I’ve learned that this is the place to go when looking for info on old and/or discontinued kits. Do any of you guys and gals that used to model in the mid 70s to early 80s rememeber an old Monogram(?) kit that was motorized, sat on a stand, and had a turning prop and flapping wings? I remember my older brother getting one of those for Xmas one year, and I’d love to see if I can find one as a “throw-back” gift for him. I know some of you are asking, “Flapping wings?” but it’s true! At least I hope it is. Someone please tell me they also remember those kits so I know I’m not crazy…
You are correct. I have one sitting on my shelf. It is modeled after a P-51 (kind of) It has an air intake under the fuselage so that’s why I said a P-51. There is a cover on the bottom of the fuselage that 2 AA batteries fit into. It has a special motor that has a dead spot . You turn the prop and it starts up. While it’s running the wings flap and the machine guns on the cowl go in and out. If you would like a picture let me know and I’ll post one.
Yep - that would be the Monogram “Flap Jack” from some time in the 70’s. Motorised prop, flapping wings and mounted on a springy display stand. Once the rig was powered up it would churn away and bounce around like crazy. The thing I remember most about it is the “Air Farce” stickers.
Interestingly, the designer of the Monogram Flapjack was Tom Daniel, who, at that moment, was designing wild hot rods for younger Monogram modelers. Monogram was owned by Mattel Toys at the time, and Mattel wanted a model plane with action features that would have crossover appeal to the toy market.
