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    Forum
    Wanted 4 bladed brass propeller
    propshop
    has gone but Stephen is producing his props from home, there is a link to his address but i can find it at the moment Mark
    6 years ago by jarvo
    Forum
    Prop Shop
    HI Dave, thought the previous post ment that
    propshop
    it self had re-located, thanks for the up-date Mark
    6 years ago by jarvo
    Forum
    Prop Shop
    Hi ChrisF, what is the new address of
    propshop
    please Mark
    6 years ago by jarvo
    Forum
    Too Powerful Brushless ?
    RM. thanks for the
    propshop
    up-date, did not know of there problems, hope they are back in business soon, Simon at Protean, was
    propshop
    till he left, his range is superb. Mark
    6 years ago by jarvo
    Forum
    Too Powerful Brushless ?
    Hi Doug Thanks for the update on
    propshop
    . I can't find a way to order from Raboesch, they seem to have agreed distribution with Jotika who have not yet set up to take orders. The Raboesch web site directs me to the USA for distributors! Cornwall Model Boats do stock so all is not lost.
    6 years ago by Dave M
    Forum
    Too Powerful Brushless ?
    Regarding
    propshop
    and other possibilities you could look up protean design on Facebook. He has some nice items. And I would stay on 4mm shaft as you will get the largest range of props to choose from.
    6 years ago by Tica
    Forum
    3d printing
    Props are probably best left to the experts and like Doug I use brass props and have found that performance / endurance and economy don't always come cheap. I'm sure you can fashion a prop and find a way to attach to the propshaft but you will need a very good understanding of prop design to get good results. If you want a good brass prop I suggest you contact Simon (ex
    propshop
    ) at Protean Design simonhiggins181@btinternet.com or 0797 7193759. I will be watching with interest to see how this 3D print progresses!
    7 years ago by Dave M
    Media
    Original Aerokits Solent Lifeboat
    Decided to sail the Solent so took some video to share. Uses 2 Bhuler 12v brushed motors with 4 bladed 45mm
    propshop
    props and 12v 12AHr SLA. Twin Electronize ESCs. Radio is Futaba 6Ex but I will probably change to the Taranis so I can get better control using some bespoke Tx settings to co-ordinate the props and rudder. Lifeboat crewe had been on a night out so not quite vertical. Aplogies for the shaky video, it's difficult to sail and video at the same time.
    7 years ago by Dave M
    Forum
    Motor Mounts
    Hi Steve I do believe the type of coupling you are using is able to be extended by using two in line with a brass joiner in the middle. I often use silicon exhaust tubing in place of the red bits - its a tight fit over the serrated brass bits and can be cut to any size. A solid piece of stainless rod inside the tube will help to stop any tendency to whip. Another alternative would be to use some JP Power 480 motors (28mm dia - got mine from Cornwall MB) which are fast and would suit this type of speedboat and may fit in the original position. Simon (ex
    propshop
    http://www.prop-shop.co.uk/) supplies a really well matched prop - it's used for racing. Good luck with the project Dave
    7 years ago by Dave M
    Forum
    Counter Rotating Props
    with my 4 foot fireboat, I use contra rotating props, from
    propshop
    . I was advised by them to have them turning outwards, as viewed from the rear, there was an explanation, I've forgotten it, however, on the water, at speed, turning was difficult, the boat just wanted to roll. I swopped them over, so turning inwards, and the handling was cured in an instance. its easy enough to try one way, then the other, see what is best for you, but remember to use some sort of none permanent thread lock or you might lose one of your props
