Nothing to me is more fun than devising and implementing a solution. I was using garden tree straps to hoist my Ka-32. I found some coated hooks at a truck supply and fashioned this disk to evenly distribute the load. Now I can just lower the disk assembly below the spindles and raise it to have the hooks latch on. Fun with plywood!
Converted my Odyssey to a Heli Hauler. Certainly not as fancy as some others I have seen but gets the job done. Note that I don't use an inverter. I use 2-100AH LifPo4 12v batteries in series to provide 100AH at 29.2v with full charge or 26v with draw. Can handle 4 packs charging at 13A each. Chargers are 12-30v capable but only charge to full capability at greater than 26v.
Packing started for HeliStorm!
Transport holders, transport wheels and assembly stands can be found at www.behr-modelltechnik.de
Well, I finally did it. I bought my Starwood Lama back.
One of my concerns was “Would it fit in my 2018 Nissan Leaf” … If not I guess I would have to buy a new transport vehicle. My preference would be to keep the Leaf, a) because it’s an EV (haven’t been to a gas station or EV power source outside my home for 2 years now) and b) because I use it as a charging system at the field.
The Problem...
Well, I finally did it. I bought my Starwood Lama back.
One of my concerns was “Would it fit in my 2018 Nissan Leaf” … If not I guess I would have to buy a new transport vehicle. My preference would be to keep the Leaf, a) because it’s an EV (haven’t been to a gas station or EV power source outside my home for 2 years now) and b) because I use it as a charging system at the field.
The Problem:
The opening on the Leaf from tail gate sill to top of opening is 26 inches and the Lama from bottom of skids to the top of rotor is 27.5” and the length of the Lama is 84” but distance from the rear to the back of the passenger seat is only 63”. How can I get this in there, and I don’t want to remove the passenger seat.
Will it work???????
The first thing I did when it arrived was to tilt the front seat backwards and remove the rear seat backrest, leaving the rear seat in place. By doing this it eliminated the length problem but the question still remained, what about the height? I had kind of worked this out ahead of time and that was that the top of the opening is 16” forward of the sill, so if I angle the Lama down into the cargo well which is 10” deep, it may be possible, and it was! Now that I know that it works, how can I easily get it in and out by myself at home given that it is heavy and bulky. (I was actually physically able to get the Lama out during my initial test but at my age there would be no question that at some point I would bugger up my body in some way)
Now, knowing that the Lama will actually fit in the car, here is my solution. Where there is a will, often times there is a way. :)
I first created a trolley exactly the height of the sill plate at the cargo opening. It’s just an old cabinet with 1/2” ply mounted to the top and bottom and 1.5” rubber casters. I put felt carpet on top of that for easy sliding the Lama on and off. I then constructed a platform into the 10” deep cargo area (36” wide by 30”) so that when the Lama slides in it will not have to drop to the bottom of the cargo area. I tapered that platform toward the front of the car by 2” so that when the head reaches the top of the opening it drops sufficient to clear. It ended up with a clearance of 1/4”, so perfect! This platform opens up for storage below and is carpeted so that the lama slides in easily.
I can now move the Lama in and out of the car very easily (one handed with no lifting at all). I also have a folding work table that happens to be exactly the height of the Trolly, so again, once it’s on the trolly, I just slide it onto the work table without any lifting.
At the field it’s a bit different. I can slide it most of the way out and then have a fellow pilot assist in loading it onto a wagon and pull that out to the pits and then the flight line.
The new look is on…
Time for a change of clothes
helistorm.comMasterclass on HeliStorm Community: RC Van BuildoutThis series was originally published on RCPilot.com but it has just as much relevance today as it did then. Follow along as we turn a Sprinter Van into a scale heli hauler extraordinaire!
Two new chapters in the ongoing RC Van Build Series! Have a look:
helistorm.comMasterclass on HeliStorm Community: RC Van BuildoutThis series was originally published on RCPilot.com but it has just as much relevance today as it did then. Follow along as we turn a Sprinter Van into a scale heli hauler extraordinaire!
I filmed this back in 2021 but it’s still super relevant and helpful if you are outfitting a van or trailer (but, especially a van). I still drive this van and will be doing a follow-up video on modifications I’ve made since this initial build.
