Todays Boating

[ashley needhamParticipant @ashleyneedham69188]

Good today. 8 of us down, good crowd of THE PUBLIC down. Weed a bit of a nuisance but only further out.

Invincible going strong and Argus performing speedily once I had sorted out the list..to port..then stb..then port..you know how it goes. LC(F) seeing some action in its secondary rescue roll.

Andy`s Bluebird providing the very fast element of todays boating, and Steves Ali-G (allegedly) drug runner in fine form, now sporting individual water outlets from its 4x250Hp dummy outboards. Shame about the log though leaping up and breaking the prop on Steves fast yellow boat…..

Lovely day and I am soooo grateful we have a beautiful pond to use instead of some horrible drab industrial concrete rimmed area or a canal side.

Ashley

 

 

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Edited By ashley needham on 22/06/2014 18:56:36

[ashley needhamParticipant @ashleyneedham69188]

Now all this D_day malarky has finished, I am getting back to project no…and I have forgotten now which number it is, so i will call it project no 1 (again). For those who know what this is,it is pretty apt!!

This is the one for which large and improbably heavy lumps of wood have been cut, layers of 20mm MDF no less, sometimes up to three thicknesses.

I have shaped and USED these bits of wood and now the…bits…need to be trimmed and the resulting parts assembled.This in itself is an issue due, incredibly, to the thinness of some of the parts!! I am going to have to see THE MAN, lets call him Gazzer, to draw on his expertise in this as I may need special adhesives and so on.

There is the usual thorny issue of where to put the gear, and my choices on where the stuff should be have changed, and are changing as I progress, this being the nature of a "something different" project. I never plan too much detail as some things sort themselves out when you see the spaces and so on "in the flesh" or are forced upon you due to unforseen circumstances (these are usually when you are trying to get something working. I am using some nice cheap aircraft style ESc`s; they are small and I do not need reverse. This sort of craft does not do reverse.

I am also going to have to go to brushless for at least one of the three motors due to size and weight considerations; the speed 600 I was going to use is a weighty and tall beast and I may need to increase the power somewhat depending on trials, and brushless will allow me to do this without upping the size too much. I will be poring over the brushless motor section in E-bay. I assume I can have one brushless controller and one brushed controller on the same receiver??? dont see why not (obviously with one BEC disabled).

The project bits are possibly a bit heavier than anticipated, but the trimmings are building up and are now of a fair weight in themselves!! I shall weigh both sets of stuff at the end to see just what percentange I have cut out.

I can see this is going to be a long job and so I wonder what will come along to fill the gaps up???

Ashley

[Bob Abell 2Participant @bobabell2]

Ashley

You wondered what to do with your war surplus?

After the war, some of the D-Day stuff was recycled and put to good use

Some DUKW's were painted yellow and used on Southport beach for passenger use

You could do similar, just to repeat history?

Just a thought

Bob

[ashley needhamParticipant @ashleyneedham69188]

Bob. Good idea. Unfortunately the only DUKW`s I have are for Berengars soldiers..other than that I have some landing craft….?

I could civilianise one LCM i suppose and paint it white for use as a car ferry?? That might be a bit novel.

Ashley

[lnvisiblemanParticipant @lnvisibleman]

Ashley

Howzabowt converting one into a hippy houseboat ? At least we could be sure that you would give it the right look.

Mike

[ashley needhamParticipant @ashleyneedham69188]

Mike. I do not have the hair for a hippy…

Today will be the big one;- The Manchester, followed by the Hasty, and also the LC(F) which I have re-engined with a speed 400, as it was just to slow and not powerful enough as a rescue boat. Last week the rescue string and float attracted some weed and the poor thing barely made it back to the jetty.

I have been looking at brushless motors for project No1 and realise that I have no idea what I want..the specs are not particularly useful..or at least, not in the "normal" brushed form…and so I am just going to plump for something drawing up to 10A on a 8×4 prop (very useful, that) and see where we go. I will also look out for a small tacho, as this could be v useful in assisting me with this particular requirement in conjunction with an ammeter.. opening another tab right now!!

Another thing..I suppose that I could OVERPOWER my drive so that I am assured of a suitable RPM, but the motor will not be then drawing the maximum that it is able..and so keep to my 10A (ish) limit??? Hmmm.

Ashley

[ashley needhamParticipant @ashleyneedham69188]

Nice morning. Surface weed blowing onto jetty but main pond area clear….ish.

