Members Harbour
9 Photos
11 Likes
Springer #4 USACOE Stoplog
This is my fourth Springer tug. It was built to resemble the U.S. Army's Corps of Engineers stoplog tug located at Little Goose Dam in Washington State. The scale is about 1/17. The model had to be modified slightly because the length to beam ratio between the real tug and a Springer ae slightly different. This keeps the model within the Springer class rules.
LewZ
3 months ago
10 Attributes
2 Photos
11 Likes
Modular Barge Set
In order for my truckable push boat ("Springer") to move something I built this modular barge (which are individually truckable). This is one piece but has slits to simulate the joining groves and seams which results in the look of four modules fastened together.
Eventually I will have the working crane tied down to the deck.
The crane in the photo is the "before" view. It now is significantly modified with an extended boom and other changes.
LewZ
8 months ago
1 Attribute
3 Photos
20 Likes
Small work barge
I built this barge to go with my 1/35 scale towboat. It is made of 1/2 inch plywood hull and a 1/4 inch plywood deck. There is a grid of Neodymium magnets spaced on and imbedded flus with the deck.
This barge can be used by itself with different scale boats or used as a 1/35 scale barge with the accessories added. First accessory was the workshop (detailed inside), a pickup truck, toilet, and trash can. Latest (2022) addition is the gantry crane as shown in the photos.
LewZ
8 months ago
1 Attribute
3 Photos
15 Likes
Large Coal Barge
I salvage this large (5 foot - 152cm) barge from the trash heap from a model boat club (BAEB) that closed. It was used for competition towing contests. From the deck up I completely re-renovated it to represent a coal barge. The "coal" is the "oil dry" granules cemented on a panel of carved foam on a plywood thin plywood base and painted flat black. It is removable so weight (bricks, water bottles, etc.) can be added inside the hull. Total weight is well over 100 pounds -(45kg). The sturdy hull and deck is heavy plywood that has been fiber glassed.
LewZ
8 months ago
1 Attribute
3 Photos
11 Likes
Emma C. Berry
This model is from the Sterling (USA) model kit of the same name. It was one of my first models built in the early 1970's. I had planned it to be R/C by adding some keel weights and fiber glassed the hull as the kit hull material was 1/8 inch balsa sheet sections on frame. The hull is quite solid, sealed, and has a smooth finish. Basically everything is built to the kits instructions with a number of additional details.
These 2023 photos reflect a number of years (50+) it has been sitting on my shelf above my Civil War desk (my build) so pardon the dust.
LewZ
8 months ago
1 Attribute
1 Photo
12 Likes
Springer #4 (US Army Corps of Engineers tug)
This "Springer" is based on the "Stoplog" tug used a the Little Goose Dam in the USA COE Wall Walla district on the Snake River. From the deck up it replicates the real tug, and from the deck down follows the "Springer" regulations. (The hull components are from Zippkits.) Drawings were obtained from the marine architect and photographs from the internet as well as the boat builder.
(Currently under construction.)
LewZ
11 months ago
8 Attributes
1 Photo
6 Likes
Piccadilly (Sailboat, 50/800 class)
The hull (along with 2 more, but never built) was purchased in 1975 during our visit to the U.K. Went directly to the builders small factory and arranged with Mr. Frank Parsons to ship the hulls (hulls, transoms, one deck) to our home in the U.S.
Made the masts and sails, fin, rudder and the innards for it.
LewZ
1 year ago
0 Attributes
1 Photo
6 Likes
Herass (Sailboat, 50/800 class)
This is a commercial made (in the U.S. by Vortex), based on the real Soling competition boats. For mine, made two new masts and sails, one medium and one at the maximum height, both using the maximum sail area permitted.
LewZ
1 year ago
0 Attributes
1 Photo
1 Like
Flat Chines (Sailboat, 50/800 class)
A scratch build based a small plans in Model Boat magazine back in the 1980s. The boat was a dismal sailer exceptunder a high wind when it would briefly get up on a plane and skid across the pond.
LewZ
1 year ago
0 Attributes
5 Photos
6 Likes
Frederick Mistral (aka "Duna)
Here is my partial build model of the Frederick Mistral. The kit was made by Anfora and for some reason they call it "Duna".
What stopped me from continuing was the rudder control. This was via a chain that ran on both sides of the deck just inside the gunwale. This ran from the pilot house back to a cam like arm on the rudder post. there were a series of pulleys along the inside of the gunwale to keep the chain in place.