    7 years ago by pmdevlin
    Forum
    Precedent Perkasa
    Hi Dave Power train installed and working. I am currently using 55mm 3 bladed brass props supplied by Jotika (
    propshop
    and Cornwall Models haven't bothered to reply to my telephone and emails). Chris only managed a short video and I didn't push the speed due to an open hull and rough water, hence the stills. Looking promising so far and I will keep in touch as the build progresses. Steve
    7 years ago by cormorant
    Forum
    Veron Huntsman 28
    HI DaveM Thank you for the
    propshop
    contact and info regarding speed controllers, if you need 2 how do you control them on your transmitter? Can you pair them together? Sorry for the questions but I want to try and get it right without too much expense. Regards Paul
    8 years ago by Biggles
    Forum
    what esc with graupner 900 motors
    HI Tugboatguy I favour Electronize ESC my Amsterdam has a T.24v motor from mobile marein, this with 2 12v gel cells mainly for ballast, works fine. with a 90mm 4blade prop from
    propshop
    . Hope this helps Mark
    8 years ago by jarvo
    Forum
    Radio Kits
    HI Steve Glad to hear you are sorted. I suppose the real criteria is the cost and availablity of spare receivers. I have an RG 65 yacht which came with a Joysway tx/rx. I sold mine at the Boat Convention last year for a tenner so you may be able to move your sets on once you have your new Tamco. Yes its an original Aerokits 34" Crashtender. I use a small brushless and 11.1v LiPo with 2.4 GhZ. Goes very fast and I had to use my Futaba set to control the stick throw. I could only use the trim sticks using the Planet set. I have the kit part built for the 48" larger version and also have a Sea Queen with a large brushless and
    propshop
    prop. I use two way radio so I can monitor the LiPo voltages and temp. The facility is there to use GPS to measure the speed but I have not managed to get this working so far. As you say happy days, my IC's were all in model planes! Dave
    8 years ago by Dave M
    Forum
    Reluctant Crash Tender Sale
    Reluctantly, I have to say goodbye to two old friends ! For health and other probs. I am no longer able to do much sailing anymore. I was a long time member of Mid-Thames MBC. Have two 46" Crash tenders of different pedigrees for sale. #1 Original Aerokits 46" boat built by me In 1960's using a "Taycol" motor and heavy NiFe batts. ! Two restorations, In 1980's and 2006. Now has 2 x "Bullet" 24v motors [1980's], auto cooling pump, and monitor pump.[monitors servo driven] Rigged as original "94" Heavy but easily achieves well above scale speed and planes. Won "Best In show" at Burton Fireboat Fun Day In 2009. #2 SemI scratch built 46" boat from 2007. Built on GRP hull and some pre-cut parts from Mike Mayhew at Waverley Models. Most of woodwork and metal fitts. made by me. GRP hull Is very close to Vosper profiles. Fitted with 2 x w/cooled Graupner 820BB race motors, auto cooling pump etc. Rigged as original "93" Both boats have 2 x "Electronise" 30A ESC'S and Futaba 40meg radios. Both fitted with
    propshop
    3 blade racing props. Both are In running order with cell packs etc. Packs may need replacing as duration now a bit tired. With a bit of a further update, both boats would still compete with the best ! For some pics and further data PM me. I am going to try to bring both boats to the Leicester Fireboat Funday next month If anyone Is Interested In them. Just need a sensible offer ! Good sailing !
    10 years ago by robhenry
    Directory
    (Pleasure Craft) Sea Queen
    Original Aerokits restored. Fitted with brushless (750kv) and ESC modified to water cooled. Motor mounted on aluminium block drilled for water cooling.
