Michael KranitzVerified

That is a classic look!!

Gonzalo, this is a masterpiece! Now I MUST attend HSM next year!

This looks to be shaping up to be a great event, Evan!

You need to consider more than the servos. What model is it? With more blades, you need shorter blades in most cases. Your head speed changes and your power requirements change. I'm also not sure a 3-servo setup would work as well as a 4. Lots of unknowns!

Is that a YES?

I ASSUME that beast will be ready for HeliStorm at IRCHA! 😏

Of course you have the precision cutouts!

Time to get the 171 out for more fun!!

It's happening, man! More info to come.

For the money you pay, this should be standard!

One of my first scale “loves!”

That sounds more like sound on an event vs an event activated by a vocal command. Is that what you mean?

Very innovative!! Now I have to up my game! 🤣

What sort of voice commands?

Ya got me! I built this two years ago and remember precisely nothing! 🤪 I wish I could help, but I can't!

A good annual practice, Tommy!

Clean work, Butch!!

Thanks for posting this!

Insane (as usual)!

Are there other pilots in the area who might pitch in for a single transporter?

How about Airbus in Dallas?

Of course you would 🤣🤣

If you were shown the results, then your vote counted. If you don't see results, refresh the page and vote!

Thank you for that feedback! I’m trying to make it happen!

I am definitely considering that!

Yes! I flew the Mi-171 3 times and the Mi-24 twice.

I had to bug out early and I failed miserably at getting pictures!

Thanks for sharing this, Randy!

The projector is KEY!

Matthias no longer manufactures these! So it’s on me! Also, I think there are only two of us on the planet who have hoists for our models 😆😆

Yes!!!!

Full article here:

Nice flying, Gonzalo!

Additional Learning: I spoke at length with Gonzalo about this and I learned a few really interesting things: 1. Three-blade helicopters (full size and model) have a higher tendency to experience ground resonance. 2. I made the problem WORSE after shutting down the turbine by DROPPING collective....

I do think the 52 looks more proportional in the front. The blue nose is cool too.

So after flying both model noses, which one do you like better?

Great shots of the meanest RC heli in the USA!! Looks like fun and I’m pissed that work foiled my plans to add to the Russian air squadron 🤣. How many pilots?

There are all kinds of reasons why a fire might happen and many have little to do with the make. Micro holes in fuel tubing, improper fueling, etc.

Now we’re talking’!

I will post a way to connect in parallel with a simple header tank.

My last diagram omitted the solenoids. Here's an updated one (in the main post).

Take a look at Chapter 7. I've uploaded a diagram.

Here is a diagram of the plumbing setup.

Oh I have these too and tried them. Ball slid in too far. 🤪

I made a couple of those and I could not get a full rotation in order to seat the grub. When the side frame is in place, it's damn near impossible to get it done. I even used a piece of Tygon tubing and threaded the grub in it to make a "flexible shaft" driver at least for the first turn, but that...

I will post that page

The fuel diagram is in the Lama manual here: The turbine routing will be in the Jakadofsky manual and might slightly vary if you are using a different engine. The concepts are the same though: fuel from the fuel pump > splitter > fuel solenoid + starter solenoid > respective inlets on the engine. :...

That did not escape me either! 😆

I wouldn’t rely on it for anything but music!

The Bluetooth function might not be activated yet. Check with Danny or Manny from AeroPanda.

You have a G2 version?

Adjusting your sticks should have nothing to do with the flight controller. It has everything to do with mechanical setup and travel distance at certain stick points (e.g. a pitch curve). In the Heli Courses area, there's a video course on head setup that walks through this.

This machine is perfect for you, my friend!! Aggressive and mean looking! Looks like you have it dialed in.

I like that tool!!

That’s the best feedback I could hope for on this!! Go for it!

Good move!!!

Hi Danny, I switched from blue to yellow cruciforms on the tail coupling. The yellows are more durable and less susceptible to deformation than the blues.

Hugely annoying with Futaba

A custom bearing puller?

Or is this better?

Good now?

It’s right behind me 🤣

I converted it for you! You can rename it and copy your other post in as another chapter.

Updated everything. This was built 17 years ago!

To me, the hard part is done. The finishing (e.g. paint and glass) is always the most challenging to me. This is all mechanical and electronic -- my fun zone!

Beautiful work, Danny!

The details are incredible!! Congratulations on such a cool build!

Love the mods on the truck!! I’m towing my Ka-32 with a 1/6 Axial SCX6 Jeep Cherokee

Who makes the tow vehicle?

Old has ScaleHeliPilot brand and new has HeliStorm Community brand. Only the new one works now.

