Members Harbour
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
4 months 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
4 months 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
4 months 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
6 months 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
9 months 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
9 months 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
9 months 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
9 months 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
10 months 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
10 months 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
10 months 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
10 months ago
0 Attributes
7 Photos
2 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
10 months 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
10 months ago
0 Attributes
10 Photos
7 Likes
M/V David Sizer (Scratch build towboat; Scale: 1/35)
This is a scratch build inland waterways (U.S.) towboat, often called a push boat. (Not based on any real boat.) It has two motors individually controlled turning props in Kort nozzles plus four flanking rudders and two regular "barn door" rudders which gives it exceptional control, just like the real ones.
It just loves to push barges!
LewZ
10 months ago
6 Attributes
4 Photos
10 Likes
LC-3 (Trumpeter plastic model kit; Scale: 1/35)
Bought this little model (about 18 inches long) wanting to motorize it. It took some time figuring out all of the electronics and getting the components to fit in the little compartment. It runs great as long as it is not too windy.
LewZ
10 months ago
0 Attributes
5 Photos
6 Likes
Trawler (Helen kit by Artesnia Latina, modified; Scale: ~/20)
One model boat I would never thought of buying/building was this one. It was partially built and got a good deal on buying it.
With the double ended boat which gives great handling, and the multiple details of a fishing trawler, it is a boat that has a lot of appeal. I downloaded a number of photos of the type of trawler on England's east coast. Re-worked the hull a little as well as the rigging, added many details, lighting, etc. I like to run it when the wind is not too high.
LewZ
10 months ago
0 Attributes
7 Photos
3 Likes
Dusseldorf FLB 2 (Krick model kit - major modifications; Scale: 1/25)
This model was given to me by the original owner. It was about 80% complete but in "not so good" condition. It was partially working and I think the builder was frustrated with the multiple functions required. After looking at the model I realized that the kit manufacturer (Robbe years ago) design the kit after the real boat back in 1965. In 1979 it was lengthened and otherwise modified and the model bears little resemblance to the real fire boat as it exists today. This is my current project (September 2022).
Photo descriptions (starting from top left):
1 - As received
2 - Real Dusseldorf FLB-2 (original length)
3 - Real Dusseldorf FLB-2 (extended length current 2022)
4 - My hull extended
5 - My superstructure frame (fwd)
6 - My superstructure frame (aft)
7 - My superstructure frame (side)
LewZ
10 months ago
4 Attributes
6 Photos
8 Likes
Wiesel (Graupner kit - major mods; Scale: 1/40)
I partially built this boat, set it aside for a few years, the restarted it after the internet was available. That prompted me to do some research which resulted in me back-tracking and making major changes through completion.
LewZ
10 months ago
0 Attributes
5 Photos
0 Likes
ProBoat USCG 47 ft Motor Life Boat (Pro-Boat RTR, modified; Scale: ~1/18)
Overhauled/modified and a lot of details added. Upgraded to an 8 channel RC Spektrum radio and two ESCs.
LewZ
1 year ago
7 Attributes
Members Blogs
4 Posts
9 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
2 months 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 βHelenβ) 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 βElenaβ with βH-103β 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 Iβm sure someone will correct me here.)
It looked like this type of trawler is called a βbeam trawlerβ where the boom holds the horizontal βbeamβ 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 βnewβ 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 βstrengthenβ 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
4 months 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
7 months 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
8 months 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
10 months ago
Recent Posts
π Not a good day
17 hours ago by
πΊπΈ LewZ (

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Happy to see that the boat was easy repairable!
Other most likely had lousy days for model boating. I've see/had sinkings, collisions, drops (especially on concrete), loss of electronics on the water (batteries, connections, RC gear), weed entanglements, as some examples.
"Not a good day" is a good topic for some more feedback from members, so...
What was your "Not a good day" experience?
Lew
Florida, USA
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π Not a good day
2 days ago by
πΊπΈ LewZ (

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Uh ohπ. __it happens. Look forward to seeing your boat back in the drink.
Lew
Florida, USA πΊπΈ
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π Receiver aerial length
2 days ago by
πΊπΈ LewZ (

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Made me look!
I have one old (20+ years) FM radio and use that on my trawler. The receiver antenna goes up the aft mast and does not stand out. The radio is a Hitec "Ranger 3" (pretty heavy transmitter). All the others are 2.4ghz.
Lew
Florida, USA
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π Are Motorized RC Scale Model Boats Hazardous?
4 days ago by
πΊπΈ LewZ (

