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Lot #145 - BLUE THUNDER (1983) - 1:6 Scale Radio-Controlled Flying Blue Thunder Special Helicopter M

Currency:USD Category:Memorabilia / Movie - Props Start Price:10,000.00 USD Estimated At:20,000.00 - 30,000.00 USD
Lot #145 - BLUE THUNDER (1983) - 1:6 Scale Radio-Controlled Flying Blue Thunder Special Helicopter M
This lot will be sold on Wednesday August 26th (day 1 of the auction.) Lots 1-433 will be sold on day 1 (lots 434-870 will be sold on day 2). The auction will begin at 10:00AM PDT. Lots are sold sequentially so there is no preset ending time. A live streaming broadcast of the auction will be available on auction days.

A 1:6 scale radio-controlled flying Blue Thunder Special helicopter miniature model from John Badham's action thriller Blue Thunder. Officer Frank Murray (Roy Scheider) was assigned to operate a highly advanced, militarized super helicopter.

As the visual modifications to the full-scale helicopter weighed it down and restricted movement, 1:6 scale radio-controlled model miniatures were used for action shots of the helicopter, allowing for more advanced aerial stunts like the 360-degree loop in the film's finale. This is one of four such models made and piloted by John Simone Jr. of American RC Helicopters Inc. for the film.

This custom-fabricated model is constructed of thin fiberglass with internal wood paneling, metal landing skids, and clear acrylic windows installed around a detailed miniature cockpit. Mounted to the front of the vehicle is a miniature rotary autocannon with ammunition belts lining the underside. The exterior is painted dark blue with camouflage patterns and red edgework, and affixed with decals reading "02" and "GH-17A 25102".

Mounted inside the cockpit are the original radio-control components, including a gear, steel gas-powered engine, and rubber-coated wiring, but the flywheel, fuel cell, and exhaust have all been disconnected since production. As a result, while this helicopter was at one time operational, its current functionality is untested. It remains in excellent overall condition with minor scuffing to the fiberglass and yellow from age to the acrylic. Dimensions: 72 1/2" x 17" x 20 1/2" (184.25 cm x 43.25 cm x 52.25 cm)

Contains electronics; see electronics notice in the Buyer's Guide

Contains mechanical components; see notice in the Buyer's Guide

Special shipping required; see notice in the Buyer's Guide

Estimate: $20,000 - 30,000