Century Hawk Sport -- REVIEW -- Opening the kit!!
09-01-2002, 07:41 PM
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Century Hawk Sport -- REVIEW -- Opening the kit!!
Well I did a review a while back on the Century Falcon. I love this ship!!! And I loved it so much, I decided to get another helicopter.
When I heard about the Hawk Sport, I was so excited that they were going to come out with a VERY INEXPENSIVE helicopter designed for beginners.
There are several people at my flying field that are interested in getting into helicopters, but that OLD LEGEND still keeps them from getting into this WONDERFUL sport.
That of course is that, "....it's sooooo expensive!!"
WELL as I said, I was excited!! $159 and you have a kit that can not only teach you to hover, but it can get you into 3D also!!!
CAN YOU IMAGINE??? $159???!!!! I got the bearing upgrade kit for another $20 also.
I FULLY EXPECTED when I opened the box to see bags of parts. But to my surprise!!! this ship is practically built!! I can't wait to get started and see how she flies!!
I'll be posting some images as I go along, but for now, here is what it looks like straight out the box.
Any questions???
Yours,
Kirk Voclain
When I heard about the Hawk Sport, I was so excited that they were going to come out with a VERY INEXPENSIVE helicopter designed for beginners.
There are several people at my flying field that are interested in getting into helicopters, but that OLD LEGEND still keeps them from getting into this WONDERFUL sport.
That of course is that, "....it's sooooo expensive!!"
WELL as I said, I was excited!! $159 and you have a kit that can not only teach you to hover, but it can get you into 3D also!!!
CAN YOU IMAGINE??? $159???!!!! I got the bearing upgrade kit for another $20 also.
I FULLY EXPECTED when I opened the box to see bags of parts. But to my surprise!!! this ship is practically built!! I can't wait to get started and see how she flies!!
I'll be posting some images as I go along, but for now, here is what it looks like straight out the box.
Any questions???
Yours,
Kirk Voclain
09-01-2002, 09:42 PM
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Century Hawk Sport -- REVIEW -- Opening the kit!!
Hello Jeff:
Part no. cnbb1001
It's for the Bell Mixer Arm, the Seesaw Shaft, the Washout arms, and the Roll Cyclic Bellcrank.
I think it's well worth the $20!!
Kirk
Part no. cnbb1001
It's for the Bell Mixer Arm, the Seesaw Shaft, the Washout arms, and the Roll Cyclic Bellcrank.
I think it's well worth the $20!!
Kirk
09-02-2002, 01:25 AM
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Century Hawk Sport -- REVIEW -- Getting Started.
On the outside of the box, it clearly says, "Easy to Build in 3 Hours"!!
Well I've got about 1 hour into it. And they are right, it is EASY to build!!!
The first page of the instructions, (which by the way, you can read about here: Century Hawk Instructions Page 1 ) were very easy to understand.
The kit is broken down into 4 basic sections at this point (see photo):
The section in RED (which I haven't completed yet, it just looked cool for me to stick it up there).
The Upper Frame in Blue.
The Lower Frame in Yellow.
And the Servo trays in Green.
The first thing that needed to be done was installing the engine onto the lower frame (Yellow). This was a snap!! And super easy and all of the screws and parts were packaged together.
Same with attaching the upper frame (Blue) to the lower frame. I was especially impress with how they meshed together so perfectly and how tight it all fit together.
Finally attaching the Servo tray (GREEN) to the upper and lower frames. IT's all so simple and basic!! PERFECT for the guy who flies airplanes but who want's to give this wonderful sport a try.
Any Questions?
Yours,
Kirk Voclain
Well I've got about 1 hour into it. And they are right, it is EASY to build!!!
The first page of the instructions, (which by the way, you can read about here: Century Hawk Instructions Page 1 ) were very easy to understand.
The kit is broken down into 4 basic sections at this point (see photo):
The section in RED (which I haven't completed yet, it just looked cool for me to stick it up there).
The Upper Frame in Blue.
The Lower Frame in Yellow.
And the Servo trays in Green.
The first thing that needed to be done was installing the engine onto the lower frame (Yellow). This was a snap!! And super easy and all of the screws and parts were packaged together.
Same with attaching the upper frame (Blue) to the lower frame. I was especially impress with how they meshed together so perfectly and how tight it all fit together.
Finally attaching the Servo tray (GREEN) to the upper and lower frames. IT's all so simple and basic!! PERFECT for the guy who flies airplanes but who want's to give this wonderful sport a try.
