Promotional contractor aircraft scale models - Precise Models Incorporated, Ohio, USA

Precise Models Inc. (150 Kenwood Street, Elyria, Ohio 44036 or P.O. Box 166, Ohio 44035, USA) was established in 1960 by Mr. Paul P. Schneider (born in 1917). Paul Schneider graduated from Elyria High School in 1936 and served in the US Army in Afrika and Europe during World War II. In 1949 he became a partner of Bill Topping, who was in charge of sales at Topping Inc., whereas Paul Schneider dealt with model production.

Precise Models Inc. started in a rented building with a surface area of 465 m² and later bought a larger, 1,100 m² building located right accross the street from Topping, Inc. and opposite of Rolen Plastics, Inc. see image below).

Bird's view looking towards the North, showing Kenwood Street in Elyria - Ohio with the building that houses Precise Models Inc. (greenish roof). A big white boat can be seen in the garden south of the building. The buildings on the west (left) side of the road are those that housed Topping, Inc. and are now from National Molding Products, Inc., whereas Rolen, Inc. was located in the small building (now a welding shop) with the very dark roof just south of Topping's at the same level as the boat (Source: Google Earth and Mark Johnson).

Precise Models Inc. office building at 150 Kenwood Street, Elyria, Ohio (Photo: Mark Johnson).

When Topping went out of business in 1965, Precise Models took over most of his business. The company extended its production using moulds made by Topping Inc. and continued to develop new models. Most models were made by injection moulding, but some small orders were hand-made. Precise started with six employees, but had grown to 26 employees in 1971. These employees produced and assembled the models, applied the lacquer paint and decals, and took care of packing the finished models in custom-made made cardboard boxes.

Precise Models Inc. office and adjacent warehouse. Closed for business since March 2006 (Photo: Mark Johnson).

Mr. Gary Schneider, current president/owner of Precise Models Inc. at his desk in August 2006 (Photo: Mark Johnson).

The current president of Precise Models, Mr. Gary Schneider (born in 1936), is the son of Paul Schneider. He also worked for Topping Inc., from 1957 until 1960, when he left Topping to work elsewhere as an engineer. In 1967 he joined his father to work as a designer-draftsman at Precise Models and became president of the business after his father's death at age 72 in 1989.

During the Vietnam War, a large number of F-105 Thunderchief, Hercules AC-130 Gunship, F-4 Phantom II and T-39 Trainer aircraft models were produced by Precise Models. These were shipped to South East Asia to be presented as gifts to pilots who flew certain numbers of combat missions and training flights during the Vietnam War. In 1972 Precise produced between 20 and 30 different types of models.

In the mid-1990s the roof of Precise Models' building started leaking and finally caved in during a large storm, causing substantial damage to the model inventory. In the past few years business dropped off, partly because of fierce competition from model manufacturing companies operating in low-cost countries like the Phillipines, Malaysia, China, etc. Sadly, the company had to officially close its doors on January 30, 2006. The remaining inventory was sold off in the following months and the building is now in the process of being sold. This marks an end of an era of contractor scale model production in Ohio that started with Bill Topping's company - Topping, Inc.

People at work in the finishing room of Precise Models Inc., looking towards the East This picture probably dates from the mid-1970s when F-15 and F-16 models were in production, as the latter can be seen lying on boxes in front and at right. The lady at left is applying paint to a model in a paint booth and four additional booths are visible in the back of the room. The door to the right behind the models stacked on the floor contained small parts, such as name plates, stand inserts, and a few sample models. The shelves to the left of this door held paint masks and sample models. Several C-130 models and an unfinished F-15 model are displayed on a table in front. The boxes at right contain finished F-4 Phantom models (Photo and info courtesy of Gary Schneider and Mark Johnson).

Models were typically produced through injection-moulding (also called die casting) in several runs over the years upon request of the contractor to replenish dwindling stocks. Typical production numbers were between 300 and 500 for each version of a model, with a minimum of 100 models being economically feasible as the costs of the moulds could reach up to $100,000. Typical orders would be for 1,000 units, but large orders could number up to 6,000 models. Small quantity orders were sometimes hand-produced on demand. A wooden master model would be made from blueprints (sometimes full-scale) provided by the manufacturer, that would be scaled down to the desired scale. A mould would then be made using the wooden model as a pattern to work from at Precise Inc. by specialised mould makers. As this mould would be paid for by the contractor, it therefore remained property of the contractor. Prototypes would be produced in much smaller numbers and the smallest run was made for the YF-17, of which only 20-30 models were ever made.

