Airfix's 1/72 Fairey Rotodyne (Full Build)

Yeah I know, a very niche subject, looking like something out of Thunderbirds. But it's an itch that I've wanted to scratch for a very long time, so, before my eyes and patience go, I went for it. The Rotodyne has a fascinating history. There was a great programme about it on the History Channel some time ago. One option I looked at was the Westland version with roundels and fin flashes and a central fin or even the brightly coloured 'what if' BEA version. It's a shame about the Rotodyne. Like other forward thinking British designs, it never came to fruition.
Just released 01/01/22 on KZbin, Joluqa Malta has a video on this very subject. Well worth watching.

[@zooniethelazoon]

For the record, and thanks to the David Gibbings book, the blue paint is Pantone 2746. I actually tried to buy Rotodyne back in 1962 when it was cancelled. I offered all my saved pocket money for it - 14/6d!!! Fairey wrote back that it would cost much more than that in fuel. I was 9. The apprentices at White Waltham built and sent me the Revell kit, and I made local and national press. The local press even arranged a helicopter flight for me out of Biggin Hill. My 15 minutes of fame. Still have the cuttings.gb

[@pandaphil]

Theres nothing I enjoy more than seeing old, badly done kits given a new lease on life. Nicely done!

[@raymond7880]

Well done! Beautiful model. I never built it then but I did build Hampdens, B-25s, 1/144 Comet, Concorde etc..

[@brianartillery]

I built one of these ages, and I mean ages, ago. It was a fascinating vehicle, that, to me, evokes craft seen in the 'Dan Dare' strip in the Eagle comic. A real shame that it never, if you will excuse me, took off. Having seen footage of the prototype in action, they would have been lovely to see as everyday aircraft. Yet another sad example of the 'It's brilliant... But I don't think so' attitude of British aviation, in the 1950's and 60's.

[@drewski6843]

Love these autogiro. They need to bring these back to life. Greetings from California.

[@stephenlittle7534]

OMG I DID THAT KIT. It was for a Model Badge in my Boy Scouts days. OMG. I also did a picture of it for my Artist Badge. Good old days. I took great care on the cockpit too. I painted the dials on myself and the handle of the joysticks. And the helmets to white. I still remember that. Thanks. I will be 69 in February. 😃

[@michaelshort7297]

I build kits, you're a modeler there's a ridiculously huge difference. I'm living vicariously through your builds. Thank you for sharing all of this with us. I also understand that there's time involved for editing and uploading all of this content just sayin. Another beautiful model!

[@MrVolvobloke]

Thats such a great build! So distinctive I love to see people build and improve on the the old kits that we can all relate to without spending hundreds of pounds on resin and etched parts. Please dig deep into your stash and resurrect a few more classics ! Thank you for posting!

[@GregsModels]

Couldn't agree more!

[@paultanker5606]

G'Day, I picked a kit up at Car Boot sale many years ago for $5.00, I painted it in RAAF scheme, added rocket pods to the wings and a mini gun in the doorway, used it for years in War Gaming!

[@MillwalltheCat]

Excellent work. The masking was an enormous effort. I doff my hat to you sir.

[@patrickstack5185]

I built this kit as a fairly skilled modeler, I was quite satisfied with the results until I just now viewed this video. Your method of addressing the dismal fit of front clear bits ended with an excellent appearance, and the side passenger windows finish was really creative, great work. The painted trim is perfect, a creative and very well turned out model, thanks for the video and narrative, I fully enjoyed it. Patrick

[@marksixofone4104]

Spectacular build, a joy to watch from start to finish.

[@timwingham8952]

Thank you for your time and patience, and for bringing this kit to life. Wonderful work. These 60 plus year old kits are my childhood.

[@barryrudge1576]

This takes me back, I first built this kit from Airfix around 1950-1960.

[@michaelmorgan9824]

I built one of these back in the 1960's and you have done a great build! I was 13 or so when I built mine and you have done the kit proud!

[@stuff31]

the designers of this chopper must've been like "but what if we put the propellers on TOP of the submarine?"

[@polheg1]

Built one in the early 70's. Brings back memories.

[@mikecygk]

I imagine that's one of the nicest builds of that model ever done. Just beautiful.