Any Questions?
Yours,
Kirk Voclain
09-02-2002, 01:36 AM
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Century Hawk Sport -- REVIEW -- Bearing Upgrade
The next thing I did was the Bearing Upgrade (Part No. CNBB1001 $22.95).
I've gotten a few emails already about this upgrade and IF I were you, I would just order it when I order the Kit!!
IT's well worth the upgrade price for these 14 extra bearings.
The Yellow Arrow marks the 4 bearing in the 2 Bell Mixer Arms. YOU really want this area as smooth as possible and the bearing do just that.
Next the Green Arrow marks the 2 bearings that support the seesaw shaft. Again another high movement part.
The Blue Arrow marks the 4 bearings in the 2 washout arms.
And the Red Arrow marks the 4 bearing in the 2 roll cyclic bell cranks.
It wasn't hard to do this bearing upgrade. Some of the oilite bushing and flat washers were a little determined to NOT be replaced, but then again that's what they make hammers far
!!
Any Questions???
Yours,
Kirk Voclain
I've gotten a few emails already about this upgrade and IF I were you, I would just order it when I order the Kit!!
IT's well worth the upgrade price for these 14 extra bearings.
The Yellow Arrow marks the 4 bearing in the 2 Bell Mixer Arms. YOU really want this area as smooth as possible and the bearing do just that.
Next the Green Arrow marks the 2 bearings that support the seesaw shaft. Again another high movement part.
The Blue Arrow marks the 4 bearings in the 2 washout arms.
And the Red Arrow marks the 4 bearing in the 2 roll cyclic bell cranks.
It wasn't hard to do this bearing upgrade. Some of the oilite bushing and flat washers were a little determined to NOT be replaced, but then again that's what they make hammers far
!!Any Questions???
Yours,
Kirk Voclain
09-02-2002, 01:40 AM
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Century Hawk Sport -- REVIEW -- Swash Plate
Someone sent me an email asking about the "QUALITY" of the parts. Well notice this image of the Swash Plate. YOU can see that the top half is made of metal and the lower half is made of plastic.
But keep in mind that this is a $159 kit. Frankly I'm impressed with the quality!!!
Any questions???
Yours,
Kirk Voclain
But keep in mind that this is a $159 kit. Frankly I'm impressed with the quality!!!
Any questions???
Yours,
Kirk Voclain
09-02-2002, 01:46 AM
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Centruy Hawk Sport -- REVIEW -- Gears
Another thing that impressed me so far is that gears. I'm a HUGE fan of the gears system on the Hawks and the Falcon.
I'm so glad that they kept this gear system on this new sport.
I have found that with the Falcon it produces a very steady, rock solid ship!! I'm sure it will be the same with the Hawk Sport.
Any Questions?
Yours,
Kirk Voclain
I'm so glad that they kept this gear system on this new sport.
I have found that with the Falcon it produces a very steady, rock solid ship!! I'm sure it will be the same with the Hawk Sport.
Any Questions?
Yours,
Kirk Voclain
09-02-2002, 01:53 AM
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Century Hawk Sport -- REVIEW -- Engine and Cooling Shroud
Another very nice feature is the COOLING Shroud. HOW many times have I heard people complain that there engines are running hot because there cooling shroud did not come down far enough.
WELL that is not going to be said about the New Hawk Sport.
As you can see (see photo), the shroud completely covers the heat sink!! And I thing it will be an excellent, and efficient cooling system.
Any Questions?
Yours,
Kirk Voclain
WELL that is not going to be said about the New Hawk Sport.
As you can see (see photo), the shroud completely covers the heat sink!! And I thing it will be an excellent, and efficient cooling system.
Any Questions?
Yours,
Kirk Voclain
09-02-2002, 01:57 AM
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Century Hawk Sport -- REVIEW -- Starter Shaft
Another feature of the Sport that I like is the starter shaft. I love the way it disengages from the engine. This reduces stress on the engine and vibration.
YET another GREAT FEATURE!!
Yours,
Kirk Voclain
YET another GREAT FEATURE!!
Yours,
Kirk Voclain
09-02-2002, 11:47 PM
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review & Clutch & comments
Kirk,
What can I say .. another job being done to your high standards of excellance.
