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MDS 38 helicopter engine installation into the Caliber model helicopter
The MDS38H ABC helicopter engine packs a lot of power into a 30 sized model.
The engine is mounted in the helicopter with the crankshaft pointing vertically upwards. An aluminium alloy engine mount is included with the Caliber, the engine being mounted with four machine screws into the mount. On my example of the MDS 38 engine the mounting holes were drilled slightly too far inboard on one of the lugs, this caused a misalignment when fitting it on the mount. To overcome this I used a needle file on the offending holes and elongated them slightly. The engine could then be mounted perfectly on the helicopter mounting.
It's not pleasant having to take a file to a brand new engine but the job was straightforward. I blocked up all the engine's orrifices before removing metal.
The engine also had a poor thread in the throttle arm component which stripped, this was drilled out and retapped 4mm.
Other than these two problems the engine has proved a little cracker and a veritable power house.
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Above pictures show the engine fitted into the model helicopter. A belt drive is used to take the power from the clutch bell. This then drives a spindle with the tail rotor drive belt sprocket and a main rotor drive steel pinion. The steel pinion drives a plastic spur gear which is mounted on the rotor head shaft.
The picture below if studied will better explain the efficiently designed drive train used on the helicopter.
The tail rotor drive belt is mounted with a 90 degree twist over it's length. This so far has proved totally reliable.
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This Caliber model helicopter came with a full compliment of ballraces totaling around 46 in all. The whole machine is a great piece of model engineering.
Main chassis is made from a tough plastic (glass reinforced I reckon). All the balljoints consist of metal balls with plastic sockets.
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Kyosho Caliber model helicopter introduction, page 1.
Kyosho Caliber model helicopter engine installation details, page 2.
Page 3 of the article showing radio control installation details etc.
The body work (canopy) of the RC Caliber heli - on page 4.
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