Forgot Manchester 12v sla but ran ok if a bit sluggish on 8.4v pack. Hasty running fast and smooth. LC(F) just a bit overpowered…I think the original 385 motor on an 8.4v Batt may be the optimum,

A young lad and his mum over there first, they had a vintage "launch" (a bit like a civilian RAF launch sort of thing) which may have gone well if the lad was allowed to open it up a bit however there were several things wrong with it, nice though, well made if heavy and with a nice patina on the ply top…they purchased it from an antique shop a while ago and wanted to get it going to take on hols to use as there were several model boat ponds where they are going.

1) no nut next to prop..half an inch of free shaft hanging out the back

2) no securing collar inboard on the shaft.

3) only one screw (and that was loose) in the motor

4) motor/prop not very well aligned,, suggested they get a rubber-tube type coupllng.I rather like the MARKS MODEL BOAT BITS one he does.

6 of us there, one sinking (whoops!!!!) one fire (wicked) and so just a normal morning at the pond.

Ashley

[ashley needhamParticipant @ashleyneedham69188]

Almost didnt go today as there was light rain at 8.30, so bunged a couple of landers in and HMS MIdge.

Mike Farrel made the lander specifically for our D-day event but on the day it didnt go due to a duff battery and even then something had happened to the ESC!! So as not to waste all that effort I have fitted a new esc from my spares box and can report it ran a treat, after a bit more ballast was added.

Other lander, the LC(F), was running much better back on its 385 motor, a new 40mm prop and an 8.4v battery. Midge as usual very nippy and manouverable.

Sod law of course said that not only did Ray bring the mighty Belfast down, but a new face (Kevin, I am sure it was) had bought down a very very nice 5 foot T22…HMS Boxer. Built from bread and butter construction!! only ballast was the two gel batts. A real treat. Chris only other boater down with his SENTINAL and HMS Daring (the 60`s one).

Oh, yes, and a late visitor (could do better) a…now…who was it…Colin something or other, he appeared to have heard of me so that was ok, with two fancy cases containing two, er, boats..one of which was subject to a review a short while ago, and a nice oooh I dont know, period Edwardian??? gentlemans steam launch..cant remember the specifics, which I had the pleasure of driving for a bit (yes, I will look out for that log next time).

I felt quite out done today, must take something more exciting every week in future!!

Ashley

[Colin BishopModerator @colinbishop34627]

I cannot tell a lie! It was indeed me having journeyed up from the wilds of Surrey where the cyclists are thick as fleas – would have been a bit earlier otherwise.

Good to see Ashley again and Kevin's HMS Boxer was an impressive model indeed. Ashley's little torpedo boat Midge goes like a rocket and looks very good. The pic below of my modified Deans Medea kit was taken while Ashley was learning to steer. Fortunately he missed the large deer having a paddle a few yards away.

Colin

Edited By Colin Bishop, Website Editor on 06/07/2014 15:09:41

[Dave MilbournParticipant @davemilbourn48782]

"Built from bread and butter construction!!"

Ashley
It's a building technique – not the actual materials used…………….. Your reputation is safe – for now.
Dave M

[ashley needhamParticipant @ashleyneedham69188]

DM.

Two things here. Yes I refrained from asking him what JAM he used to stick the bread and butter slices together with, and…

You obviously look at today`s boating!!

Colin, that is such a NICE boat, it ticks all the boxes. Oddly enough, just 2 inches from the end of this line of type, on the right is a picture under "member contributions", gosh that looks familiar!

Large deer…a small one, wait until the rutting season, then you will see (and hear) some large deer. We keep an eye open when boating in the rutting season,,,,,

Ashley

Edited By ashley needham on 06/07/2014 17:19:41

[ashley needhamParticipant @ashleyneedham69188]

I need a brushless motor for project no1. I had intended to use a speed 600 but the space and weight considerations means I need something smaller (these are considerations for the motor LOCATION rather than considered as part of the whole model) and may need to increase power if neccessary, and brushless motors are available in such a wide range that I should be able to do this easily using the same mounts and indeed space.

I have asked someone, who is a very professional person in this field, regarding what motor and Kv I might need and he said a "2826/12 rated at 1380Kv" would be the thing., I intend to pick his brains as to how he arrived at this, as when you look at the tables, (and unfortunately these are all aircraft application tables) there are any number of motors that will spin a, for instance 8×3 prop…all of different Kv and powers….why?? one would think that only one motor choice would be required to spin a prop this size at its optimum revs????

I have ordered one of these, no idea how much, but i have to start somewhere and I need a motor in position before gluing several of the large bits together and moving forward, I did make a nice mount for the 600, but outrunners mount at the rear of the motor and not the front so it is in the bin now.

I have two models, the Ekranoplans, with air-props, one has a brushless and is current limited by the battery, the other has a decent size battery and I think it would go much faster with a small brushless, I will ask the man about this as well. (foam flyer).

