Response

Cooling coil

I have one on a 540 brushed motor which is a reasonably tight fit on the motor. Also I have a Graupner on to fit Graupner 400 speed motor and that again is a quite tight fit. There is no gap between the motor and the coil. it is acting as a heat sink so therefore surely it should touch to disperse the heat with the water flowing through it. if it isn't in contact with it then doesn't it make it pointless putting it on there. Also wont it make it rattle about when the motor is running and the boat hopping about on the water ??

5 years ago by BOATSHED

Directory

(Tug Boat) Titan

Built this in the 80s. Carved from a block of foam and fiberglassed (hull and deck). Wheelhouse was ply, everything scratch built to own design. Had with a set of car points for on /off. had lights that could be switched on by deck switch. Radio was Futaba 'brown box' on 27mhz. (Motor: 540) (ESC: none) (5/10)

5 years ago by jbkiwi

Forum

Anteo 2 Tug

Hi Dick, I have a few tugs and the largest at 49" uses a geared 540 running from a 12v 7ah sla battery giving a good 90mins running time. This model weighs in at 15 kilos ready to sail. I also have a caldercraft model tug Joffre. Which is about 30" long and runs using a 6v monoperm motor and gearbox. 6v 4.5ah sla battery giving about 1 hour run time. Weight is 5kilos ready to sail. Hope this helps. Cheers Colin.

6 years ago by Colin H

Forum

Anteo 2 Tug

Dick, as far as I know model boat/car style ESCs have a reverse function. I would think a geared would be quite sufficient. People tend to overpower most model boats, especially those not required to take off like ducks on acid! Like tugs. Cheers, Martin

6 years ago by Westquay

Forum

Vic Smeed air/Sea Rescue launch

Help required, I have just started to look again at this boat which I partly built the hull and upper works for many years ago from a model boats extra publication. Has anyone built this model as I have a number of questions re finishing the balsa hull, modern control and running gear for this model. It currently has a Graupner Jumbo installed but nothing done to the balsa hull or upper works or control

6 years ago by Will-I-Am

Forum

Graupner Jumbo s

Sorry but when you said 6v I assumed it was a SLA so your NiMh, must be a 5 cell as they come in multiples of 1.2v. So I agree the simplest solution is a Rx battery pack and disconnect the BEC supply. (May need to remove +ve wire from ESC(s) plug?)

6 years ago by CB90

Forum

Graupner Jumbo s

Help required please, I have two Graupner Jumbo 540 6volt motors in an eboat circa 1978, I had fitted an Mtroniks speed controller replacing the Bob's board only to find that when the voltage dropped below 6 volts down to 5.6 volts I was experiencing intermittent operation of the esc. I have been informed by Mtroniks that the minimum voltage for operation of the esc is 6volts. Graupner have also confirmed that the maximum voltage for the Jumbo s is 6 volts. Do I have any alternatives other than refitting the Bob's board?

6 years ago by Will-I-Am

Forum

Graupner Jumbo s

Hi Will, Sounds good to me👍 I like the Action Electroncs stuff as well, have their dual ESC with rudder mixer which I want to try in my long thin destroyer to reduce the turning radius. Was misled about the SLA by a previous post🤔 Makes sense re the BEC which I believe is 5V 1.2A. I prefer a separate RX batt anyway😉 BUT: if you run a 6V NiMh down to 5.6V you are close to the Deep Discharge zone which will seriously damage the battery and drastically shorten it's life 😲 Threshold voltage is 1.0V per cell, so take erratic control as a warning that the battery is flat and come home soon! Look forward to your Sea Trials report. Cheers, Doug

6 years ago by RNinMunich

Forum

Graupner Jumbo s

Doug, The 6volt battery is currently an NiMh battery not an SLA. The problem was that according to Mtroniks the minimum voltage to the ESC to adequately run the BEC connection is 6volts. That is why I was getting erratic control when the battery voltage was 5.6 volts. The action speed controller will work 2-12 volts and I am going to use a separate receiver battery as suggested by Dave Milbourn just to make sure. Regards Will

