New O550 in the build

[barzaun]

I bought my O550 kit new from HeliDirect in September 2009, but haven't started to build it yet. This thread (http://helifreak.com/showthread.php?t=198473) and my recent not so smooth experience with a G5 kit, which proved to be a very outdated kit, made me think I should check my O550 kit in more detail. Result was I have a non-hollow shaft that has two dark colored flat spots and a collar with 2 set screws, similar to the one that happened to break in a few Velocity50s. Have there been problems in 550's with this shaft and collar?

[LITHIUMSTATIC]

Is yours hollow at the ends but solid in the center?

[DominicD]

My 550 and 50 both have MS that are only hallow at the end, they seem to work fine for me. 1-2 reported causes is far from being a real concern.

[barzaun]

Is yours hollow at the ends but solid in the center?

Yes, it's hollow only at the ends and has a set screw type of a collar. I've read somewhere that the new ones are empty all the way through the center, don't have any flat spots, have a pinch type collar, and have the Outrage logo on them.

[barzaun]

My 550 and 50 both have MS that are only hallow at the end, they seem to work fine for me. 1-2 reported causes is far from being a real concern.

There is already a strong bond between me and the unborn O550. If she suffers, I suffer. I must be in love to feel this way :oops:

[LITHIUMSTATIC]

Yes, it's hollow only at the ends and has a set screw type of a collar. I've read somewhere that the new ones are empty all the way through the center, don't have any flat spots, have a pinch type collar, and have the Outrage logo on them.

Ok!! I thought it was hollow all the way through, but is just like what your describing with no Outrage logo after further inspection. I'm also using the old collar with setscrew.

I've never had a problem and I've crashed 3 times and trashed the main blades once, still on the first mainshaft. I say it's not an issue on the 550 as it's under less stress.

There is already a strong bond between me and the unborn O550. If she suffers, I suffer.

Honestly you have nothing to worry about imho. I've beat the crap out of this heli. :thumbup:

[barzaun]

Thanks, guys. Now another question: how do I know if the main gear in my kit is delrin or plastic? Either one is fine with me, but I'd just like to know.

[DominicD]

The Delrin is a dull white, the plastic is shiny.