My Tiger Squadron hand-launched glider collection

[streakeagle]

I have had most of these since I was in the 5th grade in 1978-79. I already owned a couple when I saw an advertisement in Boys Life to get a set of 10 for $10. I had the money, so I did it. I still keep the entire collection stored in the original delivery box. Some are pretty beat up and there was some attrition over the years because I have periodically taken them out and let neighborhood kids play with them. A few years back, someone on eBay was still selling a few, including the Space Shuttle, which was critical because the only one I had got stepped on by a kid not paying attention. Not only did I replace the Space Shuttle, but I got some new ones I never had: Thunderbirds F-16, F-104, and U-2. I ultimately went back and bought out all the remaining stock on eBay, so I have several of each of those and have given away a few to neighborhood kids.

The F-15 isn't part of the Tiger Squadron collection. I found it in a supermarket in the late '80s and noticed it had similar construction (foam) and size, so I thought it would fit in nicely.

I have all of the original packaging for each model which includes a collector card with some history on one side and a three-view data profile on the other.

[CptTrips]

Awesome.

I'm pretty sure I used to buy those at the 7-11.  I remember the F-86.

They never lasted long.  I either set them on fire or shot them up with my BB gun. 

[MiloMorai]

Very nice. Brought back memories, be sure. 

[Gman]

Helos, Tiger Squads, all of the VKB sticks/grips - what else do you collect?

Very cool, I had the Tiger meet F104 when I was a kid.

[Arlo]

My favorite glider purchases from 7-11 in my youth (and this was an old mom and pop style of 7-11 back in the late 60s) were:



I believe there was an Allied variant, as well. 50 cents each. On EBay the pictured one is being auctioned for $92.60.