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WOW!!! - thanks to all of you that responded.
I think the RC sail boaters are the ones that influenced the city officials to post the "sailboats only" sign. (I agree with them about the noise and speed problems associated with RC speedboats.)
Dave B (and all interested) - good sign, gets to the point. I am attaching the sign currently at this potential new site for us. As per this sign (and the city's own ordinances that allow toy and unmanned boats) it seems apparent that powered (not "speed") are allowed, but one can't use the dock to safely launch and retrieve powered scale model boats. [I am posting a picture of that sign so you can see what I am up against.]
Conflict between the RC scale and sail boaters should not be a problem. I'm willing to work that out with the sail boaters.
As we can not use our current (weed choked, smelly) location I sent them a link to a video [also linked here] so they can see for themselves what we are about.
This video was created by professionals contracted by a local TV station. If you want to see a feel good video on scale RC boats want to see please check it out.
Lew
Florida, USA
https://www.wfla.com/news/suncoast-scale-model-boat-club/ |
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π Are Motorized RC Scale Model Boats Hazardous?
4 days ago by
πΊπΈ LewZ (

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Here is an interesting question: Has any had or has seen any motorized RC scale model boats causing hazards? (This includes injuries, damage to others, noise, environment, etc. issues.)
We (the Suncoast Scale Model Boat Club) have been operating at Lake Seminole Park's "model boat pond" (Florida, USA) for almost 50 years. This year has been a disaster. With the dry weather the pond level lowered significantly, vegetation has clogged access, and the water is stagnant and smelly.
The SSMBC's last meet was on April 2, 2023. All meets have been cancelled until the pond clears up or we find a new site.
There are lots of ponds locally but very few would meet our needs (parking, rest rooms, clear/no vegetation water, etc.) or they are private. One pond (15 acres) is actually quite acceptable and that one is at Freedom Lake Park, only a few miles from our current site.
Unfortunately, there seems to be an issue with operating scale model boats at this site. There is a sign on the model boat launching dock that says "for launching model sailboats only". My understanding is that the sailboat club had an issue with the RC racing boats. (Having one of our scale boats swamped and another one side-swiped by one of these boats I can sympathize with this issue).
I have been in contact with the municipality which operates the park, I am getting resistance in having the sign changed to include slow and quieter scale boats by posting a reasonable speed limit (20mph) and acceptable noise level. (There are homes abutting the pond so I suggested a noise limit (75db seems reasonable).
This "resistance" seems to center around safety as identified above. I'm trying everything to convince the city that there is not that much difference between RC sailboat and RC scale boats. Certainly no where near to the difference to the fast RC racing boats (not talking about those cheap boats here).
So, the question is has anyone seen accidents, injuries, property or environmental damage, annoyances, anything that can be associated with RC scale model boats (motorized)? In my ~50 years in the hobby I have never seen anything in scale model boats associated with this. I hope to hear back from others either way. Thanks,
Lew
Florida, USA
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π¬ Re: Krabbenkutter TΓΆn 12
5 days ago by
πΊπΈ LewZ (

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Looking good (πππ).
My Artesnia "Heller" trawler is one of my favorite boats. In fact it won a piloting event (conning) while competing with tugs. Runs equally well aftward aside does forward.
Lew
Florida, USA πΊπΈ
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π ANOTHER HOBBY SHOP CLOSES, NZ
10 days ago by
πΊπΈ LewZ (

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I would have posted a "like" but unfortunately another hobby shop closing and clubs being hard to find deserves more of an "agree" comment. We are all facing that, even here in Florida where this area has a lot of retirees who are more involved in hobbies than young people.
Lew
Florida, USA πΊπΈ
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π Relays
10 days ago by
πΊπΈ LewZ (

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CJanik001 is right! Forum members will be happy to share their knowledge, but as I have said before, ask away but give more details. This particular question could have dozens of answers rather than "...need to have more details..."
Lew
Florida, USA
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π Good Reoccurring Videos list
13 days ago by
πΊπΈ LewZ (

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JB,
Thanks for passing the link on to me.I had an opportunity to take a quick look and we'll get back to it. So far. I enjoyed what I saw.
Lew
Florida, USA πΊπΈ
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π Capacitors for 12 volt Mabuchi Motor
15 days ago by
πΊπΈ LewZ (

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I see the ProBoat ESC in your photo. I took mine out of my 47' USCG boat. Water cooled (?) made me think the ESC was not efficient (the motors are not high current drawing). Besides, they ProBoat ESCs have a lousy low speed to them. Replaced it with two Hobbywing 1060 brushed ESCs, one for each motor. (...and no capacitors.) Runs much Better!!!
Lew
Florida, USA
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π Capacitors for 12 volt Mabuchi Motor
16 days ago by
πΊπΈ LewZ (

