RR Rated M For Mature
HOME   rrTV-PHOTO   GALLERIES   MY GALLERY   HELP-FAQ
myHOME PM pmRR MEMBERS 848 ONLINE 18 EVENTS SEARCH REGISTER  START HERE
 
3 pages [ <<    <    ( 1 )     2      3     NEXT    >> ]1411 viewsPOST REPLY
XHELI.COM . Autography FlightPower . Advantage Hobby

.
.
Gasser Model RC Helicopters > Considering Getting A Gasser -Which One?
 
 
Mr.Green
Senior Heliman
Location: Kaysville, Utah

My Posts This: Topic  Forum
I am interested in getting a gasser. I've not looked into them much. I want one with a Zenoah 260, a good quality kit, and one whose replacement parts costs aren't sky high (rules out MA and Bergens). What are my other options?
10-19-2009 11:16 PM
PROFILE   PM   EMAIL   POSTS   BUDDY   IGNORE   GALLERY
 
 
Helizrule
Senior Heliman
Location: Lake Ariel, PA

My Posts This: Topic  Forum
For the price the Century Predator Gasser NX has been great. MA did however lower there kit prices on the Spectrs a $100.00.

One mile of road will take you one mile. One mile of runway will take you anywhere in the world.
10-19-2009 11:21 PM
PROFILE   PM   EMAIL   POSTS   BUDDY   IGNORE   GALLERY
 
 
imnxtc
Veteran
Location: Dawson

My Posts This: Topic  Forum
You can't go wrong with Century's Predator NX. I have one of the originals and it has been great - just fill, start and fly...repeat as often as you wish.

It has been very low maintenance and flies great. I have been looking over their latest NX version, but have been so happy with my old original and it is so dependable that I cannot see a reason to get the newer one.

Maybe I'll just go with one of their new smaller gasser, the Radikal G20.
10-19-2009 11:51 PM
PROFILE   PM   EMAIL   POSTS   BUDDY   IGNORE  
 
 
smallplanes
Key Veteran
Location: Timmonsville,S.C. ,USA

My Posts This: Topic  Forum
Just remember to be very very very patient it takes for ever to get a gasser fine tuned and flying right. I'm not knocking gasser but they can be a SOB to get to fly right. One more thing you better have very deep pockets because it takes tons of money to get one going. If you have a budget what so ever then don't even start a gasser build. It takes thousands to get them going. I have been at it for a year and still have not got one going like it should. I'm not going to stop i'm going to get one going. I have a few health problems but i hope they will clear up so i can get me Spectra going. I would get the Spectra it is very well made and good support and take my word for it you WILL need support and a lot of help. If i had it to go over again i would still buy a gasser but it is a BIG BIG learning curve just be prepared.
I think your best bet is the Spectra or the Preditor. I would still lean toward the Spectra but thats me. Good luck and i hope you have a good job. This is just my opinion and every one has there own.


Thanks and good luck on you choice

Spectra G 26cc
Jewel
2 Evo 50's
3 Trex 450's
Trex 700
Raptor50
12Z
10-20-2009 12:35 AM
PROFILE   PM   EMAIL   POSTS   BUDDY   IGNORE   GALLERY
 
 
helicenter
Veteran
Location: Winter Haven Fl.

My Posts This: Topic  Forum
gasser

I have a little different slant on doing the gas machines, I had one of the first xcell gas machines, have built up many Vario and of course a lot of Predators.

Once the machine is assembled with the electronics, and the first start up is done it generaly takes a half day of working with it to put it in a generaly good flying helicopter status.

Now dont get me wrong ----I have spent literly weeks getting one set up for scale competition etc. but all in all I see no diference between a gas or glow as far as set up time.



