KIT Versions.

[Cozmo]

Hi All,

I've been lurking here for a couple of weeks just collecting info on the world of RC Helicopters, being that I'm a complete novice to this hobby and I have to say a big thanks to everyone on these boards for all the information I was able to access just by reading old posts which means I can avoid the most obvious questions like, "what Helicopter is best" etc hehe.

I have been flightsimming for years and years on everything like IL2-1946, M$FS etc and now my current favourite DCS: Black SHark (Russian Ka50 heli sim). However a little over 2 weeks ago a friend of mine got me a "Silverlit Vortex" 3ch rc helicopter.. I know it makes you drool with envy .. lol But I was blown away at how much fun it was to actually control an RC Helicopter and I soon realized that this toy wasn't enough, which lead me here and where my research began on all things RC .

Anyway with my lurk Whoring days behind me I do have quite a few questions so I'll start with this one:

The difference between Kits and RTF's?

When they say "The KIT version does not include any electronics", how extensive and expensive would it be to build up a kit Helicopter to flying status? I'm talking about Something around the 450 size.


Also are there any good stores in London or online that some of you could recommend?


Thanks for any and all info .

[moonmanflyer]

Hi Cozmo and welcome
Right, the best sort of deal for a KIT combo at the moment has to be the Align Trex 450 sport or Pro.
Comes with most of the elecs inc servo, gyro, motor, ESC, blades.
The other items you will need apart from tools is
2200mah 3s lipo flight pack
Lipo charger
6 channel Transmitter
6 Channel Reciever
All in all, i expect you are looking at £400-£500 depending on what radio you go for

[squeaky pete]

or a 7 channel if your gonna get serious hehehehehehe

[derrick]

[Cozmo]

Thanks for the Info.

My ultimate aim is for a 450 size helicopter, I don't think I'll need anything bigger , but I'll be starting with a 200 for now which will hopefuly give me time to learn the basics so I'll be able to make a more informed choice when purchasing something larger.

[squeaky pete]

a trex250 sized heli is actually harder to fly then a 90size lol and u will ultimatly end up with a bigger heli when u start to see other people flying them

IMO go for the 450 striaght away coz the small ones are shify little bugger to fly mate

[shikari_chaos]

+1 on the above.
the 200-250 size helis are very twitchy and the smallest of inputs creates bigger movements compared to a larger heli like a 90 size machine.
Basically the bigger the heli the more stable it becomes but more expense and far scarier to fly for a novice. A 450 is a good size to learn on

[Cozmo]

Thanks for the advice .

I have read that on the forums several times and it makes perfect sense even when considering the cost of crashing is more expesnive with the larger helicopters but the theory that you'll crash less so it will cost you less in the long run also makes perfect sense. However for me at my stage I have no clue about so many things and there are so many acronyms flying around sometimes I feel like saying "English ****** do you speak it" .

Before I buy the one I want I'd just like to expand my knowledge base to a point where I feel I know what I'm doing.

.... u will ultimatly end up with a bigger heli when u start to see other people flying them

Ah "copter envy" heh ..We have a similar thing in the flightsim world only we call it "Whos got the biggest Hotas" ... lol

[squeaky pete]

you will always be learning heli stuff dude, but for me, the trex250 or simular size is a bad choice, they are fast, very fast, go wrong very quickly, and london is always windy, a 250 wont take the wind that much

go for a 450, a trex, or even a beam e4, click the evorc link below ive yet to see or hear of a frame breaking on one of those yet, and i think they are on offer aswell

[Twisted]

RC heli sim and a great TX 7ch Spectrum futaba etc is always a great start, I learnt to fly on a small heli to but they are harder to fly. I just fly trex 450 size heli now... But if I ever upgrade it will be to a trex500/logo 400 as they are great helis and don't kill the pocket in lipo costs. Also going to heli like the trex/logo you will have to build them up and put there guts (electrics) in, but this is all good as will teach you how it all goes together and how it works. It IS a LOT of money and you will crash hence using the sim as much as poss. But its great fun and once you get better crashes get less and fix times get quicker also if you get stuck on the build flying etc just ask here and there are soo many guys/gals here that will be able to help you

[helidaz]

Cozmo.. Where abouts in London are you??? There is a fantastic shop called "Hoverfly" in Queenstown Road.. bout 5-10 mins walk from the station.. Plenty of stock, spares, and they give you fantastic advice and support for your heli furture.. Take a visit... I been down the rtf route and would say although cheaper to start not so cheap in the future.. Go trex 450- 500 and Spektrum dx6i, 7 0r 8..

[Nick B]

The best starter heli is quite simply...Phoenix flight sim

2nd best starter heli would be the 450 sport

[Cozmo]

Thanks a lot helidaz,

I live in North London but even though Hoverfly is on the other side of the river I'm definitely going to check it out.

[helidaz]

Welcome to Hover Fly