Build/Review: Thunder Tiger AH-1W Super Cobra Gunship

[BlackTitanium]

This build and review thread is intended to give you insight on Thunder Tiger's AH-1W Super Cobra Gunship Mini Titan E325 Conversion Kit.

The fuselage kit is designed specifically to transform your mini Titan E325 into a AH-1W Super Cobra Gunship.
NOTE: Other Helicopter kits will not fit this fuselage, without performing some major modifications.

Included in the kit is 37 page, fully illustrated assembly manual. The instructions are mostly illustration, with very little text, but assembly is fairly easy to complete.

The Super Cobra looks beautiful in flight! The flight characteristics are fantastic, but can be pitchy in heavy winds (see video). It is capable of very convincing scale flight, yet it is light weight enough to perform aerobatic maneuvers with ease.

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Features:


High-positioned tail rotor mechanism
Tail skid and horizontal tailplane
Missiles, machine gun and flare dispenser
Realistic landing skid, antenna and cutter
Light PVC body, easy for assembling and painting
Available in 3 color schemes and clear body





Specifications Lenght: 30.71" / 780mm
Width: 4.8" / 122mm
Heigth: 7.95" / 202mm
Main / Tail Rotor Dia: 29.45" (748mm) / 6.14" (156mm)
Gear Ratio: 1:11.5:4.4
Suggested Battery: 3S / 1,800~2,200 mAh
Full equipped weight: 31.7 oz. / 900g.

TTR3870-D Desert Storm
http://www.helifreak.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=58360&stc=1&d=1218333069
TTR3870-L Blue Gray
http://www.helifreak.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=58361&stc=1&d=1218333069
TTR3870-G Field Green
http://www.helifreak.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=58362&stc=1&d=1218333069

[BlackTitanium]

The painted kit comes already trimmed, and in two halves, plus a one piece nose section with clear windows.
The fuselage is painted on the outside of the clear Lexan. It has a flat finish and just looks awesome, very detailed and complete with panel lines.


High-positioned tail rotor mechanism
Tail skid and horizontal tailplane
Missiles, machine gun and flare dispenser
Realistic landing skid, antenna and cutter
Black tail rotor blade set
Black Flybar Paddle set
448T belt
Blade holder
Decal Sheet
Bronze Tinted Windshield
Assembly Manual




http://www.helifreak.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=58363&stc=1&d=1218321459

Tools Required for assembly:

Screw Driver
Needle Nose Pliers
Ball Link Pliers
Nipper
Precision Scissors
Hobby Knife
CA Glue
Clear Tape
Hex Wrench
Threadlock
Double Sided Tape

[BlackTitanium]

Some modifications to the E325 frame will need to be performed in order to fit the fuselage to the E325's frame.

1. Remove a portion of the battery tray.

http://www.helifreak.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=58366&stc=1&d=1218326557
http://www.helifreak.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=58367&stc=1&d=1218326557

2. Remove the receiver tray from the E325's frame.

http://www.helifreak.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=58368&stc=1&d=1218326557
http://www.helifreak.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=58369&stc=1&d=1218326557

3. Remove a 1.5 mm corner from both sides of the battery tray assembly.
This is performed so that the battery tray can be lowered.

http://www.helifreak.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=58370&stc=1&d=1218326557
http://www.helifreak.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=58371&stc=1&d=1218326557

[BlackTitanium]

Included in the AH-1W conversion kit, are two tail boom pieces (52mm and 300mm), the tail gear box set and a 448T belt.

1. Remove the original Tail Boom assembly from your E325's frame.
2. Remove the Tail Unit assembly and the Tail Boom Bracket Set.
3. Assemble the Tail Transmission, using the Tail Unit assembly, 52mm Tail Boom piece, 300mm Tail Boom piece, 448T belt, Tail Boom Support Rod Bracket, Tailplane Bracket, and Tail Servo Brackets.

http://www.helifreak.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=58379&stc=1&d=1218328575

4. Attach Tail Transmission assembly to Tail Boom Bracket Set.
5. Install Black Tail Rotor Blades.
6. Install Tail Skid Base and Tail Skid Rod.

http://www.helifreak.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=58380&stc=1&d=1218328575

7. Install Stub Wing onto E325 frame.

http://www.helifreak.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=58381&stc=1&d=1218328575

