Pantera P6 Availability?

[bmnewland]

When will the P6 be available? Any insight as to the changes and price. Thanks.

[The Dude II]

TTT

I just saw two early run P6 kits slated for reviewers...looks good - actually really good - but don't recall asking JB these exact questions.

Do recall JD was hanging around that evening.

[rfauske]

I want one

Btw in the P6 will the blade grips manage to swing 690-710mm blades (with a longer boom) or do I need to replace the top of the head aswell ?

[The Dude II]

Btw in the P6 will the blade grips manage to swing 690-710mm blades (with a longer boom) or do I need to replace the top of the head aswell ?

You'll definitely want to replace stock for the larger grips & spindle - just too much mass and diminished safety margins when you swing 690's on a head designed for 600mm.

[bmnewland]

I really like the new look. Looking foward for the reviews and particulars.

[edhall]

Are the new canopies available for purchase?

[ADozer]

I was gonna pull the trigger on a Pantera, but since I just found out recently that I'll be moving again soon, I think I'll wait for the P6, very excited

A.D.

[flydynamics1]

Will the P6 be nitro with a conversion like the pantera 50 or will we have the pleasure to have a dedicated electric version ?

[Garland]

frames hasnt changed far as I know so all the current upgrade goodies will still fit. Is there a list on what changes the P6 has?

[tkheard]

JB, you're being awfully quiet about this...

C'mon, give us a hint!

[crash.n.dash05]

thats due to him busting his keester trying to get all the q/c issues, worked out and details & updates to the instructions.... last quick phone call ETA was mid year or a tad sooner if i recall correctly JB??? (same deal on the newer canopy) why ship half a container of just canopies and parts when he can have fresh birds and the parts for sale ( he's gotta do what he can to save a penny to keep our costs down..) even if that means delaying release dates....

[jbeech]

We're presently in the process of injecting side frames (and removing the flashing from same, which is a lot of work). Once this is finished we'll be in the final quality control stage (individual QC processes have been proceeding apace, of course) followed by the bagging/boxing stage. Decals are now finished and have arrived, and the new design 4-color boxes have just arrived as wellalong with the heavy cardboard (brown) shipping boxes.

Anyway, the rush is on and these finals steps are a dance of sorts, e.g. getting all the components in one spot at the right time. Anyway, if all goes well (this is our 6th production run of Panteras and we had 5 previous Tiger runs so we pretty much know what we're doing). Thus, I expect to have models available for shipping in about 5 weeks, call it mid-May.

As someone noted, a lot goes on behind the scenes.

[benwhite22]

May I be the first to congradulate you on your 11th production run of helicopters, John! Keep the good stuff coming.

P.S. Don't forget about us guys that still prefer the look of the original Pantera canopy.

[Mr.HillBilly]

Originally Posted by benwhite22

P.S. Don't forget about us guys that still prefer the look of the original Pantera canopy.

+1 on that, I have always like the stock one.

[Garland]

Why the new frames? I thought ya'll keep chugging out pantera kits and mix in the updated parts as the changes or new molds are approved. Like beef up a grip here or a standoff there....



Sounds like some new molds were ordered and the P6 has a new frame layout maybe.

[crash.n.dash05]

if .....he is making new frames, it so the mods are easier to install with out all the dremel tool work..my thoughs no insider info lately... ... but from the little bit of injection molding work for GM my father did, after so many runs the molds are pratically useless due to heating and cooling cycles (hence how the chineese aftermarket parts usually come from OEM molds that have been repaired or reverse engineered...)

i wouldn't be worried even if they are totally re-engineered as JB isn't going to leave out guys that have a supply of older parts in NIB.... he would factor in some sort of backward compatability.... cant say many mfg's do that anymore

[The Dude II]

two weeks ago when I held/inspected two pre-production P6 frames...no changes to the frames.

There's a few others - but frames look to be the same.

[MartyH]

I think he meant molding another batch of frames, not necessarily NEW design frames. Besides, if he was cleaning flash off of frames from a new mold, I, like he would be pi**ed. New molds if properly designed should not flash at the parting line at all. Molds are expensive as is using a molding shop that does it right. So, I suspect they're coming in from Korea with some flash. I appreciate that they take the time to trim it up some rather than make us do it.

[Mr.HillBilly]

When I was working at a plastics plant it did not matter how good the mold was if you push in too much plastic is is going to leak out some place, I was making parts for GE, General Motors, Rubbermaid, and Ames plastics, and every time you would change to a new box of casting material you would need to adjust the press again . I would rather have some flash than a short casts.

[jbeech]

Both MartyH and Mr.Hillbilly are right - trimming flash and short shots sucks.

Brad, how this for a hint . . . three weeks.

Anyway, as soon as I get some issues with our Bridgeport CNC mill sorted out I will turn my attention to updating the website where I will disclose what's different. I'm sorry for being absent recently but we're on the home stretch and thus, just a little pressed for time as we hustle to get some things done.