Joel does it right! I recall helping him buy burgers and fixing that nasty grill for the first JH fun fly!

Thanks for sharing this Mike!

Dude, I love the artillery suspended! What a great shot! I'm waiting for my Vario Air Crane to get painted and was thinking about suspending a Tamiya Maersk container from the bottom, but it's a turbine so I'll have to stash the fuel tank inside the container...fun project and yours gave me the...

Hey Uwe, for some reason, FB links don't work really well. If you have more pictures, maybe edit this post to remove the FB links and replace with the pix!

Actually, we will be launching a completely new version of the app in the next day or so. I will notify all members when this happens so you can update yours to the new logo/name.

Wow!! That is incredible! I had no idea that it was even possible to customize like that. Thank you for that insight and detailed explanation.

Fene's are tough cookies to get right. Tight tolerances and rotational speed limitations make for interesting adventures, especially at my altitude (6,000 feet). This is a great topic to cover.

That thing is sweet! Kontronik motor?

Thanks Randy! Just the type of lift I need for 2026! 😳

Welcome to the “ring of fire!” 🤣

I need to sleep for a week. Then I’ll tell you 🤣

Glad you made it out, Tommy!

Pete, I found the correct number on RCNation and updated RCLiveScore. Please try again!

How heavy is this bird now?

This is fixed!

Hi Paul, this is fixed! You can now go back in and assign the correct scale.

We will have the pilot list fixed by AM Friday

We will add those scales!

The app is FREE to use!

Mike, how large are they? What are they made of?

We are on the front grounds, which will be short mowed in the landing/takeoff areas. All grass!

That’s correct. We have the tent, generator, fencing and other contractors there Wednesday doing setup and the base won’t permit us to access the venue for pilots beforehand.

Loading up early!

See you soon!!

You need a chalk outline for the guy in pieces!

No remote ID required. We have full FAA clearance.

I’m rooting for you!!

Robbert, will she be ready for Storm?

Amazing engineering as usual, Dean!

Great promo video!

This is an incredible work of engineering! Patrick is bringing this to HeliStorm!!

I love the Zermatt scheme!! I have an Alterbaum 429 that will be getting that scheme.

BTW, you should go to and join the AMA for one year. Once you register to attend, that will bring you into compliance!

Looks pretty smooth!!

Bring your generator!

I think it's fine. I'll get verification but I will allow you to fly with a current MAAC membership. I am the CD of the event.

I'm working on the schedule as we speak. You need either an AMA membership or an equivalent from your country.

How do you get the servo to work continuously?

Those mechanics are beautiful!!! Wowza!

The central box and V-Speak have a funky relationship as I recall.

I meant a non-900 REX 3. On my Ka-32 I have a REX7 hanging off of a REX12. You could allocate an E port to a 7 and keep your 900.

Why not a REX12 with a REX3 as a satellite?

You can certainly post something like this in the buy/sell area. You can also create a “wish” and if someone posts one, you’ll get notified immediately

I just pop a meter on my packs during the day. The packs are usually fine for 3-4 flights and I never get that many flights in! I did use the Jeti remote switch. It drains the battery listening for commands but it’s pretty cool!

Yup, this is it. Make a separate post but don’t select the advice checkbox. That way you can comment on answers

So AliExpress is a viable marketplace? I’m always suspicious of that market!

That is very cool!!

You created that entire thing from scratch?? 😱

This is good stuff, Patrick. The community needs more of this! Plus, the half Cobra looks like a pissed off grasshopper.

I hate to be the one to point out that you only have one stab on that heli. Geez, Butch... ; )

Oh, now I’m liking this!!

Yikes!! Life shouldn't be that hard but sometimes these models call for that level of perseverance.

We will be upgrading the site so the video plays automatically when the modal appears (vs having to click it again). Thank you for taking the time to give your feedback!

You think the second click will prevent someone from watching the video? We normally won’t auto start a video in a modal automatically but let me see what is possible

You are a certified LamaHead!

Please update the video link. It's not working.

This model is an absolute work of art and an inspiration to anyone who loves this segment of the RC hobby. The attention to detail and meticulous craftsmanship is off the charts.

He is!

Great start! For future chapters, you can create them here first and then just share them on FB anywhere to save time.

You need a HeliHoist!

Stunning!!

This is a fantastic water-based diorama!!

My experience with this kit would suggest that you route the kero tube that goes to the gearbox through a hole in the canopy and away from the turbine. My tube was mounted inside and developed a micro hole which sprayed kero onto the hot turbine. This, in turn, caused the thing to burst in flames...

This is really cool!!

