FROG 358P Fairey Rotodyne

FROG 358P Fairey Rotodyne, International Model Aircraft ltd, 1959

Trade Notes The TRIANG Toy Fair included the range of International Model Aircraft and brought many new items to light, most impressive being the two versions of the new Frog 349 diesel, and the new range of World War II fighters to 1/72nd scale in plastic. Retailing at 2s. 9d., the W.W. II series includes the Kittyhawk, Typhoon, Thunderbolt, Focke Wulf 190 (radial version) and Zero. Each is moulded in the underside colour and will, we are sure, more than satisfy those who demand a high standard of accuracy in detail. Among new kits yet to appear under the FROG label is a fine 49s. 6d. Hawker Tempest control-line pre-fab 26*in. span model with plastic moulded pilot, nylon bellcrank, nylon spinner and scale wheels. Included in the projected range of plastics are: Fairey Rotodyne, Spitfire II, Blenheim I, Hampden, Wellington. Dragon Rapide, all to 1/72nd scale and the 1/96th scale Lancaster. AeroModeller, APRIL 1959, VOLUME XXIV, No. 279 Trade Notes Frog's another top-class kit just out from the I.M.A. factory is their plastic Fairey Rotodyne. It is quite the most involved of plastics and a fascinating model to make up, and, moreover, to a very high standard of accuracy. We spotted the model on display at Fairey's stand. Farnborough— a sure testimonial to its authenticity. AeroModeller OCTOBER 1959 VOLUME XXIV No. 285 Over the counter FROG The latest addition to the FROG "World War Fighters" series of 1/72nd plastic models is Spitfire. Much care has been devoted to the preparation of this model, particularly around the engine cowling, the exact shape of which seems to elude most manufacturers. Production of the long awaited Rotodyne is also well advanced, and it may be in the shop by the time this issue appears. Other FROG plastics in preparation are the Blenheim, Hampden and Wellington. Altough no price has yet been fixed they will probably retail for around 3s 6d each, and will, we are sure, be extremly popular. Model Aircraft october 1959 Over the counter Under 1 pound An aircraft in the news at the present time is the Fairey Rotodyne and FROG have a 1/72nd scale plastic kit of this fascinating machine. The mouldings are neat, the front door opens, and the rotor hub is well detaild. When mounted on the stand, included with the kit, this makes an impressive model with a rotor diameter of almost 15 in! price is 12s 6d. Model Aircraft december 1959 1959 This was a vintage year for FROG plastic kits. The January 1st retail list introduces a 1/96 Air France Caravelle and five 1/72 World War 2 fighters, the Typhoon, Thunderbolt, Kittyhawk, Zero and FW 190. A later list issued in May adds a 1 /72 Fairey Rotodyne helicopter, a 1/96 Lancaster and five more well-known names. Of these, the Spitfire (at last) is 1/72 while the others, Blenheim, Hampden, Wellington and (oddly) a DH89 Dragon Rapide are to mixed scales giving a common retail price of 3/6 (17 1/2p). Opinions were obviously still divided as to the merits of all kits being to a standard scale as against the need to keep prices to a pocket money level. The total of new releases for the year was therefore 13 and many of them were "fundamental" subjects i.e. names that the man in the street recognised- IMA were thus appealing to the impulse purchase market rather more than to the aircraft enthusiast, following Airfix instead of trying to carve their own niche in the market. As Airfix were very successful this was probably the right policy at the time. The FROG range ran to 44 models and was starting to become a significant factor in IMA's turnover. In business it is good practice to chase after successful lines and IMA went off shopping for more mould leasing arrangements to boost 1960. 358P 1959-1963 C2 (3000) 1xCivil Had the highest parts count of any Frog kit to date and was also the first to include any interior detail (this was made necessary by the large cockpit canopy). But even though it was a good kit for its days, it did not survive the cancelation of the real Rotodyne. FROG model aircraft 1932-1976, R. Lines, L. Hellstrom

Tri-ang 358P Fairey Rotodyne, Tri-ang PdC SA, 1963

Airfix Fairey Rotodyne

Trade Notes

Two views of Airfix's Rotodyne display opening doors and fine detail with authentic colour scheme. Undercarriage is retractable, elevators are moveable and rotor head spins.

No less than 115 separate pieces go to make up what must really be the greatest value ever in the plastics market. We refer to Airftx's Rotodyne, pictured above. This is no one evening knock-up, it's a model that deserves lots of attention and at 6s. with moving parts, and current livery transfers, the Rotodyne is sure to be a rousing success.

Airfix have made this kit their pride and joy with full justification and if what we know of their future programme materialises to plan, modellers can expect even more pleasant plastic kit surprises before the year is out.

AeroModeller 1959-11

Model Talks
Rotating Rotodyne
Here's your chance to build a plastic model that works—for less than ten bob!

One of the most intriguing kits on the market today is undoubtedly the Airfix model of the Fairey Rotodyne (price 6s.). Designed to 1/72nd scale, it is a fairly large model, it looks complicated, yet it is a pleasure to build. What is more, it is an excellent kit for anyone who wishes to try and fit one of the Rip-Max electric motors mentioned on this page last month.

Motor installation in Rotodyne

The motor needed is the tiny " Super Q Atom " (price 3s. 3d.). Fitting it into the Rotodyne is a simple matter. First file two flat sides on the end of the longer spindle and cut a corresponding slot into the base of the rotor hub. The spindle and hub should be a tight fit; if they are not, they can be joined together with a little cement. Next lay the rotor hub into position at the top of the fuselage pylon and you will find that the lower end of the motor comes to about 3/16ths of an inch above the floor. Cut slightly more than this length off one of the moulding stems in the kit and scoop a hole in one end to carry the other end of the spindle (allowing the spindle to turn this time). Cement the stem to the cabin floor immediately below the rotor hub and your kit is already motorised (see diagram). There is no need to anchor the motor laterally as it does not have room to turn round inside the fuselage. Use a smear of Vaseline to lubricate friction-bearing surfaces.

All that is necessary now is to make a small hole in the floor for the wires and then you can join together the fuselage halves and proceed with the construction of the model.

Finishing Tips

You should make it a general rule to paint all models before they are completely assembled. This enables you to have better control over brush and transfers for intricate work. In the Rotodyne this is particularly important—finish all fuselage details before fixing the wings and rotors. Airfix have made a slight slip-up with their fuselage transfers. The Fairey insignia for the forward fuselage is printed in blue—and it goes over a blue background! This makes an effective disappearing trick and the best way out is to take your brush and join up the white cheat line over the insignia. The Rotodyne was, at one time, to be seen without the Fairey badge in this position so your finish will still be correct. Do not forget to continue the white line between the windows.

With the model completed 1 suggest that you place it on a wooden base and conceal batteries and wiring below. Any 3-volt torch battery will spin the rotors round at quite an impressive rate. A small " pencil " battery is quite sufficient: large 3-volt batteries will not make the model work any faster but they will, of course, last longer.

RAF Flying Review December 1959 Vol. XV. No. 4