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H.M.S.SCIMITAR FTB
After the end of the war the Royal Navy decided to move from gasoline powered fast launches to diesel, to reduce fire risks.
The first major diesel powered boat class was the Dark, introduced in the mid1950s. These were powered by two Napier Deltic horizontally opposed, triangular layout two stroke diesels.
Shortly after this class was introduced it was determined the role of the Fast Patrol boat had been superseded by helicopters and aircraft. The Fast Patrol vessels were then gradually withdrawn.
To retain competence in the use of fast vessels, the RN commissioned three fast training boats (FTBs), the Scimitar class. This was the last high speed RN class of the era.
They were similar to the Brave in many ways. Both were built by Vosper and the lineage is evident. Rather than three Proteus gas turbines, they only had two, although with CODOG diesel units for slow speed operation. They were unarmed and designed to give R.N. crews experience in fast, coastal patrol boats.
The vessels could be armed and converted to three Proteus turbines if circumstances changed.
Our COVID lock-down hastened progress on my Dark class project, so have been trying to find another build for the coming winter. Have decided to model fast patrol type vessels for the time being. They are great fun on the water.
Would have liked to build a Scimitar Class FTB in around 1:32 scale, again using a GF hull from MTB Hulls, but that scale was not in their range. A GF hull is light and robust, well suited to these vessels. MTBHulls did offer a 1:72 scale hull, but that worked out around 16.5โ long. Thought it would be too small for a working scale model.
Was in touch with a modeller in Australia who has made similar models. He also pointed out the number of successful โplastic magicโ conversions of kits that are around this size. Obviously, it is achievable. Would give an unexpected change as the larger scale would have been similar to my recent Brave Borderer and R.A.F. RTTL projects.
The biggest challenge will be to keep the weight down to around 450g.
Looked an interesting and challenging project and at such a small scale one with plenty of potential for failure.
Rowen
2 years ago
11 Posts
7 Followers
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HMAFV SEAL
My last project, H.M.S. Brave Borderer, was an interesting and enjoyable build. It was based on a glass fibre (gf) hull from MTBHULLS. Have decided that purchasing a gf hull gives an excellent base for a scale, robust model. Have previously experienced minor issues of micro-cracking on wooden models, gf avoids that. From a cost perspective, the hulls are probably little more expensive than building from scratch.
MTBHulls was planning to produce a hull for the R.A.F. Seal Class which would be available in time for my winter 2019 project. The Seal was the last class operated by the R.A.F. Marine Branch, but as a LRRS (Long Range Recovery & Support) launch. They were significantly larger than the traditional ASRL, offering much greater range and capability, albeit it at a lower speed.
At 1:35 scale the overall length would be 41.25โ, just about my upper limit for transport.
Ordered the hull and it duly arrived well packaged and safely, rather earlier than expected! At least it gave the opportunity for installing and testing the running gear before winter.
Rowen
4 years ago
20 Posts
2 Followers
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DAMEN STAN 4207
Blog 20 (Conclusion) Posted 18 Aug 2017
Have experimented with converting the jet ski into an RIB with some success. The project is not complete, but have made provision for it in the sternway. The RIB weights something around 8oz, so decided to move the LO-PO cell forward to compensate for this addition and also improve accessibility.
Much to my surprise the cell fitted neatly in front of the rear bullhead, about 2โ forward of the previous position. The nett result was that although the model is slightly heavier, this is not readily apparent. The waterline remains just above the water level.
Have now conducted several trials in a sheltered local pool, so ventured forth onto a much larger open lake. One reason was to try to get a video of her on the water as requested by one of my peers. This has been submiited to the Video Gallery.
This lake is large and deep. As there was a 10 โ 20 knot gusty breeze and was apprehensive about going far from the dock. Would estimate the video speed at about 85% of her maximum, quite fast enough to exceed scale.
The model performed well; even when heeled by the wind in a turn there was no water over the lee deck edge. The effect of the stabilizers is apparent, she answers the helm quickly and remains stable.
