Approach Engineering AH-1 Cobra Build
#1
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Approach Engineering AH-1 Cobra Build
Well kids I've got a new toy. Its the Approach Engineering 30 size AH1 Cobra made for Logo or Swift mechanics.
I'll try to keep this up to date as well as I can but I have 4 helicopters coming for reviews so work will probably be slow.
Here's some pictures of the kit. James Linder of AE is a professional Apache driver and as far as I know his kits are made from CAD drawings of the real thing. He was very helpful so far in answering emails and sending me a set of plans as my kit was one of the kit runs that didn't include plans, they have since gone to shipping them with the kits.
Mechanics will be a Logo 10 with 6s battery packs, 9650 servos, a Futaba PCM reciever, Futaba Gy401 gyro. I'm also planning on reversing rotation of the main rotor so it moves in the scale direction. I dont have the mechanics but this should be as simple as pressing out and reversing the auto rotation clutch and flipping the blades and paddles. The Cobra has a right hand tail rotor so I wont need to mess with that.
Finishing should be a treat, since I dont have to worry about FUEL PROOFING!! I'm thinking glass/resin and testors flat paints in a desert camo. I'm also toying with the idea of a cockpit from scratch, we will see how that goes.
I'll try to keep this up to date as well as I can but I have 4 helicopters coming for reviews so work will probably be slow.
Here's some pictures of the kit. James Linder of AE is a professional Apache driver and as far as I know his kits are made from CAD drawings of the real thing. He was very helpful so far in answering emails and sending me a set of plans as my kit was one of the kit runs that didn't include plans, they have since gone to shipping them with the kits.
Mechanics will be a Logo 10 with 6s battery packs, 9650 servos, a Futaba PCM reciever, Futaba Gy401 gyro. I'm also planning on reversing rotation of the main rotor so it moves in the scale direction. I dont have the mechanics but this should be as simple as pressing out and reversing the auto rotation clutch and flipping the blades and paddles. The Cobra has a right hand tail rotor so I wont need to mess with that.
Finishing should be a treat, since I dont have to worry about FUEL PROOFING!! I'm thinking glass/resin and testors flat paints in a desert camo. I'm also toying with the idea of a cockpit from scratch, we will see how that goes.
#2
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RE: Approach Engineering AH-1 Cobra Build
I'll definitely be watching this one...[8D]
I'm very interested in this kit, and was considering it with Swift mechanics, but Century has had a lot of bad press recently concerning parts quality, availability and customer service.... Maybe a Logo would be the way to go. I was also considering A123 packs...
Looking forward to your build!
I'm very interested in this kit, and was considering it with Swift mechanics, but Century has had a lot of bad press recently concerning parts quality, availability and customer service.... Maybe a Logo would be the way to go. I was also considering A123 packs...
Looking forward to your build!
#3
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RE: Approach Engineering AH-1 Cobra Build
Thanks! My hands are covered with CA and epoxy as we speak.
I was looking at the wood and I thought it wasnt cut all the way but the formers and such have very light marks from the laser cutting that shows where triangle stock and such go. Very nice touch!
I was looking at the wood and I thought it wasnt cut all the way but the formers and such have very light marks from the laser cutting that shows where triangle stock and such go. Very nice touch!
#4
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RE: Approach Engineering AH-1 Cobra Build
Interesting indeed!
I'd love a scale Cobra, ideally a Hirobo Super Cobra, but I can't yet afford the £1700 I was quoted for the full kit.
Will be following this build closely - keep us informed!
I'd love a scale Cobra, ideally a Hirobo Super Cobra, but I can't yet afford the £1700 I was quoted for the full kit.
Will be following this build closely - keep us informed!
#6
Senior Member
RE: Approach Engineering AH-1 Cobra Build
There are two fellows I know that have built it using Swift mechanics and have been very happy with them.
RodanAZ,
I now have three Swifts (and am now in the process of building their latest NX version) and have never had any problems with any of them and have never had any problems getting parts whenever I had a case of dumbthumbs.
They are a rather popular heli in this area and nobody I know has reported any issues.
RodanAZ,
I now have three Swifts (and am now in the process of building their latest NX version) and have never had any problems with any of them and have never had any problems getting parts whenever I had a case of dumbthumbs.
They are a rather popular heli in this area and nobody I know has reported any issues.
#7
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RE: Approach Engineering AH-1 Cobra Build
My Approach kit is comming along real good, but kinda slow. I'll keep watchin this, I'm curious to see a pro work one up.