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2008 Die Cast Buys of the Week
We will start our third year of featuring certain die cast items each week. During 2007 we posted over 210 selections, including a few items which appeared more than once over the year. Those selections came from at least 40 different vendors. Our mission is to provide an independent voice--highlighting some of the best values each week to the military die cast collector.
It is probably true that such an effort can never be completely objective. What we like, may not be exactly what you like, in terms of model type, scale, quality, manufacturer or other factors. That said; we try to include selections for both the most serious and budget minded collectors. We have certain dealers who have established outstanding reputations for product, prices and customer service. So these vendors probably receive more views than some others in the process of making our selections each week. There is also at least one vendor who we have never featured, due to poor customer service and relations experienced with him. Other dealers are outstanding in most respects--and may even have the very best customer service, but tend to have higher prices and few, if any, reduced price sales. As a result, their products tend to be recommended less than those with good products and outstanding prices, even if their customer service is of a lower quality. We use the term "die cast" somewhat liberally, as we feature not only traditional die cast items, but also resin and mostly plastic items as well. The keys are that each featured item come pre-painted and requires either little or no assembly. The first selections for 2008 are about to posted...
__________________
“A government big enough to give you everything you need is strong enough to take everything you have.” Thomas Jefferson--the first Democrat President 
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#2
01-07-2008, 01:26 AM
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For the Week of January 6, 2008
We hope that everyone is having a happy beginning to 2008, and that the Christmas and holiday bills have not eaten up all your die cast money.
We'll start our new year with one of the runner-ups for 2007 die cast of the year "awards" posted on a recent thread in this section. One of Corgi's best is the 1:72 scale Catalina, and the best of all the liveries of this bird is the hard to get (especially at a reasonable price) "Black Cat". The best pictures of it are from Tim's Unofficial Corgi site.  See: http://www.tricatus.co.uk/aa36104.htm and http://www.tricatus.co.uk/aa36104a.htm Motormint has this fantastic bird for $69.98. I advise calling to order one, as Motormint has been known to sit on their internet orders. See it here: http://www.motormint.com/index.asp?P...OD&ProdID=1485 Our second airplane selection is also a Corgi 1:72 scale plane, but is from the modern era. It is a UK Sepecat Jaguar in Test Pilot School livery. Diecast Direct has three left and the tuition is $19.98. Diecast Direct will not allow me to show their picture, so we'll have to turn again to Tim.  Links to Tim pictures of this plane: http://www.tricatus.co.uk/aa35409.htm and http://www.tricatus.co.uk/aa35409a.htm To order, hit eject here: http://www.diecastdirect.com/asp_mod...uctCode=C35409 It's now time to get down and dirty--or maybe play in the snow with our two tank picks. Both are winter livery from World War II. This first is 1:30 scale New Model Army Linx in white camo.  New Model Army WWII Winter Lynx and Commander This set from New Model Army is a WWII German version of the Panzer II nicknamed the "Lynx". This version is painted in winter camo scheme and comes with a partial figure commander. Item #NMAWintLynx Alsand's has one to park in your snow bank, if you have the $40.00. Get to it here: http://alsandmdseco.com/catalog/i469.html Our last of our first picks for 2008 can be found at Burbank's House of Hobbies and can start it's winter trek to you for only $21.00. It is: Get yours and push back the bulge (in your wallet) by linking here: http://store.houseofhobbies.com/homam4shbofb.html
__________________
“A government big enough to give you everything you need is strong enough to take everything you have.” Thomas Jefferson--the first Democrat President
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#3
01-14-2008, 12:21 AM
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For the Week of January 13, 2008
This week our picks include two very rarely done machines--one on the ground and one in the air.
