I really want a Caliber 30 because it's like the best 30 sized heli out there right now overall. (at least one of the best) It's amazingly smooth, quiet, and reliable. But most of us simply hate the ugly canopy. I was browsing the Kyosho Japan website and realized they have a new FT Version for the Caliber 30. It looks AWESOME, the most beautiful heli I've seen! According to Kyosho, it looks exactly like the Caliber 90. It even have aluminum swash plate. Too bad it's not available in the US right now, but I would do ANYTHING to get one. I have my mind set now: Caliber 30 FT for me, NOTHING ELSE!

Here are some pictures of the new Caliber 30 FT (and 90), since they look exactly the same:

http://www.kyosho.co.jp/rc_model/cal...ber30_ft/1.gif
http://www.kyosho.co.jp/rc_model/cal...aliber90/1.gif
http://www.kyosho.co.jp/rc_model/cal...ber30_ft/3.gif

That canopy is sharp as a tack without a doubt. This was the reason I tried the Nexus Deluxe when first introduced the canopy was very streamlined, but later we parted comapany.

If you go to http://www.pacrimhelis.com/pages/1/index.htm they have the correct frp canopy for the caliber 30, along with all of the correct upgrades. The correct canopy is also very nice looking.

The caliber 30, caliber m50, and the caliber 90 are AWESOME machines. But they are only available in Japan. I want to get the new Caliber 30 for Xmas, anyone know how I can do this? And by the way, how long does it usually take for new models to get released in the US (if ever)? Anyone?

I think Kyosho is trying to reestablish itself in the heli world with the Caliber line.

Cyber Heli has them in stock but they sell for $499.00 not including shipping from Hong Kong. Nice looking Heli.

I wrote to the Kyosho Heli Hotline inquiring about the availability of the Caliber 30FT in the U.S.

Here is their response:

"Thank you for your recent e-mail!

Unfortunately it appears to be a Japanese market only item for the time being. We have not heard of any plans to release this heli in the US. Of course, we have no control over marketing or the bringing of products to the US. All of those decisions are handled by Kyosho Japan and their US counterparts."

Doesn't sound very promising right now anyway.

Brian Lane
Terre Haute, IN

I can order it from Cyber heli in Hong Kong, but I wonder how I will get replacement parts...if it crashes...... I hope it shares common part with the regular Caliber.

by the way, what does FRP body mean?

Order the canopy and slap it on yours!

Wouldnt most of the replacement parts be the same as the regular caliber 30, other than the upgraded parts? If that is true why would parts be hard to get, tower hobbies has them along with heliproz.

Does anyone know if the "upgrade" canopy has a transparent (but tinted, obviously) canopy, or is it opaque black? AND -- has anyone actually ordered one from pacrim?

Thanks!

I'm afraid the new Caliber and the old Caliber are very different. Because the look is totally changed. According to Kyosho, the new one looks like a Caliber 90, so I think there is more changes than just the canopy. Also, the price of the kit alone is 500 bucks, which is a lot more than the old caliber 30. That means they probably don't share too much parts in common.

I'll go out on a limb and assume the "new" version is similar to the old one but with all the expensive upgrade parts from Correct, most if not all of them are metal replacements for the stock plastic parts which adds up to quite a bit of change... but that's just a guess.

The replacement canopy (which is similar to the Caliber 90) is perfectly useable and is a direct replacement for the stock US-Caliber 30, I'm just curious about what its made of.

Here is the full URL to the Kyosho Japan page for the Caliber 30FT:

http://www.kyosho.co.jp/rc_model/cal...er30_ft-e.html

Looks like the only differences are the new canopy, FRP blades, metal swash and white landing gear. I may try to get the canopy and call it good.

The stock swash can be made to run slop free with a little work.

Brian Lane
Terre Haute, IN

I have gotten parts from pacrim, very nice person to deal with. I hope to be ordering the upgrad canopy from him after he holidays.

Is Pacrimhelis in the states or overseas?. Thanks

He is in the US, out of California.

MonkeyDude... FRP means (fiber reinforced plastic)

Bill F, I'm sure Pacrimhelis appreciates your kind words about their fairly new establishment. I have seen their Correct upgrade parts first hand and they are very nice indeed. There are some good pics on the Pacrim web site www.pacrimhelis.com

Jerry at Pacrim is a honest and straight businessman as any of you caliber upgraders will most likely soon find out after you see the pics of the upgrades.

Let us know if/when you get one. I'm thinking about getting one next year also. I don't dislike the original one, but I like the "upgrade" one a bit more.

Thanks for the support Will F and Bolwerk. It is a pleasure to be able to serve Caliber 30 pilots. World Model Japan LTD puts out a quality product. The Caliber 30 is a great heli in its stock configuration. Now you have a North American resource for Correct Upgrade Parts for the Kyosho Caliber 30.

Jerry McClain
Pacific Rim Model Helicopters

Well surely Jerry can answer my question

Is the black portion of the "upgrade" canopy opaque-black or transparant, or just part of the rest of the FRP but painted?

I'm more curious than anything else, but it would be nice to be able to see the lights on the GY401 without taking everything apart.

Hi PhotoOperator,

The Canopy has a painted, high gloss, black, metal flake finish. The seam across the windscreen was sanded prior to painting but is still noticeable. Put some vinyl on it and its ready to fly. Or send it to Wade, Joe, Mort or any of the other talented canopy painters out there and you will be very pleased with a class act canopy.

Jerry

Great, saves some time anyway!

Thanks much - sk