MinAir Spectra G - revisited

[Malc1]

After owning my Spectra G gasser for a few years now and it not quite getting the use it deserves I've brushed the cobwebs of it ready for a bit of an update.

Original build thread : Miniature Aircraft Spectra G Build

It is currently still fitted with a Hanson G26 3D Max engine and Hatori pipe ( this has been changed) and also still being as per the original build thread - fly barred!

So basically, to replace the PUH engine fitted an RC style TRM VX300 along with a TRM PowerPipe is on it's way and I'm expecting a HeliBug Spectra conversion to be shipped out from the U.S. in the next few days.

For now all I will be doing is the engine conversion and changing all the ball links on the helicopter ( after sourcing quite a few replacements from abroad).
An RC style Stator Gator sensor for the governor is also on it's way to be swapped over.

Once fully sorted and finding the time I will do a Flybarless conversion on it as I have a brand new MinAir FBL head and all parts stuck here ready to fit.
I will use a Futaba CGY750 unit due to it's superb compatibility with the Stator Gator governor sensor.

Not a huge problem waiting for the parts to come as I still have bench space to clear ready with my TRex 700DFC there still not quite finished.

Original photos with Insane canopy from the U.S. and the one I did myself - updated ones to follow.

If you are wondering about spare parts for this obsolete machine I still have quite a comprehensive stock for most things apart from a full power incident.

[trillian]

That's cool seeing the Spectra-G getting updated. I have only seen a couple of them in person and thought it was very classy. I haven't seen the TRM powerpipe, is it like the Quickdraw pipes?

[Malc1]

Superb quality and very smooth Sheryl.
The new PowerPipe is actually a RJX pipe that has been modified by the guys at TRM to improve the gas flow for the larger engines.

[trillian]

Superb quality and very smooth Sheryl.
The new PowerPipe is actually a RJX pipe that has been modified by the guys at TRM to improve the gas flow for the larger engines.

I see, so will you have the engine front-facing then? In any case It should be interesting. I had a Century Predator with a Hanson 26cc PUH engine (I still have the engine actually) but I don't know if it's the '3D Max' or what. It did always feel quite punchy to me but I never got the Predator flying very well and then I sold the airframe when someone was looking for one.

The RMJ Raptor I just finished building has a Hanson 300 but I have the stock RJX pipe so I'll see how that works first before doing any pipe mods.

[Malc1]

Engine rear facing as per the original set up.
I've made sure that I have ordered the right Helibug conversion for this.

I'm hoping that I don't get any issues with the new exhaust leaking as I have had a Hatori with the same method before and had loads of problems.
My existing 'Flex-mount' Hatori is fine.

I'll see if I can sell the Hanson but if not - no real problem.

[leckylee]

What is the Helibug conversion? (it's already a Gasser)
I shelved my Spectra G about 18 months ago maybe I should get it back out. the PUH engine was always a bit of a pain with the detachable pull start.

[Malc1]

Helibug Spark RC Engine Conversion for Spectra-G/Stratus

Still available but I don't know for how long.

[leckylee]

I see that explains it.
The RC engine IMO is easier as I have the 700 with the helix conversion using the RC engine and it's great.

[Stuart]

abit off topic but I did love my Mini Air Extreme 90 just hated the repair bills.... very high end machine auto's like no other in my opinion.

[Malc1]

I agree with the repair costs Stuart.
Made much worst now of course when you have to job to get spare parts anyway.

[pgkevet]

I've still got mine..haven't flown it for over a year..crash fear mostly..:-(
I never had the bottle to do deliberate autos with it but the couple of forced autos I had to do were amazing.. the end float in ground effect just goes on and on specially when over tarmac not wanting to skid it in.
If you all convert yours then that might free up some spare head and baseplate parts....

[Malc1]

That's another one then.
Decided realise we have so many still about

Yeah,spare head and base parts - probably not going to help much in a crash.It's that 70T crown gear that gets it with the slightest touch of the tail - and I don't think you will find any.

[trillian]

The Blitz Avro was very bad about crunching the crown gear if the tail just barely touched the ground. For whatever reason though, the Robbe Futura and Milli have very sturdy crown gears.

If the Kasama metal crown gear and tail gear could be adapted it would solve the problem but I suppose it's unlikely to be an easy mod.

That's another one then.
Decided realise we have so many still about

Yeah,spare head and base parts - probably not going to help much in a crash.It's that 70T crown gear that gets it with the slightest touch of the tail - and I don't think you will find any.

[pgkevet]

I've got a vague feeling that the crown gear is the only spare i own.
It'd be an interesting excercise to make one with home shop tools....a lot of work and patience.

[Malc1]

I've got crown and main gears and most of the other parts including side frames,booms and torque tubes.