Directory

(Life Boat) Taymar

Model Slipway Taymar Lifeboat and just completed the glassfibre hull, deck and installing motors, and rudder servo (Motor: Graupner 600 x2) (10/10). The deck was a bad fit into the hull and a battle to fix but with hour long epoxy and lots of sellotape pulling the hull against the deck I got there in the end

6 years ago by Brianaro

Forum

Robbe Westerriff lotse pilot vessel

This boat is understood to be a Robbe 1:25 kit, constructed to a very high standard, and is the pilot vessel Westerriff. The craft is finished to the most exacting of standards and, whilst fitted with a motor, and lots of wiring, will need additions and finishing to perform, with, battery, radio gear etc required. ( I also note there is no servo for the rudder ). It has sailed previously, and is provided with many attractive features, including operating water cannon, rotating radar, operating mast lights ( numerous ). The length is 106 cms, or a tad under 42 inches in old money.( The craft is supplied without the stand that is shown in the images. I am presently looking for a suitable stand, so if there is one out there to be had, please do let me ( or the new purchaser ) know. If further info or images is/are required, please do let me know. Again, I am looking for a reasonable and realistic offer for the boat, and all offers will be considered. The craft is presently moored alongside the previously mentioned Assurance class armed tug in South Manchester. ( also, the least I can do is to ensure that a suitable donation is made to the site following the sale of any of the craft that I am offering for sale ).

5 years ago by Davecounty

Directory

(Tug Boat) Fairmount Alpine

Tug. Twin contra rotating props. . (8/10)

5 years ago by DannyZ

Forum

Billings Smith Rotterdam -

Hi, Anybody ever added a working to the Billings Smit Rotterdam kit? - decision time is looming!😭

5 years ago by theshipscat

Directory

(Working Vessel) Fairmount Glacier

A Billings kit, the Fairmount Glacier (or Alpine - comes with 5 naming options) is a sturdy boat... 2 props in Kort nozzles, extras I've fitted...37 lights, , working fire monitors, radar, & horn. Runs on 2 x 12v 7AH batteries, so runs for a while! Colour scheme makes it visible on the lake too! (Motor: 2 x M500 Mtronix) (ESC: JP Marine) (9/10)

5 years ago by Harvey Kitten

Forum

Voltage increasing via regulator

OK, Understood, I think! If you just want to boost the why don't you just fit a small 12V (or 11.1V LiPo) just for that? Frankly I might start with an 9.6V batt before I jump from 7.2 to 12V. I assume it's just either On or OFF, i.e. no ESC. As you can see from the specs of your Booster, as the output volts increase the deliverable current (for a given input volts) decreases inversely, as I predicted! Ya don't get summat for nuttin! Soooo, you need to carefully check the specs of the thruster motor; max voltage, current at maximum efficiency versus volts applied! That will tell you the max volts battery that you can safely and most efficiently use, and you can check if your booster can deliver the required current at the voltage needed. I'd just use a separate battery and a servo operated micro switch, but then I'm just a dumb engineer!😲 Bon chance mon ami👍 Cheers, Doug 😎

6 years ago by RNinMunich

Forum

Voltage increasing via regulator

Evening all, I have a voltage regulator I’d like to fit to my Southport tug (currently running on 7.2v Ni-MHs) in order to get it up to 12v. I’m after more speed/power and would particularly like the running a bit faster than it does on 7.2v. So, the questions are, where to fit it in the wiring loom, and what will the effect be on the battery life? Advice please! Thank you in advance...

