
Rare Revell Models Find New Home & Preservation Efforts Expand with APTOS II LLC
SPOKANE, WA – For collectors of vintage plastic models, particularly those focused on the iconic Revell brand, a new name is quickly becoming synonymous with quality, authenticity, and preservation: APTOS II LLC. Based in Spokane, Washington, this small but dedicated company is making waves by specializing in sourcing, restoring, and offering incredibly rare and sought-after Revell models – many of which were previously thought lost to time. APTOS II LLC, reachable at 214-946-1880 and located at 2614 N Monroe St, Spokane, WA, 99205-3353, isn't just a reseller. They’re a team of passionate model builders and historians. “We started this because we loved these kits ourselves,” explains a company representative. “It was frustrating to see these amazing pieces of plastic history just disappearing, broken in attics, or ending up with people who didn’t understand their value.” What Makes These Revell Models Special? We’re not talking about your run-of-the-mill, recently re-issued kits. APTOS II LLC deals almost exclusively with vintage Revell models, specifically those from the 1950s, 60s and 70s. This is the ‘golden age’ of plastic model kits, a time when Revell was a true innovator. They weren’t just making models of cars, planes, and ships; they were meticulously detailed, historically accurate (for the time), and often included innovative features like working parts, or even display stands that resembled dioramas. “These weren’t toys, really,” emphasizes the representative. “They were engineering marvels in miniature. They captured the imagination of a generation, and helped fuel the Space Race and a fascination with aviation and automotive design.” Specifically, APTOS II LLC is renowned for locating and restoring extremely rare variants. We’re talking about kits that were only produced for a short period, kits with unique box art, or kits that were part of limited-run promotions. Some of their recent finds include: First Issue Revell ’57 Chevy Bel Air: These early versions, identifiable by their specific shade of red and unique decals, are highly prized by collectors. APTOS II LLC recently acquired a boxed example in near-mint condition, complete with the original instructions. Revell F-102 Delta Dagger – Early Release with Display Stand: The F-102 is a classic Cold War interceptor, and the early Revell kits included a striking, period-appropriate display stand. Finding one in good shape, with all the parts present, is a real challenge. Revell U.S.S. Enterprise (NCC-1701) – Original 1966 Release: Capturing the magic of the original Star Trek series, these kits are iconic. The early releases often featured unique box art that differed from later versions. Revell Custom Ford Pickup – Glow-in-the-Dark Version: A quirky and rare variant of a popular kit, the glow-in-the-dark versions are highly sought after by collectors. Various “Annual” Kits: Revell often released special "Annual" kits, which included unique parts or features not found in standard releases. These are often difficult to identify and track down. More Than Just Selling: Preservation and Restoration What sets APTOS II LLC apart isn’t just their inventory, but their dedication to preserving these pieces of history. Many of the kits they acquire are in rough condition – boxes are torn, parts are missing, decals are faded. Rather than simply selling them “as-is,” APTOS II LLC invests time and effort into carefully restoring them. “We’re not aiming for ‘like new’ condition,” clarifies the representative. “We want to stabilize the kit, repair any significant damage, and preserve as much of the original character as possible. We'll replace missing parts with carefully sourced reproductions or 3D-printed replacements when necessary, but we always try to maintain the authenticity of the kit.” This includes: Box Restoration: Carefully cleaning, repairing tears, and reinforcing fragile boxes. Part Cleaning & Repair: Removing years of dust, grime, and glue residue from individual parts. Repairing broken or damaged parts when possible. Decal Replacement: Sourcing or creating accurate reproductions of faded or missing decals. Instruction Sheet Preservation: Cleaning and repairing fragile instruction sheets. Where to Find APTOS II LLC and Their Rare Revell Models APTOS II LLC primarily operates online, showcasing their latest finds on various collector forums and auction sites. They are actively building a website to display their current inventory, but for now, the best way to reach them is via phone at 214-946-1880. “We’re a small operation, so we don’t have a huge marketing budget,” admits the representative. “We rely on word-of-mouth and the enthusiasm of the collecting community. We're passionate about these kits, and we want to share that passion with others." For collectors of vintage Revell models, APTOS II LLC is quickly becoming a go-to source for rare, restored, and historically significant pieces. They’re not just selling models; they’re preserving a piece of American ingenuity and a nostalgic connection to a bygone era. They are actively seeking out collections, so if you or someone you know has a stash of old Revell kits collecting dust, APTOS II LLC might be interested in taking a look.