Haji US Army Vertol 107 Tin-Litho Helicopter

There's been no progress this week on the "Pfalz bei Kaub" diorama, so instead Toys & Stuff presents a really nice tin-litho helicopter from the 1960s - the Haji US Army Vertol 107 Tin-Litho Helicopter. The real Vertol 107 Helicopter was designated the CH-46 Sea Knight and was produced from Aug 1958 to 1971 and used by the Army, Navy, Marines, and Canadian Air Forces. The toy version is well, just a toy, and only loosely follows the prototype. The basic truncated banana shape is there but there are some glaring differences. The real Sea Knight had three fixed landing gear, one in front and two located on rear sponsons - a sort of nacelle - towards the rear of the plane. They stuck out from the fuselage a few feet and also acted as fuel tanks. These sponsons are missing from the tin-litho version. Also, the cockpit of the toy helicopter resembles a round Christmas ornament versus the decidedly flat nose of the original. In spite of the differences Haji's version is still a terrific toy. Measuring nearly 12" (30.5cm) L is equipped with a friction motor. This is a terrific toy from the Era of Tin. Enjoy!