Forum

Question of the Day?

I also picked the wrong answer with the submarine question along with 23 others 😂😂. Only 10 clever members got it correct..👍. I was quite sure that we have had this question before and the answer was Nuclear??. 🤔🤔😕. Today's 5th December question was one that took a full TV documentary to try to explain with no final conclusions. This I remembered from when I was very young 🎂🍦 , and it's a mystery that's stuck in my mind ever since 😊..

1 hour ago by Steves-s

Forum

Question of the Day?

Hi All, Given that it's always popular in December (and I've now figured out a way to get multiple-choice quiz questions very easily), how many of you would enjoy a non-competition based fun question of the day, each day? In a similar way to December's one, it'll be on the home screen each day, with four possible answers to choose from. Maybe a rolling leader board and linked forum thread to discuss questions (but not reveal answers until the following day). I know we're talking about at least 365 nautical/shipping/maritime/sailing/boating quiz questions here! But I now believe its possible to put together with little effort 😉 perhaps useful to onboard a volunteer researcher mind, to double check questions and answers before they're made live. So if anyone would like to do that, let me know too. Thoughts on having a Question of the Day? Stephen

3 years ago by fireboat

Response

Re: A little detailing and she’s ready to maiden!!

Cash: Your Patriot is looking fantastic! The paint job is outstanding, and I really love the color combination you chose for the hull. Your hard work is definitely shining through. Keep it up—she’s turning into a beauty! 😎

5 hours ago by chugalone100

Response

Re: A little detailing and she’s ready to maiden!!

Would you please answer my question I posted earlier, like 8 months ago…so here it is again. You said you are using the same water pump as in other models which was very successful, but the question was what the pump manufacturer is so that others could add it to their model? Is the pump wired to be inserted into a channel on the receiver? Do you mount the fire nozzle to a servo to allow it to be directed at a target?

6 hours ago by Ronald

Forum

Early Radio Control Experiences

Yes Roy. Saving those servos is a great idea. The ones I mentioned have a built in direction and speed controller. They work out great for powering a small boat. I removed the gear between the output shaft going to the potentiometer. Fwd, stop, rev (with speed control) all built into a single unit. If using a servo to operate something like a radar bar, the pot can be used to tweak the speed. I also use a servo to operate a dpdt center off switch that operates a linear movement with stop switches. Lew

7 hours ago by LewZ

Forum

Early Radio Control Experiences

Launch Link. My first radio control was a 2 channel proportional radio set made in the UK by Flight Link. Most of the radio control made by this company was intended for use on model aircraft, but they were one of the few (possibly the only one?) that made a two channel set aimed at the model boater and they called it LAUNCH LINK. Radio control systems were MUCH more expensive to buy back in the 1960's when compared to the average wage. I had just started work as an apprentice and had to save up for weeks to be able to buy my first radio control system. My Launch Link radio control system was a two stick unit and had a black enamelled metal transmitter case with the Launch Link logo proudly painted on it in white. Radio control systems back then used the 27 meg frequency and had a choice of different crystals that could be plugged-in to give a (limited) choice of frequencies to run on. By plugging a matching crystal into the transmitter and the receiver it was possible to avoid intereferring anyone else who may be operating on the same frequency, so one of the first accessories that had to be bought was at least one spare set of crystals with a different frequency to the one that came with the radio set. Clubs used to have a "peg board" with the different frequency colours painted on it, and each one had a wooden clothes plug clipped to it with the name (colour) of the frequency on it. Anyone who wanted to switch on and run their model should go to the peg board and clip the appropriate peg onto the transmitter aerial before switching on. Well supported clubs usually had a que of people wait for the current user of the peg they were waiting for to finish their run so they could switch-off and hand the peg over for somebody else to use and run their model. This system did not always run smoothly (!) but it was the only method used - when there was any form of control available at the chosen location. More often it was a case of walking around and asking anyone else that was already there with a radio what frequency they were using and negotiate a "time share" if it was not possible for either user to find an alternative set of crystals to use. These negotiations did not always run smoothly either (!) as they relied on the good nature and mood of the other user at the time. Bob.

27 days ago by zooma

Directory

Fire Boat Florián 1:7 a new construction attempt - 2025 ( variant no 3 )

The 1:7 model didn't work on the first try, there was a mistake in the lamination process. I'll show you everything here.

7 months ago by premecekcz

Forum

Question of the Day?

Thank you guys - I answered D, and was very surprised to be told I was wrong. Nuclear is almost totally silent, except for some of the attachments, but any engine will have a sound profile that modern acoustics can pick up.