6 years ago by EricMB

Forum

Voltage increasing via regulator

Thanks for the in-depth answer Doug, much appreciated! The component was incorrectly labelled - my fault.. it’s a Voltage Booster! Pic attached... to clarify, it’s really the (a very small one at that!) I’d like running a bit faster, you’re right about tugs not being sprinters! Regards, Eric

6 years ago by EricMB

Forum

bulkheads

Hi Haig, seems to be a common mistake to get Schottel Drives (Z-Drives) and Voith - Schneider confused with one another! First two pics show a twin Voith propeller on a tug hull (as on the plan above) and the operating principle. 3rd pic is cross section of the Z-Drive as produced by the Schottel company. it is a 360° rotating 'pod'. Newer versions have electric motors built into the pod and don't need the mechanical Z transmission from inside the hull. With such pods under bow and stern even bow and stern side thrusters are redundant 😊 4th pic is the Graupner version, Mk II. https://www.graupner.com/Schottel-Drive-II-new-version-/2335/ Cheers, Doug 😎

6 years ago by RNinMunich

Forum

1/16th scale Tamar

I can work out scale speed as well as anyone. I am glad that your Model Slipway Tamar worked well for you with a pair of 600Eco motors, but many other owners changed their motors not long after the model was brought into use. You don't need high Kv brushless motors, or 4s LiPos to get scale performance with this model. The addition of a bow-thruster is well worth the effort and cost.

6 years ago by kinmel

Forum

Model Slipway

Model Slipway Tamar 1/16th lifeboat for sale fitted with and servo,will come with two cans halford paint one indigo blue other VW orange Reason for sale is with only previously building one model this may be suitable for a more experienced builder,every thing in place for a beautiful finished lifeboat,photos available £325 With the model being at this stage it may be possible to send by courier Would consider swap for a cruiser i.e. Huntsman /Jules Verne /Perkasa with fibre glass hull with two props NOW WITHDRAWN FROM SALE

8 years ago by shambles

Media

afron alaw

Started some months ago been busy on other things but build up till now Motors are fitted and work as is the and kort knozzels and shafts. also the deck is complete and ready to fit.

6 years ago by dragon

Directory

(Tug Boat) Happy Hunter

Found this kit on a well-known auction site and bought it for £100. it is the original Robbe kit and fittings included. There was no command module and so I have devised a way of having working anchors, tow, crane and warning beacon, , nav lights and searchlight. It was a bit of a struggle to balance her properly and she needs quite a lot of ballast. A real handful, you might say but she looks really well on the pond. (Motor: MFA Torpedo 800) (ESC: Action P94) (8/10)

6 years ago by liamduck

Forum

AL Khubar 2

Hi As seen in my build blog list of items fitted. 2 MFA Geared 6-1 Motors. 2 Aqua power 128 FNR Speed controllers. Brass props. . Brass Korts. Sound unit. Horn. Lights. all in working order. Sailed very well yesterday at Owls pond. In good working order sold as seen with no returns too detailed to pack collection only please. £300 ovno. Any Question please ask. Plans and instructions also.

6 years ago by dragon

Media

Smit Rotterdam

Billing boats, which took me 3 years to build.Hull was planked and theh fibre glass. Boat has full functional remote with seperate port starboard control,rudder and . full inside and mast lighting.

6 years ago by Neville1

Directory

(Fire Boat) Grimmershorn II

The Motor vessel 'Grimmershorn' was built in 1956/57 by Hansa Stahlund Schiffbau GmbH at Koln-Deutz for the Waterways and Shipping Administration at Cuxhaven.Her Daimler-Benz four stroke diesel engine had an output of 500hp. permitting a speed of 11.5 knots. The model hull and deck are vacuum formed ABS, timber work of precision cut ply, 2 full size plan sheets and a construction manual along with a fittings pack complete this kit. Technical Data Scale: 1:20 Length: 1038mm Beam 305mm The Grimmershorn was the second major kit I purchased from a model shop on the outskirts of Harlow in Essex back in the 1980s. The Krik kit is still produced and sold today. My build was a slow and lost enthusiasm so after completing the hull, deck, motor and installation I gave the boat to my father in-law who completed the superstructure and sailed the boat for a while, eventually the boat was given back to me when the father in-law moved house. I then repaired the rudder, added a moving radar, a adjustable water cannon and pump also various extra fittings such as a detailed life raft and crane, buoys and captain figure. thus renamed the boat as Grimmershorn II a Search and rescue fire boat. (Motor: 950) (ESC: 15A 24v) (5/10)

6 years ago by CB90

Response

Fairmount Alpine - TUG!

yes also building one A lot of work to complete yet. Fitted with 2x mfa 6/1 motors and ,kort nozzle, becker rudders,all windows fitted with individual glazing a lot of time consuming, still a lot to do

6 years ago by thepirate

Forum

Boat Testing Water

Yes,time does fly.Snow is gone from here at the moment.I was hoping to have a friends boat finished putting in a 2.4 Ghz radio into it and rewiring lights and .Time justb disappeaers.