6 years ago by Will-I-Am

Forum

Graupner Jumbo s

hi Will, I agree with replacing the SLA. if you don't want to go LiPo cos of chargers etc etc how about a 5 cell 6V NiMh? much lighter than the SLA For the ESC switch to the Mtroniks Viper Marine Micro 10. That handles motors up to 550 can size, 10A motor limit, and runs off 4.8 to 12V 👍👍 I use these very happily on ships running 2 or 4 540s. A destroyer and a cruiser. Both about 54". http://www.mtroniks.net/prod/Boat-Speed-Controls/Viper-micro-Marine-10.htm You can get 'em about 5 quid cheaper here https://www.cornwallmodelboats.co.uk/acatalog/Mtroniks-marine-Speed-Controllers.html There are also 15 and 20A versions if you want to run both motors off one ESC 😉 Cheers, Doug 😎

6 years ago by RNinMunich

Forum

Graupner Jumbo s

I think it would be worth the risk of running the DC Motors at 7.2v (NiMh) or second choise 7.4v (Lipo) and get rid of the 6v lead acid battery. The chance of damaging the motor is limited, the battery packs will be lighter than an equivalent lead acid, but will need to by a charger as well. Always put a fuse in line rated 5 amps below that of the ESC. Or buy two higher voltage motor? only £6.99 each plus P&P link copy and paste into browser address:- https://howesmodels.co.uk/product/graupner-speed-600-8-4v-motor/

6 years ago by CB90

Response

Range Safety Launch?

Hi The 382 was a Fire Float Mk1(40 foot) (No. 90) converted in Feb 1950 to a Seaplane Tender. Max speed 21 knots. The MFA 800's are 5167 rpm( unloaded) @ 12 volts/ 5.3 Amps. Replacing these with 3639-750Kv brushless on 2S Lipo batteries(7.2 volts) would give you 5400 rpm( unloaded). 2S 4000mah 25C Lipo's(one for each motor) weigh 221 grams each. Canabus

6 years ago by canabus

Forum

LiPo batteries

A chaque un a son goût John 😉 I'm not tooo surprised at your NiMh results. But I also think that you are correct that they won't last the proverbial 5 minutes on load. I had a similar experience last year when I retired and took stock of everything lying around in boxes and shelves in the so called workshop😲 Some also measured above the 'dead' voltage but collapsed within seconds of applying a load; a running offload. They were consigned to the Great Recycling Centre in the sky 🤔 The NiCads had preceded them by a decade or so! Since then I've restocked with LiPos where I have brushless and LiPo safe ESCs and NiMh for the 'brushed ships with older pre Lixx EScs. For heavier jobs like Graf Spee (3 x 600), HMS Belfast (4! x 385), U25 (2 x 385) I've restocked with 6V 4Ah SLAs. Have started compiling an XL spreadsheet to keep track of them; when last used / charged etc. Oooops! Just discovered that Grauer Burgunder is an excellent cleaner for my inductive mouse pad 😲 Prost allseits! Doug 😎

6 years ago by RNinMunich

Forum

Which motor

Hi Neil I have a 49inch tug which uses a with 2.5 to 1 reduction box. 3inch 4 blade prop, On 12 volts pushes along nicely and with a 7amp hour battery gives about 2 hours sailing, total sailing weight is 21 kilos. Cheers Colin.

6 years ago by Colin H

Forum

What Li-po?

I have been away from this hobby for a long time, but got inspired to get this garage-sale find running. It is a Graupner Commodore, 1970's motor yacht, 70 cm long. It came with all radio, motors, batteries and all, everything works, except the batteries are really old. So I am thinking about replacing the batteries with Li-pos, but what size should I have? The motors in the boat are 2 Mabuchi 540s. Are there problems running brushed motors with Li-pos? Thankful for all advice! :)

6 years ago by Yngvegr

Forum

For Sale - Pilot ll from plans by Vic Smeed

For Sale. Plank on frame wooden hull scratch built from original plans by Vic Smeed. 86cm L by 28cm B. She is very well made, though I can't claim for construction as I bought her part built. I re-painted, added the drive train and electrics as well as detailing the the deck house and upper deck. Twin brushed fanned 540 electric motors with Mtronics Viper Marine 20amp ESCs. 2.4ghz Tx with four channel receiver. Navigation lights and searchlight. (Need final wiring) I think she looks good on the water. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D6ELvkWcM-4&t=20s Collection only please. £210 ONO.

