Crash Kit?

[SQRT(-2)]

What parts would you buy for a crash kit for a Gaui 425 EP? I don't want to go nuts, but I do like having a few parts on hand for my helis. So a minor crash won't keep me down for long.

I am thinking:

Main Shaft
Feathering Shaft
Blades
Links
Flybar (at least till I go FBL)
Tail Boom

Anything else?

[PTcaflyer]

...those are good, might add the tail case and LG
I keep at least 2 boom assemblies ready to go...

[Jerrymac]

About the only other things that I usually damage in a minor crash are the landing skid braces and tail fins. The skid braces are pretty strong, but not flexible at all. If you come down hard on one skid, it usually breaks the skid brace off near the frame.

Gaui makes a high rigidity skid brace set for the X5 to solve the same problem, but they are almost always out of stock everywhere. I use Trex 600 3D skids on my Hurri 550 as they are much better, but they would probably look a little odd on the 425 due to their size.

A "major" crash will usually involve a few more damaged parts, but surprisingly, the Hurri crashes pretty well considering it's size and weight.

[EKron]

Well, it may look funny but I'm quite fond of the 600/700 skids on my 425. I even prefer the regular ones over the F3C's. Here's a height comparison between the regular 600/700 skids and he F3C version. I'm using a Trex 600 flybar too.



And the full frontal view


Some have commented here that they don't like the proportions with the short boom, 425's, tall skids and the big Trex 550 canopy but in person, everyone really seems to like it. It kind of grows on you.






As far as crash parts, the normal stuff, main & feathering shafts, links, etc. Twice now I've busted the plastic linkage rod ends but have yet to bend one of the rods. Last crash I bent one of the older hollow main shafts and twisted my flybar like a pretzel but didn't bend the feathering shaft . I zip tie my skids on and have busted them off a few times but have yet to actually break one. I have bent up the skid tubes a bit but have managed to straighten them well enough to reuse. I've got all the metal head parts except am using the plastic little mixing arms thingys thinking they might be a sacrificial failure point? I also replaced the kinky rudder control rod with the CNC pushrod conversion and made a CF tube for the long back section and took off the guides. I put a plastic "floor" in the frame and mounted my Quark and RX on it. It extends out the back a little and I mounted the Quark Simplex connector and Castle Quick Link on it for easy access. It's bolted down and maybe adds a little rigidity to the frame as well?





I've also fitted, drilled and tapped a thick piece of Lexan to maybe help support the upper frame some?



I'm just throwing this stuff out there so maybe you can get some ideas?

I buy from AlleRC mostly because they're local and (shhh) share the same inventory and database as Empire. Also Clubheli, Anything heli, HeliFlightCenter, RCdumbThumbs. As noted, most of the stuff listed under the 550 is exactly the same as the 425. I've got two booms complete with the tailcase and thrust bearing grips and belt ready to go in my spares kit although am running the metal tailcase and metal grips. I'm not real fond of the plastic tailcases and big idler pulley mostly because of looks and you can't see the belt. You should probably have a one-way bearing and shaft on hand too.

Good luck with your new huri. I think you're gonna like it?

[Jerrymac]

EKron, that is a very nice looking bird you have there. Did you do the paint work yourself? If so, you did an excellent job.

[EKron]

Originally Posted by Jerrymac

EKron, that is a very nice looking bird you have there. Did you do the paint work yourself? If so, you did an excellent job.

Thank you, sir! Yes, I did do the paint and an almost matching one for my 450. Can't see it much in the above pics but I fiberglassed in a hood scoop to maybe help cool my top mounted ESC a bit? There's more pics in my gallery if you're interested? This is my fancy go-to-town canopy. I've got some junkers I fly with.

Just yesterday I got another plain white Trex 550 canopy ($17) to start on and am doing something different this time. I'm toying with the idea of side scoops and have been reading up on NACA ducts. I have a few things sketched out but am undecided yet on exactly what I'm going to do. Whatever it is, I'll be doing matching or complimentary canopies for my 450, X2 and 255. It'll probably take me a month.

-- Elisabeth

Added another image