Hi Danny,

If you have a look at the Cornwall Model Boats website under Hardware & accessories you will find the Radio Active propshaft & propellor set for £4.22

For a small tug like this there is no need for an expensive coupling some silicone tube will be ok and a brushed 280 size motor will be fine.

Radio is cheap these days, let us know if you need more guidance on speed controllers & batteries.

Regards Ray

There you go Danny – Ray's a tug expert !

The only thing I would add is that, if it's very small, you'll need calm water and very good eyesight. It's surprising how they seem to 'shrink' when out in the middle of a lake…

Happy building,

Dave

Hi Danny,

Yes your on the right track with your choices that just leaves the battery I'd go for a 2 cell 7.4volt Lipo 1200mah capacity, or rechargeable AA Pencells in a holder.

The main issue with a small displacement hull is to get the weight as low down as possible, you can have a trial run once you have all the gear on board to see how much ballast you will need.

Polystyrene cement should be suitable for the plastic to plastic joints, I would use a 5 minute epoxy for the stern tube, balsa is fine for a motor mount with a couple of pegs and an elastic band to hold the motor in place.

You will also need a small commercial rudder/tiller which you can cut to shape to suit your tug.

Here is one I made a couple of years ago, about the size of your tug 15" long

PS, you don't need the separate motor mount, the motor has one already  

PPS, just noticed the radio you have noted comes with a Sub C  battery pack which is far to heavy for you tug, hence my comments.

The Carson radio & servo is excellent choice I have several should cost about £40.00

Regards Ray

Edited By Ray Wood 2 on 09/01/2022 20:16:13

Edited By Ray Wood 2 on 09/01/2022 20:17:09

Edited By Ray Wood 2 on 09/01/2022 20:22:57

Danny. Can’t open the link on my iPad, but mosT esc need 6v minimum to operate, and mainly as they give out 5v to power the receiver.

With this in mind, a 3v 280 may struggle so you will need a 6+v capable motor. If you use a 7.2 (6 cell) AA pack then even a 12-24v 280 would do.

Although the radioactive propshafts are cheap and light, the actual wire shaft is not rustproof, and experience using them on our landing craft (initially to keep costs down) has showed they need regular dismantling and re-greasing to last any length of time. I have since changed all mine, but given regular maintenance yours should be ok.

Ashley

Hi Danny,

I think the reference to 3 volts is only in your original post referring to a small motor as the manufacturers recommendation, I'm sure the 280 motor will take 7.2 volts ok , as you say no spec on the web

The big issue here is it's a very small boat to put all this expensive gear into.

Regards Ray