6 years ago by Donnieboy

Media

Pride Of Hythe

Pride of Hythe first sea trials 21/02/2018. Linkspan 1/96 model kit, took 4 months to build. Triple props and . She handled well and had a good accurate speed.

6 years ago by davidhgreatbatch

Media

Al Khubar 2

This is A Slipway Kit which I have been rebuilding and finished yesterday working lights, radar, sound system, , it sails well.

6 years ago by dragon

Forum

happy hunter

the superconductor is coming on ok just using photos and adjusting the scale .I,ve used a snake for the steering as ther doen't seem to be enough room for a servo near to the rudders .I,ve found a small motor in my bits and fitted that to the s.I,e had the radio connected to and everything seems to work ok so 'i've glued the deck in place .I need to put some strengtheners in the main cabin as it will need to support the mast assembly. I am stuggling to get the curved bits right for the bow and the front of the bridge but will get it right eventually

6 years ago by spitfiresooty

Response

When to paint bits?

thank Dave - there are HUGE access covers both at the front and rear of the tug, so not too worried about aligning motors & prop shaft. the only cramped space as you will eventually see is when fitting a .... but more of that in due course ( the blog is catching up with th build!) Space inside the 1st tug was OK till the deck was sealed in place, then it was really tight!

6 years ago by Harvey Kitten

Media

Hector Read

e Hector Read was built in Hull in the 60s for the Gt Yarmout port and Haven as their new Harbour tug to be moored at the pilot station in Gorleston. Giving many years service, was finally sold on when most working ships were fitted with bow/stern thrusters. Much missed as part of the river scene. A scratch built model I made 18 years ago from photo’s and drawings from the Port Authority. Anyone know her ultimate fate?

6 years ago by Gascoigne

Blog

Fairmount Alpine - TUG!

Billings Kit - my 2nd boat build. This time I thought I'd challenge my skills and build a plank on frame boat rather than using an ABS hull. Fairmount Alpine is a 75M Ocean going tug used for heavy duty work. The model is 1:75 scale, so around 1metre long. As I started this some time ago (before I joined this website) I'll put some regular posts up to catch up to where I am now... still not finished! Kit comes with all timber laser cut, brass fittings, instructions etc. Extra purchases of course are the motors / ESCs / and other electronics. This model is large enough to accommodate a few ancillaries such as lighting / etc. Although laser cut, some of the joints needed trimming, and I had to use some of my bigger clamps!

6 years ago by Harvey Kitten

Response

Al KHUBAR 2

Built one of these a few years ago. Great for tug towing and rescue work. Had an Action mixer at one time and with two separate 6v batteries worked great. I could literally spin in the spot. Moved to twin motor control as I used to fly model planes and was used to using all four stick axis. Not sure a will work well on this model as it is so manouverable. Makes into a nice realistic model and I wish I had kept mine. If I were to make another I would make a better seal of the rear deck, it leaks like mad in it's designed fit. I eventually made a raised coaming round the opening. Coming along nicely.

6 years ago by Dave M

Directory

(Other) Cumbrae No.1

Acquired this and several other boats from a friend whose late father had built. Extensively renovated, new electrics and drive-train, bow-thruster, and a motorised radar scanner. Cumbrae actually sported a "Bobs Board" for those of you who can remember that!!! (Motor: Mtronics viper15) (ESC: Mtronics viper15 (2 of)) (9/10)

6 years ago by cumbrae

Forum

Happy Hunter

hi -the hull only had these two motors and gearboxes in .I have greased the gearboxes cleaned the motors and soldered the wires on .The casings of the motors were rusty and have just been painted with a rust killer type paint..There is a fitted with no motor but this locks up after about half a turn of the drive shaft -looks like I will need to replace this.I have bought 2 Chinese speed controllers with max current rating of 250amps ( waterproof type) I have used these before and seem ok but my experience is limited..The intention was to drive the motors separately on 2 channels

