A remarkable typology among the diverse world of flying objects is constituted by the strange-looking autogyro. Cross-developed with the helicopter, it contributed with many technical solutions later adopted by its still strong-going cousin.
These remarkable machines flourished especially during the
Golden Age of Aviation, but dwindled in numbers, for no apparent reason (given
its performance-cost ratio) until almost totally disappearing nowadays.
Pitcairn, De La Cierva, Kellett, are some of the most
renowned brands. Hafner autogyros are not that well known, but the appearance
of this one on itself merited at least a model of it.
Rotor blades for the Hafner were made of Contrail
streamlined strut stock. I ordered the Pobjoy from
Aeroclub, together with the wheels. Stab halves are the usual styrene ribbed
envelope, which allows for a later introduction of a spar to fix them to the
fuselage. A pleasant interior was created before closing the two vac shells,
being very careful since the styrene that the Mattel can handle is very thin.
The pain in the snarg with these ones, as you all well know,
are the spider webs for the rotor and the landing gear. Home-made decals
completed the ingredients.
The Hafner Gyroplane is a succinct fish-like design that in model form obviates
the fabrication of a separate rudder and wings; tiny but handsome, will not go
unnoticed.
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