We'll start with picks for fold who like their die cast vehicles solidly on the ground. The first is an oldie but a goodie that is now difficult to find. It's a 1:35 scale W. Britain U.S Sherman with a 76 mm gun. You can still order it from BT Soldiers for $40.00.  Get on board here: http://estore.websitepros.com/983120/Detail.bok?no=113 Our next selection is the rarely done early war Panzer 38 (t). It is a 1:32 scale 21st Century product that Bad Cat says is incoming very soon and can be yours for $19.99. 1:32 plastic and diecast composite tank. The German Sd.Kfz. 140 Panzer 38(t) Light Tank was adopted by the German Wehrmacht from a Czechoslovakian design, the 38(t) played a significant role during the early part of WWII before its small stature and light armor made it obsolete as a battlefront tank. The 38(t) was equipped with a 37 mm Skoda A7 main gun and two 7.92 mm machine guns. This highly detailed model comes with many fantastic features including rotating wheels and tracks, rotating turret, elevating guns, and operable hatches. See if this link will get you as far as France or into the steppes: http://www.badcataviation.com/pa38tlita121.html It's now the turn of airplane collectors. We start with a Corgi 1:72 B-25 from Perry's at just $44.95. It's a "Black 310" from the 1944 Southwest Pacific. Tim's great Unofficial Corgi site has some great pictures. We'll feature one and link you to others.  See more here: http://www.tricatus.co.uk/aa35306.htm and here: http://www.tricatus.co.uk/aa35306a.htm You can find it at almost the bottom of this page at Perry's: http://www.perryaircraft.com/cgi-bin...omber#old35306 Our final featured item is the rarely done IL-10. Pete's has this 1:72 IXO Soviet bird on sale for just $14.95. PIXJ2006-27IXO-Models$24.95 $14.95  Ilyushin IL-10. Special Price: $14.95 Scale: 1/72 LIMITED STOCK Shipping 1st: $9.00Additional Items: $1.00 Check it out or place your order through this link: http://www.petescollectibles.com/dis...XJ2006-27#item
__________________
“A government big enough to give you everything you need is strong enough to take everything you have.” Thomas Jefferson--the first Democrat President
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#4
01-20-2008, 01:46 AM
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For the Week of January 20. 2008
The big news this week is that the Flying Mule is having an inventory reduction sale. A number of our picks will be from that event.
From that sale is our first armor pick. Made by Corgi in the 1:50 scale, we feature a M3 AA Halftrack from 1951 Korea. The Mule has them for $24.99.  Corgi Military Vehicles US60415 M3 Half-Track Diecast Model US Army 25th AAA Btn, Korea, 1951 Limited Edition 1:50 Scale Length Width M3 Half-Track 4.75" 1.75" Most US Army infantry divisions deployed to Korea had an AAA battalion consisting of eight M15A1 combination gun motor carriages (CGMC) and eight M16 MGMCs. These were very occasionally used in their intended role of air defense in the first weeks of the war against the North Korean People’s Army Yak-9 and IL-10 attack aircraft. However, once the latter had been destroyed by the autumn of 1950, the half-tracks were sent forward to provide direct infantry fire support with their deadly quad M45D 0.50-cal. machine guns. The M16 MGMC’s high rate of fire made it an ideal antipersonnel weapon against massed Communist infantry attacks. Corgi Military Vehicles The Corgi "Military Vehicles" range presents highly-detailed, ready-made diecast models of military vehicles. Corgi diecast tanks require no glueing or painting. Each model is an instant display piece or diorama centerpiece straight from the box. Made from diecast metal, die cast tanks from Corgi are 100% true to scale... these don't look like model tanks, they look like tanks!. Color, camouflage and unit markings are carefully researched for maximum authenticity, marking the difference between and authentic scale model tank and a "toy" tank. Corgi "Military Vehicles" diecast vehicles feature:
