THE REVELL GEMINI SWEEPSTAKES

Hi

Here is a very interesting item from Celebrating Aviation With Mike Machat, on the contests run by various model companies. One, the Revell Gemini Sweepstakes in 1967, offered a full-size, 19 foot, Gemini space capsule as the first prize. 

This is described as a prototype, built by McDonnell, who made the real Gemini craft. As it was a bit big to fit into the average home, it was a condition of the contest that the prize be donated to a local park or museum. You also got a Vox guitar and a full set of Revell kits. 

There were 29 Second Prizes, also of a guitar, which really seems like an odd prize for a model contest. Imagine winning your very own spaceship. Now all you need is a rocket to launch it into space.

MODEL CONTESTS - Selling Model Kits in the Space Age - YouTube

Paul Adams from New Zealand