Robinson R22/R44 in 1/48 scale

I haven't built the kit, but I flew an R-22 once. It had the most simplistiuc controls I've ever seen on a helicopter in my life. The cyclic sits in between the pilot and copilot with a bar on a swivel at the top that goes right and left to each one like handlebars on a bicycle. The only thing on each end is a handlebar grip ... no throttle beeper, no commo button ... nothing. The collective is also double-teamed with a swivel bar behind the seats and a straight piece of pipe on the left side of each flyer. All it has is a motocycle throttle and a button for a friction brake to hold position.
The R-22 was very, very light on the controls and difficult to keep steady, especially in a hover or a crosswind. All the same, it has very good performance for a recip and I enjoyed trying one out.

I would like to know more about the kit, i built special hobie's 1/72 R-22, but have not seen the one you mention. Do you have any links?
Lee

Midnightprowler,
The kit is produced by Legato - there is a photo of the parts and sprues in the 'Sprue Zone' on the Helikitnews web site.
MBT70
I, too, have flown the R22. A 45 minute flight with a mate of mine who owns a helicopter flying company. Controls are VERY light - thumb and forefinger only on the cyclic, and just think where you want to go and you're off!! On engine start-up, you think you have just started an old VW Beetle! Great fun and a marvellous experience.

Colin,
Good to hear you enjoyed the flight ... It's the smallest I ever flew except the Schweitzer, which was Hughes at the time. I think the hottest I ever pulled pitch on was an OH-6, although I had some front seat time in and AH1-G that was quite memorable ... 1968 ....

Hi Colin,
Yeah, that's a nice kit and I think you would enjoy building it !

P.S.: By the way, a bit off-topic here, but I hear our mutual friend George is back in Scotland. I was wondering if you had any news from him ? You can PM me via my email about that (click my ID) !!! (Francois in Canada)

timemachinewells,
See my post in the General Discussions forum, or contact direct via my ID.