    propshop
    prop. Speed is scale and full throttle takes the majority of the boat out of the water. I had to add about 1 kilo of lead in the bow and stern to bring to the waterline. (Motor: Propdrive 42-38) (ESC: Trust) (10/10)
    10 years ago by Dave M
    Blog
    Aerokits 46'' Fireboat twin screw brushless conversion
    This might help people doing a twin screw build. The real boat was same direction,
    propshop
    advised have then turning outwards, the explanation made sense, lets face it they are the experts. I wanted counter rotating to stop torque roll, which it did. However, turning outwards caused real bad turning characteristics at anything lower than 1/3 throttle, I swooped over to turning inwards, and the handling is now fine πŸ‘
    10 years ago by pmdevlin
    Blog
    Aerokits 46'' Fireboat twin screw brushless conversion
    well we are back to normal, not convinced I have altogether solved it, but I think its a combination of things. I turned off the low voltage cut off, and things seemed to be much better. I tried the castle creations esc's and things where very good, so the only difference, Ignoring the quality comparison, was the motor timing, and I'm not really sure what that is all about, but the cc esc's run on a higher timing. I also tried a set of borrowed batteries, and things where a bit better. A couple of people have now seen the boat run, and whilst the speed at 23mph is awesome, its too fast!, I have sort of agreed, so yesterday settled for 20mph as a bench mark. This means I can run my own original batteries and motors, and the turnigy escs can stay, although the castle ones are way better and as there intended project isn't off the ground yet I might just leave them in the fireboat. It was surprising however, after relatively little use, how much gunge needs cleaning from the shafts, bearings, etc, maybe a characteristic of a faster boat that they need extra tlc! The new props are here, I tested a pair of 50mm and 47mm counter rotating 3 blade
    propshop
    props. They are beautiful, and I will use the 47mm, although a bit slower, the amp and watt usage is quite low and well within the motor capabilities, so they might last a bit longer, but I doubt it as the motor bearings are already getting noisy!
    10 years ago by pmdevlin
    Directory
    (Fire Boat) Aerokits Fireboat crashtender 46''
    twin 800kv motors,
    propshop
    props, 22.5mph, 4 x 7.4v lipos painstaking rebuild, see the full build in the blog section (ESC: turnigy 60a) (9/10)
    10 years ago by pmdevlin
    Forum
    34'' GRP/Kitshak Crash tender
    HI Zippy, long time no speak, we last met two years ago at a fireboat funday, and discussed brushless applications at length. I currently have a turnigy T600 outrunner, 800kv, in my 3 footer. Last time you saw this boat it was a 700bb turbo brushed set up, 2 x 9.6v nimhs with a 1.5:1 gearbox. it went well, but now is way more efficient. The brushless is direct drive,
    propshop
    3 blade Cleaver after your suggestion, turnigy 60 amp esc (watercooled boat version) running on two 7.2v lipos. This same motor in my big Huntsman with 1.25:1 ratio on two 11.1v lipos and "x" prop 52.5mm was good for 23mph, 7kg boat, and didn't need cooling, but was a bit amp hungry spiking at 70amps!!!! so the esc had to handle it. Maybe not the best set up, but tried and tested, didn't you have a brushless setup in your Huntsman? Higher kv motors will struggle on larger heavier boats, as they need some torque. A very successful direct drive brushless motor was an align 1200kv, BL something or other! 52.5mm "x" prop, but it did get hot and needed water cooling. its an outrunner, but with a can on the outside, so you can fit a water jacket Both motors are common with rc helI peeps, and come up on ebay in helicopter section, when testing they are worth a punt. Make sure you buy one with the shaft the right way around for boat use, as the shafts are grooved for circlips usually and cannot be reversed on most of them. They are usually intended for aircraft which have all manner of adapters depending on the props to be used Good luck, Paul
    10 years ago by pmdevlin
    Response
    Aerokits 46'' Fireboat twin screw brushless conversion