8. Remove Canopy Retaining Post from E325 frame.
9. Install Frame Spacer and Canopy Retaining Post assemblies.

http://www.helifreak.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=58387&stc=1&d=1218328575
http://www.helifreak.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=58384&stc=1&d=1218328575

10. Install shorter Battery Side Plates.
11. Install lowered Battery Tray onto E325's frame.

http://www.helifreak.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=58382&stc=1&d=1218328575
http://www.helifreak.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=58383&stc=1&d=1218328575

http://www.helifreak.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=58385&stc=1&d=1218328575

12: Assemble Machine Gun and install onto E325's frame.

http://www.helifreak.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=58386&stc=1&d=1218328575


13. Install Receiver Base Plate onto bottom rear tray of the E325 frame.

http://www.helifreak.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=58447&stc=1&d=1218349730

[BlackTitanium]

Prior to installing the fuselage, you'll need to install all the electronics, setup and test fly the Heli.

http://www.helifreak.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=58376&stc=1&d=1218331066

1. Drill holes with the specified diameter, onto the marked locations of the fuselage shells.
2. Install the fuselage shells onto the E325 frame.
3. Use the included self tapping screws to secure the fuselage shells onto the E325's frame.

http://www.helifreak.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=58377&stc=1&d=1218331066
http://www.helifreak.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=58378&stc=1&d=1218331066

4. Use clear tape on bottom side of the fuselage to secure the two halves.

http://www.helifreak.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=58396&stc=1&d=1218331066
http://www.helifreak.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=58397&stc=1&d=1218331066
http://www.helifreak.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=58398&stc=1&d=1218331066

5. Expose receiver Antenna thru vent hole.

http://www.helifreak.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=58448&stc=1&d=1218350015

[BlackTitanium]

Assemble and install the Weapon Set.

http://www.helifreak.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=58389&stc=1&d=1218332544


Apply the decals onto the fuselage.

http://www.helifreak.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=58388&stc=1&d=1218332544
http://www.helifreak.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=58390&stc=1&d=1218332544


You may choose the option of installing the tinted window.
The manual suggest cutting away all of the clear windows.
I opted to only cut away the center window with mold line in the center.

http://www.helifreak.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=58391&stc=1&d=1218332544
http://www.helifreak.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=58392&stc=1&d=1218332544

Secure the tinted window using the enclosed self tapping screws.

http://www.helifreak.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=58393&stc=1&d=1218332544


A blade holder is included in the conversion kit.

http://www.helifreak.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=58395&stc=1&d=1218332544


http://www.helifreak.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=58394&stc=1&d=1218332544


Install Cable Cutters and Antennas.

http://www.helifreak.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=58479&stc=1&d=1218383713
http://www.helifreak.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=58480&stc=1&d=1218383713

[majuro15]

Awesome build thread! How long did it take, it looks simple enough once you get all the mechanics installed. Good job!

[BlackTitanium]

Awesome build thread! How long did it take, it looks simple enough once you get all the mechanics installed. Good job!

Thank you!

It can be done in a few short hours, if you already have the E325 ready to fly.
Since I had to build both the E325 and install the kit, it took me about 3-5 hours.

[BlackTitanium]

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[trickyfishy]

Great build thread and it was great meeting you yesterday at the field! Thanks for checking out my 600 for me.

[BlackTitanium]

Great build thread and it was great meeting you yesterday at the field! Thanks for checking out my 600 for me.

You're welcome, Chris!
Thanks for recording my Super Cobra flight, it looks great! :thumbup:

-Kip

[heirmeistr]

Great Job,
I just finished my build yesterday and wasn't sure how to use their blade holder or why I was given a second tinted windshield. Your build clears things up. I wish the front canopy was easier to remove and install though- I do struggle with that.
And I do have a question. I got my Mini Titan to hover and then proceeded with the Cobra conversion. After its first flight (3 minute hover) I accidentally touched the motor and it was HOT!! I checked the temp and it was over 160 degrees. Any ideas why? I am using the stock motor, pinion, and ESC. The headspeed does seem faster than my Trex 450.
Thanks - Harry

[BlackTitanium]

Great Job,
I just finished my build yesterday and wasn't sure how to use their blade holder or why I was given a second tinted windshield. Your build clears things up. I wish the front canopy was easier to remove and install though- I do struggle with that.
And I do have a question. I got my Mini Titan to hover and then proceeded with the Cobra conversion. After its first flight (3 minute hover) I accidentally touched the motor and it was HOT!! I checked the temp and it was over 160 degrees. Any ideas why? I am using the stock motor, pinion, and ESC. The headspeed does seem faster than my Trex 450.
Thanks - Harry

Yeah, the canopy is a struggle to remove, don't even bother to put the canopy grommets on.