People at work in the back of the finishing room of Precise Models Inc., where four paint booths were located for painting the models. Several F-15 models are waiting to be painted in the box in front (Photo courtesy of Gary Schneider and Mark Johnson).

The first model produced by Precise Models Inc. was the Republic F-84F Thunderstreak. The most popular model of was the McDonnell F-4 Phantom, of which thousands were produced between 1960 and mid-1970. The models included F-4B, F-4E, RF-4E and F-4J versions and were produced with USAF, Navy and Marines markings, as well as Japanese, Iranian, Israeli, Royal Air Force, French, German, Greek and Turkish markings.

The last model produced by Precise Models Inc. was the 1/72-scale General Dynamics F-16 model, of which production ceased in about 2003. These F-16 models were made in two different scales (1/40 and 1/72) and with many different markings (rollout version, USAF, IAF, Taiwan, Turkey, Pakistan, Bahrain, Belgium, Netherlands, Danish, etc.). Several examples of these F-16s are shown below. Of the 1/40 scale, about 100 models were produced, whereas of the 1/72 scale 200-300 models were produced. The last real order placed with Precise was for the X-29, whereas the last business transaction involved the sale of 50 old Grumman E-2C Hawkeye models, that were sold to an individual. The production of Precise has reached well over 100,000 models.

Models made by Precise could not be sold to the public in general as the moulds were owned by the aircraft manufacturers. There was one exception, Precise Models did own the moulds of the Republic F-105 and could therefore sell this model to the public in general. Finished models would cost the contractors $5 - $10 a piece in the early 1970s, not including the price of the mold. This would amount to $24 - $48 per unit in 2005. Several models shown below, including the T-37 and F-16 aircraft, are now for sale. Click here for details...

Model production technigues and procedures at Precise Models Inc.

The conception of a model starts with the carving of the model (or model components) out of wood to specifications taken from documents and technical diagrammes supplied by the contractor. Care is taken in this process thta the carved model has the right scale. This is the so-called mask from which the mould can be made that is used for producing the resin or metal models in larger quantities. The mould, or cast, is then made from an imprint of the wooden mask in clay that is send to specialised companies producing the steel moulds for resin model production. An imprint of the mask in a sandbox (mixture of sand and oil) is used to produce metal, die-cast, models.

Mask of a Topping Inc. A-4D Skyhawk model used for producing the mould for the resin versions (Photo: Mark Johnson).

The models initially produced (before 1985 or so) were made of solid cellulose acetate butyrate thermoplastic resin. Models made from this material have a distinct odour. More recent models are made of the somewhat softer Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene (ABS, chemical formula (C₈H₈·C₄H₆·C₃H₃N)_x) thermoplastic. This material was used, for example, to produce the F-15, F-16, F-16XL, and F/A-18 models. All models were produced through injection moulding (also called die casting) using steel moulds (or dies, see image below) that are very resistant to production wear. Thermoplastic injection machines of American (Reed-Prentice Ltd., West Springfield, MA, 01089-4123, USA) and Japanese (Sumitomo Heavy Industries, Ltd.) origins were used to inject the thermoplastic resin into the moulds.

Steel mould used by Topping Inc. to produce the F4U Corsair model. In the early 1990s another 105 of these models were produced with this mould by Precise Models Inc. for a 50-year reunion of F4U pilots (Photo: Mark Johnson).

The production would start with the opening of the water-cooled mould, of which the inside would then be sprayed with a release agent to facilitate removal of the product. The mould would then be closed and thermoplastic pallets would be heated above melting point and injected into the mould under pressure. After the mould had cooled enough, it would open automatically to allow removal of the model. This process would typically take between 2-3 minutes, depending on the size of the model. Each mould contained a single model, or part of a model, and the production would therefore be about 20 models per hour. The blank model would then be sanded to remove any traces of plastic from where the mould-halves were joined (see image below). If the model would not be painted as a whole, it would also be buffed after sanding to produce a smooth, shiny surface. Examples of moulds and modern machinery can be found on the web sites of several companies listed on my Model aircraft page.