7 years ago by spitfiresooty

Directory

(Other) ILLINI SPIRIT

DUMAS 1:96 GREAT LAKES FREIGHTER KIT; GIVEN THE ILLINIWEK MARINE PAINT SCHEME. MY THIRD BOAT TO JOIN THE ILLINIWEK MARINE RC FLEET. DECKED WITH 3/16" BASSWOOD SCRIBED SHEATHING, BOTTOM REINFORCED WITH A 3/8" LAM SPRUCE BOARD (ALSO PROTECTS THE PVC BOTTOM FROM ROCKS & ADDS BUOYANCY). FEATURES A RIVABO 5-BLADE BRASS WHEEL AND A RABOESCH 22MM 7.2V FOR DOCKING/MANEUVERING. LIGHTHOUSE 9V LED NAV LIGHTS AND STATIC BRASS RADAR ARRAYS. NICE PVC SHEETING ON WOOD FRAME KIT, THE ONLY REAL CHALLENGE WAS THE STERN SECTION SHEER CONSTRUCTION, BUT THAT'S WHAT PUTTY'S FOR, RIGHT? (Motor: 775 JOHNSON-TYPE FAN-COOLED 6-12V) (ESC: DIMART FAN-COOLED 320A 6-18V) (8/10)

7 years ago by circle43nautical

Forum

billings Smit Rotterdam

Hi. This should help. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w7FOoRGlR68 it is a video made on board by a model maker. lots of detailed images on the net, I used Google search and had a trazillion hits!! Good luck with this one, I am completing the Billings kit, it is quite old and the wood used is quite poor, I recommend to anyone building her should replace the old wood cut out sheets. This was my first attempt at using a , made it from some micro plumbing PVC pieces , waste brass and an old motor, it works great and I recommend it as a nice side project. Take care and have fun, should be great weather for a little Delaware pond fun!! see ya at the waters edge. Mark.

7 years ago by pugwash1

Directory

(Tug Boat) Billing Boats Banckert (Maasbank)

Build in the eithies... used thin ABS material for superstructure, wheelhouse and funnel & mast. MonopermSuper 6V for main propulsion and Monoperm 6V for added bowthruster. Has working lights and soundmodule with speaker. it's recently sold to south Germany and will be sailing on the 'KoenigsSee'. (Motor: Marx MonopermSuper) (5/10)

7 years ago by Radiosailor

Forum

Circassia model boat

Circassia- Glasgow Circassia was built in Glasgow in 1937 for Anchor lines Liverpool to Bombay regular route, carrying 285 passengers and 4000 tons of cargo. She was taken by the Admiralty at the beginning of World War 2 and used as a troop ship to North Africa. She never saw action but troops dubbed her the “ship from hell” as accommodation was limited carrying far more than she was designed for. She returned to her 13000 mile round trip India run after the war, making her last voyage in January 1966, after which she was sold and broken up in Spain. This model was a 2 year project by a local retired yacht builder who is a real craftsman, built from original drawings to scale with great detail. Original drawings included with the sale. Includes 3 new rechargeable 6 volt batteries, charger, twin screw and s, all servos and all works including navigation lights too. The transmitter is a Hitec Laser 4 with 3 spare channels if required (never used). The model dimensions are LOA 5ft 4inches, beam 9 inches and stands tall from keel to top mast at 21 inches. She weighs just over 60 lbs and sits on 2 teak plinths for display and has a rather crude but effective launching trolley and lifting straps. The plans say it is 1/8th scale. Contact details are Mike Billany, ** email and personal phone nos. removed Please use pm to share this info** I live in Hedon, approximately 7 miles east of Hull. Strongly suggest visit to view and buyer will need to collect. Asking price for all as above is £600 or very nearest sensible offer please.

