If you need to return an item, please email jay@thecollectablesvault.com or use the contact form under “About & Help” in the top menu.
Please note: This model is part of our Pre-Loved Collection and is graded Good (6/10) or below on our condition scale. The models will show signs of display use, wear or minor faults. Please check the Condition description and photos for a full breakdown before purchasing.
Franklin Mint B11B553 1:48 F-4 Phantom USN VF-96 Fighting Falcons *ISSUES*
Preowned - Good (6/10)
- Description
- Condition
- Grading
- Shipping
- Returns
Description
A colossal, heavy-metal classic honoring one of the most celebrated fighter duos in American naval aviation. This massive 1:48 scale diecast model by Franklin Mint under the Armour Collection (B11B553) captures the raw power of the McDonnell Douglas F-4 Phantom II in the historic operational markings of the U.S. Navy's VF-96 "Fighting Falcons". This specific release represents the combat mount piloted by the legendary team of Lieutenant Randy "Duke" Cunningham and Lieutenant Junior Grade William "Irish" Driscoll. Flying the rugged, twin-engine Phantom II during high-stakes deployments in the Vietnam War, this elite crew achieved ace status with 5 confirmed aerial victories. Celebrated for its legendary adaptability, the F-4 Phantom II functioned as the definitive workhorse interceptor and multi-role fighter across nearly 40 years of U.S. military operations, cementing an uncompromised legacy as a Cold War aviation icon.
Highly sought after by discerning collectors of premium aviation history, this large-scale "heavy metal" presentation commands attention in any elite gallery display. The model is engineered with exceptional precision, showing off a substantial diecast metal construction that captures the signature swept-wing geometry and intimidating profile of the Phantom II. Technical features include crisply rendered engine intake surfaces, complex tailplane designs, and detailed structural panel definitions across the fuselage. The airframe is completely fitted out with its distinctive under-wing drop tanks and multi-missile combat payload assemblies to portray its authentic combat configuration. Delivered in its original collector window packaging, this classic flagship release offers an unmatched museum-grade presence.
Fact Sheet
Brand: Franklin Mint / Armour Collection
Model code: B11B553
Aircraft: McDonnell Douglas F-4 Phantom II
Unit: U.S. Navy VF-96 "Fighting Falcons"
Pilots: Lt. Randy Cunningham & Lt. JG William Driscoll
Campaign: Vietnam War Ace Livery (5 Victories)
Scale: 1:48
Material: Heavyweight Diecast Metal
Special Features: Substantial "heavy metal" diecast weight, authentic VF-96 Fighting Falcons paint scheme, Randy Cunningham & William Driscoll ace markings, detailed engine inlets, integrated under-wing fuel tanks, comprehensive air-to-air missile payload, premium window box packaging
Model Dimensions
Length: 14.5" or 37 cm
Wingspan: 10" or 25 cm
Condition
Model Condition - Good (6/10)
Aircraft Condition
-
Nose side light decal shows wear.
-
Small area of grey paint loss to the top of the fuselage.
-
Paint loss present to the V-shaped decal on the top of the fuselage.
-
Missile pylons/missiles have been repaired, with some wear visible.
-
One missile pylon is not aligned correctly when repaired.
-
Undercarriage wheel covers are missing.
-
Wheels are not aligned straight and bend inwards.
-
Spare undercarriage covers are included, but these will require painting.
Packaging / Accessories
-
No screws are present to secure the aircraft to the polystyrene insert.
-
Bubble wrap and cardboard have been added to help keep the model secure in transit. The model will be packaged well in another box to shock proof.
-
Blue seals are present.
-
Underside plastic screw fixtures are present.
Box condition - Very Good (7/10)
- Box is structurally sound overall.
- Small crack present in the front plastic film.
- Some general wear visible to the edges and sides.
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.
Grading
Grading Criteria
Mint (10/10)
- As new, no visible flaws.