Thanks!! That interior panel set you got is killer. With all the up fitting I’m doing in a couple of weeks, I couldn’t pull the trigger on walls and ceiling! Next year, maybe.

Great to see this!

Wow! The fan is spectacular!

If you are contemplating attending but have questions, use the post filters to get answers or just ask me!

I actually restored the point structure! Low pairs were originally 0 points. For August and September I bumped it to get members playing. I was supposed to back it down on Oct 1 but didn’t get to it until yesterday 😆

BTW, to register and reserve your spot on the flight line, visit

Thanks Charlie! Hey, are you registered yet for HeliStorm 2025?

Can’t wait for this to take shape!

Love this build, Michael! Looking forward to seeing it take shape.

Fuzzy logic evens it all out!

Joe, I notice that the rods going to the feathering spindles are angled. Are you not able to achieve good phasing with a more vertical orientation of the rods?

😆😆😆 My sticks have switches on them so I should have said “pinchers” shaking!

This is the first year for HeliStorm and nothing like it has ever been held. It’s at the US Air Force Museum front grounds. Go to for all of the details. Also you can use the filters here and bring up every post about it in one click.

Hi Michael, I reviewed one of the first models Roban made back in 2012 and I was concerned about the quality. They have definitely improved and there are many hundreds of satisfied pilots. I spoke to Michael Binder, Roban's founder and CEO last week and I can tell you that they are constantly...

Love it! Looking forward to meeting you there!

Hey Tom, I appreciate your input here and obviously share the same view that with technology and awareness we can grow the pie. At the events will be some interesting tech from Hitec and Roban that is designed to do just that.

Absolutely! 720.838.0700

Ok, what are you wondering about?

I should have brought my Hind to Hindsville, it’s obvious place of birth.

Hey Rich, are you puzzled? I’m happy to answer any questions!

They have servos with load telemetry so you know if one is going bad before it does!

I would do the same for something that size and something that won’t auto!

What are the specs on the ESC?

That’s hilarious! 😂

The only 2-blade head on MotionRC's website is a 12mm shaft. Probably too much for what you need.

We know there are some display issues on mobile and with the cards. Those will be fixed next week!

You’ve been busy!!

Love the detail!

Those are nice looking gear, my friend! Do you like the tire quality?

Go. Go. Go. Go.

We are excited to have you! Have you registered yet? You can reserve the best pilot spaces by registering early!

Thanks Remy!!

Go Evan!!!

Nice shirt, bro!!

Oh, and I’m proud of you for keeping this build going here! Future Chinook builders will be able to use this as a resource (just as I used your 1:11 pictures to help me with mine)!

I like the jig! I assume one of the main shafts is tilted so you would need to elevate the front to get it vertical before setting up the swash?

Looking like the smaller version but with bigger parts so old guys can see them!

That is one bad mamma jamma 😳

Also wondering, given the quantity of bolts, whether you are applying thread lock as you go or after you are satisfied with the final assembly?

My understanding is that fuselage fitment will be easier than on the 1:11 model, yes?

Silky smooth!!

I recently had to learn about silver brazing. I had never done it before but the main gear on my Mi-24 broke and I had no choice. It was amazing to weld it and have it work!

Wow Loren, that is awful to hear! I look forward to tracking progress on this. I think Vario should know about this. I converted your post into a chaptered story so members can follow your journey modifying the Vario design.

The trees make it a challenge!!

It looked a lot bigger in the video!

I am amazed at how aggressively you flew that on the first flight! Looks like it holds!

For what heli? Does chord size matter?

You may need to start a new “notebook “ after 50 chapters! I’m actually not sure though 🤣

I’m going to need sound next time! 😆

Thanks for the kind words!!

Star of the show!

Thank you for posting this! Your experience with Roban is virtually unmatched in North America!

Gilles, the Axon does not constrain you to -11/+11. The mechanical limits of your swash and pushrods determine that. You can use the Axon to reduce or offset collective AFTER you get the basic range set mechanically. Start by resetting the Axon collective settings. In your radio use a 3-point curve...

Those mechs are tight!! Is that a Len Mount fuse?

Butch, it's only "Hindsville" if I bring my Mi-24 ; )

Now that looks like fun!! Kids are the future of the hobby and the general aviation industry. Getting them interested early is key!

Love the film!! The pilot view is perfect!

Great shots! Love the “NoTaaaahhhh” (as Joe used to say)! Hope everyone had fun.

I like Secraft turnbuckles. If you go to the HeliCourses area and watch the Rotor setup video you should see them.

Mark produces a fine looking model!!!

You flyin’ boy!!