Everyone says the motor runs hot, and so does mine! So it's normal Harry.
I plan to replace the stock motor with a Scorpion motor.

[heirmeistr]

Well its good to know I didn't do anything drastically wrong.
I didn't like the clear canopy so I tinted mine tonight. I think it looks much better now.
Let me know which motor you go with and how you like it. I might do the same. Thanks for the tip of not using the canopy grommets - it makes it much easier.

[heirmeistr]

I fly my 450 with a 12t pinion. Do you think that would help with the temp? I haven't checked - but do you know off hand if a stock 450 motor pinion will work with the MiniTitan stock motor?

[BlackTitanium]

I fly my 450 with a 12t pinion. Do you think that would help with the temp? I haven't checked - but do you know off hand if a stock 450 motor pinion will work with the MiniTitan stock motor?

Word on the web, is that the AXI 2208 Cooling Fan (http://www3.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin/wti0001p?&I=LXPRB1) will keep the motor cool.
I just ordered one. I'll report back, when it's installed.

http://www2.gpmd.com/image/a/axsg0010.jpg (http://www3.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin/wti0001p?&I=LXPRB1)

[heirmeistr]

Black Titanium,
Well I installed a MiniTitan 12t pinion (seems it is longer than one for the Align 450) and ordered an AXI fan from Hobby Lobby as well. A 3 minute hover w/o the front canopy generated temperatures a little over 130 (slightly warm to the touch) with th 12t pinion. My fan came today and it will not fit the stock motor. I will have to either use longer machine screws or modify each fan blade. What did you do with your fan??

[BlackTitanium]

Black Titanium,
Well I installed a MiniTitan 12t pinion (seems it is longer than one for the Align 450) and ordered an AXI fan from Hobby Lobby as well. A 3 minute hover w/o the front canopy generated temperatures a little over 130 (slightly warm to the touch) with th 12t pinion. My fan came today and it will not fit the stock motor. I will have to either use longer machine screws or modify each fan blade. What did you do with your fan??


You'll need to pick up some M2 x 12mm screws.

[heirmeistr]

Okay, here are my test results on the stock MiniTitan motor installed on the Cobra sport scale body.
3 min hover with 13t pinion, front canopy on, and outside temp of about 85-90 degrees = motor temp over 160 degrees.
3 min hover with 12t pinion, motor fan, front canopy on, and outside temp of about 75 degrees = motor temp of 110 degrees. That is AWESOME!!
The stock Axi fan does not fit well. As you can tell from the first picture the fan blades are at a different angle than the motor, and there is a small gap between the fan and motor where it mounts. Instead of using longer screws I opted to grind the fan. I used a drill bit grinding stone mounted on my cordless drill at almost the lowest torque setting (2 of 21). See picture #2. It only takes about 5 minutes. The last picture shows how well it fits now. Using the supplied screws, there is no gap between the fan and motor mount.

[BlackTitanium]

Thanks for the temperature report on the AXI fan.
I didn't have the tools to measure the temperatures and report the numbers, but I could feel the difference that the AXI fan made.

I installed the fan, without any modifications, using M2 x 12mm screws.

[bigfilsing]

all well and good but you missed the importent part !!!! How did you raise the tail mechanics to suit the body ??????

[BlackTitanium]

all well and good but you missed the importent part !!!! How did you raise the tail mechanics to suit the body ??????

See post #4. The elevated tail assembly comes with the E325 conversion kit.

http://www.helifreak.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=58380&stc=1&d=1218328575

[bigfilsing]

cool thanks

Whats the OD of the tail boom?? and is it belt or direct drive ??

Cheers

[warpspeed]

What stumps me is where the heck do those little red pieces go? TT call's 'em "bumpers." They look like they should fit on the pins molded into the skids but the holes don't line up.
Anyone figured out where they go? (Besides the spare parts bin:lol:)

[BlackTitanium]

What stumps me is where the heck do those little red pieces go? TT call's 'em "bumpers." They look like they should fit on the pins molded into the skids but the holes don't line up.
Anyone figured out where they go? (Besides the spare parts bin:lol:)

The skids are slotted underneath. That's where you insert the rubber bumpers.