A new dimension in train operations...

Now THAT is pretty neat.

Nicely done, Jim.

I saw those at the last train show and thought that would be neat on the layout. I could see some classic accidents with that.

Engine House Hobbies does (did?) stock these. I remember a number of year ago walking in and Ron, the owner at the time was playing with one. Looked like a lot of fun. I seem to remember them having a rather large price tag also.

Very neat Jim! Just the way the Lionel Helicopters flew in the "Wonderful World of Trains!"

Thanks all for the kind words.

The model shown is a Blade MCX2 RTF (Ready to Fly). Retail it's $119. The thing that is nice about this one is that it is absolutely bullet proof. It flies like you would fly a regular RC helicopter so it can be used as a flight simulator.

Using it when running trains gets every one in the act.

I was in RC Helicopters for many years and have just returned to the hobby after being out of it for 15 years. The advances in technology, materials, and electric flight pulled me back in.

Imagine one of those flying above the NJ Hi-Railers layout with a camera. That would be cool.

I believe the Parrot AR.drone (controlled from your iPad) does have a camera.

That is cool. We have the MTH helicopter at our club and it is a lot of fun. Putting it on the car is always a pain as we have limited access to the remote track (which we plan to change).

But we also have the same building as you do. I was was commenting, too bad we could not take the helicopter mechanism off the car and install it on the building similar to the Lionel heliport.

I posted this video a couple of weeks ago. Practicing every day to get my landing on Lionel flatcar more consistent. Sorry for the dark video. Will have more lighting next try. Great little choppers.



TEX
Steve

Jim - Does that little Blade handle ground effect okay? I'm a fixed wing RCer looking at trying a little chopper for the train setup.

Pete

quote:

Originally posted by Texas Pete:
Jim - Does that little Blade handle ground effect okay? I'm a fixed wing RCer looking at trying a little chopper for the train setup.
Pete

I would say that there is close to no ground effect at all. The gyro just locks the thing in very nicely. You do get what you pay for even with these little coaxial helicopters. The Blade line is top drawer. The MCX2 is the best they have, and it's a good size for O Gauge.

quote:

Originally posted by TexSpecial:
I posted this video a couple of weeks ago. Practicing every day to get my landing on Lionel flatcar more consistent. Sorry for the dark video. Will have more lighting next try. Great little choppers.

TEX
Steve

I just picked up one of these, I'm still practicing with it. I can land it on a 12x12 box, but I can't do flatcars yet.

The one Jim Katz posted looks a little more sophisticated, of course I only paid $27 for mine. Jim's appears to be a bit more controllable, which would probably make it easier to land on that flatcar.

quote:

quote:
Originally posted by TexSpecial:
I posted this video a couple of weeks ago. Practicing every day to get my landing on Lionel flatcar more consistent. Sorry for the dark video. Will have more lighting next try. Great little choppers.

TEX
Steve

I just picked up one of these, I'm still practicing with it. I can land it on a 12x12 box, but I can't do flatcars yet. Big Grin

The one Jim Katz posted looks a little more sophisticated, of course I only paid $27 for mine. Big Grin Jim's appears to be a bit more controllable, which would probably make it easier to land on that flatcar.

John, I placed a piece of double sided tape on the flat car where chopper lands and it helps in both take off and landings. It gives just enough tack to give more control.

TEX
Steve

My problem is getting it close enough and aligned with the car so it would be proper.

I have only had about 10 flights with it, I'll get better.

I can see the more expensive one would be great, it will move in any direction without pointing it in the direction desired. It has a fully articulated rotor assembly, probably why it costs four times as much.

quote:

It has a fully articulated rotor assembly, probably why it costs four times as much.

R/C Helicopters are great toys, but they are also a great income stream for the manufacturers. Some companies deliver the parts from China, as others stock all parts in America are ready to ship. This is the main reason I chose the Blade. The other reason was the recommendation of my local hobby shop, Ray and Robins in Falmouth, ME. This particular model was recommended to be the most controllable, and that although it is coaxial, it flies just like a regular 4 or 6 channel r/c chopper.

The unit is practically impervious to breakage. Parts may wear out, but they don't break.

I also like being able to involve the grand kids in different kinds of activity around the train set.

quote:

I also like being able to involve the grand kids in different kinds of activity around the train set.

I ditto that Jim. I like to keep one step ahead of the grand kids if I can and additional action usually keeps them involved. They usually turn out to learn how to do things with the train faster than I do.

TEX
Steve

 

Jim - I got the Blade mCX2 to try and takeoff and land on a toy train flatcar after the train has traversed at least one circuit.

 

Takeoff is easy because you can simply jump it out of ground effect, landing not so much because the upwash (ground effect) from the rotor downwash pushes the little 1oz. chopper around pretty good. I keep determinedly practicing but progress seems slow.

 

That said, I love this little helo. No longer do I have to wait for daylight and low wind to get my flying fix. Glad I got it, and thanks for the heads up.

 

Pete

 

Jim & Steve,

   Way to go guys, looks like I will have something new to add to my next Christmas layout, leave it to you guys to come up with a cool idea like these copters.

Without any Grandchildren I never thought about a copter for my layout, Steve did you ever master landing the copter on the flat car?  Jim I will remember the Blade line & MCX2 copter name when I look for one at our hobby shop.  Jim what are we talking about for cost on this copter.

PCRR/Dave

 

RtF (ready to fly) version (includes transmitter) $120 clams. Good luck.

 

Pete

I have a low cost department store heli that was purchased a few years ago.  It broke after a few crashes.  It was never very stable.  Maybe, I'll take a trip up to Falmouth tomorrow and check out the quality RC toys and see if they have expanded the train section any?

Bullet proof?  Not if the controller is in my hands!    

Jim Katz, It's been so long, I thought you were long gone. Nice to see you back on the forum.

I'm getting pretty good with my $27 one, but the limitations of of close maneuvers prevents me from being able to do things like land on a flatcar.  The Blade model may be necessary for me to accomplish that.  Having to turn the chopper to go in a specific direction takes too long when you're coming in for a landing.  Still, it's pretty amazing what capability you can buy for the price.

Very Cool.  We have been working on converting the top of one of our buildings to a helipad (with the big "H" painted on it) and some lights.  We've lost two copters already so might need to send our pilots back to flight school!

Well done, Jim!

Peter

I'm afraid that's what would happen to me with mine.  If I ever see the better one on sale, I might give it a look.