[AJCoholic]

For some reason I was motivated recently to dig up info on the early years of RC helis...

I am currently reading through my early 70's issues of RCM, lots of great articles and ads, and build advice for the early fixed and collective pitch machines.

I started "somewhat late" into the RC heli game, not until the early 1990's with a Concept 30 (although I was THAT close to ordering a fixed pitch Sport 500 from Hobby Lobby at the time, but was certainly glad I did not!), but have always been fascinated in old stuff.

I have the idea in my head to put something together representative of an early fixed pitch machine. I have the construction article for a home made heli from RCM, and the transmission from a Lark coming from a sale off of here. Once I get my metal working equipment moved and set up in my new woodworking shop, I plan to try and get something going this winter.

Call me stupid? Maybe. But I want to know how it was trying to fly one of the oldies.

AJC

[Guest]

i hear you on that one.i have a old cricket that calls out to me ever so often to rebuild her and fly.i have all the original parts for it.its not a home built machine but a good representative of some early innovations’ did fire up the original engine a few years ago and to my surprise it ran perfect.
one of these years i will get her going.
keep us updated on what your doing with pic.

[williame3590]

I had the MM Lark and the Mantis and a bit later the Cricket around 1975. Just a couple of years ago Andrew I sold a never flown Schluter Heli Boy complete with skis and floats. Should have kept it around I guess.

Bill

[AJCoholic]

Originally Posted by williame3590

I had the MM Lark and the Mantis and a bit later the Cricket around 1975. Just a couple of years ago Andrew I sold a never flown Schluter Heli Boy complete with skis and floats. Should have kept it around I guess.

Bill

I had a complete Heli Baby about 10 years ago, but at that time was uninterested in seeing if I could get it to fly, so I sold it.

Its funny how as we get older, (some of us anyhow) we think the older stuff is "neat"

I have always had a fascination with old engines & aircraft, I guess it was just a matter of time until this came about.

AJC

[RCcanuck]

AJCoholic: Now that would be cool!!! Yes...pics and vids of the progress!

[AJCoholic]

I have the construction article and plans for the "polecat", a fixed pitch .19 size home built published in RCM back in 1974. It looks so cool of a project.. and the cool thing is the company that they recommended to buy the gears, belt/pulleys etc from is still in business and parts are all available yet.

The metal work is very basic, easy lathe/mill stuff. I mean youcouldprobably build most of it if you were handy with a drill press, hack saw and files.

I think it might make a good starting point.

I was showing the plans to my wife tonight... she wasnt too interested. But she did say once the baby comes, I probably wont have much time for this. I best get my @ss in gear, and get my metal working gear moved to Timmins and set up asap... my shop should be ready by early Dec. That means I have 3 months to get er' done

This isnt going to be a dream.. I mean, I am going to do this. Honest!

AJC

[xv-townboy]

Originally Posted by AJCoholic

I have the construction article and plans for the "polecat", a fixed pitch .19 size home built published in RCM back in 1974. It looks so cool of a project.. and the cool thing is the company that they recommended to buy the gears, belt/pulleys etc from is still in business and parts are all available yet.

The metal work is very basic, easy lathe/mill stuff. I mean youcouldprobably build most of it if you were handy with a drill press, hack saw and files.

I think it might make a good starting point.

I was showing the plans to my wife tonight... she wasnt too interested. But she did say once the baby comes, I probably wont have much time for this. I best get my @ss in gear, and get my metal working gear moved to Timmins and set up asap... my shop should be ready by early Dec. That means I have 3 months to get er' done

This isnt going to be a dream.. I mean, I am going to do this. Honest!

AJC

You'll have lotsa time in between diaper changes..Where's the puke smily on here lol

[vinver]

As a teenager, I lusted for a GMP Cricket, when one came my way a few years ago I was amazed at just how crude it was (or, just how far RC helis have come in a few years) .
Good luck in the build, I'll be following this one.
Vince
PS Andrew, do you have The R/C Engine book by Clarence Lee, published by RC Modeler 1971 ? I have a copy if you are interested.

[AJCoholic]

Well, this evening I ordered the necessary bearings, and gears/timing belt/pulleys for this beast.

The old model car clutch is no longer available so I had to guess at the # teeth based on the photos and will make up my own clutch.

The fun has begun

AJC

[AJCoholic]

Originally Posted by vinver

PS Andrew, do you have The R/C Engine book by Clarence Lee, published by RC Modeler 1971 ? I have a copy if you are interested.

I have the full series of Clarence Lee's books - volume I to IV if I remember correctly (will have to check my book shelf).

AJC