    well yes and no! I treated myself to a pair featured earlier in the build, as a present, and dropped one in the middle of the lake. They were not as fast as the crappy plastic props. I discussed this with
    propshop
    , and was able to display all the data logging results comparing all the different size and style of props I have tested. I suppose thsI was a bit of a challenge to them, they made these props from a new design, and want me to feedback the results. I can return them, so hopefully with the data I now have, and the fact they are only used for 10 mins, I shoild be able to exchange, eventually though I will have to part with money!, looks like I know what santa will be buying, but they do look sweet dont they! πŸ‘
    10 years ago by pmdevlin
    Blog
    Aerokits 46'' Fireboat twin screw brushless conversion
    off work today, and have not been able to settle with the fireboat speed problem hanging over me, so after extensive fiddling etc, its back to Gautby Road lake in Birkenhead for trials. I am happy to say I recorded 21.5mph in windy choppy conditions, I have a feeling that I have a bad battery pack, even though they are all reading charged, one isnt working, as I did hear a low voltage alarm going off, however all packs read high volts, so something isnt right. As I was thinking it might be a battery, I had two spare packs with me, from the Huntsman, 3 cell 5300mah lipos, so decided to be really ruthless and put 5 cells on each motor, meaning when fully charged nearly 20v per motor, that was scarey! 😁 24.67mph 43amps, thats a tad faster than the Huntsman has ever gone! It ran for 15 mins, then another alarm started bleeping, on one of the origianl 2 cell packs, so I think I might have identified the problem to be a battery, I hope so, cause its an easy fix, although I have to spend money to fix! Coincidentally I also received today my long awaited counter rotating beautiful 3 blade
    propshop
    props, alas, very disappointingly, they are 3 mph slower than plastic 55mm "x" props I have been using, so will have to go back 😟
    10 years ago by pmdevlin
    Blog
    Aerokits 46'' Fireboat twin screw brushless conversion
    here is the finished article, well for now. To do: 3 lifting hooks on each side some towing rope etc My new props are just being completed by
    propshop
    , so looking forward to fitting them a lot of information has been used to make them, so hopefully they will work well! The boat will go better with them. Video was with a poor camcorder, hence quality, I need a new one! and two cheap chinese keychain cameras, turn up the volume and enjoy! http://youtu.be/Ci6HHCZVQ0c
    10 years ago by pmdevlin
    Blog
    Aerokits 46'' Fireboat twin screw brushless conversion
    Not all went to plan with this build, remember me throwing the can of plasticote!, I actually lost some fittings and had to buy again, on the first water test I had virtually no steering, didnt show the pre-edited video of slamming the wall a few times, and quite a few other calamities!, here is a big one....... After all the testing with cheap plastic "x"props, various sizes with a data logger, I took all the readings to Simon from
    propshop
    , explaing I wanted good quality 3 blade brass props. My feeling was, after all this work, they would look pretty, and why not have the bit that actually propells the boat to be a good quality. Simon and I decided we would have counter rotating, this would help stabilise the boat, particularly under acceleration (stop torque roll) and under deceleration. The data logging (eagle tree data logger) gave Simon revs, gps speed, amps, volt drop, mah, so as he is like me, a statistics nut, he was able to suggest an answer to what I wanted. I would give up some top speed, for a longer run time, but my goal was to stay over 20mph. It was a bit unknown territory, a large heavy scale boat, not the best handling, but ridiculously over scale speed, everything running at max really. The motors were certainly budget, as I still didnt know if it was going to work properly. The lightweight plasticard build had now certainly put some serious weight on. The 4 x 5000mah lipos alone weigh in heavy. Simon made up some real nice props, and I had an understanding, if they didnt work he would part ex back for something else. When fitted they really looked the part!