6 years ago by cormorant

Forum

(2) COMPLETE MERCRUISER HP500 540 BULLDOG MOTORS

This is for a full size boat engine. Aquawm is no longer a registered member. Please do not post any further replies to this post.

6 years ago by Dave M

Forum

(2) COMPLETE MERCRUISER HP500 540 BULLDOG MOTORS

Just imagine the size of the model! How do you get that to the pod!

6 years ago by figtree7nts

Forum

(2) COMPLETE MERCRUISER HP500 540 BULLDOG MOTORS

A bit big for most models.

6 years ago by Colin H

Forum

huntsman 46

Hi Pilot If you are using 540 can size (35-36mm brushless motor) a 3639-1100kv 800watts, 3648-1450 1600watts or a XK 3674-1900 1769 watts. All run on 100Amp ESCs, but check the maximum voltage they handle. I use car ESCs with the electric fan on top because they run cooler at slow speeds and no water plumbing required. The same with the motors no cooling. Props for these motors 37mm 2 blade or 40-45 mm 2 blade. If you go for a larger motor for a larger prop, a L5055-700kv 1600watts same ESC, but, start with a 2 blade prop about 52mm. Battery a 3-6S 5800mah or more with a C rating of 40 plus. I have used the 35mm motors in 34 to 40" boats, but, for my 46" Vosper Crash Tender I am going to the 5055. To large a prop will cause over heating of the ESC, battery and Motor. A in line amp meter(Hobbyking 9598000004-0) is the one in use. It reads the maximum amps, so for run speed amps slow speed up to maximum as a hit the throttle hard will give you maximum amps. Canabus

7 years ago by canabus

Forum

Motor problem

the motor has arrived today so into the workshop this afternoon, of course it is not going to be straightforward, the motor is much larger than the 540 size so the motor platform is too high. I fixed it down well, I did not want this to come loose, managed to cut it out with one of those vibrating cutter, just leaving the glued pieces to remove , not too difficult with a small wood chisel. So in the process of making a motor platform with new stringers so the platform is lower in the hull, break for tea, now going in to workshop to fix down the stringers to the hull and bulkheads with 2 part epoxy, The motor mount has been fixed to the platform with small nuts and bolts with a locking washer, I am going to epoxy the heads to the underside of the platform, so I can undo the nuts without the bolt spinning, not sure how I will fix the platform in as there is not much depth on the stringers to use screws, so I guess two part epoxy again. Should I start a blog as I think this may be an ongoing tale of woe😊

7 years ago by RichardSReade

Forum

Motor problem

Hi Richard, Good morning, Prop first, if the blade to hub is 30mm, it is a 60mm diameter prop, think of the circle of sweep, twice the size that your 550 motor can take. As the shaft is free running, we can discount drag, simply the motor working to extreme, so we need to prop down considerably, If you are staying with the in the pics, a 35mm 3 blade prop is the maximum, a rough guide is no bigger than the motor diameter. I would save myself a lot of problems in the future and fit a larger motor, Canabus is right a watt meter will save its readings so you can get a proper idea what the motor is doing. I would swing towards the 850, or the 700. Not expensive but safe to run with a smaller prop. The 700 might fit your mounting but the 850 will need a new one, usually supplied in the box. The Sea Commander will serve you well as a great sailing model, once you are past the teething problems. Just looked back, your first post said the hull was built in the 60's, it might have a 4ba thread, not many ba props available these days, a 4mm prop will fit but it will be tight, don't forget the locking nut (to many props at the bottom of the lake) also a thrust washer to protect the motor bearings. Mark

7 years ago by jarvo

Forum

Motor problem

Hi reilly4 I do not think it is as large as 60mm as it is a three bladed prop, if it was a two bladed one I would agree with you as the blades would be directly opposite each other hence 60mm, but being 3 bladed they are not 90 degrees to the centre point, without taking it off and drawing a circle around it to measure I would hazard a guess it is a 30mm prop. if memory serves me correctly the late Swindon Model Shop which was run by Yan who knew his stuff recommended the along with the prop for the size of the boat. I will check the Sea Commander plans as I think it has the size of the required prop listed. Haverlock the motor is rated 4.5 to 15 volts and the battery is 7.2 volt, I would have to run the boat in water to see what the motor is drawing under load, I may get a tad wet trying to keep up with it to read an amp meter, or sink the boat by sitting on it😉 I think the overheat problem was to do with the motor mounting braket covering the front air slots on the motor. However I have a water scoop which I did not fit at the time of building so may retro fit and buy a new motor set up for water cooling, the next question would be where abouts do I fit it?

