Finally our first meet of 2026! Very unusual weather for us, like the rest of the country. Normally we might miss 1 or 2 weekends during the winter season but this was our first meet since December.

This would have been a great perfect day was hampered by wind, a little much for many smaller boats. Also a lot of dead fish around the pond, probably caused by a lack of oxygen because of a lack of rain. We are in the middle of a drought, but it is supposed to rain tonight.

Lew

Still working on this truck chassis. Making changes to the suspension as I go. Big issue is how much weight can it handle and how should the ABS suspension parts be designed. I think the last of several itineration's will work. Want the axles (all spring loaded) to move up and down.

New sound an lighting system arrived. Getting anxious to see this thing run.

Lew

Duncan, there are so many different types of blades and cutting tools for Dremel tools for various materials. It depends on what material you want to cut, brass, copper, aluminum, steel, wood, plastic, etc. I don't think anyone has a cross reference chart that will show you what tool goes with what material.

The only thing that would make sense is when you buy the tool bit it should say on the box what the bit is good for.

There are many third-party suppliers for bits for Dremel tools, available. I even got some little bits from a dentist for cutting whatever I want. This is why a variable check works much better than the 1/8 inch collet.

And the photos you will see that I put most of my Dremel tool bits in one box. A pretty good accessory are the grinding disc which you can see in the upper left corner of the tool box bottom which has the Dremel EZ lock cutting discs for metal (2nd photo).

I have so much stuff it would take quite a bit of time to make an inventory list. The best bet is if you are trying to do something, look and see if they make a tool that helps you do it better and faster. Just common sense.

Lew

Chum... you are a little south of me. Been a little too cool up here (Tampa Bay area) especially for MB meets. Had a few tank meets though. Glad you first run was a success. Where do you sail?
Lew

Did the giant foot on the dock give it a way?

I enjoy watching the real towboats pushing their "tow" LIVE (hence "towboats in the US) through the locks, especially Lock 19 on the old Mississippi River.

Towboats straining to push 1,000's of tons with the turbos screaming . Too bad I live so far away.

The video link show one of the towboats pushing 42 barges on the river. Each barge is 200 feet long. (Copy and paste the link in your browser.)

Lew

Got a new tablet and when I placed my SD card in it I found this old video (~8 years ago) video of my towboat pushing a barge under the bridge between the dock and shore.
Lew

ChrisF, the three pieces slide together but not completely tight (about .05 inch each). Between that and the fact that the "+" shapes (positive and negative) have some clearance in them allows the center piece to wobble or float. The center piece can't fall out. This allows some misalignment both radially and axially.
Not sure how long it will last. Just an experiment for now. I'm sure the setscrews will not hold in the ABS very long.
Lew

U-Joint test and status update:

I have plenty of u-joints but with a short space between the motor and the transfer case I decided to make my own u-joint. (A 3D printed prototype to be remade stronger later.) Not a new idea, might of seen it somewhere before, looks ideal for that short space. Photo looks crummy, I painted the print as it was shiny black and hard to see. The center piece is floating and held captive by the two ends that are on stationary shafts.

Working on the truck's frame. Ran into some problems with the steel square tubing (approx .40 inch sq.) encased in the ABS 3D print. It has a thin wall but the steel is harder than I thought it would be. Slow, but making progress.

Thinking about sound... The sound units for a diesel truck at an "affordable price" are really bad. They start to get better at about $40 US. However, I ordered a GT Power Truck and Light Container system for about $60 US. More than I wanted to spend but for a little more money I get a lot more "bells and whistles". Should be fun.

Lew

I just checked on train controllers, apparently they still use DCC. Check out the cost. A couple of low cost RC Trans/Rec with speed controllers and batteries (or still use the track) looks like a workable inexpensive solution.
Lew

Thanks HH,

If I can't do it with my 6-channel Futaba's (I have 2) I can go to my Specktrum 8 or one of my Flysky's (I have a spare 10-ch rec.). I don't think I will need past 10. If I ever get back to my fireboat rebuild I will look into this. I guess all those years as a test equipment designer paid off in preparing me for my retirement hobbies!

Lew

Going to take a look at the power train parts I am accumulating for this project. (Trying to use what I have rather than buy new items.) So here is what I am looking at:

Geared Motor: Zheng ZYDT520, 550 RPM @ 12VDC.
Transfer Case: My 3D build + bearings 1:1
Axle #1 (front): Steerable (source unknown) 1/16 scale
Axle #2 (retractable): My 3D build
Axle #3 (through-put): (source unknown) 1/16 scale
Axle # 4 (end): (source unknown) 1/16 scale
Suspension Front: My 3D build, leaf spring
Suspensions Rear mains: My 3D build Coiled springs
Support plates and brackets: My 3D build
Servos: Futaba S3005 (2)

Having build the transfer case and gears with a 1:1 ratio, I can change the speed OR tractive power of the vehicle simply by making a new transfer case. This case takes the output from the motor and has two output shafts, one to the front and the other to the rear.

My concern right now is if six channels are enough?

Now back to 3D printing.

