MB984 : Rescue Helicopter

Matchbox MB541 : Rescue Helicopter (2002 Basic Range)

Another casting that was once a welcome addition to the collection but makes you wonder why do Mattel bother with the Matchbox brand anymore.  First released in 2002 the casting was a great choice for a generic model.
A helicopter to most kids and probably most adults is just a helicopter, there wouldnt be to many that can tell you its not a real Sikorsky or Bell; so a generic model fits the bill and allows Mattel to save a bit of money on licensing without any loss to realism.

Over the years the model was included in many basic ranges, 5 packs and playsets totaling 27 variations before being cost reduced in 2014 to be released as MB849-A and after just 2 more variations it was cost reduced again to get the hideous chunk of plastic we see today.

After many years of what is a quite nice generic helicopter the latest releases (MB984) no longer have an interior. have the hideous full black windows to hide the fact that the interior has been removed and the base now has the tail section moulded into a single piece.  You will notice that the rotor blade is now attached to the body with a far chunkier connection than on preious models which for me also detracts from the look of the model.