I purchased the 540 motor and gearbox about 15 years ago at a hobby shop that closed years ago. The motor is the type used in rc cars and trucks and can be found on ebay and on on-line hobby stores. 540 refers to the size of the motor. The gearbox was a type sold for use in early electric airplanes. Unfortunately it was discontinued even at the time I bought it.

I have been trying to find a suitable alternative gear box, but no luck so far. Will post once I find something.
Joe

Where to buy motor and gearbox?

Meant to add photo of motor and gear drive.

Yes, it will be RC. Scrounging thru my old parts boxes, I plan to use this 540 brushed motor with an old Great Plains gear drive, originally for airplane use, I like these to slow down the prop. The motor is a rock crawler 55t for a nice slow, high torque. I use these on my tugs as well. Bought them about 15 years ago before they were discontinued.

Hi Joe,
Nice size, i assume it will be radio controlled.
I always like the idea of making things from scraps and offcuts.
There is something about starting with a pile of bits and ending up with something that you can be proud of.
I will be following this build log.
Keep up the good work.

Martin555.

Martin,
Its not a big boat - 7" (178) beam, 28" (710) length, 3.5" (90) depth.

Size was partially determined by what plywood scraps I had, nothing longer than 30". Did not want to have to go out to the store, everything on this build will be from stuff I find in my small shop. 🤔
Joe

Hi Joe,
What are the measurements of your river barge ?

Martin555.

Martin555,
Yes, so true, my mind is already starting to wander. I always have a stack of potential projects in mind, keeps me out of trouble!

Thanks for the interest.
Joe 😁

That is quick work Joe.
The only problem with quick builds is that you will soon be looking for another project LOL.

Martin555.

I would think as long as you can get to the rudder to drop it out and then withdraw the prop shaft you should be ok.

Martin555.

You are certainly getting on with it Joe.
Well done.

Martin555.

Mturpin,
Thanks for the comments. I do like to find bits and pieces to use on builds, makes it more fun than buying.
My builds are more towards the type that are geared toward sailing rather than the great detail that I see on many of the members boats. After a basic rough out of the hull design I just kind of go wherever I want to each day. Makes it more interesting not quite knowing where it will end up.
Joe

Great, that works perfectly Joe👍
I'll read through it in detail later today when I'm more awake!
Now past 0240 here so I'm going off watch😴💤
Vice Admiral Ed (Figtree) out of Connecticut HQ now has operational command of our US units. Designated 2 IC is Sub Lt,. Cash of the North Texas Detachment, Red River Patrol Squadron, DFW.

Re emptying the paste can; I presume the same way the kids here empty eggs to paint them at Easter; make a hole at each end and blow like hell!!😮
I like the tin can idea. Reminds me of a miniature 'Old Smokey' Grill and Smoker😋😋
Cheers, Doug 😎

Doug, hope this works.

blogs/49660#49710

Enjoying the build, coming on very nicely, its always satisfying to make something out of nothing, nice stack

"We are shivering here in southern CA with cold wet weather"
That can't be right Joe!?😮
Cos we all know ...
"Seems it never rains in southern California
Seems I've often heard that kind of talk before"
Albert Hammond told us😁
On the other hand ...
.
.
.
"It never rains in California, but girl, don't they warn ya?
It pours, man, it pours"🌧️🌧️🌧️😁

BTW Can you post the link to your Smoker Blog please?
You'll see it in the address bar of your browser. Thanks.
Cheers, Doug 😎

Doug, We are shivering here in southern CA with cold wet weather 15°c high today and raining, I guess we can handle it for a few days, as it will be a sunny 22° in a day or so. (Not to rub it in) I grew up in the US Midwest so I am very familiar with cold gray days.
Thanks for the comments and interest!
Joe👍

More good stuff Joe, she's coming together very nicely 👍
Here's hoping we'll all be able to get out and about again sooner rather than later ... so we can get to the lake/pond and 'sea trial' our latest creations!
In the meantime stay safe and stick with us Joe.😉

At least your 'shelter' in The Golden State should be warmer than ours.
Daytime temperatures here have crashed to freezing point from around 20°c.
Night-time up (down?🙄) to -6°C ❄️☹️
Cheers, Doug 😎

Martin,
Thank you for your comments and continued support, I appreciate it.
Joe

Peter,
Thank you for the comments, I appreciate it. Regarding scratch building, I do it for several reasons, one, is that my dad taught me back in the 50's to build just about anything. Second, is that I am frugal, very careful with money as I am retired. But I really enjoy it. You will see that I do not build historically accurate or highly detailed boats like many of this sites builders do. I am more focused and the fun of building and making sure it works from an engineering standpoint. I design the basic hull and play as I go. Sailboats are a particular challenge as they must be carefully designed to work. My mentor taught me about 15 years ago when he was 86! 👍

So when you do try it remember to have fun and experiment.
Joe 😎

Coming along nicely Joe. I must try to build something like that one day. At the moment I have only tried kits. I will scratch build when I retire. Lovely job Joe.😊👍

Nice work Joe.
You have done a cracking job, like the detail work.
I am like you, i too keep forgetting to take photos, then realise when it is to late.

Martin555.

Nice build Joe ,stay safe .
Cheers Marky.👍

"Ed,
Thanks for the comments, I would invite you over for some baby back pork ribs but we must maintain the 6,000 mile social distancing between our locations."

Er .. dat wuz lil ol' me Joe😉
Think Ed is bit closer to you. Shucks, would have enjoyed the ribs😋
Thanks for the Floetrol info, I'll look into that as I have a lot of Lifecolor acrylic Naval colours.
Cheers, Doug 😎

Ed,
Thanks for the comments, I would invite you over for some baby back pork ribs but we must maintain the 6,000 mile social distancing between our locations.

Re: FLOETROL
This is one of my best finds of the last decade. Received the tip from fellow railroad and car modelers. I used to use expensive hobby oil based paints with my own airbrushes, thinking that that was necessary to stick to plastics and metals, not so! This additive can be added to acrylic "craft" paint for brushing and even use in airbrushes. I have completely switched over to these acrylic paints and can use them in the house without offensive odors or fumes.

Floetrol costs about $7 USD for a liter and I purchased at my local hardware store. For brushing I add about 5% to the acrylic paint, after several coats it covers nicely with no brushstrokes. For use in airbrushes, I thin with about 40%. The brush painting works so well that I don't use my airbrushes anymore. This works on styrene plastic, wood, metal - yes, despite all of the people out their that say it won't, it does.

See photos. This product is made in the US, but I would think a similar product must be made elsewhere, do a search.

As to the photo of craft paints, these are little bottles from the "hobby craft store" and vary in cost from $1 to $2 a piece. At this price you can buy a lot of colors, I still mix colors and brands and have had great luck. Ask more questions if needed.
Joe

I think we're all guilty of forgetting the photos Joe
Get carried away when the creative 'juices' are flowing🙄
Good progress, like it👍
Re pin-striping, shop here from the comfort of your own 'isolation unit'-

https://www.amazon.com/Automotive-Pinstriping-Tape/b?ie=UTF8&node=15710291

It has come on a long way Joe,
Well done.
Keep it up.

Martin555.