Vario Starwood Lama Project Build
Thomas D.
Unpacking
I wanted to share two builds. This one a Vario Starwood Lama and later my current build of a Vario 1/5 Bell 429. This Lama is completed and I fly it on a regular basis.
A few disclaimers. I am not a master builder nor do I attempt to create one for scale competition. I simply love building and flying. My first heli was a Schluter Heli Boy 47 years ago (I still have it). My hope is to provide a story in pictures. If you have questions, I will be happy to answer them. No doubt there are several approaches to building and the following was my journey.
And…as Vario documents state, you have to have prior building experience. Pics show the heli is delivered well packed and there was no damage. The manuals and instructions are well laid out, however one has to fill in the blanks. Vario is an incredible company that stands the test of time.
..and the projects begins.
25 Comments
The Starwood kit is very nice until you get to the 4,000 little screws for the canopy! 😆😆😆
OMGoodness, so true, that chapter is coming…
Good chapter! The Jako is my go-to turbine!
I am still asking myself what is gratifying about cutting fiberglass!! I wish Vario would pre-cut this stuff. Pending that, I've had good results using a cut wheel that I get about 1/4" to where it needs to be. After that, I use a grinding bit. Then, it's all sanding blocks with a mask and vacuum during ALL PHASES! 😉
This reciprocating saw makes it a lot easier, but agree, lots of sanding regardless.
That's fascinating! I never imagined using a jigsaw on glass! I'm guessing it's a very fine tooth blade plus the tape has to help prevent fractures.
The bearing blocks for the tail drive are METAL! The ones that come with the larger 1/4 scale Vario Lama are PLASTIC. I've already had to replace one.
This is one of the most thorough build threads I've seen ANYWHERE!
I love clean wiring!
A hot knife will slice through the fiberglass easily without making any dust. There are electric powered hot knives that look like soldering iron handles with an X-Acto blade on the end. Another alternative that works really well is a butane powered handheld pencil torch with a blade attachment on the end of it. The butane powered torch is now my favorite way to do this.
OMG, I soooo need this cool kit! Shit, now I have to retract my request to Kirsten to pre-cut all their fuselages! Joel, you may have to do an original post with a video of this doing its magic!
I never knew…thanks! I’ll check it out for sure.
https://www.amazon.com/LEXIVON-Multi-Function-Self-Igniting-Adjusta...
Also look into perma-grit tools, I use them every day for composites, shaping glazing, and anything wood. Still have two sanding blocks that are over 10 years old and still as good as the day I bought them. https://www.tylergraymodels.com/Perma-Grit-_c_47.html
Manufacturer precutting windows will make the fuse weak, making it susceptible to shipping damage. Hot knife is the ticket, ask Ben Cheng, he is the master of making openings in fiberglass.
Outstanding work!
Thank you Rene!
Tommy, did you run tanks in parallel or series?
Tanks are in series.
Lama fest!!!
I have gone through all 20 chapters and have enjoyed every bit of it! Excellent job!
Thank you, really appreciate that.
Thank you for sharing. My Starwood 315 kit has been purchased for 2 years, and I have no time or energy to assemble it. Your article has taught me many skills. Maybe, I will assemble it next year.
Toms, I hope you do finish it and best wishes.
Thomas Dean, Thanks
来自中国的读者，看完了20章，很棒👍🏻