Skip to content
Independent UK retailer Orders dispatched from the UK UK retailer Dispatched from the UK

Cart

Your cart is empty

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 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*

Sale price£80.00 GBP
Duties & Taxes Prepaid Where Available
30-Day Returns

Condition summary

Model condition
Spares/Repairs (4/10)
Box condition
Very Good (7/10)
  • Aircraft Condition
Full condition notes

Model condition

  • 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

  • Box is structurally sound overall.
  • Small crack present in the front plastic film.
  • Some general wear visible to the edges and sides.
Estimated delivery United Kingdom

Calculating delivery window…

Check postage in cart

Combined shipping: Add multiple models and your cart calculates the total postage automatically.

Delivery dates are estimates.

Only 1 unit left
  • American Express
  • Apple Pay
  • Bancontact
  • Diners Club
  • Discover
  • Google Pay
  • iDEAL Wero
  • Klarna
  • Maestro
  • Mastercard
  • PayPal
  • Shop Pay
  • Union Pay
  • Visa
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 - Spares/Repairs (4/10)

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

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.

Shipping

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

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.

Hobby Master HA1923 1:72 F-4J Phantom II VX-4 Vandy 1 diecast model box
Corgi AA33715 1:72 Heinkel He 111H-6 diecast model box

Browse Sold Archive

Browse previously sold diecast aircraft and collectable models from The Collectables Vault. This archive shows past stock, rare releases, and examples of the models that may return in future collections.

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 - Spares/Repairs (4/10)

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

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.

Shipping

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

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.