Getting Started in Scale Helicopters - 2009/12

36 MODEL AVIATION
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.
The ultimate aermodeling eye candy is a
full-blown replica that dons every detail of
the full-scale machine. Such reproductions of
airplanes have been around for a very long
This MD-500 belongs to Emile Sheriff: a
longtime Scale enthusiast. The fuselage is by
Century, while the mechanics are from a
Hirobo Evo 50. Several 50-size scale
fuselages are available; it is a much more
economical size to own than the larger
machines.
MANY AEROMODELERS 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
many
d i r e c t i ons
c i rc le in
by Mark Fadely
Stan Kopreski’s JetRanger sits, ready for a competition flight. 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.
12sig2.QXD_00MSTRPG.QXD 10/23/09 9:43 AM Page 36
STATE
S P O R T
time, but this article will focus on
helicopters.
Models of rotary-winged aircraft are
relatively new to the Scale scene. 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 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.
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
December 2009 37
Wayne Mason hovers his AH-64 Apache. Realistic Maverick missiles and rocket
launchers are fully loaded for this flight. The kit is manufactured by Indy Helis.
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.
“I then 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’ name is well known in scalehelicopter
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 (International Radio Controlled
Helicopter Association) 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-
off tthhee
12sig2.QXD_00MSTRPG.QXD 10/23/09 9:43 AM Page 37
December 2009 39
Vario is one of the elite scale-helicopter manufacturers. Adam
Tashjian won the 2008 and ’09 IRCHA Jamboree Scale contests
with the company’s EC 135. Its detailing is superb, and the
rotors turn with electrical power, so there is no messy fuel to
deal with.
During an IRCHA Jamboree, AMA representative Bob Brown
can usually be found at the flightline. He said he loves flying
helicopters, and this diminutive jewel obeys his every command.
The Align Hughes 500 body houses T-Rex 450 mechanics.
Sandy Jaffe’s model’s bright-red paint scheme
stands out at the field. You might notice that it is
missing a part; it has a NOTAR (NO TAil Rotor)
system that uses forced air down the inside of the
tailboom, and an adjustable outlet manages the
antitorque thrust that stabilizes the tail. Sandy says
that the setup works great!
Michael Rose holds his MD-500.
According to him, this scale setup
was easy and inexpensive. Even
though he did not spend countless
hours painting rivets and other fine
details, his performance in contests
has been stellar. Everything shown is
from Thunder Tiger.
During the Vietnam conflict,
the Hiller OH-23D shined as
the soldier’s savior and
preferred weapons carrier. Bob
Harris’s scratch-built version
wears the Bo-Bo paint job.
Larger gas-engine-powered
models, such as this, have
smoother flight characteristics,
which earn them higher flight
scores in Scale.
Ace Hobby Distributors/Thunder Tiger
(949) 900-3300
www.acehobby.com
Empire Hobby/Gaui
(480) 982-0909
www.empirerc.com
Model Rectifier Corporation/Hirobo
(732) 225-2100
www.modelrec.com
Esprit Model
(321) 729-4287
www.espritmodel.com
Starwood Scale Models/Len Mount
Scale Fuselages
(650) 851-9027
www.starwoodmodels.com
East Coast Scale Helicopters/Vario
(508) 520-1140
www.eastcoastvario.com
Assurance RC/Align
(562) 598-4700
www.alignrcusa.com
Indy Helis
(317) 831-1665
www.indyhelis.com
RC Aerodyne/Trade Associates, Inc.
(253) 854-0090
www.scaleflying.com
Century Helicopter Products
(800) 686-8588
www.centuryheli.com
* In no particular order. Top 10 Scale Helicopter Resources*
12sig2.QXD_00MSTRPG.QXD 10/23/09 9:44 AM Page 39
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 the one of 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
40 MODEL AVIATION
hates the heat in Florida and leaves to go back
to England in February, to return 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.
I want you to read about one more pilot. His
name is Michael Rose, and he 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!’”
