HIROBO SA315 Lama
The SA315 Lama was introduced in 1977 as one of Hirobo's first scale range of models for the common 'Flatbed' mechanics system; originally for 40 size engines but then upgraded for the next couple of years before being 'stretched' to use a 50 size engine. Shortly after introduction of the 'Flatbed' model Hirobo made another 'bold' move and introduced a 'Large' scale version powered by a Petrol engine with a full scale rotor head; this was seriously expensive and thus was only bought in very small number.
With the advert on plastic for model construction, basic Shuttle mechanics were modified for scale use (designated S-30) and a model suitable for this size of engine made predominantly from plastic was produced thus giving good scale fidelity.
The large scale version was resurrected in 1996 and brought out as a 'special edition' with the new more powerful BGX-1 Petrol engine; I remember seeing a price tag of £10,000 in the early 2000's for this one so again, a very rare model to see.
Finally, as part of the electric revolution, a small contra-rotating version was brought out; initial powered through an umbilical but then revised for full radio control.
Lama series timeline
- 1977 - Original model for Flatbed mechanics and 40 size engines.
- 1979 - Large scale model for the 20G Petrol engine.
- 1980 - Upgraded Flatbed version for 50 size engines.
- 1991 - Revised for 30 size engines and 'plastic' construction.
- 1996 - Special edition of the Large scale model now with BGX-1 Petrol engine.
- 2004 - XRB-SR electric model with contra-rotating rotor head.