise at sustained speeds exceeding Mach 3 while operating at extreme altitude.
Rather than carrying weapons, the SR-71 relied on altitude, speed and sophisticated electronic systems for survival. Intelligence sensors carried within the aircraft allowed it to gather imagery and electronic information across enormous areas while remaining extremely difficult for contemporary interceptors and surface-to-air missiles to engage.
During more than three decades of operational use, the Blackbird established numerous speed and altitude records and became one of the defining reconnaissance aircraft of the Cold War. Despite repeated attempts to intercept it during operational missions, no SR-71 was lost to hostile action.
61-7971 completed its final flight on 30th September 1997 with approximately 3,512.5 flying hours accumulated during its career. The surviving aircraft was subsequently preserved and today remains an important example of both operational USAF and NASA Blackbird history.
Century Wings' large 1:72 SR-71 tooling gives the aircraft exceptional display presence. The model is constructed predominantly from diecast metal and features finely reproduced panel lines, ultra-thin metal rudders and leading edges, accurately shaped engine nacelles and afterburner sections, detailed landing gear and interchangeable components allowing either ground or in-flight display.
Limited to only 800 pieces worldwide, 001634 is one of the lower-production Century Wings Blackbird releases. Its combination of the imposing 1:72 scale, the unusual 1997 reactivated USAF configuration and the remarkable history of aircraft 61-7971 makes it a particularly desirable release for collectors of the SR-71 and Cold War reconnaissance aircraft.
Fact Sheet
Brand: Century Wings
Series: Wings of Heroes
Scale: 1:72
Model Code/MPN: 001634
Aircraft: Lockheed SR-71A Blackbird
USAF Serial: 61-7971
Construction Number: 2022
Military Tail Code: BB
Unit/Markings: USAF 9th Reconnaissance Wing, Detachment 2
Base: Edwards Air Force Base, California
Year/Date: 1997
Operator/Country: United States Air Force / United States
Previous NASA Identity: NASA 832
Role: Strategic Reconnaissance Aircraft
Associated Event: Edwards AFB Open House, October 1997
Final Flight: 30th September 1997
Total Flying Time: Approximately 3,512.5 hours
Limited Edition: 800 pieces worldwide
Status: Retired collector model
Material: Predominantly diecast metal with finely detailed sub-components
Special Features: Authentic 61-7971 USAF markings, BB Beale Bandits tail markings, detailed panel lines, ultra-thin metal rudders and leading edges, detailed engine nacelles and afterburner sections, accurately reproduced landing gear, interchangeable ground and in-flight components and original Century Wings presentation display stand
Dimensions
Length: 17.75" or approximately 45.1 cm
Width (Wingspan): 9.25" or approximately 23.5 cm
Model Condition - Good (6/10)
Underside & Paintwork
- Likely glue residue is present on the underside of the aircraft.
- A patch of missing paint is also present on the underside, exposing the silver finish beneath.
Possible Repair
- There is a small panel gap between the engine sections on one side, which may suggest that the model has previously had a repair in this area.
- We believe the aircraft may possibly have fallen from its stand at some point, although there is no clear visible evidence showing exactly where a repair has been made.
- This is therefore noted as a possibility rather than a confirmed repair.
Overall
- No other notable defects are present and the model still displays very well overall.
- The model comes complete with landing gear accessories, closed undercarriage accessories, a spare pitot piece, certificate and stand.
Box condition - Very Good (7/10)
- The box is in very good condition overall.
- A crease is present along the top of the front face.
- Wear is present to the edges and corners of the sides and back.
Photographed under studio lighting to highlight even the smallest imperfections. Buy with confidence, what you see is exactly what you get.
Any imperfections are shown in the images and description. Refer to the grading tab for more details. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to ask.
This model has sold. Its condition details have been removed because they described the specific item that was available. If another example becomes available, it will be inspected and listed with its own condition details and photographs.
Grading Criteria
Our grading is based mainly on the physical condition of the model itself, including paintwork, attached parts, repairs, visible wear and overall presentation. Box condition and missing separate accessories are noted separately where applicable.
