Darth heli bodies information

[darthdrk]

Howdy yall heres a list that my bodies will fit so far

Bell 222------- LMH helis 100-117 and Corona 120, EP concept

Jet Ranger--- LMH 100-117 and Corona 120 (minor crutch mod)

Hughes500--LMH 100-117 and Corona 120 (minor crutch mod)

UH-1 Huey---LMH 100-117 and Corona 120

Hughes300--LMH 100-117 and Corona 120

AH-1 Cobra--(new) Robbe Eolo, LMH 100-117 and Corona 120 with modified darth crutch design

These bodies have been tried on these helis.

The Hughes 300 canopy will probably fit several other helis such as the Eolo, EP concept, Voyager, Eco,...

UH-1 Huey is being tested on the Eolo

Ah-1 Cobra does fit the Eolo without modifying. Tester reported
"perfect fit"

Ah-1 cobra on the LMH helis requires a redesigned crutch(the Darth crutch and 1" longer mainshaft, also longer cyclic controls)

As others successfully install the darth fuselages on different helicopter chasis, Ill post the results. Ill make up a list and post it on the LMH Skunkworks website.

[Rob Schaffer]

Minor modifications for a big improvement in appearance and realism. I have the Corona and used the Bell Jetranger body, as shown below. About 30 minutes of work and you can have the crutch modified, and the fuselage attached.

Click this link for a short photo tutorial of the minimal work required. Attaching Bell Jetranger Fuselage (http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/Darth%27s_Bell_Jetranger_Body_Attachment_%2D_How_T o%2C_Step_by_Step/m_1186271/tm.htm)

Thanks again Darth for all the hard work in R&D for us!

:cool:

[Wright Flyer]

Originally posted by darthdrk
AH-1 Cobra--(new) Robbe Eolo, Picture?

[darthdrk]

I guess you didnt believe me ;)

[skyhawk]

Darth,
Did you get my email with the pics?

[darthdrk]

Skyhawk, i did get your pics this morning. Good pics. Youll be the first who have fitted the bell 222 on the EP Concept. Looks good.
need any help feel free to email. if you still need the boom cover, Hollar.

[FrankW]

I'm wondering if that Cobra will fit on the VE. Any idea if it does. If it doesn't I'll have to continue on with my winter project.

-Frank

[darthdrk]

Hey frank, Whats the measurement from your mainshaft to the end of your gearbox ? Also how wide at the widest point is your chassis ?

From the mainshaft to end of gearbox, the body will fit a Heli no longer than than 19 1/4" between these points. You may be able to squeeze another 3/4" depending how you want the gearbox to exit the boom cover.
The Cobra body is about 3 1/4" wide.
If you think it will work send me a email and lets discuss it.

[FrankW]

The distance between the mainshaft and the end of the gearbox is 22.5 inches. The width of the canopy mounting posts is 3 & 7/8 inches. The widest point on the main frame is a hair over 3 & 1/8 inches (It's the two rear servo arms for the swashplate). So, I think the VE is just a tad bit too big to fit the Cobra shell.

-Frank

[darthdrk]

With those measurements, it looks like the Bell222 should work with no problems

[FrankW]

I would think the boom on the 222 is a little too high. I wouldn't mind trying it out, but I don't have the money for something that might not work. I would probebly paint it like an Airwolf.

-Frank

[Arief]

Darthdrk,
does any of your fuselages fit the eco 8?

[darthdrk]

Arief, Check out post #8 this thread. Whats the distance between the mainshaft and the end of the gearbox ?

[Arief]

darthdrk,
distance between shaft to end of gearbox for eco8 is approx 26in, widest part about 3.5in. Really like the hughes 500 though. If you can make the tailboom section slightly longer for the hughes (may not look truly scale..but what the heck)

[luc]

Hi Darth
So according to what you said to Frank, the Bell22 would fit a voyager E?
What's the price of this body?
Thx

[skyhawk]

Arief,
The length of the stock boom for the high boom models (md500 , 222 , jet ranger) is 14.5 inches if darth could tell you what the distance is from the hole in th roof to where the tail boom attaches - all you need is 8 inches.

[darthdrk]

Pricing is located at my site Http://Darthdrk.4t.com
Arief: Wow, Thats pretty long, I dont think the bell222 will work either.

