The Citroën RE2 helicopter or the diversification of activities at Citroën
The project
«Roads? Where we're going, we don't need roads!» Of course you've recognised this iconic line! (If not, you'll find the reference at the end of the article). What's the link with the model I'm showing you today? None, other than the fact that this Citroën doesn't need a road because it's... a helicopter! In the early 1970s, the car market was tense. The first oil crisis was weighing on the future of the automobile. Citroën, where innovation has always been at the forefront, was looking into numerous projects concerning means of transport, notably that of the helicopter.
The Citroën RE2 helicopter: design and characteristics
Its main technical characteristic is the use of the Wankel rotary piston engine and the construction of the helicopter according to methods used for the automobile industry and not solely for aeronautics (which inevitably caused problems due to the in-house engineers not being trained in aeronautics). The project manager was engineer Charles Marchetti, who was notably behind the Alouette II and Super Frelon helicopters, among others. The RE2 measures approximately 10 metres from the tip of the front blade to the tail, with an overall height of about 1.80 metres. It is designed for two seats and its rotary engine develops 190 horsepower.
The 1/43 scale miniature Citroën RE2 helicopter
The common scales for aircraft modelling are 1/72, 1/48 and 1/35. At these scales, the RE2 has never been reproduced, whether as a miniature or a model kit. A few personal creations, one-offs or small batches do exist, often made for clubs, but to date I have not found a photo of any (if you know of any, I would of course be very interested to see them to enrich this article). My choice to reproduce it in 1/43 scale is guided by my collection theme: Citroën. Built as a single prototype, this helicopter is for me above all «a Citroën», and does not fall under aircraft modelling.
The steps involved in making the miniature
Following the desk research, I proceed with 3D modelling using several software packages, notably Fusion360 and Meshmixer for splitting it into parts to be printed. At 1:43 scale, 10 metres represents a «large» miniature! The bodywork, blades and rotors are made of resin, the cabin interior in PLA and the glazing in moulded transparent plastic. I chose the original and colourful presentation that appears in the brochure published by Citroën (which you can download from the Citroën Origins website - link at the end of the article), rather than the dreary military green of the example kept by the Citroën Museum. A photo of the RE2 can be seen on the internet alongside the Type J tractor (another miniature I have made, see article here)
Conclusion
An iconic model for enthusiasts of the double chevron brand. By the way, the reference for the replica at the beginning of the article is of course Back to the Future.
List of resources for this vehicle:
Web