I need to upgrade my method of getting helis to the field. I am curious what most folks use to transport their large scale helis. Michael has an incredible van. Perhaps some use trailers? For me, it is looking like something that will be dedicated to helis only.
What are the pros and cons of trailers. Any experiences is appreciated.
helistorm.comTHE GREAT CRATE CREATE Building a crate can be fun or very annoying. Let’s make it fun....Building a crate can be fun or very annoying. Let’s make it fun.
Check out the latest article on crate building!
I've seen dozens of posts about lipo battery storage. I decided to dig around and find out whether ammo boxes or small safes or gun lockers would do the trick. I landed on the Zarges mil-spec transport case with fire and fume suppression capabilities. The case is EXPENSIVE (but so is my house).
In the photos, I show the larger version of the case which I originally ordered. That case proved too...
I've seen dozens of posts about lipo battery storage. I decided to dig around and find out whether ammo boxes or small safes or gun lockers would do the trick. I landed on the Zarges mil-spec transport case with fire and fume suppression capabilities. The case is EXPENSIVE (but so is my house).
In the photos, I show the larger version of the case which I originally ordered. That case proved too unwieldy and heavy. The guys at Zarges are super helpful and they took my return without hesitation and shipped me out a smaller box with even more suppression capabilities. Check out the video for the full look!
You can buy these expensive (but worth it) puppies here:
https://www.zarges.com/en/products/k-470-universal-box
The one I landed on is model 40568 (500 mm x 350 mm x 220 mm). 65kg
New developments:
Transport wheels for RC helicopters.
-The first test runs start next week-
behr-modelltechnik.de62069197Neu: Heli Transport Halter
Another satisfied customer. If you are interested, ask here:
Hi there
There was a post a while back featuring your shop and your transport system. I am planning to remodel my shop and wonder if you can point me to the posts that relate to your shop and transport. Thanks a lot
James Yates
Built a shelf to maximize space for the new arrival next month. HeliClassics KA-32! Used shelf liner on top and insert nuts in the floor to bolt the assembly in. To provide additional structural support, I added aluminum brackets on both sides.
I’m charging my battery operated lights. Otherwise that mess would be neatly tucked away!
I love a tidy flight box. After trying a dozen different things (lots of Husky tool bags) I decided to go with this simple aluminum Harbor Freight case for just the essentials I need to take to the pit area. Everything else goes in this cute 14” wide (but heavy duty) US General tool box that I mounted inside my van! If I need more than that, I’m better off going back to my shop!
Helicopters Scale Masters here we go!
Two days of work and I have the rig setup to handle the BEAST!
To what lengths will you go to accommodate your model helicopter? Buy a new rig? Expand your garage? Or, maybe just a simple hack that makes it easier to get your bird back and forth with as little effort as possible? Check out my little hacks on this enormous Mi-171 from HeliClassics.de and then share YOUR hacks on ScaleHeliPilot.com.
I needed to find a better way to place this 28 pound model on and off the ground when there was no one around to help. Squatting down and bending over at the same time created back pain for the whole week…something I did not care for. So with this incentive, I created this. Now…no more back pain.
helistorm.comRC VAN BUILD SERIES: Introduction. Posted by Michael Kranitz on HeliStorm CommunityRead this chapter and follow the entire story on HeliStorm Community
Coming soon! The old RCPilot wrap will soon give way to the new ScaleHeliPilot.com wrap! To see the build story on this van, check out this post.
helistorm.comRC VAN BUILD SERIES: Introduction. Posted by Michael Kranitz on HeliStorm CommunityRead this chapter and follow the entire story on HeliStorm Community
The interior build out is here:
Being configured as we speak! Hauling helis demands such a vehicle. Now I'm trying to figure out how to configure the inside! Hit this post with suggestions on how you would configure the inside to haul 2-3 8-foot scale helis plus fuel, accessories, etc. -- Does this make me a "fan boy?"
Two layers of power!! Nanuk 920 case.
Michael K.
Loren F.
Gonzalo M.
Heavy S.
Thomas D.
Uwe B.
Tim H.