Get Started in Scale Helicopters
by Mark Fadely
Many aeromodellers have probably gazed toward the sky, amazed by something in flight. The airborne recipient of his or her fascination could be an airplane, bird, insect, or even a piece of debris riding a looming storm cloud’s air currents. Our infatuation with flying things is what keeps us pursuing that next project.
Detailed static replicas are cool, but those that fly are my favorites. The roads to Scale circle in many directions. If you want to get into Scale, the IRCHA Jamboree is a great place to meet the top pilots. You can absorb more valuable information in one day there than you could searching for a year.
Flying model aircraft have been around for more than 2,000 years. The Chinese made them from papyrus paper way back when. Our hobby has a much longer history than I first imagined. Recent advancements in RC helicopter kits have boosted Scale’s appeal. If you have ever considered flying a more realistic model helicopter, read on; you will learn from several well-known scale enthusiasts.
Kerry Muncy — 1/5-scale Apache AH-64
Kerry Muncy took on the ultimate scale helicopter challenge. He designed, built, and kitted a new 1/5-scale Apache AH-64.
Kerry and his wife, Sarah, started a model helicopter manufacturing company called Indy Helis, with the intention of producing an “ultimate” scale kit. They made major personal sacrifices to complete the Apache project. Sarah had the following to say about the experience:
“The key is to have a true passion for the hobby. We pretty much had to put our lives on hold to see this project through. Without the support of our family and friends, the Apache would have never become a reality.”
The kit’s success is well deserved. It is a champion helicopter, with a win at the Toledo R/C Expo’s Scale competition.
Bill Pirschel — Vietnam-era Huey
A recent surprise in the Scale community is Bill Pirschel. He built a big, beautiful Vietnam-era Huey that raised many eyebrows among seasoned Scale pilots. I asked Bill to tell us about his journey into the scale arena. He said:
“Anyone who gets into this hobby because of his or her fascination with full-size helicopters eventually can’t resist the desire to build a scale model.
“After over half a dozen years flying pod-and-boom helicopters, I wanted a different challenge. The project was actually sparked by the desire to fly a turbine. I think the best home for a turbine is a scale fuselage. It’s the ultimate in scale fidelity.
“After talking with Al Wert and Dr. Tim [Dawson] at Starwood [Scale] Models, I ultimately decided on a Len Mount UH-1C. Al was the first to tell me it would be a challenging project for a first-time builder but it had characteristics that were well suited for the turbine.
“Construction involved a lot of scratch building due to the subject I was modeling. I wanted to build one I hadn’t seen modeled before and #137 caught my eye. I was able to get help with the details from Jim McDaniel, who is the webmaster for the 174th Assault Helicopter Company and was one of the pilots for #137 in Vietnam.
“I made some of the more difficult parts such as the grenade launcher and rocket support arms first, to be sure I could. If I couldn’t, then I would not be so far along that I couldn't change subjects.
“Before I started on this project, I spent the last few years at RC events talking to scale enthusiasts. I set a deadline for myself to have this model in flying shape by IRCHA Jamboree ’07. This was tough, because I started it that year but I managed its first hover only about a week before the event. That deadline was important to me because, as a first scale project, I wanted the experts to look it over before I continued on with the detailing.
“I got a lot of feedback there as well as more hints and tips for detailing. I never took it past hovering at that event. I was content to take things slow. Over the next few weeks I took it into forward flight and tweaked minor issues with it.
“Then I took it to Darrel Sprayberry’s Southern Scale Challenge in Dalton, GA, for yet another inspection by the experts. I think this conservative approach helped ensure the success of the project.
“The model now weighs 42 pounds and has a 950 rpm head speed. It is fun to fly although a little different. The spectator reaction is great. They can easily relate to scale helicopters in scale flight.
“While it may be irresponsible to recommend this type of project for a first scale model, I do think it is important to pick something that will hold your interest and will keep you pushing through the more tedious and frustrating parts of the build.
“We have a growing scale community within this hobby that is very helpful and wants to see you succeed. So it is a great time to turn that dream project into a reality.”