Mint (10/10)
- As new, with no visible flaws to the model itself.
Near Mint (9/10)
- Very light signs of handling, storage or display only.
Excellent (8/10)
- Light wear or a few tiny marks, but still displays very well.
Very Good (7/10)
- Noticeable wear, small chips or rubs, but still presentable as a display piece.
Good (6/10)
- Obvious overall wear, visible marks or paint loss; better suited as a display or filler piece.
Fair (5/10)
- Heavy wear, larger areas of paint loss, repairs or clearly visible flaws.
Spares / Repairs (4/10 or below)
- Significant damage, missing attached parts, broken components or best suited for restoration/spares.
If a separate accessory, stand, leaflet, certificate or optional part is missing, this will be mentioned in the listing notes. The model may still receive a high grade if the model itself remains in strong condition.
For a full breakdown on how we grade models, please refer to our Condition Grading page.
Dispatch & Tracking
Orders are dispatched on the next working day after they are placed. We do not dispatch orders on the same day.
If you would like us to hold your order for a later dispatch date, please add a note in the cart before proceeding to checkout, or contact us directly as soon as possible.
Once dispatched, you can follow your parcel on our 'Track Your Order' page.
UK Delivery
-
Tracked 48 — £4.20: Usually 2–3 working days. Available on orders under £100.
-
Tracked 24 — £5.20: Aims for the next working day after dispatch. Free on orders of £100 or more.
-
Parcelforce expressAM — £9.50: Guaranteed by 12 noon on the next working day after dispatch. Free on orders of £200 or more.
International Delivery
We ship worldwide from the UK using tracked services, with parcels insured up to the full order value.
-
Europe: Usually 3–5 business days after dispatch.
-
Rest of the world: Usually 6–7 business days after dispatch.
Add your models to the cart and enter your address to see available services and prices. Postage is combined by weight when you purchase multiple models.
If you place separate orders before they have been dispatched, we will combine them where they can be packed safely together and refund any excess postage paid. Please contact us as soon as possible so we can identify the orders.
Import Duties & Taxes
For supported destinations, duties and taxes are shown and collected at checkout. These orders are sent using a duty-paid service where available, so no further import duties or taxes should be due on delivery.
Duty-paid delivery is available where shown at checkout for the United States, Norway, Switzerland and selected European destinations. See our Shipping Policy for the full destination list.
If duties and taxes are not collected at checkout, your order is sent Delivered Duties Unpaid (DDU). You may need to pay import charges or carrier handling fees before delivery.
We wrap each model box in bubble wrap and use paper void fill inside a sturdy, double-walled shipping box. We may reuse boxes and bubble wrap where suitable, while ensuring your order is protected during transit.
Returns
You can return an item within 30 days of delivery, provided it is in the same condition as when you received it.
Returns are free for UK customers. Customers outside the UK are responsible for return postage unless the item is faulty or not as described. We photograph and describe each item carefully so you can buy with confidence.
We inspect returned items before issuing a refund. For full details, please see our Returns Policy.
To start a return, email jay@thecollectablesvault.com or use the contact form under About & Help in the top menu.
Choose options
- Description
- Condition
- Condition
- Grading
- Shipping
- Returns
An exceptionally imposing and highly detailed 1:72 scale diecast representation of Lockheed SR-71A Blackbird 61-7971, operated by the United States Air Force's 9th Reconnaissance Wing Detachment 2 from Edwards Air Force Base during 1997. Released within the Century Wings Wings of Heroes range under model code 001634, this substantial collector model was produced as a limited edition of only 800 pieces worldwide.
Aircraft 61-7971, construction number 2022, became one of the comparatively small number of Blackbirds to experience both United States Air Force and NASA service. The aircraft first flew during November 1966 and subsequently served within the 9th Strategic Reconnaissance Wing, the principal operational organisation associated with the SR-71.
Following the initial retirement of the USAF SR-71 fleet in 1990, 61-7971 was transferred to NASA for high-speed and high-altitude research. Its military markings were replaced by NASA markings and the aircraft was assigned the NASA identification 832.