Near Mint (9/10)
- Very light signs of handling or display only.
Excellent (8/10)
- Light wear or a few tiny marks; displays very well.
Very Good (7/10)
- Noticeable wear or small chips/rubs but still presentable.
Good (6/10)
- Obvious overall wear; better as a display/filler piece.
Fair (5/10)
- Heavy wear or larger areas of paint loss.
Spares/Repairs (4/10 or below)
- Significant damage or missing parts.
For a full breakdown on how we grade models, please refer to our Conditional Grading page.
Shipping
Goods will be shipped next day after the order is placed.
You can stay updated on your tracking information by clicking Track Your Order here. Alternatively, this can be located via the top menu under 'Track Your Order'.
Please allow extra time for delivery during the busy Christmas period.
UK Shipping
- Free Express Tracked Delivery (Royal Mail Tracked 24 – 1 Business day)
For orders over £100. - Free Premium Delivery (ParcelForce Express Tracked – 1 Business day)
For orders over £200. - Royal Mail Tracked 48 (2–3 working days) – £3.95
For orders under £100. - Royal Mail Express Tracked (1 business day) – £5.20
For orders under £100.
Worldwide
International shipping is available are fully insured up to the total order value. Add items to your cart and enter your delivery address in the cart to see postage before checkout. If you buy multiple items, the cart will automatically combine shipping costs based on item weight.
Important Information for U.S. Customers
Due to changes in import procedures, a 20–30% import duties charge will be calculated at checkout.
This charge is collected upfront to cover the duties and taxes that must be paid to the courier before your order can be shipped.
Products are packaged very well to ensure secure delivery and a happy customer.
Returns
- Returns are accepted within 30 days of delivery.
- Items must be returned in their original condition.
- Free UK customer returns.
- Non-UK customers are responsible for return postage unless the item is faulty or not as described. We photograph and describe all items accurately to help you buy with confidence.
- Refunds are issued after inspection of the returned item.
For more information on returns, please visit our Returns Policy page.
Franklin Mint B11B553 1:48 F-4 Phantom USN VF-96 Fighting Falcons *ISSUES*
Sale price£80.00 GBP
Choose options
Franklin Mint B11B553 1:48 F-4 Phantom USN VF-96 Fighting Falcons *ISSUES*
Sale price£80.00 GBP
- Description
- Condition
- Grading
- Shipping
- Returns
Description
A colossal, heavy-metal classic honoring one of the most celebrated fighter duos in American naval aviation. This massive 1:48 scale diecast model by Franklin Mint under the Armour Collection (B11B553) captures the raw power of the McDonnell Douglas F-4 Phantom II in the historic operational markings of the U.S. Navy's VF-96 "Fighting Falcons". This specific release represents the combat mount piloted by the legendary team of Lieutenant Randy "Duke" Cunningham and Lieutenant Junior Grade William "Irish" Driscoll. Flying the rugged, twin-engine Phantom II during high-stakes deployments in the Vietnam War, this elite crew achieved ace status with 5 confirmed aerial victories. Celebrated for its legendary adaptability, the F-4 Phantom II functioned as the definitive workhorse interceptor and multi-role fighter across nearly 40 years of U.S. military operations, cementing an uncompromised legacy as a Cold War aviation icon.
Highly sought after by discerning collectors of premium aviation history, this large-scale "heavy metal" presentation commands attention in any elite gallery display. The model is engineered with exceptional precision, showing off a substantial diecast metal construction that captures the signature swept-wing geometry and intimidating profile of the Phantom II. Technical features include crisply rendered engine intake surfaces, complex tailplane designs, and detailed structural panel definitions across the fuselage. The airframe is completely fitted out with its distinctive under-wing drop tanks and multi-missile combat payload assemblies to portray its authentic combat configuration. Delivered in its original collector window packaging, this classic flagship release offers an unmatched museum-grade presence.
