Buying a Used Helicopter

[Magenta]

I'd like to buy a used gasser helicopter. But I can't seem to find the search terms to locate them on the web and the local swap meets I've been to have not had any gassers.

If you've bought, or seen, a used machine, how did you find it?

[WillJames]

What size you looking for and what brand. I know DebianDog has a Condor he is wanting to sell.

[Magenta]

Size wise, I'd like something with a main rotor in the low to mid 60's (inches) (minimum) and a 20 something cc engine.

Which I believe is roughly the size of a Predator Gasser. Which is the one I keep eye-balling. But I'm vendor agnostic at this point.

But I don't seem to see gasser helicopters for sale. I've only seen one, and I couldn't afford it at that time. Other than that, all I find are old, closed sales.

So either I'm looking in the wrong places (probably) or people don't get rid of their gassers (good if you have one, bad for finding a used one).

Looking for some tips and techniques for finding them.

[trillian]

Over here in the UK we have an organisation called the BMFA (British Model Flying Association) and they have a website and a classified ads section.

That's where I found my latest bird, a Predator gasser.

Over here it tends to be the best single place online to find planes and helis, then the rest wind up on Ebay (and sometimes some really good deals on Ebay but it's very hit-and-miss)

So I would imagine you would have some kind of similar organisations in the states. The next thing would be local flying clubs.

[Magenta]

I've found several sites with buy/sell sections (this one included). I was hoping for info on sites/locations with a higher probability of having gasser heli's for sale.

But I'm beginning to think it's going to be hit or miss everywhere; few for sale and those quickly sold. You have keep your eye out and jump when you see something.

Just yesterday, I went through the ads here and noticed a Predator for sale that I had missed during an earlier search. PM'd the guy, but the heli was sold.

Ah well, keep looking

[PaulH]

I have found that people who buy gassers hang on to them for a long time. If you pursue buying a used gasser (which I also did) be prepared to perform a complete tear-down and replace any bearings that feel rough and any screws that are rusted or starting to strip. You don't want to deal with someone else's "unknown issues" on your new (newly used?) bird.

[Magenta]

Yea, I expect to have to thoroughly inspect the heli before attempting flight.

Speaking of which, are there certain models, perhaps old and obsolete, that I should avoid. Ones that may fly, but you'll tear your hair out trying to get replacement parts.

I've seen that in nitros, someone has an old heli that they can't get parts for, so they sell them. Don't want to get caught in that trap

[Magenta]

Looks like I finally got one. Bought a used Bergen gasser. Gotta wait to see actual condition, but the photos and seller feedback seem promising. :)

[cbergen]

Wellll then!! When you get the bird, do as others suggested and do a complete and thorough inspection of everything.

Anything that needs replacing, give us a call, any questions or concerns, call us, post something here, or send us an email at bergenrc@verizon.net.

Pics help when troubleshooting, and there are quite a few knowledgeable people here on HF to help.

Good luck and keep us up to date on your progress.

[Magenta]

Thanks

I'm really, really excited (though not as much as when I actually I touch the heli)

For specific info, where do I look on the helicopter to get the proper manual/parts info? Are there key serial/model numbers I should be looking for? If so, where?

[cbergen]

First thing you will want to know is which engine does it have. There should be a sticker on the case of the engine.

Is it an EB (extended boom) or standard model?

[robert1]

what does dabien dog have and how much

[Magenta]

First thing you will want to know is which engine does it have. There should be a sticker on the case of the engine.

Is it an EB (extended boom) or standard model?

It's the standard model. It should arrive on Tuesday, so I'll either be ecstatic or incredibly irritated (you never know when buying used on the net)

I'm betting on ecstatic :)

[Magenta]

Received the packages.

Right how, I'm ecstatic. Looks really good, no obvious problems. All moving parts move freely; no notching; no excessive play. :thumbup:

Still have to take it apart and check everything, but I've high hopes.

But, holy tomoly.... is it big :shock:

I mean you read the specs and see the photos, but till you have one in your hands, you can't really appreciate the scale of the bird :) :)

[tkn0spdr]

I just got a real good deal on an ASI Mongoose on RCUniverse.com. There are always a few gassers on there. There is also a dedicated fuel heli section on RunRyder.com with lots of good deals.

Thanks,
David

[Magenta]

congrats

[SeaHawk]

Got mine on Runryder. There are alot of deals to be had. I was the third owner of a Bergen Gas bird and, once I rebuilt it, I was near perfect/new. Like the previous posters said, go over it carefully. I have the benefit of 22 years of experience and had to fix some rookie/inexperience problems that might have contributed to the 2nd owners crash. Best deals are on folks that either give up after craches or have to get out of hobby due to other more pressing requirements; new baby, school tuition, etc.