Thanks so much,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! MA
Mark Fadely
[email protected]

36 MODEL AVIATION
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.
The ultimate aermodeling eye candy is a
full-blown replica that dons every detail of
the full-scale machine. Such reproductions of
airplanes have been around for a very long
This MD-500 belongs to Emile Sheriff: a
longtime Scale enthusiast. The fuselage is by
Century, while the mechanics are from a
Hirobo Evo 50. Several 50-size scale
fuselages are available; it is a much more
economical size to own than the larger
machines.
MANY AEROMODELERS 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
many
d i r e c t i ons
c i rc le in
by Mark Fadely
Stan Kopreski’s JetRanger sits, ready for a competition flight. 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.
12sig2.QXD_00MSTRPG.QXD 10/23/09 9:43 AM Page 36
STATE
S P O R T
time, but this article will focus on
helicopters.
Models of rotary-winged aircraft are
relatively new to the Scale scene. 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 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.
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
December 2009 37
Wayne Mason hovers his AH-64 Apache. Realistic Maverick missiles and rocket
launchers are fully loaded for this flight. The kit is manufactured by Indy Helis.
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.
“I then 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’ name is well known in scalehelicopter
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 (International Radio Controlled
Helicopter Association) 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-
off tthhee
12sig2.QXD_00MSTRPG.QXD 10/23/09 9:43 AM Page 37
December 2009 39
Vario is one of the elite scale-helicopter manufacturers. Adam
Tashjian won the 2008 and ’09 IRCHA Jamboree Scale contests
with the company’s EC 135. Its detailing is superb, and the
rotors turn with electrical power, so there is no messy fuel to
deal with.
During an IRCHA Jamboree, AMA representative Bob Brown
can usually be found at the flightline. He said he loves flying
helicopters, and this diminutive jewel obeys his every command.
The Align Hughes 500 body houses T-Rex 450 mechanics.
Sandy Jaffe’s model’s bright-red paint scheme
stands out at the field. You might notice that it is
missing a part; it has a NOTAR (NO TAil Rotor)
system that uses forced air down the inside of the
tailboom, and an adjustable outlet manages the
antitorque thrust that stabilizes the tail. Sandy says
that the setup works great!
Michael Rose holds his MD-500.
According to him, this scale setup
was easy and inexpensive. Even
though he did not spend countless
hours painting rivets and other fine
details, his performance in contests
has been stellar. Everything shown is
from Thunder Tiger.
During the Vietnam conflict,
the Hiller OH-23D shined as
the soldier’s savior and
preferred weapons carrier. Bob
Harris’s scratch-built version
wears the Bo-Bo paint job.
Larger gas-engine-powered
models, such as this, have
smoother flight characteristics,
which earn them higher flight
scores in Scale.
Ace Hobby Distributors/Thunder Tiger
(949) 900-3300
www.acehobby.com
Empire Hobby/Gaui
(480) 982-0909
www.empirerc.com
Model Rectifier Corporation/Hirobo
(732) 225-2100
www.modelrec.com
Esprit Model
(321) 729-4287
www.espritmodel.com
Starwood Scale Models/Len Mount
Scale Fuselages
(650) 851-9027
www.starwoodmodels.com
East Coast Scale Helicopters/Vario
(508) 520-1140
www.eastcoastvario.com
Assurance RC/Align
(562) 598-4700
www.alignrcusa.com
Indy Helis
(317) 831-1665
www.indyhelis.com
RC Aerodyne/Trade Associates, Inc.
(253) 854-0090
www.scaleflying.com
Century Helicopter Products
(800) 686-8588
www.centuryheli.com
* In no particular order. Top 10 Scale Helicopter Resources*
12sig2.QXD_00MSTRPG.QXD 10/23/09 9:44 AM Page 39
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 the one of 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
40 MODEL AVIATION
hates the heat in Florida and leaves to go back
to England in February, to return 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.
I want you to read about one more pilot. His
name is Michael Rose, and he 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!’”
Thanks so much,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! MA
Mark Fadely
[email protected]