Hi,

I've gotten interested in model scale helicopters that are
functionally and visually realistic.  I'm interested in electric,
gasoline and turbine based and in that order.

I'd like to get educated on the following:

1. Sources for almost ready or ready packages (Can be packages that
are sources from many parties)

2. What sort of establishment and operational budgets am I looking at
for the above referenced three areas?

3. Please reference some good FAQ's on the subject

Thank you.

-Mao

---

Clarification of Question by 6ra3-ga on 28 Oct 2005 06:25 PDT

To clarify further: http://www.starwoodmodels.com/products/lm/LM1012requires.php

:-)

-Mao

Hello Mao! Nice to meet up with you again.

Here's what I found for you:

WHERE TO BUY:

MRC:
http://www.modelrectifier.com/products/rcHelicopters/30up.asp
Hirobo "Almost-ready-to-fly and precision kits available" kit:
http://www.modelrectifier.com/products/rcHelicopters/index.asp
Another large scale model:
http://www.modelrec.com/products/rcHelicopters/product.asp?ID=1131&Subcategory=Scale

Century Helicopter Products
http://www.centuryheli.com/
Gasoline-powered:
http://heli.cybrhost.com/products/helikits/cn1100Predator/cn1303/?currentid=87

Bolar Heli:
http://bolarheliresearch.com/products/scale/

Rotary Flight AG (Switzerland):
http://www.modellhelikopter.ch/trainer_u.htm

RCHobby.co.uk (UK):
http://www.rc-hobby.co.uk/radio_controlled_helicopters.html

RC Hobbies:
http://www.rchobbies.org/rc_helicopters.htm

Antics (UK):
http://www.rcaircraftmodels.co.uk/1311_1.html
RC helicopter parts:
http://www.rcaircraftmodels.co.uk/1403_1.html

Tower Hobbies:

Go to their "Airplane" page:
http://www.towerhobbies.com/listings/cat-cat-a.html
Type "helicopter" into the search box at top right.
Here's one kit, the Heli-Max MX400 EP:
http://www.towerhobbies.com/products/heli-max/hmxe0200.html

Midland Helicopters Ltd. (UK):
http://www.modelhelicopters.co.uk/acatalog/m_index.htm
Explore the site from the "Navigator" page:
http://www.modelhelicopters.co.uk/acatalog/theNavigator.htm
Be sure to scroll the whole way down this long page to find such
categories as "Gas Turbine" and "Helicopter Kits."

HobbyJapan2000.com:
http://www.hobbyjapan2000.com/

Vario Helicopters (Australia):
http://au.vario-helicopter.biz/shop/

HeliHobby.com:
http://www.helihobby.com/

Xtreme RC Products:
http://store.xtremercproducts.com/

QuickHeli:
http://www.quickheli.com/

TrendTimes:
http://www.trendtimes.com/rchelicopters.html

"International List of Scale Model Related Web Sites - Helicopter":
http://scalemodel.net/scripts/asp/searchresult.aspx?Power=New&SearchString=Helicopter;%20chopper&field=&Category=ALL&pageno=7

If you're interested in canopies, check out Arizona Heli:
http://www.arizonaheli.com/

And

Bryce's Raptors:
http://www.charles-mix.com/~fribab/

Also check out DMOZ's directory on scale model RC helicopters:
http://dmoz.org/Shopping/Recreation/Models/Radio_Control/Helicopters/

AVERAGE COSTS:

Of course, you can extrapolate some idea of costs by reviewing
merchandise at the sites I listed for you, above. Here's some
additional resources that can help you estimate just how pricey your
new hobby may be.

DMOZ's "Radio Controlled Helicopters Frequently Asked Questions"
http://dmoz.org/Recreation/Aviation/Model_Aviation/Radio_Controlled/Helicopters/faq.html

The link "How much did it cost?":
http://dmoz.org/Recreation/Aviation/Model_Aviation/Radio_Controlled/Helicopters/faq.html#38
provides a very good, generalized, breakdown of costs.

"Big Jim's Radio Controlled Aircraft Page":
http://www.novagate.com/~jmartin/hobbie.htm

"Helicopters" page:
http://www.novagate.com/~jmartin/hobbie.htm

"The average model helicopter costs more than a typical model airplane
with an inexpensive heli, engine, and radio combo costing upwards of
$600. Helicopters are usually made of plastic, metal, or composite
materials and are more or less "assembled" as opposed to a model
airplane in which there is much cutting, shaping, sanding, and gluing.
A helicopter kit can be assembled in just a few days where as many
model airplane kits may take months to build."

