Thunder Tiger Raptor 30 V2 - Advice Please

[ARD]

I am looking to get a Thunder Tiger Raptor 30 V2

My local shop has a deal for £499 which comprises of

Key V2 Kit Features
• Re designed and strengthened sideframes
• Rugged collective pitch control arm
• New designed canopy and decals
• Starter shaft from 5mm to 6mm
• Extended cooling fan shroud
• Solid 6mm Spindle
• Oversized tail rotor grip
• Lenghtened vertical fin by 10mm
• Rigid boom support
• Wider tank with 340cc capacity

Sanwa Radio set includes:

• 6 Channel FM Tx
• 6 Channel FM Rx
• 4 x SRM102 Servos
• Tx and Rx NiCads
• Dual Charger
• Servo extension lead
• Y-type switch harness
• Hardware pack


• Fifth servo also included.


•Futaba G190 Piezo Gyro.

The new G190 piezo gyro is exceptionally small and light, but with highly impressive performance, the G190 is suitable for use with today's ever popular 30 size I/C helicopters. Size: 22.2x22.8mm Weight only 6.7g complete.


Store details - http://www.hobbystores.co.uk/

I like the idea of this kit as it comes complete with everything needed to complete the build and to start flying (with help from someone who knows how lol)

But, I'm not sure if this kit is good value or not.

Would it be cheaper, and could I get a better build by buying the kit seperately, then buying all of the necessary parts.

My problem is, I do not know what additional parts I would need, and the best place to get them from.

Thank you for any help on this one, and please forgive my newbiness lol

[Ade_Law]

the model and radio suggested will work. However your going to find yourself upgrading most of it in the first 6months to 1 year.

The main problem is the Sanwa transmitter its a brand that isnt too pupular so getting help to set it up is going to be tricky, Getting somebody to buddybox you is going to be virtually impossible.

Is that budget fixed or do you think you can stretch it a little? If you spend a bit more now it will save you buying the right stuff later on... Buy right buy once.

Ade

[Disc]

Find a local Club and see what they fly etc.

You'll end up spending about 700-800 pounds included all the field equipment.

As Ade says you'll end up changing stuff around in no time at all, You'll spend double the amount in 3 months if your not careful.

[Edders]

I dont see an engine or exhust listed...., then youll need the starting gear the only thing I think you should change is the gyro and tail servo. as this will save you alot of issues at the beging having to learn with a poor tail

Edders

[Disc]

Engine is an irvine 36.....

Change that to the OS 32 or 37 though

[Ade_Law]

my recomended spec for a raptor 30

spektrum DX7 without servos
OS37 ditch the standard muffler that comes with the heli it falls apart.
futaba 3152 for the collective
futaba 3001 for cyclic and throttle
futaba gy401 gyro and 9254 tail servo
Sub C sized 4 cell 4.8v batter 2400mah or greater
Heavy Duty Switch.

And of course Phoenix simulator (www.phoenix-sim.com)

If that pushes you beyond your budget then let us know how much experience you have and we shall give you some other options.

Ade

[ChrisB]

I would avoid that Hobbystores deal,the Heli is Ok but the Sanwa radio is a no no..

I started off with sanwa gear and quickly upgraded the Tx for starters,the servos are bog standard bare minimum spec..

Sanwa is not widely used,most clubs have a mixture of Futaba,JR and Spectrum,buying any of these brands will give you some compatability for being buddied with your own model..

If i was starting out from new i would certainly go for a 2.4 ghz system,my choice would be the DX7 but as far as i am aware,the Futaba system is just as good

I know sod all about the 190 gyro but the tail is important and should be suitably equipped,as a starting point,a setup that will take you very far and be a good investment in the long run is the 401/9254 combo..

I am pretty sure if you shop around you will get a better deal than Shoddystores has to offer

[ChrisB]

I have just looked at the Hobbystores site,the Tx is the Sanwa RD6000 Sport,this is the absolute bare basics of a heli radio with very little flexibility,they do an RD6000 Super thats a bit dearer but a bit more capable,pleeease steer clear of the Sport version as this is what i started with,i knew nothing about it when i started but remember fellow fliers cursing at it when trying to help me set my models up

[ARD]

Thanks for all of the replies so quickly, much appreciated.

I feared the kit would be the cheapest stuff. I have built nitro cars and planes, but this is my first venture in to Helicopters.

I know what you mean about swapping stuff out for better.

As you guys know a lot more than me, (and I wil bore you stupid in months to come as the build gets going lol), could someoe make me a list of all parts I'll need please, and possibly the best place to get them from so that I can make the purchase in one go.

Thanks to Ade_Law for the list, but, as I am new to this sport it doesn't make too much sense to me at the moment. I'll look through the forum to see if I can find more about 'the collective' etc.

Once again thanks for the replies and making me feel welcome

[Ade_Law]

ok in that case you might be better off with one of the contra rotating helis like the blade CX2.

if you buy phoenix sim too you will be able to learn on both. Visit your local club (do a search here for the club list) a good club will have a number of heli pilots of varying skill levels and will be able to guide you to a good model shop.

Collective pitch is is the control that changes the pitch of the blades together this gives more or less pitch

Cyclic is 2 controls and work the same as aileron and elevator on a plane controlling the roll and pitch axis

Ade

[ARD]

Thanks for the reply

[norris_mcsquirter]

where in nottinghamshire are you? if your close enough to me then come and say hello at park hall heli and we will try and point you in the right direction. your guaranteed to see us at weekends check out www.parkhallheli.org for directions.. regards chris

[ARD]

where in nottinghamshire are you? if your close enough to me then come and say hello at park hall heli and we will try and point you in the right direction. your guaranteed to see us at weekends check out www.parkhallheli.org for directions.. regards chris

Thanks for the link

[mattydred]

Thanks for the link

see you there on saturday and sunday then

i just joined park hall. the guys are great and helped me out loads

[jamiesawyer28041978]

Hi ard im selling my Raptor 30 v2 heli comes with an engine and exhaust , You would need some radio gear , gyro , blades etc but it would get you started and save you a couple of hundred quid . Its in good condition and had about 2 gallons of fuel through it . I can put a couple of photos on in a while if you like . The engine is a Toki 40 and been reliable runner.