Who says gas remote control helicopters are now a thing of the past?
It is a well-known fact that expert RC helicopter pilots genuinely prefer gas remote control helicopters over electric powered RC helis. The primary reason for this preference is that flying gas remote control helicopters is quite the same as flying a real helicopter. Not only that the sound of gas remote control helicopters gives an enthralling and exciting feeling, the unavoidable smell of burning fuel adds greatly to the thrill and joy of the sport itself.
You might have definitely heard the saying that “When The Going Gets Tough – The Tough Get Going”, as a matter of fact, this applies exactly in the same sense to being able to own and operate gas remote control helicopters. It is a well known fact that when a hobby gets the most of you, everything about it starts becoming more and more serious in complete contrast to what some people might think of it. When people start taking their hobbies seriously, they make every effort to make them more enjoyable and exhilarating.
All those RC enthusiasts who own gas remote control helicopters not only take pleasure in flying this exciting machine but they also take pride in the handling and maintenance of their RC helis. They are so much absorbed in the technicalities and up keep of their equipment that doing this job eventually becomes a twin hobby for them. The high price of gas remote control helicopters becomes a minor issue for these RC heli buffs as they are more driven by passion than simple cost effective recreation.
While discussing more about gas remote control helicopters, let’s take the engine first. The engine used in a conventional gas RC helicopter is not very different from a two stroke single cylinder motorcycle engine that is well known for its power and speed. Similarly, the fuel it uses is a mixture of regular gasoline and two stroke mobile oil. The engine capacity for typical gas RC helicopters ranges between 20 cc to 30 cc and could possibly go over 30 cc in case of custom built RC helis.
Generally, gas remote control helicopters come in large sizes because of the engine size required for such machines. The rotor diameter of a typical gas RC helicopter starts from a bit over 1400 mm which is equal to about 57 inches and goes to 2000 mm which is equal to 80 inches. However, custom-made gas RC helicopters may have smaller or higher rotor diameters in proportion to their particular specifications. This means that if you want to have a large sized RC helicopter for yourself but do not wish to pay a relatively large amount of money for it, you can opt for a gas powered remote control helicopter in place of one with a turbine engine.
While talking of large sizes, it will definitely not be out of place to mention that large sized RC helicopters have certain advantages over smaller RC helis. Due to their larger size and obviously heavier weight, they are a great deal more stable during flight in strong weather conditions. Flying a remote controlled helicopter in strong winds can no doubt be a thrilling experience for many enthusiasts.
The additional gear that is required for gas RC helicopters is not very much different from the one that goes with other RC helis. For example the radio remote control device or unit (transmitter and receiver), the gyro and other equipment required for a gas powered RC heli is quite identical to the one that comes with nitro powered or turbine helicopters. You may go for a self start version or can get a pull start type of ignition system to start the engine of the helicopter. For user convenience, many gas powered helicopter engines have both these options.
If you are a starter RC heli user, you might be required to do some practice on a lighter and smaller type of RC helicopter in order to get used to handling such equipment. This for instance may be a cheaper electric powered RC helicopter. You should also keep in mind that one should always practice on lighter and cheaper equipment before taking that big leap. Once you are through with the basic flying practice with lighter electric powered RC helis, you can then move up to medium weight machines and subsequently to the larger and heavier class such as the classic gas remote control helicopters.
In the end I reiterate that fact that gas RC helicopters require extensive and regular maintenance as well as a lot of love and care not to mention quite a few bucks as well. On the other hand I assure you that with big and heavy gas remote control helicopters; you can most certainly stand out of the crowd and above all, have the respect that goes with owners of such classic machines.
