RC Aerodyne 500 size Apache
 

I just ordered one of these. I couldn't pass up on the deal that they are offering right now. Has anybody on here built and/or flown one? This is my first venture into a scale heli.

Joe Pape

www.scaleflying.com

500-Size Apache Combo: Full House Helis 3D Helicopter Kit (Metal and Plastic - Gold Edition) and AH-64 Apache Fuselage (Olive Green or Desert Version) - Offer Limited to US Residents Only
Item Id: COMBO-RCA500P(FOR-APACHE5)
Retail Price: $469.95
Your Savings: $300.00
Your Price:
$169.95
Availability:
In Stock

RE: RC Aerodyne 500 size Apache
 

Hi: Joe

Google : Apache (500) Scale Build Guide Part 1 - SkyhunterHobby

Both the kits are about the same. and i think the build is the same. The video will help if nothing ealse.

Wayne.

RE: RC Aerodyne 500 size Apache
 

Thanks Wayne, I'll check that out. The little brown truck is supposed to drop off my kit next week:-)

RE: RC Aerodyne 500 size Apache
 

I just recieved the same kit in the desert color. Can not wait to get started!!!!!!

RE: RC Aerodyne 500 size Apache
 

Wayne1966, I ordered the green one. I should have it sometime next week. This will be my first ele build. Not sure on what to get for a mtr & esc. I don't want end up buying crap, but don't want to break the bank either. What's your impression of the kit after seeing it?

RE: RC Aerodyne 500 size Apache
 

The kit recondmends a 1200 to 1300 KV motor with a 13 or 14 pinion. This is the first scale that I have to do this mutch mods on. It's a little work but it seems not to be to complicated. The video posted on here is very good to give you a look at what is to be expected. I think it is a quailty kit. i will try to post as I go.

RE: RC Aerodyne 500 size Apache
 

Mine showed up today, looks like it will be a fun build:-)

RE: RC Aerodyne 500 size Apache
 

Have you started on it?

RE: RC Aerodyne 500 size Apache
 

No, not yet. Can't decide on what to get for a mtr & esc & servos. I have both Futaba & JR radios.

RE: RC Aerodyne 500 size Apache
 

This kit is so tempting and I am pretty sure I am going to pull the trigger and get one. Any updates on the qualty, complexity of the kit?

RE: RC Aerodyne 500 size Apache
 

I think this kit is very good quality. It is not to hard but you do need to pay attention to the instructions, what there is of them. There is some good video's of the same build on here that help alot. Sorry to jump in on your question but I thought I would give my two cents.

RE: RC Aerodyne 500 size Apache
 

Just seems like too good of a deal to pass and a nice way to get in to scale

RE: RC Aerodyne 500 size Apache
 

The kit quality looks very good. I've messed with the main landing gear some. The fit (to the fuselage) is not the greatest and will require some rework. There's nothing in the instructions that covers the main landing gear installation, or how the fuselage is attached to the to the heli frame. I did find a build thread on RC Groups.

RE: RC Aerodyne 500 size Apache
 

I read the manual thats on scaleflying.com and it is pretty plain with nothing about installing the mechanics in the fuse. Good thing for the forums

RE: RC Aerodyne 500 size Apache
 

Started working on mine today. Got the new frames installed. Went to change out the main gear with the new smaller one and found a problem. The flange one the one way brg is too large to fit in the new gear.. I'm going to have to put it in the lathe & turn it down.

RE: RC Aerodyne 500 size Apache
 

I had the same problem but I trimmed the gear and checked with my calipers. I hope I do not end up with a vibration. It came out very close. After reading one of the other build threads the mechanics mount directly to the bottom of the fuse. I think I am going to explore a different mount.

RE: RC Aerodyne 500 size Apache
 

I ended up turning the one way brg hold down .025 on the dia to fit the gear. I used a mini lathe bought from Harbor Freight. I left the main shaft cover installed in the on way brg hold & chucked up on it. (You could do the same thing by chucking it up in a drill press & use a file.) That gave me a really nice fit. I also had to drill out the mtg holes in the gear with a #40 drill bit & tap with a 3mm x 50 tap. I still need to ream out the smaller gear to 10mm dia, so that it will fit on the main shaft cover.

RE: RC Aerodyne 500 size Apache
 

Does it look like there is any room for fitting that fuse with a cockpit?

RE: RC Aerodyne 500 size Apache
 

I haven't got that far into it yet. But, I don't think so.

RE: RC Aerodyne 500 size Apache
 

FYI, they are no longer selling the 500 apachie combo at a killer price. If you didn't order one, you're out of luck.

RE: RC Aerodyne 500 size Apache
 

Damn I knew I should have jumped on one

RE: RC Aerodyne 500 size Apache
 

How is the build going? I programed my ESC and TX and almost ready to test the mechanics. I have been doing some painting on the fuse, I am not that good but it will make it mine.

