Matchbox 1-75 and Sky-Busters Helicopters

[Tone]

Sky-Busters are the link between two of my traditional favorite toy categories: Matchbox brand die cast and airplanes. Lesney, Matchbox originators and long-time owners (until 1982), introduced the series in 1973. The first helicopter appeared in 1977 and doesn't look to me like it is based on any particular prototype. (N.B.: Michael Bludworth sees it as a Lynx). The casting was still in the series in the 2000s. The most recent Sky-Busters helicopters are the Robinson R44 Clipper II and the Sikorsky S-92, both excellent models! In the recent past, however, the firm issued some clumsy-looking fantasy designs. While Sky-Busters traditionally sported two-tone contrasting paint schemes, today's toy models are characterised by garish tampo printing. Plastic predominates where metal was the rule; however, some of the molded plastic components do have a high-quality finish.





These examples of the helicopter introduced 1977 date from the 1980s, when they were sold in the window boxes.



Some examples of the 1977 model helicopter and a Bell Jet Ranger casting dated 1989.



The Sikorsky S-92 (2009) with two fantasy helicopters.



Contrast, a Mil Hind from circa 1997 and the recent Robinson R44 Clipper II.



Fast food restaurant promotional toy, mid-2000s. This was from Burger King, not McDonald's as is usually the case.





Two small helicopters from the miniature 1-75 series. There are lots and lots of variants of this casting ! ! ! !









The Mission Helicopter, with its retractable tail boom, appeared in both the 1-75 series and Sky-Busters.



The reviled Stinger, zaniest of the Matchbox helicopters, directed at transformer and action figure collectors, from the 1-75 miniatures series, 1990s (The almost-as-nutty Buzz Copter replaced it in the early 2000s).

[buzzard]

hey thanks so much for this neat summary! I am a massive fan of helicopters and the Matchbox helicopters are what most of my collection is. It was nice to read how the series began as regards to the helicopters.

[grwebster]

One of the niceset collections of helicopters was made in spain by Pilen


I purchased this foam display with 27 helicopters, all metal die cast with some plastic parts, never removed 20 some years ago.
They will go to auction on monday to a real auction firm, not ebay, but it will be available until then direct from me- email me asap.
Plus a lot of tin helicopters, too.

185$ for 27- that's less than 7$ each and this should be framed and put on a wall in a collection room.
Postage USPS in addition, paypal only.

I also have their aircraft display, same price and terms.

[grwebster]

both of the above are no longer available.