Bell 206 balsa fuselage for HB CP2/BCP/BCPP

[slikrx]

Just a thought and pardon my ignorance but, would it be possible to vacumn for around the disassembled balsa fuse? I mean you already know it fits correctly.
Actually, it'd be easier to make a silicone mold of each half (top/bottom usually) then use that to make a plaster cast of his balsa model. Then use THAT to do your vac-forms. Plaster holds up better, plus you can grind it & add to it to optimize the resulting parts.

The balsa would need a ton of reinforcing to make is useful for a mold...

But, once made, those plaster molds could make a couple dozen bodies.


Oh, and Rebuild: that is an AWESOME piece of work. I honestly have no clue how you did that, but it looks great. *tips hat*

[Skiddz]

That is beyond nice... Can't wait to see it with windows installed...

[Rebuild]

Here ya go, Skidzz. Got the windows in and pretty much all done with the outside. Now I got to get busy on the CP2 and install the gear in it. The picture next to the Coke can gives ya an idea of the relative size of this thing. When I get it flying, I think I may draw up an EC120 Colibri and try one of those in balsa. Ducted fan is something I would like to give a shot at and I have noticed some good posts around on micro helis and DF tails that looked pretty promising. AUW ended up at 1.75 ounces so it should be fine for this stock CP2 to buzz around with.

[slikrx]

Nice job!

Now to convert to flybarless ;)

(just kidding)

You mentioned you used Ritt dye for the windows... how does that work?

[Rebuild]

One package of black Rit dye in hot water (just below the point that it warps the plastic) and a cup of white vinegar. Just leave parts in until you get the look ya want. Some plastics go fast and some seem to take forever so try different materials until ya get something that comes out like ya want it to. :wink:

[Skiddz]

That is beyond cool...

Still no joy on the MD500 3-Views...

I've got one more source. Local MD 902 Explorer pilot who's doing some with with MD. I'm gonna call him tomorrow and see if he can get some from MD themselves...

[Rebuild]

First flights and the CP2 with the 206 fuse flys great. When setting up the CP2, I used E-Flite rcvr, 3in1 and HS55 servos but the best, by far, part of this set up was reversing the blade grips to put the pitch links on the leadlng edge of the blades. With this change the Delta flap of the blades is now correct (flap up=decreased pitch) and really improves the tracking and overall stablity of thie head. Swash now moves up for positive collective so that must be changed with the xmtr program and the blades bolt on from bottom-up with nut on top (minor inconvenience). Don't remember where or when I saw this CP2 head mod thread but I really want to thank the poster who suggested it. :noteworthy Works super and, quite frankly, should have been set up this way by Esky to begin with! :D

[Funky]

WOW!!! Another great fuse. You do really nice work :noteworthy I wish I had the patience for something like this.

[Buzzkill]

Ya, when are we going to get some Bob type custom fuselage videos? :D

[Funky]

Ya, when are we going to get some Bob type custom fuselage videos? :D

I would really like to see something like that!! I am sure Bob would post them for you. You have done a really good job with this one and the last one, let us in on your secrets :D

[Rebuild]

That would be kind of neat to try a build video but not with a dial-up connection like I have. When I set up my Trex, I managed to watch all of the Finless videos but it was a cruel ordeal downloading them, each and every one, on this connection. I may post a "still pix" abbreviated build on the EC120 Colibri with Fenestron tail I have in planning, but for me anyway, video would not be a practical way to go. Interesting idea anyway! :idea:

[Buzzkill]

Well if it helps you could copy to a CD and one of us could upload the vid ?