Hi Woodsy
Following your recent discovery of that old knitting pattern, with a photo of a boy holding a toy aeroplane on the cover, here is a bit more information on the aircraft.
The Curtis SB2C Helldiver was a WW2 US Navy carrier-based dive bomber. The SB2C designation means Scout Bomber, 2nd type built by Curtis.
It first flew in 1940, and entered service in 1942. The US Army Air Force also adopted the type, under the designation A-25 Shrike, as an Attack aircraft.
Cox was a major US maker of flying model aircraft, and they produced the Helldiver in both US Navy and US Army markings. The models were the same, but in blue or dark green plastic, with different markings.
Both had the number 511 in yellow on the nose, and post-1947 US national insignia. The Navy plane had a red spinner, and the Army version a yellow spinner.
The model had a 20 inch wingspan, and was powered by a 'real gas engine', the Cox .049. It carried rockets and long range fuel tanks under the wings, and a bomb under the fuselage that actually dropped.
It also came 'With Thrilling Bail Out ! Parachute Action' for the pilot. After leaving his stricken aircraft, the pilot descended by parachute.
I do not know when this model was introduced, but it was certainly available in the 1960s.
Six photographs from Worthpoint.
Yours Sincerely,
Paul Adams from New Zealand
My uncle was a navigator on the carrier, Enterprise. He loved models. One year for my birthday he got me a gas powered model plane. You started it up, the motor turned the propeller, and you held a line attached to one wingtip. It flew around you in a circle. The whole box stank of gas after a while. I think it might've been a Cox. It had a blue fuselage, but I think the wings were chrome.
ReplyDeleteFabulous memories Baron. Sounds Like a great Uncle. Is he still around?
DeleteI'm afraid not, that was a long time ago.
DeleteI had the Cox Sopwith Camel as a teenager. A spring around the propeller shaft made it more easier to start than having to flick the prop with your finger!
ReplyDeleteGetting used to control line flying took a bit of effort and a large number of crashes! Luckily the Cox models were specifically engineered to allow for these eventualities.
I looked for a picture of my old bird and this eBay listing has a nice range of model and package pics.
Just ignore the eyewatering Bid price, your teen years aren't worth that much!
https://www.ebay.com.au/itm/404485708761?mkcid=16&mkevt=1&mkrid=705-154756-20017-0&ssspo=MY71Y1k6TQ2&sssrc=4429486&ssuid=lNRmmDjOT0-&var=&widget_ver=artemis&media=COPY
I'd never heard of them until last week!
DeleteThat Camel is really nice. Alas, I never had any flying models, but I do recall seeing Cox models in the shops, in big square boxes.
ReplyDeleteYou've introduced me to something new here Paul.
DeleteFather bought me a Cox gas plane for my 11th birthday - I believe it was a P-40 Warhawk. I flew it once, and then Mother outlawed it, because it was "dangerous!" Fun while it lasted! SFZ
ReplyDeleteShort and sweet SF!
DeleteI always liked the Cox planes but as a kid but never had them - I don't think my parents wanted me to play with anything that required fuel! Probably a smart move on their part! Nice photos Paul!
ReplyDeleteHa ha! You joined the armed forces didn't you Ed!
Deletetrue that, but I didn't work around fuel (I think my mother told them about me LOL)
DeleteHa ha!
DeleteHa ha!
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