  Grumman X-29 model (scale 1/48) as it leaves the mould. The places where the moulds were joined together leave edges of thermoplastic residue, as are visible on the nose section of this model (Source: Mark Johnson).

The various unfinished components that together make up a Precise Models McDonnell F-4E Phantom model (produced in the late 1960s, scale 1/72). Note that the fuselage consist of two separately moulded parts that are later glued together (Source: Mike Kosman).

Instant drying nitrocellulose lacquer paint (also used in the automotive industry) and more recently acryllic paint layers were then applied using plastic or metal masks to achieve a high-quality finish. Up to 12 painting operations were sometimes involved for a single model, for example with the F-16. Over the years, lacquer paint became very expensive and rather difficult to get so that a change to acryllic paint was made. Any loose resin parts (e.g. clear canopy) were attached to the model using acetone solvent as glue.

Grumman X-29 decal sheet (Source: Mark Johnson).

Decals were then applied by removing them from their paper base in warm water and applying them to the model surface using a decal setting solution, which makes them more resistant to wear and cleaning.

Finished Precise Models Inc. Grumman X-29 model after sanding, buffing, application of paint (canopy) and decals (Source: Mark Johnson).

The final product (see above) is a very high quality model, which is then packed carefully in a specially made carton box for shipping to the contractor, who will then give the model away to one of his preferred clients.

Packing of "New Idea" tractor spreader models in the 1960s at Precise Models Inc.

Finally, the models were packed in special cardboard boxes that fixed the model firmly in place to avoid damage during transport. These boxes often contained stamp of Precise Models with the address, a logo of the manufacturer and an indication of the model type, as is shown below for the McDonnell Douglas Hellenic Air Force RF-4C Phantom.

Graphics on the long side of a 1/72 model of the McDonnell RF-4C box painted in Greek colours, Precise Models Inc.

Overview of models produced by Precise Models Inc.

The most popular model: the McDonnell F-4 Phantom

Topping started producing the F4H and the F-110 (F-4A) Phantom II models (scale 1/72) for McDonnell in the late 1950s. These models are quite rare. All subsequent F-4 Phantom II models were made for McDonnell by Precise. This included F-4B, F-4E, RF-4E and F-4J models. With the F-4 Phantom being the most popular and succesful model of Precise Models Inc. Thousands of these models were produced between 1960 and 1970, and a much lower number between 1970 and 1980. Most of these models were produced in USAF, Navy and Marines markings. However, production also included a range of international markings for delivery to countries that used the F-4 Phantom (e.g. UK, Iran, Israel, Turkey, Greece, Germany, Japan), but models were also produced for countries that decided against adopting the F-4 in their air force (e.g. France). Recently, unfinished blank models (see image above) also surfaced from the warehouse of Precise Models Inc. Below are some examples of the different F-4 Phantom II models produced by Precise Models Inc. If you lack a stand for your Precise Models F-4 model, or have one that is broken, some are available for sale now. Click here to view the offer.

Vintage Navy F-4B model, scale 1/72, made in the 1960s by Precise Models, Inc., scale 1/72


Navy F-4J Phantom II model from Precise Models Inc., scale 1/72 (Source: Steve Eisner)

Imperial Iranian Air Force F-4E model, scale 1/72, by Precise Models, Elyria, Ohio, USA.


German Air Force F-4F model. scale 1/72 (Source: Steve Eisner)

Two types of stands were available for the F-4 Phantom models. Both types are made of lucite with the inscription "McDonnell Phantom II" or "McDonnell Phantom II F-4E" and an F-4 silhouette at the end of a climbing arc.

Other models by Precise Models, Inc.

The models shown below were produced from the 1960s onwards. The latest and final production of Precise Models Inc. was the General Dynamics F-16 Fighting Falcon. It was produced in scale 1/72, as well as in scale 1/40. Some of these models are now for sale from the Precise Models factory, click here if you would be interested in buying...

