Vertibird
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Vertibird was the name of a line of toy helicopter products made by Mattel between 1971 and the early 1980s.
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[edit] Description
The helicopter flies around a central base containing an electric motor, spring lift assist, pitch control, batteries, and a throttle. A 21-inch arm with pitch control and the shaft that transfers the power to helicopter, is connected from the central base to the helicopter.
The helicopter is controlled using a two lever control unit.
Power was provided by 4 'D' sized Alkaline batteries in the base. They also doubled as weight to hold down the base.
[edit] Popularity
This product is one of the most famous and cherished toys ever. The average price for most Vertibird's back during the 1970's was between $12 and $20.
Today, with more and more people collecting and restoring them, collectors are willing to pay over $400 for a working Vertibird. On July 31, 2006, a "mint in box" Vertibird sold for $500 on eBay, with 4 individual bidders bidding at least $400.[1]
Almost 18 different versions of the original Vertibird were made:
[edit] US Versions
- VertiBird
- VertiBird Air Police
- VertiBird Airborne Rescue
- VertiBird Battlestar Galactica
- VertiBird Megaforce
- VertiBird Night Patrol
- VertiBird Paramedic Rescue
- VertiBird Polar Adventure
- VertiBird Rescue Ship
- VertiBird Space:1999 Flying Eagle
- VertiBird S.W.A.T. Patrol
[edit] International Versions
- VertiBird
- Air Police/Police De L'Air
- VertiBird Airborne Rescue
- VertiBird Elicottero Carabinieri
- VertiBird Libelle 12
- VertiBird Mazinga 'Z'
- VertiBird Okanagan Logging 'Copter
[edit] References
[edit] Links
- VertiSim -Free Vertibird Simulator for Windows
- Whirly Bird Central -Definitive site for the Vertibird
- Vertibird collection -Photos and descriptions: Vertibird, Chopper Command/Patrol, CSF by Remco, Micromachines, Bat Wing
- Vertibird Central
Sells Vintage and refurbished Sets, parts and accessories. Repairs, Tune-ups and Refurbishes.