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I agree with Roy about capacitors for motors while using a 2.4 mhz radio. Since using th 2.4's I have not been installing capacitors on my motors - no problems.
Lew
Florida, USA πΊπΈ
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π FPV (First person view) for scale model boats
18 days ago by
πΊπΈ LewZ (

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Phil, etc al,
My Sony Camera (50X zoom) is dying after 10 years. The stabilization degradation is to the point the camera is useless. It did a good job of photographing boats "closeup" at 80-100 feet away, especially with a tripod.
Can't do much anyway with the low water situation here in west central Floridaπ. We haven't had a model boat meet in the last two monthsπ.
Lew
Florida, USA πΊπΈ
Here is the last video I recorded with the Sony camera... You can see the advantage of using a long zoom cameraπ, but you can also see the camera shakeπ even though I edited most of it out. Link:
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π¬ Re: USCG 44' Motor Lifeboat
21 days ago by
πΊπΈ LewZ (

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Wow - really nice! Check out the solder joints in the railing. (Good job, just needs some repairs.)
If it ain't broke don't fix it. A beauty from an era where RC grew into multichannels.
Lew
Florida, USA πΊπΈ
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π Good Reoccurring Videos list
22 days ago by
πΊπΈ LewZ (

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A part of my enjoying this hobby in watching continuing videos of model boats, including meets, shows, action, construction, etc. Problem is the search comes back with many one time results rather than those from a videographer who uploads them frequently. They don't need to be professional but detail and information is good. No one seems to add information to the video, heck I have not done it in the past so this is something I will try to do in the future.
I don't see a lot listed when searching so if anyone has recommendations please post them. Then, I can add them to my YouTube subscriptions looking forward to new videos.
Currently some of my subscriptions are...
PirateFleetAU - nice site from our "mates" down under.
ModelBoatMayhem - one of the better sites.
SubwaterFilm - nice boats, horrible photography, pool scenes and music.
GrahamWhite - too much old stuff but steady camera with good narration.
Recommendations for videos: Either have the boats closer to the camera or use a telephoto lens - too much video from afar. Use an editor to cut out boats going in circles, over, and over, and over. A lot of videos could have 90% trimmed out.
Just my opinion.
Lew
Florida, USA
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π Unidentified Motor.
23 days ago by
πΊπΈ LewZ (

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Kind of looks like this:
https://cdn.billiger.com/dynimg/QtzYZJ9BvP9sp-axk5xLqPt4H9rycHjeBa9LTdXG2DAzk8-q |
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π FPV (First person view) for scale model boats
23 days ago by
πΊπΈ LewZ (

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I have a GoPro which drops off the wifi connection frequently. Had a GoPro knock-off - junk! My RunCam died when the boat it was on sank.
What I am looking for is one of those miniature cameras that could be mounted in an inconspicuous way as not to attract attention to it (like the photo in Algon's link).
Problem is that these usually seem to require multiple parts - camera, battery, cable, viewer and ??, all having to work together, i.e. same frequency, channel, pixels, and whatever.
I was wondering if anyone has done this successfully and would like to share the info (maybe I'm too lazy), rather than repeat the search and test.
All of this in contingent if we can survive the current drought here in west Florida. We get some rain about once every 3-4 weeks. Ponds look like they are in a solar "spring" tide.
Thanks, Lew
Florida, USA
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π FPV (First person view) for scale model boats
23 days ago by
πΊπΈ LewZ (

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Has anyone out there tried (successfully) a FPV setup in their boat?
I have been doing some research and there is a variety of ways to go. I'm thinking about a small camera with WiFi, and a viewer which can be mounted next to the RC transmitter. I do not want it to be expensive, yet have a reasonable viewer to see what is happening.
So, if you have a successful setup, do you mind sharing the information here. (Product names, model numbers, source, cost., etc).
Lew
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π What is this called?
1 month ago by
πΊπΈ LewZ (

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Taffrail is the name of the railing itself. As for the extension of the bulwark around the stern it looks like it seems it is still called the bulwark and the taffrail is mounted on that (if there is one). Just my interpretation.
Lew
Florida, USA πΊπΈ
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π¬ Re: WWI Sub Chaser
1 month ago by
πΊπΈ LewZ (

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Here is one I photographed in 1975, in New York's central park. (Pretty large size!)
Lew
Florida, USA
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π¬ Re: Was asked what a Balloon Duster is
1 month ago by
πΊπΈ LewZ (

