Motor for Revell Flower Class Corvette

[Michael BordParticipant @michaelbord10152]

Been having some successful outings with my first r/c boat, scratch built 28" long pilot launch, thank to some good advice about various problems via this forum. Next vessel in pipeline is a Revell Flower class corvette kit. I've assembled hull, about to fit some bulkheads, so need to fit out hull with motor etc. fairly soon. Desired scale speed of model will be much slower than 1:24 scale launch, so:

Because this is a classic (and long running since Matchbox days) model, there have been various articles about motorising it in the model press over the years.

Could anyone who has made this model advise about the best of the currrent motors to use? I've seen the following suggestions printed, monoperm super, 385, como drills 385, 545, Electronise 545-12 running on 6 volts.

The scale size of prop is about 40mm but I've also seen 30mm prop recommended. Would there be any advantage in a geared motor driving a 40mm prop, perhaps?

What is the best line to go down?

Thanks,

Michael

Edited By Michael Bord on 27/08/2012 14:03:30

[Michael BordParticipant @michaelbord10152]

[Boiler BriParticipant @boilerbri]

Hi matey i have put a 380 motor in mine.

I have just got to the stage of fixing the rear deck. I cut a hatch in the end of it so i can acces the rudder which will be hidden under the depth charge rack.

Progress on the build is a bit slow as i can only work on it at weekends and not everyone at that.

I am building it to see if i can get back into model boating again after being away from it from a good amount of years.

The last boat i made was a Panache yacht in 1980!

I also have a question, which is not related to yours if any one can answer. Is there a place near Porthmadoc in north wales where anyone sails model boats (not in the sea).

Brian

[ashley needhamParticipant @ashleyneedham69188]

A 385 (of any make) on 7.2V (standard) Nimh pack would be my suggestion, as this will turn a 40mm prop no probs.This is a cheap motor and much overlooked.

However, if you were unsatisfied whith this amount of urge you would be able to fit a 380 or even 400 straight in there without mods, but then I would recommend a slightly smaller 30mm prop, Would not go to the bother of gears myself in such a light model.

Ashley

[Michael BordParticipant @michaelbord10152]

Thanks for that, sounds like a fairly small motor will do the trick. The 385 on a scale dia prop to start with would be worth a go and get the build moving on – then try more power if need be. Guess this should give a nice long run time as well although there's plenty of room for batteries in model.

Your point about a hatch for rudder access is a good idea, Brian. I'll definately do that. Good luck with your build.

Cheers,

Michael

[Dave MilbournParticipant @davemilbourn48782]

This is a really beautiful little motor for the Flower class – very smooth and quiet **LINK**
You only need a 2A ESC and you'll get a long afternoon's sailing from a 4000mAH battery pack. If you can't find one in your favourite supplier's lists then MFA will happily supply you direct.
DM

[Michael BordParticipant @michaelbord10152]

Thanks for that, Dave. I'll give that a go, I think, the amp draw they quote at full power is under 1 amp so should give a long run time, as you say.

Re the Flower class kit itself, I've got the Revell kit – the instructions cover building either a Canadian or US navy version. However, the original Matchbox kit also covered an RN ship, HMS Bluebell as well which I would build.. I believe that the parts for the British version are actually on the sprues. Does anyone have the Matchbox instructions, and could give the appropriate part numbers?

I've got the book "Flower Class corvettes" by John Lambert and Les Brown, which mentions the Bluebell parts but doesn't say what they are. Book has many drawings and photos of different versions of the Flower class so in any case I should be able to pick an appropriate ship to base the model on. May be a while before this project reaches the water….

Michael

[Malcolm FraryParticipant @malcolmfrary95515]

Have you found this **LINK** yet? Might not have the exact information you need, but a good read anyway.

Like Dave says, a 385 running on about 1/2 its rated voltage will do fine. Prop size is not really critical – just keep in mind that these were not racers. The kit prop is probably finer pitched than a store- bought one, but again, at the appropriate performance level, it is not likely to make a huge difference.

I have seen vids on the tube where a totally inappropriate motor had been fitted and the thing planed.

[Tim CooperParticipant @timcooper90034]

Michael

I built a Revell Flower a few years ago. I used a 385 motor, 7.2v battery and a 40mm prop. It runs very well, with the extra bit of non scale speed if you need to to get out of trouble.

There is lots of info on the Web if you want to rebuild some of the model like the various guns etc.

I used some bits from Action to add a bit of interest, smoke generator, Aldis lamps kit.

The model is very stable and always sails well.

Tim

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