Real RC Benchy Whoop

DIY: Benchy Takes Off!

I’ve been having a lot of fun with the current Benchy contests, and today I found my daughter’s old drone – and the idea hit me instantly! 😎 I actually managed to turn this kids’ drone into a flying Benchy! 🚁💡
Check out how this 3D-printed Benchy now soars through the air – from a toy drone to a real flying model!

V1.15

Materials: BenchyWhoop

For this project, ideally, you'll need this drone: https://amzn.to/3XXgIEc

 

Assembly Guide: BenchyWhoop

📄 For detailed build instructions, check out the included PDF assembly guide.

📣 Community Links & Extra Content

Here you can find all my related MakerWorld community posts for this project

📸 V1.15 Showcase + PimpMyBenchy Station 👉 https://makerworld.com/community/post/281085
🔧1.14 Modular is Better!                                      👉 https://makerworld.com/community/post/266955
🧱 First Mod is here: BrickMod!                           👉 https://makerworld.com/community/post/267881
🤝 Not Without My Team                                      👉 https://makerworld.com/community/post/271380
 

🛠️ Update History

V1.08 
The very first concept, built just to see if it would work. Basic shape, rough structure, but it flew – and that’s what counted! 😅

🔹 V1.09 – Crash Recovery & Material Upgrade

I had a break after a hard crash with V1.08 – totally expected since it was made from PLA.
In V1.09, I added an extra support strut and switched to PETG for better durability.
🧪 Now it’s time to test how long it survives in the wild!

🔹 V1.14 – Fully Modular Redesign
I’ve made several improvements to the drone in this version:

• The entire design is now modular, which makes the assembly process much more convenient.
• Motors and the flight controller can be soldered first, then inserted easily into the frame.
• The propeller arms have also been redesigned to be swappable in seconds – completely glue-free.

This update makes building and maintaining the BenchyWhoop way easier and much more fun to tinker with! 🔧 

Pimp My Benchy – V1.15 is here! 🚀

The latest update of my Benchy Drone introduces a fully reworked design and some exciting new features:

• Improved cable management
• Integrated battery mount

• Saved another 1g of weight! 💪

  
   

And the highlight of the release: the brand-new “Pimp My Benchy” Station!
A custom turntable that lets your drone spin in style – perfect for showcasing and presentation purposes. Because hey, why not show off your Benchy in motion? 😄
 

Also included are new Top Modules (T1–T5) for extra customization and fun upgrades!

https://makerworld.com/community/post/277398

🚀 What's New in BenchyWhoop v1.16! 🚀

🛠️ Full Redesign!
I completely reworked the design and managed to save about 3–4 grams without compromising strength!
 

🛡️ Optional Arms with Prop Guards!
Now you can choose between open arms or arms with integrated propeller protection for safer flights. 🔥
 

🦈 Aggressive New Look!
The v1.16 comes with a bold, shark-inspired design that gives it a much more aggressive and dynamic appearance!
 

🧩 New Lightweight Print Profile!
I also created an alternative print profile with optimized lightweight settings – allowing you to save about 1 gram on the Benchy body and the canopy! Perfect for tuning and hitting those ultra-light builds. 🎯

V1.16 - Shark

🔎 Experience with the Prop Guard! 🔎
 

🛠️ The broken guard shown in the picture is the result of several crashes!
To keep the weight low, the alternative arm + propeller guard design is very delicate – I highly recommend printing it at least in PETG for better durability!

✅ The arm + guard combo works great for absorbing small mid-air bumps and protects the propellers from major damage.
⚠️ However, as mentioned, it won't withstand harder crashes very well. It's a trade-off between weight and toughness!




Mod 1 – Brick Mount

This small but fun mod lets you send your favorite mini figures on big adventures! 🧱✨

It simply snaps on and holds firmly in place without any glue or screws, thanks to smart design and pressure fit.

A picture says more than a thousand words… so let your figure hop on and get ready for the next mini adventure! 😄

https://makerworld.com/community/post/267881

If you have any questions, please write to me 👍😄