Flying Tigers https://www.flying-tigers.co.uk Diecast Model Specialists - Model Aeroplanes Thu, 29 Aug 2024 20:05:57 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=5.2.17 COBI Brick Model Kits https://www.flying-tigers.co.uk/2024/cobi-brick-model-kits/ https://www.flying-tigers.co.uk/2024/cobi-brick-model-kits/#respond Mon, 26 Aug 2024 09:28:05 +0000 https://www.flying-tigers.co.uk/?p=117872 COBI brick model kits (Cobi S.A) was founded in 1987, in Warsaw, Poland, and started making board games and puzzles. In 1992, Cobi established a production line of plastic construction bricks. Due to popular demand, COBI quickly put into place a development program making new models and establishing production techniques at their new factory in […]

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]]> COBI brick model kits (Cobi S.A) was founded in 1987, in Warsaw, Poland, and started making board games and puzzles. In 1992, Cobi established a production line of plastic construction bricks.

Due to popular demand, COBI quickly put into place a development program making new models and establishing production techniques at their new factory in South Poland. The factory was opened in 1997 under the name COBI S.A. and was built in Mielec Poland.

In 2001, COBI opened two new offices. One in the Czech Republic and one in Slovakia.

2010 saw remarkable growth for COBI brick kits and they finished an expansion of the Mielec factory.
2011 saw additional demand for COBI brick kits and by 2011, production at the facility was just keeping up with demand.

Today, COBI is the biggest manufacturer of construction brick kits in Central and Eastern Europe and has a sales network in over 60 countries worldwide.

COBI brick model kit production

COBI brick model kit production starts with an idea of a model kit to make, which then develops into brick moulds and goes into production. Finally, the kits are released for sale. Thanks to their in-house design and manufacturing processes, COBI offers collectors high quality products made from carefully selected European Union materials which are certified by European laboratories.

The very high quality of COBI bricks has resulted in license agreements with top brands such as Vodafone, McLaren and Mercedes. At the moment COBI offers the Jeep collection of historical Willys (through a Chrysler Group LLC license, launched in 2009), Renault F1 team (licensed by Renault, and launched in 2010), Boeing-787 Dreamliner and Boeing-767 (under Boeing Management Companylicence, launched in 2010) and many others including products licensed by the Top Gun Maverick Movie.

COBI bricks are the fastest-growing military brick brand, quickly becoming a must-have for military brick collectors of all ages.

COBI bricks cover a wide range of themes in military and historical vehicles, planes, tanks and ships. While COBI brick kits may not be as well-known as other brick kit manufacturers, they have built a loyal following of fans who appreciate the unique designs, quality and attention to detail.

COBI bricks are valued for their durability and sturdiness. The blocks fit together securely, and the finished models are solid and well-made. Collectors appreciate the historical accuracy of COBI military brick kits, and COBI takes great care to research and copy designs from full-size examples which adds to the accuracy of their products.

COMI BRICKS Avro Lancaster model

COBI 5759 Avro Lancaster B MK.I/II Brick Model Kit – 1,595 pieces

COBI brick kit themes.

The COBI catalogue is divided into different themes, with each category having a large collection of model brick sets.

  • Historical Collection World War I
  • Historical Collection World War II
  • Historical Collection Korean War
  • Historical Collection Vietnam
  • Historical Collection Cold War
  • Armed Forces- Modern
  • D-Day – The Invasion of Europe
  • Willys Jeep
  • Company of Heroes
  • Limited Edition
  • Executive Edition
  • Licensed product e.g. Top Gun
COBI Brick Tank model

COBI 2588 Panzer VI Tiger I 131 Brick Tank Model Kit -1275 pieces

 

Why collect COBI Brick Kits?

Collecting COBI model brick kits is a fascinating hobby that combines historical appreciation, engineering skills, and artistic flair. The unique blend of exclusivity, historical accuracy, high-quality construction, and interactive elements make them a must-have for any serious collector.

Historical accuracy

One of the key reasons behind the popularity of COBI’s WWII brick kits is their precise historical accuracy. Each COBI brick kit is designed with a dedication to real-world details. There is no guesswork or approximations—just accurate representations of WWII vehicles, vessels, or machines.

Attention to detail

COBI goes the extra mile, ensuring even the smallest part of a set is true to its original WWII counterpart. The intricate detailing is what attracts many adult collectors.

