If you need to return an item, please email jay@thecollectablesvault.com or use the contact form under “About & Help” in the top menu.
Hobby Master HA3301 1:72 Northrop F-5N Tiger II US Navy VFC-111 Sundowners NAS Key West
Duties & Taxes Prepaid Where Available
30-Day Returns
Preowned - Near Mint (9/10)
Dispatch by
Thu, Sep 10
Rates shown in cart
- Description
- Condition
- Grading
- Shipping
- Returns
Description
A striking and highly detailed 1:72 scale diecast representation of a United States Navy Northrop F-5N Tiger II operated by VFC-111 “Sundowners” from Naval Air Station Key West, Florida. Released as part of the Hobby Master Air Power Series, HA3301 depicts aircraft 101 in the squadron's distinctive light grey adversary scheme with its famous red and white rising-sun tail markings.
VFC-111 was established from the former VFC-13 during November 2006 and adopted the historic “Sundowners” name, insignia and callsign previously associated with fighter squadron VF-111. The revived identity continued one of the most recognisable traditions in United States naval aviation.
Based at NAS Key West, the squadron operated the agile F-5N in the adversary role. Its pilots simulated opposing fighter aircraft during air-combat training, allowing United States Navy and Marine Corps aircrews to practise interception, manoeuvring and combat tactics against a small and highly responsive aircraft.
The model recreates the restrained light grey finish carried by this VFC-111 aircraft, with red NAVY lettering, aircraft number 101 and the prominent red and white Sundowners tail artwork. The long black nose, narrow fuselage and compact swept wings capture the distinctive appearance of the lightweight Tiger II.
Developed from the earlier Northrop F-5 Freedom Fighter, the F-5E Tiger II first flew during the early 1970s. Its twin-engine layout, straightforward construction and excellent manoeuvrability produced an economical fighter that was widely exported and operated by numerous air forces around the world.
The F-5N designation was applied to former Swiss F-5E aircraft acquired and modified for United States Navy adversary training. Their performance and relatively small visual profile allowed them to represent a variety of potential opposing fighters during demanding air-combat exercises.
This Hobby Master release features extensive diecast construction, a detailed cockpit beneath a removable clear canopy and finely printed front and side instrument panels. Further details include a photo-etched nose pitot, removable landing gear, external stores, authentic VFC-111 Sundowners markings and the original Hobby Master presentation display stand.
Fact Sheet
Brand: Hobby Master
Series: Air Power Series
Model code: HA3301
Aircraft: Northrop F-5N Tiger II
Tactical Markings: 101
Unit: United States Navy VFC-111 “Sundowners”
Role: Adversary and air-combat training aircraft
Theatre / Base: Naval Air Station Key West, Florida
Operator / Country: United States Navy / United States
Scale: 1:72
Range: Air Power Series
Material: Heavyweight diecast metal with quality sub-components
Special Features: Limited edition release, authentic VFC-111 Sundowners markings, red and white rising-sun tail artwork, aircraft number 101, light grey adversary finish, detailed cockpit with printed instrument panels, removable clear canopy, photo-etched nose pitot, removable landing gear, external stores and original presentation display stand
Model Dimensions
Length: 7.75" or 19.7 cm
Width (Wingspan): 4.5" or 11.4 cm
Condition
Model Condition - Near Mint (9/10)
- Model was originally sealed but has been opened for inspection and photography due to a visible paint inconsistency on the underside.
- Model appears undisplayed, with no general signs of handling or display wear.
- Paint inconsistency is present around one side of the engine inlet when compared with the other side (Underside related).
- Some residue is visible near the tailhook area; this appears more likely to be from manufacture rather than a repair.
- Despite the noted factory-type imperfections, the model displays very well overall.
- Please note : the underside pylon blocker piece is loose and may fall off during transit, please ensure you carefully check the tray to prevent it going missing (shown on the last aircraft image).
Box condition - Near Mint (9/10)
- Box is in near mint condition overall, with some shelf wear present.
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.
Once dispatched, you can follow your parcel through our Track Your Order page, also available from the main menu.
UK Delivery
- Royal Mail Tracked 48 — £4.20
Usually delivered within 2–3 working days. Available for orders below £100. - Royal Mail Tracked 24 — £5.20 or FREE on orders of £100 or more
Aims for delivery on the next working day after dispatch. - Parcelforce expressAM — £9.50 or FREE on orders of £200 or more
Guaranteed delivery by 12 noon on the next working day after dispatch.
International Delivery
We ship worldwide from the United Kingdom, with parcels insured up to the full order value.
Estimated delivery times after dispatch:
- Europe: usually 3–5 business days.
- Rest of the world: usually 6–7 business days.
Add your models to the cart and enter your delivery address to view the available services and postage costs. Shipping is automatically combined by weight when purchasing multiple models.
Import Duties & Taxes
For supported destinations, any applicable duties and taxes are calculated and shown at checkout after you enter your delivery address. These charges are collected with your order and the parcel is sent using a duty-paid service where available, so no further import duties or taxes should be due upon delivery.
Duty-paid delivery is currently available where shown at checkout for:
- United States
- Norway and Switzerland
- Selected European destinations: Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Cyprus, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Italy, Latvia, Malta, the Netherlands, Portugal, Slovakia, Spain, Sweden and the Republic of Ireland.
For destinations where duties and taxes are not shown and collected at checkout, orders are sent Delivered Duties Unpaid (DDU). The recipient may therefore need to pay local import duties, taxes or handling charges before delivery.
