My Impressions of the Mini-P

[exit44rc]

UPS dropped off my new Mini-P last night and I finally got to start building it this morning. My first impression is that it's more a work of art than a heli kit. Even the packaging is done with style and class. So far the pieces and parts are all very well finished and well labeled for easy assembly.

This is my first helicopter that has come completely unassembled and I love that. I'd rather receive a bunch of parts than a "preassembled" kit. More fun to do it myself.

So far I've finished the main frame assembly and I'll be moving on to the main shaft and fbl head next.

[integy2]

U'll love it.

[brtmac]

I just received my kit and started working on the other night. I'm in the same boat that this is the first fully unassembled kit I've received (though I've "unassembled" a few helis in the past and pretty much built from scratch a few times).

I agree that it is engineering porn. I love the plastic pieces with the metal threads molded in. The servo cage is beautiful. It really feels like I'm working on my Protos 500 after it went through the dryer.

The biggest difference I feel with the MiniP v. Trex 450Pro is that the MiniP seems like it has just enough of everything, all located in just the right places. It's very pleasing to the eye. The 450Pro feels a bit like someone had a box of screws they wanted to use up, and they weren't really sure where best to use them, so they just drilled holes everywhere possible. Or, another way to put it is Alpha-Romeo v. Chevy.

[exit44rc]

I can see that being the case. Without intending to bash Align, I flew a Trex 250 for the past year and, though I liked that heli (with the exception of the tail), this is a lot nicer.

I thought about the 450 Pro and debated whether or not to buy that instead of the mini-p, but in the end I think that I am going to be happier with this.

[michael88997]

I bought a 450 pro and mini protos at the same time to compare, sold the 450 pro and my mini p is like a mcdonalds commercial... "I'm lovin it"!!!

[Rob0506]

I will be interesting to see how you like it. It's a nice looking bird, but the reviews from RC Heli were a big mediocre. I own several Align helis (as you can see from my sig) and I like them, but would like to branch out into some other brands.

[michael88997]

Rc Reviews are like listening to sponsored pilots... Their paid to say something lol

[Rob0506]

I don't think that's the case with RC Heli, though it may vary by setup and reviewer. I also subscribe to RC Heli Pilot, they like EVERYTHING. I don't even know why they waste the magazine space with reviews.

[eightythree]

Exactly.. Rcheli used to be different. Now its just full of ads and horrible reviews. Some key features are never pointed out while they point out 'the bad' wtf is that all about?

[michael88997]

Ya the last few I read were dumb so I steer clear now... All I know is I was a hardcore align guy and it was a extremely hard decision to go with something different and I almost sold it several times, but now that I got the beast setup excellent I would only sell it for a protos 550 ... Cross my fingers

[jyheli]

You will like Mini Protos.....it is one of the best flying 450 size helis...if not the best as no one come close to how quiet the heli fly but with lots of authority and power especially having it in FBL.

Jonathan

[SidewaysLS4]

Yep, quiet, and the parts are much more precise than the stuff you get from Align.

[integy2]

The best 450 so far.......

Check out my fleets. From average guy opinion.
http://rc.runryder.com/helicopter/gallery/24784/

[exit44rc]

Good build so far except for some snags. MSH forgot to include one of the pulley wheels in bag 'e' and the threaded aluminum insert in the tail control arm came striped. So now i am waiting on parts for a heli that has never been off the ground. Oh well. It will eventually get in the air.

[invertsick]

Originally Posted by exit44rc

Good build so far except for some snags. MSH forgot to include one of the pulley wheels in bag 'e' and the threaded aluminum insert in the tail control arm came striped. So now i am waiting on parts for a heli that has never been off the ground. Oh well. It will eventually get in the air.

mine came without one of the tail control rod aluminum inserts.
but experience sent it to me for free with an extra swash driver which I stripped during the built

[invertsick]

Originally Posted by integy2

The best 450 so far.......

Check out my fleets. From average guy opinion.
http://rc.runryder.com/helicopter/gallery/24784/

Pat,

try posting Helifreak link in that froum and see what will happen

[HighFreq]

Originally Posted by exit44rc

Good build so far except for some snags. MSH forgot to include one of the pulley wheels in bag 'e' and the threaded aluminum insert in the tail control arm came striped. So now i am waiting on parts for a heli that has never been off the ground. Oh well. It will eventually get in the air.

You should have an extra tail arm in the spare bag.


Corrado

[exit44rc]

Indeed it did. I was glad to find the extra tail pitch actuator.

[brtmac]

I'm mostly done putting my new Protos Mini together. A couple other things I've noticed compared to a TRex:

- Main shaft is 6mm instead of 5mm. Presumably will not bend easily.
- Main shaft bearings are larger (not sure of the size, can't measure at the moment).
- Tail shaft is considerably thicker.
- Tail boom is larger diameter, which I think will give it more presence in the air.
- Tail is easier to put together overall.
- Feathering shaft is larger diameter and the bolts are bigger (I think)

It's very odd that it seems that most of components are larger, heavier duty, yet overall it's lighter and has a much leaner appearance.

[FlyBarLessFreak]

yep, thats what great engineering can do for you !