Introduction To Scale Helicopters

Introduction to Scale Helicopters

What is scale helicopter? a scale helicopter is a model that resembles a full-size helicopter in every way only in minature.
There is virtually no limit to what can be done to a model to make it look like the full-size aircraft. There is a huge variety of scale helicopter fuselages available on today's market including semi-scale and of course true scale fuselages.
Semi-scale fuselages tend to be what's called 'hang on' fuselages this means that the pod and boom helicopter is stripped and the fuselage is fitted with a minimum of fuss and that is that. In the case of a true scale fuselage the fuselage is copied to a particular paint scheme then 'scale accessories' are fitted these include aerials, door handles, pitot tubes, hatches and latches and anything that would be found on the full-size helicopter. Vario UK can supply all the scale accessories you will ever need.

A considerable amount of time and money will have been invested in a scale helicopter not to mention the frustration of getting it all to work together so plan in advance , most fuselages wil be able to be fitted to most mechanics but some alterations to the fuselage may be required i.e some cutting and/or shaping, a Dremel or other rotary tool will prove invaluable for working on your scale helicopter.

I always use Vario or Graupner fuselages and mechanics that way I know everything will fit perfectly with the minimum of work. The instructions should be followed to the letter to ensure that you produce a well-built, and safe model.

Vario and Graupner fuselages are great because they offer real scope to produce an excellent true scale model.
Of the full-size the Twin Squirrel, BO 105, Agusta A109E Power and of course the JetRanger are particular favourites of mine and I am very lucky to own and fly them.
Scale helicopters require a high degree of care and maintenance because the mechanics are hidden inside the fuselage therefore making possible problems harder to detect. After every ten hours of flight I remove the mechanics from the fuselage and inspect them for any signs of wear and tear and do any servicing that is needed, I decided to make a maintenance log to enable me to keep track of repairs, parts fitted and money spent, the maintenance log was made using Microsoft Word and is very easy to do and is worth it's weight in gold.

It is also useful to have some equipment and materials to help carry out repairs to fuselages should the unthinkable happen or if you are about to alter your scale helicopter fuselage.

Don't just build and fly your scale helicopter without checking it over as sooner or later you will regret it I have seen so many great looking helicopters wrecked for the want of a bit of care and maintenace, work out a maintenance schedule and stick to it as it will pay dividends in the future and you will have a scale helicopter to be proud of.