Adapt a toy

[SoupParticipant @soup]

Was looking at the Italeri et al PT boat kits they seem a bit display model for me . So was thinking of getting **LINK** ripping the guts out and putting proper radio in it. Has anyone done this and/or have any advice such as "do this" or "don't even think about it".

[SoupParticipant @soup]

[Kimosubby ShipyardsParticipant @kimosubbyshipyards]

Hello Soup and welcome.

Quick answer is YES I'm converting the MTB PT-109 now.

I'm having shafts made with P supports exactly per the kit. I've chosen three motors, hoping to steer tank style at low speed, then mix at higher with the third motor cutting in at higher revs.

Only just starting out, weight of ingredients can be critical, so estimate displacement and work to that.

There is a web site something like "PT-boat" or such where there's a wealth of information and build threads too.

Kimosubby

[Malcolm FraryParticipant @malcolmfrary95515]

For ease of access, its often a good idea to remove the entire deck. On these toys it is often held down by srews, fortunately. Unfortunately, there are often more that you think, with the last one (traditionally) hidden under something unlikely. Refitting the deck will usually involve some sort of gasket.

[SoupParticipant @soup]

@Kimmosubby thanks for that . But I think you misunderstood me I looked at converting the Italeri kits but decided against as they were a bit to 'display' and delicate for me (don't get me wrong I am not averse to using brass etchings to enhance a kit or to dry brush moss as foliage etc). I just feel there would be too much fiddly detail to make a decent (for me) knockabout waterborne model.

@avatar My favourite for the hiden screw is under the "warranty void if removed" sticker. Several times I have felt "ah that's it" only to have the parts not seperate, often takes a bit of searching to see why the parts don't come apart. Screws usually aren't the main problem, it is those BLEEPING catches.

[ashley needhamParticipant @ashleyneedham69188]

Campbell. The method will be the same whether you are comverting the Kit, or a toy…in this case they are of similar size. The toy will, if anything, be easier as the boat was designed to be a radio controlled one from the start. For the boat as per the link, you will need to replace the motor pods, as they will seize up sooner or later, and put in shafts and couplings. Speed 400 motors should be ok, or 480`s. Pic, converted Argos toy battleship. Ashley

[Kimosubby ShipyardsParticipant @kimosubbyshipyards]

Hi again Soup.

This is a toy conversion, Ashley will like this.

Clockwork tug boat for the bath, from Greenwich Maritime shop.

Stripped out the clockwork gear, then inserted adapted servo, motor now main drive, and servo potentiometer neutral set point. Full forward and astern drive. 2.4GHz (smaller ariels) and miniature servo for tiller.

Eh voila…………………..

Can now be used in bath, or on the tug steering course as a mini (if you've good eyesight!).

Kimosubby

Edited By Kimosubby Shipyards on 09/03/2013 18:13:06

[ashley needhamParticipant @ashleyneedham69188]

Kimo. Definately, like that.

Want to watch out for propellors in the bath though !!

Ashley

[wayne quigleyParticipant @waynequigley28540]

ouch

[Kimosubby ShipyardsParticipant @kimosubbyshipyards]

Ashley,

what if I said it's a Brazilian Tug?

Kimmo

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