This large and experimental helicopter-aircraft combination should have been used for large loads and passengers or troop transport. The Fairey Rotodyne prototype flew for the first time in November 1957 and was to be shown three years later at the Farnborough Air Show. Power was provided by two Napier Eland engines plus compressed air propulsion at the rotor tips for a vertical take off. The Rotodyne could take about 60 passengers at a cruising speed of 298 km/u and a flight range of 724 km. BEA as well as New York Airways were interested but owing to growing delivery times and financing problems, the project later was halted.Model-details:- One fuselage half with view into the interior- Finely detailed surfaces with engraved panel lines- Detailed interior with 20 seats- 5 passenger figures en stewardesses- Cockpit with 2 pilot figures- Luggage compartment and radio compartment- Tail doors can be built in open position- Optional view into rotor mechanism- Rotating propellers- Detailed main rotor and rotor blades- Decals for the prototype versionColors: 4 56 57 90 314
D**W
The shape of things that didn't come
Airfix, Frog and Revell all released models of this doomed experimental aircraft back in the 60's with the Revell kit being the best overall due to its excellent interior detail displayable by way of detechable panels. The surface panel details are engraved - unusual for a kit of this vintage, along with the rivets giving the model a suprisingly contemporary appearence. Even though the Fairey Rotodyne didn't come to commercial fruition it is a joy to see this fine kit available again after so long. Grab one while you can!
F**E
NOT 1:32 scale. It's 1:78.
Where as it may well be a fine kit it is in 1:78 scale and not as advertised twice as 1:32. This makes a huge difference if you're a keen modler.I feel somewhat cheaters.
G**X
rotodyne
Le kit est de 1960 et au 1/78,le montage est difficille et compliqué et il y a des bavures (le moule a plus de 50 ans!!).Malgré l'échelle ce kit est intéréssant et est bien détaillé et gravé en creux .Les décalques sont bien imprimés et de bonne qualité il y a aussi le rotodyne airfix et frog au 1/72 mais plus basique....
J**N
Fairey Rotodyne Is excellent
Well, I received this model at least a week ahead of time it was posted to arrive and that was a plus. There was no 'tracking' available so I had no idea if it was going to arrive early. I just recently heard about this phenominal aircraft and it really should have been put into production. I wonder what could have been. The model pieces are a silvery-gray color inside the box. It is almost H.O. 1:87 scale for model railroading purposes. The figures are almost identical to h.o. people. I was considering giving it a military themed paint scheme since, in real life, it was being planned on usage for military purposes as well as civilian transport and I would consider doing this...if I were able to get another for originality's sake. I can't wait to put this model together and put it on display. I am pleased with the length of time for delivery considering it was shipped from the U.K.
Trustpilot
1 day ago
2 weeks ago