Doug
10-20-2009 01:32 AM
PROFILE   PM   EMAIL   POSTS   BUDDY   IGNORE   GALLERY
 
 
Mr.Green
Senior Heliman
Location: Kaysville, Utah

My Posts This: Topic  Forum
I appreciate the quick feeback. I know an MA Spectra G would be a quality kit, the replacement parts prices just scare me a bit. Maybe I'll take another look at them - after all you get what you pay for. I've never really been a Century fan so maybe the Spectra will be the one. Eventually I'd like to do some aerial photography with it. But that's a few years down the road I'm sure. This years been pretty brutal on the budget buying a new house and putting in a 1/2 acre yard so the project will likely get started in the spring.
10-20-2009 03:11 AM
PROFILE   PM   EMAIL   POSTS   BUDDY   IGNORE   GALLERY
 
 
Jr.fling-winger
Heliman
Location: Calgary - Canada

My Posts This: Topic  Forum
I wouldn't rule out a Bergen. Bergen's are also very good quality machines and their customer service & parts support are 2nd to none.

I totally agree gassers are pretty pricey to intially get flying and the engines can tend to be a bit frustrating to get set-up --but once they are set-up properly (with no engine vibes) - they are cheap and
reliable to fly. Just that fact you're not paying $30/gal for nitro or $200/lipo battery pretty much makes up the cost difference pretty quickly in the long run.

Another thing you may also want to consdier is the fact you've got a Bergen rep - Gary - who also lives near SLC/utah, which would be huge benefit when it comes to tweaking the airframe and getting the engine running correctly.

Mark
10-20-2009 01:33 PM
PROFILE   PM   EMAIL   POSTS   BUDDY   IGNORE   GALLERY
 
 
shawmcky
Key Veteran
Location: Isle of Wight,United Kingdom

My Posts This: Topic  Forum
You could also save a packet

if you buy a really well sorted secondhand model,with all the work done.

Team- unbiased opinion,no experts here just trying to help thats all.K.I.S.S principle upheld here
10-20-2009 01:58 PM
PROFILE   PM   EMAIL   POSTS   BUDDY   IGNORE   GALLERY
 
 
xcellgasman101
Elite Veteran
Location: WOODWARD, OKLA....

My Posts This: Topic  Forum
Quote 
if you buy a really well sorted secondhand model,with all the work done.

But where's the fun in that
Quote 
Once the machine is assembled with the electronics, and the first start up is done it generaly takes a half day of working with it to put it in a generaly good flying helicopter status.

This is very true, It's not much more involved than setting up a Nitro, or Ele. heli,

Quote 
Eventually I'd like to do some aerial photography with it. But that's a few years down the road I'm sure.

If this is the case, then I would look at the Bergen or Century, Now don't get me wrong, the Spectra is easy to convert, (Longer Boom, Torque tube, tail push rod, and extended boom supports)Oh,, And blades, Just like the rest, but I found the Spectra lacking in the Aerial Photo arena.. but that's just me.. I do use the 1005 SE gasser as I have 4 of them, and 2 Vario's. Vario Benzine Trainer is probley the best overall pick,,, XGM/VGM

John Crotts
www.soonerhelicamproductions.com
10-20-2009 02:31 PM
PROFILE   PM   EMAIL   POSTS   BUDDY   IGNORE   HOMEPAGE   GALLERY
 
 
GyroFreak
Elite Veteran
Location: Florida ... 28° 52' N 81° 16' W

My Posts This: Topic  Forum
I have a Spectra G with a Toxic modified 231 engine. I was lucky as the Toxic Al lives in town and he tuned my engine. It is a great machine and really well built.
Now I am into 700 size electric and I was going to sell my Spec G until I saw the prices people were lucky to get. They were selling at 1/3 the price you would have invested in building a complete unit. So be patient and find a used one her on RR.

Bacteria They're the only culture some men have
Growing old is mandatory; growing up is opti
10-20-2009 02:54 PM
PROFILE   PM   EMAIL   POSTS   BUDDY   IGNORE   GALLERY
 
 
turboomni
Elite Veteran
Location: 63 Rambler Down By The Dumpster

My Posts This: Topic  Forum
Quote 
I'm not knocking gasser but they can be a SOB to get to fly right.

