RunRyder - Approach Engineering eCobra / Swift 16 Build

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Scale Model RC Helicopters > Approach Engineering eCobra / Swift 16 Build

Seaviper
Senior Heliman
Location: Ft Lauderdale

Just picked up an Approach Engineering eCobra kit.

This will be the build thread once I get started. Any helpful hints would be appreciated.

For now I am waiting on the kit. I've been looking at the photos from the manual and believe I can make the belt removeable. Maybe.

Photos when the kit arrives.

Patrick
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10-15-2008 12:14 PM

HOMEPAGE

falcon447
Heliman
Location: Overland Park KS USA!

Seaviper

Lookin forward to it!!!

Good Luck with the build!!!

Brian

Thanks to all the brave service people who serve our country!

Brian (ViperDraggs) Jones

10-24-2008 05:42 AM

head04
Senior Heliman
Location: Fort Lauderdale, FL

Patrick,

Keep us posted, I'm thinking about purchasing another Swift for the same kit.

10-24-2008 05:24 PM

Seaviper
Senior Heliman
Location: Ft Lauderdale

The kit came in this week. Haven't had time to work on it though.
Anyway, here are some photos. Sorry for the bad lighting.

When you open the box you know it's a high quality kit. You'll find a bound printed manual, full size color plans, and some really high quality laser cut parts along with sturdy molded landing gear and vac-formed windows, doghouse, and exhaust.

I also have a reference CD for the Cobra on the way from Approach.

Patrick
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10-25-2008 03:17 AM

HOMEPAGE

falcon447
Heliman
Location: Overland Park KS USA!

Seaviper

Looks to be a very nice kit!! Well made and put together!

I will have to check them out, is the web address

ApproachEngineering.com?

Thanks and good luck!!

Brian

Thanks to all the brave service people who serve our country!

Brian (ViperDraggs) Jones

10-25-2008 05:05 AM

Pistol_Pete
Elite Veteran
Location: Tampa Bay non-Buccaneer

Subscribed!!!

Keep the photos coming...thanks.

<><>...the lunatic is in my head...<><>

10-25-2008 01:02 PM

HOMEPAGE

Hoverup
Elite Veteran
Location: Gulf Coast

http://www.starwoodmodels.com/produ...102overview.php

Cheers - Boyd
AMA80393
IRCHA 3355
Major USAF
Retired

10-25-2008 01:45 PM

Dr.Tim
Key Veteran
Location: Mojave Desert

We have updated a few parts in the E-Cobra kits as well as the just released E-Apache kit, Like Bound not the ring binder instruction manuals, Laser parts for both the Logo and swift in one kit. 50,000 rpm Sealed bearings and so on, Little things but we think it will improve the quality, Plus a portion still goes out to Jame's sons!!

Enjoy the build!

Dr.Tim

From Simple minds come simple ideas! Starwood Models, Approach Engineering

10-25-2008 02:30 PM

HOMEPAGE

ausfly
Heliman
Location: sydney australia

kits

all you need to do now dr is make some for gasser sizes

My heli is supported by invisible string. I hate it when the string breakes. Rappy 50v2,futaba,401

10-26-2008 12:42 AM

Dr.Tim
Key Veteran
Location: Mojave Desert

Working on a 60 to 90 size Cobra .. Any larger I will have to clear cut a few Balsa Forests!

Dr.Tim

From Simple minds come simple ideas! Starwood Models, Approach Engineering

10-26-2008 12:59 AM

HOMEPAGE

Seaviper
Senior Heliman
Location: Ft Lauderdale

Quote
just released E-Apache kit

Is it out yet? If so sign me up.

Back to the build. I expect to get some good work done over the next week or so. Expect some photos as the work progresses. Day job keeps getting in the way....

Patrick
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10-26-2008 01:13 AM

HOMEPAGE

Dr.Tim
Key Veteran
Location: Mojave Desert

Yes Patrick!! The first batch have been shipped to starwoodmodels!! Email them from thier website to get one of the first production kits..

Thank you for your Patience!