7 years ago by RichardSReade

Forum

Motor problem

After reading your post Jarvo I went out to the workshop to check if the motor would run, it had got so hot it had melted the solder on the live feed connection so in a way saving it from going right up in smoke, an inline fuse may be a thing in the future, the motor is completely burnt out however the power box is OK. Thank you for the information about the larger motor, I am not sure which is the larger out of the two, I have posted some photos of them both as I am not up to speed with the rating numbers of the motors,maybe you could answer that question. However following up from Scout13 reply, although the cover over the prop shaft connection was in no way restricting air flow, ( I will drill some air flow holes in the cover to be 100% positive on that statement. The motor fixing bracket and the RE540/1 motor recommended for the Sea Commander and sold to me by the model shop, (I was given the other motor by a club member as I was informed it was the better out of the two) looks like the problem, if you look at the photo's you can see that the air flow holes are completely blanked out by the bracket, something I missed when fitting it.

7 years ago by RichardSReade

Forum

Motor problem

Hi Richard, as an extra to Dave M. the battery packs are different sizes, 5000mah and 3300mah, if both batteries are connected together they will cause problems with power balance, as said the cooling slots are covered. You said the motor was cooking, have you tried it since? maybe it was the ESC that cut out through the overloading with the prop to big. PS what size prop is fitted? The 540 in the 4th pic may not be big enough, a 600 size or even an 850 would give a lot more torque and probably more speed, you can back off the throttle but a small motor will always struggle, and will probably be run at near full power a lot of the time. Hope this helps Mark

7 years ago by jarvo

Response

Dirty Deeds

Thank you, AllenA! Well, no science behind the running time. As long as I run at low speeds it just happens everything seems fine. But when I put the throttle down... then all is over within 15 minutes or so. I pretty much stick to the same power layout. s with 30A controllers, 2000 or higher mAh capacity and 35mm or 40mm props and 4mm shafts. Dirty Deeds is a bit special. I was on my learning curve (I'm still there!) so due to a novice error I used a 2mm shaft so I had to get a special propeller and a big mean battery (kind of a Viagra approach). So, I had a 4-bladed 35mm propeller bored for the 2mm shaft and a 10.8v 4000 mah battery pack. A bit in the heavy side but it gave the boat nice stability. I can achieve better running time with Lipos, but I'm an old-fashioned guy still concerned with the maintenance Lipos involve and do appreciate a bit more of the weight offered by NIHMs, not to mention I'm a cheap guy (LOL). Something that really worked for me is the choice of propellers. I noticed a remarkable run-time difference between plastic and metal (yes, more expensive) propellers, but it is well-spent money. Other boats I have run with 9.8v 2000 mAH batteries achieving almost 50 min at low speeds, which is OK with some of my models for realistic ride purposes. Here I have my two "inspirational" pics.

7 years ago by Krampus

Media

Dirty Deeds

Some pics of my favorite build. Made on a barebones fiberglass hull. Runs with a NIHM 10.8 battery, a 540 brushed motor and a 30A controller. Pictures taken by the Olympia Park pond in Munich, Germany.

7 years ago by Krampus

Media

Pinkie Pie

Model kit made on or about 1969 by defunct German firm Robbe based upon Chris Craft Roamer motor yachts of the era. Hull appears to be inspired on 1950s Chris Craft Constellation series. Model tried to emulate a 46 feet version. I got this one half-built and adapted as a gift for my child inspired in the "My Little Pony" characters. Approx. 1/20 scale. Authentic Chris Craft Roamer 46 measured 46 x 15 feet. it runs with a 4-bladed 40mm metal propeller, 320A 7.2V-16V ESC 30A constant, a NiMH 9.6v battery, and a Mabuchi .

