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Vintage RC Helicopters - Germany
As we all know, the problems of a practical radio controlled helicopter (not THE first RC helicopter) were finally overcome by Dieter Schlüter's successful helicopter incorporating 'flybar' control of the rotor head. Throughout history the German people have always been very inventive with designs well ahead of the rest of the world (except for motorcycles; BMW >>>>>> what's all that about then, a design stuck in a time warp but still sold?????). However, though the head design was very simple in principle the first production kits were scale types which made them complicated and very expensive. Schlüter did though take a step sideways in the mid seventies and with a similar principle to the British Lark, produced the Heli-Baby which led the way for the 'all metal' 'pod and boom' models which was to 'globally' followed. Kavan and Graupner followed in the 'Schlüter' footsteps of expensive 'scale' helicopters. In 'vintage' terms, German manufactured RC helicopters are extremely well covered by a number of sites and whilst I intend to build up information in this area on my site, I do not intend to 'compete' with them and thus can focus my attention to areas not so well represented. I have used some of their photos where I cannot find them anywhere else and provide local acknowledgement for copyright however, if you really want to know more then it is a must to visit the sites below (Remember to activate your translator first.....):- Helioldie - Web site run by Eberhard Hof and is full of information especially concerning remanufactured parts, restorations and restoration techniques. Heli-Baby - Web site run by Gerd Guzicki dedicated to the Schlüter Heli-Baby and including the new manufacture of the original Fixed Pitch Heli-Baby. Schlüter - Dieter's own web site covering his current occupation and historic helicopters. Cobra - Web site run by Uwe Jantzen covering the early Schlüter models Cobra, DS-22 etc. The Heli-oldie site has many sub sites linked to it and so you can spend a happy hour bouncing around finding all sorts of interesting info.
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