Forum

Tug Lady Laura

Sorry Derek. No Help Here☹️ Sounds like a nice Build. Trev

6 minutes ago by pressonreguardless

Forum

Tug Lady Laura

I have just bought the David Metcalf kit of the tug Lady Laura from the new owners/distributors Tony Green Steam Models. Checking through the kit I have already found a few problems - the vac-moulding for the 2 halves of the funnel appear to be quite badly distorted and, even when I get round to cutting them out, I feel that they will be almost impossible to join together (the plastic is quite thick): mention is made to refer to construction diagrams but, among all the paperwork and drawings, I can't find any diagrams apart from ones for the rope capstan, the anchor winch and the tow hook (and these are not numbered). I have emailed TGSM with the queries but I was wondering if any members have built or own this model and can help or comment please? Derek.

9 hours ago by Derek 151

Response

Re: July 3 update

Nice Clean Work BW.👍👍 I will have the same scenario with my 44 I will follow your lead😊😊 I really like how you handled your shaft logs. Top Notch! Trev

10 minutes ago by pressonreguardless

Forum

Tug Lady Laura

Sorry, I have no experience with this one, but someone surely will reply back.🤞

15 minutes ago by Ron

Response

Re: Judy B

What is the LOA and Beam?

18 minutes ago by Ron

Blog

July 3 update

I cut out, lined up and installed, shafts, struts and rudder posts. Primer on cabins..to find flaws, fixed some flaws and waiting to re-primer. Marked and cut out wheel house windows. (just get one crack at that) Started on her fwd portholes. Waiting for more to come. Then made up her framing to support the floor. May open up a couple later for better access to RC etc.

24 minutes ago by Brightwork

Blog

1954 35 ft. Chris Craft Sport Fisherman / Cruiser

Well...here goes. I will be building this model. This Chris raft was only offered one year(1954). I have some scant parts from a 60 year old kit. I will be making many parts from Basswood and balsa. Thanks to a couple of generous friends I have the plans and templates. The built model is a stolen picture from Tim's beautiful build of the same model in 2013. Hope you don't mind Tim. You have set the bar high. I can only hope to do as well. This one will take time. I will post updates as I go.

2 months ago by Brightwork

Response

Re: Lattice masts

Hi Norm, Made one for my Castle class corvette years ago. The original was angled steel but found, using a jig that styrene angled strip made quite a successful replica . Rowen

2 hours ago by Rowen

Response

Re: Lattice masts

See my harbour Norm, my HMS Amethyst is in there and some pictures of her main mast, I believe this was made using angled brass. Cheers, Pete😊 Don't know how to post a link to my harbour, 😐sorry

2 hours ago by Rookysailor

Forum

SURFACE DRIVE EXPERIMENT

Looks like an interesting challenge JB. Cheers, Stephen.

4 hours ago by stevedownunder

Forum

SURFACE DRIVE EXPERIMENT

Thought I'd have a go at a slightly different type of drive for the future Stiletto project, and try and make a stinger drive into a surface drive, to have drive and steering all in one. I bought a stinger drive for a 5mm shaft and a couple of car CV type driveshafts to steal bits off. Made up a rough dummy transom to test it out. Milled a bit more clearance in the back of the stinger bracket for the CV, made a couple of transom-drive brackets, (modified from hardware corner brackets,) made an Acetal bush to replace the usual cable drive in the back of the stinger, (to support the shaft rear), and a small 4mm-5mm adaptor shaft to go between the brass motor connector and the inner CV for the test. There is a huge amount of slop in the Chinese connectors and the red d/shaft has a loose sliding hex inside, so not the smoothest running. Also no bearing in the transom to support the future one piece motor to CV shaft. The final shaft (test dummy) also is free to move in and out, but will be properly positioned once the stinger shaft is made, which should smooth things out. A steering arm to make as well if I can get it working properly. Probably take a while to get it working smoothly and it may not even be suitable, but fun to try anyhow. Have built a shaft slot in the keel just in case 😁. Motor for the test was the slowest I had, and run slowly to avoid possible flying bits. The final motor will hopefully be the 540 S V-spec fan cooled 36/52 1100kv in-runner which I'll be water cooling. Had it for about 10 yrs, so decided it needed a home, (another experiment). 1 vid shows the amount of slop in the connector, which should be 0 if made correctly. This is why people have so much trouble with vibrations in boats. The only real way to fix it is to make your own and ream the shaft holes to size,-not drill them like the Chinese seem to do. JB

11 hours ago by jbkiwi

Response

Re: Details and paint …

Good Job! Great Detail! Trev

5 hours ago by pressonreguardless

Response

Re: Judy B

looks like she has great potential👍 Good Luck Trev

5 hours ago by pressonreguardless

Blog

Details and paint …

Slowly getting things sorted …looking forward to the maiden voyage and see what she can do …

6 hours ago by BW3

Blog

Italeri Vospers …

Having about a couple of weeks in which I put aside my Schnellboot I started first one then the second of Italeri’ Vosper kits the 77 and the St Nazaire 74 boats …I have worked them to the point of subassemblies for painting…and will soon configure a brushless motor and ESC . After the all the issues with the Schnellboot build …in part to many starts and stops over the last few years I will keep these simple to a single motor and rudder.

