How to convert to R/C?

[Antony Wright 1Participant @antonywright1]

Hi folk. Im sure this has probably been covered elsewhere but Im having problems locating anything useful. Ive recently returned to modeling after many years gap (due to having a family etc). My current challenges are to learn how to use an airbrush and how to go about installing an r/c setup  in a boat.

For the airbrush challenge im having a go at airbrushing the Revell U boat. First attempt at the first coat seems to have gone ok and Im encouraged by that.

As for the converting a boat to r/c is another matter. For the boat I had the opportunity to obtain the Revell HMCS Snowberry. Ive seen several video clips of the finished product in the water and Ive even seen a list of parts required – though the ist is somewhat dated. At present the model is unstarted so I have no mistakes to rectify as yet. As I have never installed r/c before I obviously have a few questions before I attempt it

.

First off is a list of what is required – The list Ive seen was written in the early 90’s and Im well aware there has been a lot of changes since then. So what do I need? (including connecting the propellar to the motor)

Second is the “how to installation” – how do I go about supporting the various bits and pieces?

 Finally access. Is there an obvious/tried and tested method of supporting the deck (or part there of) to enable me to access the innards once its installed?

 

I know these are questions which are very basic but my previous experience of building models  (some 30 years ago) consisted of open box – follow the instructions – do a basic paint job – model done. Ive never tried a conversion of any description or attempted to scratch build. So this is quite a challenge to me.

I guess this might be a good time to mention that as Im a full time carer for my disabled wife money is limited. So I cant afford expensive setups – I just want something simple that will give me an introducion to the conversion process and to r/c as well.

Well I hope somone out there can guide me and give me a basic – “do this – buy this” type of advice. Anyway thanks for reading my post. 

 

Antony

[Antony Wright 1Participant @antonywright1]

[Paul TParticipant @pault84577]

Hi Antony

 

A lot of big questions here so please give us some time to get all the answers together,

 

Paul

[Antony Wright 1Participant @antonywright1]

Thanks – I knew that it wouldnt be a five minute job to answer so Im happy to wait

 

[60wattParticipant @60watt]

Forgive me for recycling this answer :-

 http://www.modelboats.co.uk/forums/postings.asp?th=23852 and I would add

Google search the name “John Cundell” and look at the Amazon links.

 

Exhibition season is starting.Ask someone to have a look inside their Revell Snowberry.

 

Yes! there is bound to be one or two.

[Paul TParticipant @pault84577]

Hello Antony

 

I had started to compose an indepth reply to your question when it occured to me that the same process that you want to see is being posted at the moment so I suggest that you read John Hoffmans excellent thread showing the build of Flyveisken.

 

60watt is spot on when he says go and look at a local show as there is always a Snowberry on display and then you can chat to the builder who will be able to give you far more information than I could.

 

Good luck with the build.

 

Paul

[ashley needhamParticipant @ashleyneedham69188]

Radio Control in Model Boats (Fourth Edition) By John Cundell ;
 available from our “featured retailer”  Hobby store (look right)

 is selling this tome for a tenner.   Should answer all and any questions. HOWEVER I should imaging very light components are needed for the Snowberry. (available in any good r/c type modelshop).  Ashley.

[Antony Wright 1Participant @antonywright1]

Thanks folk. I managed to get a copy of the third addition of the book you mention from my local library. It has answered a few of my thoughts but I havent yet read enough of it to see all the answers. More reading needed.

I’ll go take a look at the article you mention Paul – and again thanks to all for the responses.

[Tim CooperParticipant @timcooper90034]

Antony

 

I’m in the process of converting a Revell Snowberry at the present time.  I found that a Google search on RC conversion Revell Snowberry produced a number of articles, some on the motor, prop etc, some on improving the detail of the model.

 

Don’t know if I have the battery size, prop, motor right yet until I get it in the test tank (paddling pool) in the Summer (or at least a warm Spring).  I have used a Futaba RX and Action ESC, Power Distribution Board etc as these are quite light.  I must be mad as I am trying to get 2 of the guns to rotate etc.  One of the articles on the net used a 6volt 4 amp lead acid battery and sailed ok so I am hoping the hull will take a reasonable amount of weight and the superstructure is quite light.

 

I think that some of the bits in the kit will need to be amended slightly or beefed up to take the rigours of getting a model to the water.

 

Tim

[Antony Wright 1Participant @antonywright1]

Thanks Tim for the info. I’ll go do another search of the web see if I can locate some of the articles you have mentioned.

[Mike DavidsonParticipant @mikedavidson22772]

  Hi Anthony, regular forum readers will be remarking how quiet it is from the Plymouth end of the scale. As a self taught radio modeller, I advise you to go about your task in a logical and methodical way It helps to understand the tools you have to work with, and to start you off, I will tell you that the devices that operate your controls are called servo’sThese devices faithfully follow the moves the controller  9you)makes on the control sticks on the transmitter  THese can be either the rudder or the throttle. I assume you know the operation of those two, so I won’t insult your intelligence by reducing this to words of one syllable. Each servo has a movement of approximately 90 degrees in each direction, and you can couple the servo arm to rudder or whatever by a mechanical link which could be a piece of wire or a piece of wood with a coupling at each end to transfer the movement. For a throttle, you have a range of commercial speed controllers available through good model shops or mail order through adverts in  a quality magazine like Model Boats if you would like a copy of my simple guide to radio control, send me your e-mail address in a message by clicking on message member at the base of my article. I can also send many useful drawings if you have any problems.

 Good luck……………………….Mike  Davidson

[Antony Wright 1Participant @antonywright1]

Thanks Mike, email addy on its way to you.

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