"Align 700E/E1" MD530F build - NZ
Scott S.
Making a ring frame template
Some info to help those who may not know:
The Fun Key line of fuselages as good a quality as they are, are an older design and having been designed originally for methanol power it was intended for the front canopy to be screwed on.
This then stiffens up the overall fuselage including lateral or sideways rigidity of the fuselage boom, which is important as in general there is no room on 600/700 size 500 fuselages for the original mechanics boom supports, therefore its natural that the fuselage itself needs to become part of the the lateral mechanics boom support.
My intention is to use the "pin and magnet" method of front canopy fitting and given being electric power, by fitting the rear ring frame it no longer relies on the canopy being fitted with screws solidly to increase lateral fuselage boom support.
Only a theory, but I suspect this will reduce the tail servo from working over time to correct for otherwise lack of good lateral support also, after all... we wouldn't fly a Raptor/Align/Hirobo type mechanics pod and boom without its boom supports!
Images of the start of getting the outside shape of 3mm ply fitting as well as I could - involves a variation in bevel off the back edge to fit the profile of the fuselage and is not consistent!
The intention will be a small belly frame that will be connected to the floor with some small side plates after which the main frame will come down the side and glue down at the floor level.
43 Comments
Ahhh, the key to getting it right. Having the patience to tack, try and adjust makes for a properly aligned set of mechanics and is always worth the time!
Air = good! 🧐
I didn't know that about the Fun Key fuselages... too late now, but I'll keep it in mind for the next project. I'll be wait to see the finish product 😉
If its any help for those with ready painted models, I know someone who simply added carbon cloth in the shape of the indent in center of upper fin and reported an improvement. It also worth mentioning that there is an alloy upgrade part which keys into the tail box to which the fin is then mounted to, rather than the stock plastic part - I recommend this as the plastic is once again an area that can allow some movement. A small flex here leads to a larger flex at end of fin. Although all a worthwhile assurance against unwanted T tail shimmy, another little trap as I was educated on, is to ensure your governor gain and tail gyro gain settings are appropriate for your given set up. Typically T-Rex helis for example running Castle ESC benefit from a lower governor gain.
NICE !!!!!!!!!
May I ask where you purchased the hook? BTW, I’m enjoying reading your build steps.
Thank you Thomas, here is the hook-note that I have modified mine a little.
https://www.modellhubschrauber.ch/Scale-parts/Scale-parts-exterior/...
Email Thomas Baumann directly to enquire about shipping
Scott, thank you. I recall seeing that one and not being able to ship to the US. I have emailed them, hope they will.
Scott,
This is simply Bad Azz. Nice job on the mounting.
B
Thank you Butch 🙂
Scott,
That is a very impressive set up you have there. An actual functioning RC spreader. How friggen cool is that.
B
Thanks Butch - a scale helicopter "doing scale things" 🙂
Scott, this is so cool....love it
Thank you Mark 🙂
I glad you posted that….good info. Thank you, well done (again!)
Thank you Thomas 🙂
I love this!!
Thanks Michael, its something different!
So cool 😎
That is some fantastic flying. 👍👍👍👍
Cheers Butch 😎
Very nice. Professional Service 😄
I’m in the middle of a Bell 429 build and it seems to go on and on…..so it is good to see someone else spending all this time to perfect what we love to do.
Thanks for the support Thomas, yes I am prepared for the "on and on" as I am about to start the many small steps it takes to get it really good. Then I will take it out into better lighting and discover its still not there!
Scott,
Always a good feeling to see a project going to the paint shop.
I looked through your chapters looking for the paint scheme and did not notice it.
Any pics?
B
Hello Butch here is the planned "scheme" inspired by fellow modeller - missing is some small "thanks to" print also planned to acknowledge key help in the build 🙂
Looks great.
B
Base and clear done
Base and Clear in Baslac auto paint
I even unmasked without breaking anything!
I have always liked the 500 series helicopters. Maybe some day I will build another but bigger. Back in the day had a Raptor 50 with the Thunder Tiger 500 fuse. I used a Helitronic mixer with a couple of 401's, installed along with Century 5 blade head and it flew great.
Looking Great Scott,
B
Thank you Butch, yes things have a come a long way electronically, I was astonished how well the Axon works - never flown FBL or multi - popped it up into hover and within minutes felt a lot of confidence with it on the very first test flight. Thankful also of the Roban heads which seem to be very well machined, and not seen of any complaints with them....a real bonus for us 600/800 modellers...
Dammit Mann, That looks AMAZING. Love the photo with the working sling load equipment. Very Impressive.
Thanks for sharing,
B
Impressive work! Looks full scale alongside the building.
Awesome
Very nice congratulations
Thanks for all the kind comments guys!
SHARP!!!
Great flying! Making it look way too easy.
https://youtu.be/M5HeC_OG_3o
First few goes with the bucket on the 530F...still learning to fly the new multi blade heli and FBL as this is all new for me! bucket strops since lengthened some to stabilize a bit more...
https://youtu.be/_w2bxezZTA4?si=EYTVXk4GHhDkzBb9
a recent go at editing...
https://youtu.be/60Wewe7FiOg?si=rW3uB7ezqK6XKMbc
a recent go at editing some footage https://youtu.be/60Wewe7FiOg?si=xuZKFWFoi6Jiix-w