    10 years ago by pmdevlin
    Blog
    Aerokits 46''Fireboat twin screw brushless conversion
    Time to have some fun. I had a couple of days off work coming up, kids in school, missus in work, weather forecast looked ok, so fancied the first big thrash on a big lake. Now the boat is pretty waterproof, spray rails had been finished, wheelhouse is done, just the cabin roofs to do. I had the original ply ones, so used them, and taped up any other areas that might get wet. I have an eagletree data logger, which will calculate motor rpm, watts, amp draw, voltage, mah of batteries, and most Importantly to me, gps speed, so with that installed, its off to a big lake, Gautby road in Birkenhead. This lake has access to all 4 sides, and is what I consider to be traditional model boat lake, rectangular. it is the home of birkenhead model boat club, they race Ic fast boats, and yatchs here. Testing consisted of using a number of different sized props, as I did at New Brighton previously, but no guess work this time, I have an lcd screen fitted to the boat so I can see the readings, and when home, it can be viewed in far more detail and downloaded to the PC. The fastest props are not always the best, its a balance between speed, heat, and runtime. I tested all "x" props, 50mm, 52.5mm and 55mm. here we have screen dumps of an actual run, using X 52.5 props, max speed was 21mph, since then, on the next day, which was a bit calmer, I achieved 22.33 mph, and only 38.29 amps, on X 55mm props. The information was to be used with Simon from
    propshop
    , he could then analyse it and produce some counter rotaing props that would hopefully perform better
    11 years ago by pmdevlin
    Blog
    Aerokits 46'' Fireboat twin screw brushless conversion
    Its a nervouis visit to the local boating lake, we could have gont to Gautby Road in Birkenhead, but thats a BIG lake, it it goes bang I will have to wait ages for it to float in, so, off to New Brighton, small lake, I can wade out, and it wont take long to float in if all goes wrong. At this stage, its unknown what size props will work, so I will try 40mm, 45mm, 50mm, 52.5mm, and 55mm, all "x" props. I wanted to end up with counter rotaing nice
    propshop
    ones, but for testing these cheap plastic things will do. Its a successful sail, no water entry, goes well, although I dont get past 2/3 throttle as I keep running out of room, the rudder throw needs serious attention, it wont turn! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W1FShc3Mvuk&feature=plcp
    11 years ago by pmdevlin
    Forum
    twin brushless Aerokits 46'' video with 3 camera angles
    I know Its not In the video section, but thought post here In the forum, as It might be more Interesting here? suprising how good those cheap keychain cameras are, especially the bouncing around they get here! I recently finished this ebay rescue, It sat In the loft 18 months, then took pretty much a year to complete. Its not yet the finished article, some tweeking required, some battery weight needs moving forward to balance the hull out, and I am waiting for some new
    propshop
    props. Have a look at the video, Its Interesting, any questions feel free to ask πŸ‘ http://youtu.be/Ci6HHCZVQ0c
    11 years ago by pmdevlin
    Forum
    Aerokits Solent class lifeboat
    HI Shaun I started building mine in the early 70's and finished it 20 years later so my recollection is not that clear. I do have many photos of my Solent that I have shared with others building the kit so this may be of help. My recolection is that the tunnel is attached to formers at the rear and 1mm ply is used. As it is curved you have to align the grain of the ply with the tunnel to allow for the curve. As I mentioned it was some years ago so I can't remember if I did the tunnel or the rear sides first but providing you make the joint good I doubt if it matters. The instructions may suggest a sequence and if possible follow this advice. The props need to be centred in the tunnels so make two round disc templates slightly bigger than you proposed props. I got my props from Simon at
    propshop
    . Drill a hole in the centre of each template and attach to the propshaft then align centrally in each tube. Another template at the motor end will help to keep the shafts nice and even. Make sure you leave enough room for the motors to fit inside the hull. I used two Buhler's with direct drive. Where the props exit the hull is difficult to mark accurately but is hidden from view once installed. if I were doing it now I would drill an oversize hole and make a plate out of thin card to fit on the exterior exit. Make this a a tight fit on the propshaft then form the tunnel shape in the card. Cut out and when happy with the fit make a 1mm ply plate for each side and glue in place. Seal the inside of the hull round the propshaft with isopon or similar. Rudders should be vertical and in line with each prop. I recall that there is little room for a tiller on the rudders and I modified my stern to make more room. Fit the rudders last and again you will need to eyeball where to drill your rudder shafts. I've attached some pics of the stern but have many more that I can share. if you send me your email address I will share via dropbox - its free if you haven't already got an account and full details will come with my offer to share should you decide you would like the pics. You will notice I have used oversize rudders but to turn I had to stop the inside prop - hence the micro switch. I intend to use two ESC's instead of the Bob's board. The problem is the very large central keel running the whole length of the vessel. in a turn the lifeboat start to turn then jumps back to a straight line not really very helpful. Twin control would solve this problem. Good luck and please ask if you need more help. πŸ˜€
    11 years ago by Dave M
    Forum
    4 foot Aerokits Crashtender refurbed with twin brushless
    Ill do a full build log if anybody is interested! 😊 , it was on another forum, but really should be here as this is the spiritual home of Fireboats! Its twin 800kv motors, (with a twist!)running 4 x 5000mah 2 cell lipos (4 cells per motor) with
    propshop
    3 blade cleaver props, Eagletree data logging has it at almost 22mph, but the play off is the runtime is embarrasing, which suits me as my powers of concentration only last 15 minutes!