[@3thedward]

I love this original old Airfix Kits it‘ a time Travel trip for me Greetings Edward

[@anthonyroberts7987]

Greg, watching this brought a big smile to my face. What a beauty! You are joy to watch building the wide range of kits you show us with your videos. This one is superb! Airfix rules!

[@bradleywhit8159]

You knocked this kit out of the park. Truly something to be proud of. I love these kind of videos.

[@basfinnis]

Hah, great stuff. I remember building this when I was young. Covered in glue and gloss paint 😘

[@Russianpaintrain]

Your a better man then me , I fought that kit for ever , never worked a such a mis match kit in my life , if I wasnt so young then , I may have taken up drinking and smokeing at 9 years old , well done on your build sir !

[@airfixer9461]

A build well done, amazing what a modeller can do with those old vintage kits.

[@glynchivers9519]

I made this kit about 50 years ago, it didn't seem that bad then, but things have moved on a lot since then. You've done a cracking job as always, thanks for the trip down memory lane.

[@rogergardner6537]

Considering what you were working with that is a great result, it certainly captures the character of the prototype 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻. Thanks for the builds and happy new year!

[@jonwills9160]

Next time I want a silk purse made from a sow's ear I know where to come. This was one of the earliest kits I ever made in the '70's and I never expected one could look so good! great job!

[@sevenowls7776]

Dammit, that's belting! Also giving me childhood flashbacks! Marvellous!!

[@jonathanhudak2059]

Beautiful work! Love your channel, what you did with this old girl is nothing short of amazing, congratulations on such a fine fine build 👏

[@brianwatson1965]

Greg, for a 60 year odd kit, it's beautiful.....you've done it justice!, to me your one of the top modeller's on youtube.

[@GregsModels]

So nice of you to say.

[@BAGHEAD1995]

Just superb. Shows what can be done with those old kits. Kind of reminds me of the promotional models they would have sent the airline companies at the time, especially on its stand. Love it!.

[@brianhurley6289]

👏 Amazing how you done the windows so good and the beautiful paint job. Really takes this old kit to a different level!!!

[@neverheadz]

I am really enjoying your content, Greg. I like the subjects you choose to model (the more esoteric or just out there, the better), they're cleanly built, and look really good by the time you finish them.

[@pjb5757]

Hi Greg it's great seeing you resurrect some of them older kits, it makes me feel young again watching you work with them. A methodical approach has paid off for you again, your model looks better than the real thing. Happy New year to you from NZ.😉 I'm looking forward to seeing your next builds.

[@GregsModels]

Thanks, have a great 2022

[@telescopereplicator]

OMG, Greg.......... I could not have wished for a better start of the new year !! Thank you !!!!

[@billgalloway1799]

I bought one of these for years after visiting the museum in Early but could never face the re scribing snd re riveting. Looks great as you did it so maybe this year. Thanks.

[@arclementsjr]

Thanks for making this how-to video, I'm inspired to pull out my Airfix kit and start working on it sooner than later this year.

[@garyhewitt489]

Ah the old kits. What can I say. We were easily pleased back then. My first was the obligatory 1/72 Airfix Spitfire. My favourite were the English Electric Lightening ( still my favourite looking jet. And the Douglas Skyraider ( I stuck every available bomb or rocket on that sucker ) After a service life suspended by cotton from the ceiling of my bedroom they all succumbed to a fiery Viking funeral of lighter fluid, black powder and bangers usually around the dieing season of November.

[@sliuman]

Lovely job, Greg! I can remember seeing this kit as a child. To see you doing it proud over 20 minutes, but what for you must have been weeks, is a joy. Like others have said, you have to do many, many more old kits!

[@GregsModels]

It took me around two weeks on and off, then about three days editing hours of video. But it's worth it for all the great comments like yours 👍

[@freddyt9140]

In the words of the late Roy Castle ‘dedication is what you need’, unbelievable that you stuck with that and produced an excellent finished model. Bravo 👏

[@22Phantasm]

The good old Airfix flying machine stand.... takes me back. You, Sir, are a patient and understanding modeller taking on this ye olde model. She looks gorgeous.

[@corkcamden9878]

Excellent set of skills you have there. Very evident this ain't your first rodeo. I really enjoy watching someone who knows what he's about. Much appreciated, Greg! Cork from the hills of Virginia.

