[REVIEW] 9396 B-Model

[Blakbird]

I recently got an extra copy of 42009 and 9396 on sale at Toys R Us with the intent to use them for parts. I figured that before I parted them out I may as well build and enjoy the B-models first. I took a few pictures and will present a very brief review.

The 9396 B-model is an intermeshing rotor helicopter - a very unusual configuration. I was pleased to see TLG choose such an obscure type of helicopter as a model. These types of choppers really do exist! A conventional heli needs a tail rotor to compensate for the torque generated by the main rotor. A few helicopters use two main rotors instead. A tandem rotor configuration uses one in front and one in back. A coaxial rotor uses one right on top of the other. An intermeshing rotor does just what it sounds like. The rotors are installed next to each other with axes tilted away and rotating in opposite directions.

This helicopter drives the main rotors (and other functions) using the small prop on the tail as a crank. On real intermeshing helicopters, the main rotors have a cyclic which can be used to provide thrust in any direction, just like a normal helicopter. This model seems to use a prop for propulsion and rotors for lift, so it is more like a cross with a gryocopter. The main rotors do have collective pitch adjusted by a lever behind the pilot's seat. The mechanism doesn't work very well because it jams against the adjacent linear actuator 9 times out of 10. The collective mechanism is also not heavy enough to droop under its own weight when you release the lever. The heli features a two position gearbox under the engines. The second function is retractable main landing gear which tucks up flush with the body.

This picture shows the left over parts, and as you can see the vast majority of the parts are used for the alternate model. This is also a really big model! Take a look next to the 42025 Cargo plane.

I was pleasantly surprised at how much I like this model. I certainly think it is worth building if you own 9396. The big tail prop works really well as a crank so you can drive the main rotors very fast, and even generate a little wind if you pitch the rotors!

No, it won't fly.

[Rishab N]

Nice review. I just got a 9396 so i think i may disassemble it to make this model

[Balrog]

When I got the 9396 I also built the B model after a while and had in display for quite some time. I really liked it because of the intermeshing blades and all. I think I will rebuild one of the two models soon.

[Paul B Technic]

The B model of this actually looks really good, thanks for sharing your mini review.

[CP5670]

I think this is one of the best Technic B models ever. It's a unique concept in Technic and has a range of functionality comparable to the main model, unlike most B models. It's also easy to motorize, and is very impressive to watch running with a 5292 motor added to the rear propellor. The rotors actually run much slower when tilted due to the air resistance they produce.

[gmshades]

I just brought 9396 with me this week to turn into the B Model for something to do. I am also impressed with the model. Although I have to say it will be for sale soon to raise money for the new sets.

[D3K]

This is in my opinion one of the best B-models for quite some time! The push-propeller in the rear gives it a slight AH-56 Cheyenne feel!

[Rishab N]

After reading Blakbird's review I decided it was a good idea to tear down my 9396 and make it into this and I must say it is one of Lego's best B models

[roeltheworld]

https://www.mediafire.com/file/gjpuqhy6r2g3xr6/9396-2.io/file

https://www.mediafire.com/file/82igfsor3ch0fuh/9396-2_Blue.io/file

Here are some IO files I made for the B-model just to try out different paints.

Slightly related, here's a paint job of 9396 A-model with the colours that I had lying around: