Taken the plunge and going for a Spectra G

[gramey]

After much reading and even more deliberation I've decided to go for an X Cell Spectra G. Having initially thought about getting a Century Predator I dismissed this on the grounds of possible spares supply issues so thought of others such Bergen, Vario and X Cell.
I think the Bergen is an older design and the looks of the Vario didn't overly appeal to me so I came down in favour of the X Cell. I've got to wait for delivery but once it's here and built I may out for some advice!

[gramey]

Good news today, having ordered my Spectra G some 6 weeks ago I'm assured it was shipped from the States on Wednesday so should be with me next week. Engine should be going off to stEvo's tuning whilst I build the heli up and hopefully be in the air before the end of the month.

[Boggy]

good luck with it gramey it will be worth doing a build thread on that

[gramey]

I shall try and take some piccy's along the way and post something up, after weeks of waiting I'm really looking forward to getting it.

[Mart61]

Yay! Need to see some pics!

[brin]

just been looking at the specs on it and it looks good ,defo have to do a build thread on that gramey good luck with the build.

[Mojo]

Good luck with the build mate..

I have a question, Is the only difference between this and a normal nitro heli the engine? I assume gassers run on different fuel..

Mo

[gramey]

A gasser weighs more and puts out less power than a nitro, "So why buy one?" I hear you ask. They run on unleaded with a 25-40/1 two stroke oil mix so a gallon costs you about a fiver. They'll fly for 35 - 40 mins on a tank of fuel, you won't need to adjust your mixture very often if at all. The engines last for yonks compared to a nitro. You don't need to take starting gear just pull the cord and go.They will 3D but not like a big nitro but you won't be filling the tank every 7 minutes with nitro at £20.00 a gallon.
If I ever progress to 3D I'll use my 600 as the power to weight will be better suited for that and spares are cheaper, although spares on gassers are not as dear as you'd think.

[dj propo]

personally i think a gasser is the best heli anyone can buy to learn on because of the weight and stability of em, but the cost "ouch", as far as i know the only thing you have to watch out for is the exhaust coming loose because there is more vibration than a nitro engine, feel free to correct me if i'm wrong

[Mojo]

Ahh.. I see.. Interesting point with the fuel!! And if they are capable of doing 3d maneuvers (mild ones i would assume) then it is good choice..

Just had a quick look at Midland Helicopter.. And they are expensive!! But considering the saving in the long run, it would make sense i guess.. The engines are big though (23-26cc) considering the OS50 are only about 8cc.

So the ideal combination for circuit flying then would be a scale gasser??

[Mark J]

Good choice on the spectra g mate.
A friend of mine has the predator and for the majority of spares etc theyre not too bad on getting etc (bit pricey mind!) but he has currently been waiting almost 3 months for century UK to get him a stabilisation kit to stiffen the top frames and secure to the engine! as without it the top frames can move under flight conditions and it plays havok with the clutch (ie it chewed one up and spat it out when he was hovering one time!!!!)

So good choice on the spectra as my mate was looking at getting one in the future as the quality etc looks top notch.

[gramey]

Mark J, I initially wanted to buy a Predator but everyone I know who's had dealings with them has had problems. A friend of mine ordered a set of 5 balanced blades for a scale Sea King he built, he waited over 3 months for them and when they came through their weights varied from 104 - 122 grammes! The thing wobbled all over the place, he ended going to the LHS and picking out 3 pair of blades from stock and sent the others back.
I liked the look of the Spectra and saw an X-Cell Stratus in my LHS and really liked the quality of it. I spoke to MotorsandRotors and they assure me that parts aren't a problem, although they may be bound to say that but the guy there flies Spectra's, and I quizzed him on prices and they seemed comparable to the others.
Roll on the end of the week when all being well the build will commence.......

[gramey]

Ahh.. I see.. Interesting point with the fuel!! And if they are capable of doing 3d maneuvers (mild ones i would assume) then it is good choice..

This is the Century Predator rather than a Spectra but the Spectra should be capable of the same, but not in my hands -

[ame]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZNA_wWl2XxY[/ame]

[Johnda]

Gramey,

who's stEvo's tuning ?

[gramey]

Gramey,

who's stEvo's tuning ?

Click on the link - http://www.stevesracingbits.co.uk - hopefully it works! Website is still in it's infancy but you can contact him if you need to find out more.