RE: RC Aerodyne 500 size Apache
 

I'm on hold til I can get a mtr, esc, servos & gyro

RE: RC Aerodyne 500 size Apache
 

Do you know what mtr,esc you plane to use yet?

RE: RC Aerodyne 500 size Apache
 

Not yet. I don't want to break the bank or end up buying crap.

RE: RC Aerodyne 500 size Apache
 

Hey, just thought I would let you know I did the firtst test on the mechanics, just a couple of short hops but no major problems. I will have to wait till it worms up some and the wind quits blowing.

RE: RC Aerodyne 500 size Apache
 

Cool, what did you end up using for a mtr, esc, servos, & gyro?

RE: RC Aerodyne 500 size Apache
 

i am using the following:

Motor= Align Super Power RCM-BL 500MX, 1600 KV on 4 cell 5000 mAh batt: 40-50c with a 13 tooth pinion. The manual states the smaller main gear will not handle a 12T or smaller pinion.
ESC= Align RCE-BL 70G, 70 A Brushless
Gyro= Futaba 401 with a Futaba S9257 digital mini servo
Other three servos are Hitec HS 2225 mg (Mighty Mini)
The front two are tight installing.
When I can afford to go to the 4 blade setup I already have a 1300kv motor and pinion setup that will work.

RE: RC Aerodyne 500 size Apache
 

Have you used this? http://dhrc.rchomepage.com/calc.htm

RE: RC Aerodyne 500 size Apache
 

First time I've seen that. Interesting.

RE: RC Aerodyne 500 size Apache
 

I thought I would give you an update. Done with testing the mechanics, it flies smooth and no vibrations at all. I will start installing in the fuse this next week. i still can not come up with a way to mount the landing gear straight. I have a pigeon toed apache.

RE: RC Aerodyne 500 size Apache
 

I've got the same issue with the landing gear.

RE: RC Aerodyne 500 size Apache
 

Have either one of you mounted the mechs in the fuse yet. I was curious on what you used for mounting. I have not decided if im going to use ply rails that come in the funkey fuse or just a solid piece of light ply. I do not like screwing the mechs to the fuse as over time it will crack and need to be reinforced. thanks

mike

RE: RC Aerodyne 500 size Apache
 

I am going to mount the mechanis to the fuse. They did include a reinforcment piece in the bottom, i feel it should be enough. I was also considering putting rubber washers between the mechanics and fuse and on the bolt itself, but not to thick, you do not want it to be able to flex in the fuse. The thought is to distribute the mounting area just enough. I do not know if this will work but i will let you know. I should have the mechanics installed this next week. I was also planing to add mounting blocks but got concerned with how the change in heighth of the mechanics would affect proper installation due to the tight fit.

RE: RC Aerodyne 500 size Apache
 

Wayne,

Yeah i was wondering that myself, i have thought about trying to use the rubber gromets from a servo to act as a cushion between the fuse. with the hole drilled just put it on the fuse and that would give the mechs a little bit of rubber along with the bottom of the fuse as well. I had a century longranger that a flew forever and it had the plywood rails and after a period of time it started cracking the fuse on the bottom.

mike</p>

RE: RC Aerodyne 500 size Apache
 

Well, I broke down & ordered a radio, servos, and gyro. I still need to order a mtr, esc, battery, and charger. I've got an idea on how to correct the main landing gear. Cut the main strut into 2 parts, center drill both part for a light press fit on a pin (3/32 or 1/8 dia) Press both parts back together making sure the wheels are aligned correctly.

How you upload photos?

RE: RC Aerodyne 500 size Apache
 

posting photos, do not use quick reply, use the post reply. Write whatever you are posting then scroll to the bottom of the text box you typed in and you will see a link at the bottom to upload photos.Click that link and upload photo


cool what radio and gyro did you get. Im using a DX8 for radio and love it.

RE: RC Aerodyne 500 size Apache
 

I ordered the Futaba 7C 7 channel, gy401 with s9650 servo and hitec hs-225bb mighty mini2bb mg servos.
I'm still up in arms for a mtr & esc. Elec is all new to me. I've done nitro all my life.

RE: RC Aerodyne 500 size Apache
 

Well im there with you i have only flew nitro helis and since coming back im strictly electric. there is alot that has changed since i have been gone. I stopped flying due to my son and his age, he has got an intrest in flying now. I am actually amazed at how well he can hover at all aspects. the 7c is a nice radio i had that radio for the longest along with the 401 i loved that gyro when i flew nitro..

mike

RE: RC Aerodyne 500 size Apache
 

I have the Hitec Aurora 9, i did use a JR before. I am looking forward to some pic's of the landing gear fix.