    11 years ago by pmdevlin
    Blog
    Mirium Moran
    The running gear. Props from the
    propshop
    . Shafts and coupling and Nozzles from mobile marine,
    11 years ago by modeltugman
    Response
    props,shafts and motor mount
    Nice pair of scale props. Are they from
    propshop
    by any chance? Are the motors shown with the added can or was this a later addition?
    12 years ago by Dave M
    Forum
    help what size props do I need
    HI daveo The Waveney has a max speed of 13-15 knots. Uses a coarse pitch 3 blade prop. I suggest you speak to Simon at
    propshop
    and seek his advice. A nice brass prop will make all the difference and 2.9:1 reduction on a 550 at 12v sounds about right. My 52" Arun uses a 4 blade 50mm
    propshop
    blade direct drive from two speed 900's. 30mm seems a bit small, my guess would be nearer 40mm but as good props are not that cheap do seek advice before you buy. πŸ˜€ Good luck with the restoration.
    12 years ago by Dave M
    Response
    Model as bought and tested
    HI Mark Thanks for the comments. I am assuming you intend to sail this with twin electric motors. This is as bought and is totally wrong for a Arun class lifeboat. The hull and fiberglass top are the correct shape but this model has been built without any attempt to match the scale or even the top cockpit. All the railings and fittings are 1:24 and should be 1:12. Where the man is sitting on the top should be an open cockpit cut out to the boat deck. I made my own propshafts but you will need two about 18" long. I have yet to decide on prop size but 60 to 65 mm four blade is about scale. I am sourcing mine from Reade Plastics but
    propshop
    and others can also supply. My plans are by Metcalfe Mouldings and are for a 52" hull. I also bought a copy of RNLI Motor Lifeboats - uprated for 2007 by Nicholas Leach (ISBN 13:-978-1-84306-341-4) AΒ£14.99 from Amazon. This gives you details of all RNLI boats including the Arun and will provide the correct number for your chosen model. if you have the same top casting as mine then you are limited in choice with the cabin casting. Not a problem if you intend to make your own top. The first two 52-01 and 02 were prototypes and had different tops and hull in the case of 01. The next 5 54-03 to 07 had a rounded transom - hence the extra 2 foot. My moulded top was modelled on 52-08 to 52-11 (I believe but am not 100% sure) . The new tops Started from 52-11 up to 52-46. I have collected photos of many different Arun's and suggest you base your model on a particular boat for which you have some photos. The Lifeboat Enthusiasts Socy attend several shows during the year and usually have a good pile of photos on offer for a small donation. if you are a complete novice to model making then you will need some help and guidance re suitable glues, fitting etc. if there is a model boat club in your part of Cornwall I suggest you make contact as this will provide you with lots of useful advice and guidance in building your model. At this size it is relatively easy to work on and provided you take your time you should be able to produce a model worthy of your effort. if you have never built any models of any kind before you will definitely need lots of help. in the 1994 January/February edition of Radio Control Boat Modeller (Publisher Argus) there was an article on building an Arun and another article in the Mar/Apr 1991 edition. if you would like to discuss further please send me a private em message. Dave
    14 years ago by Dave M


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