Rotodyne and Convertiplane Themed Build

Mossie · June 13, 2012, 08:15:45 AM

This year marks the fiftieth anniversary of the cancellation of the Fairey Rotodyne. What better way to mark this then with a group build?

The Rotodyne is one of those great might have beens, killed off despite showing great promise. Despite only a single prototype being flown, there are several kits available. Airfix's 1/72 kit is old but serviceable and still around as it was re-released a few years ago. Revell's 1/78 kit is lovely for it's age, if in a slightly unusual scale, available even more recentley. Anigrand did a 1/144 resin kit, although only available as a 'secret' kit with their Sentinel R.1. Shed Models do a 1/200 kit in resin, it's nice but expensive. The Frog kit is difficult to find, a collectors item now.

So build a Rotodyne oob, bash it, or create a production version, upgrade, competitor or replacement from something else. If it's a convertiplane it's in (so that includes aircraft like the V-22), but more kudos if it's tip driven.

Rotodyne thread: http://www.whatifmodelers.com/index.php/topic,20519.0/highlight,rotodyne.html
Profiles: http://www.whatifmodelers.com/index.php/topic,12245.0/highlight,rotodyne.html
Who's in???

Simon.

PR19_Kit · June 13, 2012, 08:26:21 AM

Count me in, even though the real thing was the prime reason I have to wear a hearing aid now.

TallEng · June 13, 2012, 08:45:51 AM

I'll have a go

as long as I can use my already started one.
(I think it's lived in the D.N.F. Box for long enough!)
Regards
Keith

coolpop6307 · June 13, 2012, 09:06:01 AM

sounds fun if i can find a rotodyne.

Spey_Phantom · June 13, 2012, 09:06:14 AM

i'd be in for this one, i have a rotodyne in the stash that was meant for the VTOL GB, but never started it

good reason to blow the dust of this project

lancer · June 13, 2012, 09:12:11 AM

I could be interested in this. It might actually get me building again....Not built a damm thing this year..yet!

Weaver · June 13, 2012, 09:17:33 AM

I can't commit to building anything at the moment, but I do have a Rotodyne idea on my list, so you never know.

One of the good things about the Revell kit's odd 1/78th scale is that it's actually closer to 1/76th HO/OO ground vehicles and/or railway models than 1/72nd, so it's ideal for dioramas. Central London-to-central Paris car ferry perhaps? (and no, that isn't my idea).

Mossie · June 14, 2012, 12:29:08 AM

Kit, build it as a 'What if Kit wasn't Mutt and Jeff', socks stuffed in the tipjets, pillows around the engines!

Keith, yep, no problem with that!

Coolpop, the Revell kit is only recenltey oop, there are should still be some available. Quick check on US ebay shows there are some available to you, if not there are plenty around here in the UK and Europe if you're willing to pay shipping.

Nils, yep, needs to be ressurected that one!

Lance, do it!

Harold, be glad to have you if can. Car Ferry would be good, someone here did some shipbucket profiles of the Rotodyne in British United Air Ferries colours. Channel Air Bridge or Silver City would be good too. S&M decals do a number of 1/72 decals for British airlines, including all those three.
http://www.shipbucket.com/forums/viewtopic.php?f=20&t=1510
http://www.tahs.com/ (clik on Kit Catalogue, Decals, S&M Decals)

TallEng · June 14, 2012, 01:38:31 AM

Thanks Mossie,

Very interesting links
What are Silk screen printed decals like? Are they much thicker than normal ones?

So many schemes to choose from!

Regards
Keith (who used to be indecisive but isn't so sure now)

Mossie · June 14, 2012, 05:20:35 AM

I've never used them, but I don't think they're any thicker. The decal film and inks used are standard, it's just a low tech process that is used.

coolpop6307 · June 14, 2012, 07:15:21 AM

Quote from: Mossie on June 14, 2012, 12:29:08 AM
Kit, build it as a 'What if Kit wasn't Mutt and Jeff', socks stuffed in the tipjets, pillows around the engines!

Keith, yep, no problem with that!

Coolpop, the Revell kit is only recenltey oop, there are should still be some available. Quick check on US ebay shows there are some available to you, if not there are plenty around here in the UK and Europe if you're willing to pay shipping.

Nils, yep, needs to be ressurected that one!

Lance, do it!

Harold, be glad to have you if can. Car Ferry would be good, someone here did some shipbucket profiles of the Rotodyne in British United Air Ferries colours. Channel Air Bridge or Silver City would be good too. S&M decals do a number of 1/72 decals for British airlines, including all those three.
http://www.shipbucket.com/forums/viewtopic.php?f=20&t=1510
http://www.tahs.com/ (clik on Kit Catalogue, Decals, S&M Decals)

Oh okay I will most likely be getting is this takes off, Thanks.

Mossie · June 14, 2012, 07:36:56 AM

Just to get people in the mood and because I need little excuse to post it, here's the Fairey Film Unit video on the Rotodyne:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y9633v6U0wo

coolpop6307 · June 14, 2012, 08:09:45 AM

That was awesome.

NARSES2 · June 15, 2012, 08:29:57 AM

If there's enough of you commited to this I'll set the board up with Mossie as mod' Remember that there dosn't need to be a time limit unless you really want one

coolpop6307 · June 19, 2012, 07:01:48 AM

Well I just got a rotodyne just in case this takes off.