Fact Sheet
Brand: Franklin Mint / Armour Collection
Model code: B11B553
Aircraft: McDonnell Douglas F-4 Phantom II
Unit: U.S. Navy VF-96 "Fighting Falcons"
Pilots: Lt. Randy Cunningham & Lt. JG William Driscoll
Campaign: Vietnam War Ace Livery (5 Victories)
Scale: 1:48
Material: Heavyweight Diecast Metal
Special Features: Substantial "heavy metal" diecast weight, authentic VF-96 Fighting Falcons paint scheme, Randy Cunningham & William Driscoll ace markings, detailed engine inlets, integrated under-wing fuel tanks, comprehensive air-to-air missile payload, premium window box packaging
Model Dimensions
Length: 14.5" or 37 cm
Wingspan: 10" or 25 cm
Condition
Model Condition - Good (6/10)
Aircraft Condition
-
Nose side light decal shows wear.
-
Small area of grey paint loss to the top of the fuselage.
-
Paint loss present to the V-shaped decal on the top of the fuselage.
-
Missile pylons/missiles have been repaired, with some wear visible.
-
One missile pylon is not aligned correctly when repaired.
-
Undercarriage wheel covers are missing.
-
Wheels are not aligned straight and bend inwards.
-
Spare undercarriage covers are included, but these will require painting.
Packaging / Accessories
-
No screws are present to secure the aircraft to the polystyrene insert.
-
Bubble wrap and cardboard have been added to help keep the model secure in transit. The model will be packaged well in another box to shock proof.
-
Blue seals are present.
-
Underside plastic screw fixtures are present.
Box condition - Very Good (7/10)
- Box is structurally sound overall.
- Small crack present in the front plastic film.
- Some general wear visible to the edges and sides.
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.
Grading
Grading Criteria
Mint (10/10)
- As new, no visible flaws.
Near Mint (9/10)
- Very light signs of handling or display only.
Excellent (8/10)
- Light wear or a few tiny marks; displays very well.
Very Good (7/10)
- Noticeable wear or small chips/rubs but still presentable.
Good (6/10)
- Obvious overall wear; better as a display/filler piece.
Fair (5/10)
- Heavy wear or larger areas of paint loss.
Spares/Repairs (4/10 or below)
- Significant damage or missing parts.
For a full breakdown on how we grade models, please refer to our Conditional Grading page.
Shipping
Goods will be shipped next day after the order is placed.
You can stay updated on your tracking information by clicking Track Your Order here. Alternatively, this can be located via the top menu under 'Track Your Order'.
Please allow extra time for delivery during the busy Christmas period.
UK Shipping
- Free Express Tracked Delivery (Royal Mail Tracked 24 – 1 Business day)
For orders over £100. - Free Premium Delivery (ParcelForce Express Tracked – 1 Business day)
For orders over £200. - Royal Mail Tracked 48 (2–3 working days) – £3.95
For orders under £100. - Royal Mail Express Tracked (1 business day) – £5.20
For orders under £100.
Worldwide
International shipping is available are fully insured up to the total order value. Add items to your cart and enter your delivery address in the cart to see postage before checkout. If you buy multiple items, the cart will automatically combine shipping costs based on item weight.
Important Information for U.S. Customers
Due to changes in import procedures, a 20–30% import duties charge will be calculated at checkout.
This charge is collected upfront to cover the duties and taxes that must be paid to the courier before your order can be shipped.
Products are packaged very well to ensure secure delivery and a happy customer.
Returns
- Returns are accepted within 30 days of delivery.
- Items must be returned in their original condition.
- Free UK customer returns.
- Non-UK customers are responsible for return postage unless the item is faulty or not as described. We photograph and describe all items accurately to help you buy with confidence.
- Refunds are issued after inspection of the returned item.
For more information on returns, please visit our Returns Policy page.
If you need to return an item, please email jay@thecollectablesvault.com or use the contact form under “About & Help” in the top menu.
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