[Robert Stinson]

Just got your website from Fred Bronk. Awesome! I notice on the Huey and Cayuse that there doesn't seem to be a fin to protect the tail rotor from ground strikes. I also see a long stick attached to the LG. Is that the substitute, or is that the antenna sleeve? Thanks!

[darthdrk]

The tailfins can have a 1/16 nusic wire stinger installed. I have one on mine. The stick attached to the landing gear is my lack or reservation of cutting my reciever wire and installing the deans antenna. I did not goe deans yet because I can figure out a good place for the antenna for all the different bodies I fly. second, there is a possibility of robbing my reciever and installing it in one of my planes. I run the antenna wire down the length of the stick. I know its kinda tacky.

[Malc C]

Not producing the Dauphin then Darth ??

[Robert Stinson]

Thanks for the stick information. Hey, I have some follow-up questions regarding the Huey body. How does one replace the battery? Do you have to totally remove the body, or is there a section that releases, or.....?

And, how does one remove the body, say for maintenance of the guts, or whatever?

[darthdrk]

The body removes and installs quickly. personally, I can have a body off and on in about five minutes. You can also construct the body so that you can make the fwd section detachable. I can also do this mod but there will be a cost associated with it.

[Robert Stinson]

...and the battery? remove the body for that?

[darthdrk]

If youre not using the JR skids and you dont want to do the bulkhead operation, you have no other choice or charge the battery in place. The bulkhead operation will take only about 15 minutes to do. I tell you what, you order one direct, and Ill do the bulkhead job at no charge.

[Sage]

Darth,

Can the JR skids be used on all of your bodys? I'am thinking of getting the Hughes 500 defender, but not sure if I could still use my JR skids? I like the looks of your yellow and red tigerstrip Hughes on your website, what kind of skids are on that ship? Where can one get a set of those? I plan putting this on my Corona if that makes any differance. Thanks for your time!.....Sage

[darthdrk]

You can still use the JR skids but for the Hughes 500, it will not look good at all (not even semi scale). The landing gear has to and can be custom made. I made a set of gear for about $5.00 in material cost.

[Sage]

Thanks, ya I didn't think it would look good as well. $5 in material doesn't sound bad at at all...............Sage

[new2heli]

any luck fitting the huey to the eolo?

[helifrek]

hey darth, if your interested in trades I have a brand new in package alum swash and a carbon tail servo mount. would you take that and some money for a bell 222 for the eco?

thanks,
Brandon

P.S. How is Project "X" going?

[chrisw]

Which of these best fit the Crazy Crutch....?

[darthdrk]

Actually i dont have a flyable Eco 8, I have just enough t o make bodies for it. IE. no motor, no mainrotor blades, flybar,linkages, etc.. I have mainframe(chassis), tailrotor assy, tailboom, skids.
As far as the bodies that will fit the Crazy crutch, Im not sure, it seems like the landing gear attachments will be cause for some modifications on the bodies for them to fit the crazy crutch.
project X: myself and Matt are in the process of finishing up current projects so that we can have time to work on project X.

[Robert Stinson]

Here's some pics. I mounted the body by running CF rods thru the original mounting holes after I unscrewed the bolts in them. I also added a rod farther back - no weight gain, and since they fit tightly, I can remove them to install a shorter one for the original canopy...

[darthdrk]

Awesome. I thought about the carbon rod mounting. It sure is an easier mounting variant. Robert, can you post a pic with the canopt off so that others can see exactly what you have done. $20 canopy

[Orion_V]

Yeah it would be nice to see what you did b/c I'm resurrecting my Corona and I'm thinking about getting this Canopy. If possible can you please take a close up? thanks!

[Robert Stinson]

Me, show off? Why, I'd love to!

Ok, first pic is of the front mount (lower left) and new second mount (upper right). The front one can be pulled out to insert a shorter one for the original canopy, or that UH-1 I have on order....!

[Robert Stinson]

Second one is a closer view of the new rear mount. The tube is glued to the frame. The rod is removable, like the front one.

[Robert Stinson]

Finally, the underside view of the front mount, showing the rod going all the way thru...I used those spare servo rubber mounts on the canopy for the rods to fit into. It's a friction fit, works fine...neat, huh?

