700LE Build Commences

[Jamin_00]

So what else is needed to complete the build Martin?

[Mart61]

So what else is needed to complete the build Martin?

At present I'm lacking:

- Gyro (probably going for a Quark)
- Tail servo (most likely a DS650)
- Throttle servo (looking at an S3152)
- Receiver (after an AR7000)

So not too much really, Ben.

[alex]

Nice one- I saw one flying yesterday and it was beautiful- bloody fast in a straight line too.............................Enjoy

[Mart61]

Just a little more done tonight. Don't wanna work too hard, or push my luck with my darling wife.

Completed the assembly of the main gear and clutch bell housing:



Next stop is the frames...

[alex]

I think the best touch was THE ALIGN TOWEL- I've not had one of those with my previous helis- it must be to wipe up the mess from wetting oneself with the excitement

[Dannyyy]

Found a use for that Align towel yet?

[Mart61]

It's for wiping away one's tears after a crash.

[alex]

I notice people are saying "oneself" and "one"- I wanted to say you and your ( generic), but it implies it is personal

SOrry- did not mean to hijack the thread- show us more pics

[Mart61]

I notice people are saying "oneself" and "one"...

It's cos my school was so good it was approved!

[alex]

A couple of build questions:

1) I found that when making up the links that run from the swash to the mixing arms, it was a real struggle to get them to be 75.5mm long as stated in the manual. You guys find the same? The rods are just about bottomed out in the link ends.

2) When putting the flybar paddles on, I was reluctant to tighten the grubscrews too much for fear of stripping them. As such the paddles will probably rotate on the mainshaft with minimal force. How did you guys prevent them from rotating?

Put a little threadlock on the flybar thread- works a treat.

Links are defined by having the A on the outside, which limits things a bit. The link length is more dertermined by the head set up and levelling rather than what it says in the manual. It seems to come out about right, though my elevator needed a very small amount of sub trim. Have you got the correct links- none of mine were bottomed out? ( sorry- patronising question)

[Mart61]

Thanks for the threadlock tip.

I used the links shown in the manual - a 56mm rod and the balllinks as shown (they all appear to be the same throughout the kit).

[Mart61]

I been a very naughty boy:

[Farmer Giles]

Nice pics..

Personally I'll be really interested to see a cost comparison of your 'budget' build compared to buying a new kit and separate parts and also the combo deals you can get.

when you've finished bashing your credit card perhaps you could knock up a little comparison table between the three options and give an indication of where you bought new and s/h.

I'm sure there are plenty of people who would like to see just how 'cheap' a 700 build could be.

cheers

[Jamin_00]

I dont think they will be cheap by any means but it can be cheapER and is easier if spread out rather than in one go maybe

[Mart61]

Well, as a guide, I have spent thus far:

- T-rex 700LE Kit - £400 (new)
- DS610 x 3 - £90 (new)
- Quark & DS650 - £107 (new)
- OS91SZ-H PS - £158 (new)
- Align 90 Pipe - free (used - thanks to Ben)
- Align 2-in-1 - free (used - thanks to Ben)
- AR7000 - £35 (used)

I'm not gonna fit a governor (and if is were too, I still have one I've not used from my 600 build).

I also have, thanks to Chris, a complete carb and backplate to convert the engine from pumped to non-pumped should I so choose.

The only thing I don't have (I believe) is the S3152 I plan to put on the throttle. These can be had for less than £20.

Thus, once completed, this build will have cost me around £810 in total.