RCHobby's board:
http://www.rcgroups.com/forums/showthread.php?t=78278

I'm afraid I ran into difficulty trying to find information on
maintenance and operational costs. I have listed some excellent forums
for you, below, where you can search for information on those costs.

My recommendation is that, once you've narrowed down your choices of
models you'd like to buy, post some questions at those forums
requesting feedback from fellow RC helicopter enthusiasts who own that
same model. Not only can they give you an idea of how much you should
budget for operational maintenance for specific models, they can tell
you if they've had any problems with that model, period.

FAQS/HOW-TO SITES/FORUMS:

DIY Network has a plethora of links for RC helicopter enthusiasts:
http://www.diynet.com/diy/rc_planes_aircraft/article/0,2033,DIY_14224_4173606,00.html

Scroll down to:

"RESOURCES:

Special Resources for Radio Control Hobbies, episode 404

Academy of Model Aeronautics (AMA)
Muncie, Indiana
www.modelaircraft.org

International Radio Control Helicopter Association (IRCHA)
www.ircha.org

Model Rectifier Corporation (MRC)
Edison, NJ
www.modelrectifier.com

Megatech International
North Bergen, NJ
www.megatech.com

RELATED PROJECTS [these are all hyperlinked]:

Introduction to the RC Helicopter

RC HobbyVisions: Boats, Tanks, Helicopters, Toys and Robots

Electric RC Helicopters: Computer-Simulated Training

Electric RC Helicopters: Piccolo 'Fun' Assembly

Electric RC Helicopters: Introduction

RC Helicopters: Crashproof Training

RC Helicopters: Flying Lesson

RC Helicopters: What Makes Them Work

Las Vegas Hobby Show: Planes, Helicopters and Radio Tech

ALSO IN THIS EPISODE:

Radio-Control Helicopters: Introduction

Radio-Control Helicopters: Aerobatic and 3D Stunt Flying

Radio-Control Helicopters: Scale Models

Radio-Control Helicopters: A 'Green Giant' Whirlybird"

Also see:

HeliCentra:
http://www.helicentral.co.uk/

HeliGuy: Guides and Forums:
http://www.heliguy.com/
Remote Control Helicopters FAQ - Newbie Questions:
http://www.heliguy.com/nexus/newbie.html

RunRyder - Scale Model RC Helicopters:
http://runryder.com/helicopter/f43p1/
Besides the discussion boards, you'll see links for purchasing Starwood 
products at the top of the page.

RC Helicopter Fever Forum:
http://www.helifever.com/forums/

RC Hangout:
http://www.rchangout.com/forums/index.php?
(Scroll about halfway down the page.)

RC Universe:
At this page:
http://www.rcuniverse.com/magazine/index.cfm
Select "helicopters" from the drop-down menu at left to retrieve articles 
and reviews about RC helicopters.

RC Universe's Helicopter Forum:
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/default.asp?fh=1&forumid=228
Scroll halfway down to see the discussion forum.

One discussion of possible interest: "Turbine VS Gasoline VS Nitro-methane 
powered helis"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/m_1228614/anchors_1283139/mpage_1/anchor/tm.htm#1283139

Search Strings:

model scale helicopters
model scale helicopter + remote control
model scale helicopter + remote control +average cost
RC helicopters AND average cost Or budget
realistic RC helicopters AND average cost Or budget
realistic RC helicopters AND electric OR gas OR turbine
model scale helicopters
large model scale RC helicopters +kits
large model scale RC helicopters 
model scale RC helicopters +FAQ +beginners
model scale RC helicopters +kits
model scale RC helicopters AND operational costs
model scale RC helicopters AND maintenance costs

I hope my research is of help to you. If you have any trouble navigating any 
of the above links, please post a "Request For Clarification," and I
will assist you.

This seems like a great hobby -- have fun!

Best regards,
nancylynn-ga
Google Answers Researcher

Very well done! :-)

-Mao

Thanks very much, Mao!

You're welcome, why don't you give my other model questions a shot
since no one seems to be interested?

I have a terrible way of expressing myself and specially questions, so
it does make a lot of researchers worried.. nothing a few
clarifications wouldn't straighten out though! :-)

-Mao

I'm helping another customer right now, but will be very glad to look
at your other questions. Thank you for asking!

I assure you: you express yourself just fine! You're also
exceptionally cordial, which is a big help, and a big reason why it's
always a pleasure for GARs to assist you.