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Hello
Mayhem,
I'm enclosing several pictures of my RC tugboat.
It is made by "Vac-U-Boat" as a simple kit for beginning modellers. It's a
sort of generic, semi-scale model of a harbour tug, very simple and easy
to build. If you can get your shoes on the right feet at least half the
time, you can build this boat with no problems at all.
I've had some experience building RC aircraft as a teenager and wanted to
find something to do since I retired, having 'worn-out' all my other
hobbies. While I enjoyed building airplanes I could never fly them so
decided that boats had to be easier. My first attempt was a 'Billing's "Banckert",
which was not the smartest choice. Nice boat, but not for a beginner who
only thinks he knows what he's doing. I decided I needed to do a (few)
'beginner's boats before completing the 'Banckert' model and found the tug
by "Vac-U-Boat" on the internet. The price was right, the reviews were
encouraging, and I bought one (actually bought two of them but that's a
different story!).
The kit is very complete, has lots of 'extras' included, and the
instructions are very well thought out. Except for the glue, all the
required tools are what anyone would have around the house. The
"Vac-U-Boat" web site,
wwwvac-u-boat.com, has
complete instructions, hints, pictures of all stages of construction, and
answers almost any question you may have. The only 'tense' part of
construction, assembling the hull and inner tray, is explained in detail
and really isn't 'bad' at all. (Just be careful not to CA glue your
fingers to your forehead!!) Including painting, the kit took 4 days to
complete and most of that time was waiting for the paint to cure.
While the 'Vac-U-Tug Jr.' is a very simple (and plain) boat, it can be
modified to your hearts content. There are several options for the boat.
One is to carry a camera of several types, 35mm, digital, and wireless.
One that I would recommend is the 4-bladed prop instead of the usual
2-blade. It does make a difference if you plan on doing any towing or
pushing. Any two channel radio will work/fit, and there are several
battery combinations that are possible for longer endurance. This would be
a very nice choice for children or club projects.
Paul M. Lalli
PS - At my age, spelling and grammar is
optional !! |
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Please feel free to correct any spelling, grammar,
formatting....... and you could pay my electric bill while you're at it...
Paul
( I Like this bloke! - Mayhem )
The fourth picture is of my
finger which I did NOT superglue to my forehead! |