In summary, a very satisfying project, one that will give years of pleasure.
This is the concluding blog entry as am now moving onto a new project, a scale model of M.V. Teakwood.
Rowen
7 years ago
Recent Posts
๐ Question of the Day?
8 days ago by
๐จ๐ฆ Rowen (
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The Costa Concordia did not catch fire
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๐ Brushless motors battery
4 months ago by
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Yes, in principle.
Be careful of the power consumption. Brushless can consume many watts, which may be beyond the capacity of your cells
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๐ How do I bend plywood
4 months ago by
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On thin ply, such as hull skins. Have found using a heat gun quite adequate. Heat bend, clamp then reheat๐ l
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๐ Yorkshire Belle
6 months ago by
๐จ๐ฆ Rowen (
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Hi Doug, Alive and well but spent most of this last winter trying to sort a misfire out on my Jaguar XJS V12.
Not quite sure if entirely cured. Am hampered in my ability to run it at full throttle by the local Police forces! No understanding of my quest for perfection.
Did potter along with my waterjet powered Swedish Interceptor based yacht. Nearly done, hence my YB inquiry.
Thanks for the SARIK lead. Had already seen that but recognising the frugality of my heritage was trying to avoid paying for them! If all else fails!
Keep seeing your notes on the site, so assumed all was well.
Best Rowen
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๐ Yorkshire Belle
6 months ago by
๐จ๐ฆ Rowen (
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Have fond memories of sailing off the Yorkshire coast in this vessel with my late father.
Have often thought of building a model and somebody, very kindly, sent me a GA and side elevation.
All I need now are the section drawings, does anybody have a copy?
Thanks
Rowen
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๐ฌ Re: Russian K100D waterjet work boat project, Improvements
6 months ago by
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As a fellow frugal Yorkshireman to Rogal, heartily agree!
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๐ Question of the Day?
7 months ago by
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That assumes your boat has a bilge pump. Buckets are almost standard equipment on small boats. Just another question where the answer does not reflect the question.
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๐ Question of the Day?
7 months ago by
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Not in North America, Super glue Reigns supreme
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๐ Question of the Day?
7 months ago by
๐จ๐ฆ Rowen (
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Costa Concordia did not catch fire
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๐ Orca and Jaws the chase, cought on video.
8 months ago by
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Bet the shark could not catch your Brave Borderer up!
Rowen
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๐ Servos going crazy
8 months ago by
๐จ๐ฆ Rowen (
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Seem to recall servos and Rxs work best between 4.5 and rather less that 6v. Think you have just proved it!
Sounds like they were overpowered and, then, odd things happen
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๐ Servos going crazy
8 months ago by
๐จ๐ฆ Rowen (
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Have used a shared power supply on several models. Usually also fit a voltage regulator to reduce cell voltage to RX.
Works well for me and saves weight and complexity
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๐ฌ Re: Newbie Model Slipway 1/16th Tamar Build
9 months ago by
๐จ๐ฆ Rowen (
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BECC Flags will provide lettering. It is available through Cornwall Model Boats in the UK
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๐ Jet Pump Thrusters
9 months ago by
๐จ๐ฆ Rowen (
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Have used several of the smaller ones. They work well and have never had a debris ingress issue.
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๐ Question of the Day?
9 months ago by
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Of course!
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๐ Question of the Day?
9 months ago by
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None of above. HMS Argus
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๐ Question of the Day?
9 months ago by
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Why not drop the number of questions to, say, one a week?
Then the quizmaster might have time to make sure the answer relates to the question?
There are too many mistakes and ambiguities as it is.
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๐ Question of the Day?
9 months ago by
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Not according to Wikipedia, all the suggestions are wrong.Should be Manchias
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๐ Question of the Day?
10 months ago by
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Nickthestream got it right.
Just another question with an inapplicable answer!
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๐ Question of the Day?