My problem was that I could not find a small chain that could withstand the tension.
I made a lot of corrections/modifications to it following photos of the real tug. This included many new/replacement parts that I had 3D printed by Shapeways. They are shown in the last three photos.
This is an interest tug *(the historic original is still floating on the Danube River) and I wish I could finish it.
Lew
LewZ
2 years ago
6 Attributes
2 Photos
1 Like
My Web Site (LewsModelBoats.org)
My "Scale Model Boats" (and tanks... and more) web site is http://lewsmodelboats.org
It goes into a lot of detail on my model boats, tanks, R/C, 3D modeling, 3D parts, tips, and beyond, including many photos and links to videos.
Along the same line, I have YouTube channel "eymccauley" (American Civil War naval officer) link: https://www.youtube.com/c/eymccauley/videos where you can find videos of scale model boats, tanks, club meets here in Florida U.AS.A.) and more.
LewZ
2 years ago
0 Attributes
4 Photos
6 Likes
"Star Wars" Patrol Boat
As weird as it sounds I just can't seem to see a model boat go in the trash. In this case, you can see the derelict model in the first two photos. It's not very fast and has a low freeboard.
I decided to have some fun with this one - the photos are evident as to what I did. (1/12 scale.)
Lew
LewZ
2 years ago
0 Attributes
7 Photos
2 Likes
Ironclads of the U.S. Civil War (1861-1865)
Disclosure: First off, these are not my models, but that of the "Old Navy" Steve Lund and Bill Hathaway.
I had the pleasure of meeting them in 2007 at the Monitor Center at the Mariners' Museum in Virginia, U.S.A. At that time I was involved in Civil War reenacting (role as a U.S. navy officer) and we were all participating at a special event. The "Old Navy" guys brought a trailer loaded with 1/35 scale R/C ironclad models.
I am putting together this information in case others are interested in building a Civil War ironclad, and need more information. I thought I had more still photos of the models but these are all I found. The video shows many of the models.
[Sure, the U.S was not the first country to have an ironclad but did have the first battle between the in March 1862. Between the north and the south about 66 ironclads were completed during these four years. Some quite simple and others quite out of the norm. If you want to build a U.S. ironclad check them out - the variety is amazing.]
The first photo is the full scale replica (hollow) of the U.S.S. Monitor located behind the museum.
The second photo is that of Steve (right) and Bill (left), middle person is unknown. They are standing in front of an accurate reproduction of the Monitor at 1/35 scale. It an R/C - powered model.
The remaining photos are close-ups of the Monitor model.
So here is my video link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GMnEmFW0XPk The video is a bit old but I think you get the idea.
Steve and Bill made an excellent book, 'Modeling the Ironclads" which is available at: https://thenrgstore.org/products/modeling-the-ironclads .
However you can preview it or print this out yourself you can download it at: https://walternelson.com/ironclads.pdf
ps. I was going to build a 1/35 scale Monitor but got side tracked while searching for a way to make thick, black smoke which I could not find and this project eventually gave way to building other models.
LewZ
2 years ago
0 Attributes
5 Photos
4 Likes
Standard Oil Tug
Well, we all started somewhere!
My first model boat (not including inexpensive model kits as a kid) was the Sterling kit, "Emma C. Berry." I had planned to R/C it including glassing the hull, but never got that far. So jumping forward to the next model I scaled up that little Standard oil tug kit "Despatch No. 9".
I scaled it up to be 42 inches long and about 35 pounds in weight. Made mostly out of planked balsa with fiberglass covered hull it was not well done with many imperfections but from 10 feet away it looked good.
Back then (early 1970's) there was not too many components available for large R/C scale models especially here in Florida, the "boonies" back then. I used a automobile heater motor for the drive and a servo driven three position switch for the speeds (low, medium, high) with power resistors. Another servo driven switch for forward, stop, and reverse. The radio was a four channel Heathkit that I had to build up. Power came from a 6V motorcycle battery.
I enjoyed this boat for a few years. I bought the Graupner Schnellboot "Wiesel" in London in 1975, started it, but it took another 35 years before I finished it. Is that a record?
Now the old tug sits up high on a shelf where it gets little notice. It reminds me to think about how the finished boat should not look. (Even the "S" on one side of the stack is up-side-down.) To make matters worse, I added some expanding foam under the deck for floatation - oops, needless to say I got more camber to the deck that I really wanted.