During the mid-1990s, a small number of SR-71s were returned to United States Air Force service. 61-7971 was selected for reactivation and underwent refurbishment before returning to USAF inventory, once again exchanging its NASA presentation for operational military markings.
Century Wings represents the aircraft during this unusual late-career period at Edwards Air Force Base in 1997. Contemporary photographs confirm 61-7971 operating with 9th Reconnaissance Wing Detachment 2 and appearing at the Edwards AFB Open House in October of that year.
The aircraft carries the Blackbird's famous overall black finish with subdued United States Air Force insignia and the red-bordered maintenance and warning markings which contrast subtly against the dark airframe. The vertical fins carry the distinctive red “BB” Beale Bandits markings associated with the 9th Reconnaissance Wing.
Designed by Lockheed's Skunk Works under the direction of Clarence “Kelly” Johnson, the SR-71 remains one of the most extraordinary aircraft ever placed into operational service. Its titanium-intensive construction, powerful Pratt & Whitney J58 engines and highly distinctive chines allowed the aircraft to cruise at sustained speeds exceeding Mach 3 while operating at extreme altitude.
Rather than carrying weapons, the SR-71 relied on altitude, speed and sophisticated electronic systems for survival. Intelligence sensors carried within the aircraft allowed it to gather imagery and electronic information across enormous areas while remaining extremely difficult for contemporary interceptors and surface-to-air missiles to engage.
During more than three decades of operational use, the Blackbird established numerous speed and altitude records and became one of the defining reconnaissance aircraft of the Cold War. Despite repeated attempts to intercept it during operational missions, no SR-71 was lost to hostile action.
61-7971 completed its final flight on 30th September 1997 with approximately 3,512.5 flying hours accumulated during its career. The surviving aircraft was subsequently preserved and today remains an important example of both operational USAF and NASA Blackbird history.
Century Wings' large 1:72 SR-71 tooling gives the aircraft exceptional display presence. The model is constructed predominantly from diecast metal and features finely reproduced panel lines, ultra-thin metal rudders and leading edges, accurately shaped engine nacelles and afterburner sections, detailed landing gear and interchangeable components allowing either ground or in-flight display.
Limited to only 800 pieces worldwide, 001634 is one of the lower-production Century Wings Blackbird releases. Its combination of the imposing 1:72 scale, the unusual 1997 reactivated USAF configuration and the remarkable history of aircraft 61-7971 makes it a particularly desirable release for collectors of the SR-71 and Cold War reconnaissance aircraft.
Fact Sheet
Brand: Century Wings
Series: Wings of Heroes
Scale: 1:72
Model Code/MPN: 001634
Aircraft: Lockheed SR-71A Blackbird
USAF Serial: 61-7971
Construction Number: 2022
Military Tail Code: BB
Unit/Markings: USAF 9th Reconnaissance Wing, Detachment 2
Base: Edwards Air Force Base, California
Year/Date: 1997
Operator/Country: United States Air Force / United States
Previous NASA Identity: NASA 832
Role: Strategic Reconnaissance Aircraft
Associated Event: Edwards AFB Open House, October 1997
Final Flight: 30th September 1997
Total Flying Time: Approximately 3,512.5 hours
Limited Edition: 800 pieces worldwide
Status: Retired collector model
Material: Predominantly diecast metal with finely detailed sub-components
Special Features: Authentic 61-7971 USAF markings, BB Beale Bandits tail markings, detailed panel lines, ultra-thin metal rudders and leading edges, detailed engine nacelles and afterburner sections, accurately reproduced landing gear, interchangeable ground and in-flight components and original Century Wings presentation display stand
Dimensions
Length: 17.75" or approximately 45.1 cm
Width (Wingspan): 9.25" or approximately 23.5 cm
Model Condition - Good (6/10)
Underside & Paintwork
- Likely glue residue is present on the underside of the aircraft.
- A patch of missing paint is also present on the underside, exposing the silver finish beneath.
Possible Repair
- There is a small panel gap between the engine sections on one side, which may suggest that the model has previously had a repair in this area.
- We believe the aircraft may possibly have fallen from its stand at some point, although there is no clear visible evidence showing exactly where a repair has been made.