USAF A-7 Corsair II from Precise Models Inc. Scale 1/48 (Source: Mark Johnson)


A 1979 Grumman Gulfstream II model from Precise Models Inc., scale 1/240 (Source: Mark Johnson).


Precise Models Inc. USAF Northtrop F-5A scale model, scale 1/48 (Image source: Ebay)


1970s McDonnell Douglas USAF F-15 Eagle model from Precise Models Inc. with a two-tone gray scheme known as "Compass Ghost", scale 1/72 (Source: John Rokita)


1980s McDonnell Douglas Marines F/A-18 Hornet model from Precise Models Inc., scale 1/72 (source: Mark Johnson)


Precise Models Inc.General Dynamics F-16 Fighting Falcon with Dutch markings and colours, produced in the 1970s. The stand reads "Lockheed Fort Worth". Scale 1/72, also produced in scale 1/40. Click here if you are interested in buying one in 1/72 scale...


Precise Models Inc.General Dynamics USAF F-16A Fighting Falcon, produced before 1977. Scale 1/40.

Trainer aircraft models
US Navy Northrop T-38 Talon produced in the 1960s, scale 1/48 (photo: Blake Sutton).	Precise Models Inc. Northrop T-38 Talon, scale 1/48 (source: Blake Sutton)
Cessna T-37 Tweet trainer, scale 1/40. This new old stock model is now for sale from Precise Models Inc. through Mark Johnson. Click here for more details...
Fighter aircraft models
Limited edition (105 models) of a Chance Vought F4U Corsair made in the early 1990s for a 50-year celebration of F4U pilots. Mould from Topping Inc. Scale 1/48 (Photo: M. Johnson).	Thunderbirds Flight Demonstration Team F-4 Phantoms. Awarded to model airplane competition winners at the September 1972 Cleveland Air Show at Burke Lakefront Airport (The Plain Dealer, August 27, 1972).
USAF F-4C Phantom in the early 1960s Navy light gull grey (FS16440) over white colour scheme, scale 1/72	Precise Models Inc., F-4J model in Marines colours, scale 1/72.
F-4J Phantom model in the South East Asian USAF colour scheme, scale 1/72 (source: Kirk Laird).	USAF F-4E in the South East Asian wrap around colour scheme, scale 1/72 (source M. Kosman).
Precise Models Inc., USAF F-4E, scale 1/72.	USAF F-4E in the South East Asian colour scheme, scale 1/72.
RF-4E in USAF colours. Scale 1/72 (source: Robinson).	RF-4E in Navy colours, a version that never existed in reality. Scale 1/72 (source: William Patterson).
Precise Models Inc. F-4J Phantom Blue Angels, scale 1/72 (Photo: M. Johnson)	Japanese RF-4E Phantom, scale 1/72 (source: M.Kosman)
Turkish Air Force F-4E, scale 1/72. Click here if you need a similar stand for your F-4 model	Royal Navy F-4K Phantom II, scale 1/72.
Precise Models Inc., Hellenic Air Force F-4E, scale 1/72. Click here if you need a similar stand for your F-4 model	Precise Models Inc. Hellenic Air Force RF-4E Phantom, scale 1/72 (source: M. Kosman).
Precise Models Inc. Israeli Air Force RF-4E Phantom, scale 1/72 (source: M. Kosman)	McDonnell F-4J Phantom in Imperial Iranian Air Force colours, scale 1/72 (Source M. Kosman).
Precise Models Inc., French Navy F-4C Phantom, scale 1/72 (photo: M.Kosman). Click here if you need a stand for your F-4 model	Precise Models Inc., French Air Force F-4J Phantom, scale 1/72 (photo: Mark Johnson)
Luftwaffe RF-4F Phantom  (source: M. Kosman). Click here if you need a stand for your F-4 model	Precise Models Inc. F-4J Phantom in Republic of Korea Air Force (ROKAF) colours and markings, scale 1/72 (Source: M. Kosman). Click here if you need a stand for your F-4 model
Precise Models Inc. Canadian CF-5A, scale 1/48 (source M. Kosman)	Precise Models Inc. Vought F-8P Crusader, Philippine Air Force, scale 1/48.
Precise Models Inc. Navy Grumman F-14 Tomcat (Image source: teebee40)	Grumman F-14 Tomcat in the colours of the Imperial Iranian Air Force, scale unknown (1/72?). (Photo: Mark Johnson)
