Building your first model
Owning and building a model helicopter can be a particularly fulfilling experience provided that it is approached in a methodical and diligent manner. The modeller entering this area of aeromodelling from a fixed wing background faces almost as many challenges as the total newcomer. There are many intricate and essential components to be assembled and new terms to comprehend in order for the builder to produce a successful and safe model helicopter. It takes time to fully understand and apply the terminology used during the building process.
As with all complex structures, it is advisable that your work is inspected by a competent modeller at each stage of assembly to ensure that as far as possible no detail has been overlooked, as errors introduced during the assembly stage are bound to have knock-on implications at a later stage in the proceedings which, apart from the cost aspect, could possibly lead to severe damage to the model or the operator or more likely to both.....
It is perhaps fair to also point out that because there are no short cuts you must allocate sufficient time for the construction phase. Expect to allow approximately eight hours to construct your first basic helicopter kit, a further hour and a half to install the radio gear followed by a similar time setting up the flying surfaces. This will require the use of an additional - but essential - item which you will also need to purchase, a pitch gauge. Finally, it is advisable to fit a training undercarriage which consists of an open wire frame and four plastic golf balls - they are available for around 18 pounds.