[darthdrk]

just a thought, Wheel collars on both sides of the crutch and the CF rod will work also.

[Orion_V]

Rob, the CF tube on the "new" rear mount seems like its sitting very loosely inside the tube....is this just an illusion? Also, what size CF rods did you use and where did you get them from? I need to buy myself a Dremel drill once and for all. :rolleyes:

[Orion_V]

By the way... thanks for posting your pics! Very much appreciated!

[FrankW]

*sighs* Still no AH-1 body for the Voyager E. Oh well. I should look into just making my own soon.

-Frank

[EP heli freak!]

Darth,

Your bell 206 version 2 looks superb. It has a more realistic shape to it. Nice work!

[darthdrk]

Thanks Ep, Im trying to get them looking as scale as possible. Hey Rob, heres a pic of your UH-1 Huey body ill get it in the mail Tomorrow. Windshields, chin bubbles and skylights are ready to paint the blue color you mentioned.

[Robert Stinson]

Darthdrk:

Thanks! The windshield and chin bubbles will be the blue I used on the 300. The combo of the dark OD and the bright blue (but darker than the sky) works real well in flight. I learned this with the stock fuselage (pic attached). The skylights will be a bright green, and the nose will have a black glare panel.

So, the front detaches for battery changeouts?

Orion V:

You're right, the rear rod is loose. I wrapped some tape around it to make it fit tighter. I don't know sizes, it was just stuff I had laying around - sorry.

[darthdrk]

Hey Rob ;) On the sky lights, you could cut them out and put a tinted plastice in there. That should look pretty cool.

[Robert Stinson]

That's so cool! BTW, what paint did you use, in case of a need for future touch-ups?

[Fred Bronk]

Moving over to the new Scale Heli Forum.

ENJOY! :D

[darthdrk]

krylon brand camo paint OD greeen

[Akura2]

Hey Darth

Will you be working on anything for the Zoom/Shogun/Dolphin 400?

These birds are extremely popular and getting moreso

[darthdrk]

Akura2, Yes i do plan to do bodies for the Zoom/shogun 400 heli. I had planned to do a Hughes 500 for the first body then i came across pics that someone else was planning to do also. i still may do the Hughes 500. I havent decided mainly because of I dont want to run competition with someone else. I know I can beat anyones price and i dont want to seam like I have some kind of malice behind creating or making heli bodies. Most of my work is done in styrene because its cheaper and easier to paint. Lexan is more expensive and even in a wreck, they will and can be damaged. I have no problem with desiring to accomodate the Zoom heli populous with scale bodies and or canopies.

[Akura2]

I'm the one that bought your assembled Commanche (with the canted tail)...

I have a Shogun 400 and I can't wait until you start releasing bodies for it... keep working on the hughes 500... there are so many people out there doing so many similar bodies... you shouldn't worry about doing a body like some one else's... it's going to be different in the fact that it will be in Styrene.. and the details will be different I'm sure.... and it's not like the other guys are going to lose sales if you come out with a body or two or three... but we'll have the option of buying one of yours which are damn cool

[Robert Stinson]

I'd add a vote for Shogun 400 bodies.

Darthdrk, if you have any business cards, would you send them along with the Huey body? Every heli owner who saw your Hughes 300 body wanted to knwo who made them. I flew it today at the field and it really looks cool...

You neee-e-e-e-d to make a "Blue Thunder" body, maybe not completely accurate, but that style at least..

[darthdrk]

Ive thought about the Blue thunder but the shrouded tail fan is the stumbling block. But not to frett. There is something in the works thats myself and Matt(heli mod man) is jointly working on that will definitely perk up the LMH/Corona Heli community. We have dubbed project as "project X". This at the moment is a true joint "skunkwork" project between the two of us. It will more than likely be an all time hit. I like to tell what it is but We have sworn to secrecy and sometimes throw hints out of the new endeavor just to keep the suspense up. At the moment I hate to put a date on it but we are kinda looking at a two month window for developement.
Zoom 400 bodies: Trust me, Im definitely interested in doing them. The only problem Im having at the moment is time. Thanks for all the support and encouragement, it definitely does go a long way. Also just to let everyone know, The demand is sorta what drives the market when it comes to producing a body and for which Heli. Its also kinda hard to make a body for a heli I do not own or at least have a mock up of. For instance: FXaeromodels wanted to see a Bell 222 body for the Eco 8. I was given a Chassis, tailboom, etc from FX to be an aid in the developement of the body. Check em out FXaeromodels.com

[luc]

...and don't forget some bodies for the crazy crutch landing gear (low)....:)

[FrankW]

Darth, do you know if your 222 body will fit the VE? I've been looking for a nice scale fuse for my heli that doesn't cost an arm and a leg.