7 years ago by mbillany

Forum

Model slipway tsekoa 2

working twin T4 motors Mtronics speed controllers Requires batteries and radio gear Space required at home. £300 (Plymouth area) Collection only preferred. SOLD

7 years ago by ferryman

Blog

Damen Stan 4207

Decided to advance LI-PO plans and try a 4S 4000mAh pack. This weight of this pack reduced overall model weight by 8 oz, so it is now 9.6 lbs, close to the original target. Was also to slide the pack further sternwards until it touched the inner face of the RIB slipway, about 2.5” from the stern. The effect on the waterline was limited; the model now sits slightly higher with the waterline remaining level. Slowly increased the speed of the motors to assess the LI-PO performance. There was a significant improvement. There is no need to use “ full” power as it probably exceeds max scale speed. As the model accelerates the bow lifts exposing an area of the red bottom paint. The wake streams down the side of the vessel and curls off the spray rails. She looks very realistic. The attached picture is at part speed. The model is totally controllable, the influence of the centre fins is noticeable as the heeling is not pronounced unless extreme manoeuvring is tried. After 90 minutes of use decided all original objectives for the model are now accomplished. She looks and performs well. The next task is to tidy up the temporary wiring and fit the LI-PO properly. Will also have to re-route more accessories through the voltage reducer fitted for the so the LED lights are not overpowered. Have also bought a small r/c controlled child’s jet ski toy with the intention is using the drive and control system in the RIB. it will require much mutilation of both the jet ski and the RIB to work them in together, but think it can be achieved. My next blog will tell.

7 years ago by Rowen

Directory

(Other) Victoria

She is a 100cm long barge like ship, weighs too much to carry around easily so she doesn't see as much use as one may hope. She has a draught of around two inches and a . This is complemented by a working anchor windlass and lights. (Motor: Graupner 600 Speed) (ESC: Mtroniks viper Marine) (5/10)

7 years ago by Skipper44

Blog

DAMEN STAN 4207

First open water test went well, but with two caveats: 1) Would like to increase performance somewhat, closer to her looks. The initial tests of the unfinished hull showed adequate performance. As the detail and superstructure have been added, it has deteriorated. The increased weight of over 2 lbs has increased draft and wetted area, thus drag. 2) The bow is slightly low. Decided the best way to improve performance would be to increase the NiMh battery output from 7.2 to 9.6 volts. Thus added two more cells to the forward “C” cell holder. Also increased the LED resistor capacity and added a voltage reducer to avoid burning out the lights and at this new voltage. By examining the drawings and the model layout decided to tackle the second by moving the forward battery carrier from just in front of, to just behind, the centre of gravity. Fortunately the Damen drawings show the C of G location. This increased the stern draught by about 1/4”, with the bow similarly decreased. Also reduced the stern ballast to about 3 oz. A further open water test showed an nice improvement in speed with the model now sitting on the waterline. Running time exceeds an hour, she also looks trim and purposeful. Think this is about as fast as an 9.6 NiMh installation will operate. Adding more cells will increase weight, adding to the draught. Am toying with trying a LI-PO installation in the future. This will provide increased voltage with a weight reduction, but rather costly though. Have decided to enjoy the model as she currently is; there is plenty to look at with the working fire hydrant, the , the work and navigation lights. Will concentrate on launching and making the RIB operate, have some ideas on how to do this and will report in due course.

7 years ago by Rowen

Forum

12 volt motors to esc,s

I have now just arrived two FR15 Series Microprocessor Speed Controllers. with BEC ? So I had in the past had a mixer and distribution board . But now decided just to omit the and only wire in TWO motors.. @ 12 volts each.. So with 2 x 12 volt motors 1 x 12 volt lead sealed battery. 2 x esc,s 1 x reciver And a single rudder servo. and two y joiners for the servo. and the paperwork that came with the esc,s Being totally thick is there a drawing somewhere I can download So as to wire this in ? Also each esc has wires for a bec ? No idea where they go

7 years ago by none

Forum

Tamar lifeboat

I have recently started to build a model slipway tamar class lifeboat and when marking out the holes for the I noticed that the lower spray rails were not symetrical and that the front 220mm of the port side needed building up gradually from 0 to 5mm and back to 0 in order to correct the problem. I only noticed this because I printed two position patterns instead of using the one supplied in the booklet and when used together showed up the problem. Not to difficult to resolve, but hope this might be useful to other tammar builders. If anyone has any other hints or tips for making this boat I would be most grateful👍