23 hours ago by BW3

Forum

SURFACE DRIVE EXPERIMENT

They don't work for me either Chris.

6 hours ago by Madwelshman

Forum

SURFACE DRIVE EXPERIMENT

I can't get the media files to run. Is it just me?

6 hours ago by ChrisF

Forum

SURFACE DRIVE EXPERIMENT

Good luck with the project JB I'm sure you will get it to work. Rick

8 hours ago by Newby7

Directory

Judy B

This is my first boat in a few years, It's based on a hull by Chuck Steffen.

8 hours ago by Dumaspitman

Forum

Cheddar Puffin Paddle engine

I have sent you a pm...

12 hours ago by Nickthesteam

Forum

Cheddar Puffin Paddle engine

Hi All Having a bit of a thin out of my steam stuff, this time it is a Puffin Paddle engine, un-used and boxed. Cheers Mike Suffolk

13 hours ago by steamer

Response

Re: Italeri Vospers …

I found that a single brushed motor was adequate in my Vosper. I run it with one 7.2 NiMH 1200 mah it gives plenty of run time too at a scale speed.

22 hours ago by Ron

Response

Re: Lorelei.... 1st pond trial

Thanks, we will see. Anyway, it's another boat in my harbor, had fun building it, and will take her out again even if she is a poker😊.

23 hours ago by cjanik001

Response

Re: Lorelei.... 1st pond trial

Hi CJ, " I might try to add a little weight to drop the stern down further. " That may help a little perhaps to get at least the forefoot out of the water. But I still don't think that that 15mm prop can generate enough thrust. Would be happy for you if your next video report proves me wrong. Cheers, Doug 😎

23 hours ago by RNinMunich

Response

Re: Lorelei.... 1st pond trial

Thanks for the comments and suggestions. You are probably correct that the higher revs will not do anything, but at $16.00 U.S. gotta try it. The larger jet was about twice the size, and yes possibly could be shoehorned into the hull, but that may be a later build. I just wanted to see if I could pull it off with the limited knowledge I have. One other thought I had was to extend the outlet of the jet further. Currently it sits just below the water surface. I might try to add a little weight to drop the stern down further.

23 hours ago by cjanik001

Forum

For sale 1/12 scale model of Trent Class Lifeboat George and Mary Webb

Shucks🤔 Colin, I hope we haven't put him off with our banter🤔 As a newby Sebastian probably won't know that we three know each other (electronically) for years. All your fault for setting us off JB! 🤞 for you Colin. Bon chance mon ami, Doug

23 hours ago by RNinMunich

Forum

For sale 1/12 scale model of Trent Class Lifeboat George and Mary Webb

I have a model of the Whitby life boat which was owned by a friend who unfortunately has passed away. It was a display item in his study at home and does not have a motors, batteries etc although rudders and propeller shafts are there. It has suffered some damage so would need some remedial work. I am looking for any expression of interest.

5 days ago by sebastiondarcy

Response

Re: Lattice masts

Hi Norm, I would guess angle steel, to minimise top weight and maximise inherent strength. Been on the odd ship / FAC with such a mast and they were built using angle profile. In a model probably best constructed from styrene profile, conclusion I came to when making the depth charge rails and bridge wing supports for my H class destroyer. Soldering brass profile for such a mast could become a 'job for life'🤔 Happy gluing, don't get too 'stuck in' 😁 Cheers, Doug 😎 BTW: ref deck colours, see Norman Ough's comments here, click on the 4th pic- https://www.vintagemodelplans.com/products/digital-full-size-plans-h-m-s-amethyst-scale-1-96-suitable-for-radio-control https://www.maritimequest.com/warship_directory/great_britain/pages/sloops/hms_amethyst_u16_page_4.htm

24 hours ago by RNinMunich

Blog

The photos

Lol forgot to add these …

23 hours ago by BW3

Blog

Bench Testing and second water tests completed..