Lew
LewZ
2 years ago
0 Attributes
7 Photos
12 Likes
Club Rescue Boat ("Miss Amelia"; scratch built; Scale: ~1/18)
What do you do with a boat hull that nobody wants, not in good condition, and not realistic looking? Build something different!
This boat was the model for a "Balloon Boat". OK, this was a competitive one design boat where each boat had a balloon tied to the stern and a long prick on the front. The object was to puncture all the balloons and the last boat remaining with a balloon inflated was the winner.
This was the prototype from which a mold was made and fiberglass hulls were produced.
Now back to this boat... As you can see this hull has a weird shape and not built for speed. However it is very stable. By tearing out the guts and adding a Kort nozzle with a five blade prop yet trying to keep a "scale" appearance, this boat became the SSMBC's rescue boat. All it needed was a yoke to catch the disabled boat. Simple electronics, a stable platform, good power all makes for a good rescue boat. So far the record push for this boat is a 60 pound whaleback freighter.
LewZ
2 years ago
6 Attributes
8 Photos
3 Likes
PT61 Gunboat WWII (Frank's kit with major mods; Scale: 1/20)
This boat kit was started by buyer and passed though many hands until it finally reached me. Before starting I looked at the history of the PT-61. In the middle of WWII it was converted to a gunboat along with PT-59 & PT60.
Trying to gather information took a long time before being able to start construction (which involved de-construction by the original owner).
This is a heavy model but runs like the real one would because of all the armor, guns, and ammo on board. Yes, the real PT-61 did have two 40mm Bofors and sixteen 50 caliber BMGs.
All three motors work, the outer two run through ESCs and the center one has a servo driven switch running forward only on another channel
LewZ
2 years ago
7 Attributes
6 Photos
4 Likes
Springer #3 (Zip Kits; Scale: 1/18)
This Springer (Jo Ann) is my third Springer build, I made it for my son. It is based on a real truckable pushboat but one that I saw within about 1,000 feet from where we operate our model boats (Lake Seminole Park, Florida). To get the real one in the water it had to pass the pond within a 100 feet of the road. I took a lot of photos of it from the shore and planned out how to build the model.
LewZ
2 years ago
8 Attributes
4 Photos
4 Likes
Springer #2 (Zipp Kits; Scale: ~1/25)
Ah, the "Skeleton Crew" Bill E. Bones! This Springer obviously has a comical theme. Unfortunately it is kind of top heavy and wind is its enemy. I will probably make an alternate structure for it. Bad planning!
LewZ
2 years ago
0 Attributes
7 Photos
4 Likes
Springer #1 (Zipp kits - Scale: 1/18)
Looking for a fun boat? Take a look at the Springer type tugs. Zipp Kits is one manufacture that makes the Springer easy to build and inexpensive. You can easily scratch build on yourself. I bought four of these.
At 18 inches long they are small and "turn on a dime" and can be quite quirky like trying to ride a wild horse - a lot of fun. You can build them in almost any style (above the deck) from looking like a real truckable pushboat (like this model) to something completely zany. Let you imagination run its course.
If you follow the regulations/specifications, these boats are meant to be "one-design" that is from the deck down there as rules and dimensions that apply so the boats can compete in water sports and racing.
This one is base on a real pushboat that I found on the internet. The cabin can rise up thanks to some old inkjet printer parts I save a while back.
LewZ
2 years ago
7 Attributes
2 Photos
1 Like
Modular Barge (Scratch build; Scale: ~1/16)
Want to build a barge to go with a Springer tug? Modular barges are truckable, that is they can be brought to a site, unloaded, fastened together to make a larger barge or bridge of almost any configuration. The real ones come in several sizes, 10 X 10, 10 X 20, and 10 X 40 (feet), X 5 feet high, are the most common sizes. A variety of accessories can be added.
Mine is actually one barge scored to look like four 10 X 20 barges tied together. It is made out of wood (34" sides, ends, X 1/4" top and bottom with some weight added internally.
LewZ
2 years ago
0 Attributes
Members Blogs
2 Posts
3 Followers
26 Likes
Jim's Model Boat Launcher / Retriever
Finally tired of using my launcher (PVC pipe and fittings) and had SSMBC member build me a special one. (He has made a bunch of his version.) I am taller than him and have some back issues so I got one about 5 inches taller.
The photo here shows it as I got it today at the meet. Need to prep and paint and add padding.
It is made using 1/2 and 3/4" EMT steel and can handle at least 80 pounds.
