Airship America Build

[bps]

I took the plunge and purchased the Airship America Blimp, $49.95 from Tower Hobbies. The blimp is manufactured by Interactive Toy Company www.interactivetoy.com and comes with everything needed except helium 9 volt battery for transmitter and a 3 volt CR123 Lithium battery for the blimp gondolla to power motors and receiver. Party helium container from Wal-Mart about 20-25 dollars, and should fill the blimp once with some left over for topping off the blimp later. I will report more on this after I actualy try it! Nice neat little package. If this all works out I am thinking of using a rechargable single cell LiPo to replace the 3 volt photo battery. The photo battery is priced about $5.95 each and is not rechargable. So far all I have are pictures of the componets and my over all opinion of the kit.
JEB

[bps]

Here are some photos of the kit and contents.
JEB

[bps]

Here is what I think so far;
Packaging; Gets an A+. I just fail to see how this could be improved!

Instructions; A lot better than the average import/interpretation done by a poorer english student than I, if that is possible. Who ever did this did a very nice job. Another A+.

Blimp Envelope; The pictures just do not do the graphics on this envelope justice. Very bright, lots of color and just makes me want to salute the flag. I also have the Goodyear version on order. Can't wait! Another A+

Transmitter; Not real impressed here. This is definatly a TOY transmitter. Sloppy sticks, very small and just in general not a very good feel for me. But then again I am used to the upper lever transmitter feel and have been modeling for some 40 plus years. Small blimp so a small transmitter makes sense! Grade B.

Gondolla; Nice neat little package. The battery door is screwed on one end and held on the other with a couple of rivits. Two screws would have been nicer in my opinion. Nice on off switch mounted on the side for easy on/off function. White vacuum formed ABS plastic with black window decals installed. Two thrust motors side by side are fixed and will operate independantly for forwar/reverse/left/right. Another motor mounted on the bottom of the gondolla for climb/desend. Weight of this unit without battery is 54 grams. Length of antenna for 49mgz radio is 23". Grade A.

Other stuff; The only thing left is the ballast clay and stamped paper fins. These items are consistant with the rest of the kit. Grade A.

More on the actual build latter.

JEB

[rocketree2000]

got one a while back, I agree, packaging and the unit in general is really nice for the dollars. transmitter is OK but not great! Replace the photo battery with a simular mass LiPo. I got mine surplus from a cell phone pack and it works great!
it is fun chasing the cat around the house but go to a gymnasium and it is really great to fly! have fun!

[rocketree2000]

did a few mods over the weeks I flew it that you might try later. Try using foam tray material and make larger fins. I scaled mine up by 50% and the stability was much better in forward flight. This was necessary to get the speed to go after the cat. A bit of down and I could sneak up on him no problem. I hope to have it flying again soon after I find all the leaks caused by his claws! (OK, my fault but it was still too much fun not to do!) Regular scotch tape covers holes very well but I find the self adhesive monocote type material better after cleaning the area with alcohol first...