Latest in Scale Helicopters
Vario Chinook XL
600 size SA-341 from a Gilbert Escalier fuselage
Goblin 570 driving a modified Vario fenestron with a belt. SpinBlades 600, 8 minutes on 3500 packs. It flies surprisingly well in the wind. Egodrift, YGE 105 governed by iKon2 FBUS connection TDMX. Radio is X20RS, full telemetry and integration.
(When it looks easy, it's not)
H145 T2 1/6
First flight this year and a perfect flyer. The 10 blade fenestron is driven by a an HDT-3M belt. Head speed 1050 rpm, 9kg, 7 minutes on 3800 packs, that's the clip and the link is at 1100 rpm.
It is a perfect candidate for orientation flying. I fly scale speed in any direction like the full size.
Roban Bell 429 (700)
Mechanics for Vario R22 1:4
RAH-66 Comanche maintenance event.
Bell 360 Invictus
Cobra Project
Vario Bell uptail gearbox alignment fixture
This file allows one to align the up shaft very accurately during installation.
Hey everyone, hope all is good…
I’m working on VARIO CH-53. I’m stumped on where to put electronics ( ECU, batteries etc. there is only the cargo door, no other door access. I could use some ideas. Or pics of your setup?
Thanks for any help!
🚁🤪
Machining thread cutting/rolling device.
Control rod thread cutting/rolling device holder for lathe.
Compatible from M2 to M6 cutting disks.
Easy making of control rods thread ends
Thread rolling results in stronger thread ends.
Bell UH1N final assembly
Vario Bell 429 Build, a pictorial journey
Roban 800 Huey UH-1D German SAR
Getting the mechanics into the Roban 800 fuse has been an enjoyable process, but now I have to think about wiring the lighting which DOES NOT seem like a small job! Need to get my pilots to work for me while I'm not home (LOL).
Anyone have any tips for Changing out the pre-painted roof glass that appears to be incorrectly tinted? Just replace it or should I try and remove the paint somehow?
Tail angle gearbox overhaul
What is the overhaul frequency of your tail angle gearbox with metal bevel gear?
Lama Refurbishment Journey
Vario Baby Lama Build
Vario H145 1/6 conversion
I will use it as proof of concept for my next H135 1/6 build.
And currently rebuilding the tail for a SAB belt driven Fenestron conversion using the latest Vario 10 blade which is beautiful.
Pictures show the original configuration I discarded and currently converting to all SAB components at the rear.
Fenestron building and flying the smaller 1/6 & 800 sizes
1/4 scale Jet ranger
Apache AH64 D
CH-53
Vario Bell 1:6 UH-1 N
Sovereign Tech Tandem-5 Chinook to ACH-47A Conversion
Shoulder Bolts
I am tucking away this handy resource in case anyone needs to find black, high tensile blade bolts.
BoltDepot.com
BoltBase.com (also on Amazon)
RTLFasteners.com
McMaster-Carr (McMaster.com)
Hirobo/Northrup MQ-8c
Building a Vario Bell 230 1:7 800 size
Looking for a scale Huey rotorhead 600 roban 10 mm shaft
Hi all, I'm looking for a scale Huey UH-1N rotorhead, 600 roban 10 mm shaft. I do have a dummy stabilization bar I can use on a 2 bladed system just looking for something more scale than the Align I have for the Roban conversion.
Thanks in advance for your help
Hirobo Lama 30 Bash!
Eric Baley and Patrick Vestal test the Baley-designed tandem FrankenCopter. Using T-Rex parts, custom machined aluminum, 3D printed parts, G-10 side frames and other CF sandwiched balsa, Patrick assembled the beast and quickly handed the transmitter to Baley who attempted to hover it!
Hello, im searching for some help regarding a starwood Lama. I searching for some drawing how to find some article numbers for the tailrotor and mechanics. I need to replace some parts. Can anyone advice me? I have asked vario in Germany already on Tuesday but without success. The drawing on their website is not usefull and only a few parts are available on the website. Thanks for you help.
Lama Hook Frame
Vario 1:6 Jet Ranger
My first build, setting the mechanics in the fuselage and I need to extend the main rotor and I need some advice on the linkage. It will need to be lengthened as well. What is the best practice? Thank you
When leveling a swashplate with a 4 servo setup. What are you builders using. to slide over the shaft? I have used the standard lever from align but want to know if there is something better out there.
I wanted to share some pictures of my mechanics testing sled that I built. Right now it has a Roban 800 mechanics on it so I can test and make any necessary adjustments before I put it in the fuselage.
Fusuno 700 AS-350 w/Align 700E DFC Three-Blade Head Assembly
hello folks!!
anyone here very familiar with Benzene Trainer helicopter. need a help with a special something.
please see photo attached. part # 830/64. also known as clutch bell assembly. I would like to know the following -
1) how can I take this part, apart?
2) also, how can I take the 2 bearings out, which are inside this clutch bell assembly.
many thanks in advance!!
Maiden flight of my 600 blade sized tandem, featuring two servos per swashplate control, via Ikon. Eventually this project is heading towards a sport scale CH-47.
Thanks to Patrick and Mikki Vestal for the help, support and video!
CH46-360 assemble instruction for frame
Does anyone know when and maybe where the NEW Flywing H1 and GPS is coming out? This is the one that has NO minimum distance between the 2 units