- This is therefore noted as a possibility rather than a confirmed repair.
Overall
- No other notable defects are present and the model still displays very well overall.
- The model comes complete with landing gear accessories, closed undercarriage accessories, a spare pitot piece, certificate and stand.
Box condition - Very Good (7/10)
- The box is in very good condition overall.
- A crease is present along the top of the front face.
- Wear is present to the edges and corners of the sides and back.
Photographed under studio lighting to highlight even the smallest imperfections. Buy with confidence, what you see is exactly what you get.
Any imperfections are shown in the images and description. Refer to the grading tab for more details. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to ask.
This model has sold. Its condition details have been removed because they described the specific item that was available. If another example becomes available, it will be inspected and listed with its own condition details and photographs.
Grading Criteria
Our grading is based mainly on the physical condition of the model itself, including paintwork, attached parts, repairs, visible wear and overall presentation. Box condition and missing separate accessories are noted separately where applicable.
Mint (10/10)
- As new, with no visible flaws to the model itself.
Near Mint (9/10)
- Very light signs of handling, storage or display only.
Excellent (8/10)
- Light wear or a few tiny marks, but still displays very well.
Very Good (7/10)
- Noticeable wear, small chips or rubs, but still presentable as a display piece.
Good (6/10)
- Obvious overall wear, visible marks or paint loss; better suited as a display or filler piece.
Fair (5/10)
- Heavy wear, larger areas of paint loss, repairs or clearly visible flaws.
Spares / Repairs (4/10 or below)
- Significant damage, missing attached parts, broken components or best suited for restoration/spares.
If a separate accessory, stand, leaflet, certificate or optional part is missing, this will be mentioned in the listing notes. The model may still receive a high grade if the model itself remains in strong condition.
For a full breakdown on how we grade models, please refer to our Condition Grading page.
Dispatch & Tracking
Orders are dispatched on the next working day after they are placed. We do not dispatch orders on the same day.
If you would like us to hold your order for a later dispatch date, please add a note in the cart before proceeding to checkout, or contact us directly as soon as possible.
Once dispatched, you can follow your parcel on our 'Track Your Order' page.
UK Delivery
-
Tracked 48 — £4.20: Usually 2–3 working days. Available on orders under £100.
-
Tracked 24 — £5.20: Aims for the next working day after dispatch. Free on orders of £100 or more.
-
Parcelforce expressAM — £9.50: Guaranteed by 12 noon on the next working day after dispatch. Free on orders of £200 or more.
International Delivery
We ship worldwide from the UK using tracked services, with parcels insured up to the full order value.
-
Europe: Usually 3–5 business days after dispatch.
-
Rest of the world: Usually 6–7 business days after dispatch.
Add your models to the cart and enter your address to see available services and prices. Postage is combined by weight when you purchase multiple models.
If you place separate orders before they have been dispatched, we will combine them where they can be packed safely together and refund any excess postage paid. Please contact us as soon as possible so we can identify the orders.
Import Duties & Taxes
For supported destinations, duties and taxes are shown and collected at checkout. These orders are sent using a duty-paid service where available, so no further import duties or taxes should be due on delivery.
Duty-paid delivery is available where shown at checkout for the United States, Norway, Switzerland and selected European destinations. See our Shipping Policy for the full destination list.
If duties and taxes are not collected at checkout, your order is sent Delivered Duties Unpaid (DDU). You may need to pay import charges or carrier handling fees before delivery.
We wrap each model box in bubble wrap and use paper void fill inside a sturdy, double-walled shipping box. We may reuse boxes and bubble wrap where suitable, while ensuring your order is protected during transit.
Returns
You can return an item within 30 days of delivery, provided it is in the same condition as when you received it.
Returns are free for UK customers. Customers outside the UK are responsible for return postage unless the item is faulty or not as described. We photograph and describe each item carefully so you can buy with confidence.
We inspect returned items before issuing a refund. For full details, please see our Returns Policy.
To start a return, email jay@thecollectablesvault.com or use the contact form under About & Help in the top menu.
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