A Buyer's Guide to Helicopter Toys & Other Helicopter Models

Helicopter toys , amongst all the helicopter models, can be challenging when there is such a selection these days. A micro electric RC helicopter is excellent since it's quiet and small enough to be flown indoors, which is an obvious advantage in the middle of winter.

However, even though modern electric helis fly well, because of their small size they're much more sensitive to wind which can intimidate beginners. But if you've got a large field away from the neighbors then the very popular .30 size helicopter models are a good choice.

Horsepower is a heli's friend, something you won't find in smaller helicopter toys. Get the biggest displacement engine that's recommended for the heli, either a .30 cubic inch or the larger .60. Although many people feel that .60 size helicopter models fly better than .30 size, they are significantly more expensive, and in our opinion, don't help beginners learn better.

Collective pitch helis are recommended over fixed pitch helis as they are easier to fly and only slightly more expensive. Both are available in either a micro electric RC helicopter or it's bigger cousin the gas powered heli. By collective pitch, we're referring to the variable rotor blade angle which regulates the different amounts of lift. With a fixed pitch unit, the lift is governed only by the motor speed, which has it's disadvantages.

All modern radio transmitters, other than those found with helicopter toys, have more than enough features for beginners. Any heli radio will work, but don't skimp on the servos. The mid-range "computer" transmitters with LCD displays are worthwhile, since they make setting up easier than doing it mechanically. Beginners should avoid the top-of-the-line transmitters since they are very expensive (~USD$1000), but those who are serious about helicopter models should consider investing in one.

Be patient and deliberate when building a micro electric RC helicopter or gas model. If you aren't an experienced builder, don't guess if you aren't sure - ask for help. Make sure you have the right tools for the job (metric wrenches, correct size screwdrivers, thread locker, proper glue). Don't take this for granted. Balancing components on a heli is critical, so if instructions call for it, take your time and get it right! Use your common sense. Lock nuts and using thread locker (i.e. Loctite) are very important, so don't neglect them. We don't want our helicopter models to come apart (especially from vibration) in midair!

With the exception of helicopter toys, it's important to set up the linkages mechnically correct to make the heli fly properly. This will also help later on when you are fine-tuning the control throws from your transmitter. Follow instructions and ask for help if uncertain. Make sure all the controls are smooth and not binding. The CG (Center of Gravity) of the heli should be just below the main shaft or forward (nose heavy). A nose heavy gas or micro electric rc helicopter is less intimidating to fly.

You'll need to know how to adjust the air/fuel mixture with the engine's needle valve. Rich = more fuel, lean = less fuel. Overheating engines are usually caused by mixture too lean - it will lose power suddenly, and in extreme cases, it will stop. Not a problem with inexpensive helicopter toys, but with the costly gas helicopter models you should always err on the side of rich mixture when adjusting the needle. Your engine is running right when you can see smoke in the exhaust. If you don't see much smoke and the engine is beginning to wail, it's about to overheat. Stop or idle the engine and richen the mixture.

Final trimming of the heli requires a series of ~5 second hops. Adjustments should be made while the heli is on the ground. This is where an expert can save you a lot of time by trimming the gas or micro electric rc helicopter for you. And of course even with helicopter toys, time is money!