Vintage RC Helicopters

Vintage RC Helicopters - Graupner

Graupner

Graupner like Ripmax of the UK was primarily a distributor of modelling goods but did market a small amount of 'own brand' goods. In the late 60's they were actively involved in promoting the 'race' to produce a Radio Controlled Helicopter and though Dieter Schlüter won this race, a number of other builder developers were very active. One of these was H Demuth and unlike Dieter, who produced the simple fixed pitch Hiller head, he developed a more complicated collective pitch design. In collaboration with HB engines (Helmut Bernard Engineering Works) he developed a scale model of the Bell 212 which was then taken under the Graupner 'wing' for final production and marketing. This model turned out to actually be the better handling machine of the initial German group of three helicopters (Schlüter Cobra, Kavan JetRanger, Graupner Bell 212) primarily due to a longer develop period and the experiences of the others being utilised to good effect.

Following on from this the next model was unique at the time in that it was basically a 'Super Airfix' kit which resulted in a good rendition of the Bell 47G.

The original mechanics had the drawback of limited pitch range but proved to have very good control characteristics and so they were developed further into what was later to be termed as 'flybarless'. around this time, the 'pod and boom' helicopter had started to become popular so along with a full scale Bell 222 fuselage the mechanics were fitted into a 'pod and boom' structure with a 'semi-scale' body to become the Bell 222 trainer.

Graupner Lockheed 286 UNI

Scale model with retracts.

construction side view.

Graupner Helimax

Pod and boom helicopter available in various engine sizes of 40 / 60 and 80-90 four stroke.

Helimax 60 Kit review - by Dave Day

Graupner StarRanger

No info held.

Graupner Hughes 500E

Utilised Helimax mechanics however no info held at this time.

Graupner MH-10 (Hirobo)

The Hirobo MH-10 along with the Bolkow fuselage version was also marketed under the Graupner name in Germany with the only changes being the Decals.