Buying Used R/C
Helicopters and Equipment
Know the seller. If you see something for
sale that you are interested in, you should ask a lot of questions. Get
references. If they use me for a reference, be sure to call me. Just
because someone says I'll vouch for them doesn't mean I will. Anyone can
say that. And remember, even if they use me, and you call me, all I can do
is tell you what I know. It's your responsibility to make sure what you
are buying is a good deal. I can only tell you if the guy has been honest.
- Ask for pictures...good pictures. A
picture of a helicopter sitting on the ground 10 feet away doesn't
tell you much.
- Ask for close up pictures and lots of
them. Email them to me if you don't know what to look for.
- Ask how long it's been since the engine
was run. I know I have some machines hanging around that need the
engine overhauled because they've been sitting around for years.
- Ask if the model was built from a kit
or upgraded from another model. If someone is selling, for example an
Xcell Pro2K, ask if it's a real Pro 2K or was upgraded from an older
Pro. Usually upgrades do not have everything the real model would.
- Don't expect much out of a used engine.
Plan on spending some money on it, regardless. I don't think I've ever
bought a used engine that was up to snuff.
- Find out everything that's included in
the price, like servos, receiver, gyro, engine, muffler, blades
It's way too often that someone buys a setup
on Ebay and finds out that it's a model that's been out of production for
many years and parts aren't available. Use your head...be informed...before
you buy. If you get hung with one of these models, give us a call. We might
be able to help. At least you'll know where you stand.
Copyright © 2010 Ron Lund, RONLUND.COM and Ron's
Heliproz South All rights reserved