7 years ago by Helineil

Forum

Big Blue

Nice work so far, my Brother had a similar idea, re hatch sizes, but he scratched built boat hull in 4 watertight sections, held together with rods, pushed pushed down from deck and using computer leads for s/lighting/radar etc. With all sections in place it could a large tanker, remove one section it could convert to a coaster, using Bow and Stern it became a large tug, all superstructure could be placed in any position on deck,even bridge section could be altered, by sliding it back and forth, back for cargo /oiler, forward tug. All this he could do in minutes, so looked it looked like he'd brought a shed load of boats to the lake. :-)

7 years ago by Peter47

Directory

(Tug Boat) Ayton Cross

A lot more information to add when it has ballast and pond tested. The motor mounts were home made and laminated into the hull they are removable so as to use the complete set up on another vessel. and korts and shaft fitted Not removable The electrical setup is as per the plan above. (Motor: Engel EPX 1236) (ESC: Component Shop) (5/10)

7 years ago by none

Forum

Trawler ''OUR LASS''

Hi ginnyginny Graupner may no longer be available. Look at http://www.cornwallmodelboats.co.uk/acatalog/bow_thrusters.html they have a selection of Raboesch. I also found the no e-bay. You could give Jackie a ring at Model Slipway to see what they recommend. If you Google model s you may find more local suppliers. if there is noise it's probably because the internals have rusted. Hope you find what you want Dave

7 years ago by Dave M

Forum

Trawler ''OUR LASS''

Want to fit ,which make to go for,told Graupner are noisey. Any advice welcome

7 years ago by GYJOE

Blog

Damen Stan 4207

Although we have had several signs of spring, the local outdoor pool is still closed. Our club was requested to attend a local boat show, using our portable pool, so took the opportunity to test the vessel as she is now almost complete. In an earlier post described that if the later additions could be contained within 2 lbs the model should be close to the correct waterline. This was determined by using weights balanced at the stern. So far, have added about 1 ½ lbs, but mainly around the mid section. From the attached pictures it can be seen that the bow is slightly low and the stern high. This suggests that by moving weight within the hull the correct balance can be obtained. if 16 oz is placed at the stern both bow and stern become correct. Am loath to just add ballast, prefer to rebalance and retain the current weight. Fortunately within the hull there is space towards the stern that can accommodate a heavy component. Had been reluctant to commit to either a stick or stack style NIMH battery, so decided to make one up using two plastic C type battery holders and individual C cells. See picture. The electrical system is 7. 2 volts, the cells were divided into 4 and a two cell trays. The heavier of these was disconnected and moved 8” sternwards. it is too early to finalize the weight distribution as have to build the R.I.B. and it's launch/retrieval system. Think that moving this 12 oz sternwards though the vessel should be close to the correct waterline.Hope to be able to check that shortly. From the stern picture a list to starboard is evident. This is easy to correct by moving the batteries slightly in the opposite direction. Although the pool is quite small, was able to test all the other functions. Scale speed was realistic and during a sharp turn little heeling is apparent. Everything else, , fire hydrant, lights, radar scanner, fin and rudders work satisfactorily.

7 years ago by Rowen

Media

Ayton cross or as close as..

I bought a used hull of the Ayton Cross and look all over the internet for some plans but found none. I did find a lot of images though. I bought most if not all of the fittings and since have decided that the way to go is to make what you can from what I can get hold of. So all other model boats are and will be scratch made. I have two on the burner at the moment. Anyway some of the Ayton Cross looks right some of it does not. But I can always do it again as I hopefully get a little better. This one again is awaiting Ballast and it will be ready to go. I fitted two Engel 12 volt motors and made the mounts in grp then Laminated them into position.. Everything has been hand painted and slightly aged . The was made using some household plumbing pipe a small propshaft Again home made and it works very well. Something to play with as I build hopefully better.

