Just picked up one of these models, I've wanted a scale VTOL for a long time! However, initial impressions are that it is very heavy for its size and very slim on the detail. I have a few major mods planned in order to solve a few of its issues. First off, the cockpit and nacelles will be detailed. Second off, the props really look ridiculous. I will be modding mine to run on 5S and use 4 blade props. I am also ripping out the stock control board and substituting a kk2 running open aero VTOL, and converting the wing tilt to run off of a servo. The stock tilt runs off of a modified retract unit, so it only had 2 positions. I will also be changing out the tail rotor for a 3 blade variable pitch tail and ditch the current tail-tilt yaw control system. The variable pitch tail should allow me to run a further forward CG that might be to stabilize forward flight without need for tail rotor assistance. Currently, the stock model keeps the tail rotor on for stabilization in forward flight to compensate for the very aft stock CG. Instead, I will convert the ailerons to the scale size, so that they can control yaw in the hover, and convert the tail to be an all moving surface like the full scale. It's a long and ambitious list, but I think it will pay off. Here are a few photos of the model in its stock configuration.
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The first mod I did was scale props. Since there are no counter-rotating 10" 4 blade props out there (besides expensive varioprops with hubs that are way too thick), I decided to make them by combining 2 2-blade master airscrew 10x7 props. I built a jig to hold each prop and milled out about 40% of the hub thickness on each side using a 3/4" Forstner bit. Then, I glued the halfs of the prop together with JB weld to create a 4 blade prop. All the props were then balanced. I'll be conducting tests later to see if these are structurally sound or not. even with the shaved down hubs, there is still a lot more hub volume than on the stock props. Until this is proven, I will add the disclaimer that this is risky and not recommended. I'm just crazy enough about scale that I think it's worth it to get 4 blades on this model.. -
A few shots of all 4 props installed. Starting to think that I may need to install a new spar as well, the stock wings droop noticeably on the ground. Although, the full scale had a bit of anhedral in the wings, so it is sort of realistic. Next mod will be the full span ailerons.Comment
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Please let us know what you think of it when you've finished the mods and tweaking it. I've heard of some of these issues, too. I have the Eflite Convergence and I really like it. This one looks interesting.Comment
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Will do xviper. I just prepped the wings for the full span ailerons, and will be installing those tomorrow. Also ordered a few more components to start putting together the tail rotor drive system. I did look at getting the Convergence, and almost did get one. Ultimately, I decided that I wanted to try to do a scale one first, and this seemed like a good base model for modding.Comment
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