chriswg

That sounds complicated. Not sure I have the modelling skills for that! However since posting I have got much better at landing gently. I still have to resort to glue occasionally though! I still love the Apache, however I have just bought a Blade 230s as recommended earlier in the thread. Compared to the Apache, it is easier to fly and easier to see being larger and not dressed in camouflage green! No wheels to break either?

Hi Danb, that's a good idea to strengthen the landing gear. I've bought another fuselage set for when I no longer crash. I'll definitely do that mod before using it! The 230s looks good. Maybe one for the future!

Seeing as I had no replies, I'll answer my question myself! I can say the Blade Apache is not suitable as a first helicopter. Don't get me wrong, I have had great fun learning to fly a cp helicopter after using a simulator and a WL Toys V911 fp mini heli. But it is fragile, especially the landing gear which I have to keep gluing back on. I have stripped a couple of gears too. I will keep practising. I love it's scale looks though and can recommend it to anybody who has already honed their skills! It has certainly got me into helis and makes a change from rc cars.

Seeing as I had no replies, I'll answer my question myself! I can say the Blade Apache is not suitable as a first helicopter. Don't get me wrong, I have had great fun learning to fly a cp helicopter after using a simulator and a WL Toys V911 fp mini heli. But it is fragile, especially the landing gear which I have to keep gluing back on. I have stripped a couple of gears too. I will keep practising. I love it's scale looks though and can recommend it to anybody who has already honed their skills! It has certainly got me into helis and makes a change from rc cars.

Lipos are the way to go. Get as large a Mah rating as you can for maximum run time. I don't think the C rating is particularly important. You'll notice the extra punch and speed. There's loads of information on caring for lipos. I get mine from the Hobbyking UK warehouse who have very good prices.

WD40 is great after using your rc around water. A quick squirt all over helps to stop rusting.

Hi, Having been an rc car addict for a few years I would like to try my hand at a helicopter. I have my eye on the Blade Micro Apache AH64. However I have no experience in flying a helicopter and have been advised not to buy this as a first helicopter but rather buy a training something or other. I am aware that unlike rc cars which if they break I just buy a spare part, if the Apache crashed I would probably not be able to buy an inexpensive part for it so I do understand the thinking behind getting something simple first. However I do like the scale, realistic look of the Apache rather than the rather unrealistic looking 'helicopters' I often see advertised. The Apache does come with different flight modes so am hoping that it may be okay for a novice on it's 'safest' setting. Any comments from you heli guys would be appreciated. Thanks, Chris.

Thanks guys for all your input. I will just pay up. Lesson learnt!

Guns, I've ordered lots of bits and pieces from them before and never been charged. I suppose it's not in Asiatees' interest to point out there may be a charge. When it says free p&p this is a bit misleading. But yes, I have learnt my lesson.

Thanks Derka, The original bill came about two weeks after delivery, the reminder about three weeks after that. Hope you get away with it!

Hi, I wonder if anybody else has had the same issues as me when ordering from Asiatees. There was a choice of delivery companies so I chose TNT for no particular reason. The delivery was free so I presumed it didn't matter which company I picked. The product, a charger was £38. After it was delivered I had a bill from TNT for £25.68! I ignored the first request for payment but have since had a reminder threatening legal action if I do not pay up. A £38 charger then becomes a £63 charger. I have never encountered this problem before when buying from Asiatees but I will not order from them again in case this happens. Has anybody had a similar experience and should I pay the TNT fee? Thanks Chris.

Thanks for the quick responses. I'll certainly take a look at that ESC.

Hi, My Velineon system in my Stampede 4x4 VXL has finally expired. The motor seized which also seems to have damaged the ESC. I have bought a new motor. It is a Leopard 3570kv brushless motor. Can anybody suggest a reasonably priced ESC which is 3s capable and will work well with this motor? Thank you.

A great memory to have indeed. I'm sure if he's watching he'd be stoked the Optima is going to be up and running again.

Good to get them started early! My son is 8 and my daughter is 6. My son uses my Ansmann Mad Monkey which was the buggy that got me back into rc. My daughter has an HPI Mini Recon. I like walking anyway so it's great to go crawling at the same time. Thanks for the tips on uploading photos