Vario Starwood Lama Project Build
Thomas D.
Canopy and tank
The focal point of the Lama is the cockpit, fuel tank and rotor mechanics. For me the canopy was the most challenging. Pics shown are before I bought a reciprocating saw.
The fuel tank was challenge because of the critical frame cuts to enable installation and removal. The tank support methodology required some thought. Vario suggested a rear support (shown, not installed), however these and future pics will show how I eliminated the support. I wanted the area behind the tank for the hopper tank and turbine pumps.
One pic shows my testing of epoxies for strength as some are left over from previous projects. Most know that roughing the fiberglass is a must.
The Jakadofsky turbine is a work of beauty, engineering and genius. Their customer service is incredible. The turbine is absolutely reliable.
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👍🏻