Scale model RC helicopters are designed to perform and fly like full sized helicopters. Around the world there are scale model competitions where self built scale models are judged based on how much they look like the full sized helicopter. Many modelers will get every single detail perfect even inside of the cockpit.
Scale RC helicopters are often used in movies instead of a real helicopter. It is almost impossible to tell the difference between real and scale model helicopter in real life, let alone on film.
You can buy a scale model kit from a hobby store or create everything from scratch and modeling it off a real helicopter. You can find kits that come ready to go and you just need to install it. This means that for example paint schemes are ready. Some kits provide only the bare bones and you can put it together yourself. If you are just starting this hobby it is maybe better to choose the easy way.
Some extreme modelers design the entire scale model RC helicopter from scratch. Building it from the scratch often means lot of work and hand tools, but it is for sure very rewarding thing to do. Wood is often used in these projects, because its light weight and it is easy to work with.
Six channel radios are often used in controlling basic RC helicopter. Three channels are used for cyclic, one for the gyro gain, one for the throttle and one for the rudder.
Scale RC helicopters often have another features also, like lights and landing gear that you'll want to be able to control so you need at least a nine channel radio transmitter, though a twelve channel would be preferable.
If you are considering of choosing a scale model RC helicopter, you should know that it is very addictive. Once you go a scale model building, it’s hard to go back. When you have built up your scale model RC helicopter from start to finish yourself and you can start the engine for the first time, it is one of the most wonderful things in life.