Build/Review: HeliArtist Jet Ranger V1/V2

[BlackTitanium]

http://www.helifreak.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=66866&stc=1&d=1225040855http://www.helifreak.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=66867&stc=1&d=1225040855

There are currently two versions of the Ranger.
Version 1 has a screw mounted nose section.
Version 2 has a magnetically attached nose section.

The Ranger is HeliArtist's lightest in weight and easiest to build fuselage kits.
Both Rangers come with clear windows, install them as is or tint them to your liking.
For the V1 Ranger I recommend a little screw mod for the nose section, to make life with screws a little easier when you need a fresh LiPo pack.
The V2 Ranger has strong and secure magnets, in the nose section, making battery changes quick and easy.
The Ranger can be flown very scale like, or you can make those passengers barf with all the aerobatic maneuvers you feel comfortable executing.

The V2 Ranger is from a different mold and is slightly larger than the V1 Ranger.
Both Rangers are a joy to fly and look fantastic in the air.


What's in the box:
*Fiber Glass scale fuselage x 1
*Pellucid canopy cover x 2
*Horizontal stabilizer x 2
*Landing Gear Set x 1
*Manual x 1

http://www.helifreak.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=66412&stc=1&d=1224619055

[BlackTitanium]

As with all of the HeliArtist fuselages, some modifications and additional hardware may be required to complete your build, the fuselages are designed to accommodate most 450 sized mechanics.

In this build I will show how the T-Rex 450 can be installed into the V1/V2 Ranger fuselage.


Suggested hardware:
2-56 Blind Nuts (V1/V2)
2-56 x 1/4" Socket Head Cap Screws (V1)
2-56 x 3/4" Socket Head Cap Screws (V2)
No. 2 Split Washer
No. 2 Flat Washer
Great Planes Segmented Lead Weights (V1/V2)
Basswood (V1/V2)


Tools:
Dremel Tool for grinding and drilling
Hexagon Screw Driver Set
Ultra Fine Sandpaper
X-Acto knife or Precision-Cut Scissors
Shoe Goop
Cyanoacrylate
Epoxy


Recommended Tail Servo:
Futaba S3153


http://www.helifreak.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=66487&d=1224652791

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Preparation:
Remove main rotor blades and set aside
Remove canopy and canopy Nuts from frame
Remove landing gear from the frame
Remove tail boom support rods and horizontal stabilizer
Remove vertical stabilizer
Disassemble and set aside tail rotor gear box assembly

http://www.helifreak.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=44004&d=1207122606

[BlackTitanium]

The V1 Ranger utilizes self tap screws to mount the nose section.
The screws are very small, easy to lose and will wear the thread in a short time.

I used Blind Nuts to fabricate a more secure and reliable screw mount for th V1 ranger.

1. Select four locations on the fuselage and drill a hole sized appropriate for the 2-56 Socket Head Cap Screw.
2. Using sheet balsa, drill a hole to fit the Blind Nut.
3. Epoxy the balsa wood piece and Blind Nut to inside of the fuselage.

http://www.helifreak.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=66887&stc=1&d=1225046610
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Note: The aluminum foil square, on the fuselage bottom, was installed to reflect the GY-401 Gyro indicator light.
This allows me to see whether the gyro was properly initialized.


Use a No. 2 Flat Washer and a No. 2 Split Washer on the Socket Head Cap Screw to mount the nose section.
Note: The Flat Washer goes against the fuselage. The Split Washer between the Socket Head and Flat Washer.
http://www.helifreak.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=66886&stc=1&d=1225046610

Mounting the Frame:

I did not use the wood pieces from the kit to mount the frame to he fuselage.
Using Basswood, cut to length and Blind nuts, I fabricated a rail system to mount the frame to the fuselage.

http://www.helifreak.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=66486&d=1224652791
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The rail system is attached to the Heli frame, positions the T-Rex frame to the desired height and provides the mounting point for the skids.

http://www.helifreak.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=66958&stc=1&d=1225073011

http://www.helifreak.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=66896&stc=1&d=1225049011

[BlackTitanium]

The V2 Ranger is slightly larger than the V1 Ranger, and required a riser to mount the frame to the desired height in the fuselage.

The wood pieces were utilized to build up the risers, and the same rail system is used to mount the frame to the fuselage.

http://www.helifreak.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=66411&stc=1&d=1224619055

To determine were the mounting holes would be drilled, I made a template.

1. With the rail attached to the frame, insert the Heli frame into the fuselage and mark the location for the template.
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2. Tape the template into place.
3. Drill the two front mounting holes.
http://www.helifreak.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=66899&stc=1&d=1225049633

4. Tape template to bottom of the fuselage.
5. Drill the two rear mounting holes.
http://www.helifreak.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=66900&stc=1&d=1225049633

[BlackTitanium]

Using epoxy or gap filling CA, attach horizontal stabilizers to fuselage.
http://www.helifreak.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=66960&stc=1&d=1225075254


Position the vertical stabilizer onto the tail end cap, mark position and drill a 2mm hole for the self tap screws.
http://www.helifreak.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=66961&stc=1&d=1225075254


Attach the vertical stabilizer using the self tap screws.
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1. Remove the tail end cap, insert the Heli frame into the fuselage.
2. Assemble the tail rotor gear box.
3. Attach the tail end cap and check for binding. Use a Dremel tool to remove any interference.
4. Secure the tail end cap with the self tap screws.
TIP: Apply Shoe Goop to screw threads to thread lock the self tap screws into the fuselage.
http://www.helifreak.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=67007&stc=1&d=1225134942


Attach the windows to the fuselage nose assembly.
1. Heavy duty double sided tape was used to attach the windshield to the inside of the fuselage.
2. Epoxy was used to attach the floor windows to the fuselage nose.
Note: The floor windows must be trimmed prior to installation. The windshield and floor windows are clear plastic, and may be tinted to your liking.
http://www.helifreak.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=67008&stc=1&d=1225135077


1. Secure the landing gear and Heli frame to the fuselage using 2-56 socket head screws.
2. Attach the main rotors to the blade grips.
3. Install battery and nose section, perform center of gravity test
4. Install lead weights to achieve center of gravity.
http://www.helifreak.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=67009&stc=1&d=1225135077


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Both the V1 and V2 Ranger will fit into the Align Aluminum case.
http://www.helifreak.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=67012&stc=1&d=1225135312
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V1 Ranger
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V2 Ranger
So-_9_dzfag

[Mikee]

Excellent build review.....

Nice one BT............... and cool vids of you flying both models

Mikee