If I was new to tuning a nitro motor and had no help I am pretty sure I would have as much trouble as someone with with no experience trying to run a gasseer with no help. I was lucky to have help with my first gasser, a 1005. Running your first gas heli motor after being familiar with nitro heli's really doesn't help at least for me. They are completely different beasts.
I am now building a Spectra and from what I have learned from my 1005 and friends and my LHS's help I don't anticipate having nearly as many mysterious problems as I did before.,,,,,,,i hope!!!!

Setup is everything, All my heli's can fly better than I can pilot them
10-20-2009 03:30 PM
PROFILE   PM   EMAIL   POSTS   BUDDY   IGNORE  
 
 
smallplanes
Key Veteran
Location: Timmonsville,S.C. ,USA

My Posts This: Topic  Forum
Local help would be a life saver. I have none just my dumb rump. To me it's a lot different than a nitro or electric. Now thats just me.

Spectra G 26cc
Jewel
2 Evo 50's
3 Trex 450's
Trex 700
Raptor50
12Z
10-20-2009 05:54 PM
PROFILE   PM   EMAIL   POSTS   BUDDY   IGNORE   GALLERY
 
 
CNCjunkie
Senior Heliman
Location: Kauai (The Garden Isle), Hawaii - USA

My Posts This: Topic  Forum
I found the G to be much easier to set up mechanically. Once the side frames are bolted together, it's like one big chunk of CF, extremely rigid. The clutch bell to engine alignment was a cinch due to the clutch pivot ball design.

I had to fiddle quite a bit with the stepped frames to get it right on my Pred.

They both fly very well.

Just another crappy day in Paradise....Aloha!
10-20-2009 06:07 PM
PROFILE   PM   EMAIL   POSTS   BUDDY   IGNORE   GALLERY
 
 
smallplanes
Key Veteran
Location: Timmonsville,S.C. ,USA

My Posts This: Topic  Forum
Well i got my motor back from Hanson and i got the pro plus upgrade instead of the 3D max i wanted the easiest motor to tune and run and he said the plus was a good way to go. If had every problem in the book with my gasser mostly my fault be i do hope to get it worked out. I've had a few RF problems and my tail rod linkage jumping off while flying i did manage to auto while it spinning around a hundred miles per hour but the only thing hurt was a slit bent flybar. I've had a problem with the nose holding so i changed the gyro to a Spartan but i'm having problems getting it downloaded but when i get it i hope it holds the nose steady. Just get your motor balanced by Hanson before you even go thru the trouble of putting it in. Good luck and happy gassin.

Thanks

Spectra G 26cc
Jewel
2 Evo 50's
3 Trex 450's
Trex 700
Raptor50
12Z
10-20-2009 11:13 PM
PROFILE   PM   EMAIL   POSTS   BUDDY   IGNORE   GALLERY
 
 
imnxtc
Veteran
Location: Dawson

My Posts This: Topic  Forum
Most bigger helis that step out of the plastic framed 30/50 sizes are a bit more complex to assemble.

I found my Predator to be one of the easiest bigger heli (I have built many gasssrs, 90 nitros & 60 nitros over the years) I have ever assembled.

I also found it a simple heli to set up, with lots of room for all the radio gear.

And ooooh, how I like how well it flies.
10-21-2009 01:04 AM
PROFILE   PM   EMAIL   POSTS   BUDDY   IGNORE  
 
 
jrockstuart
Elite Veteran
Location: Allen, Texas

My Posts This: Topic  Forum
Gassers are extremely complex with lots of pieces. Keep that in mind.

