Miss Fran Cesca

We love model airplanes. That’s a fact. However, there is just a wide collection of airplanes to choose from and you often find yourself undecided on what to buy.

Well worry no more because this list exists to help you choose five out of 2,000 model airplanes you have to include on your must-haves this year, alongside your new year’s resolution.

As we look back to 2010 and look forward for 2011, there are five model airplanes that made a buzz in the industry last year and made every hobbyist and collectors go grab their model counterpart.

5. F-22 Raptor – When LM started a transition phase at its massive final assembly plant for the F-22 in Marietta, many workers got worried. Job losses prior to the F-22′s termination, was the main concern. And because of this, a fight to revive the F-22 fighter had begun. The takeover of the U.S. House by Republicans was said to prompt a revival of the fight for additional funding for the Marietta-built F-22 stealth fighter.

This news sparked the popularity of the F-22 Raptor Model Airplane. Normal people, not just aviators, started to ask queries about this fighter plane. Because of the buzz it made last year, orders for the plane’s replica are coming in as early as the first day of January!

4. F-35 Joint Strike Fighter-   LM got a $13 million contract to modify the F-35 fighter. Months later, the USAF expressed concern that software development and production issues could delay the service’s plan to start using new F-35 fighter jets in April 2016. Secretary of Defense Robert Gates scrutinized the costly F-35 program and considered pulling the program back while Lockheed on the other hand assured that they will make changes to keep the F-35 affordable.

Intrigues about the most costly venture of the Pentagon caused the public to grow interest on the F-35 fighter. Consequently, the F-35 Model Airplane also gained popularity among aviation enthusiasts. It’s one of those model planes so popular you just got to own one.

3. F15 Eagle – Growing tension between South Korea and North Korea secured the F-15 model airplane on the third spot. With Boeing delivering F-15 fighters, namely F-15K and F-15 SE to South Korea, one cannot ignore the capabilities of these planes.

Because of these reports, the F-15 model airplane achieved recognition among many model collectors. One had to give in to the joy of owning a realistic replica of one of the world’s famous fighter.

2. Harrier GR9 – Tears rolled and hearts were touched when the RAF Harrier GR9s from IV Squadron took its final flight back in December. It was indeed an emotional moment for everyone.

The good news is that memories of this amazing aircraft are not lost as this iconic plane is relived through the Harrier GR9 RAF model airplane! The plane capable of top speeds of more than 600mph will always be remembered as the history lives on its models.

1. Boeing 787 Dreamliner – 787′s ‘rollercoaster flight’ last year made its way to number one and its model to the first must-have models for 2011. Delay of first flight testing, booming orders from around the globe, delay in deliveries, the endless testing, expressed disappointments, accidents; fire blazed, test backs, and then resuming flights and meeting deliveries – all these in one year.

The challenges the Dreamliner faced last year was just commendable and notable that it is the model airplane you can’t miss to own in this year. By just looking at the Boeing 787 Dreamliner Model Airplane flashes back memories of setbacks and successful flights.

So there you go, we already hitched you on the latest trend on model planes this 2011! Be the first of your friends to get these model airplanes and earn the bragging rights!