10 hours ago by luckyduck

Forum

Sprite

I am in the process of "knocking-up" a basic (very basic) stand to put the Sprite Plus on, because when I am working on it (now that it has the bottom skins fitted) - I cannot hold the hull by its keel in the vice any longer! My "boat stands" look just like the little wooden orange boxes that used to be seen in the green grocers years ago (anyone remember them?) - except those were probably made out of better wood than I use ! I always use scrap wood to make my boat stands from, which may seem a little bit strange to those that spend hours designing and crafting beautifully elegant stands to sit and display their model boats on (some can be works of art in themselves). My boat basic boat stands are more likely to get a gravel rash from the car park than to be used to display an elegant model boat - but they are very practical and work well enough in the workshop(shed) or beside the lake when they can also be handy for carrying some basic oddments in that may be needed. Anyway, I am splitting a length of rough-cut square timber to make a pair of sides for the stand, and some plywood has been gained from our r/c model truck club when the garage unit that had been used to practice reversing manoeuvres in etc became surplus to requirements! Once the stand is put together I can start to make the parts for a good solid engine mount and get a motor and coupling fitted. Bob.

11 hours ago by zooma

Forum

Sprite

As Bob mentioned in another thread this model could form a good basis for a recovery boat with its blunt bow that should be quite easy to modify to form a claw of some sort and like him I'd like to have something like that in my fleet. It should also be quite easy to make the claw quickly removeable to use the model as originally intended. I don't have a lot of time at the moment but I have made a start on the drawings and they shouldn't take too long to complete. Whilst it's just the bulkheads and certain other parts that are required I always draw the plan and side elevation as well (which is where I've started) so that when printed off there is uniformity between all the parts and of course it can easily be resized as one would like and it may be a good idea to increase it in length a bit from 23" if it is used for recovery? I'll draw it as standard initially if someone wants to build it like that and then modify it for recovery and anything else that springs to mind. I'm already thinking of making the cabin and rear hatch as one piece but otherwise not straying too far away from the original design which would spoil the simplicity. Feel free to make any comments and observations and suggested changes as we go along. Chris

3 months ago by ChrisF

Forum

Question of the Day?

I agree with Ron. And how in Heavens name (being polite) do you run a Stirling cycle engine in a submarine? What heat source?

13 hours ago by Nickthesteam

Forum

Sound modules for RCA’s ww2 warship

I’m well through my scratch build of HMS Javelin, a WW2 Destroyer. Can anyone with sound module experience point me in the right direction for a good system. I’m trying to provide turret gun blast, pom-poms, whoop whoop, and possibly ping of the Asdic. Many sound modules have engine noise as the main feature but I don’t need this for my Warship. I’d be grateful for any help.

14 hours ago by Javelin1

Forum

Question of the Day?

I chose answer D which is correct. Sorry but the answer to the question should be changed to D not C🤔😬😬

14 hours ago by RonH

Forum

Question of the Day?

I have been thinking about the longest number of words being the answer. It seems AI thinks the same (7 letters) but the clearly right answer is D with only 6 letters. But then is AI trying to set a trap with a double bluff? Roy

15 hours ago by roycv

Forum

Question of the Day?

Well I went for answer D as I asumed it would be the most obvious in this day and age in modern submarines also, while maintaining minimal acoustic signature and avoiding the need for frequent snorkelling. And I got it wrong!!??. I have since Googled the question, which I wouldn't normally do. and Google says that this is the correct answer. And why. Google A.I. also says answer D is correct. So why did we get it wrong????????? Our answers should be corrected. This is Google's Answer, The correct option is D. Nuclear propulsion using pressurised water reactors. Explanation Nuclear propulsion provides virtually unlimited submerged endurance, limited only by crew provisions, because the reactor does not require access to atmospheric oxygen for power generation. Submarines with nuclear propulsion can operate for months without surfacing or snorkeling, which is a critical aspect of maintaining stealth by avoiding visual or radar detection at the surface. While air-independent propulsion (AIP) systems (Option C) also enhance submerged endurance for non-nuclear submarines, they typically only extend it to a few weeks, not the practically unlimited duration of nuclear power.

15 hours ago by BOATSHED

Response

Re: Re: Vintage sea scout ?

Sorry zooma I typed wrong it’s not my dads but is exactly the same as the one he built ,in the 60s 👍

16 hours ago by Dutton73

Response

Re: M. N. Golo, 1300 Tonne Coastal Freighter

This looks like an awesome project RP and would be a huge help right before a lower GI! 😂😂😂 But, all kidding aside...I had to "constipate" this bad boy with 13 pounds of ballast!!! 🤣🤣🤣 I'm on a roll this morning! Ba-da-boom!!!!!!😉

16 hours ago by jumpugly

Forum

Question of the Day?

