Bristol 142M Blenheim I Scale 1/79
| 395P | 1959-1963 | D | } (40000) | 1xRAF |
| F395 | 1964 only | D | 1xRAF |
FROG model aircraft 1932-1976, R. Lines, L. Hellstrom
|
|
Over the counter
FROG
In their 2s 9d range plastics, latest are the Thunderbolt, Typhoon, Kittyhawk and Fw190. The plastic parts are moulded in the colour of the undersides of the respective aircraft so that only the upper surface need camouflage. Future additions will include the Wellington, Hapmden, Spitfire, Lancaster, D.H.Rapide and Blenheim.
Model Aircraft april 1959
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
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 pockei 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.
FROG model aircraft 1932-1976, R. Lines, L. Hellstrom
|
