View Full Version : Check this out!
rabidguineapig
04-12-2010, 04:58 PM
My uncle found this old heli lying around his basement, and it appears to be completely custom, though I'm not a vintage heli expert. I'm not sure how old it is but it was very likely built by a local Bell Aerospace engineer. The receiver is a Futaba FP-R4H (does anyone know how long ago those were made?) I doubt the helicopter ever flew because it weighs a ton, but it's a pretty cool old relic piece. I added one picture of the copter next to my guitar so you can get an idea of the size as well.
singingperry
04-13-2010, 01:01 AM
Absolutely gorgeous piece of work. Magnificent! Makes me want to build one of my own! I love this thread already.
Skiddz
04-13-2010, 02:08 AM
Man, check out that big ol resistor speed control under the bubble.. Haven't seen one of those in over 20 years....
rabidguineapig
04-13-2010, 09:45 AM
I'll take the bubble off and get some better pictures of the electronics and motors later. The setup is pretty cool, there are two motors that both run the main rotor simultaneously, definitely something you don't see on newer helis. I'm glad you guys like it!
Leandro
04-13-2010, 07:08 PM
It looks like the Skylark EH-1.
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rabidguineapig
04-13-2010, 07:49 PM
SWEET! Thanks for finding that Leandro, the first ever production heli...
heli-headcase
04-19-2010, 08:20 PM
SWEET! Thanks for finding that Leandro, the first ever production heli...
No, not quite - The first production ELECTRIC RC heli. Manufactured in Japan by Ishimasha and distributed through Graupner. Clean that bird up - it's destined to be a serious collector's item some day.
Ah Clem
04-23-2010, 11:50 PM
I remember flying one of those. They came in through the old Condor Hobbies in the 1980's, if memory serves.
They were very swimmy. The one my friend had could fly from a car battery with a tether or a six or eight cell Ni-Cad pack.
A whole new meaning to "getting to the end of one's tether"...