RC Helicopter

[Chris71]

I'm looking to buy a present for my dad and wanted to go for something a bit fun. In the past he's been bought a couple of those basic indoor model helicopters with the two channel control. I thought about getting something a bit more serious - something more like proper 3-axis control and potentially capable of being flown outside. Budget is about £100 (preferably with servos, transmitter etc. included). What do you reckon? Any particular examples to look out for?

Anything similar would be a possibility too. If you have any other thoughts I'm all .

ETA This looks like a good bet: http://www.buzzflyer.co.uk/RC-Helicopters/ESky-Hon...

Edited by Chris71 on Wednesday 15th June 10:25

[HoHoHo]

At that size you get what you pay for - both in flying ability (of the helicopter) and build quality.

You've got to add £100 to your budget, maybe a little more to get a half decent entry level machine.

You could always buy him a Blade MSR which he can use indoors rather than something that must be flown outside?

Edited to say I just read your post and see he has had indoor machines - that said, the Blade is a cracker.

[Chris71]

Hmm, don't think the budget will stretch quite that far.

What are the downsides to the entry level outdoor helicopters? I'm not looking for spectacular performance, just something which is capable of flying in a slight breeze rather than staying indoors. That said, I'll take a look at the MSR.

[ally_f]

I've got the Honeybee CP with variable pitch blades. It's a nightmare and well beyond my level of skill. An instructor flew it outside and said it was ok and very agile but it does get blown about by the wind.

Similarly I have a similar size 4 channel contra-rotating heli and although it's very stable and good outdoors when there's no wind, it's not agile enough to do much with and it's easy tog et bored.

With a bit of practice and patience I'm sure the fixed pitch Honeybee in your link would be great.

[The_Jackal]

Get him an indoor co-axial helicopter. Very stable and alot more controllable.
Bear in mind being able to fly a Picco Z thing means absolutely zero when it comes to flying a proper Rc heli.

[Chris71]

The_Jackal said:

Get him an indoor co-axial helicopter. Very stable and alot more controllable.

I think he already has one.

Actually the fact that people have already bought him (low-end) model helicopters left, right and centre maybe suggests I should get something else full stop!

[Lefty]

Considerde a parkzone fixed wing? They do very cool warbirds: P51, Spitfire, FW190 Mossie etc etc

[Chris71]

Lefty said:

Considerde a parkzone fixed wing? They do very cool warbirds: P51, Spitfire, FW190 Mossie etc etc

Not a bad idea. The Hobbyzone ones look quite interesting too - not such interesting subjects (Piper Cub as opposed to P51s etc) but a little more affordable and seemingly well regarded.

Anyone have experience with the more affordable ready to fly planes? Looking for something with radio gear etc. included.

It's his 70th, so the theme is that growing old doesn't have to entail growing up!

[Keith ctr]

I currently have a Parkzone ultra-micro piper cub and p51 mustang, great planes for learning, it needs to be calm but they are very easy and convenient to fly. They are good value and parts are very easy to get hold of should you be unlucky. (My Piper cub is currently for sale, its ready to fly with transmitter and spare batteries).

As for helis, both the e-flite blade mcx and blade msr are great fliers. Depends on his skill level to what would suit him best.

[Chris71]

Well, heli-wise it would have to be something capable of flying outdoors and it would have to provide more of a challenge than the basic co-axial ones without being too difficult for someone who's never flown a single rotor design I guess.

Going to head off tomorrow morning and find something. Don't suppose anyone knows a good model shop in Hertfordshire or North London?

[Wanchaiwarrior]

E-Flite Blade 120 SR ? (yellow one in pics)
Specifications:
Weight: 106g (3.75 oz)
Length: 320mm (12.5in)
Height: 130mm (5 ins)
Rotor Diameter: 320mm (12.5 ins)
Main motor: Brushed (installed)
Tail motor: Coreless (installed)
On-board-electronics: 5-in-1 receiver/servos/mixer/ESCs/gyro (installed)
Battery: 1-cell 3.7V 500mAh Lithium Polymer (1.9Wh), 12C
Transmitter Batteries: 4 AA (RTF)
Charger: DC Variable Rate LiPo Charger with AC adapter

[bumblebee]

Chris71 said:

Don't suppose anyone knows a good model shop in Hertfordshire or North London?

Motors and Rotors (Kingley Park, Kings Langley)
Moor Models (Croxley Green - Watford)
Hobbystores (St Albans & Camden)
Phil Greeno Models (Rayners Lane)
Al's Hobbies (Enfield)
308 Hobbies (Holloway Road, N7)

It's worth calling Motors and Rotors to see what they've got, their website isn't always up to date as their stock comes in and goes out quicker than they can update it!

All the above are pretty much the best in North London/S. Herts, otherwise I would recommend West London Models in Harlington, just next to Heathrow Airport.

[mr.man]

Well I'm 58 next birthday and 4 weeks ago bought myself my first rc anything.

It's a Force-rc MH-35 indoor helicopter. 5CH AIR TO AIR COAXIAL BATTLE HELI.

Hours of fun just flying it around the house,landing and taking off from obscure places,

mesmerising the cats and the dog etc. Even took it down the pub last night.WARNING.

After just 2 pints of strong beer you cannot fly a helicopter.

Indoors only would be ideal for cold dark winter nights and rainy Sundays.

I paid £60 + £8 for a spare battery.

www.FORCE-RC.COM