Lew

As I had decided to lengthen the chassis/frame by almost 8 inches (200mm), I decided to make a new frame (as previously shown). The new frame incorporated the mounting of items from the original truck now includes the mounting of the new items (servo mounts, motor and transfer case, axles, sleep cabin, etc.

The layout was done in my 3D CAD app (see photo). This also includes a suspension system as the toy truck had nothing but oblong holes to simulate up-down movement of the wheels.

Current Status:
The frame was printed in five pieces due to the limitations of my 3D printer's build plate. The cross-section is "U" shaped as I had some square soft steel tubing that would fit inside the "U". That was placed inside using JB-Kwick epoxy. Clean-up is currently in progress.

Lew

HO scale? That's on the horizon for me as well. What I have is old, control by transformers via the tracks. Then it went to DCC where the tracks had constant DC and control by radio signal. I was thinking that a better setup would be total RC, no power to the tracks. Batteries are small and powerful. Any thoughts?
Lew

Another RC hobby? I'm already into RC scale model boats (since the early 1970's) and RC armor (since 2015) I am branching out to RC scale vehicles (but not too many). Notice the word scale in each of these three segments of RC hobbies.

This topic is for a RC semi tractor and lowboy trailer being converted from an inexpensive toy. It is already in 1/16 scale and should be compatible with my Springer ("truckable") tugs and Armor (tanks, etc.). I plan to use it at both Model Boat and Armor meets.

This first segment involves the selections I have made and my plan to make the necessary modifications to the toy.

I bought two ERTL about three years ago with the intent to convert them into RC. I paid about $70 (US) for the pair of them on sale. They are currently in the $70-80 range (each). They look good enough to use although not to exact scale. The project goal is to keep the cost down and have a fun functional vehicle.

Why buy two units? When done, I will be using parts from the second vehicle for the first, like wheels for extra axles and other parts.

Right now I am working on the semi-tractor. The new unit will have another axle, this one to lift by RC. It will also have the extra sleeper cabin and other accessories. I am planning to make the "gooseneck" (the part that connects to the trailer) RC controlled. Unfortunately the model's lowboy trailer suffers problems like the real trailers do. Too close to the ground. I will need to elevate the trailer sufficiently so it will not get stuck. I do not have to contend with railroad tracks which makes the vehicles good targets for fast moving trains.

The latest:
This evening I am cementing the chassis frame together. I had to print it in five pieces due to the limitations of my 3D printer. There will be rectangular steel tubing epoxied inside the frame for extra strength.

Lew

Jump, et al.,

As not everyone is interested in model truck building I will create a build blog for the semi tractor - lowboy trailer and post info there.

Building this rig involves a lot of practices similar to those used in RC model boat building, direction, speed, sound, lights, and operational accessories.

Look for it soon as I am going to try to get the semi tractor done while the "cool" weather is upon us.

Lew

Ah, 3D printing! Just finished the transfer case to power the front wheels as well.

Lew

Hello Jump. The temperature here got down to almost freezing. Been living in Florida too long and I guess my blood is too thin". And the cold really affects me.

About 2 years ago I bought two 1/16 scale toy model low boy tractor trailer. As you were says these operating scale units are expensive. However I paid less than $30 each on a sale. Finally getting around to make them radio controlled. Parts like Wheels etc from the 2nd will be used to update the model with more wheels and axles.

I even have another radio for it. Kind of old, but it's still a 2.4 Futaba 6 channel radio. Paid $50 for it and it has everything, batteries, four servos, charger in barely used condition.

This will go very well with my 1/16 scale armor, and my 1/16 scale Springers.

Lew

I recommend anyone using or planning on using Lipo (lithium polymer) batteries to check out the differences between them and Li-ion (lithium ion) batteries. There is a noticeable difference between the two, looking at safety and performance.
I knew someone in the model boats hobby whose house burned down because of the LiPO batteries. This is a confirmed fact that thing batteries caused the fire while being charged.
Lew

As for me I believe I got rid of all my Nicads a while back. Even the NiMh batteries seem to be dying off. Right now I'm moving many of my batteries operated vehicles and boats to lithium ion. This seems to be much safer than the lithium polymer.
Lew

Colin, I hope good things will happen to you in the near future. Looks like you've got your plate full.
As for us I guess we asked too much for cool weather. Not much in model boating going on lately in our area. Very unusual. Already missed three meets and tomorrow will be the fourth, including me being sick missing one.
A good chance to catch up on things that need to be done, especially getting the house back in order, and doing some model fix up. I am currently working on modifying a 1/16 scale toy semi trailer into RC control.
This is a good scale and it matches my Springers and my armor.
To all of you in the northern hemisphere I hope you stay warm.
Lew

The only thing white outside our home are my wife's two Peking ducks. Temp outside is now 56F as a cold front came through. Sunday at our RC tank meet it was 80F.
Lew

Getting back to the original question. Why is it people want to join a club (the few that very few) and not participate in helping out?

I understand that the kids getting hammered on all sides by various activities. Back in the 1950s we did not have electronics like we do today.

Lew

Herman, et al.

Like many of you, we almost always let guests at the park during model boats meet, try our model boats. They are so happy and they ask many questions including where do I get boats like these. We usually give them the various options hobby shops, internet, kids, and ready to run models. We also tell them about when we have our model boat meets.