Ashley

[ashley needhamParticipant @ashleyneedham69188]

Tomorrow. Manchester and project no5. I may bring down proj no1 for constructive comments.

Brushless motor mount for No1 went on superbly and much easier than anticipated, all moving parts have the right clearance. Am being held up by the non=delivery of two…units…which without I am unable to continue, their fitting is critical as access after other bits are fixed in place will be tight.

Ashley

[ashley needhamParticipant @ashleyneedham69188]

Nice Morning on and off, sheltered under the tree for a bit at one point and then baked in the sun. Manchester got a good wash off anyway. popped it in the water in favour of project no5 in case that one filled up with water.

Lc(f) the only other one out.

I may have a commission from Nigel to build a 1/16 scale basic lander for his r/c tank!! Easy job, simply scale up the LCM to twice size however I need to know exactly how big his tank is in case it doesnt fit..He also wants an opening ramp. Again easy enough especially at this size. Would be about 10 inches wide and 40 long.Hope he has lots of lead for ballast as it wont half float well.

Chris down with a fast`n`pointless and Ray on his bike, no boat. I think the flower show may have put people off, but the traffic was only normal and the car park was not especially busy.

Ashley

[ashley needhamParticipant @ashleyneedham69188]

Well well. Had an afternoon off to go to the 4D model shop for essential supplies. Viz. Styrofoam boards in various thicknesses and sheets of Styrene. What a shop…crammed full of the most mouthwatering goodies. Shelves of glues, materials, all sorts. Essential as I cant now easily get to EMA model supplies now they have moved.

As usual, solutions have presented themselves to fixing bits and bobs on Proj no1. Things hitherto I thought were going to be tricky have been easy, and the only bugbear I can see to a successful build will be getting it to work properly.

I have seen THE MAN tonight to show him progress (who did we say it was??? oh yes, GARY) and he has , as usual suggested several possible improvements, depending on various , er, operational diffs..but we are far away yet.

This Sunday it looks as if I will be boating-in-a-bag as the Mrs wants the car to go to a flower show at Loseley house. I have in mind proj no5 (again) as this is unusual and compact. The Hornet may also get a run as it is light and there are no bits to break off. We will see.

Ashley

[ashley needhamParticipant @ashleyneedham69188]

Tomorrow I will be a bit late, due not on;y to the boating-on-a-bike, but because I want to go to the big car boot at apps court farm nearby and look for a 10m fishing pole. This will double the length of my current rescue pole and will reach places that other rods just cant reach..

Going on apace with proj no1. Turned a bit of styrofoam on the wood lathe this afternoon and as I thought it turned like a dream. Have solved an issue I have been thinking about for ages, and been active with the wet`n`dry matting var surfaces ready for detailing. I will be needing vast amounts of styrene rod (of a particular shape) for this, but will be easy to apply.

Batteries charging for proj no5 ans Hornet ready for tomorrow. No worries about car parking arriving late on cycle.

Ashley

[ashley needhamParticipant @ashleyneedham69188]

LAst WEEK.. Proj no5 had a breakdown. The p-wotsit distribution board appeared to be ded..no lights…but upon inspection at home the two 7.5A fuses fitted had both gone. This was due to the weed wot was prevalent and was blocking up my ….drive units. Hornet running but the weed was too m,uch and we all gave up.

THIS WEEK. Covered almost completely with duck weed and so on..A thick layer probably 2 inches thick!! Didnt even bother to unpack all three aircraft as they would have had trouble making headway against that lot.

Only Steve and Dave visited, to be disappointed of course, but we had a wander and a chat. Dave has an Austin Champ, in full desert military trim and a right cracker it is.

SO> Home to work on proj no1. and this has gone better than anticipated (the gluing on of PART B to PART C); i was worried about getting everything square-on (as there is actually nothing to guage squareness by) but I am fairly happy with the result. I am taking advice from THE MAN and not waiting about to be held up by two delayed motor/units after all I should be able to get to them later for maintenance reasons and so can simply fit them later on.

There are just a few more things to fit and I can test the …craft…in my PORTABLE TEST TANK, as it will not fit in the bath this one.So exciting! perhaps next week I can give it it its first trial and see just how well it doesnt work and have a snivel before buying more and/or different items for it (but I am hopeful).I have been doing more research and this has encouraged me to believe it may work properly but I have been there before, with the KM…

I will try and recce the pond before next week. If the weather stays like this, it will only get worse.

Ashley

[ashley needhamParticipant @ashleyneedham69188]

What a nuisance. It will be the 3rd on Sunday, the day before the first world war centenary, and I had planned to bring all 4 of my WW1 craft down to mark the anniversary, but weed will stop play. No way will it have cleared by Sunday. Week after perhaps.