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Here is what the "Florida" version of the "Balloon Boat" looked like (first photo, ~1990).
This is what the "Mother" of these balloon boats looks like today (second photo, current rescue boat). This was the master to make the mold for subsequent fiberglass hulled boats like in the first photo.
Lew
Florida, USA
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π Other Functions for Model Boats
1 month ago by
πΊπΈ LewZ (

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Some great "accessories" out there people!
Dave, I thought about having a marker/float on the deck, that had either a light tension retractable line spooled inside the hull or perhaps the line coiled up on the deck with a thin water soluble cement holding it in place. However, never had a boat completely sink. My 47 ft USCG almost did, 98% under water.
Lew
Florida, USA
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π Other Functions for Model Boats
1 month ago by
πΊπΈ LewZ (

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I also have the Dusseldorf FLB that someone else built. I completely disassembled it to build it to the current real boat. Had to stop to get some tank stuff done.
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π Other Functions for Model Boats
1 month ago by
πΊπΈ LewZ (

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When I first started in RC scale model boats the only functions that the boats had was steering and speed control (probably like most new to the hobby). Gradually, some of my boats had additional functions, sound, smoke, lights, radar, and more.
My question is what unusual functions do others have in there models? (Perhaps some photos. )
Lew
Florida, USA
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π Swamp buggy (Florida)
1 month ago by
πΊπΈ LewZ (

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Don't know (until now), never been on one. There was one going around the pond behind my back yard clearing some water hyacinths several years ago. Seen them in movies.
So I asked at gas station attendant and he said the airboat operator fills his tank up about every day, so I figured the airboat was local. Found the web site (and photo), and the answer to your question: 55 MPH. Also, those wide props are normal for airboats.
Lew
Florida, USA
Airboat link:
https://www.clearwaterseaplanes.com/air-boat-rides |
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π Swamp buggy (Florida)
1 month ago by
πΊπΈ LewZ (

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Oops... sorry, I forgot to attach the photo! Now it should make sense.
Lew
Florida, USA
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π Favourite homemade tool
1 month ago by
πΊπΈ LewZ (

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I made them but not at home...
I made my favorite and well used tools when taking machine shop classes (part of my engineering design career to understand manufacturing processes) at a local school. The one vise, and assort blocks (I made more of these) are steel with ground surfaces. Made them over 50 years ago and use them almost every day, especially for model building.
Lew
Florida, USA
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π Thoughts on Spektrum RC units
1 month ago by
πΊπΈ LewZ (

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Of all my RC systems (a bunch) my one Spektrum (8 ch) is the best by far. It is heavy (weight) and has great quality parts. It seems to have a few more features than most other radios I have. When one of my boats sank I thought the receiver was a goner. Took it apart and let it dry a few days and it did not work. Bought another one and after a few more days then I went back recleaned and tried the original one and it work!
Downside is it is expensive. Can buy a whole bunch of Flyskys for the equivalent of one Spektrum. For just the price of one 8 channel Spektrum receiver only, I can get a Flysky transmitter, receiver, and a spare receiver and have change for a cup of java.
For my needs, Spektrum is an overkill. Have not had a Flysky fail yet.
Lew
Florida, USA
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π Question about Schottel drives
1 month ago by
πΊπΈ LewZ (

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If the Z-Drives are the 70BM-Z tooth belted, they look pretty durable. Interesting setup with the belt drive for both the steering and propeller!
Usually, the z-drives are independently controlled to give the vessel amazing maneuvering. Years ago I talked to the captain of the Arne Christiansen towboat (photo attached) and we discussed that. To implement the 360 degree forward only the transmitter setup is quite unique, operating like the real boat, each mounted in a rotating knob with the speed control in the middle. You can see the z-drive controls, one on either side of the captain's consoles (interior photo).
Anyway, good luck on the build and I look forward to seeing progress reports and photos!
Lew
Florida, USA
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π Question about Schottel drives
1 month ago by
πΊπΈ LewZ (

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I get an error message on the link: "The page requested is not available."
Lew
Florida, USA
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π Receivers
1 month ago by
πΊπΈ LewZ (

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Questions are great but for others to respond, they need more information.
For example, saying something like "I have a 3 channel transmitter that I want to convert to 6 channel..." isn't enough.
Now if that was "I have a 3 channel (brand) that is a (model number) transmitter than I want to..." -now that helps a lot!
Not all manufacturers have the same design and functions.
Not being picky here, but this happens here often. I think if this information is supplied up front there will be less speculation and confusion. (Just my opinion.)
Lew
Florida, USA
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