Lew
Florida , USA
LewZ
25 days ago
1 Post
1 Follower
6 Likes
Modifying a Posable (jointed) Figure to Loo Realistic
I just posted a video on how to modify a Bruder figure to look more realistic on YouTube. This also can apply to other figures that have flexible joints as well. The YouTube link is below.
Lew
Florida , USA๏ธ
https://youtu.be/TvrWWmZOI-U
LewZ
2 months ago
2 Posts
6 Followers
23 Likes
Automatic Bilge Pump for RC Boats
I just finished putting together a circuit, testing it and creating a video for an automatic bilge pump. This circuit can also be used to trigger a warning light or noise/sound.
Easy to build and inexpensive. The video shows the pump working. Enjoy!
Lew
Florida ๏ธ, USA
https://youtu.be/l32YRTsu4Ho
LewZ
5 months ago
2 Posts
8 Followers
26 Likes
Display Case for Model Boats
I thought you fellow model boaters might be interested in how I built a case for my Wiesel "Schnellboot". It certainly keeps the dust off. I have posted this on a build blog, hopefully it will be easy to find in the future.
First, the Wiesel model is 42 inches long by 7 inches wide X 16 inches high. In designing the case I wanted a clear unobstructed side view of the model which demands a single large pane. Therefore the model has to be removed via a side panel, and in this case I decided to make both ends to open. I also wanted clear top to allow light in.
Rather than use expensive wood, I opted for widely available lumber (white wood) which I would stain to a Walnut color. I used "1 by XX" lumber which is about 3/4 inch thick. This case is symmetrical (except for the doors swing) so it could be set in the middle of a room and viewed all around.
The base is 3/4" X 12" X 54". The other pieces are 3/4" X 1 inch by various lengths. The model sits on a removable base and stand stained to the same Walnut color.
I found one of the local plastics distributors sells 4 ft X 8 ft plexiglass sheets about .100 inch thick. for a small extra charge (by the cut) they have an accurate and quick saw that did a great job. I made the drawing (attached) for the cuts and a few days later picked up the panels.
Found some nice brass latches and hinges for the end doors in a local store.
The wood is cut to the needed sizes. Using my table saw I made the grooves for the panels to slide into. My sawblade was slightly wider that the thickness of the panels.
Note that I did not glue the panels in place. Everything held pretty good. When moving the case take the model out to avoid breaking the joints. I also added some corner bracings in the top to side corners (see photo).
Steps:
1 - Determine the size and make drawings for the wood and plexiglass.
2 - Obtain materials
3 - Cut the wood pieces.
4 - Stain the wood pieces except for where they are glued to make strong joints.
5 - Assemble sliding the panes into the grooves. Glue joint. I used a pneumatic nail gun to make the joints stronger as well as making the assembly faster.
6 - Varnish the finish, masking off the panes. (Do some thinking ahead on some of the pieces on the inside of the case before assembly.)
7 - Enjoy your model in its new home.
I also made a matching box for the fluorescent tube lights (they didn't have good LED strips back when I built this) that sits on top of the case. Good lighting is recommended.
Photos:
01 - Full side.
02 - Corner view.
03 - Door latch.
04 - Internal corner brace (1 of 4).
05 - Slightly different corner view with model slid out slightly.
06 - Top of case.
07 - Top of case (light on).
08 - Full side (light on).
09 - Display case drawing.
10 - Layout drawing for cutting panes.
Let me know if you have any questions.
Lew
Florida , USA
LewZ
7 months ago
1 Post
2 Followers
9 Likes
Modular Barge - Model Construction
With the great responses to my recent posting on my "Modular Barge" I would like to share my construction information. The instructions are in the PDF. I have attached the photos here as well to they can be zoomed in on.
Any questions, feel free to ask!
Lew
Florida ๏ธ, USA
LewZ
8 months ago
2 Posts
4 Followers
14 Likes
Springer #1 - Making an elevating pilot house
I thought I would put together a video on this title. It follows the concept of making something travel a linear distance with limit stops on both ends. The belt and pulleys are from an old HP inkjet printer. (Lots of usable parts in these discarded printers.) This Springer is based on a real boat using four photographs. Enjoy!
Lew
Florida, USA
https://youtu.be/ny1ukVCP4Gc?si=VifrtoZ9wqx6hixZ
LewZ
10 months ago
4 Posts
6 Followers
15 Likes
Atlantic "Tug" [sic] Restoration
Hi all...
A while back I was given two Atlantic "Tugs" (by separate people). One was in very good condition (but with the old FM radio) which I passed on to another member and the other is the subject for this post.