Precise Models Inc., USAF McDonnell Douglas F-15 Eagle, scale 1/72 (Photo: Blake Sutton). This is a rare early model, produced in late 1960 - early 1970, in the Air Superiority light blue colour from that stood out too much against the grey European skies leading to a change to a two-tone gray scheme known as "Compass Ghost".	Precise Models Inc., Imperial Iranian Air Force McDonnell Douglas F-15 Eagle, scale 1/72 (Photo: M. Kosman). Painted in the Air Superiority light blue colour.
Royal Saudi Air Force McDonnell Douglas F-15 Eagle, scale 1/72 (Source: M. Kosman). Painted in the two-tone grey paint scheme.	McDonnell Douglas F-15 Eagle, scale 1/72. Painted in the two-tone grey paint scheme and Japanese colours (Photo: Mark Johnson).
General Dynamics - Grumman USAF EF-111A Raven Tactical Jamming Fighter, scale 1/48 (Photo Mark Johnson).	General Dynamics - Grumman F-111K tactical fighter model in RAF livery, scale 1/48. The RAF order of 46 was cancelled in 1968, so this is a rare model made before the aircraft had been produced. Photograph courtesy of Robert Hodson.
Early General Dynamics F-16 model, scale 1/72. Model painted in silver/black colours to indicate an international version. Later models were painted in country specific colouring (source: M. Kosman).
Precise Models Inc. General Dynamics / Lockheed Martin F-16A with USAF Flight Demonstration Team colours. Scale 1/40 (Photo: J. Powroznik).	Precise Models Inc. General Dynamics / Lockheed Martin F-16 with rollout colours. Scale 1/48. (Photo: Mark Johnson).
Precise Models Inc. General Dynamics / Lockheed Martin F-16A with Belgian Air Force markings. Scale 1/72 (Source: Mike Kosman). Click here if you are interested in buying one...	Precise Models Inc. General Dynamics / Lockheed Martin F-16A with Thailand Air Force markings. Scale 1/72 (Source: Mike Kosman). Click here if you are interested in buying one...
Precise Models Inc. General Dynamics / Lockheed Martin F-16 with Pakistan Air Force markings. Scale 1/72 (Source: Mike Kosman). Click here if you are interested in buying one...	Precise Models Inc. General Dynamics / Lockheed Martin F-16 with Danish Air Force markings. Scale 1/72 (Source: Mike Kosman).
Precise Models Inc. General Dynamics F-16, Israeli Air Force, scale 1/72 (Source: Mark Johnson).	General Dynamics F-16, Singapore Air Force, scale 1/72 (Source: Mark Johnson). Click here if you are interested in buying one...
General Dynamics F-16, Venezuelan Air Force, scale 1/72 (Photo: Mark Johnson). Click here if you are interested in buying one...	General Dynamics F-16, Venezuelan Air Force, scale 1/72 (Photo: M. Kosman). Click here if you are interested in buying one...
General Dynamics F-16, Venezuelan Air Force, scale 1/72. Grey colour scheme (Photo: M. Kosman)	General Dynamics F-16 Fighting Falcon, Turkish Air Force, scale 1/72 (Photo: M. Johnson). Click here if you are interested in buying one...
Hellenic Air Force General Dynamics F-16. Scale 1/48 (Photo: Mark Johnson). Click here if you are interested in buying one in scale 1/72...	General Dynamics F-16 Fighting Falcon, Bahrain Air Force, scale 1/72 (Photo: M. Johnson). Click here if you are interested in buying one...
Precise Models Inc. General Dynamics F-16N. The U.S. Navy used this version of the F-16 for training in its Top Gun school as a substitute for Migs. scale 1/48. Image courtesy of Robert Hodson.	Precise Models Inc. General Dynamics F-16XL, scale 1/72 (Source: Mark Johnson).
Precise Models Inc. Northrop N-156 Limited War Fighter, scale 1/72? (Source: Mark Johnson).	McDonnell F/A-18 Hornet, Royal Australian Air Force, scale 1/72 (Photo: Mark Johnson)
Precise Models Inc. F/A-18 Hornet, Blue Angels. Scale 1/72. (Photo: Mark Johnson)	Precise Models Inc. Navy F-18 Hornet. Scale 1/72.
Precise Models Inc. McDonnell USAF RF-101 Voodoo. Scale 1/72 (Photo: J. Powroznik).	Precise Models Inc. Republic Aviation USAF F-105B Thunderchief, scale 1/120 (Photo Mark Johnson). See my F-105 web page for more information about this aircraft.
Blank, unfinished version of a Precise Models Inc. Republic Aviation F-105B Thunderchief, scale 1/120. See my F-105 web page for images of this aircraft.	Precise Models Inc. Republic Aviation USAF F-105B Thunderchief, scale 1/120 (Photo Jim Powroznik). See my F-105 web page for the cockpit configuration of this aircraft.
