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
