Airfix Fairey Rotodyne - A Wanted Vintage Classic - Review

[@MOS6510Models]

Buy the kit here from Airfix prf.hn/l/mVB3o50

[@paultanker5606]

G'day to you, I picked this Kit up at Garage sale back in the 70s,painted it RAAF Colours,fitted Mini Gun in rear doors ,50cal in side door and Rocket Pods on Wings, looked good on Wargaming Table!

[@juleshammond5652]

A truly, truly classic kit. Interestingly one of my props is also quite bent. But easily repaired. Overjoyed that this is available for the numerous 'what if' possibilities. But i love everything about British aviation.

[@jimaltergott9326]

I love it for the great box art. Seeing London Bridge, Big Ben & Parliament brings back memories of British television shows filmed in London during the 1960s.

[@MOS6510Models]

box art was always amazing from Roy Cross

[@paultanker5606]

G'day to you, I bought this Kit at a Garage Sale early 70s, painted in RAAF colours ,put a Mini Gun in the tail doors put 50CAL in side door and rocket pods on wings ,looked pretty good on a Wargaming table!

[@MOS6510Models]

Thats a good shout reference war gamers

[@jefthing]

You, sir, are a genius!

[@jaws848]

​​@@MOS6510Modelsthis is something you expect to see in an episode of Thunderbirds....so futuristic looking for its time..

[@bugler75]

Nice! I plan to do mine in West German colours as a Cold War what if. I like the idea of some HMG’s or rockets. An early Hind -D? Thanks for the idea 👍🏼

[@paultanker5606]

G'day to you! Glad to here I have given you some stimulation, I built mine circa 1976,Have fun,if you have any luck try send a Picture,sadly I dont have any of the one I built a lifetime ago!@@bugler75

[@johnclarke25]

Great vid,one of the few kits I'm missing to build from the 66 catalogue,tempted to get two,do one as standard and build the other one in spectrum colours to go with the angel interceptor,trying to think how to make spectrum personal in 1/72....maybe Russian bodies with afrika korp heads😊

[@MOS6510Models]

we all want that spectrum.. maybe this year :)

[@simonrhodes84]

I got one for my 12th birthday (1979). Must say I'm tempted to buy the re-issue🤫 just don't tell the wife!

[@MOS6510Models]

hahah.. the box is small enough to fit in a rucksack :)

[@mikesmith2905]

One of my favourite kits in my youth, served as transport for my toy soldiers (with SR.53's flying top cover) in the 1960s. I'll pick a few up for future toy soldier sets.

[@robpowell8633]

I always wanted to build this as a kid but never did. I've just picked up a mint condition early seventies one from a charity shop but I think I'll leave it in the box and put it on my nostalgia shelf. How models have come on in sixty odd years, don't blame you for putting this to one side. Fascinating subject though. Such a shame they original never survived to make it to the brilliant helicopter museum.

[@MOS6510Models]

I love the museum too!! Once a year for the model show and a great place to grab a bite to eat too lol

[@russelltaylor535]

The Rotodyne was painted in several different colour schemes over its lifetime, including one that says Westland Rotodyne after they took over the project. There were also at least three configurations of the tail fins so there is some potential for going beyond what’s in the box. There have been at least 5 different Rotodyne kits: Airfix, Frog, Revell (1/78), Kader/Lincoln International (~1/144), and Anigrand (1/144)

[@MOS6510Models]

I know a few have been released by other manufacturers,, revell is in 1/78 !! Thank you @russelltaylor535 for leaving a comment. Please subscribe if you haven't as yet.. It really helps the channel grow.

[@sheepFP5]

The little pods on the rotor tips are actually tip-jets to help spin up the rotorhead for vertical takeoff or hover. In horizontal flight the rotor freewheeled (autorotated) like a conventional gyrocopter. The cool bit is they were powered entirely by bleed air from the turboprops which was piped through the rotor blades and then had fuel injected as it left the tips almost like a remote afterburner! Those broken prop blades is from shipping on those old style sprues that don't protect delicate parts, it happens all the time with old kits like that!

[@MOS6510Models]

thats fascinating.. i thought they were like those points that help the props go thru the air.. thank you for the info

[@andreartymiuk]

I built this kit some 40 years ago. Loved it, BUT after 6 months the rotors developed a fatal 'droop', essentially 'plastic fatigue' due to the large diameter & weight of the rotor blades. I wonder if Airfix ever fixed this.

[@MOS6510Models]

ill keep an eye out for that

[@Gremlins_Modelling_Mayhem]

Re quality control, either Airfix gets on top of it with the production company in India or consider bring it back to the UK, as been proven by the 1/24 Spitfire the other year

[@MOS6510Models]

i agree

[@AndrewMcColl]

I remember seeing this is an old Airfix catalogue almost 40 years ago and being fascinated by the design. That might be enough for me to pick it up when it arrives on shelves here.

[@mjscgi321]

Afraid my props were damaged too, I think it was just down to the way it was packaged, I shall attempt work around it, been looking forward to this kit 👍

[@MOS6510Models]

they are sending out replacements for me

[@glencwilson]

Fair review. given the age. Should be a fun build if a little bit of a challenge. Just got mine. Checked and one of my props has been damaged but should be OK. Think I would like their quality control to be improved even if that adds to the price. I have had whole frames missing in a couple of their kits.

