Model Forum / Radio Controlled / Helicopters / November 2007

Hi David,

I don't think anyone said the Bergen helicopter is "better" than the other
two.  The OP was requesting info on the Century and the Robbe.  Kevin simply
mentioned the Bergen machine as an alternative and I chimed in, agreeing
with him.

As I said in my first response, I don't have any personal experience with
the Robbe Gasser so I can't comment on it specifically.  I used to fly
Schluter (now Robbe) helicopters exclusively so I have no doubt as to the
quality of the machine or it's flight characteristics.  I have had the
opportunity to fly the Century Predator Gasser on several occasions and can
say that it's a fine flying machine.  I've also got a lot of experience with
Bergen helicopters in general and they are also fine flying machines, well
built and very tough.  About the only downside to the Bergen helicopter (at
least by today's standard) is that it's relatively old technology.  By that
I mean, it still uses a mechanical control system.  They never felt the need
to switch to an eCCPM control system.  I think that's hurt them in the sport
modeling arena but beyond that, it does nothing to detract from the flight
qualities of the helicopter.  Their control systems are push/pull redundant
throughout and very strong with no unwanted intermixing of cyclic and
collective.  That's not something you can say about an eCCPM system unless
you're careful about the initial setups, servo centering, etc.

As for the companies themselves, this is the impression I've had of them
through the past few years.

Robbe/Schluter - when Miniature Aircraft (X-Cell) had the import rights to
Schluter helicopters in the 80's, parts and support were great.  This was
pre- X-Cell days.  When Robbe bought out Schluter, it was like everything
dried up.  Parts were harder to come by and it was harder to find someone to
talk to.  I can't say how they are these days.  All I know is, I used to see
Robbe/Schluter all the time at fun-fly's and contests.  These days, I rarely
see them at all.

Century - is a relatively big company and they sell a number of successful
model helicopters, not the least of which is the Predator Gasser.  As with
most places, I've heard good and bad stories about them but I see their
products being flown at every fun-fly I go to and they're very good about
donating products for raffle and door prizes at these fun-fly's.  I recently
attended a fun-fly in Sulphur, LA that raffled off a Predator Gasser that
was donated by Century.  It's really good that they support the hobby that
way.

Bergen RC - is a relatively small company that was very active in the sport
side of things through the 1990's.  They eventually moved more into the
video platform mode and most of their machines are designed around aerial
photography and/or heavy lifting using single and twin cylinder gasoline
engines as well as the Wren turbine for power. They also sell a couple of
sport models that use the Zenoah G26 engine and a version or their original
Intrepid that's geared for a 90 size glo engine.  They had some financial
issues around the turn of the century but are well past that as far as I can
tell.  A lot of their customers are government agencies and schools.  Their
industrial twin has been used for the development of autonomous flight
systems although I'm not privy to the details of that.  Still, it sounded
pretty cool at the time.

Well, anyway, sorry but getting a bit long winded here.  Hope this helps
clarify things a bit!  :-)

Fly Safe,
Steve R.

Probably because they've not flown a Cuatro (robbe). The Century is a cheap
alternative to the Bergen and the Robbe.

Yeah, but seeing those 800s swingin is pure magic...  As for the
ticket price on the turbine..  It's only money!!

I can't wait to send them a big fat check in exchange fo a big fat
helicopter.

Hi Steve.

Well that makes a difference. A BIG one.

That "might" not be a totally fair statement to make but the

We don't see much from the Vario line here, which is odd given that they're
made just a few miles over the channel. Robbe has never beena problem to get
parts from though.

Indeed not.

Yep, oh well. If they can't be arsed to support their machines, then they
shouldn't expect people to buy them and as Septicland is the biggest market
in the world for this sort of stuff, it makes you think. Oddly it doesn't
seem to make THEM think.

I've no issues with Bergen I just prefer the feel of the Robbe heli's. They
always fly exactly the same each tiome they're taken out and don't need sh.t 
loads of maintenance between trips to the field. They're very predictable
too with no vices and while most other heli's have their "traits", the only
traits I've discovered with Robbe are "reliability and flyability"

Nice to speak with you again too. Keep well.