10 months ago by
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It is a beam reach, so got it wrong!
The idea of a quiz was quite entertaining,but as the questions and answers are unrelated think it has lived itโs time.
Suggest close it down whilst still ahead
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๐ Question of the Day?
10 months ago by
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Rubbish!
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๐ Things that never work right
10 months ago by
๐จ๐ฆ Rowen (
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Suggest remove that little slide switch and put it in the bin.
They give innumerable problems once in a damp atmosphere, such as a model boat.
Replace with a good quality toggle or push switch. You will save yourself a stack of frustration
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๐ Things that never work right
10 months ago by
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After using Tamiya and Deans have settled on the XT60.
Tamiya are rubbish, hard to solder and give sporadic conductivity.
Deans hard to solder. XT 60 are not perfect but the sleeves can be extracted, soldered properly and then refitted. Also relatively compact where the XT 90 is quite bulky
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๐ Austal Cape 58
11 months ago by
๐จ๐ฆ Rowen (
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Thanks Malcolm,
Another nice vessel. Very similar to my Daman Stan 4207, so would rather keep searching for the Cape 58.
Rowen
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๐ Austal Cape 58
11 months ago by
๐จ๐ฆ Rowen (
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Just thinking, what a nice model this vessel would make.
Has anybody ever found a set of plans or know where they could be obtained?
Thanks
Rowen
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๐ SWEDISH 16M
11 months ago by
๐จ๐ฆ Rowen (
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Decided to do another water test and concluded the noise and poor performance had to be addressed. Removed the solid couplings that fastened the two motors to the Waterjets and, with some fettling, managed to squeeze a scroll coupling onto each unit.
This improved both the noise and performance. Was running the model through its paces and noticed a sudden drop in noise, performance seemed unaffected.
On examination found one of the couplings had disintegrated. (see picture).
Upon further examination also found the motor / WJ mounting had fractured. This misaligned the motor / WJ. With great difficulty exchanged the mounting and replaced the coupling. On a bench test note the noise had reduced markedly, as anticipated.
All needed now was a quick water test to confirm noise reduction and review performance before working to complete the project.
The weather Gods were kind and managed to get a quick test in a few days ago. Noise, whist still evident, is at an acceptable level. Performance was adequate. Unfortunately, the test was curtailed by a wiring connection that pulled apart. Simple fix, but not at the waterside.
A fellow sailor videoed the test. Interesting to note that once the model had accelerated the transom flaps force the bow down so the plane is level.
Feel confident that the model can be further developed and will complete the many outstanding details over the winter.
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๐ Prop Shaft lube
11 months ago by
๐จ๐ฆ Rowen (
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I have tried many lubricants, some with success and some without.
Have settled on Automotive ATF; cheap, no viscous drag and readily available.
Must qualify this by advising all my models have oiler tubes and oil every time the boat is used.
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๐ฌ Re: Electric ducted fan Bluebird
12 months ago by
๐จ๐ฆ Rowen (
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Well done.
Have long toyed with making that model but have never plucked up courage.
After seeing your success am feeling revigorated.
Might be dropping you a message shortly so can pick your brain.
Rowen
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๐ฌ Re: Clyde harbour tug "ARRAN"
12 months ago by
๐จ๐ฆ Rowen (
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I had a similar model my father made for me. Passed it to my Grandson now in USA.
Seem to remember was based on a model makers hobby plan.
Also refurbished it, but added new motor as original โMighty Midgetโ had been wet and seized.
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๐ Fuse position Rttl installation mod
12 months ago by
๐จ๐ฆ Rowen (
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Had challenges with the fuse installation on my Brave Borderer. The blog describes them in detail.
Essentially, the cylindrical glass style fail quickly and, as the max size is around 25a, with brushless motors this is quickly achieved. Was recommended to try Automotive blade type fuses as they are โslow blowโ.
This solved my problem. Now use a 20a fuse on each motor circuit and have not had a fuse fail for months.
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