1/72 Airfix Fairey Rotodyne

by Gabriel Stern

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Given the fact that Steve seems to have more space and that I am in the process of moving houses -read not being able to build anything- I disinterred this couple of shots of a known beast: the Airfix Fairey Rotodyne.
If you like rivets, weird birds and old molds, this is for you. I built this one many moons ago, so by gentle on your critic :-)
This kit seems to prove that the proverbial "Rosie the Riveter" was well and alive by the time the aircraft was produced, and very enthusiastic too. I remember putting the fuselage molds to good use -before building the model- in filing wood, scraping wallpaper and sanding some bricolage projects. They are also good for peeling potatoes and other hard-skinned vegetables.
In all, the kit stance is magnificent in its alternativeness, and building doesn't present any issues other than mild cases of temporary madness.
I have no access to the model now -my son inherited it, whatever wanting it or not- so just these two images are available.
Since this is a well documented apparatus -many images on the Net- you won't have trouble finding references; but the more you know about it the more you will look at the molds in a suspicious way. Just kidding. It is a fair rendition filled with nostalgia -for lacking of anything else, since the interior is mostly empty. A basic cockpit is provided that would be suitable in its simplicity for a two year old piloting the machine. The decals are -were- good but you have to match the "French blue" -a perfect color choice being this a British machine-  for some details that you have to paint by yourself. Beware that it is a potential tail sitter. I found on Youtube movies showing it....Flying!!!!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y9633v6U0wo

Gabriel

 

Photos and text © by Gabriel Stern