7 years ago by Krampus

Forum

Aeronaut Pilot Boat

Hey, I've really enjoyed reading this build log, I was wondering what the dimensions of your s were? because in the instructions (i'm about to start building it) it says to use a graupner 400 speed which is significantly smaller than the two graupner 600 speed motors that i was intending to put in it. Do you think they would fit? How much spare room is there? Many thanks for any help, Yours Tintin

7 years ago by Skipper44

Forum

Brushless in or out

Hi Sonar I have used both in boats and with no watercooling. No problems with both types. The in runners are good for replacing brush motors as the 35mm brushless motor are the same bolt holes as the 540 brush motors. My first brushless was a Trackstar 17T 2400kv into an old rc car, 90watts to 550 watts, turn it into an insane rocket. The main brushless motors we use in the boating club are Hobbyking 3639 750 and 1100kv, 3648 1450kv and the outrunner D3548 1100kv with a 2 blade 40-50mm props. ESC's are the car 60 and 100 amp which handle 2S to 4S Lipo batteries.

7 years ago by canabus

Forum

MFA Torpedo 850 motor

At long last I got there. These say they are For 540 dual motor or single motor So for an 850 torpedo it is a no go.. I think I will have to stick with these from http://electronize.net/model_electronics_frames.htm

7 years ago by none

Forum

Motor Mounts

Hi Dave. Motors installed and running smoothly with double couplings as you suggested. Thank you. Called in at Jotika for some bits and spoke to John about my fear of piercing the hull. He suggested I use silicone to fix the motors to the mounts as he uses it for things such as flexible drives on his big powerboats. That's what I've used and it seems to work. I am using 4 -15v 540 brushed motors. Being sold on lipos, what batteries do you suggest I use? I'm not looking for high speed. Steve

7 years ago by cormorant

Forum

Motor Mounts

Thanks Dave. Do you mean something like this? I'm going to stick with the s as they should give me enough speed for this type of boat. Steve

7 years ago by cormorant

Forum

Aeronaut Pilot Boat

Hi Glyn I got all my running gear from Howes Models which is where I bought the kit. it was on their recommendation and I got 540 brushed motors, three bladed brass props and Mtroniks Viper marine ESCs. This gives me what I consider to be a good scale speed. For gap filling I use Milliput and for small cracks, decorators caulk. Cheers. Steve

7 years ago by cormorant

Media

Pilot Boat

Recently built from an Aeronaut kit, this is a 1/24th scale Pilot Boat based on a German design. Powered by two 540 brushed motors with 3 bladed brass props it attains something like scale speed. The colour is Volkswagen Bright Orange, courtesy of Halfords and the non-slip deck is acrylic green mixed with silver sand then covered with a silk finish varnish. The boat was filmed at an illuminated regatta staged by Bournville Model Yacht and Power Boat Club on their lake in Bournville, Birmingham %u2003

8 years ago by cormorant

Media

San Pedro

The San Pedro is a North American Push Boat. She weighs in at 21 lbs L.O.A. is 30" Beam is 12" Draft is 3" 5/8" Her Engine Room Consist of: Two MFA 919D 540 Type Motors with Single Ratio Metal Gearbox 2.5:1 Reduction Two Mtroniks Viper Marine PNP 15 One Action Electronics Throttle & Rudder Mixer Two 6 Volt SLA Batteries in series Running time is estimated at 2 hrs

8 years ago by figtree7nts

Directory

(Naval Ship) ELCO 24

Elco 24 was a up-scale of the Elco 32, approx 1/24th scale, Twin s but the performance was poor. This was never investigated and the project was shelved. (Motor: 540) (ESC: Electronize) (4/10)

8 years ago by muddy

Media

Coble

this is work in progress of a scratch built oak planked Coble running on a powered by a 11.1 lipo battery there is still a way to go

8 years ago by Northumbrian

Forum

Aeronaut Pilot Boat

Morning Ed and thanks for the support. As I said, this is my first venture into electrics so my choice has been very much made on advisement. I will be using bog standard 540 brushed motors and Viper marine 15 controllers (with the set up button). I have been advised not to use Lipo batteries as they can be a bit volatile if not handled correctly. I will be using 3700 mah NiMH batteries in a pack of 6 to give me 7.2 volts. Hope this makes sense. Steve

8 years ago by cormorant

Response

Try New Skills 1

Hi figtree7nts! Yes, this is the same boat from last video! The next step I'm going to put some fibreglass inside. I bought the motor RE-540 from MFA. I really don't know if that is the right motor for the size of this boat, but...we keep going! 👍 👍

8 years ago by trynewskillsnow

Response

MFA Spearfish

I'm lucky, I still have an MFA Piranha half finished, with a in it. Not quite finished. And an MFA Spearfish still untouched in the box. I used to have a Spearfish with a Irvine 61 in and run great. Used it for many years on both Blackheath pond and Clapham Common long pond. Finally had to bin it 😭 after about 20 years due to quite a few run ins with the concrete pond sides 😯 . Still have the engine. But will hopefully put a brushless in the new one.

