Gorham Cobra 60

[Figit090]

NEVERMIND. I just called the guy and he confused another buyer with me and sold the thing... :(:( that was depressing.

Does anyone have info on this heli or where i could maybe find parts for it? I'm told it's 17 years old.

One just popped up locally for 50 dollars with support equipment and I'd like to get it but it would help if I knew i could fly it and be able to buy new parts if the blades or something breaks... I KNOW i am not 'qualified' to fly this but i would learn and fly it in the future. until then i'd keep it safe. it looks like a great deal... 5 foot wingspan, 60 engine...i think an extra engine with it too, and a 7 channel Futaba radio! but its old...

but i just dont want to drop my scarce money on something that is so dated its not worth a hoot now. parts is a big concern on this one. all i found was that the main flight components like the rotor hub, tail rotor, and swash plate control systems were Hirobo while the frame was made by Gorham Model Products (GMP).

also, can helicopter starters start airplanes?

pics:


http://images.craigslist.org/010112011512010312200712028e5021c2149b04c97d008259 .jpg

http://images.craigslist.org/01010001030201040720071202bb9ffdb52eb0df20280098f3 .jpg

http://images.craigslist.org/0102030103020104082007120241cfc7932b16581003000be4 .jpg

http://images.craigslist.org/01010001150901040320071202bbc1502a2731f605de00ff6f .jpg

[Vince]

Hi Figit090,
First off, I want to warn you about the hidden costs of picking up an old used heli. You think that it will be an easy way to test the waters without shelling out a lot of cash. But the harsh reality is that you will spend more money trying to get an old heli flying and repaired after crashes, than if you simply went new.
My brother Mike started out with a great deal on 2 matched helis, Hirobo Shuttles. Older, but one was almost flyable and the other was spares, since it had been crashed and had some parts taken to replace broken parts on the first. Mike would have spent less, and had way less frustration if he had purchased new.
Parts are less available for the older models, so you will have longer down time after every crash. Advice from other heli pilots is driven by their experience on new models. Very few current pilots have flown the older models enough to give good advice.
And then there is the missing advantage of all the upgrades that have come about in design.

My advice is to avoid picking up an old heli like the one you listed.

Oh, the starters that we have start both helis and airplanes.

If you want to look over some new nitro setups, go take a look at ronlund.com (http://www.ronlund.com)

If I were buying a nitro heli, I would pick up a Hirobo Sceadu 50, or a T-Rex nitro, or a Raptor 50.

You could save some cash by buying a 30 sized nitro, but compare the two. The 50 is a better deal in the long run.

Good luck. Read a lot. Ask a lot of questions. Let us know how you do.
Vince

[Figit090]

Thanks Vince. I'm glad I didn't get it, it would have been a 50 dollar hanging model (which i wouldn't mind:D ) and i saved my money for gas. I probably won't get into helis anytime soon because i can't afford it and the 50 dollar ticket in was my only means... I didnt know it was that old :o and it looked comlete.

but you're right parts would be really difficult to get and would take the fun from it. I'll put money into planes for now, i have a nice biplane i got for free that needs a little fixing up. After training on a few other planes i'll be able to fly it, i hope. :)

[Vince]

Still at the early stages of learning to fly? Ed has a lot of good information on this thread (http://forums.radiocontrolzone.com/showthread.php?t=242866).

[r5cents]

Anthony
I have to say I am the guy who bought the Gorham Cobra 60 for $50.00.


The guy who sold it never asked my name till I was leaving with the bird already in my truck.


I have to say if anyone knows of parts I would be interested. This bird is ready to fly but I am afraid if I crash I will not be able to fix it . so for now it will sit on a shelf. I found that Mr Gorham is still alive in So Cal. Maybe someone has parts around, I won't fly it till I can find some parts. I have heard this is a good old bird that flys great. any comments

[Vince]

Anthony
any comments

Hi r5cents,
Do you have heli experience?
Vince

[r5cents]

No,
My brother has been flying them for a few years . I would train on his and let him fly this. he says he hasn't broke anything in a few months and he flys regularly. This is a big heli and seams like it would crash hard.

Thanks

[r5cents]

I think anthony is the guy who missed out on this heli.