Precise Models two-seater F-105F (or F-105G Wild Weasel) Thunderchief resin model with metal stand. Scale 1/50. Produced in the mid-1960s (job 169 in 1964) and given to pilots when they completed 100 missions in Vietnam.
Reconnaissance aircraft
Precise Models Inc., North American RA-5C Vigilante, scale 1/64 (photo: San Diego Air & Space Museum, San Diego, California.)	Grumman E-2C Hawkeye in IAF colours, scale 1/72. (Photo: Mark Johnson)
Bomber aircraft models
Precise Models Inc. General Dynamics FB-111A Aardvark bomber. Scale 1/72 (photo Tony Beres).
Attack aircraft models
Precise Models Inc. Grumman Marines EA-6B Prowler on its box, scale 1/48 (photo: Jim Powroznik).	Grumman US Navy A-6E Prowler, scale 1/48 (photo courtsey of M. Johnson).
Ling-Temco-Vought Navy A-7A Corsair II model, scale 1/48. See my A-7D Corsair II web page for cockpit layout.	Ling-Temco-Vought USAF A-7D Corsair II model with Southeast Asian colour scheme, scale 1/48 (Photo: skyboi01). See my A-7D Corsair II web page for cockpit layout.
Fairchild (Republic Division) A-10 Thunderbolt II (Warthog), scale 1/48, manufactured late 1960s, early 1970s. Material: ABS. USAF prototype rollout paint scheme (Photograph: David Dugas)	Fairchild Industries USAF A-10 Thunderbolt II, scale 1/48. Southeast Asian camouflage paint scheme (Photograph: David Dugas)
Fairchild USAF A-10 Thunderbolt II in the night/adverse weather black paint scheme, scale 1/48. Dates from the 1960s or 1970s. Material: ABS. (Photo courtesy of F.R. Scott)
Fairchild Industries A-10 Thunderbolt II (Warthog), scale 1/48. USAF light grey colour scheme (Photograph: David Dugas)	Fairchild Industries USAF A-10 Thunderbolt II, scale 1/48. USAF dark grey colour scheme (Photograph: David Dugas)
A-37 Dragonfly model, scale 1/40. Produced in mid-1960s. This aircraft started out as the Cessna T-37 trainer (model shown above) and was used in the Vietnam war (Photo: Mark Johnson).
Cargo aircraft models
Precise Models Inc. USAF Lockheed C-130 Hercules with Military Air Transport Service (MATS) markings, scale 1/144 (photo: Mark Johnson).	Precise Models Inc. RAF Lockheed C-130E Hercules, scale 1/144 (photo: Mark Johnson).
Precise Models Inc. Lockheed C-130 Hercules in Marines colours, scale 1/144 (photo: Mark Johnson).	Precise Models Inc. Lockheed C-130 Hercules in USAF colours, scale 1/144 (photo: Mark Johnson).
Precise Models Inc. USAF Lockheed C-141 Starlifter. Scale 1/150 (Source: M. Kosman).	Grumman C-2A Greyhound cargo aircraft, scale 1/48? (Photo Mark Johnson).
Helicopters and VTOLs
Kaman Aircraft Corporation US Navy SH-2 Seasprite, scale 1/40. Produced in the 1970s (Photo Mark Johnson).	Kaman Aircraft Corporation US Navy SH-2F LAMPS model, scale 1/40 (Photo Mark Johnson). Produced in the 1970s.
Bell Helicopter Company 206-L Jetranger model made by Precise Models Inc. Scale unkown (Photo: Mark Johnson).
Civilian aircraft models
Precise Models Inc. 1974 Cessna 172 Skyhawk. Sample for making production skyhawks. Scale 1/48 (Source: Mark Johnson).	Precise Models Inc. Fairchild Hiller FH-227 Shawnee Airlines, scale 1/64 (photo: Mark Johnson)
Precise Models Inc. Grumman Gulfstream II, scale 1/48 (Source: Mark Johnson).	Precise Models Inc. Grumman Gulfstream II, scale 1/48. Not many made, Grumman rejected prototype model (Source: Mark Johnson).
Spacecraft, missiles, rockets and bombs
Precise Models Inc., Raytheon AIM-7F Sparrow missile, date mid-1970s, scale 1/16 (Source: Mark Johnson)	Precise Models Inc., Raytheon AIM-7 Sparrow III, RAF 2nd Squadron, scale 1/16 (Source: Dyke Landberg)
Raytheon AIM-9L Sparrow missile, scale 1/16 (photo: Blake Sutton)
Precise Models Inc. USAF Raytheon (General Dynamics) AGM-109 Tomahawk cruise missile. USAF Strategic Air Command livery, scale 1/48.This new old stock model, produced in the early 1970s, is now for sale from Precise Models Inc. through Mark Johnson. Click here for more details...