These Atlantic "tugs" [sic] have a very toy like design, especially the hull's gunwale (curve) when viewed from the side. That being said, I would like to restore it, probably to another type boat as I don't want to start cutting the gunwale. to flatten it some.
Now the condition of everything is fair and the hull is pretty solid. (The hole in the bow area is a chop job done by the previous owner to install a bow thruster.) Everything is dirty bun ca be cleaned up. It is missing the wheelhouse. I would like to re-use (modify?) the superstructure.
So, here's where all of you come in. Given the shape of the hull and structure, do any of you have any ideas what this could be made into based on a real boat's looks? (If there are any real tugs in the style/looks, could you pass that info on to me?)
Thanks,
Lew
LewZ
1 year ago
1 Post
4 Followers
18 Likes
Beam Trawler Build (single drag net)
I have been asked by Mike (on this forum) on how I made the fish net for my trawler, so I decided to enter this in a build blog for anyone else to view.
Building a trawler was not one of my priorities in building RC scale model boats. However I came across a deal I could not pass up and this partially built boat (33-inch long Artesania Latina โHelenโ) was part of the package. Despite the tall masts and netting, this is a very good sailing boat, forward and backward.
I renamed the boat โElenaโ with โH-103โ as the registry number simulating that it would be out of Hull Harbor, U.K.
When I decided to continue the build (after some de-construction) from the deck up, I also looked into similar real boats off the east coast of the U.K. I downloaded photos and information on how these drag trawlers operated and the type of nets and equipment on board. (I am not a commercial fisherman so Iโm sure someone will correct me here.)
It looked like this type of trawler is called a โbeam trawlerโ where the boom holds the horizontal โbeamโ that spreads the net apart. The net is open on the front end with the top edge strung with floats (here, beads) and the bottom edge with weights (here small fishing line sinkers). The top edge is pretty much aligned with the beam and the bottom edge is longer so it allows the net to open. My understanding is that this type of trawler would lower the net in shallow water and drag the net along the bottom.
I started with using wedding veil material for the net. Probably should have used a darker color but my choice was limited, so we have a โnewโ net. As the net would be scrunched up on the deck it made no sense to make it too long. The bottom end is just folded and the sides are hand stitched. Supporting lines were added to the top and bottom leading edges to โstrengthenโ the net as well as hold the floats and weights.
All the rigging is different with emphasis on making this look like a working boat. This includes numerous blocks and tackle. A few markers (floats, photo 7) are on the deck as they were commonly used. The three man crew (Tamiya 1/20 scale pit crew) seems to be handling everything well. The fish are a combination of plastic fish (photo 6) supplemented by some that I printed on my color printer and laminated with a little filler in-between to give the depth.
For anyone interested I have a 2015 "on board" video on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qxh6vW4SbOc .
Lew
LewZ
1 year ago
1 Post
1 Follower
5 Likes
Airbrush Cleaning Solution
I found an excellent and inexpensive airbrush cleaning solution (for acrylic paints). The link is https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I7afdu2tgXA however here are the ingredients:
Distilled water - 3 parts
Window cleaner ("Windex" or equiv. with ammonia) - 2 parts
Isopropyl alcohol 91% - 1 part
Glycerin 1 drops for each 15ml of water
In my case I used a 60ml plastic jar as follows:
Filled with the water to 30ml
Added window cleaner to 50ml
Added alcohol to 60ml
Added 4 drops glycerin
Works great on slightly dried (several minutes) paint, much better than acrylic thinner. Will not remove time dried paint.
Lew
LewZ
2 years ago
1 Post
1 Follower
8 Likes
Mini Bar Clamps for Model Builders
I had a need for several sets of bar clamps with about 6 -6 inches capacity. The only ones I saw were too heavy or expensive so I designed a set with a few extra features and made a handful via one of my 3D printers.
I have the STL files on my site for FREE downloads as well as two YouTube videos, one an intro and the other a how to build. Here are the links:
Intro: http://lewsmodelboats.org/Mini-Bar-Clamp.htm
Make: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n91onP_e3M4
Downloads: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CrujDxf_a-4
I hope they are of use to others.
Lew
LewZ
2 years ago
1 Post
1 Follower
4 Likes
Working with ABS - Lengthening a Hull
The Dusseldorf (FLB 2) model fire boat kit was originally produced by Robbe and now sold under the name Krick. The kit is based on the original configuration as the fire boat was built in 1965. In 1979 (well over 40 years ago) the original Dusseldorf was significantly modified and one of the modifications was the hull being lengthened significantly. The increased length is about 200mm (8 inches) in the model's hull.