7 years ago by none

Blog

DAMEN STAN 4207

Decided to leave the batteries connected up in series and use an adjustable voltage regulator to vary the voltage and determine the ideal. Total hull weight was checked and is under 7 lbs. The pond was again nice and calm, so first investigated the effect of adding weight to see how much could be added to finish the remainder of the model. With the boat floating 'as built' the bow is slightly down vs the stern. I have several 2 lb weights, so balanced one on the RIB slip. The bow rose above the waterline and the stern sank to slightly below it. Tried a further 2 lb weight and the water almost reached deck level! The ideal seems about 2 lbs, but mounted further forwards towards the centre of the model. Left the first weight in place and started voltage runs. At the base voltage of 7.2 (the NiMH rating) performance was good. The model has a nice turn of speed and is totally predictable. increased the voltage in 1.2 volt increments to replicate NiMh voltage steps. As the voltage increased the vessel obviously goes faster, but the turning response becomes rapid and very sensitive. Finally increased the voltage to the a maximum of 14.4 volts and decided the ideal would be 7.2 volts. This also allows all the vessel systems to work at this voltage without a voltage reducer for the . With the cells wired in parallel, this should give over 3 hours running time. Continued to experiment with the model for about 1 ¾ hours before a drop in performance was noticed, indicating discharging cells. During this period was able to make further assessments of the performance of the linked rudder / fin system. This system flattens turns, reducing heeling and gives a tight turning circle. if anything it is tighter than the full size vessel, so a real crew would need to hang on very tightly during max rate turns! To my relief the only trace water was from one of the propeller shafts, the hull is sound and without leaks. Unfortunately the weather has now turned colder and cannot do any further sailing until next Spring. At least can continue building confident in the knowledge this is the basis of a great model, one which will justify the many hours needed to finish it properly.

8 years ago by Rowen

Blog

DAMEN STAN 4207

Gave the sterngate some thought and decided a strategically located bell crank and linkage would transmit sufficient servo travel to open and close it. This would also allow limited access to the servo and linkage to assist in any eventual repairs or servicing. A mock up of the installation confirmed this. Transferred the dimensions and layout into the hull and installed the sterngate frame. This moves correctly as the servo is stroked. Could have now moved to sheath the outside of the hull and fit the deck. Decided it would be better to install all the electrical components first and then do a trial run of every function in case any issues arose. This proved wise, many minor adjustments had to be made to bulkheads and structure to allow control rod and wiring. Once everything was installed, connected the components as appropriate and powered the various systems up. The rudder, fin and motors all worked as planned. The fire hydrant pump and the were also fitted. The direction (polarity) of these components is important so the wiring was colour coded to ensure correct final fitting. Once all was installed and operating correctly, weighed the partially completed hull recognizing that with the major components fitted the weight would not be too far off the finished weight. it weighed in at about 6 lbs, so estimate when the hull is fully sheathed and painted it will be around 7 lbs. This does not include the superstructure and lighting. This was an opportune time to photograph the interior installation and some pictures are attached. The wiring was deliberately left loose so it could all be removed and reinstalled when the hull sheathing was complete.

8 years ago by Rowen

Blog

DAMEN STAN 4207

Fitted the casing, this also requires very careful measurement and location before gluing in place. A brace was added to firmly locate the thruster as the adhesive dried. Reinserted the propeller shafts and trial fitted them. The motor couplings were installed along with external sleeves to hold them rigid. This enabled the motor and mount assemblies to be aligned. Found that leaving the upper hull sheathing off helped eased this operation as can measure and use straight edges in both planes. The next items to install were the stabilizer fins. Made the fins out of styrene sheet bent around a brass rod, the gap was filled with epoxy adhesive. This holds the rod in place and gives the styrene the requisite aerofoil shape. The rod slides into a brass sleeve to allow the fin movement. Fitted the sleeve into a wooden reinforcing strip glued to the hull inside face. Took care to ensure the brass sleeve inner ends terminated above the water line. Described this rudder building technique in my HMS Beagle blog and can report it works equally well for stabilizer fins as for rudders. Fitted rudder horns onto the brass shafts inside the hull and made up a linkage using old bicycle spokes. Thought this might be difficult as the two stabilizer shafts follow the contour of the hull bottom and are inclined towards each other with an included angle of around 140 degrees. By bending the linkage to replicate the contour found the movement remains free. One of the rudder horns was then connected to a servo to operate the fins. As the servo is mounted parallel to the keel top and the fins are inclined, during operation there is a force that tries to slide the rod out of the servo horn. This was overcome by using a threaded portion of rod through the horn fitted with a nut to hold the rod in position. Not sure if the fin movement should follow that of the rudders (the sense is opposite, but do they move through the same arc at a similar rate?). To allow corrections the stabilizer linkages were made adjustable. The first test sails will show if any are needed.