Precise Models Inc. General Dynamics AGM-109 or BGM-109 missile in generic roll out colours, scale 1/48 (photo: David Dugas)	Precise Models Inc. General Dynamics USAF AGM-109 missile, scale 1/48 (Photograph: David Dugas).
Precise Models Inc. General Dynamics BGM-109 missile in US Navy roll out colours, scale 1/48 (Photograph: David Dugas)	Precise Models Inc. General Dynamics AGM-109 missile with BGM-109 stand in US Army roll out colours, scale 1/48 (photo: M. Johnson)
Precise Models Inc. Raytheon Paveway laser guided bomb (photo: Mark Johnson).	Precise Models Inc. US NAVY Bendix Aerospace System Division Low Altitude Supersonic Target (LAST) missile in international colours. Scale 1/50 (photo: Mark Johnson).
Very rare McDonnell Aircraft Corp. NASA Gemini capsule, first produced early 1960s by Topping, scale 1/30, and later by Precise (Photo Toddlyenuf). Model is featured in the catalogue of Precise. A 1000 of these were made before 1965 by Precise Models. All astronauts received copies, as well as Presidents Nixon and Johnson.	Paul Schneider posing with a Grumman Lunar Landing Module model (scale 1/40). This model was exclusively produced by Precise Models. In the late 1960s 1500 were made, with the number produced increasing to 6,000-8,000 in 1972. Two different versions were made, an executive version with a walnut base and a normal one with a plastic base. Photo by Luke Black, published in the Chronicle Telegram in the late 1960s (courtesy of Gary Schneider and Mark Johnson).
Apollo 13 crew with two models made by Precise Models Inc. (Photo courtesy of Blake Sutton).
Close up of the Grumman Lunar Module (Photo courtesy of Blake Sutton).
Bendix US Navy Vandal Sea Skimmer missile traget drone (Photo M. Kosman)	Raytheon MIM-23 Hawk missile, scale 1/48? (Photo M. Johnson)
Precise Models Inc. Boeing LGM-30 Minuteman III ICBM model, scale 1/40. Stand reads Minuteman, Hardened and Dispersed. Made by Precise from Topping moulds when Topping became bankrupt (photo: Steve Clemens).	Nasa Scout DOD launch vehicle, scale 1/72 (Photo: oldtoystoreusa). Presumably produced in mid-1960s.
US Navy Polaris missile, presented by the Polaris Missile Team. This model used to be displayed in a showcase at Precise (Photograph: Mark Johnson).	Lockheed Missiles and Space Co. Polaris A3 ICBM missile, scale 1/30. Stand reads POLARIS - THE FREE WORLD'S PRIME DETERRENT WEAPON SYSTEM (Photograph: gangplanker)
Prototype models
Precise Models Inc., Northrop F-5F Tiger model prototype developed in the late 1970s, early 1980s by Precise for Northrop. This model has a longer and wider fuselage as the F-5F Tiger 2 had to accommodate larger J85 engines and was a two-seater. Northrop rejected the prototype. Scale 1/48 (Photo: M. Kosman)	Rare Northrop Corp. Aircraft Div. YF-17 prototype model (scale 1/40? Photo: 4624ever). Only 20-30 were produced in the 1970s.
Precise Models Inc., model of a Northrop Dornier 102. The ND 102 was a joint Northrop Dornier project in the late 1970's for a new German fighter. It was unsuccessful and Germany later joined in with the various projects which led to the current Eurofighter. Model was produced in the 1970s and acquired from an ex-Dornier employee who worked on the project. Scale 1/60 (Photo courtesy of Ian Whorley).
Precise Models Inc., Grumman X-29A model, scale 1/48. date mid 1980s (Source: Mark Johnson)	Very rare prototype version of a USAF McDonnell Douglas F-15 Eagle, scale 1/72 (photo: Blake Sutton). Painted in the air superiority blue paint scheme.
Miscellaneous and tools
Not a scale model but a tool produced by Precise Models Inc. Parco (Los Angeles, CA) O-ring gauge for measuring correct O-ring size, date 1959. (Photo: Mark Johnson)	A second O-ring gauge produced by Precise Models Inc.: National O-ring gauge. Length 34 cm, telescopic extension until 61 cm. (Photo: M. Kosman)