-Frank

[darthdrk]

In pretty sure that it wont fit the VE.

[Robert Stinson]

Now, let's see...the Blue Thunder body is too complicated. I can see that. But Project X was mentioned in the same post. What might be a "hit" for those who liked the BT style heli, but might be easier to produce.....hmmm?

[darthdrk]

Its not that the Bluethunder body is that complicated, just doing the tailfan unit. I had a thought of doing a blue thunder body but doing a profile type fan tail unit IE a mock unit but still using the stock tailrotor. Im still chewing on that one. With Matts elevated tail Ive been chewing on some eurocopter designs such as the EC135 also the BK117 and the BO105. These are just some ideas at the moment. before I go and tackle new designs, I would like to get all my fuselages that havent been updated, updated. I do plan on offering an airwolf mod for both the Eco8 222 and LMH 222. The LMH 222 is next in line to be remolded. I would like to revisit my huey body shortly there after, i will also be revisiting my popular Hughes 300C canopy, Zoom 400 bodies. I would at least like to venture on to bodies for the 30 size helicopters. This will be my long term goal.

[bat]

Darthdrk,
have your micro scale fuselages been a success, or are you finding them barely worth your time? I am currently working on a foam mock up of a Mi-24 for micro sized helis. I do not have a chasis to work around but based my model dimesions from all the reading I have done. This project is more of a lesson for me in learning to model a plug. I know you can not use foam as a plug for vaccum forming, but when I finish my foam plug, if the plug turns out to look great would you be interested in me sending you the foam model and possibly replicate it in wood so that you could produce a mi-24 kit for micros?
Keep up the great work, looking forward to project X
bat

[darthdrk]

Bat, they arent beating the door down for the micro scale bodies Like you would think. They do steadily move mainly through my retailers. Also, it must be noted that I havent been involved with a heavy promotional campaign. Basically knowledge of them is being spread by word of mouth and the forums. Ive been doing LMH bodies for over a year now with no major advertising and i still get alot of people just learning about them. Im not complaining because seemingly everything is moving at a satisfactory pace for me. If you do plan on getting into being a manufacturer one idea is to offer many different body styles, that way you will always have something to do and it will be worth your time. i know what is hot for me and whats not so hot. You may come out with a body and everyone will talk it up but you may only sell a few of them. You will get alot of people who will volunteer to beta test your fuselage and thats ok if you dont want to do it yourself. Personally if you want a beta tester for micros Boyd (hoverup) seems to be the man. I think he has a full plate but is willing. He will give you an honest review, tell you what you need to change if anything and he also does pics and videos. My hats off to him. Besides that his work speaks for itself. Not everyone is going to want a Hind just like not everyone wants a comanche or dauphin. I think alot of people do not get into making bodies because it is a time consuming process and there is no gaurantee that you will reap enough for your endeavor if you are doing it to make money. As for me, I do it because I like it. I like to make things, I have to be doing something constructive with my hands. If its all about money, you may end up disappointed. You may make money and be satisfied. When I started doing this, I was hooked. I like Helicopters. goes back to the years of Magnum PI, Blue thunder, Airwolf and eventually going into the ARMY to be a Helicopter mechanic. Ive been around Cobras, Apaches, Blackhawks, Kiowa scouts, chinooks and hueys. Get one done paint it up, show pics, and go from there. I started out with the pink foam like what you have. My first bodies were done out of fiberglass ( What a messy smelly operation) Well, that didnt go over to good and I started doing them by vac forming. You cant vac for using the pink foam ( I tried it, it dosent work) You will have to make you a mold that will hold up to heat. Ive also found that Styrene is more durable than fiberglass and also lighter. Fiberglass resin if not mixed correctly can be a nightmare. When it hardens it will become brittle thus it wont give much in a crash. Also swinging blades will tear up anything, even Lexan. This is just been my experience and insight, hope this helps. Go for it.

