Unknown Hubley Helicopter

[hovermd]

I'm pretty excited about this one...

I recently purchased an unknown variant on the venerable Hubley #483 helicopter. The toy was modelled after the Piasecki H-25 (or HUP-1/2/3), know also as the Army Mule or the Retriever.

I know of at least 9 different versions of this Hubley helicopter that were released individually and in sets. My research shows that the toys were released as early as 1959 and as late as 1972. But, I'd love to check out the Steve Butler books someday to verify these dates.

I'd also like to see if my recent acquisition is featured in any of the available reference materials... I've been familiear with Hubley helicopter toys for some quite time, but have never seen this toy before. It's unusual for a couple reasons:

Most noteworthy, it has 3 window on each side that are actually cut out of the fuselage. The casting is unaltered and I'm positive the toy was produced this way. There are 2 circular windows and 1 rectangular window (corresponding to the fuselage door) on the left side and 3 circular windows on the right side. These cut-out windows are not found on any other known Hubley helicopter toys. Details like the rivets and the outline for the normally present sticker (which usually features the U.S. Star and Bars, a Forest Ranger emblem or the American City emblem) are omitted to make room for the windows

Also, it is painted in international orange, just like some of the Coast Guard Search and Rescue aircraft I've flown over the years. That makes it even cooler to me! The international orange paint is original. FYI - the Hubley helicopter is usually found in yellow, dark blue, light orange and light blue.

This unknown toy is marked "483" on the inside. Normally, this wouldn't be seen, but the windows allow a view of the embossed letters. The toy is also marked "L" and "R" to help with the assembly.

Finally, it has a reinforced-style landing gear assembly, normally only seen on the later light blue American City version.

If any Hubley airplane or helicopter enthusiasts have information on the toy, I'd love to hear about it.

One last intriguing detail: the toy was puchased at a Toy Train Auction in Lancaster, PA (the former home of Hubley Toys). Could it be a factory prototype?

[grwebster]

Wonderful Hubley helicopter- and I have never even heard of an orange variant.
At the 'Hersey' show 25 years ago or so I bought a few prewar Spirit of St Louis type high wing monoplanes and they were cast in alumimum. The seller took them home from the Hubley factory where he worked as a kid, so it could be that yours is a prototype.
I once got an Army version on ebay after the seller confirmed that they toy was all original, but no stickers. When I got it I saw it was oversprayed OD green on yellow base coat. I doubt it was original, just repainted but the seller was adamant it was original so who knows.

[Toyplaneguy]

I was the guy who you outbid for this toy. I saw it and knew it was a very unusual piece as well. I have been collecting Hubley toys for some 25+ years, but have never seen another one like this. It must be a factory prototype. Sorry I missed it, but glad it stayed in our little group!

Regards, Toyplaneguy

[hovermd]

Here's the light orange Hubley #483 so GR can check it out - it also helps to highlight the noteworthy differences betweeen these toys.

Light Orange Hubley #483 with typical characteristics

[grwebster]

Thanks Mark, and I haven't ever seen that box either.