[@MOS6510Models]

just waiting on replacements

[@PiperStart]

As a fan of this aircraft, I would definitely build it if I can get it. I have a stash, but those other kits can wait. The faffing around and correction of defects is half the fun.

[@MOS6510Models]

Thats one of the problems with these new kits, i have become lazy and happy with shake and bakes

[@nikjohnson9968]

the broken prop is how kits used to come

[@LemurKrazy]

My old ebay purchase kit sadly had no clear parts and could never build it. Good to know I can get one now.

[@adrianhook9795]

Thanks Mos for bringing back many sticky memories, no not that kind, using the tubes of cement to build this. I will buil this again but hopefully with a bit more finesse this time. Great unboxing and hope CC at Airfix can sort you out a new prop. Thanks Mos you are a champion for the hobby.

[@MOS6510Models]

Hope you enjoy it!

[@foreverplastickits138]

*A big autogyro for civilian use, that was suc a challenge! And the only one of its kind, unfortunately it was a time of recession and the project was cancelled. Thanks for the review of this vintage kit, i like them so much!*

[@MOS6510Models]

Well said!

[@martindaredare]

Good honest unboxing,and review, brings back memories

[@MOS6510Models]

Glad you enjoyed it. Looks like a challenging build too

[@BarrowZigger]

I suspect a lot of folk that buy that kit are gonna get mangled props, the packaging looks pretty ropey and there is no sprue protecting it.

[@terencehorsnell9264]

This aircraft always fascinated me. I wonder if, following this release there will be some aftermarket parts for it? I've seen a canopy mask set.

[@FredWilbury]

Good piece of griff there Mos thanks for sharing 😊

[@SamsVlogstrainsmore]

Looks like a cool classic kit Mos.

[@leedavies2267]

Both my props were damaged in the same way, took them off the sprue and glued them. Certainly didn't just put it all straight back in the box. The kit is old yes and will take some work but then if your a true model maker its no issue. Only if you a 'kit builder' who is used to all the modern stuff then good luck !

[@MOS6510Models]

I have the props coming in the post from airfix.. I am giving the kit to a fellow scale modeller to build. I am in the process of building the bristol bloodhound. and have built a lot of the vintage classics.. but this rotodyne will need a bit more work hence a lot more time, i have a lot to build this year and feel my time would be better spent on those kits.. (One is 50 year old tooling)

[@Reactordrone]

Just need to do a mashup with this and the upcoming Chinook release.

[@birodude]

Your time and effort that you have put into this video is very plain to see. Excellent presentation!!!👏

[@MOS6510Models]

Thank you very much! Its a new format I am trying out :)

[@johnhughes2653]

I think the problem with the bent props is due to the fact that the sprues are designed with the thought that people will be buying the kit from a shop and taking it home themselves, as was the case when the kit was designed. Nowadays, it's most likely to be bought online and those props are going to get damaged in transit through the post. Modern kits don't tend to have props sticking out at the end like that. Nowadays they will be surrounded by the frame of the sprue. Mine arrived yesterday and looks to have survived undamaged.

[@MOS6510Models]

yes.. i think you are right

[@bugler75]

The rotor tip bulges in this instance are miniature rocket engines. It was the noise of these that led to poor interest from airlines. I saw another channels build of this. He really went to town and the finished result was tremendous. Maybe you could do yours as a slow burner and have a surprise reveal ? There is so much interest in it 😊 Ian My

[@MOS6510Models]

agreed.. yes just saw it was rocket engines

[@kennesaw101]

One of the few airfix kits I never bought. I'll probably get 2-3 , the " what if's " are endless !

[@MOS6510Models]

Thank you @kennesaw101 for leaving a comment. Please subscribe if you haven't as yet.. It really helps the channel grow.

[@jefthing]

Hmmm… This may compliment the Belvedere nicely.

[@mohammedalmukhtar5428]

I had the kit last week, the propeller was bent - plastic stress. Tried another box from our local model shop..it’s again had the same problem. Certainly a lack of average quality control.

[@MOS6510Models]

Painful my friend.. all we can do is complain and hope the factory in india will pull their finger out

[@Scaleymodels]

Great video and very generous of you to gift it to me Mos. Will video build it on my channel

[@MOS6510Models]

ill ship it soon as the props come

[@Slycockney]

Cheers Mos. Not a kit that interests me, but the quality seems to be on a par with other vintage classics I've built. As does the quality control, had a whole sprue on the Scammell tank transporter that was badly heat distorted.

[@crasher303]

Great kit if your a archaeologist. I agree there are more rewarding builds to spend your time.

[@MCT954]

How do you define rewarding? Most of most boring models I have built have been modern kits that represent virtually zero challenge. There is a lot of fun to be had in updating an old kit to more modern standards. I suppose by this criteria, then vacforms etc, are not a rewarding use of a modellers time? I will build the Rotodyne because it is an interesting piece of aviation history, that fortunately has a fair bit documentation, including a book

[@VFCproductions]

I'll wait for a new tool ICM Rotodyne in 1/35...

