WhirlyBird to close

[Nick]

Whirlybird Models made this announcement on FB yesterday. They will leave a gap in the helicopter model market.

2 Exciting pieces of news from Whirlybird!
20th Anniversary Sale
Whirlybird began with the launch of two decal sheets at Telford 2001. Sadly we couldn't be there this year to celebrate our 20 years, so instead we decided to have a Grand Sale as a big thank you to all of our loyal customers and friends.
20% off EVERYTHING in stock!
Here is a link to our sale pricelist (http://whirlybirdmodels.com/docs/pricelist.pdf), if it is not on the list, it isn't in stock. Some items are low stock, so be quick with your orders, so you don't miss out.

Retirement announcement
We are sad to announce that Roger has decided to retire.  Various health issues over the last couple of years (for both of us, in fact) have led us to conclude that it is now time to step back. We are greatly indebted to all those who have freely given their time, assistance and knowledge in so many ways over the years – thank you so much.
Whirlybird, as you know it, will stop trading on 31st January 2022.  Will will offer our sale pricing until then.
We are looking for a buyer, so if you fancy taking over Whirlybird, please get in contact with us, as we would love to see the range continue to be available.
Roger and Dave Evans
PS: We have one last product announcement to make, so expect another e-mail in the next few days

[Freightdog862]

I spoke to Roger yesterday and placed an order, items are selling fast so if you want anything get your orders in soon.

Colin

[NARSES2]

Shame when a company goes, but at least it's their decision. Hopefully someone will take the range on.

[Freightdog862]

Yes, I'm sure it will carry on in some form (bit too much for me to take on unfortunately). Telford won't be the same without buying something from the Whilybird stand.

Colin

[Nick]

I emailed an order to them on Sunday but no reply yet. Is this normal or should I phone up just in case?

[The Wooksta!]

I phoned in an order on Saturday, and Roger said that they preferred email orders as he's sufferng from long Vivid.  He does sound like he's had it bad, so I understand why he wants to retire.

[Freightdog862]

I emailed order on Saturday and he sent me a PayPal invoice the next day. He said he had lots of orders coming in so I'd give him a few more days to catch up.

Colin

[Freightdog862]

My delivery arrived yesterday. Got a few sets including the Supermarine 545 vac/resin kit which had gone under my radar. quite a comprehensive resin upgrade (including all the metal parts now in black/green resin instead, and resin tailplanes to save sanding your finger tips off getting the vac ones together).

Only slight niggle is the original Maintrack decals, I know it didn't fly but it would have been nice to include a 'What-if' prototype scheme had it lingered on as a trials aircraft.  Quite tempted to order another one, just in case Roger doesn't find a buyer.

Colin   

[The Wooksta!]

The 545 sounds good. I'd be tempted to grab another.   Finished the Maintrack original, albeit with several Hunter parts (the undercarriage on the photos of the type at Cranfield show a Hunter nose gear certainly).  Highly enjoyable kit.

[PR19_Kit]

The 545? Was that the Super Swift, with the semi-crescent wings and the funny twin-nostril nose intake?

If so that was at Cranfield when I was there doing my HND in the late 60s, and looked pretty advanced at the time.

[The Wooksta!]

That's the fella.

The production version would have had an F86 style nose, with the radar nose larger and moved up.  The two seat trainer, the 554, looks even better.

[Freightdog862]

A quick reminder to order from Whirlybird before the end of January. Not sure what Roger will do with the business, or if he has a buyer. Its likely any remaining stock will go to Aviation Megastore in the Netherlands, as I think they were the only stockist of the range other than buying direct. Not ideal for UK customers as their shipping is pretty steep.

I've just ordered a P.1121 (their last one) and a Supermarine 525, as I've never had that one before.

Colin

[Gondor]

I've just ordered a P.1121 (their last one) and a Supermarine 525, as I've never had that one before.

Colin

Well that blows any chance of me buying any more. Just as well I have bought two and have a Maintrack one in the Stash.

Gondor

[Freightdog862]

Hopefully someone will step in and take over, sadly not me. Then the kits will be available again, but it might take a while.

Colin