Peter Wales — Q&A
Peter Wales’ name is well known in scale-helicopter circles. This longtime modeler has the right stuff to compete at the highest-level competitions. He demonstrated some of his pristine models during the noon show at the IRCHA Jamboree in 2008 and 2009. I asked Peter a few questions about his career in building and flying model aircraft, and he graciously took the time to answer them.
MF: You are well known as one of the top Scale builders and fliers. What got you interested in Scale flying in the first place? PW: Seeing Gary Wright performing some 3-D maneuvers, which looked impossible then but would be mundane now. When I saw him flying, I thought that I would never have the energy or skills to learn to do that, and I was right! I have been learning to fly inverted and am still struggling, but it's only been about seven years.
Then I saw an article by Jerry Hicks explaining the buildup of one of his Bell 412s. I have always been an avid scale modeler, going through cars and boats, so I thought I would try my hand at a helicopter. It turned out very well, and as far as I know, it is still flying after having changed hands numerous times.
MF: You put on some nice demos at the IRCHA Jamboree. I understand that the 2008 performance was your first time there. Describe that event. PW: Very nerve-racking. I often put on demos with my scale models, but it happens differently. I start flying and fly for myself. After I land, I find that there is a large crowd behind me and they usually give me a round of applause, showing that they have enjoyed it as much as I have. As I am unaware that I am being watched, I just fly for myself and I think folks like to see something different than the 3-D insanity, which pervades helicopter fun-flys these days.
Watching the likes of Lukas Riva putting on such an awe-inspiring demonstration made me wonder if my flying was just a little too mundane after his, and I was upwind of the audience so I could not hear if they liked it or not. Then I had to do it again the next day and try and inject a little more excitement into my flight.
MF: What are the major hurdles that an aspiring Scale pilot must overcome to be successful? PW: Time and money. The problem facing a lot of people is having a family and a job, and both demand their time. To get really into Scale requires a budget often out of reach of the guy with a young family, and if he elects to build a lot of the model himself, then he finds time to be limited.
That's why I am very fortunate. My wife hates the heat in Florida and leaves to go back to England in February, returning in November. I get all the time I need to play with my toys.
But if you work within your limits, there is no reason why you couldn't build a nice scale or semiscale model over the winter and have an interesting flying season the following year.
Thanks, Peter. I know that your immaculate models have inspired many to try Scale.
Michael Rose — Start small, compete
Michael Rose is a good example of how to be successful in Scale without spending a lot of time or money. Michael bought an inexpensive scale fuselage to fit over his pod-and-boom mechanics. He applied a coat of paint and proceeded to place third in the IRCHA Jamboree’s Scale competition in 2004.
“I started at the age of 14, but lacked funds to excel. Plus, around my area there were not a lot of people to help me learn. In my mid-20s, I started to really get back into it. I have always loved the scale aspect of flying models, but never wanted to do 3-D.
“My good friend, Craig Bradley, pushed me in 2004 to compete in Scale. I had a great time, even though I did place in the top three at IRCHA that year. I have competed at the Scale Nats the last two years, and the turnout has been better each year.
“The biggest hurdle, I would say, is to find a full-size model and detail your model identical to it. Plus having all of the photos with a complete set of documentation showing what you have reproduced in your model.
“I think building a good model and being able to fly consistently are the ways to score well in competitions. There are ways to score higher: a multibladed or flybarless head helps out a great deal too. Feeling extremely comfortable flying your model, especially looking at it nose-in, is very important.
“Lastly, find a local field and seek assistance. Having a knowledgeable pilot helping you will save you a ton of money, plus they can teach you how to fix and set up a helicopter yourself. I have had guys drive over two hours to have me help them. I guess I have become a better pilot than I thought.
“To anyone wanting to get into model helicopters or Scale, never, never give up. Find a speed at which you are comfortable progressing and have fun! My saying to the guys I fly with is, ‘Success is measured one empty gallon at a time!’”
Closing
Thanks so much to Michael, Kerry and Sarah, Bill, and Peter for contributing. Whether you have been a helicopter fanatic for two months or two decades, give a scale model a try. You might find another aspect of the hobby about which to be fanatical.
Wow! This addiction never ends!
Mark Fadely [email protected]
Transcribed from original scans by AI. Minor OCR errors may remain.