They seem so excited, but virtually 99% of them we never see them again.

My younger son has been involved with me for quite a few years and making and running model boats (and tanks). Right now we have his 4-year-old son (my grandson from) running both tanks and boats. How long I can only guess. The alternatives out there exert a lot of pressure on the young people to pick something else to do, especially flashy, trending activities.

But then we are talking about children here. I can understand these distractions, having raised several children and being around grandchildren. I see the pressures that are on them.

••• My post was about middle and older age people, still fit enough to help out but they rather just "stay out". •••

The other night my wife and I went out to dinner at a sports pub. The place was packed with old people waiting almost 2 hours for a trivia contest to start. What a waste of time. Trivia can be fun, and I guess it is some socializing. But that is 7:00 at night, and we never do model boats then. I guess they would rather watch TV then interest themselves in a hobby like we are talking about. Life is crazy!

Lew

Interesting responses, I read all of them!

What makes this situation unbelievable is that Florida (U.S.A.) is a pretty good place for model boats, in fact almost all kinds of RC hobbies, YEAR-ROUND. So disappointing. People hurt themselves unknowingly.

Thanks for your responses.

Lew

I believe I figured out one more reason that scale model hobbies is declining (at least in the US). I think oversaturation with responsibilities of a few that the majority take advantage of.

I am finding this true in two different clubs, the Suncoast Scale Model Boat Club and the Bay Area Blitzkrieg RC Tank Club.

About 12 years ago I joined the previous club (Bay Area Electric Boaters, over 25 members) at the park. I was pushed in as the "Commodore". I made some major accomplishments with the county in installing a floating dock at no cost to us. Even got better grounds maintenance. With a lot of pain I organized a regatta. Lots of people wanted one but trying to get volunteers (needed about 20) to help was almost impossible. To encourage more people to participate I made the event free. I got donations for the various event prizes. I almost had a meltdown when one of the winners mentioned the cheap junk (yes free new inexpensive tools) that were given out as prizes. Holy $hit! (Sorry about this but this is how I felt.) He paid nothing and did get a winning award certificate, at my own expensive.

As for the current model boat club, I (and help with my son) which I restarted after the other one collapsed I have been organizing the meets, running the website and funding it (now down), advertising in local hobby shops, and trying to keep everyone happy.

Recently, I started working on the docks as I have mentioned a few weeks ago. No much more to do and storage is not an issue. However, there is a lot of work behind the scenes, loading my SUV, unloading and setup at the park, retrieving the docks, cleaning, packing, removal and storage. My son is helping me but he has to bring his young kids along and have to be watched.

Basically ditto for the RC tanks. Instead of the docks it is buildings, trees, a bridge, and other accessories.

As far as help, the tank guys (my son organized this club) are more helpful in getting things set up. I get some help from two of the model boaters. There are some of the "tank guys" that bring a few accessories for everyone to share. None of the boaters do that.

At 82 (in this March) I feel like retiring. I spend more time on "working for the clubs" than I do on model boats and tanks. No one wants to take over anything, but they sure don't mind if someone else does it.

I'm not keen on giving up and I am afraid the club will fold if no one takes responsibility. That exactly what happened when I left the previous boat club.

I know there are a few of you that are lucky and have great organizations even if you do pay. Are Americans "cheap and lazy" or is it me - that is the question.

I don't mean to be whining but I would like to hear opinions from members in other countries as to what you would do, do they have similar situations, and any possible cures for these situations.

Lew

Bob, I agree about satisfaction with working with hand tools. The point I was trying to make is that old tools are giving way to new tools. Get more done in less time. (Going to be 82 in two months.) Just like my 3D printers have replaced many hand tools. I think the last time I used a slide rule was in HS. Bost tool that I have is my X-acto knife. Even use it on almost all of my 3D prints.
Lew

As time goes on, I have less use for wood planes. Back in the "old days" at my HS (Aviation HS) shop, OK. But with advanced power tools getting close to the shape I want, sandpaper finishes the job. I have a small X-acto plane and a full size one about 100 years old. Both sit on the shelf collecting more dust than wood curls.

Lew

I thought about larger diameter wheels. Balloon tires have too much floatation and the launcher is close to neutral floatation. Also considered removable wheels. When lowering the boat and retrieval, it is dragged over the edge of the dock, that's why it has those guides on top of the wheels. Just wanted to keep it simple.

Lew

Looked at a few but being I have about 40 of the same switches "in stock" I tend to use what I have, especially on cheap items.

Lew

Added: Plus ordering, shipping, and doing this sometime in the future (maybe) also needs to be considered. It is now done.

SimpleSailor, I did it and it works. I used a solder sucker and easily removed the little pc board. I replaced it with one of the many switches I have. Unfortunately I did not have any with similar paddles. Used what I have.

Everyone should note that the Flyskys use a metric threaded switch instead of the same threads. The hole in the case is ok but the sae nuts (1/4-40) are larger than the metric ones (M6 X 0.75) requiring a little material removal on the inside of the case.

Again, model-boats com has succeeded it getting the right info to the right people.

Lew