Quality:
Swashplate, as you said Kirk the swashplate is like that on your Freya.... or on other quality helis such as the Hirobo Sceados, Shuttle ZXX, JR Ergos, Ventures etc., Kalt Baron 30's etc., but with no slop like in less quality units supplied with some other brands I have owned. This is the same one that has been used on the Hawk III in 8mm form and Hawk IV in 10mm form. There are a good number of these flying locally and some are now very high time.....still showing almost no wear!!! They last longer and are tighter then some metal upgrade ones I purchased for some of my other brands!!! A very good quality swashplate indeed.
Thrust bearings - Don't have to take the head apart, there are no thrust bearings in it. Just like there are no thrust bearings is other quality helis - JR Venture and Ergo 30 and Hirobo Shuttle. Unfortunately these quality kits cost a lot more
For head speeds up to 1800 on 550mm blades that weigh up to 115 grams they are really not necessary.
Steve Canbell
FRP (fiberglass reinforced clutch bell) - This is the same clutch bell that has been in use on the Hawk III and IV. Again works a treat. These helis have never had any clutch "issues". and there is a good number of high time units in these parts (including one of mine - over 7 cases of fuel through it!!). The clutch itself is a dual bearing supported steel unit. You can get a good idea of its' configuration by checking out the Hawk IV owners manual on the Century site www.centuryheli.com. No alignment or run-out issues to contend with.
By far my favorite system.
What can I say .. another job being done to your high standards of excellance.
Quality:
Swashplate, as you said Kirk the swashplate is like that on your Freya.... or on other quality helis such as the Hirobo Sceados, Shuttle ZXX, JR Ergos, Ventures etc., Kalt Baron 30's etc., but with no slop like in less quality units supplied with some other brands I have owned. This is the same one that has been used on the Hawk III in 8mm form and Hawk IV in 10mm form. There are a good number of these flying locally and some are now very high time.....still showing almost no wear!!! They last longer and are tighter then some metal upgrade ones I purchased for some of my other brands!!! A very good quality swashplate indeed.
Thrust bearings - Don't have to take the head apart, there are no thrust bearings in it. Just like there are no thrust bearings is other quality helis - JR Venture and Ergo 30 and Hirobo Shuttle. Unfortunately these quality kits cost a lot more
For head speeds up to 1800 on 550mm blades that weigh up to 115 grams they are really not necessary.Steve Canbell
FRP (fiberglass reinforced clutch bell) - This is the same clutch bell that has been in use on the Hawk III and IV. Again works a treat. These helis have never had any clutch "issues". and there is a good number of high time units in these parts (including one of mine - over 7 cases of fuel through it!!). The clutch itself is a dual bearing supported steel unit. You can get a good idea of its' configuration by checking out the Hawk IV owners manual on the Century site www.centuryheli.com. No alignment or run-out issues to contend with.
By far my favorite system.
09-03-2002, 07:01 PM
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Century Hawk Sport -- REVIEW -- The Head
I wanted to post this close up of the head earlier, but I forgot. IF you will notice, it is the same style head as the Falcon!!
Which is (they tell me) the same style head as the XCELL!!
So far everything feels tight and a very well fit.
The only thing I can say bad (which is probably good for most of ya'll) is that it's going together MUCH too fast!!
I kinda enjoy the tinkering. OH WELL, more time for flying!!
Any questions???
Yours,
Kirk Voclain
Which is (they tell me) the same style head as the XCELL!!
So far everything feels tight and a very well fit.
The only thing I can say bad (which is probably good for most of ya'll) is that it's going together MUCH too fast!!
I kinda enjoy the tinkering. OH WELL, more time for flying!!
Any questions???
Yours,
Kirk Voclain
09-03-2002, 08:36 PM
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Centruy Hawk Sport -- REVIEW -- The Pipe.
By special request, someone asked me to do a close up of the pipe that is included with this kit.
Well here it is. From my stand point, I know some who have almost paid more for just a pipe than the cost of this whole kit.
Any questions???
Yours,
Kirk Voclain
Well here it is. From my stand point, I know some who have almost paid more for just a pipe than the cost of this whole kit.
Any questions???
Yours,
Kirk Voclain
09-03-2002, 08:39 PM
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Centruy Hawk Sport -- REVIEW -- Another View of the Head.
Also, before I continue, here is another view from the top of the head.
Any Questions???
Yours,
Kirk Voclain
Any Questions???
Yours,
Kirk Voclain
09-03-2002, 08:52 PM
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Century Hawk Sport -- REVIEW -- Tail Rotor.
The Tail Rotor assembly was also super easy. BEING it was all put together for me.