Small brushless motor has arrived for the foam flyer and it is very small, 2800Kv or so. I will have to make a motor mount to screw on to the motor to screw on to the current plastic mount !

But it will make the back end so much lighter and should really go much faster, lifting the rear end up and also the wing ends..decreased drag..all good stuff.

August I beleive you will see the next one appear, proj no5. Actually currently has water in it from somewhere…suspect a cracked joint?? will have to investigate when i remember.

Ashley

[Trevor HollowayParticipant @trevorholloway99134]

I received my brushless motor (1400kV) and thought half of it was missing !

[ashley needhamParticipant @ashleyneedham69188]

Well..didnt go to pond but went to car boot and no fishing stalls!! so no 10m pole.

Fiddled with proj no1 instead. Keeping my superglue in the fridge in this hot weather!

Fitted brushless to the Foam Flyer and not convinced it is any more powerful than the speed 480 I had on there… should be more revvy but doesnt sound it??? speed 480= 17000 rpm unloaded…brushless 2900Kv on 7.2v= 21000 or thereabouts unloaded??? it is MUCH lighter however, will have to wait and see. Says 17A continuous which as much more than the 480….

5th channel on the T5 r/c set has a slow start and I am trying motors out on No1, and the slow start thing is amazing…you just flick the switch and the motor starts and gathers pace just like a turbine spooling up!! wicked.

Will have to fit the on/off switch to the Hovervan on the 5th channel. but need to get some more Planet receivers first as the 4 I bought originally have all been placed now.

I am off hols week after next so may be missing from boating for a few Sundays, unforgivable I know but what can you do?

Ashley

[Colin BishopModerator @colinbishop34627]

Do Bushy Park allow camping? If so, how about a staycation?

Colin

[ashley needhamParticipant @ashleyneedham69188]

No camping in Bushy Park is allowed, of either sort.

Proj No5 is of course the Stalwart, expertly outed in the mag-to-come, other than of course the pond chaps have known about this for 9 months or more. A great success this. Easy and straightforward to build, nothing fancy in the way of propulsion, simple paint job, and different. Only issue was finding figures, but read all about it.

As previously stated in a few posts ago, currently letting in water?? cant see how, its all thick stuff and well slathered in epoxy. Something else to look at.

Have just spilled a bottle of superglue over the worktop and have spend two hours cutting and glueing lots of fiddly bits on Proj No1 using said spilled glue (waste not want not) despite that I normally get bored with repetitious work after a short while. looks good though if I say so myself. i am itching to splash some paint on it and have a look but must remain focused and get it working first. Initial wet was not good, as suspected, but I have been trimming and adding stuff to various other stuff and I believe we may have a winner.

I went to Mick Charles models to get a few bits and came away with a shiny new Lipo battery and charger as I came to the conclusion that I needed the extra power afforded by this sort of battery. However, the battery compartments were not designed for Lipo and so ho hum I have more instant redesigning to do and cutting up and so on. One battery of course is not enough, and I will have to get a couple more.

It does mean both Ecranoplans will benefit. The small one will of course take off easily now and I am going to have to try a few mods to at least keep the tail down a bit as it took off nose up last time. The KM may well achieve what I aimed for.. a rising completely off the water…with the increased voltage and current delivery.

It also makes me want to look at replacing the 4 motors on the Sunderland with ones similar to that fitted on the Foam flyer and A90 (20mm diameter) and just see what happens……

Ashley

[ashley needhamParticipant @ashleyneedham69188]

###### cycling ruins Sunday boating #################

Roads closed in and around Surrey and more importantly, Kingston and Hampton court bridges due to Prudential cash-in-on-the-olympics cycling fiasco next Sunday the 10th. Dont go anywhere near . U have been warned!!

Ashley

[ashley needhamParticipant @ashleyneedham69188]

A couple of KM snaps. A weird shape and no denying. Fast, very fast.

[ashley needhamParticipant @ashleyneedham69188]

Did you know you can get EDF units as small as 28 or 30mm??? with those 10,000Kv motors. Makes you think, if I made this a lot lighter, a couple MAY have fitted underneath the tail???

I have been reading the leaflet that came with the Lipo multi-charger, and its all a bit confusing. At the end of the day I can see how to set it to Lipo and how to set the charge current, but theres loads more things you can set. I suppose ultimately thats all I need to do, and plug the balance lead into one of the two dozen sockets on the multi-port balance board (are there really that many different balance port types??)

I will need a fireproof bag and old army ammo tine to carry them in, in case they self destruct??

Ashley

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