[@GregsModels]

Thank you

[@davidslobod5726]

Outstanding work! You have far more patience than I could ever muster.

[@eddielane72]

Amazing work... once again!! Your attention to detail and execution is second to none. Thanks for sharing your talents with us . Take care.

[@GregsModels]

Cheers Edward 👍

[@LTModels]

Amazing work as always. Thank you for sharing and being such an inspiration to us.

[@local56]

Great job, thoroughly enjoyed watching you work.

[@johntreloar8203]

That actually turned out looking good, great work.

[@llama1910]

This was one of the most interesting build videos I watched in a very long time. Stunning endresult!

[@GregsModels]

Thank you! 😊

[@KLOSTER777]

Congratulations , the sanding of the raised panel lines and the riveting really brings the model to a higher standard

[@glenflanderka6504]

Lovely work. Really great to see what can be done with a bit of patience and a lot of skill.

[@pcj3405]

Beautiful! Had my doubts at first but you pulled it off nicely. Great job! I have never seen that kit before but i remember those old kits with the heavy surface detail and let's just say "rough fits" but i loved them any way. Those were the days when you could find kits and supplies just about anywhere. Thank's!

[@grahamrushall6044]

Exquisite! Really well done Greg. Loved how the colors came out and the subtle detailing with pencils came out. Happy New Year!

[@milpopo]

This is a great channel- highly competent modeller, enjoyable subject matter, simple and effective format. This is my joint favourite modelling channel, the other being Uncle Nightshift. 👍

[@GregsModels]

Nightshift, now that's a honour!

[@7Markandrews]

Nailed that mate, looks superb. Fantastic attention paid to the originality, loved the passenger cut out, all added to the overall ambience of the build.

[@GregsModels]

Cheers Mark, you and your family have a great 2022.

[@70053morayfirth]

I saw this flying at Farnborough and we all thought it was the future of city to city travel. I also built this kit but you have brought this fascinating plane back to life. Shame those tip jets were so noisy as otherwise it might have been a big success.

[@johnjephcote7636]

I saw it there as well. I later saw the parts in a scrap lorry on Scots Hill, Rickmansworth, Herts. Fairey did improvements and research with the jet tip nozzles but after Westland took it on, the Government killed the further idea of development that BEA wanted.

[@jonhill3328]

Great model and love the honesty involved in the build process.

[@karlosmitz3027]

Impressive how you beat this one into submission! Stunning build!

[@jetsofthecoldwar1149]

Wow, what a fabulous build and finish. Sanding the rivet detail off was definitely a good idea. Will remember that if I ever build this kit.

[@Mike-mm4mx]

Beautiful work, well done. No way I could attempt such a project so I just enjoy your skills and finished masterpiece!

[@peterjohnson350]

Great finished product. Wonderful paint work. I applaud your patience.

[@craigwest8386]

That was brilliant Greg. Very nicely finished, a joy to see. Excellent video production.

[@jonkirman6946]

Happy new year Greg great build simple uncomplicated no need to take out bank loan for fancy photo etch great result stay safe jon

[@paulgrooveside2803]

Wow, that's a beautiful model! I made one in the 1970s when I was a boy, I have another one bought from ebay in my cellar. Your video will be a useful guide to building it! Thank you!

[@Axl_Pose]

A new year and a new build from Greg, hell yeah!

[@gregtaylor6146]

That Sir, was stunningly good, in the face of some adversity. Thank you for sharing it with us.

[@GregsModels]

My pleasure!!

[@scottuehlinger7887]

I have the same Vintage kit in my stash. I bought it for about $10 several years ago. This has inspired me to build this kit in 2022!

[@paulwilkins3749]

fantastic build on a kit as old as me lil,thank you for all the tips and hints

[@captainkensmith2973]

Stunning video & many thanks for allowing us to watch a master model maker at work !!!

[@GregsModels]

Cheers Ken

[@AMPROEngineering]

Nicely done. Absolutely stunning and far beyond my abilities. Keep up the good work

[@wojciech7157]

I have seen quite a lot of modellers on YT, but you are definitevly one of the best! You make a lot of details on your own, those are always fantastic, and like here, you dare to struggle with some old kits which require a lot of additional work. Your models are beautiful! Beautifully painted, with delicate, not exagerated weathering. I'd love to be able to make such models.

