Hey all, newish to RC boats but keen scale kit builder.
Usually don't go for converting my scale models, but I picked up this Elco along with a 1/72 Tamiya PT15 in a sale and thought it's too good to sit on a shelf in my loft. (SWMBO doesn't allow me to 'display' my work around the house😮).
I'm not intending weathering/adding loads of etch etc as this makes it too fragile to transport and what-not.
Kit was complete but instructions and ref manual were missing.
I'm aware there are hardware kits to motorised this but they're too pricey for my budget! I've picked up/recycled some
gear to run it but need some build opinions. I've built and primed most of the sub-assemblies and need to decide how to proceed!
1st option, am I gluing these to the deck permanently and just having a completely removable deck? (There are screw fixings to allow the attachment/removal on the kit).
Or 2nd option, fix deck permanently and make the superstructure removable as there are already 2 openings on the deck to allow access?
1st is easier regarding building but more awkward for access. 2nd is harder build, needing more waterproofing and also figuring out how to securely attach wheelhouse etc but also making removal easy and without tools.
Hope the pics help explain!
As ever, all opinions and guidance are truly appreciated!👍

So things happen and life gets in the way and not managed much loft time lately but did get bit more time in on the Elco past week or so 👏. Some sub-assemblies completed and lots of paintwork done. Hull painted and couple coats varnish to protect the acrylics I use.
I've fixed the wheelhouse permanently to the deck and some smaller pieces such as ammo boxes and torpedo 'racks', (there's a better word than this but damned if I know it!)
A word on the rearmost 2 of these, the deck is designed to screw down and 2 of the screw holes lie under the rear torpedo racks, so in order to keep the screws accessible I moved these forward very slightly. Hadn't seen this mentioned in any of the numerous build logs I've seen on this model so thought it's worth a mention.
I've also installed some extra support around the hole in the deck where the middle and rear sub-assemblies will go but I've still not settled on how to attach/support these while keeping them easily removable for easy access.
Just a couple of pics attached showing some progress and the offending screw holes I mentioned. Hopefully I'll get a bit more free time over the next few weeks to install some electrics and maybe even a test run.....🤞

Hey all,
Looking through some builds and seeing a lot of folk adding fuses to their leccy set-ups. Some Qs.....
Is this a necessary step or dependant on your components?
Is this protection needed for the modern esc/motor set-ups?
Where in the set-up is recommended, e.g. tween esc and battery, tween esc and motor?
Is there a standard size fuse to be used or again is this dependant on components?
The further I get into my build the harder/more complicated it seems to be!
As always, any and all thoughts are much appreciated guys.
👍

Thanks folks for taking the time to read and indeed reply on the topic of fuses. It seems it's probably a good thing to add them, costs very little in time and money to do, and has no downside.
In the couple of electric trainers/gliders and even leccy cars I've owned, none of them have given me any issues to indicate this was a thing. I'll pick up a few blade holders and a small range of different fuses, I assume a few 10-25 amp fuses maybe be enough or must they be specific to the components I'm using?

Hi I all,
Been a while getting back to this build but here goes. Just doing some fiddling to get the innards installed and balanced in the water. Aside from the motors none of the gear is fixed in place yet. The attached pic is rough idea of placement.
So firstly, can someone remind me, do I need to add a fuse along the cables anywhere, if so, what size and best location?
Best place for receiver, fixed in the hull, or in the wheelhouse and just plug in when setting up?
If there's any obvious mistakes here please feel free to correct me, not done a completely new motor set up before any advice is very much appreciated!