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Vintage RC Helicopters - Morley Helicopters Manufacturer of RC Helicopters
Jim Morley
In 1973 the first UK helicopter competition sponsored by RCM&E and held at Sywell was won by Jim’s first model helicopter a Bell 47G. A subsequent article in RCM&E later that year led to worldwide enquiries and the start of business activities in this field, initially with the sale of components as it was to be many years before Jim finally decided to go to manufacturing of complete kits. Morley Helicopters (MH) was formed in 1982 in preparation for distributing complete kits beginning with the Hughes 300. Located initially in Bath then later in larger premises in Melksham; from there the company moved into premises in Fairoaks where the last of the Range (model F1) was developed. One of Jim's most interesting projects was the model of the Fairey Rotodyne; unfortunately (like the real one) there was only one produced. Quick UK had been manufacturing upgrades for Morley helicopters and various other manufacturers models and when Jim Morley decided to 'retire' they took over control of MH. They did not continue with the scale helicopters but marketed the versions of the Maverick and F1 Carbon plus there own variants of the F1 utilising Quick UK upgrades; these were known as F1 Carbon "MAX". These were the last MH designs to be produced and Quick UK subsequently withdrew from production of both helicopters and spares supply. Morley Timeline
Advert from the late 1980's showing the available Morley Helicopters range plus colour brochure's. Morley Rotor head Mixer Kit Instructions - Kit produced to increase head response on the basic Mk3 head. Morley Parts list 1988 - Morley Parts List 1990 - Morley Parts list 1992 - general lists showing availability of both kits and parts plus accessories.
In 1995 though Jim was still designing helicopters the general running of the company had been taken over by bud Bolton and so the company name was changed slightly from "MH Ltd" to "MH design". The new model F1 Carbon was developed and production of the scale models was allowed to lapse. (This info is still to confirm). 1997 Summer Catalogue - General details including spares and tools.
Line up of Morley Helicopters at 2008 MK fly-in (A thunder tiger sneaked in whilst no-one was looking....).
Morley Twins A most interesting 'home build' incorporating what looks like two Mk3 heads with the mixer arms, late eighties maybe?
Again by the same designer flyer a further development of the twin theme this time using Maverick mechanics. Deceptively small looking from the photo's except when stood up next to the designer/flyer. Photo quality and the receding hair (which happens to us all....) indicate that these could be fairly recent however, would very much like more if anybody knows this designer.
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