Detailed instruction manuals

Each COBI brick kit comes complete with a detailed instruction manual. The manual does more than guide you through the assembly process; it also provides fascinating facts about the original model you’re building. This additional layer of information enhances the building experience, making it both informative and interesting.

Collectability 

The collectability factor is a major draw! With an astounding range of over 500 sets in the WWII collection alone, the possibilities for collectors are nearly endless. Every COBI model brick kit you buy adds to the satisfaction of creating your collection.

Educational

A fantastic feature of COBI’s brick kits is the educational value that they bring! Every set includes an informational booklet that takes you on a journey through history. As you construct your model, you learn about the real-world vehicle or vessel it represents, its role in the war, and the brave people operating it. This isn’t just about building—it’s about learning and understanding the past.

Exclusivity

One of the defining characteristics of COBI Limited Edition Sets is their exclusivity. Produced in limited quantities, each set is a rare treasure. Owning one means you are among a select group of collectors worldwide who appreciate the blend of history, engineering, and artistry these sets offer. The limited nature of these sets makes them unique and heightens their desirability.

High-Quality Construction

When you invest in a COBI limited edition set, you’re investing in quality. COBI uses top-notch materials in all its products, ensuring that your set will last for years & years while maintaining its aesthetic appeal. You’re not just buying a model; you’re acquiring an heirloom that can be passed down through generations.

Interactive elements

Their interactive elements help COBI brick kits stand out from other brands and models. Features like rotating turrets, adjustable wings, or movable wheels add a hands-on experience beyond a simple static display. These interactive features offer a deeper level of engagement, inviting you to value your collection and interact with it.

Investment value

One of the most enticing aspects of these sets is their investment value. Due to their exclusivity and limited production, COBI brick kits often appreciate in worth and value over time. For collectors, your hobby could also become a potential financial investment. You can even pass them down to your children and grandchildren, giving them a possible investment piece.

COBI Ship Brick models

COBI 4844 HMS Belfast Brick Model Kit – 1517 pieces

Building Tips!

With the right approach, it is possible to easily understand how everything fits together.

Prepare a clean and spacious work space

Choosing a large, uncluttered surface to assemble your COBI brick kit is another key to success. You need space when you begin to build. Room for the instructions, the sorted pieces, and the model you’re building. How does this help you stay organised? A spacious work area lets you spread your instructions to see every step. You can arrange your sorted pieces neatly, each group in its own spot. And you can build your model without knocking over piles of pieces.

Look at the instructions

Take a look at the instructions and get familiar with what pieces are included. This is an essential step to getting a complete understanding of your COBI brick kit. This familiarity can help you plan the shapes and structures you want to make. It’s also a great way to ensure that all your pieces are accounted for and that you have the supplies needed to complete your project.

The instructions tell you which pieces you need and when to use them. So take your time to go through them. Identify all the components required for your COBI brick kit. Familiarize yourself with the process.

This way, you’ll be fully prepared when you start building. And guess what? No missing pieces. No confusion. Just you, building your COBI brick kit with confidence, one step at a time.

Check the pieces for colour and shapes

Looking for patterns in pieces, such as colour or shapes, can help you understand the big-picture view of COBI brick kits. This can help you determine how to arrange the pieces and what design elements should be prioritized. For example, if the pieces are all the same colour, you can focus on creating a structure with a uniform and cohesive look.

Finally, take time to lay out the pieces in their entirety. By doing this, you’ll be able to get a better understanding of what shapes and structures you can create. This will help you narrow your options before you build.

Trial & error

Using trial and error to create new structures is integral to the building block process. This will help you understand which blocks work best together for different structures. Trial and error will also show you what structural elements work better than others, allowing you to fine-tune your design until it becomes exactly what you thought it should look like.

There is no right or wrong way to build a model

Remember that there is no right way to build anything with COBI brick kits. Experimentation and creativity are essential, so don’t be afraid to try different options until you find the best way for you. With this approach, you’ll be able to get the most out of your new building brick kit and enjoy the building journey.

Document your progress

Documenting your progress while constructing COBI brick kits is integral to the process. It helps provide a visual representation of how the pieces fit together and ensures that all pieces are accounted for. This also allows you to refer to previous steps and make necessary changes.