I read somewhere that Nuclear subs used the spare heat from the reactor to power auxiliary generators, which were Stirling engines. No exhaust no pollution and safe. Roy

16 hours ago by roycv

Response

Re: Vintage sea scout ?

There is no price for regaining an important part of your family history, but £60 is not too bad a price to pay these days in any case - especially if you bought it from an antiques shop! If you decide to restore it, it will make a very nice model to see afloat, but you may choose just to repair it and clean it and keep it as it is. A good compromise would be to sympathetically repair and gently restore it so that it looks like it did when your dad made it for your uncle, but you could also add a modern r/c system that could be hidden enough not to be obtrusive and enjoy sailing it. Either way, I am pleased that you found the actual boat that your dad built all those years ago, it is a true Classic Model Power Boat. Bob.

16 hours ago by zooma

Forum

Question of the Day?

How do you produce enough heat for a Stirling engine underwater? Really didn't understand why that's the answer

16 hours ago by Bryan-the-pirate

Response

Re: Vintage sea scout ?

Thanks zooma .thats good to know. my dad made one for my uncle in the 60s before I was born then was passed down to me but was lost in many house moves .and it popped up in a Norfolk antiques shop I did pay £60 for it don’t know if that’s good or bad but just wanted it .part of me wants to keep it as it is but other part needs to restore it🤪

17 hours ago by Dutton73

Forum

Question of the Day?

Oh dear! Where does AI get the answers from? One of the Scandanavian countries experimented with Stirling engines in submarines and then gave up as they did not have enough power. For local water very quiet subs the diesel one has proved to be an excellent alternative to Nuclear propulsion. I think the question needs setting up again. Roy

18 hours ago by roycv

Forum

Early Radio Control Experiences

Hi all, I never throw out servos, just strip out the motors as they are good quality, and/or the gear box. With a bit of cutting of plastic gives a low speed continuous drive gearbox for driving a radar unit powered by a single dry cell. Rotary connection can be with a fine piece length of piano wire which hardly shows. Older servos can be updated with a change of connection lead. Servo lead extension wires are very cheap and with a bit of checking and identifing old servo leads connection. On all rx's that take current standard servo leads the negative is toward outside of the rx case, next and central is the plus or positive wire and innermost is the signal wire. Sanwa have the plus and minus swapped and also Fleet but they went further by also changing the shape of the connector, which in my opinion was just to be awkward. I would cut off the old type connector and cut the extension in half and join the wires as appropriate. Ideally use heat shrink tubing to insulate the soldered joint. Catching up to servos on sale now which in general are more powerful. The small 9 gram servo at around £1.50 each if sourced on the Internet gives half a kilo thrust at 1cm and can operate most rudders on displacement boats on a 750cm hull. For sail winches I use standard metal gear servos with an extension arms. The old sail servos apart from a double drum winch which is still in use at 60 years old(!) is a good one. I had a Fleet sail winch bought new which never worked properly despite the owner of Fleet actually blaming the traffic on the road outside and refusing to do anything about it. Also the 27Mhtz short aerial gave ultra short range as well. The Fleet pre-proportional sets were very good so a bit mixed about them as a manufacturer. The Futaba receivers with lots of coils to set up were too much of a problem but the transmitters were super. Matched with a Micron receiver they were excellent, that was a kit to build yourself and worked every time. I made 3 of them. I suspect that most receivers were really for aircraft and receivers with an electric motor drive had not been taken into account. The old esc's had a large voltage drop 1.4 volts in some cases and the motor drive current had to go through the 2 o/p transistors which means 10 amps at 1.4 volts is 14 Watts of power lost to the motors but dissipated across the o/p transistors as heat and needed a big heat sink. So I do not use these as I can get a 10 amp esc with no heat sink the size of a postage stamp for the price of a servo. The good bit is that everything seems to work together a triumph of all working from the same specs. There are some very small anomolies in servo neutral positions regarding the mark/space ratio of the servo position which could have a 500 microsecond difference. That is why transmitter servo neutral may differ between servos which will need a small adjustment. The transmitted frequency will vary in different countries but virtually all 40Mhtz in the UK came in as 35 Mhtz sets and have a 40 mHtz inserted. Witness my Fleet Plainsman (40 Mhtz) Tx. has a 35 Mhtz label on the base. There is something to check with old electronic RC which is 'black wire syndrome'. I had a transmitter which was a problem, eventually I found the negative wire from the battery pack after stripping back the insulation, was all black. It was basically open circuit. I replaced the wire and then found another and now it works without problem. I am guessing that it is a soldered joint that starts the black wire problem. Most commercial batteries are welded and I have not seen a problem with them. I would welcome opinion on this. Roy

18 hours ago by roycv

Forum

Question of the Day?

