There were four Model Rs -- R, 2R, 3R and 4R -- coinciding with the four Model Cs. The "R" designation meant "retail" -- these models were sold in stores rather than door to door or at Kirby agencies.

The Model R nozzles all come off, just as the C models do. In fact, every Kirby back to the first Vacuette Electric has a removable nozzle and came with attachments.

The only difference with the R machines is that the middle section of the long handle was made of hollow aluminum instead of wood. The cord ran up through the handle and the on-off switch was on the handle instead of on the motor. This, of course, meant the long handle could not be removed and replaced with the portable handle since there wouldn't be any way to turn the motor on and off. The R machines did, however, come with attachments. I have instruction manuals for the  2R, 3R and 4R which all show the usual attachments except the portable handle.

Why Kirby went to the trouble, retooling and expense to outfit the retail models with a handle switch is a great mystery to me. Especially since -- guessing here -- the retail models cost less than the door-to-door home-demonstration models.

Here are some photos of my Model 2R. It is all original but in unrestored condition.