I just spoke to the owner of RCER about US parts availability and FBL...

[feapril5]

Originally Posted by Himilou

I emailed hobby people earlier this week and they replied stating that they had no plans to discontinue the dragons. Matter o fact they just got in a shipment of the kits cause I got an in stock product email yesterday.

On another Note: the dragonus tail boom seemed weak to me. I went to the local hardware store and bought 6' of aluminum tube for under $10. I didn't bother to notch it just cut the ends flush and it works w no issue.

That's funny because I was going to order another D2 kit on that promotion they had 16-17th and of course they were out of stock. I'm supposed to get the same emails regarding kit availability but did not get one. So I called Hobby People and they confirmed they were out of stock and the website is accurate. The guy I spoke to on the phone, the one who claims he orders kits and spares, said they get kits every 4-6 weeks and spare replenishments every 2-3 months. I just checked their website and it is still out of stock. And as usual, they don't have any of the usual crash parts in stock.

I like your idea of homemade tail booms. Which hardware store did you use? $10 for six feet is tempting if the weight and strength is close to par.

[Himilou]

Got this on Sunday

Hello

You are receiving this notification because you subscribed to receive alerts when the following products are back in stock:
<img alt="" align="left" border="0" height="75" width="75"> RCer Dragonus II 450 EP 3D Heli Kit (No Electronics)
Start with this capable, basic, affordable kit and expand your skills. This design was proven both in 3D CAD modeling testing as well as in strenuous 3D extreme flight. Popular among many electric helicopter pilots, the Dragonus is sure to impress. Options are available to customize your Dragonus to provide you with the performance you want at a price you can afford.
Price: $59.99


The website still says out of stock though. I just replied to the mail for clarification.

As far as the tube goes I went to McClendons. Its a local chain store. You can probably go to Lowes or Home Dictator but they are not as helpful and have less choice for more "exotic stuff"

I'm curious about having hardened shafts made. The dragonus standard ones are so weak they bend if you look at them wrong. The design is simple though I think a regular machine shop could handle it.

[feapril5]

I'm annoyed that I didn't get that email notification, even if it was eroneous.

I'll check for grins on my next visit to HD or Lowes but don't have high hopes the friendly staff would be able to help even if they did have something that would work. Glad you found a local source though, it encourages me to check other similar outlets in the future when I'm unable to get the proper Rcer part.

If you don't have access to a drill press, I would think a machine shop would have no trouble modifying Align mainshafts to work for you. They need only drill two holes in the proper location based on the Rcer original. FWIW, I've had very good luck with the hardened mainshafts from Rcer, its the regular mainshaft that's a limp noodle. I did my first inverted autorotation on the hardened piece, flipped it over and continued flying. That was not a planned manuever.

Thanks for the reply. Good info.

[FiveZigen]

For main shafts, as stated above you can modify a Trex450, but only one new hole is required to be drilled for the tail belt pulley on the align shaft. The hole where the jesus bolt mounts through is in the same place on both shafts. You can make a simple jig out of a block of wood to do this yourself in about 5 minutes.

I just used this 13mm carbon tube from hobbyking for my tail booms. Seems to be working well so far and lighter then the aluminum original. I had to sand the outside of the carbon tube down slightly so it would fit into the boom block. You get two booms for $5.
http://www.hobbyking.com/hobbyking/s..._13x750mm.html

[feapril5]

Good catch. For the stock headblock you do only have to drill a single hole. I recently did a conversion to a DFC head and that experience colored my memory of what goes with what. I've changed so many things so many times over the years its starting to become a jumble.

[Himilou]

Anybody have any ideas about how to use different tail parts? I'm missing the tail blade pitch control link.
Just got done looking at the Rcer site and 3 hardended main shafts \ the tail control kit ( only way to get that part ) plus shipping == 50.00 US.
Sorry I'm just not gonna pay that So I need some alternatives.

[rc247]

Pm sent to ya!!! Keep the Dragon flyin!!!

[feapril5]

Originally Posted by Himilou

Anybody have any ideas about how to use different tail parts? I'm missing the tail blade pitch control link.
Just got done looking at the Rcer site and 3 hardended main shafts \ the tail control kit ( only way to get that part ) plus shipping == 50.00 US.
Sorry I'm just not gonna pay that So I need some alternatives.

Check the Hobby People website. The piece you need is $7 plus shipping. Didn't see hardened mainshafts. In the next month or so I'll probably put a big order in and stock up. I'll let everyone know ahead of time so they can piggyback on my order to save shipping if they are interested. Viva la Dragonus.

[buzzsaw 46]

Good idea to just organize group buys. I'll probably need a few things so will watch this space

[rc247]

Me too!

[feapril5]

Originally Posted by buzzsaw 46

Good idea to just organize group buys. I'll probably need a few things so will watch this space

I'll start a new thread when I do that. Right now I'm waiting for a Visa giftcard to arrive to finance my next order. When that happens I'll post here and give it a week. RC247 and Buzz, I'll pm you guys so you don't have to worry about missing out.

[rc247]

Sounds good!

[buzzsaw 46]

Thanks!