8 years ago by BOATSHED

Response

PT BOAT

Not surprised with twin s. However, nothing wrong with over scale speed. Much better than plowing through the water like a tug! 👍

8 years ago by johnfastboat

Forum

MFA Olympus geared drive

I have MFA Olympus 2:1 reduction belts drives for the range,in several of my boats. I have been informed these are no longer available. I was wanting to replace 2 Graupner geared drive units as I find these very noisy in this particular model. Has anyone heard of alternatives to these. These were tooth drive units and so did not slip. Think they were originally for aircraft. Cheers.

9 years ago by Derek

Media

MARINA

MARINA fishing boat I bought this from a mate he was wanting to get rid of some of his boats it has a Mitronics esc / running on two 6v batteries 24" long & 7" beam

9 years ago by Northumbrian

Media

PT 109

Nice little PT Boat I bought off Gordon @ our Club it runs on a 7.2 battery with a Electronize FR30 Speed Controller with BECs twin s with plenty of detail on it

9 years ago by Northumbrian

Media

two boys B-84

here are some photos of finished project on the water at pickie pool bangor she is powered by and 60mm prop winch radar lights al in working order she tows the net well stacks of power this boat is scratch built inc winch rgds Robert waterson angus

9 years ago by skiboo

Response

Empire Raymond.

Nice detailed model and really looks true to the type. Very interested to hear your comment re rewinding a 540. When you say 80 turns is this per pole? How much current does it draw as that's a good sized prop. I used to rewind some of my motors but never a 540. Any chance of seeing a video on the water? Cheers dave

9 years ago by Dave M

Media

Empire Raymond.

HI All, E.Raymond is 36 inches long x 9 inches beam. She is scratch built, plank on frame with 3mm ply deck. I made her from the Cervia plans and enlarged them to 36 inches. She has a 540 type motor which I rewound with 80 turns of 30swg wire, for more torque. She has a 4 blade prop 60mm diam. and powered by a 6v 4amp SLA battery. I started the build last March, she's not quite finished yet, needs an anchor winch making and a set of tyres on the sides and other small details. I sail her at Holyhead Breakwater Park when I can.

9 years ago by lubberland

Media

two boys b84

complete scratch built on a glass fibre hull here are a few more photos to show the progress that has been made still a lot of work to do boat powered by a driving a 60mm 3 bladed prop I sail at pickie pool in bangor co down Robert waterson angus

9 years ago by skiboo

Forum

Too many questions

Hello folks. I have a 15 year old, 44.5 Inch fiberglass bare tugboat hull, and marabouchI 4540 brush motor that has a very nice enclosed 2.5/1 reduction gear and 3 3/4" four blade propeller. I have machined a Kort nozzle from rotocast bronze. I plan to use lots and lots of batteries as I need ballast anyways, and want a good long run time. The tug will be for play, but will also be used to go out and push In logs to the shore, where have a crane that I can then lift them up for cutting Into firewood. (Salt water) So I wonder If I should swap this motor for a brushless? I would like to use a very large motor and not run It as hard, so the model Is powerfull enough for pushing 1000 lb logs around. Also just not all that Interested In changing brushes and overheating problems. Also would like as low a speed shaft speed as Is reasonable. So buy a very large motor and feed It lower volts? Get lower shaft speeds too? Is this 50 watt 4540 plenty of motor, that will last quite a long time and I should not change anything? Batteries,.... I don't want to have to be a battery expert, leave them In the correct state of charge, or have a masters degree In battery charging. Need weight anyways, so what battery should I be using? Speed controller? Need a special one for brushless, and I don't have any gear yet so I would like to get what will work best, even If that means sticking with the brush motor. Cost Is less an Issue. Thanks for any help you might have. Steve

9 years ago by PikaSteve