Happy days , I had a bit of trouble getting the radio to work and it required me to call in a friend’s help …between the two of us we got it figured out ,,,I had missed wired the 3 ESC ‘s On switch’s ..polarity is important ……Second Water test with full electronics operating reveled water linking past the center prop shaft ..addressed with both RTV and with CV glue …it also reveled a slight list of about a quart bubble to Starboard. All in all a great day and hope to have the maiden voyage soon…

24 hours ago by BW3

Blog

S 100 Schnellboot RC build

After a long time I am back trying to get a boat in the water, I have an old 32nd Parallel kit in mothballs unfinished. So to take an easier route I am converting an S 100 Italeria Schnellboot . Very slow going as there is little to no support locally so with out the net all would be lost......Given my current disability, this will be a 90/90 build , she will look good at 90 feet or 90 mph which ever works best....

4 years ago by BW3

Response

Re: Lorelei.... 1st pond trial

Hmmm! Good luck with the 2200kV CJ🤞 You may well get fireworks, but maybe not those that you are hoping for. But frankly I don't think that kV rating of the motor is your real problem here. OK you will get roughly 2.2 times the rpm using the same battery but I'm not sure that will help much. (BTW: You could also achieve almost the same effect by doubling the battery voltage on the 1000kV motor. You did not mention what voltage LiPo you are using!?) No! I believe that you have two basic design problems here. 1. You have applied a great jazzy offshore power boat type colour scheme👍 but you actually have a relatively beamy hull more suited to a cruising type boat, with a roughly 3.5:1 length to beam ratio. Fast power boats and naval ships, e.g. destroyers, typically have l/b ratios of around 8 to 10. Reason: for the same power unit the higher the l/b ratio of the hull the faster the vessel can go. 2. The water jet! Here I admit I have no experience of water jets and do not know how their efficiency compares with a conventional prop. BUT! I think that your WJ is basically too small (15mm prop🤔) and more revs may not produce more thrust and speed, but possibly just more cavitation and disturbance of the jet flow. Your boat is 23" you say. A few years ago I restored an Aerokits Sea Scout, built by my Dad in the early sixties. She is 24" LOA and 8.25" beam. I.e. l/b ratio 2.9. She has virtually the same hull form as your boat and is fitted with a Propdrive 2830 1000kV brushless running off a 3S LiPo driving a 30mm 3 blade conventional prop. And frankly I reckon she would run rings round your Lorelei in her present state. See attached video (U-toob link) of her sea trials or my Gallery post here- https://model-boats.com/gallery?q=Jessica I reckon your basic problem is that the water jet is simply too small, not 'jet' enough for the job.🤔 You would be much better off with the 26mm jet that you mentioned in your blog. Must be enough room for it in that hull. May just need some re-thinking and re-planning / rebuilding at the stern which may need a 'power bulge if the 26mm W/J is taller than the 16mm job😉 Try the 2200kV by all means, look forward to seeing the results report, but I'm sure that the bigger W/J or a conventional prop ca 30-35mm is the real solution. Use the 2200kV on a later (larger?) model and the 16mm W/J on a smaller/narrower model. Whatever, happy experimenting and sailing👍 Not trying to dampen your enthusiasm but hopefully to get you back on the road to success and fun🤞 Cheers, Doug 😎 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zPgYicA0yGw&t=106s https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b0BWJ3duzDw&t=15s

1 day ago by RNinMunich

Blog

Lattice masts

HMS Amethyst had a lattice mast. Does anyone know if this was constructed using tube or bar and angle steel. It is a difficult thing to make whatever the format.

1 day ago by Gdaynorm

Blog

HMS Amethyst

Just starting on 1/96 waterline model, as she was at the Yangtse incident. Have good drawings from two sources - N A Ough and Les Brown book. Bit short on photos from above. One problem. Was her plating butt welded or overlapped and welded.

4 months ago by Gdaynorm

Response

Re: Lorelei.... 1st pond trial

I'm with you Ramsey👍 Lotsa revs does not necessarily mean more thrust. Sometimes just the opposite. Cheers, Doug 😎

1 day ago by RNinMunich

Forum

For sale 1/12 scale model of Trent Class Lifeboat George and Mary Webb

Hope it works out, Colin🤞 Best of Luck! Trev

1 day ago by pressonreguardless

Forum

For sale 1/12 scale model of Trent Class Lifeboat George and Mary Webb

Hi Colin, I hope that is not the case. If the deal goes ahead the packaging will need to be really good i.e. a sturdy box otherwise you'll get a bunch of bits arriving. Sorry if I am probably pointing out the bleeding obvious. Cheers, Stephen.