The answer is wrong as it did not non nucular subs, only non nucucar subs use air propolsion🤔 Philuk👍

19 hours ago by PhilH

Response

Re: M. N. Golo, 1300 Tonne Coastal Freighter

And the call "all clear" brings a new meaning🤣 Philuk👍

19 hours ago by PhilH

Forum

Early Radio Control Experiences

First radio was a Heathkit 4 channel system (1972). Had to assemble it including all the components, some standing on end to conserve space. No IC's. The radio is packed away somewhere, but the servos are the drive motors with a built in speed controller curcuit. They are in my 1/35 scale LCM 53 years later. Lew

20 hours ago by LewZ

Forum

Early Radio Control Experiences

As I recall our first radio was a McGregor unit but I don't believe it was proportional. Single channel as well. I remember the advert "Wee McGregor is in control" Early '70's when my father was stationed at RAF Woodbridge.😊

23 hours ago by thadlietz

Response

Re: M. N. Golo, 1300 Tonne Coastal Freighter

I would think immediate evacuation a distinct possibilty😮

24 hours ago by thadlietz

Blog

Chris-Craft

Well I was wrong,. First off windows never set up with the silicon glue so I'm not endorsing this glue I used but it worked. It's a very thin glue but it cleans up & doesn't smudge the clear plastic windows I also forgot the model came with a steering wheel Name plate and a mirror plus a few miscellany parts so I'll be busy for another few days's

1 day ago by GARTH

Blog

Chris-Craft Style

I think I mentioned this model on another blog.And now it's become a Build Blog. So here we go. This model required a battery box, so I had to make some modifications.So a few cuts were required to find a spot for a 7.2-volt NMH battery so see some photos.

14 days ago by GARTH

Blog

M. N. Golo, 1300 Tonne Coastal Freighter

This might be my next Build. Note that the 3inch gun is positioned right above the toilet. Do you think they yell "CLEAR" down into the toilet. Do customers "evacuate" when it goes off? Do their toe nails scratch through the linoleum?

1 day ago by RPLedm

Response

Re: Vintage sea scout ?

Hi Dutton, The Classic Model Power Boat that you have acquired is indeed an Aerokits Sea Scout. I have one just the same that is in need a bit of TLC. Yours is probably in better condition than mine, and yours has more detail on it as well, so it can be made into a really nice r/c model. Please add it to the Classic Model Power Boats thread on here as you go along as it will help to keep the thread growing as a superb reference point for anyone interested in Classic Model Power Boats like yours where we can all learn and help each other. Given the type of motor and layout that you have, I think it could well be a model that was made sometime in the late 1960's - early 1970's - just like mine! Good luck with your restoration . Bob.

1 day ago by zooma

Response

Re: Classic Model Power Boats

Aerokits Sea Scout. This Classic Model Power Boat is only two feet long, but it has a lot of character and is a model that is not seen anything like often enough these days. I have one that is waiting for some attention but it is basically OK as it was not a size of model that was too often powered by diesel or glow plug engine, so most are not fuel soaked and easy to work on. Invariably they were powered by a small early type electric motor (often a Mabuchi) or even an old KaKo (if my memory serve me correctly?) and others of similar size and power.. I will dig a picture out of my Sea Scout and add it later......but hopefully a better one will come along first and beat me to it! Bob.

1 day ago by zooma

Response

Re: Classic Model Power Boats

Just took a good look at picture in PEIs post and IMHO, the actuator/servo id definitely an early servo and probably used with a reed set. There would have been a switching circuit to drive the electric motor. The motor is driving a lead screw via gears, this in turn has a follower to which the servo output is soldered. This setup would give you a linear output servo.

1 day ago by EdW

Response

Re: Vintage sea scout ?

Hang in there Dutton, there are more than few folks here who can i.d. that one for you! Great find BTW!!!! 👍😊

1 day ago by jumpugly

Forum

Question of the Day?

Hi, Boatshed, I also do the same and seal as many of the bow compartments as I can, but just in case there's a leak 😩, I fill them as much as possible with lightweight polystyrene.😊. Should make the boats bomb proof/unsinkable 😀,from someone who hasn't read the SOLAS manual 😕😃😣.

