Thimble Drome TD-1 Box Top
Thimble Drome TD-1
Thimble Drome TD-1 Box Edge
Thimble Drome TD-1 Cockpit
Thimble Drone - later to become Cox - sold its first ready-to-fly control line
model, the Thimble Drome TD-1, beginning around 1959. Reports have it that the original
selling price was $9.99, which according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics'
inflation calculator, is about $95 in year 2021 dollars. The wings
were of built-up construction with ribs and thin, molded sheets of aluminum skins.
A modified Space Bug .049 engine was used for power. There was no spring starter
on the early .049 engines, but a rubber finger guard was provided to help spare
the modeler's finger.
As I write this, there is a TD-1 being auctioned off on eBay. With 8 hours left,
the price is at $870 !!! I wouldn't be surprised if it topped $1,000 before it's
over.
I was close - it sold for $998!!! (see below)
Here is the manual for the
Thimble Drome TD-1 manual.
Here is a great website that documents many of the early Thimble Drome / Cox
model airplanes, boats, cars, and helicopters:
The Cox Model Database
models (they must be worth a small fortune!)
Thimble Drome TD-1 Accessories
Thimble Drome TD-1 Fin & Rudder
Thimble Drome TD-1 Box End
Posted October 16, 2021
(updated from original post on 7/2/2011)
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