In order to increase the hull's length it had to be cut into two pieces (across the beam near the middle (lengthwise). In the video (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X5_Hh1uIlG4) of this process you will see the steps I used to modify the ABS hull.
Additional help, information, and updates are posted on my web site: https://lewsmodelboats.org/M-Fire-Boat-Dusseldorf-2-Index.htm
This video may be helpful to others needing to modify ABS hulls as it deals with cementing and filling ABS including adhesion (weld type) with ABS 3D printed parts, and styrene, both extrusions and sheet.
LewZ
2 years ago
Recent Posts
๐ Shapeways is gone!!!
14 hours ago by
๐บ๐ธ LewZ (
Commodore)
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As I mentioned, there was a big change in FDM (filament) printers in late 2023. The jump was mainly speed - insanely fast! This was feasible by software as well as making the print head and mechanisms much lighter. My last one, not a year old, is at least four times the speed and more accurate than my previous two, about five years old.
Lew
Florida โฑ๏ธ, USA ๐บ๐ธ
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๐ Edina Model Yacht Club annual "Parade of Boats"
18 hours ago by
๐บ๐ธ LewZ (
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Absolutely stunning, Dave. Lots of boats and people, much more than I've seen at any RC event here. Thanks for sharing the photos.
Lew
Florida โฑ๏ธ, USA ๐บ๐ธ
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๐ Shapeways is gone!!!
1 day ago by
๐บ๐ธ LewZ (
Commodore)
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In case no one heard, Shapeways is out of business. "Shapeways has ceased operations and filed for bankruptcy."
I have mixed feelings about this.
Pros:
Shapeways has impacted model building in a positive way. It made parts available for those that needed something special. It gave the model building community an opportunity for designers to create objects (propellers, figures, guns, and much more) and have a store front on their site so they could reap some profit for their creations. Over the years I made about $600 US, but I kept my profit margin to about 10% while other would typically run 100-200% profit.
Cons:
Shapeways operation was expensive thus passing the cost for the parts was passed on to the customers. Their printing machines could run into the hundreds of thousands of dollars. Toss in skilled labor and materials, rent and other operating fees.
Why?
During the past two years I complained about the value of the parts produced. We are all used to paying say $40 US for a nice molded kit. To replicate that in 3D printing (for comparison purposes) the cost would be about three times as much.
Add to this is China moving into the business. Here I can make a direct comparison. I had a printed circuit design business 25 years ago. When the design and production moved to the other side of the globe I had to shut down. There were 29 printed circuit production companies in the Tampa Bay area. I believe only one is still in business.
Lastly, home 3D printer prices have remained stable while the quality and speed has risen significantly. In 2023 alone there was a massive jump in speed and accuracy in FDM printers for the home. Not only that, new, hi-tech materials are coming out often.
I have been following 3D printers since the early 1990's,over 30 years. The first 3D printer I saw was printed full sized mock ups for missiles -rockets.
Oops, my 3D printer just beeped, a new part just finished!
Lew
Florida ๐, USAโค๏ธ
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๐ Motor burn out?
4 days ago by
๐บ๐ธ LewZ (
Commodore)
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Always nice to have a few spares around, but in the case of the Dumas Dog-Bones, these will likely go into new builds as they last forever for me. The end brass couplings come in several bores to match various shafts. If need be, the hole can be opened up or sleeved for small shafts.
At the very left edge of the photo you can see the coupling that comes with the Zipkits Springer. It has two rings with set screws and a piece of a "Tygon" type tubing about 2-1/2 inches long. A horrible design! Didn't last long for me on two Springers. Ah, the dog-bones to the rescue.
Lew
Florida ๐, USAโค๏ธ
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๐ฌ Re: SSMBC (Florida) model boat meet on July 21, 2024
4 days ago by
๐บ๐ธ LewZ (
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Peejay, that's the Dumas kit.
Lew
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๐ SSMBC (Florida) model boat meet on July 21, 2024
4 days ago by
๐บ๐ธ LewZ (
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๐ Motor burn out?
5 days ago by
๐บ๐ธ LewZ (
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Len, et al., the only time I heard of the Dumas dog bones loosing its ears was one of the SSMBC's members' experience. It was on his big Dumas boat when he was new to the hobby. I don't know how it happened. Most of my boats have these installed, some multi motored, including three in my heavy 47 inch PT61 gunboat. NEVER lost even one.
