The French Dinky Sikorski S.58 Helicopter. French Dinky introduced the fourth model in their aviation series during May, 1957. However, the Sikorsky S 58 helicopter, 60D, was only advertised in the Meccano magazine from June in the same year. 87mm diameter rotor-blades surmounted the aircraft’s 80 mm long cabin, decorated in the silver, white and blue livery of Sabena, the former Belgium national airline. The model cost 290 old francs, about 6/-. It was renumbered 802, in 1959, shortly before it was withdrawn.

Produced by Igor Sikorsky’s ‘United Technologies Corporation’, the Sikorsky S-58 was the last of its type, piston engine driven. Originally built for the US Navy, it first flew in 1954. Built under license in the UK by Westland Aircraft from 1958, it was known as the Wessex. Subsequent helicopters were powered by turbine engines.

Sabena, (Societé Anonye Belge d’ Exploitation de la Navigation Aérienne) was the Belgium national airline from 1923 -2001. The company specialised in long-haul flights to Africa, but used the Sikorsky S-58, between 1956-1963, to ferry passengers and freight between Brussels, Paris, Rotterdam, Bonn and other major cities in the region. In 2001, Sabena went into bankruptcy, following the demise of Swissair, who owed the Belgian carrier a considerable sum of money, estimated about £84 million. Parts of the business were taken over by SN Brussels Airlines, which subsequently merged with Virgin Express. The original price was 290 old fr . It was available in white finish. Released as French Dinky 60D in 1957 withdrawn as French Dinky 60D in 1959.