Vintage RC Helicopters - Workshop How to - Mechanics

  Workshop How to - Mechanics

Radio controlled Helicopters came as something of a 'shock' to the modelling fraternity in general; not only because it was a completely unknown method of flying control but also in the construction methods required.  Modelling in the sixties was generally balsa wood, tissue and dope with mechanical construction at a minimum, though a GRP (Glass Reinforced Plastic) fuselage was not something new, generally they were only provided for kits at the 'top end' of the market and so only a handful of modellers were proficient in its use.  Therefore, opening a box that looked more like a 'Mecano' set plus a big GRP fuselage with only a handful of wooden parts, provided quite a challenge.

Helicopters also differed in another import area from 'fixed wing' aeroplanes; because of the general designs of the day (i.e. developed from free flight) even a poorly built aeroplane would tend to fly OK and it had to be really badly built with many faults before it became unflyable. On the other hand, a poorly built helicopter, especially in the hands of a 'tyro' (as all were at the start) would be near enough unflyable.  Thus build quality would determine the success of the budding helicopter pilot as much, if not more so, than the type of helicopter itself.

As a historic note this proved to be the case all the way up to the advent of the true RTF's (Ready To Fly) available by 2010.  Many a disappointed beginner gave up because the basic problem was poor build and / or setting up.  As a solo flyer in the eighties I never achieved circuit flying and I suspect my progress would have been successful if my helicopter had been set up by someone who knew what they were about...........

This section covers the different general aspects of Model Helicopter construction, repair and modifications.  Note that these are historic documents and show procedures and techniques applicable at the time of printing; some are still valid whilst some have been amended many times through the years.  So if you intend to use them please keep this in mind.........

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