http://www.flyingmule.com/products/CG-US60415 Our next armor pick is a Tamiya Hetzer in the almost identical 1:48 scale. Great Models still has it and you can too for $39.50.  1/48 TAM26504 Hetzer TD Mid Production Finished Model Category: Pre-Painted Armor Models 1/48 Professionally finished model. Die-cast lower hull. Accurately pre-painted and decals are pre-applied with weathering effects. Includes individually numbered display stand with nameplate. See if you can spot this little "baiter" here: http://www.greatmodels.com/~smartcar...m_num=TAM26504 This week we have too many good deals on aircraft than can be covered. But we'll feature three to give just a taste of what's out there at the moment. The first is an excellent deal on a 1:48 scale Carousel 1 Bf 109E. Straight from North Africa and the Mule, it is priced at only $49.99.  Carousel 1 AirCraft 7102 Messerschmitt Bf 109E Diecast Model Luftwaffe 8./JG 27, "Black 8", Werner Schroer, Libya, August 1941 Limited Edition 1:48 Scale Length WidthMesserschmitt Bf 109E 7.5" 8.25" Werner Schroer was one of the few German aces to achieve more than 100 victories against the Western Allies, yet he is probably best known as the pilot of "Black 8" in a much-published German color publicity photo. Schroer joined Jagdgeschwader 27 in August 1940 and flew with them in the Battle of Britain. While in France, JG 27 acquired their famous "Leopard over Africa" emblem, which reflected a determination to re-take the former colonial territories Germany lost in the First World War. When Hitler decided to send General Rommel and the Afrika Corps join Italy’s North African campaign against British Egypt, JG 27 was the fighter unit selected to support them. They landed at the Ainel-Gazla airfield in Libya on 18 April 1941. The next day JG 27 shot down four British Hurricanes, one of which was Lieutenant Schroer’s first kill. In the next few days Schroer added three more victories. In late April several JG 27 109s, including Schroer’s, were cleaned and photographed for home front consumption. White wall tires shown on several 109s were not a decoration, but an attempt to protect rubber tires from desert heat. On 30 August 1941. Schroer and his wingman attacked RAF Tomahawks over Tobruk, setting one on fire and claiming a victory. Unfortunately for the Axis powers, Schroer’s victim, Australian Clive Caldwell, although wounded and nursing a crippled aircraft, did not crash. Caldwell not only limped back to base, he shot down a 109 on the way, and ultimately was credited with 20 victories in the North African fighting. Schroer had scored 11 when he was appointed Staffelkapitane of 8./JG 27 in June 1942, then tallied another 11 victories in two weeks. Schroer’s 61 victories in North Africa with JG 27 made him the second leading ace of the Mediterranean Theater, after Hans Joachim Marseilles. After rising to command II./JG 27 in April 1943, Schroer was sent to lead III./JG 54 in March 1944. In July 1944 he was taken out of a combat role to lead the Unit Commander’s School. Schroer was named Kommodore of JG 3 ‘Udet’ in February 1945. His final score of 114 included 102 RAF and USAAF opponents (including 26 American four-engine bombers) and 12 Russians in only 197 missions. Werner Schroer died in 1985. Please note: This model comes with a Swastika decal that can optionally be applied to the tail for added authenticity. Limited Edition of 1200 pieces worldwide. Carousel 1 is a top maker of 1:48 airplanes and you can see it here: http://www.flyingmule.com/products/CA-7102 The Mule has been good to us this week and we'll ride her twice more. Our second pick from the air is a Witty 1:72 Falcon in a sweet tri-colored camo. This trip to greater Las Vegas will only cost you $24.99 at the Mule.  Witty Sky Guardians WTW72011-03 F-16D Falcon Diecast Model USAF 414th CTS Fighting Fulcrums, Nellis AFB, NV 1:72 Scale Length Width Lockheed F-16D Fighting Falcon 8.25" 5.25" The F-16 Fighting Falcon is a compact, multi-role fighter aircraft. It is highly maneuverable and has proven itself in air-to-air combat and air-to-surface attack. It provides a relatively low-cost, high-performance weapon system for the United States and allied nations. An optional metal display stand (WT-WTW72016S) is available separately if you wish to display this model "in-flight". Witty Sky Guardians The Witty "Sky Guardians" range presents detailed, ready-made diecast models of military aircraft. Witty have earned a reputation for producing high-quality models that can be displayed right out of the box. Witty "Sky Guardians" diecast airplanes feature:
http://www.flyingmule.com/products/WT-WTW72011-03 Our final selection this week is a weathered early war B-17E from the Corgi 1:72 line and the Mule. They only made 1,010 of these beauties and one can be yours for $79.99.  Tim's site will show you even more here: http://www.tricatus.co.uk/aa33312a.htm and here: http://www.tricatus.co.uk/aa33312.htm Corgi Aviation Archive Collector Series AA33312 B-17E Flying Fortress Diecast Model USAAF 19th BG, Malang, Java, February 1942 Limited Edition 1:72 Scale Length Width Boeing B-17E Flying Fortress 12.25" 17.25" By New Year’s Day 1942, 11 B-17s flew to a new base at Malang in Java. Their main target then was Japanese shipping. These B-17s were reinforced in January 1942 by some LB-30 Liberators and some new B-17Es of the 7th Bomb Group. Corgi Aviation Archive Collector Series The Corgi "Aviation Archive" presents highly-detailed, ready-made diecast models of military and civilian aircraft. The vast Aviation Archive range has become the standard by which all other diecast airplane ranges are judged. Each Corgi model is based on a specific aircraft from an important historical or modern era of flight, and has been authentically detailed from original documents and archival library material. Famous airplanes and aviators from both military and commercial airline aviation are all honored. Corgi "Aviation Archive" diecast airplanes feature:
Designed to meet a USAAC requirement for a multi-engined long-range bomber, the B17 was first flown on July 28th, 1935 as the Boeing Model 299. Used extensively in Europe and the Middle East, the B17 was operational in every theatre involving US forces during WWII with almost 13,000 aircraft eventually being produced. You can order one here: http://www.flyingmule.com/products/CG-AA33312
__________________
“A government big enough to give you everything you need is strong enough to take everything you have.” Thomas Jefferson--the first Democrat President
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#5
01-28-2008, 12:20 AM
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For the Week of January 27. 2008
We'll start this week with a 1:32 scale Forces of Valor Whirbelwind from Normandy and the Toy Federation for $29.95.
 The Flakpanzer IV Wirbelwind is one of the most distinguishable German WWII Tanks. Built on older and sometimes battle-damaged Panzer IV chassis, the Whirbelwind was an interim solution to defend against strong air assaults from allied aircraft. The Wirbelwind was armed with quadruple 20mm Flak 38 guns in an open top turret designed with 9 armored side panels. Order one here: http://www.thetoyfederation.com/xcar...4&cat=0&page=4 Our second AFV selection this week is on the other side of line from the Whirbelwind and is offered by Great Models for $48.55. From Tamiya in the 1:48 scale, it is:  Tamiya 1/48 TAM26521 Cromwell Mk.IV/Mk.VIII Finished A27M Category: Pre-Painted Armor Models 1/48 Professionally finished model. Die-cast lower hull. Accurately pre-painted and decals are pre-applied with weathering effects. Includes individually numbered display stand with nameplate. See if it has reach Caen yet by checking here: http://www.greatmodels.com/~smartcar...m_num=TAM26521 The Flying Mule's Inventory Reduction Sale continues with some changes to what is on sale. One of the items just added is this (among other) liveries of the Gemini Aces P-51B, and it's priced at just $19.99.  Gemini Aces GAUSA2004 P-51B Mustang Diecast Model USAAF 357th FG, 363rd FS, "Berlin Express", William Overstreet, RAF Leiston, England, 1944 Limited Edition 1:72 Scale Length Width North American P-51B Mustang 5.25" 6.25" One of the most valued modifications applied to USAAF Mustangs was to replace the standard flush canopy with the RAF ‘Malcolm’ hood. This afforded an already potent fighting machine even greater combat visibility. During the melee of a dogfight, this small advantage could be the difference between coming home, or not! ‘BERLIN EXPRESS’ carries the distinctive D-Day identification markings, applied specifically to reduce the possibility of friendly fire casualties. The P-51 Mustang has to be one of the most beautiful aircraft ever produced. It was developed following a British request for a new fighter in 1940, made to the newly formed North American Aviation Company. Initial engine problems plagued the design, but the combination of the Mustang and a Rolls Royce Merlin Engine proved a revelation. The aircraft was transformed into the world’s most potent fighting machine, possessing speed, endurance and firepower. The USAAF now had the ability to escort its bombers deep into Germany and the Mustang ensured the Allies gained air superiority. It also accounted for more enemy aircraft ‘kills’ in Europe than any other type, as overwhelming numbers systematically destroyed the Luftwaffe’s ability to fight! Gemini Aces The Gemini Jets "Gemini Aces" range presents highly-detailed, ready-made diecast models of military aircraft. Gemini Jets "Gemini Aces" diecast airplanes feature:
http://www.flyingmule.com/products/GJ-GAUSA2004 Our final selection this week is one of several liveries of the Franklin Mint 1:48 scale HE-111. Offered by the Mule for $55.00 and dressed for North Africa it is:  Franklin Mint Armour Collection B11E199 Heinkel He 111 Diecast Model Luftwaffe StG 3, North Africa, 1941 1:48 Scale Length WidthHeinkel He 111 13.5" 18.5" Franklin Mint Armour Collection The Franklin Mint "Armour Collection" presents diecast detailed, ready-made diecast models of military and civilian aircraft. Armour Collection diecast airplanes from The Franklin Mint require no gluing or painting. Each model is an instant display piece or diorama centerpiece straight from the box. Made from diecast metal and plastic components, the die cast airplanes in the Franklin Mint's Armour Collection are 100% true to scale. Franklin Mint "Armour Collection" diecast airplanes feature:
http://www.flyingmule.com/products/FM-B11E199
__________________
“A government big enough to give you everything you need is strong enough to take everything you have.” Thomas Jefferson--the first Democrat President
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#6
02-04-2008, 02:36 AM
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For the Week of February 3, 2008
The Giants have pulled the big upset in the Super Bowl and some of you are looking to spend some of your Vegas, Tahoe or Reno winnings on some new die cast. We're here to help you. However, we'll start with some AFV's priced for those of you who bet of the "sure thing" Pats.
From EDG and the Toy Headquarters, we feature a 1:43 scale Italian utility vehicle for $13.99. It is a 1:43, Sahariana Italy 1942, from EDG DieCast. Fully assembled and ready to display die-cast model. Italian utility vehicle in desert tan camouflage, includes plastic display case. Length about 4 inches.  Find it before the Allies do here: http://www.jjshobby.com/Shoppingcart...44c77f722a6651 At only $9.00 our second AFV is even more affordable. From the modern era, Dragon and Great Models, it is a 1:72 scale 1/72 DRR60082 Leopard 2A4 4./PanzerLehrbatallion 93. Newly tooled turrent, diecast chassis, authentic NATO camouflage, weathered track links and display case.  Here's the link: http://www.greatmodels.com/~smartcar...m_num=DRR60082 Our first warbird selection is a big 1:48 Franklin Mint twin engine World War II vintage U.S. bomber. Brought to you by Classic Closeouts for $59.99 with free shipping, it is B26 Marauder Flak Bait. The B-26B Marauder, also referred to as "Flak Bait" is an intricately crafted die-cast model airplane from the Armour Collection by the Franklin Mint. The B-26 Marauder was a result of the need for a new and improved medium size bomber that would fulfill the requirements of high speed, long range and a bomb load of 2,000 pounds. Length 14.125" Wingspan 17.75 inches/ 45.1cm Scale 1:48ITEM ID: 73912  Link to this rarely done bird here: http://www.classiccloseouts.com/items.asp?shopper_id=RJ1G602Z04L2008C60139079827&i id=73912&att_id=85 The Flying Mule continues to offer some very good buys with their inventory reduction sale and we'll feature some of them this week. Again from the Franklin Mint/Armour line, we feature another 1:48 U.S. World War II bomber. But this time it's a single engine carrier based, Pacific War classic for $35.00.  Franklin Mint Armour Collection B11B933 SBD Dauntless Diecast Model USN VB-3, Bottomly, Johnson, USS Yorktown CV-5, Battle of Midway 1:48 Scale Length Width Douglas SBD Dauntless 8.25" 10.5" The Franklin Mint "Armour Collection" presents diecast detailed, ready-made diecast models of military and civilian aircraft. Armour Collection diecast airplanes from The Franklin Mint require no glueing or painting. Each model is an instant display piece or diorama centerpiece straight from the box. Made from diecast metal and plastic components, the die cast airplanes in the Franklin Mint's Armour Collection are 100% true to scale. Franklin Mint "Armour Collection" diecast airplanes feature:
Lower your tailhook and land here: http://www.flyingmule.com/products/FM-B11B933 Gemini Aces put out excellent 1:72 scale World War II fighters. We will feature two of these from opposite sides of the conflict on sale at the Mule for just $19.99 a piece. The first is a P-51B flow by a Polish fighter pilot under the RAF.  GeminiAces GARAF2002 P-51B Mustang Diecast Model RAF No.133 (Polish) Wing, Stanislaw Skalski Limited Edition 1:72 Scale Length Width North American P-51B Mustang 5.25" 6.25" The RAF referred to its P-51’s as Mustang III’s and made an immediate modification. Combat visibility was considered too poor for European operations, out of the standard ‘hinged’ canopy, so RAF machines were fitted with a ‘bulged’ sliding canopy, known as the ‘Malcolm Hood’. The resultant variant was considered the best fighting machine of the P-51 series, although later models carried more armament. RAF Mustangs were used extensively against the V-1 Flying Bomb threat to Southern England, in the latter stages of the War. Designed to meet an urgent British requirement for fighters for the Royal Air Force, the P51 was first flown on October 26th, 1940. The P-51 Mustang has to be one of the most beautiful aircraft ever produced. It was developed following a British request for a new fighter in 1940, made to the newly formed North American Aviation Company. Initial engine problems plagued the design, but the combination of the Mustang and a Rolls Royce Merlin Engine proved a revelation. The aircraft was transformed into the world’s most potent fighting machine, possessing speed, endurance and firepower. The USAAF now had the ability to escort its bombers deep into Germany and the Mustang ensured the Allies gained air superiority. It also accounted for more enemy aircraft ‘kills’ in Europe than any other type, as overwhelming numbers systematically destroyed the Luftwaffe’s ability to fight! The Gemini Jets "GeminiAces" range presents highly-detailed, ready-made diecast models of military aircraft. Gemini Jets "GeminiAces" diecast airplanes feature:
http://www.flyingmule.com/products/GJ-GARAF2002 Our last Super Bowl week selection is the beautiful and deadly Bf 109F. This one was flown by Hermann Graf on the Eastern Front in early 1942.  GeminiAces GALFT3005 Messerschmitt Bf 109F Diecast Model Luftwaffe 9./JG 52, "Yellow 1", Hermann Graf, Kharkov, Russia, January 1942 Limited Edition 1:72 Scale Length WidthMesserschmitt Bf 109F 5" 5.5" Hermann Graf was one of the most gifted fighter pilots of WWII – he was also one of the most controversial! As with most Luftwaffe pilots, Graf gained his first flying experiences on the hillsides of Germany, piloting various gliders. Following his formal training, he was eventually posted to Russia, in support of Operation Barbarossa. Here he would begin to display his abilities in aerial combat and quickly rose to prominence as he decimated his Russian opponents. During a three week period in early 1942, Graf shot down 48 enemy aircraft and in the following September, a further 64 aircraft fell to his guns. Graf ended the war with 212 aerial victories, having flown more than 830 sorties. He was one of the most decorated Luftwaffe pilots of the Second World War. When thinking of the Luftwaffe in WWII, it is the Messerschmitt Bf 109 that immediately springs to mind. This was the most widely used of all the German fighters and was produced in huge numbers, initially serving during the Spanish Civil War. The Bf 109F (Friedrich) was the most handsome variant of this famous fighter, whilst remaining a lethal fighting machine. It displayed much sleeker lines than the more angular “Emil” and enjoyed huge success in the deserts of North Africa and the Russian Steppe. Flown by many of the world’s highest scoring Air “Aces’, the Me 109F concentrated its awesome firepower through the nose of the aircraft. This feature allowed many novice pilots to gain aerial victories and valuable combat experience, early in their careers. The Gemini Jets "GeminiAces" range presents highly-detailed, ready-made diecast models of military aircraft. Gemini Jets "GeminiAces" diecast airplanes feature:
http://www.flyingmule.com/products/GJ-GALFT3005
__________________
“A government big enough to give you everything you need is strong enough to take everything you have.” Thomas Jefferson--the first Democrat President
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