Sorry I haven’t posted anything on this site. But now I have some experience with Flybarless systems which is new for me. The things I am trying to understand is the difference between the flight systems and what works on some and not with other Helicopters. I have mostly Flybar Helicopters 12-15 years old. Converting to FBL systems. Also old transmitter. The thing is getting harder to understand...
Sorry I haven’t posted anything on this site. But now I have some experience with Flybarless systems which is new for me. The things I am trying to understand is the difference between the flight systems and what works on some and not with other Helicopters. I have mostly Flybar Helicopters 12-15 years old. Converting to FBL systems. Also old transmitter. The thing is getting harder to understand how can I stay using older technology with new and what other people have found what works good on one Helicopter but not the other. I would like to get a new radio but I don’t know if I can learn how to use it. Now back to flights systems I like microbeast other people don’t but it won’t work on my nitro helicopter for some reason a lot of things come into play with that. On my electric 600 size I was trying to use the Icon 2 on one of the electric 600 size and it wouldn’t work setting were good. So I tried it on my other 600 size Helicopters and it works great. That is what so funny about it. Micro Beast works great on both. This is some of the things I experienced in my Hughes MD 500E build going to electric mechanics . So if I have someone to go and share things with older things and newer stuff.
Starting my first scale Heli.
Finishing up an Align 550X super combo kit.
Have a Funkey Bell222 (not Airwolf scheme).
50/600 size. Most things are straight forward except how ill mount the battery. If stock mount, I’ll have to get access from front or improvise a mount.
Next foreseen problem is mechanical retracts that came with kit. Servo sync etc. I’ll be using either a DX7 G2 or JR XG8...
Starting my first scale Heli.
Finishing up an Align 550X super combo kit.
Have a Funkey Bell222 (not Airwolf scheme).
50/600 size. Most things are straight forward except how ill mount the battery. If stock mount, I’ll have to get access from front or improvise a mount.
Next foreseen problem is mechanical retracts that came with kit. Servo sync etc. I’ll be using either a DX7 G2 or JR XG8 DMSS
Question is are they worth messing with or suggest electric or air that will fit well. Could someone recommend a set of servos for the supplied retracts. Better yet, a reasonably priced set of electric or air retracts
I guess the first question should be is the 550X a good setup for the Funkey 222.
Any comments and help is appreciated..
Vario H-135 (1:6) Build Gallery
I found the Nimbus 550 a very suitable donor in scale conversions from 550 to 700. Because it's using belts it also makes for a very smooth running heli. It's not as expensive as SAB because of its single-stage reduction gear but is very high-quality nonetheless. Its modular side frame makes it a great candidate for dog house installation. It has a decent motor ratio of 10.6 to 1 using a 10T MOD...
I found the Nimbus 550 a very suitable donor in scale conversions from 550 to 700. Because it's using belts it also makes for a very smooth running heli. It's not as expensive as SAB because of its single-stage reduction gear but is very high-quality nonetheless. Its modular side frame makes it a great candidate for dog house installation. It has a decent motor ratio of 10.6 to 1 using a 10T MOD 1 slanted pinion and stock adjustable motor mount. And all-new from Ra a 12T tail pulley to bring tail to head ratio to 5 to 1. Last fall I installed one stretched to 580 in my old Fun-key AStar using a Goblin 570 tail belt (yes same GT3 x6mm as SAB). It shares the 27mm diameter tail boom from the Specter V1 so anything between 550 and 700 is fair game. Because, unlike Align, its main shaft is plain 10mm, longer main shafts are easy to cut at minimal costs. I installed the new tail pulley this week and it's RFT. Just waiting for warmer temps for a test flight. I flew it first in December and loved it. New this year is 12s with Aureus 105 and Egodrift 4030HT-400kV from you pick your own kv Beta series.
Roban 800 size EC 130 super scale completed (showing custom theme) passed all tests, one modification on the fenestron for more tail authority.
So I was able to get a Roban 500 size MD500 from MotionRC. I have a TREX 500 for mechanics in it and was able to get a couple flights on it before our field closed for the winter.
If I was to replace the head with a 5 blade head, do I stay with the same blade length or go smaller to keep the load on the esc and motor manageable? For all practice purpose, it is an older TREX, pretty much stock...
So I was able to get a Roban 500 size MD500 from MotionRC. I have a TREX 500 for mechanics in it and was able to get a couple flights on it before our field closed for the winter.
If I was to replace the head with a 5 blade head, do I stay with the same blade length or go smaller to keep the load on the esc and motor manageable? For all practice purpose, it is an older TREX, pretty much stock with a HW 100a v3 esc.
Building bell 206 using the align 800 mechanics setting the mechanics on the wood frame, the tail rotor is about 1/2 - 5/8 " to high. My first thought is to drop the rear cross member 1/2 - 5/8 " to get the tail boom on center with the opening for the tail boom drive shaft to exit the fuselage. Thoughts from anyone who might have experienced this.
XXL Black Magic Mechanics