[bat]

Thanks for all the insight Darthdrk.
Hopefully your micros will speed up in sales with time. As for me producing a kit or making fuses as a business endeavor that is an imposability. This hind model is just for fun and I do not have the resources to take it any further than a foam model. The only tools I have are sand paper and knives, so I hope to make the nicest foam model I can wich is a lot of fun and then give the model away to someone who wants to use it toward making a kit. After I finish the model if no one wants it, it will probably end up in a dumpster since I do not have much room in my apartment to keep it lying around.
So honestly if you have any interest what so ever in having a free foam mock up it will need a home when I have finished making it.
Looking forward to seeing more of your military fuses, and some day when I am finished with my doctoral studies, and find a job I will definitely be picking up some of your micro fuses

[darthdrk]

Darth Heli Body info to pass along: The Bell222 V2 is about 85% done and all I can say is Wow! The new DarthLMH222 looks awesome. I will introduce this new vesion soon. Eventually It will have an Airwolf mod package. Also, the Eco 8 222 body will get the same. Not to confuse anyone on the 222 bodies, The LMH and the Eco 8 222 bodies are different sizes (two completely different molded products) The new LMH222 body will pretty much assemble the same as the Eco 8 222.

[Robert Stinson]

Darth - got the Huey body today! It's mounted, and I flew it in my cul-de-sac, just for a minute, to see if there were nasty vibrations. I didn't see any.

I'll be detailing it this week, hopefully will post a picture in a week or so.

I'm guessing this body puts 1.5 to 2 oz extra weight on the heli. Not bad at all!

Some mounting details: I cut the top of the main fuselage behind the rotor head, so I could take it on and off easily. I added a screw at the rear of the main body to keep the halves together.

That CF rod mod we talked about? It comes out just about at the front bottom of the main doors - perfect.

I am going to replace the two screws on the top front with posts, probably 1/4" long pieces of that CF rod. The front fits onto the posts, the side screws anchor the assembly. Later, I might even replace the side screws with r/c car cotter pins in posts.

I'll post pics of all this after I decal and detail paint the body.

Where did you get your paint? I checked a couple of hardware stores (Dixieline, Home Depot) with no luck.

[darthdrk]

paint: At walmart :)
I do believe I have also seen it in the auto parts stores but at about twice the cost of walmart for the same can of paint :confused:

[Robert Stinson]

Here are some pics, for everyone's enjoyment. You may notice it needs some paint touch-ups. I still can't find the correct paint.

There are 2 pins on the upper body that the front fits onto. Then, there are 2 posts on the sides, with cotter pins to hold it in place. A "no tools" method of removing the front for battery exchange.

Yes, it has flown. Looks GOOOOOD!

[darthdrk]

:eek: Rob, good job. I like your mounting solution :cool: Well guys, I finally completed the Bell 222 Version 2. It took me a while to cut out all the cutouts and install the nylon screen mesh. So, tell me what you guys think ?

[darthdrk]

I forgot to mention that the Airwolf mod kit wont be available for a while but its comming. I need to get some paint on this thing now. Hey Matt, if you read this, this was my last project to finish before i start project X.

[luc]

If it fits the crazy crutch, I'll take it once painted...

[bat]

Awsome fuse :eek:
DarthDrk. Love all the details. All of your version 2 fuseelages demonstrate a much more scale look. Love the Augusta as well
bat

[y_g]

Hi Darth,
Did you get my pictures of the 206 NYPD conversion?
:rolleyes:

[darthdrk]

Yep, I got em. Excellent.

[mike n lynch]

Hello Darth, l have a plug for the ec135 that l finished for the corona,you could borrow it to speed up your new model arrivals, l made moulds. My main problem is trying to duplicate the fan for the full flying tail as per the full scale ship,l was wondering if your project would include an articulated fan unit along the lines of vario's. just wondering .ps keep up the good r & d work ,thanks mike.

[darthdrk]

The Tailfan unit, I havent even thought about trying to make. It seems to complicated. Matt, has created an elevated tail unit which I hear works great. This will open the door for other models also. The fan tail unit, may take a while to develope but I dont think I will be the one to do it. A Notar unit will be a great idea too, also multi bladed rotorhead for the Corona too. If the mechanics are there, i can make a body to suit.

