Vario MD500E 1/5 Build

Jumping around on tasks a bit.

I decided to revisit the gear struts design.

On my first Vario 1/5 MD500E I spent a ton of time researching to try and get the correct placement and angles of the struts (as Vario is a little off in both respects). I believe I came pretty darn close.

The problem is the 8mm CF struts, even with an additional 4mm CF rod down their center, they flex quite a bit under the 30 lbs weight of the heli resulting in the rear skids spreading 1" to 1.25" wider than planned.

The front skids are fine as there is much less weight on their end and are a little shorter.

So I found some 8mm Stainless Steel tube on Amazon 300mm in length which about perfect for the rear struts. Cost $6.50USD each.

As well I'm monkeying around with having them move from the 'ground' position to a 'flight' position like the real ones.

They wont be true shock absorbers the springs will simply hold the struts in the 'flight' position.

Tricky part will be getting the precision in mounting everything.