Every model is carefully packaged to help ensure it arrives safely and securely.
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.
Choose options
- Description
- Condition
- Grading
- Shipping
- Returns
Description
A striking and highly detailed 1:72 scale diecast representation of a United States Navy Northrop F-5N Tiger II operated by VFC-111 “Sundowners” from Naval Air Station Key West, Florida. Released as part of the Hobby Master Air Power Series, HA3301 depicts aircraft 101 in the squadron's distinctive light grey adversary scheme with its famous red and white rising-sun tail markings.
VFC-111 was established from the former VFC-13 during November 2006 and adopted the historic “Sundowners” name, insignia and callsign previously associated with fighter squadron VF-111. The revived identity continued one of the most recognisable traditions in United States naval aviation.
Based at NAS Key West, the squadron operated the agile F-5N in the adversary role. Its pilots simulated opposing fighter aircraft during air-combat training, allowing United States Navy and Marine Corps aircrews to practise interception, manoeuvring and combat tactics against a small and highly responsive aircraft.
The model recreates the restrained light grey finish carried by this VFC-111 aircraft, with red NAVY lettering, aircraft number 101 and the prominent red and white Sundowners tail artwork. The long black nose, narrow fuselage and compact swept wings capture the distinctive appearance of the lightweight Tiger II.
Developed from the earlier Northrop F-5 Freedom Fighter, the F-5E Tiger II first flew during the early 1970s. Its twin-engine layout, straightforward construction and excellent manoeuvrability produced an economical fighter that was widely exported and operated by numerous air forces around the world.
The F-5N designation was applied to former Swiss F-5E aircraft acquired and modified for United States Navy adversary training. Their performance and relatively small visual profile allowed them to represent a variety of potential opposing fighters during demanding air-combat exercises.
This Hobby Master release features extensive diecast construction, a detailed cockpit beneath a removable clear canopy and finely printed front and side instrument panels. Further details include a photo-etched nose pitot, removable landing gear, external stores, authentic VFC-111 Sundowners markings and the original Hobby Master presentation display stand.
Fact Sheet
Brand: Hobby Master
Series: Air Power Series
Model code: HA3301
Aircraft: Northrop F-5N Tiger II
Tactical Markings: 101
Unit: United States Navy VFC-111 “Sundowners”
Role: Adversary and air-combat training aircraft
Theatre / Base: Naval Air Station Key West, Florida
Operator / Country: United States Navy / United States
Scale: 1:72
Range: Air Power Series
Material: Heavyweight diecast metal with quality sub-components
Special Features: Limited edition release, authentic VFC-111 Sundowners markings, red and white rising-sun tail artwork, aircraft number 101, light grey adversary finish, detailed cockpit with printed instrument panels, removable clear canopy, photo-etched nose pitot, removable landing gear, external stores and original presentation display stand
Model Dimensions
Length: 7.75" or 19.7 cm
Width (Wingspan): 4.5" or 11.4 cm
Condition
Model Condition - Near Mint (9/10)
- Model was originally sealed but has been opened for inspection and photography due to a visible paint inconsistency on the underside.
- Model appears undisplayed, with no general signs of handling or display wear.
- Paint inconsistency is present around one side of the engine inlet when compared with the other side (Underside related).
- Some residue is visible near the tailhook area; this appears more likely to be from manufacture rather than a repair.
- Despite the noted factory-type imperfections, the model displays very well overall.
- Please note : the underside pylon blocker piece is loose and may fall off during transit, please ensure you carefully check the tray to prevent it going missing (shown on the last aircraft image).
Box condition - Near Mint (9/10)
- Box is in near mint condition overall, with some shelf wear present.
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.
Once dispatched, you can follow your parcel through our Track Your Order page, also available from the main menu.
UK Delivery
- Royal Mail Tracked 48 — £4.20
Usually delivered within 2–3 working days. Available for orders below £100. - Royal Mail Tracked 24 — £5.20 or FREE on orders of £100 or more
Aims for delivery on the next working day after dispatch. - Parcelforce expressAM — £9.50 or FREE on orders of £200 or more
Guaranteed delivery by 12 noon on the next working day after dispatch.
International Delivery
We ship worldwide from the United Kingdom, with parcels insured up to the full order value.
Estimated delivery times after dispatch:
- Europe: usually 3–5 business days.
- Rest of the world: usually 6–7 business days.
Add your models to the cart and enter your delivery address to view the available services and postage costs. Shipping is automatically combined by weight when purchasing multiple models.
Import Duties & Taxes
For supported destinations, any applicable duties and taxes are calculated and shown at checkout after you enter your delivery address. These charges are collected with your order and the parcel is sent using a duty-paid service where available, so no further import duties or taxes should be due upon delivery.
Duty-paid delivery is currently available where shown at checkout for:
- United States
- Norway and Switzerland
- Selected European destinations: Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Cyprus, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Italy, Latvia, Malta, the Netherlands, Portugal, Slovakia, Spain, Sweden and the Republic of Ireland.
For destinations where duties and taxes are not shown and collected at checkout, orders are sent Delivered Duties Unpaid (DDU). The recipient may therefore need to pay local import duties, taxes or handling charges before delivery.
Every model is carefully packaged to help ensure it arrives safely and securely.
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.
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.
Free Express UK Shipping
On orders over £100.
Satisfied or refunded
Building and maintaining our customers’ trust.
Top-notch support
Reliable and customer focussed service
Secure & Flexible Payments
Pay with multiple secure payment options