[@GregsModels]

Thank you very much 👍

[@Dave174385]

Just superb, as always Greg.

[@_Dimitris]

Mate you are a Hero even with the thought to build that kit not only building it !!!!!! Wonderful result well done. I'm always attracted to "weird" plane designs and also to exotic air force markings.

[@markneal1175]

Hi Greg great to have you back, you truly are a master of the craft!

[@GregsModels]

Cheers Mark

[@vandriver1953]

What a great build of an old kit well done a very Professional job and a brilliant end result

[@hillmangt1]

Informative build and superb result.

[@gryfandjane]

Excellent work, and a fitting tribute to a fascinating aircraft!

[@stephenrose1343]

Lovely build and very enjoyable to watch.

[@stuartmiller8053]

Thanks for doing a video of the Christmas break. Interesting subject with a great outcome. Cheers Stu NZ

[@bsimpson6204]

Thats an amazing model of an amazing plane, well done

[@francoiscolinet1571]

Fantstic work !!!! Very impressive !

[@tomwark6446]

happy new year mate , glad to see you back , love your builds , regards Tom

[@GregsModels]

Cheers Tom, happy new year

[@simmybear31]

If I could do a tiny fraction what you achieve then I'd consider myself a modeller. Thank you for dedication you put into these.

[@GregsModels]

Thanks Simon

[@leokimvideo]

An aircraft killed by it's own noise levels. The rotor tip jets sounded like a novel idea but the noise generated was unbearable

[@briankirwan6958]

Great stuff on this old kit. Great looking model of a great looking flying machine. Putting it on the stand was a goid idea.

[@GregsModels]

Thanks; one of my better ideas

[@chrisg5271]

Really interesting to see you build old kit like this ! Must go check out what I got left in the loft ! The aerodyne build you made looks great.

[@keithm.404]

That looks fantastic on the stand! Very nice build.

[@JeffDonahueScaleModeling]

Beautiful job Greg. It just goes to show that, with the right skills even an old kit can look great. Thanks for sharing.

[@GregsModels]

Thank you Jeff

[@foreverplastickits138]

*Your build is such pleasure to watch, everything is perfect even your voice, 👏👏!*

[@judebrad]

Brilliant job as usual Greg,

[@markhines6055]

Howdy again from Texas! Beautiful build. I too have pulled out an old dog from my stash. Wish me luck!

[@GregsModels]

The Frog one was worth its weight in gold back in the late nineties.

[@stuartwren5526]

What a great job.. Also picked up some useful tips. Remember this Airfix kit when it first came out but never built one. Thanks.

[@oceanvibesphotography8395]

happy new year Greg amazing work as always 🍻

[@tonybourke8212]

Absolutely a wonderful interesting build and finish 👍👌

[@nickdean1364]

Very nice build, great video!

[@philipsharpe6905]

I really enjoy watching your builds and get a great deal of information from them. This build was particularly fun as it addressed many issues with older kits. Just one niggle; I do wish you’d give us a longer look at the finished models and with more angles and details shots. Your work deserves to be seen more! 😀

[@GregsModels]

Noted 👍

[@robertpearce2244]

Fascinating way to get those panel lines etc. Great tip! 🤩

[@alainpeulet1679]

Many thanks for this building !!! I love !!! I have this kit in my considerable collection of unbuild kits .....! I love the 60's !!!

[@shauncullen5669]

A brilliant example of how to make a purse from a pigs ear! Keep up the good work.

[@Yves95128]

Beautifully done, Greg👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻 I love odd planes and Helicopters, I just finished a Kamov 29 (Hobbyboss 1/72). I love the passengers trick, that really works.👋🏻

[@nickcrabb1968]

Awesome, I'm feeling inspired!

[@Rollercoastermadness24]

I built this iconic plane yesterday and finished it today😊

[@darbo23]

Happy new year Greg, brilliant subject, looking forward to more in 2022, all the best

[@GregsModels]

Thanks David

[@danielcgomez]

Great job Greg! ...That looked like a lot of work, but it came out perfect! All the best for 2022!

[@GregsModels]

Thanks Daniel, you to.