Italieri S100 Schnellboot R/C Conversion Build

[LooverlijnParticipant @looverlijn]

An excellent build of this R/C conversion has already been done by Gregg (Ojays) and although I'm not going to attempt the level of detail and weathering applied, I thought I would share my experiences during the build. I started with the Dave Abbot review of 2009 in Model Boats but soon found that although the photos were very informative the nitty gritty of HOW it was accomplished was skimmed over and subsequently I spent a good deal of time figuring out how to make the conversion. I bought the conversion pack from SHG but had a huge problem installing the propshafts at the correct angle to the A frames and allowing enough room to fit the (fairly large diameter universals) to the motors. The shafts were just not long enough and I finally resorted to using 300mm x 2 mm pushrods to get the correct angle. I used the rudder activation suggested in the review (see pics) but now wish I had bought some thin bladed rudders as they look a bit clumsy and with the limited amount of space available at the stern, my chubby fingers were really taxed getting everything fitted in. More pics to follow when the other 2 motors are installed with their ESCs.

[LooverlijnParticipant @looverlijn]

[Francis MacnaughtonParticipant @francismacnaughton39461]

The issue of the length of the SHG shafts came up in 2009 – see **LINK**

[LooverlijnParticipant @looverlijn]

Hmmmm.. I've had another look at the 2009 review and no mention at all was made of "dispensing with most of the skeg allowing steeper pitch which in turn allowed shorter props" . Maybe I should have done a bit more research .

As mentioned above, have sorted longer 2mm prop shafts, just need some more tubing from SHG when they return after the Bank Holiday and I'm sorted. That's always assuming the boat isn't nose down due to the motors being further forward.

[LooverlijnParticipant @looverlijn]

Started doing some lectrickery work and have a small query to put to the forum – The following pic shows the setup as I currently (no pun intended) have it 2 x 7.2V bats going into P103 – Output of P103 going into 3 x P95 fuse array with 20Amp fuses. Output of fuse into ESC (25 Amp). There will of course be 3 of these circuits hence three fuses. Do I hear cries of horror? Should the ESC be before the fuse and the fuse just before the motor?

[Dave MilbournParticipant @davemilbourn48782]

Paul

P103 is only good up to 15A total load so your 20A fuses will do little good in the event of a stalled motor etc. Are you intending to run one speed controller for each of the three motors, or just the one to operate all three?

Dave M

[LooverlijnParticipant @looverlijn]

Three speed controllers for three motors. Does this help?

[Dave MilbournParticipant @davemilbourn48782]

It will be OK as long as the current drawn by each motor is less than 5A. With those motors it will be marginal. If you PM me then we can arrange for either an upgrade of your present P103 or a new one, either with a much heftier dual Schottky diode.
Also you'd be better off with a P102 instead of that bank of three P95's. It was designed for such an installation, and we could arrange for one without the BEC (because you already have three of those!).
On that last subject, you will need to disable the BEC in two of the ESCs by removing the red wire from the plug. See Fig 16 here **LINK**

Dave M

[ashley needhamParticipant @ashleyneedham69188]

Just reread initial post and must agree regarding the chubby rudders, they do look very fat. I would have a go at making some possibly using brass posts and styrene blades?

Ashley

[Dave MilbournParticipant @davemilbourn48782]

Styrene? Not very sturdy, my man. My method for Sea Nymph:

Cut blade from brass sheet and slot in brass shaft

Assemble and drill through for pin

Push 1/16" brass wire into hole to form pin:

Soft-solder and fettle afterwards:

Easy peasy.

[ashley needhamParticipant @ashleyneedham69188]

Dave. My usual method as well, however I was just thinking of the weight in this case (if there is an issue) or the scale appearance (if required), not all rudders being so thin.

There are of course three rudders, so if one broke off it would not be such a calamity (less sturdy construction)

I have found my small bandsaw very handy for cutting slots in brass rudder post rod. One hit slot where you want it and tight fit for the brass sheet. Perhaps I am not skilled enough but cutting a decent slot in the post with a junior hacksaw is a tricky thing to get right.

Ashley

[LooverlijnParticipant @looverlijn]

Good call Ashley, I wasn't very happy with the "chubby" rudders so will probably use your suggestion. Cheers Paul.

[LooverlijnParticipant @looverlijn]

Rudders Mark I:

Rudders Mark II

Much Better!

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