[@MOS6510Models]

its coming.... hahaha

[@barryswinbank2108]

Sadly with airfix they rushed to get some models out and they are based on the prototype and not production model - jetstream - belvedere - both released under classic range, but will need work just to be made into a production model. Wonder how many will sell?

[@MOS6510Models]

these VC kits are a good money earner for airfix :)

[@morgandude2]

Loads.

[@davidmarkey4353]

interesting aircraft was it intended to be a posh chinook, with three engines it would have been expensive on fuel. Perhaps the kit should have been tested and refitted before full production. as a unique design , it should be part of your collection

[@MCT954]

Predates the Chinook by several years as a design concept, 'Fairey Aircraft since 1915' by HA Taylor, 'On Atlas' Shoulders' by Chris Gibson, and 'Fairey Rotodyne' by David Gibbings all tell the story of the Rotodyne.

[@MOS6510Models]

i need that book @MCT954

[@WAYNEMODELBUILDER]

Hi, random question but I'm guessing you're the man to ask. Is there a date limit on using airfix points/ miles ?I have a few recent ones but I also have one from an old kit which has 9 on it, are they all useable no matter how old the kit is they came off? Cheers

[@MOS6510Models]

Flying hours do not age.. use them when ever you can! Old kits have a propeller shape ones but you can still use them! Most are rectangle shaped!! They don’t have a end life Hope this video helps about flying hours Airfix Club 2022 Membership - What you get as a Member and How Airfix Flying Hours Work kzbin.info/www/bejne/kGnFqmVuosyZhrc

[@WAYNEMODELBUILDER]

@@MOS6510Models nice one much appreciated. Why you not in bed? lol probably same as me can't bloody sleep. Cheers again 👍

[@simongee8928]

Also apparently, the noise from the rotor ends was so loud that as the idea had been an inner city transport, it was decided that the rotor noise was too excessive for the intended role.

[@MOS6510Models]

Thank you @simongee8928 for leaving a comment. Please subscribe if you haven't as yet.. It really helps the channel grow.

[@terencehorsnell9264]

I believe they addressed the noise issue by redesigning the tip jets?@@MOS6510Models

[@julianmhall]

MOS there's no Cartograf logo on the box which has been on other Airfix boxes. Do they not do that on Vintage Classic boxes or are the decals not Cartograf? I thought Cartograf also had their logo on the decals themselves and these don't. Not tried it myself but apparently if it's not too bad you can get rid of yellowing by leaving decals on a sunny window sill for a day. Given we rarely have sun in the UK in autumn / winter I wonder if a daylight bulb in a lamp would work as well? I would hazard a guess that for Vintage Classics the instruction date would be the same as the original tooling. Re damaged propeller blades. Would it work if you cut them /all/ off deliberately and glued them all back correctly? Then they're all as strong as each other. One other idea if you can do it, would be to make a mould of the three that aren't bent, take the prop out of the mould, then spin it 90 degrees, so one of the blades moulds where a fourth one should be. Then you can just mould two complete four bladed propellers :)

[@MCT954]

Yes, it does have the Cartograf logo, next to barcode on the side of box. Broken prop blade a pain, but not the end of the world. A small drill bit and a bit of brass rod, and all will be well.

[@julianmhall]

@@MCT954 What barcode? I've watched the box in particular twice more and the bar code isn't shown, just one side - with no bar code - and the front of the box.

[@MOS6510Models]

Its there.. i missed showing that side of the box.. All airfix kits come with cartograf decals except the ones made in korea

[@julianmhall]

@@MOS6510Models aahh OK thanks MOS. I thought I was going daft. Well OK I /am/ but not for /that/ reason :)

[@BaggiesTMD]

Tell you what there ain't much flash on her

[@MOS6510Models]

no.. minor clean up

[@adrianhook9795]

Oops should be QC lol

[@johnbollig2790]

One of the things you can avoid is using the middle finger alone to point things out on his instructions and other items. It's an obscene gesture in many areas of the USA. .

[@MOS6510Models]

hmm.. i havent wrapped my fingers back though

[@ModelMinutes]

oh yeah, i see your props are all bent

[@MOS6510Models]

see!!!!! LOL

[@Radek-e9o]

Like every Airfix classic, the model itself is terrible but unique.

[@morgandude2]

Not terrible in the hands of a modeller.

[@UrMumSaysHiWT]

I think Airfix usually is absolute shit compared to many other brands, but the Rotodyne is so damned nice

[@Rollercoastermadness24]

It’s great to see airfix selling this aircraft again 🥲

[@MOS6510Models]

Thank you @Rollercoaster_airplanecrazy24 for leaving a comment. Please subscribe if you haven't as yet.. It really helps the channel grow.

[@Rollercoastermadness24]

I subbed

[@johnnoble01]

Easy enough fix for the props. Just bend them back to shape and run thin cement on to the strained areas.

[@MOS6510Models]

i've got them coming from airfix.. i'm giving the kit away @@johnnoble01