Popular Articles
Model Rocket Maintenance
You've built a rocket and flown it several times and you are starting to notice some wear and tear on both your rocket and launch equipment. How do you keep your rocket gear looking good while performing at a high level and staying safe?
Gundam Model Basics
Welcome to the fun world of Gunpla. Gunpla is short for "Gundam Plastic Models" (In Japan, it's just a fad if it doesn't have some weird word to describe it's fanbase). Gundam models are perfect kits...
Filling Model Kit Seams
Let's face it. No one, and I mean no one, enjoys filling seams. It is easily the worst part of building model kits. But, it's gotta be done. Nothing ruins a model faster than a poorly filled seam. Today, I will share some pointers with you...
Model Rocket Range Boxes
You've built your model rocket and have it all ready for its maiden flight. You've watched the weather report and have a good day for launch. In order to launch a rocket, you need to gather your range box. A range box is a fancy term for...
Aftermarket Model Kit Parts
Previously, I have talked about ways to save money by using alternatives to aftermarket parts for your model kit builds. Today I will discuss the various types of aftermarket sets out there and point out their strengths and...
Building A Model Rocket
Today, I will show you how to build a model rocket. I will be using Estes Mini Max for this demonstration. This is a basic rocket that will provide a good first step and teach you all the skills necessary to complete your very own rocket.
Model Rocket Recovery
You've just spent the weekend building your new model rocket and it's time to fly. The last thing you want to do is have all that time and hard work come crashing into the ground. So, let's talk about rocket recovery.
F-100 Model Kit Review
The Trumpeter 1:32nd F-100D is the first production styrene model kit of this aircraft in the bigger scale. The kit does come with a hefty price tag, selling for $150.00, though it can be found in the $120 range from...
Model Kit Weathering Guide
Weathering can be as subtle as the discoloration from a super-heated exhaust pipe on a motorcycle or as prominent as faded paint on a plane. A good weathering job will make your model kit stand out and jump off the shelf.
Radio Controlled Helicopters
Radio controlled helicopters are available with both gas powered and electric engines. Most people believe you must spend thousands of dollars on a radio controlled helicopter. Not true, many helicopter model kits can be bought for as little as $100. Sometimes you can even buy separate parts to increase the power of your RC helicopter.
History of Radio Controlled Helicopters
Considering the obstacles which needed to be overcome, it's a wonder that any helicopter has ever taken flight. Aviation mechanics joke that the purpose of a helicopter is to tear itself apart, and experts in aerodynamics say that the helicopter doesn't so much as attain flight as it beats the air into submission. Be that as it may, in 1941, after much trial and error, Igor Sikorsky created and flew what is recognized as the first practical, full-size helicopter. Normally, model aircraft enthusiasts quickly find ways to emulate the latest aviation breakthroughs, however, when it came to the helicopter, it was not until 1968 that the first radio-controlled model helicopter was built and flown by Dr. Dieter Schluter of West Germany. By the early 1970s, RC model helicopters began showing up on store shelves.
RC Helicopter Power
One of the main considerations when selecting an RC helicopter is what will power it, and there are a number of options, including internal combustion engines, electric motors, and gas turbine engines. Keep in mind that the larger the power plant, the more power, but the more weight, and the more fuel it has to carry. There is a balancing act going on here.
Internal combustion engines come in a variety of sizes such as 15, 30, 50, 60, and 90, where the numeral indicates cubic inch displacement (.15, .30, etc.). The larger the engine, the bigger rotor blade it can efficiently turn, so the larger the helicopter. An RC helicopter with this kind of engine generally has a flight time of 7 to 14 minutes, depending on engine size, rotor size, and tuning.
For years electric motors in model aircraft were not practical, due to brush and commutator issues and limitations imposed by batteries. These days, however, we have the luxury of efficient brushless motors and lightweight lithium polymer batteries, equaling longer flight times. An RC helicopter with this combination can enjoy a flight time of between 4 and 12 minutes, depending on how aggressively you fly the helicopter.
RC Helicopter Controls
In a full-size helicopter, controls include rudder pedals which change the pitch of the tail rotor, giving you yaw control, the collective which changes the pitch of the main rotor, giving you the ability to climb or descend, and the cyclic which alters the tilt of the main rotor, giving you pitch and roll capability. In addition to all of that, you need throttle control to change the RPM of the engine. That's a lot to keep track of, but fortunately, in the world of RC model helicopters, some of those functions have been combined or eliminated. If your RC helicopter has "fixed collective pitch", then you don't need to worry about the collective since your ascent/descent will be controlled by the throttle. It's simpler, but it does limit some of the maneuvers you can perform. If your model comes gyro-equipped, you can spend less time worrying about yaw control, since it will do a lot of compensating for you. So now your controls include pitch and roll (cyclic), climb and descend (throttle and collective), and yaw (rudder, with gyro assist).
RC Helicopter Construction
Since, realistically there will be impacts, both numerous and severe as pilots learn how to handle their aircraft, typically the RC helicopter is made of glass-reinforced plastic, aluminum, and carbon fiber. Rotor blades are most commonly made of fiberglass or carbon fiber, although there are some made of wood. Models can be purchased in kit form and may take from 3 to 20 hours to completely assemble, depending on size and complexity. Happily, many of the newer, micro and mini electric RC helicopters come fully-assembled and ready-to-fly, right out of the box.
RC Helicopter Competitions
Besides being an enjoyable hobby, RC helicopter flying has a competitive side. The advent of 3D flying contests has raised the bar for helicopter aerobatics, it can accommodate beginners as well as grizzled veterans, and it's a treat for the spectators, too. Radio controlled helicopter flying competitions can be open to all age groups so the thrill of flying your own model helicopter can be enjoyed by everyone.