Dr.Tim

From Simple minds come simple ideas! Starwood Models, Approach Engineering

10-26-2008 01:40 AM

HOMEPAGE

Seaviper
Senior Heliman
Location: Ft Lauderdale

Well, I will order one as soon as Starwood answers the phone.

Anyway, I am putting the Cobra on the front burner. This project will be updated regularly. All input welcome. Especially if you are building one too, let's share the thread.

Look for some build photos on Sunday or Monday.

Mechs are slated to be a Swift 16 with 515 Carbons running on 5S.

Radio is JR X9303 2.4GHz

Where's a good place to get those 6" helo pilots? Is that the size I need? 1/12 scale correct?

Quote
I'm thinking about purchasing another Swift for the same kit

Head04, do you know of a good local hobby shop that stocks Swifts?

Patrick
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10-26-2008 02:14 AM

HOMEPAGE

Pistol_Pete
Elite Veteran
Location: Tampa Bay non-Buccaneer

Tower Hobbies...minus $25 for a $150 purchase...makes it a $165 heli.

Use code 014D8

Being a cheesy member knocks off another $10 for shipping.

Code should be good for the rest of October

<><>...the lunatic is in my head...<><>

10-26-2008 01:02 PM

HOMEPAGE

head04
Senior Heliman
Location: Fort Lauderdale, FL

Warrick Hobbies in Plantation sold Swifts, they may still have parts.

10-27-2008 03:58 AM

ghostrideroo7
Heliman
Location: palm coast, fl,usa

Dr.Tim I did the number crunching on the apache and came up with this ,if you enlarge the apache by 50% more than what it is now then you would end up with a 85.5 inch model ,the only thing you would have to change on it is the mounting plate for the mechs ,everything will remain the same .for those who would want a smooth finish they can fiberglass it with 1/2 sq or 3/4 sq oz cloth

10-27-2008 04:07 PM

Seaviper
Senior Heliman
Location: Ft Lauderdale

Got started on the Cobra FINALLY!

I will upload more photos tonight when more work is done hopefully.

Got step 1 done and fixed a couple broken balsa pieces.

Ordered the final mech parts from Century today. (also ordered the eApache from Starwood..don't tell my wife)

The Cobra CD came in today as well. Thanks Dr. Tim.

Mechs on the Cobra are as follows.

Swift 16 stock
600A+ motor, 80/100 ESC, 9 tooth pinion
4mm Flybar Upgrade with paddles
Flight Power Evo25 5s1p 5000 Lithium Batt
R921 RX
Duralite 2s 2150 Li-Ion RX pack with 7.5A 5.1V regulator and switch
GY401/9254
3x JR DS4131's
515 Carbon Angled Tip blades CN265166C
Eagle Tree eLogger

Quote
Warrick Hobbies in Plantation sold Swifts, they may still have parts

They do have a few older parts. But that's all. Mostly Blades and Trex's there now. I did see a Swift RTF box there today though.

Side Note: Century Helicopters customer service:I have a Swift 620SE 10S combo slated for the Apache project (previously assigned to the Bell 222). The motor was damaged (broken magnet inside) and a washout arm was defective. The guys at Century were courteous and prompt, allowing me to return the motor and arm for replacement. I will definitely be doing more business with them in the future. As far as the choice of Swift mechs goes, I have flown the little Swift at over 11 pounds with camera gear and cannot say enough about what a good bird it is. Having a good company to help you out when something is missing or defective is a big plus too. Thanks Century!

Patrick
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10-27-2008 07:55 PM

HOMEPAGE

Dr.Tim
Key Veteran
Location: Mojave Desert

Just to clearify, The E-Cobra you have is the Older Version. Not sure if James had completed most of the updates when that kit was produced. Since I have aquired the company a few Items have been upgraded. Email me with any issues and I will try to help you with your build. From what I can see in the pictures you should be OK ...

Dr.Tim

From Simple minds come simple ideas! Starwood Models, Approach Engineering

10-27-2008 10:10 PM

HOMEPAGE

Seaviper
Senior Heliman
Location: Ft Lauderdale

So far so good. I mitred the 3/4" triangle stock, no problem. The HFD part had to be trimmed to fit between the 3/4" triangle stock.

Hope I didn't screw anything up.