I would like to complete the list of models shown above, so if you have nice images of other Precise models, please contact me or send them to me by e-mail at maartenwaterloo@netscape.net.

Precise Models sales catalogue

In the mid-1960s Precise Models produced an 8-page mini catalogue to bring their models under the attention of aircraft, missile and weapon manufacturers. Four of the eight pages of this mini catalogue are shown below. The catalogue fitted in a standard enveloppe and measured 17.2 x 19.8 cm (6.75 x 3.75 inches). The last page of the catalogue shows the Navy F-4B model shown above. This catalogue is the only catalogue made by Precise to display their models, and shows 15 different models that were in production at the time. The catalogue was made available by Mike Kosman from Geneseo, IL, USA. Please contact him at kosman@theinter.com if you would like to obtain such a Precise Models Inc. catalogue for your own collection. He still has some in stock.

Precise Models mini catalogue, cover page with F-111 and Gemini Capsule scale models (source: Michael Kosman D.C.)

Precise Models mini catalogue, page 4, prominent manufacturer's list and image of Republic Thunderbird scale model aircraft (source: Michael Kosman D.C.)

Precise Models mini catalogue page 7, scale models examples (source: Michael Kosman D.C.)

Precise Models mini catalogue, back cover page showing 1/72 scale McDonnell F-4B Phantom II model aircraft (source: Michael Kosman D.C.)

Precise Models for sale - Precise Models LLC.

For all of you who have affinity with the products of Precise Models Inc., there is very good news. Mr. Mark Johnson has teamed up with the former Precise Models Director, Mr. Gary Schneider, to develop the Precise Models LLC web site. This site serves as an additional source of information for scale model collectors and includes a forum to exchange ideas, tips and techniques. Furthermore, Topping and Precise models and parts are for sale at this web site and can be bought for competetive prices.

Links

The following sites are good references for information about contractor scale models:

• The Collectair web site shows shows a nice collection of aviation art, vintage aircraft models, documentation, etc. Also lists Topping and Precise aircraft models for sale.
• Web site of www.fromaviationtoart.com. This site shows vintage aircraft models, including some made by Topping and the Dutch aircraft model makers Raise Up and Verkuyl. Also has vintage advertisements and European factory models.
• Art-aviation.com web site showing vintage aircraft models, including some made by Topping and the Dutch aircraft model maker Matthijs Verkuyl. Also has a sellers and buyers section. 
• The Aeroknow Aviation Museum web site: lots of information about aviation and aircraft models.