Lew
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๐ Motor burn out?
5 days ago by
๐บ๐ธ LewZ (
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Simply put, there are various designs for couplings to use for misaligned shafts that don't take a lot of space. Not expensive either. Just need to do a little searching.
Also, the Dumas dog bones are popular, especially with me!
Lew
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https://images.app.goo.gl/GCUnc227hxyoZWmcA |
https://images.app.goo.gl/L2cocPMvC83DvP3G7 |
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๐ need info mystery ship
5 days ago by
๐บ๐ธ LewZ (
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It's very hard to believe this is a scale model of any ship ever built. Perhaps the prisoner that made this supposedly built it using what scraps and tools he had available. Although it is apparent that this is a product of his imagination it is unique and kept his mind alert during incarination. Good for him. This is somewhat parallel to many of us "older gents" held captive by old age - comfort for the mind.
"Thank God for models, otherwise they would not have ideas for the real things." (Paraphrased from Best in Show.)
Lew
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๐ I'm still here, I think?
7 days ago by
๐บ๐ธ LewZ (
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Colin, thanks for the update. That much driving concerns me, but your dedication to your family is important. We all have to "bear a cross" so to speak, but I am sorry yours is quite heavy. You are in my thoughts and prayers. Sincerely, Lew
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๐ Motor burn out?
7 days ago by
๐บ๐ธ LewZ (
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Spence, many people make mistakes by using only one u-joint. One can get lucky though if they get perfect alignment. A single u-joint only works great with angular alignment plus whatever slop is in the shaft ends (usually the motor shaft or the prop shaft & tube). This includes any cushion mount for the motor. But, this is almost zero tolerance.
For visual illustrations check out (search) "radial and angular misalignment" then images.
Best to use two u-joints or a flexible coupling that allows for misalignment.
Lew
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๐ Motor burn out?
8 days ago by
๐บ๐ธ LewZ (
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Can you post a photo of the setup? You said universal joint, are you using one or two? Without the motor attached does the prop shaft turn smoothly using your fingers? Should have some resistance with the packing grease. How big is your propeller? Always best to test the esc and motor together before installing in the boat. Let it run forward and reverse for a bit, especially with new motors.
You need to supply more information in order for us to help pin down possible issues.
Lew
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๐ Hobby chit chat
11 days ago by
๐บ๐ธ LewZ (
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(Deleted)
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๐ Dusseldorf fireboat now in RTR
12 days ago by
๐บ๐ธ LewZ (
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I see that Motion RC has the Bancroft Dusseldorf fireboat for sale (US $1,199.00) and is ready to run.
Looks identical to the Krick, same size, etc. Unfortunately it has the same detail and "scale" flaws as the Krick kit.
I also wonder if Krick is dropping the kit as there is not much difference in prices especially considering additional parts and RC gear, plus the labor to build theirs.
Lew
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https://www.motionrc.com/products/bancroft-dusseldorf-1-25-scale-1172mm-45-7-fir |
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๐ฌ Re: Cruiser tug boat
13 days ago by
๐บ๐ธ LewZ (
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This "Cruiser" tug appears to be different from the other one previously posted.
Lew
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๐ฌ Re: Caldercraft Imara by Caldercraft
13 days ago by
๐บ๐ธ LewZ (
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Very interesting looking model. Lots of small and unique details. Could you post a few more different views?
Lew
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๐ฌ Re: Motor follow up
17 days ago by
๐บ๐ธ LewZ (
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Isaac, I recently saw a method of repairing spur gears that have damaged or missing teeth. They took silicon or modeling clay and pressed it on a good section of the gear thus making a mold. They filled that with epoxy (JBWeld probably). Curred, that shaped it to match the damaged area (also trimmed) and cemented that in place. One could conceivably make a new gear with the same method.
For those with 3D printers there are apps to easily make your own gears.
Lew
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๐ Square rigger
18 days ago by
๐บ๐ธ LewZ (
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Not enough info. Perhaps if you post a few photos of the hull you might get some responses. Lew
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๐ฌ Re: Question
19 days ago by
๐บ๐ธ LewZ (
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Probably a retro fit. Fixed position propeller with a following rudder. Likely added a ring (nozzle) to the existing rudder or a new rudder with ring.
Lew
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๐ฌ Re: Loose motor
19 days ago by
๐บ๐ธ LewZ (
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Bottom line is you just can't beat a Flysky as the best bang for your buck. (Translated to non-US English: value for your money).
