Print

Please login or register.
1 Hour 1 Day 1 Week 1 Month Forever
Login with username, password and session length.

[nottas]

Hi, Joined up yesterday, & not really a joiner of things. (Dart teams asside).
I'm going to get a John Drain P.T. boat kit, & wonder if anyone has built one. His work looks super to me.
  You can find his site @ WWW.P.T.BOAT.COM. My eyes are not what they were, 65 yr. old & don't trust making the hull, so getting his 1/20th scale kit as lazer cutting is so accurate.
   Any help would be very much appreciated, as his info on motors seems sketchey. Not done any R.C. stuff in many years & things have moved on somewhat.
  Made a start by getting a FUTABA 14 SG & think this is quite a good bit of kit?
Any info would be a great help.
Tom.

[rnli12]

Tom,
 
Welcome to the forum, I hadn't heard of this model before although I had a Pro-Boat PT 109, can you post some pictures to give the forum members somethings to review.
 
Regards,
 
Rich

[nottas]

Hi Rich, Thanks for getting back to me.
 Not able to post pics. on here as yet ( internet nerd ) but it seems to me far easier to go directly to his site. www.PT-BOAT.COM or
JOHN DRAIN  using Google.
  If members are prepared to take the time, would be great.
My problem with his site, is the motor info. size is confusing, are all 3 the same? That sort of thing.
  The kits themselves look good but my main interest is the 1/20th scale kit.
  Any help would be terrific.
Regards.
Tom
           

[rnli12]

Tom,
 
Good choice of radio! as for the motor set up I would go brushless but will have a good look at the website then drop you a pm. I think these type were 3 shafts so a good investment to get the right running gear installed.
 
Looks like an interesting build log ahead.
 
Regards,
 
Rich

[nottas]

Thanks, look forward to hearing from you.
Regards.
Tom

[chas]

Hi nottas, I've just had a look at the website, the kit does make up into a lovely model. I'm surprised at the choice for someone who, like me had poor eyesight and it sounds as though you have limited modeling and wood working experience. Double diagonal planked models can be challenging for a newcomer. ( there is an excellent build log on this site)  plus all those planks to cut from the supplied sheet. Then there are all the extra module packs to pay for, the deck is extra Plus running gear, superstructure, weapon fit etc. It's all do able, just be sure you know the amount of work and money involved. I've been modeling for 60 years, and seem many people putt off by the long term commitment that can be involved.
Chas.

[nottas]

Hi Chas. Thanks for your comments, and to clarify, my doubts regarding eyesight relate to construction of an accurate concentric hull, by marking out cutting & filing to line etc.
  Accuracy is paramount especially in this area. could have a go. but there seems to be a problem getting his FREE plans.
In any event getting the kit seems simplest.
    Well aware of the cost but like his precision and will make the build much quicker. Wont buy all his stuff planking from strips seems easier, & as I have just finished the hull of the Danish sail training ship DANMARK (a Billings kit) which was a nightmare due to Billings poor designe and general kit, see no problem with P T hull.
    To clarify, I am a retired jig tool & die maker who specialised in fine limit prototype S.M.W. in the car industry.
    funnily enough started my time as a marine engineer.
In my spair time have worked for many years in wood. using lathes, mills,spidle moulders etc. but have now down sized back to model making. I am one of those strange model makers who only build, till now. Built many boats & planes but have never flown or sailed them lol. Usually sell or give away when finished. R.C. building was quite a few years ago so I am out of touch with modern equipment. Have used my hands all my life so no problem there, but knowledge is a differant thing.
    Hope all this clarifies my position, have said nothing about myself probably my mistake.
No endless pot of money here, & quite agree it can get out of hand, but spread out I should be able to get it past "she who must be obayed" lol.

Thanks for your comments.
Regards.
Tom
P.S. bit of a diatribe sorry

[chas]

Hi again nottas, my concerns have evaporated, I shouldn't have pre judged the issue. I hope you find the time to put a build log on here, this is a new kit to many of us and it will be very interesting.  As you are an ex tool maker and engineer, I can understand why this appeals to you.
Best of luck with the build, chas.

[nottas]

Hi Chas, thanks, did not mean to blow my own trumpet.
      Don't know how much of the project I can get up on here, in a making sence sort of way, pic's & presentation etc. Tend to go my own way, but happy to have a go. No problem with comments along the lines of
"you don't want to do it like that" lol.
      Eager to learn & def. no expert in this field. (should make the models from sheet metal) lol.
      I do have problems with the drawings but hope to sort when I order the hull kit. This will be done as soon as I sell a machine. This seems to be a bit of a contentious issue, people getting on here just to sell stuff, so enough said as I don't want to break any rules.
     Surprised no one has come across this kit but there you go.
  Thanks for the comments.
Regards. Tom

[nottas]

Just to update everone, I have just sent off for the John Drain 1/20th scale hull kit ( finally managed to sell my small mill) waiting now with antisipation but think it will be a good if expensive kit.

[ballastanksian]

Hi Nottas, welcome to Mayhem! I look forward to see your blog as we do like nice shiney projects to dip our hobnobs to of an evening. Good luck with the build 

[T33cno]

Hi Rich, Thanks for getting back to me.
 Not able to post pics. on here as yet ( internet nerd ) but it seems to me far easier to go directly to his site. www.PT-BOAT.COM or
JOHN DRAIN  using Google.
  If members are prepared to take the time, would be great.
My problem with his site, is the motor info. size is confusing, are all 3 the same? That sort of thing.
  The kits themselves look good but my main interest is the 1/20th scale kit.
  Any help would be terrific.
Regards.
Tom
         

Look at the "drive train" link and the last couple of lines "three Graupner Speed600's!"

[Rhys]

I just looked for this site, after some searching I did find it as www.pt-boat.com just to save anybody else who struggles.