Thanks for sharing. For others to see this, please use the orange + button to make a post. Currently, the video is a comment to my post about a new feature

Love the Lama!!! Great flying venue you have!

Thanks!

Great! Make sure to get your name on the advance list. Visit ScaleHeliStorm.com

Are you planning to bring it to Scale Heli Storm 2025 at the National Museum of the USAF?

Excellent detail, Butch!

Hey Richard, thanks for the comments. Yes, Rene really contributed to the hobby and he will be missed. Are you still flying the 429? How's it been?

Romano is a genius!! Love the Hawk!

Oooooh giant Cobras 🐍 sound dangerous!

I love the 5-blade head!

Yes, that’s it!

I think your best bet is to try either HeliDirect.com or AMain.com

It is possible that Stefan Radau might have one.

Very nice work!! Silver braze?

Fantastic shots! Thank you for sharing!

How can you put it in the air after all of that?! 😆

Excited to go!!

Some hot Chile right there!

Love the tech ball! 😆

I learned to skate at a young age. The coach used to make us practice crossovers both left and right. When I fly, I have his voice in my head telling me “both directions!”

Stefan, this is brilliant!!!

Bring it!!

Hey Kue, if you can get me Mike’s address, I’ll ship out some stickers and flight log books.

I agree with Butch! It's insane!

Practice, practice, practice!!

.020 should do it. There shouldn’t be much strain on it. It just needs to keep the bolt from rotating more than a 1/4 turn.

I originally thought the opposite threading was the answer but didn’t think it was a realistic solution because I have too many decades of experience handling software support questions (so I can imagine modelers missing this) and because it would cost Vario (and, in turn, modelers) more to make...

You would have to rethread the shaft. The capstan bolts and safety wire are better in my mind

No. I’m referring to the 90145 bolt coming loose. That bolt, alone, holds the head onto the shaft.

Thank Gonzalo 😆

The new Chinook has the same design!! As for reverse threading that has the risk of getting messed up by modelers.

That is also an alternative, but ideally, Vario would include the bolts and safety wire in the kit along with A WARNING.

Thanks!!

If the weather holds this weekend I’ll be flying at Chatfield!

Hey Charlie, please post those in the market area of the site!

To test fly, you simply attach the aluminum mounts to the mechs and add the wheels.

Thanks for the great information! I cannot access ScaleRC because I believe their “human test” to reset password is broken or my IP is blocked. I am interested in the head modification, however. Do you use the plastic domes?

Interesting. I will slowly expand the range if needed but I fly at 6,000 feet so my -2 may work fine.

If you don’t want to change the YouTube settings, just upload the original video to the post and nobody can embed it.

Big time!!

Great paint scheme!!

No. They are pretty far away and the heli area is the closest we come to them. The main runway runs parallel to the housing and is 400 feet further away.

From what I can tell so far, 10-12 minutes

Thanks for the clarification!! The crowns have lost their luster!

Very clean installation!

I look forward to seeing additional chapters on this beast!

That is a badass looking bird!!

Perfect timing! I just posted two new Jeti courses (not that you need them, but I use my own videos to remind me of how to do stuff in the radio)!

The cuts look very clean!

It’s a beast!

This will be another great design, Stefan!

Great addition to the fleet!!

To isolate the issue, I would power the receiver with a separate battery to see whether the receiver is bound properly and translating signals to your servos.

Hi Bill, browsing the main discussion area is easy. Just scroll. If you want to read articles, click ARTICLES. If you want to get to specific content, you can use the filters on the left. We will be going to a new interface in 30 days or so and I expect it will be easier for you. But in the end,...

I’m with you on this. The Baby Lama isn’t large but the logic is inescapable.

I have to agree with Remy. For that kind of money, you can get a Roban and detail it bits or even a Vario (Chinook, Baby Lama, Baby Robinson, etc.)

True enough. I took the simplest route with the fewest components. I have a small receiver battery and done.

I agree!!

I have a video on that attempt coming up! 😆

Is there anything you CAN'T make?!

The platform is OwnTheCrowd.com, which I developed. We are upgrading the entire platform for all clients who use OwnTheCrowd.

I do not have onboard filters and haven’t for 10 years. I filter the fuel coming out of the jug. I see the inline filter as a fail point. Others will disagree but all I fly are turbine helis and it has worked for me!

Your shop is amazing! What you do in it is even more impressive!

The turbine helis require no more or less general maintenance than an equivalent electric. That said, I log my flights, check pump voltage, exhaust temp and rpm stats to ensure that the engine is performing properly. After 25 hours, the turbine goes into the manufacturer for servicing.

I been seeking that myself! I’m going to tach it.