Vario Baby Lama Build
Michael K.
Chapter 7: Mechanics Fitment
This chapter looks at the modifications needed to properly fit the mechanics into the frame with the faux tanks. The fit is extraordinarily tight and requires modifications to the tanks in order to preserve friction-free rotation of the main gear.
1. I have been in touch with Vario about what I believe is a major design problem with this model. All for the sake of fake fuel tanks (which are important, but not at the cost of function), this design leaves a paper-width's clearance for the main gear.
2. Be prepared to modify the cuts in the back and front of each tank half. The rear portion of the tank half must be carved to allow the "horn" mounts on the mechanics to actually pass by the tank on its way to the mounting tabs on the frame. This is a gross oversight that modelers can cope with but should not have to. It's possible that I am clueless but I had Matthias Strupf of HeliClassics look at this directly while he was in my shop and his conclusions were the same.
3. The aluminum mechanics main platform is a work of art, to be sure. But, when sliding them into the frame, that piece collides with two vertical struts in the frame. A bit of Dremel work fixed the issue, but this should have been addressed at the CNC stage.
4. The video explores all of these issues in detail.
56 Comments
Nice Lama.. BUT! there is a Chinook in the background.. any more info on that one?
That article is coming soon! I’m waiting on some parts from Vario.
Sneak peek
Awesome.. I am gathering parts for my build... Should start this fall....
I assume the printed shaft housing is plenty strong, wouldn’t want the swashplate anti rotation link breaking.
I have the same concern! The beveled drive gears for the tail are also printed. I will be asking some hard questions to find out.
Is it possible that their measurement was based on the servos being reversed with the arm toward the bottom of the servo there by making for a longer length?
Not that I can see. The splines are oriented toward the top. There is only one way to mount the metal servo frame.
Here's another look
So… the bevel gears are 3D printed? What material?
I’ll talk more about these in the next chapter but it’s a proprietary blend that is very strong
Maybe by splitting it, Vario's aim is to have access to the mechanics?
You have to split in order to install the mechs. The upcoming chapter explains it all.
Agree this is confusing. Same can also happen with pictures not necessary matching with batch version. Manufacturers are sometime including some addendum sheet to highlight changes and fixes.
Fortunately, Vario makes the Lama instructions only in PDF so they can update easily.
kit change
Now you have custom, modified mechanics 👌
Cant waite to see this at the 2024NATS
Worth every penny and I don’t even know the cost!
will this be offered as a upgrade or will it be in the deluxe painted edition. I can't seem to find it listed in vario as a upgrade or parts
Not certain but I will find out!
UPDATE: Vario has informed me that the pre-cut glass is INCLUDED with the kit! Hip hip hooray!!
great thanks for the info
Looking good!
Mike, looks like not mention in current version of PDF user manual, but you can increase of 5mm the torque tube with adding two coupling pads - anyway recommended for all builds to damper the TT (ref. 412/49 ø7, 2x 2,5mm thick, to be glued inside)
Very good suggestion!!
Point 3: guess wanted to say 60 seconds slow start 😄
(12 is the default shipped value)
I haven’t flown an electric in 15 years (just turbine) 😆😆 I will update the settings to 60! Thank you for the input!
Nice build , have fun 😄
+1 on the prog unit and the full 60s slow start . I always use it too. Can’t wait to see the maiden hover! Looking good
Looking good. Interested to see how the battery fits under the seats.
I am not hopeful for Spektrum batteries because they are slightly too large for the space. For now, I’m more concerned with testing. 😳
Is that a kolibri 90? Can't quite see, very nice layout.
It is the 90!
Nicely done. Where there is a will there is a way. Modeling at its finest.
B
I like that! Looks like it slides in right through the door. Will you try to dress it up and hide it?
If it flies I will!
Are you not worried about the floor chafing against the cables with vibration ( i mean teeny weeny vibration of course 😄 )
Yes, actually! After testing, I will add clear tubing to that edge!
Here is the most recent shot!
I am using Vbar and have positioned the follower such that the push rods are vertical. However, it seems the phasing is not correct. May I know which swashplate setting I should use (e.g. H-3 120 Norm)? Thanks.
I’m not familiar with vBar but I would simply add or subtract phasing degrees in the software and iterate until you see proper action when you input cyclic commands
Hi Michael, do you know the gear ratio of this bird? Thanks
I been seeking that myself! I’m going to tach it.
Kindly let me know if you have the answer. Thanks a lot.
It looks great
Nice!
Looks good! Have you had a chance to hover it yet?
I have a video on that attempt coming up! 😆
Nice find Mike and another detailed video
No way! What a kick in the pants!
One-way bearing wrong direction might be due to outsourced work, or just internal. Error can happen, maybe some more check by Vario would be good.
I agree!!
Thanks Michael for this build series! I have been wanting to do my 1st Vario build and am a little intimidated with their complexity. Because of your build series I'm going to try the Baby Lama build!
That’s the best feedback I could hope for on this!! Go for it!
Just ordered it up from Mark Smith 😃