MinAir Spectra-G
Trex 450Pro V-bar /Scorpion /JR
Wally Motors/New England Heli/DL Canopies
10-21-2009 01:40 AM
PROFILE   PM   EMAIL   POSTS   BUDDY   IGNORE   GALLERY
 
 
Mr.Green
Senior Heliman
Location: Kaysville, Utah

My Posts This: Topic  Forum
I really appreciate the feedback. For now I'm kind of window shopping and seeing what is out there. I plan on buying one in the spring. I may try and find a good deal in the classifieds but I don't want to inhereit someone elses problems. Local help with a Bergen would be great. I don't know Gary personally but I've seen both him and Chris Bergen at a local funfly a few years back. If I remember correctly Cris Bergen put his turbine in the auto contest.

I'm not worried about the build. That honestly is probably my favorite part of the hobby. I take my time and do it right the frist time. I have a gas boat with a modified Zenoah 260 in it so I'm not too worried about the tuning of the motor.

I'm trying to get a good, stable, big bird with the possibility of doing some aerial photography a few years down the road - just for fun. The lower fuel prices would be a huge plus also.
10-21-2009 04:17 AM
PROFILE   PM   EMAIL   POSTS   BUDDY   IGNORE   GALLERY
 
 
craigd
Heliman
Location: Sydney Australia

My Posts This: Topic  Forum
I really can't see what all the fuss is about! I purchased a predator with the hanson 3d engine assembled it, balanced main and tail blades and then learnt to fly with it. I have been flying for about 2 1/2 years and I love my predator, I found it the easy to tune and setup.
I look forward to flying it every weekend.

BRG, Craig.
10-21-2009 05:06 AM
PROFILE   PM   EMAIL   POSTS   BUDDY   IGNORE  
 
 
Excalibur
Veteran
Location: Destination: Earth

My Posts This: Topic  Forum
Quote 
Once the machine is assembled with the electronics, and the first start up is done it generaly takes a half day of working with it to put it in a generaly good flying helicopter status.

Sorry, for the first-time Gasser buyer/builder, this statement just doesn't hold true. If you have built, setup, and tuned numerous Gassers, yes, you may be able to do it in a half day. Otherwise, be realistic and give yourself several weeks or a month at least.

Also, as you can see by previous posts, your selection will come down to the following:

Century Predator
MinAir Spectra-G
Bergen Intrepid
Quick WW Octane Bat

These really are the four strongest contenders, with Century and MinAir being the most common choices, as verified by the typical posts in this forum. Two others, Airstar, and Vario are also good choices but WAY more expensive (by two or three times) than those mentioned above.

The reality is that if you buy new, you will be into approximately $2000 to $2500 by the time you buy the kit, modified engine, electronics, and other assorted bits. A Jewel generator is a MUST, but a governor really isn't, at least at first. Your Nitro experience will not help during engine break-in and basic tuning, and could possibly get you into trouble without help. You could purchase a used heli, but you really never know exactly what you are getting, plus, you will learn a whole lot more starting from scratch with a new one.

Since you have the winter to decide, take your time, research this and other forums, email manufacturers and talk to engine builders. By the time spring comes around, you'll be ready to pull the trigger with confidence.

Good luck with your choice, and keep us posted.

Xcal

Camper Fuel: It's Not Just for Breakfast Anymore
10-21-2009 06:04 AM
PROFILE   PM   EMAIL   POSTS   BUDDY   IGNORE  
 
 
CNCjunkie
Senior Heliman
Location: Kauai (The Garden Isle), Hawaii - USA

My Posts This: Topic  Forum
Excellent advice...

Just another crappy day in Paradise....Aloha!
10-21-2009 07:34 AM
PROFILE   PM   EMAIL   POSTS   BUDDY   IGNORE   GALLERY
 
 
3 pages [ <<    <    ( 1 )     2      3     NEXT    >> ]1411 viewsPOST REPLY
Revolution Models . CarbonXtreme . Midland Helicopters

.
.
Gasser Model RC Helicopters > Considering Getting A Gasser -Which One?
 Print TOPIC Advertisers 

Subscribe to This Topic

Tuesday, November 24 - 12:12 am - Copyright © 2000 - 2009 runryder.com | email | link to rr | START HERE | NF