Bell Sk-5 Hovercraft in 1/6 scale

[Dave – ArmorpaxParticipant @dave-armorpax]

Hi All,

It is over 30 years since my days in model boats and I have been building large scale armour for the last 15 or so. Having built more tanks and vehicles than I care to remember I needed something different. Having recently built a firebase dio with quad 50 etc I had the Vietnam bug (one of my favourite periods). I initially thought of the PBR or Swift boat (I built one in 15th scale a long time ago) but as only a small percentage of what I do takes me near water my thoughts swung towards the PACV. It was while looking into this I came across the old Model boats article on the Bell Sk-5 and the idea was set. Thanks to Colin I had a copy of the original article, I had purchased a copy of the plans and had all the pics and footage I could find.

Having eventually established enough clear dimensions with help from the US Military Transport museum, I got the plans enlarged to 1/6 scale and the madness has now begun.

Building the model posses me no problems but getting this thing to fly will be a another thing. I have already carried out some fan tests and other calcs but ultimately it will be down to trial and error on fan sizes and lift capabilities once I am further on in the build.

Best regards

Dave

Edited By Dave – Armorpax on 11/05/2014 10:04:50

Edited By Dave – Armorpax on 11/05/2014 10:12:10

Edited By Dave – Armorpax on 11/05/2014 10:24:49

[Dave – ArmorpaxParticipant @dave-armorpax]

[Dave – ArmorpaxParticipant @dave-armorpax]

Hi All,

As you can see from the above I am struggling to get pics to display correctly, Any help would be appreciated in correcting.

Best regards

Dave

[Bob Abell 2Participant @bobabell2]

This promises to be a very impressive build, Dave….Looking splendid

Welcome back to the boat modelling world!

The seats are very impressive!

Bob

[LooverlijnParticipant @looverlijn]

How do you manage to keep such an INCREDIBLY tidy workshop?

[Dave – ArmorpaxParticipant @dave-armorpax]

With the nature and size of my projects I have to otherwise I would grind to a halt

Dave

 

Edited By Dave – Armorpax on 11/05/2014 12:08:11

[Dave – ArmorpaxParticipant @dave-armorpax]

Hi All,

I have finished the fan section. I have also re profiled the tail module as when I had finished it from the plans it didn't look right to the pics I have.

As a break from large bits of white plastic I have made the ammo drum for the 40mm automatic grenade launcher.

Best regards

Dave

[Dave – ArmorpaxParticipant @dave-armorpax]

Hi All,

Below is a link to the new lift fan set up. I have been playing with 12v DC pure sine wave inverters for my solar powered workshop and as a spin off now have a single phase 240v fan running nicely of a 12v battery.

Im only using a 14ah sealed LA battery at the moment which, even with the poor voltage drop off curve, has still run the fan for 20 mins and that wasn't on a full charge.

The long term plan is for Lithium phospate 20ah Battery which will be a Kg less at 3.7kg and should give well in excess of 30 minute run on a full charge.

Best regards

Dave

[Dave – ArmorpaxParticipant @dave-armorpax]

Hi All,

Made a start on the cabin structure.

Best regards

Dave

[will happyParticipant @willhappy10373]

hi dave

hows the hovercraft going??????

will

[Dave – ArmorpaxParticipant @dave-armorpax]

Hi Will,

I had to redesign the back end after getting underneath an SRN5 but going well, one side Sponson is now done and frames cut for the other side.

Best regards

Dave

Edited By Dave – Armorpax on 27/07/2015 13:40:10

[shipwrightParticipant @shipwright]

Hello Dave,

Looking at your 26th May 2015 video am I correct in saying that your fan is operating from a 12 vdc to 240 vac sinewave inverter ? If I am correct I would be somewhat concerned at 240 vac inside a model that is going to float over water – 240 volts is a potentially hazardous voltage.

Ian

[Dave – ArmorpaxParticipant @dave-armorpax]

Hi Ian,

As we normally build tanks and the intention was for the model to be at the same shows the issue of water didn't come into the original idea. That aside I have been discussing the model with the Hovercraft Association and Museum and we have a new fan and will be using Brushless out runners and Lithium batteries. They do want it to go on water

Best regards

Dave

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