COBI Brick Jeeps Models

COBI 2806 Willys MB Medical Jeep Brick Model Kit – 1131 pieces

Frequently Asked Questions…

Where do I buy COBI Bricks?

Flying Tigers of course!  Here is a link to all the COBI model kit themes…

COBI Bricks (flying-tigers.co.uk)

What is a COBI brick kit pre order?

A pre-order model is a model that has not yet been delivered or made available to retailers yet. It may be in development, still in manufacture or on its way from the factory. If you want a particular model it is always advisable to pre-order it in advance with Flying Tigers as sometimes a model release “sells out” even before it arrives with retailers, especially if it is a limited edition.

Do I have to pay for my pre-order before it arrives?

No, Flying Tigers will delay taking payment on your COBI pre-order, providing you place your order into the shopping basket using your debit/credit card through SagePay. If you use PayPal as an option, then your payment will be taken in full when you place your order.

What does ” awaiting re-stocks” …pre-order available mean?

This means that stock of this model is currently sold out but more stock is on the way! The time of arrival will depend on when you place your order in the re-stock cycle. It could be a matter of a couple of days or a few weeks.

What do I do when I have a missing piece from a COBI set?

Please identify the part which is missing from your COBI instructions/ part list and click on the link here to order your spare part from COBI Direct.

https://cobi.eu/missing-bricks

What do I do when I have lost my COBI instructions?

Identify the COBI brick kit model number from the box and click on the link here to order your missing instructions from COBI Direct.

https://cobi.pl/en/manuals-catalog

How much will it cost to ship my COBI bricks set?

It will depend on the size of the model and where you live. The shopping basket will automatically calculate your postage/shipping cost BEFORE you commit to your purchase. Flying Tigers’ standard postage and shipping costs are listed on the Flying Tigers Homepage or by clicking on the link here.

Postage (flying-tigers.co.uk)

Who are COBI sets suitable for?

COBI sets are popular with anyone aged 6 – 106!   From experience, children ages 6+ can build smaller sets by themselves. Some sets are suitable for age 7+ and some pieces are quite fiddly so younger children may need a little help to build their model.

Are COBI bricks manufactured to high standards?

Yes, COBI products are all manufactured in the EU (Poland) and the company has high manufacturing standards, which is why they have accreditation ISO 9001:2015

Are COBI bricks compatible with Lego?

All COBI brick kits are compatible with LEGO.

(LEGO is a registered trademark of The LEGO Group which does not sponsor, authorise or endorse this site.)

COBI brick kits also have many additional features and specially designed brick types that allow a greater level of interaction with the completed models.

 

Hobbymaster updated photo gallery.

Check out the latest HM photos below. Please click on the images or links to go straight to the model page to order your model now.

HA2126 Hobbymaster 1/72nd scale F-100D Super Sabre 55-3712, 307 TFS, Bien Hoa AB, RVN, 1965  SOLD OUT AT PRE-ORDER

HA38035 Hobbymaster 1/72nd scale Lockheed F-16C Fighting Falcon 89-2098, 112th FS, Ohio ANG, Toledo, August 2023  SOLD OUT AT PRE-ORDER

 

Hobbymaster models due to arrive next week (Finally!) at Flying Tigers.

The following Hobbymaster models are due to arrive soon and are available to pre-order at Flying Tigers today. (Sorry, they have been stuck at the docks / customs!)

Flying Tigers will also consolidate your orders to save on postage costs across all brands !

Please click on the images / links below to go to the model of your choice, or  CLICK HERE  to see them all.

HA3582 Hobbymaster 1/72nd scale F/A-18C “Finnish Air Force RIAT 2023” HN-411, Finnish Air Force, RAF Fairford, July 2023  RRP £102.00  Flying Tigers only £76.99   SOLD OUT AT PRE-ORDER

HA9351 Hobbymaster 1/72nd scale McDonnell RF-101C Voodoo “Gerry’s Clown” AF56-176, 45th TRS “Polka Dots”, 1969  RRP £118.00  Flying Tigers only £87.99   SOLD OUT AT PRE-ORDER

HA9706 Hobbymaster 1/72nd scale MiG-31E Foxhound “MAKS 2005” 903, Russian air Force, 2005  RRP £144.00  Flying Tigers only £107.99   SOLD OUT AT PRE-ORDER

 

That’s all for this week.

Thank you for reading this week’s Newsletter.

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