8 years ago by Rowen

Media

Tsekoa

Enjoyed making this superb kit from model slipway. Having to cut out the polystyrene sheets proved to be no problem. With 2 motors and , thought it would be good for the steering competitions, but its a bit wide in the beam for our rather tight course. Working searchlight and rotating radar.

8 years ago by manyboats

Blog

DAMEN STAN 4207

The lower portion of the hull frame was covered with one piece of 1 mm marine ply. This requires considerable manipulation to fit around the propeller tunnels. This was done by gluing the skin initially to the keel and then slowly working out to the chine. Between each manipulation of the ply skin it was clamped and glued in place with a two part epoxy. The process is time consuming, but the adhesive strength makes it worthwhile. The ply sheet can be made to follow the section contours by heating the ply with a heat gun which melts the ply internal adhesive and allows the sheet to take up the desired shape. One of the more unusual features of this vessel is that the chine strip is visible between the upper and lower hull sheathing. Not only is there a definite horizontal surface, the upper surface protrudes beyond the edge of the hull sheathing to form an integral spray rail, see pictures. A length of 1/16 x 3/8 basswood strip was inserted into slots cut into the bulkhead sections. This was then glued to the top of the chine strip to reproduce the shape. Once the upper sheathing is fitted this will be trimmed to the final dimensions. Usually with a frame and plank hull I reinforce the joints with glass fibre tape and fibre resin. Decided to try a different approach; had a tube of construction adhesive at hand which would stick well to a blanket. Ran a fillet of this alongside the keel and then around the areas where the chine strips meet the sheathing. This turned out well, both reinforcing and sealing the joints. it is also much quicker than the glass fibre approach, probably lighter and less messy too. At this stage added a section of steel coat hanger bent to follow the contours of the bow. This is to protect the bow in an inevitable contact with the pool side. Located it with epoxy resin and faired into the sheathing. As the areas behind the bow and in front of the transom will eventually become inaccessible, ran liquid glass fibre resin into them to seal and strengthen the joints. To assess attempts to control weight; measured the weight of every major component that will be installed in the finished model. On refection, the conclusion was fairly obvious. The batteries, motors and are significantly the heaviest items. Relays, servos, ESCs and Rx will have very little effect on the overall weight of the model. NiMh batteries are around half the weight of similar capacity sealed lead acid cells and will be used. This type of battery is slightly heavier than more expensive NiCad etc.

8 years ago by Rowen

Forum

Graupner Tito NerI For Sale

HI everybody, unfortunately I'm having to sell my Tito Neri.The boat has lots of working parts, fully working Shottell drives, , working radar and fire monitors. Built to a very high standard, a real show stopper. Fully radio controlled but no transmitter. Kit cost over £1000. Buyer must collect. I would like £600 .Oxfordshire.

10 years ago by terryaki

Directory

(Tug Boat) Shell Pioneer

This is my first working RC build but here goes. A bit vauqe about the fiqures because we are still on the slipway. it is scratch built from the Phil Thomas drawing "Shell Pioneer" Twin prop with Kort nozzle steering, , working fire monitors and lights. Throtle & steering control via Action Electronics P40E mixer. 2x 2S25C4000mA lipoly's. 6 Ch radio (4 used). draws around 4.5A hope to get 30min run time minimum. Third ESC for . (Motor: 2x MFA940051LN) (ESC: 3xViper 15A) (5/10)

8 years ago by marlina2