1 day ago by stevedownunder

Response

Re: Setting up the Winches

This system's pretty common I think. I know it's a similar set-up to what "SailTails" on YouTube uses in his "Bearospace" models, but I've seen it in various forms for a decade or three. I think when winch servos became available, it superseded a system that used a shuttle on a threaded rod. This was an erector-set gizmo with rods, and a motor, or two, micro-switches, etc. It would be hard to fit in a model of less than a meter. Now, I've seen micro-servos converted to winches running loops in Footies. I went three rounds with this idea in this model years ago as my original plan see: http://todd.mainecav.org/model/pride/model09.html In my case, getting rid of the motor made implementing it possible. Now, hopefully, it works. 😉

1 day ago by Jerry Todd

Response

Re: Lorelei.... 1st pond trial

Looks great, all considered: scratch built; interested in your jet drive l believe you mentioned. Yeah, is a SPEED boat 🚤. Me , I'm a TUG BOAT person; so I come from the Thrust, not so much RPM side of things. I'm learning 😌 ☺ 🙂 thanks 🤗 much to this group 👍.

1 day ago by RamseyA

Response

Re: Static outboard cruiser converted to R/C

Into the test tank to see if it goes forward & in reverse. It did! I had earlier powered the motors on the bench to see if it would turn over.Several folks on this side, in RC Groups, helped me determine the appropriate voltage based on their experience with similar outboards. Turns out 4.5v makes it happy. Again, many suggestions how to send 4.5v to the motor from a 7.2v battery system.Finally decided that adjusting the throttle end point on the tx was the best alternative. So, pulled out the trusty, & somewhat rusty, multimeter to set the end points to 4.5v at the motor leads from the esc.👍

1 day ago by Chum444

Response

Re: Glassed the Hull.

Thanks, Rick. The hot weather has given me an excuse to forsake my other duties and work on my Vessels🤣😂🤣😂 Trev

1 day ago by pressonreguardless

Response

Re: First time build

Gonna be a spiffy PT or ? Patrol. Looking forward to: powered, R/C, Scale details, etc.❓ I have a Dumas PT-109; WIP (older kit, bit of challenge). Full size ELCO, made right across from my home town, Staten Island, Bayonne, NJ ... back in the day 1940's...

1 day ago by RamseyA

Forum

For sale 1/12 scale model of Trent Class Lifeboat George and Mary Webb

I'm beginning to think this is a wind up as no contact from seller. Shame as I would love this mode, cheers disappointed Colin.

1 day ago by Colin H

Response

Re: Glassed the Hull.

Good progress Trev. Rick

1 day ago by Newby7

Response

Re: First time build

Well done. If it were work might say progress is slow. No punch clocks with a hobby no such thing as being to slow. Rick

1 day ago by Newby7

Response

Re: First time build

Your boat is coming along nicely. Best to take your time rather than rush it. My model has been in the making over 12 months! 😊

1 day ago by DuncanP

Response

Re: First time build

Looks Good So Far👍 Slow and Steady Gets it Done😊 Trev

1 day ago by pressonreguardless

Blog

Lorelei.... 1st pond trial

https://youtu.be/1umjmr5m3cw Here is the first float video of Lorelei on the water with the 1000KV brushless motor. Fairly good speed, but kinda was expecting more!😐. I have ordered a 2200KV, and should be in tomorrow. Maybe I can go to the pond on the Fourth of July and see some real fireworks😎.

1 day ago by cjanik001

Blog

Lorelei

Started a new scratch build after getting interested in waterjet propulsion from articles by JBKiwi and Rowen. Didn't initially have a specific boat in mind at the start, just wanted to see if I can make the thing work. After looking at different hull designs, I elected to go with the Cresta which is on the KKEezebilt boat web site. I know, I know, egg crate construction! not exactly the best, however, after getting into it, this has created quite a bit of room inside for the water thruster, and it also has a very flat "V" shape to center mount it . It also turned into a very easy build up to this point. The boat frame is made of 3/32" basswood, with 1/32" sides and bottom. There is also 1/32" ply for the thruster intake, and the exhaust nozzle in the transom. The chine is reinforced with basswood strips. After downloading the Cresta Plans, I scaled up the prints to the length of 23", this seemed to be the best fit for the 16mm thruster purchased from Amazon. I initially purchased a 26mm unit complete with reversing bucket, however this one was way to big. Unfortunately, the 16mm unit does not have a reversing bucket, so it is forward only. (My ESC is a bidirectional unit which will reverse the brushless motor, so maybe it will have some sort of reverse🤞!) Modifications to the Cresta plans include adding extra angle bracing between the floor and the bottom, modifying the transom, and cutting down the beam for the thruster unit. I also made the top removable to access the internals. The cabin area cutout will have a fake bottom to allow for wiring and connections on the subfloor. Once I get the whole boat covered in fiberglass, a float test will determine the placement of the batteries and electronics, as well as look for leaks😐.

1 month ago by cjanik001

Directory

Lorelei

Water Jet Propulsion

1 day ago by cjanik001