1/4 Scale Lama - REBUILD
Michael K.
Tearing Down
I got busy this weekend and carefully disassembled the mechanics. I also fixed an issue I had observed during flight.
VIBRATION ISSUE SOLVED
The console in the cockpit would vibrate! I discovered that the platform it was sitting on was vulnerable to vibration so I bought window stripping and adhered it to the mounting rim around the front of the canopy. I added two screws in the front and tightened the entire front deck so it's rock solid and relatively immune to transmitted vibrations from the canopy.
MAIN SHAFT BENT!
I will have to replace the main shaft. It's visibly bent. DAMMIT!
THE CAGE
I removed the mechanics from the cage and bagged (and labeled) the parts so re-assembly would be more efficient. The cage houses everything so this process took an hour. EVERYTHING I could label (wires, shafts, bolt sets, etc.) I did label. I have the instructions, but this step will eliminate second guessing.
NEW HINGES COMING
I ordered some really cool CNC aluminum hinges from HeliWorkshop.com. I can't wait to get those puppies!
10 Comments
Hello Michael it’s terrible when something goes wrong and you end up crashing. I have a problem with my Hughes MD500E I just don’t know why it keeps loosing tail rotor. Put a new Servo on it and it worked for little while then it went bad so I put the old one back on and it worked for a little while but It’s still loosing
It. Are you going to go flying any more?
Since I'm selling the 429, I won't be flying until I fix the Lama, in all likelihood. If my Chinook gets painted soon, I'll be flying that.
Yeah, I’d say she’s doing a little dance. Not much love in that however.
Yup, I ordered a new shaft. No chances will be taken!
Nice! How does it work? Does a part of it slide after the bolts are removed?
I’ll add another picture!
I’ve had links in the past were the logo goes in. I Ive always looked at the link and determine which side needs to snap. One side you’ll be able to get both holes visible the other will only have one. You never want to force the ball-link past the small opening. It Stretches and deforms the plastic.
I’ve had problems with vario drivers and well qc in general and decided to make my own driver using Diabolo driver parts and the main hub from vario’s like yours.
Would you share your techniques in a separate post? I think many pilots (including me) would appreciate have an alternative!
Looking good Michael!