Vertibird

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Box of original Vertibird.
Box of original Vertibird.

Vertibird was the name of a line of toy helicopter products made by Mattel between 1971 and the early 1980s.

Contents

[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 spindle 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.

Spring linkage that connects the motor to the shaft that powers the rotor.
Spring linkage that connects the motor to the shaft that powers the rotor.

[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
Vertibird Night Patrol Helicopter. Note the spring and pitch control shaft.
Vertibird Night Patrol Helicopter. Note the spring and pitch control shaft.

[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

  1. ^ eBay item #250012434640

[edit] Links

  • VertiSim -Free Vertibird Simulator for Windows
  • Whirly Bird Central -Definitive site for the Vertibird
  • Vertibird Central -Sells Vintage and refurbished Sets, parts and accessories. Repairs, Tune-ups and Refurbishes.
  • Stuff We Love - 1970's Nostalgia site featuring many toys from the era