Lew
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๐ฌ Re: Question
19 days ago by
๐บ๐ธ LewZ (
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Some ships have the kort nozzle behind the propeller like this photo. Doesn't seem to make full advantage of the purpose of the nozzle.
Lew
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๐ HW 160
20 days ago by
๐บ๐ธ LewZ (
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Thanks Rod. Most of my boats have one or two motors. This one (PT61) has three as you can see.
Lew
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๐ FPV Experience
20 days ago by
๐บ๐ธ LewZ (
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Rod, that is the point! Too much to cobble together. Barry, your links demonstrate the frustration I have. So many documents to go through.
I'm sure there are more of you who would like to be able to reasonably purchase a SYSTEM that would essentially be "plug and play" so you can "look out the pilot house" in real time as well as record the scenes.
This is why I started this post hoping that someone has "been there and done that".
Thanks Rod and Barry for your inputs.
Lew
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๐ HW 160
20 days ago by
๐บ๐ธ LewZ (
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How much do I like the HobbyWing 1060 ESCs? We'll, here is three of them in one boat.
Lew
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๐ FPV Experience
20 days ago by
๐บ๐ธ LewZ (
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GoPros are fine but they have their limits. I used mine with the app to control the camera by cell phone but the app dies at various times, even within 10 meters. Probably not enough signal strength using wifi.
For a while a small group was coming to the pond we use. They were running high speed racing boats, too much speed for a 100m diameter pond. He had a Springer rescue boat set up with what I am looking for. He could watch his monitor attached to his rc transmitter where the View was from the pilot house.
However, they no longer come to the pond, probably because of the size.
Lew
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๐ฌ Re: Deans Marine City of Ely
20 days ago by
๐บ๐ธ LewZ (
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Zooming in the issues are much more than dust and fixing up. Lots of poor workmanship beyond just painting. Going to take a while to get this up to a proper model. I generally have less interest in fixing up another's model versus building one from the beginning (kit or scratch).
Lew
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๐ Glue
20 days ago by
๐บ๐ธ LewZ (
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Look at the question. It is about gluing "BALSA" wood to a GRP hull๐. I would say that using balsa is almost as bad as using expanded styrene foam. I have never done this nor do I plan to do so, especially for any joint requiring strength.
You need something that will seep deep into the wood. Possible let a full coat of super glue soak deep into the balsa (even the sides away from the joint) and let it dry, then apply another adhesive. Experiment first and let us know how it works.
Lew
Florida๐ , USAโค๏ธ
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๐ FPV Experience
20 days ago by
๐บ๐ธ LewZ (
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Now for something a little different...
I've made several videos of model boats with the cameras mounted on board the boat at various positions. Some go back over ten years ago. Some involve using a servo to move the camera. All of this type of video requires editing to eliminate the unwanted parts resulting from continuous recording.
But now I would like to use FPV (first person video) to not only see what the camera is seeing, but record as well. I am looking for someone who has EXPERIENCE in this area. I would like to get a FPV SYSTEM that will do this at a decent resolution at a reasonable cost.
I say system because I don't want to sped my time figuring out what viewer, what camera, what power supply and battery, what transmitter, and what antenna. Ideally, would be a system that includes everything. However, if one of you has already put together something like this and can list all the items that when installed, it works.
I've seen some video cameras that look like a miniature 35mm SLR. Small size is optimal, especially for (temporarily) installing it for the pilots point of view.
Anyone gone there? How about multiple cameras?
Lew
Florida ๐, USAโค๏ธ
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๐ฌ Re: Brushless motor sync problems
21 days ago by
๐บ๐ธ LewZ (
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Doug, thanks for the advanced "skip" warning. Seems like there is enough words posted on this topic to write a book.
Also seems to me that for scale model boats powering a model is not that difficult. Basically supplying power to a motor through an ESC Seems simple enough.
I placed my engineering days behind me and use simple math and logic to get this to work. My only complicated part is getting the combination of prop and motor RPM right for the desired performance (speed and low heating).
My simple method Seems to have worked for me and my model fleet.
Perhaps if someone is interested in getting absolute peak performance these wordy posts might be of interest.
KISMIF !
Lew
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๐ Wanted: Can I commission you to build a boat? UK based
23 days ago by
๐บ๐ธ LewZ (
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James may, l hope that you are successful in the model build. By doing this yourself I'm sure your Dad will appreciate the gift even more๐ฅฐ.
As a father and grandfather I know I would.
Good luck!
Lew
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