[Robert Stinson]

Some pics from this morning...

[oded mazor]

great photos !

looks like a scene out of a Vietnam war movie...

[darthdrk]

Hey Rob whatever camera youre using, Im jealous. Question: Tailfin ?
Oded: I saw the video of you and friends flying Coronas, magnum theme brought back memories, Man, Im gettin old. Excellent video by the way. Send me an Email Oded, I have a proposition for you.

[Robert Stinson]

Thanks, guys. The camera is an Olympus 3020. I've bought Olympus cameras before, and film or digital, they always have really good lenses - it makes all the difference in the world.

The tailfin will be altered in a bit. I usually leave some details, those that change the frame permanently, until I'm really sure I want it to stay that way!

[Superman217]

Outstanding Darth keep up the great work. I currently have Darth's Comanche for the Micro, and my Bell 222 for my ECO 8 is on the way and I can't wait. I feel like a kid at Christmas. :)

DARTH RULES!!!!

Kevin G.
a.k.a.
Superman217

[darthdrk]

:) Well heres the new Bell222 v2. I figure Id put a little paint on one and post a pic.

[Superman217]

Sweet

[luc]

Ed, if it fits the crazy crutch, I take it...

[GehhtoFlyer]

i was just looking through this thread and all i have to say is


MAN THOSE ORE THE BEST LOOKING FUSELAGES I HAVE EVER SEEN IN MY 13 YEARS OF LIVING

how in the world do you make such beautiful things like that???

id be very interested in knowing, although the nearist thing to scale my hummingbird will come to will probably be those airwolf upgrades.

-lucas

[darthdrk]

Heres a pic of another Bell 222 v2(this one is being ordered finished) The wheel pontoons can be screwed on or Glued on.

[Superman217]

Sweet Bro. How do you post pictures on here?

[darthdrk]

Click on new reply, here is where you find the smilies. scroll down to manage attachments, click, upload your images here. when youre done, click upload and wait until they are loaded then click on submit reply. Note: you can close the manage attachment dialoge box after images are uploaded.

[Superman217]

Here is a picture of my ECO 8's Bell 222 fuselage. I've just entered the painting stage. Thanks Darth.


Kevin
a.k.a Superman

[Superman217]

This is the full shot with the base paint. She's still a long way from being finished. :D

[Superman217]

Ok, I have to show this. Here is a picture of my Bell 222 prior to painting it. I was doing a fit and test fly.

During the fit and test fly I didn't have the fins on, but the other picture is one of it with the fins.

[y_g]

Hey superman,
Your heli looks amazing. this color is great. be sure to post more pictures as you advance. Nice paint dryer, by the way. :cool:

[Superman217]

Well, I added flat black to the windows and the wheel covers and Gun Metal Grey to the Turbines. I removed the liquid masking fil from the side fins and with the different lighting you can see a how the paint shifts color. All I have to do now is add some character to her. :D Man I can't wait to show my homies Rob "The Animal" and "Cobra" Joe.

[Superman217]

Well, before I mess something up, I'm going to stop right here. I'm going to rebalance my blades and clean my motor and then put it all together. Once again Thanks DarthDrk

Kevin

[darthdrk]

Comming soon clear PETG bodies

[Lynxman]

Darthdrk.

Have you decided wether you will be making a Westland Lynx (naval?) for micro-size helis? :)

[darthdrk]

I will do one but its not gonna happen overnight. Im working on filling orders, R&D, production streamlining. I havent had time to get some flying in. Send me some pics/photos, 3 view drawings of the Lynx.

[Lynxman]

I'll find some useful drawings and pictures for you.

[Hoverup]

Comming soon clear PETG bodies

How about some window kits for the existing line of fine scale fuselages that you have for sale already? The MD500, Bell 222, Micro Dauphin and Augusta 109's are screaming for clear inserts for those compound curve windscreens. I'd pay a premium price for a window kit for any of your bodies Ed:)

Cheers - Boyd;)
AMA 80393
Major USAF
Retired

[VenturaKelley]

Is there a way to lift up the tail rotor on the shogun to fit your Hind body?

I'd like to do that one.