1 day ago by Steves-s

Blog

Vintage sea scout ?

Hi I’ve just bought a secondhand model wooden boat looks like an aero kit sea scout 24.5 inches long it has a very old made in Japan electric motor it smells old inside the boat and the paint is heavily crazed .i would like to know my about it / age etc if anyone could help me before I restore it many thanks Kraig. it also has a manual brass rudder knob it the back

1 day ago by Dutton73

Forum

Brackengarth Tug

A great find Merchant! That is a seriously robust looking vessel and a great project! I seriously suspect that there are some aggressive bulwarks on that tug! Keep the pictures coming!!!

2 days ago by jumpugly

Forum

Brackengarth Tug

I have acquired an old damaged model of this tug and am trying to restore it. My question is should there be bulwarks in the deck vents fore and aft or should they be totally clear???

2 days ago by merchant67

Forum

Help is needed guys, Robbe Atlantis

Well done Doug! Ron's friend is lucky as Krick was not always able to save all of Robbe's plans and patterns. I wrote to Krick directly about a plan set for their luxury yacht "Topkapi," but they complained that both Robbe and Graupner had let a lot slide over the years. So my plan set is lost to the sands of time. However, An experienced builder could probably hash it out. When a I ever get to it...we'll see. 👍😂

2 days ago by jumpugly

Forum

Help is needed guys, Robbe Atlantis

A fella in Massachusetts is asking if anyone can help him get instructions or plans for building a Robbe Atlantis. That is one big sailboat model which requires some special skills. I know that someone on this website could help out. Please respond! Ron for a new recruit.

2 days ago by Ronald

Forum

Brackengarth Tug

As requested a couple of pics of the vessel in question!!!

2 days ago by merchant67

Forum

TVR1A Steam Engine.

I decided to plank the rear section of aluminium plate, in the hope it would look better, and I think it is an improvement. The next step will be to plank the section under the boiler to match. My tip of the day is do not use super glue to stick plywood onto aluminium plate, it does not work, use Evo-stik contact. Regards, Gary.

2 days ago by GaryLC

Forum

TVR1A Steam Engine.

I have finally managed to make a little progress on the building front, of what eventually will be an open steam launch. If anyone out there in the ether is struggling with the problem of fitting the forward and reverse servo. This set up works really well, mind it did take a little while to perfect, using a standard size servo wrapped in a full metal jacket of aluminium. As per the photos, which also show the 6mm steel chain, as the prop-shaft and crank-shaft are on different levels.

10 days ago by GaryLC

Blog

HMCS Woodstock Finished

Ready to be put up on the Legion Wall. Most of the figures are from 3Djson at Etsy with a few additions from the original kit itself.

21 days ago by RPLedm

Forum

Contacting peterd in Australia

Good to hear from you Peter👍 Living a life of liquid luxury eh? (Although my version would include some single malt😉) Chin up Peter, we are all rooting for you🤞🤞🤞 All the best, Doug😎

2 days ago by RNinMunich

Forum

Contacting peterd in Australia

Peter gave me permission to share his email address with people on the website, PM and I will forward you the email address. Peter has received some messages and really appreciated them. He also says the coffee in the hospital is not fit for human consumption! 🤣 His current diet consists-of : Wildberry high protein drink Clear chicken soup Coffee or tea That was breakfast, dinner and lunch Respectfully Ron

4 days ago by Ronald

Forum

Contacting peterd in Australia

Roy, the food here has been freshly cooked and very generous proportions. Shepherds pie, fish etc. I was on a clear liquid diet for the past week, though today was the first day off it onto a straight liquid diet. Lunch creamed pumpkin soup, an energy fibre drink similar to chocolate milkshake, banana yoghurt and ice cream. Tea. Soup was unreal. The others had fresh veggies and roast. No complaints

2 days ago by peterd

Forum

Question of the Day?

On todays question, I had gone for answer C, as I would do this even on my wooden model boaats, As I think this makes sense just to be safe.

2 days ago by BOATSHED

Forum

Help is needed guys, Robbe Atlantis

Hi Ron, The plans and building instructions are still available from Krick, who took over the marine models when Robbe collapsed. They market them under the romarin brand name. Cheers, Doug😎 https://www.krickshop.de/Models/Building-Plans/Building-Plans-for-Shipmodels/Plan-Set-and-Instructions-Atlantis-Robbe.htm?shop=krick_e&a=article&ProdNr=ro11309999&p=416&srsltid=AfmBOop7w-43DZjzXCgo3GQNuR7jKd1270HxwLthEVPBqkfGDRl2xqxy

2 days ago by RNinMunich