C187 / BL2 Hatch Solution

I figured out a way to keep the loose hatch from falling off and getting lost in flight.

All it took was the tiny spring from a disposable lighter, a little sheet metal screw small enough to screw into the spring snuggly and a set of pointy needle nose piers to bend a "C"-shaped hook on the spring's opposite end to anchor to the helicopter shell, looped around one of the peg-and-hole posts that keep the halves aligned. The screw end goes in the hole in the nose once occupied by an LED no longer needed. I may try a less conspicuous screw later if this works OK.

The spring feels like it will work just fine as long as I don't pull too hard on the lower half of the hatch. If needed I can make a new spring with a double loop to hold it more securely. Currently the spring serves as hinge for the hatch, and that's more than fine.

I just need the landing gear now. It should be here before Xmas but no promises. Too bad they were not available when I ordered the body shell.

The C/G location looks good as-is with battery installed and I doubt the lightweight skid will change that. Later I will try a 280mAh in place of the 200mAh.

Happy flying!