Another AH-1 cobra Build

[Zeeflyboy]

Another AH-1 cobra Build

Thanks Zee, means a lot coming from you! Your builds are mindblowing!! Too embarrased to post in your threads!

Hah hardly... I've not really even achieved anything in the AH6 thread yet!

True what you say about weight - I don't expect my AH-6 to come out with much change from 7Kg.

Multi blade heads and semi symmetrical blades help a lot in that regard, although you can then run into problems with the tail blowing out unless you also make that multi blade.

Apparently the align raised tail really doesn't like multi blade tails though and you'll strip the angled gears... I saw that there are some other TT drive options now though.

Usually the power systems are adequate when geared correctly - you don't need the heli to be ridiculously over powered like for 3D flight, so the added weight ends up just making it behave like a more normal heli. IMO the main issue is blade loading to avoid excessive settling under power and heavy flight characteristics.

I went for a 700 motor in my 600 scale build but it's probably not necessary. I wanted the power to take advantage of that massive 5 blade head though to pull me out of trouble if I screw up.

[Airwolfie]

Lies! All lies! Your AH-6 is going to be amazing when done!!

The mechanics are not my doing, that is up to Sao, he's the one with the putting-heli's-together-skill!! Hopefully it won't be a problem, as I do think he's got the four blade tail.

Here, I did some pics as I was doing these, just so you can see how I do it!

Bits cut out in various thicknesses of syrene(.5mm, .75mm), ready to be glued together.




All glued together!




Next was the backing plate with grilles in the openings. I used a "fat trap" for frying pans that you put over the pan to prevent splatter for the grilles( I don't know what it's called!!). It's really thin and cheap at Tescos, and is also quite fine. I simply glued it to the styrene with some thick CA and sprayed a bit off accelerator on it to speed up the set of the CA.



The rear...




I will be cutting a hole in the fuse and then sandwich it between the front and rear bits so it holds together as epoxy resin doesn't bond to styrene.

Here is how it looks all assembled........



More to come maybe later!!

[Zeeflyboy]

Another AH-1 cobra Build

I would highly, highly recommend he doesn't run a 4 blade tail on the stock align riser... I've read about far too many failures. It would be a crying shame to see this heli end up in pieces due to a known weak point.

I believe heliartist have a beefed up unit available for just this reason in fact.

Keep up the good work in the mean time!

[Airwolfie]

Thanks for your concerns, I have told him about it.

A few more pics for ya!

Cut a hole.........





Glue the front on...........




And finish off with the grilles.........





That's it for now!!

[Airwolfie]

A little more..........

cut the frame...........





Glue to fuse........






Add a bit of filler..........









And.....................



You will have to wait till tomorrow!!!!!!!!!

[Sao]

Filler! Moar weight!

[Airwolfie]

Filler! Moar weight!

Yeah I decided this will be a shelf queen! No chance of this flying after THAT bit of filler!!!


A few more details. 0.5mm styrene cut into a circle, added a smaller one on top, and scribed the outside line to create a panel line.





And all together.......








More later..........

[Airwolfie]

Take a load of bits of styrene tube, and add a little box around it......






Sand down to flatten both ends..............









The start of the flare holder shooter thingys!(don't know what they are called!!)

[Airwolfie]

Side panel with grill installed

[Airwolfie]

Moar panels!!





And installed





Frames for the flare holders....






Lip added.....

[Zeeflyboy]

Another AH-1 cobra Build

Where do you get the foam you are using?

I just did something silly.. I may have agreed to buy a desktop CNC machine.

Does open up the possibility to home brew some very high quality parts though...

[Airwolfie]

In a skip!!

In all seriousness, it was from some packaging of something. I usually see or find them everywhere, and if it's too small, stick them together. I found the denser it is, the easier it can be worked with. Wood glue, pva glue or epoxy works best.


A cnc machine eh?!! I'd love to have one!!

[Airwolfie]

A few more pics...........









And a all in shot............

[Zeeflyboy]

Another AH-1 cobra Build

It's coming together really well... All these little details with the vents etc will look great

[Airwolfie]

Thanks Zee! Getting there! I also sanded the exit of the exhausts but no need for pics of that!

Not long now, I'm hoping to get her done by the end of the month!!