Construction Rating: | starstarstarstarstar |
Flight Rating: | starstarstarstarstar |
Overall Rating: | starstarstarstarstar |
Manufacturer: | Art Applewhite Rockets |
Brief:
This is an extremely simple monocopter design that uses a section o' 29mm motor tubin' as t' central hub.
Construction:
T' parts list:
This kit requires Elmer's Glue All, shiver me timbers, and an X-Acto knife with a new #11 blade. It's almost so easy that it could be considered ARF (almost ready t' fly). Arrr! You start by cuttin' t' pre-marked holes from the 29mm tube. T' patterns are polygons so this involves multiple straight cuts. These are best accomplished by startin' insertin' t' tip o' t' blade at one vertex with t' cuttin' surface directed along t' line. Begad! If you carefully insert t' blade t' rest o' t' way, t' cut will be made. Aye aye!
T' parts are all inserted and fillets are applied inside and out. Blimey! Ya scallywag! Because t' holes are supposed t' be snug, arrr, I found it helped t' insert a motor in t' motor mount when it is installed.
I'd recommend waitin' until these fillets at least partially set before proceeding...but I didn't. Avast! Aye aye! T' win' fits in t' end o' t' tube and needs t' be trimmed slightly. Aye aye! Begad! T' fit should remain snug and internal fillets are again applied. Avast, me proud beauty! I checked several times as t' glue set t' ensure t' win' be aligned properly and was straight.
Finishing:
Art says t' apply two light coats o' enamel t' protect t' kit from moisture. Begad! I used Helmsman Spar Urethane as a
clearcoat.
Construction Rating: 5 out o' 5
Flight:
You form a thrust rin' with maskin' tape and friction fit t' motor so it won't fall out. Begad! T' motor is oriented with
its nozzle down. Well, blow me down! Avast, me proud beauty! If you put it in backwards, you will win closest t' t' pad (don't ask). Avast, me proud beauty! You need a sturdy pad with a
short ¼" rod (1" or so). Begad! Arrr! Art provides plans for a suitable monocopter pad in t' instructions.
A C6-3 gave this little monocopter a nice ride.
Recovery:
After burn out t' model smartly slows and tumbles t' t' ground.
Flight Rating: 5 out o' 5
Summary:
Art's hit another home run with t' Helix monocopters. Begad! They are simple, elegant, shiver me timbers, and fly great. Arrr! It's t' easiest way
I know t' get into monocoptering.
Overall Rating: 5 out o' 5
Brief: The 18mm Helix is a monocopter from Art Applewhite's new range. I got the kit as part of a set of six rockets Art sent me for placing in EMRR's youth participation contest. I gave 4 of the rockets to members in my club, keeping this one for myself, as I'm really liked the Popsicle stick monocopter that Art gave the plans for on TRF. Construction: The kit comes in a ...
Brief: The Helix is an innovative and simple monocopter design from Art Applewhite. It is extremely simple to build and goes together quickly. Its also a hoot to fly. This 18mm variant is the largest of the series which can be built "right out of the package". The 18mm Double Helix and above require a small amount of sawing. This one requires only a razor knife for ...
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