rare Space: 1999 themed playset in unplayed, brand new, (C-10) condition. In 2005, a complete, near-mint condition set of the German "Libelle 12 Polizeihubschrauber" (considered by some collectors to be the second-rarest worldwide VertiBird variant after the "Space: 1999" model, although other internationally issued sets - in particular the Canadian "Okanagan Logging 'Copter" - appear to be much less common than the "Libelle") changed hands for $850 in a private sale. Distribution and licensing Distribution was not limited to the United States. Mattel produced international versions of the VertiBird playset for the various markets including Canada, Brazil, the UK, Germany, and Italy. Just when it seems the final international VertiBird version has been found, another is reported. To date it is unknown just how many markets and languages Mattel distributed the VertiBird into. The most recent "new" variant to surface is a Mexican version of the "Polar Adventure" set, offered on eBay in mid-November 2008. Mattel also licensed the VertiBird for production by other companies. At least two are known (see list below). In the media Several Mattel VertiBird commercials were made in the 1970s and early 1980s. One of the advertising agencies used for production was Ogilvy & Mather. In a Christmas-themed episode of That '70s Show, Eric Forman can be seen playing with the VertiBird in a basement scene. Tiltwing aircraft called "Vertibirds" (although different in appearance, it resembles a cross between a Dragonfly and a V-22 Osprey), appear in the games Fallout 2, Fallout 3, Fallout: New Vegas, and Fallout 4. Similar VertiBird toys and games In addition to the VertiBird itself there are several other pre-VertiBird and post-VertiBird units covering various eras, global regions and business lines. Some units like the Dan Dare (see list below) were home usage toy sets. Others such as the WhirlyBird were skill games meant for arcade distribution or other location-based business usage. All units share the VertiBird's basic premise of fun by allowing the user actively control the helicopter, while still providing a safe and easily controllable experience. VertiBird versions There are 13 known different US versions of the VertiBird playsets. The original VertiBird had an early manufacturing change that modified the drive spring to drive rod coupling. The first version had the end of the drive rod screwed into the drive spring on the helicopter. The production modification resulted in the drive rod being permanently soldered to the drive