New from XXL Helicopter
Black Magic Mechanics
In the pictures you can see the latest development of the 'black magic' dome mechanics. By popular demand, there is now tail rotor RPM’s from under 4000 to 10,000 rpm (Fenestron) are now possible.
The mechanics can also be rotated 180 degrees (motor front / rear) installed because the rear rotor drive can also be turned.
The gears are built up...
New from XXL Helicopter
Black Magic Mechanics
In the pictures you can see the latest development of the 'black magic' dome mechanics. By popular demand, there is now tail rotor RPM’s from under 4000 to 10,000 rpm (Fenestron) are now possible.
The mechanics can also be rotated 180 degrees (motor front / rear) installed because the rear rotor drive can also be turned.
The gears are built up closed as far as possible and are very strong.
Ratio’s from 12:1 to 21:1 are possible . For e motors with a maximum diameter of 65 mm and 30 mm hole circle up to 10 Kw . No limit on engine length .
This is light industrial mechanics which was built modularly, the direct use of main shafts with 12/15/and 20 mm is possible.
Each mechanical kit is individually manufactured by XXL and adapted to your desired requirements.
Due to the relatively light weight and the robustness of the components, this full metal mechanics is universal for all XXL models from 2 m or can be adjusted.
The main difference to the 'blue magic mechanics' is the stern drive. This one is missing from the blue one, where the rear is driven with a separate electric motor.
Vario R-22 (1:7) Baby Robinson Build Gallery
Hello people, there are new parts again at XXL Model Helicopter
In addition, a new website www.xxl-modelhelicopter.de for people who want to get in touch with me.
Corona currently prevents us from meeting in real time and living our hobby.
On my Youtube channel I now regularly try to convey insights into my work, in a casual form. Have a look inside!
Vario 1:11 Chinook Build Gallery
Vario H120 (1:4) Build Gallery
Vario Ecureuil AS 350 (1:4) Build Gallery
Vario Agusta AW 139 (1:7) Build Gallery
Vario Schweizer 300 Build Gallery
Vario H-145 (1:6) Build Gallery
Vario UH-1D 1:6 (Huey) Build Gallery
Hello Guys,
I am working on getting the Roban Bell 412 ready to test fly and I was in the process of doing some blade tracking and I am getting some significant shaking of the helicopter. I am systematically working through each component and I already re-balanced the tail blades and they are perfect on the Koll Rotor Pro and the the main blades are all within a gram of each other, but could...
Hello Guys,
I am working on getting the Roban Bell 412 ready to test fly and I was in the process of doing some blade tracking and I am getting some significant shaking of the helicopter. I am systematically working through each component and I already re-balanced the tail blades and they are perfect on the Koll Rotor Pro and the the main blades are all within a gram of each other, but could certainly use some adjustment, mainly to the CG.
Anyways, when I took the head off and ran it back up, it seems to smooth a little bit, but I noticed what I thought might be a slightly off main shaft and this is what I found. Let me know your guys thoughts and where I might be able to source another main shaft! Thanks.
Who wants to guess the outcome of this photo? Not very pleased with myself right now...
Edited to add more photos.
Details matter! Before epoxying these torque tube bearing blocks in place, I taped off the surrounding area and scuffed the bare metal. On the advice of Taylor Drain, I used Mother’s Aluminum Polish on the tube so it slides like butter through the bearings!
Vario Chinook1:11 Instruction Manual
The Chinook from VARIO is a 700 size scale helicopter. You can power this remote-controlled model helicopter with electric propulsion. Boeing-Vertol is the creator of the man-carrying version and produces this helicopter. Building a tandem has its own charm and its own set of challenges. This kit and the specially developed equipment has been extensively tested before its launch. It is necessary...
The Chinook from VARIO is a 700 size scale helicopter. You can power this remote-controlled model helicopter with electric propulsion. Boeing-Vertol is the creator of the man-carrying version and produces this helicopter. Building a tandem has its own charm and its own set of challenges. This kit and the specially developed equipment has been extensively tested before its launch. It is necessary for a tandem rotor to have a strong rigid construction which ensures the success of this model project. To ensure the success of this project, VARIO sells the fuselage kit including the mechanics. For safety reasons, it is compulsory to mount the specific VARIO tandem rotor heads.
Hi everyone that’s my inplantation of a skyfox with electric modification Vario.if you have any questions ´m there from Italia!!!!
And the begining of the cabin with 3 D technic
Working on a new heli project, a tandem 450 size Piasecki HUP Retriever.
Motor/Gearing/RPM/Head Speed/Blade - Set Ups for All My Helis

Butch W.




Gonzalo M.




FY R.



Massimo C.




Danny D.









Evan S.









Michael Z.












Thomas D.








Rémy F.

Michael K.







































Michael R.





Joe B.


























Ed C.
Bill L.



Jason S.










Vario H.






David F.





XXL H.




Mark S.




























































Rob M.