All you had to do was unscrew the 2 halves, slide on the tale boom, screw down the drive wire, and attache the 2 halves back together.
Took maybe 5 minutes. SUPER EASY.
By the way, the boom came pre-assembled with the servo wire, wire guides, and drive wire all together.
The instruction did not tell me to do this, but I know from previous experience to do it.
I took out the drive wire and greased it down good before I attached it to the tail rotor assembly. I suggest you do the same.
Finally, some have made quite a few comments about the Century Tail problems. YOU can see in this photo that they have NOT changed the tail. I personally have not experienced ANY of the problems some have experienced.
But the problem comes in when you dial in too much throws in the movement of the tail rotor. When the forks are moved all the way to the left, they can come into contact with the housing and cause the whole thing to explode in mid air. NASTY SITE!!!
So when you are putting yours together, makes sure you do not dial in too much throws, esp. in the direction where the forks move to the left.
Any questions???
Yours,
Kirk Voclain
All you had to do was unscrew the 2 halves, slide on the tale boom, screw down the drive wire, and attache the 2 halves back together.
Took maybe 5 minutes. SUPER EASY.
By the way, the boom came pre-assembled with the servo wire, wire guides, and drive wire all together.
The instruction did not tell me to do this, but I know from previous experience to do it.
I took out the drive wire and greased it down good before I attached it to the tail rotor assembly. I suggest you do the same.
Finally, some have made quite a few comments about the Century Tail problems. YOU can see in this photo that they have NOT changed the tail. I personally have not experienced ANY of the problems some have experienced.
But the problem comes in when you dial in too much throws in the movement of the tail rotor. When the forks are moved all the way to the left, they can come into contact with the housing and cause the whole thing to explode in mid air. NASTY SITE!!!
So when you are putting yours together, makes sure you do not dial in too much throws, esp. in the direction where the forks move to the left.
Any questions???
Yours,
Kirk Voclain
09-03-2002, 09:11 PM
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Century Hawk Sport -- REVIEW -- More Tail Rotor.
Cougar:
That probably would not be a bad idea, but the instructions do not say anything about it???
It could be because the Sport is powered by a 30 size and the Falcon is powered by a 50 size engine.
Thus, more stress, more potential problems.
But YOU are correct, and I'm glad you brought it up. I'm going do it right now to mine!!
What we are talking about is to put some JB Weld on the spot where the Red Arrow is, with out getting it on the area where the Green Arrow is.
This will prevent that CLIP from coming off in mid air.
Any Questions???
Yours,
Kirk Voclain
That probably would not be a bad idea, but the instructions do not say anything about it???
It could be because the Sport is powered by a 30 size and the Falcon is powered by a 50 size engine.
Thus, more stress, more potential problems.
But YOU are correct, and I'm glad you brought it up. I'm going do it right now to mine!!
What we are talking about is to put some JB Weld on the spot where the Red Arrow is, with out getting it on the area where the Green Arrow is.
This will prevent that CLIP from coming off in mid air.
Any Questions???
Yours,
Kirk Voclain
09-04-2002, 01:44 PM
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Century Hawk Sport -- REVIEW -- Opening the kit!!
Kirk,
Are you using a heading lock or conventional gyro on your ship? I believe you can limit the servo travel with ATV with a conventional gyro, but there is no way to limit the travel with a heading hold one since travel limit is used to set the piro rate with a heading hold gyro. I'm prettry sure that you will have a tail binding with a heading hold gyro when you try to give it a full rudder stick.
Kevin
Are you using a heading lock or conventional gyro on your ship? I believe you can limit the servo travel with ATV with a conventional gyro, but there is no way to limit the travel with a heading hold one since travel limit is used to set the piro rate with a heading hold gyro. I'm prettry sure that you will have a tail binding with a heading hold gyro when you try to give it a full rudder stick.
Kevin
09-04-2002, 06:26 PM
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Century Hawk Sport -- REVIEW -- Opening the kit!!
Well, great to own a good gyro like a 401! I tried to install a tele-bee on it, but it didn't work out. But you could have faster piro rate if you had more servo travel.
Kevin
Kevin
09-05-2002, 01:30 AM
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CHEAP CHOPPERZ!!!
hey, it takes that pucker affect away from crashing when its a max cost of $160
i have a blast with that, and do crazy, sim only stuff
aw crap, whatch gawn and dun that for?, now i need a new
chopper!
i have a blast with that, and do crazy, sim only stuff
aw crap, whatch gawn and dun that for?, now i need a new
chopper!