Topic: Vosper PL4 Project (Read 13440 times)

loinerlad · « **on:** July 25, 2010, 10:27:15 pm »

Hello all, i am new to model boating and recently bought this old Vosper PL4 model from a friend of the family, i am wanting to completely restore it but before i start any work i would like to get it back on the water and running correctly, i am wanting a complete Rc system as it has nothing fitted apart from an old diesel engine, i would be grateful if anyone has any advice of where to buy this equipment or if anyone has anything for sale i would appreciate the help.
Thanks!

grasshopper · « **Reply #1 on:** July 25, 2010, 11:47:24 pm »

Welcome Loinerlad,

Nice model launch you've acquired. First thing you have to find out is where you're going to sail it and if they allow internal combustion engines, many places are now putting a ban on oily. noisy propulsion.

First recommendation is to use a local hobby shop if that is practical, there's often free advice available regarding suitable purchases - the second is to find a local club if one exists - going it alone is feasible but sharing a hobby is always better - once again, free advice and help usually available there.

For basic radio set-up, an in-expensive two channel (function) set is all that would be necessary to control your model. Try using the search facility on this site to answer most of the questions you'll have that people will have already answered - this site is a mine of useful information.

barriew · « **Reply #2 on:** July 26, 2010, 06:59:40 am »

.... and it helps us to give advice if we know which part of the country you live in ( or which country)

Barrie

loinerlad · « **Reply #3 on:** July 26, 2010, 10:49:44 am »

Thanks guys for your responses, i live in Guiseley, Leeds. im glad you mentioned a 2 channel system as it sounds simple to set up

do you know of any shops on the web that i could look at to buy a good system as i have struggled to find what i am looking for?

Quote from: barriew on July 26, 2010, 06:59:40 am

.... and it helps us to give advice if we know which part of the country you live in ( or which country)

Barrie

barriew · « **Reply #4 on:** July 26, 2010, 11:17:28 am »

Should have guessed from your login name! I didn't realise that they still used the Leeds Loiner name in these politically correct days!

If you want a web shop, then take a look at this site http://www.giantcod.co.uk/ or there is Howes Models http://www.howesmodels.co.uk. You are aware I hope that you have to use either 27Mhz, 40Mhz or 2.4Ghz sets in boats - 35Mhz sets are restricted to aircraft. I believe there is a model shop in the Merrion Centre in Leeds and as for a club there is one very near to you that sails on Yeadon Tarn. This is the Leeds and Bradford MBC - the details can be found on the MPBA Website - http://www.mpba.org.uk/affiliated_clubs_details.html
I would post the contact details but the Moderators of this site don't like it

It would be well worth your while looking them up as they will be able to give you lots of advice - and know of local suppliers.

Barrie

(Born in Gomersall nr Leeds, but exiled in Essex!)

Martin (Admin) · « **Reply #5 on:** July 26, 2010, 02:50:28 pm »

Looks there's one on ebay at the moment...
http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/OLD-RADIO-CONTROLLED-BOAT-/250671293250?cmd=ViewItem&pt=UK_ToysGames_RadioControlled_JN&hash=item3a5d2c6342

loinerlad · « **Reply #6 on:** July 26, 2010, 04:48:00 pm »

Quote from: Martin - admin. on July 26, 2010, 02:50:28 pm

Looks there's one on ebay at the moment...
http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/OLD-RADIO-CONTROLLED-BOAT-/250671293250?cmd=ViewItem&pt=UK_ToysGames_RadioControlled_JN&hash=item3a5d2c6342

that boat is my uncles

he is who i got mine from, he had these two boats and was going to make 1 good one out of two but has no time to do them and no room to keep them so i bought the white one and he is selling the other on ebay. I thought of buying them both but the white one is more or less complete anyway and seems in better condition than the other.
P.s thanks barrie for the links to the websites, i have had a look and i will try and purchase a RC system within the next few days, does anyone know what the original colour scheme would of been for the Vosper PL4 as i would like to maybe put it back to its original condition?
Cheers
Chris

Chher

Perkasaman2 · « **Reply #7 on:** July 26, 2010, 06:07:52 pm »

Hi loinerlad, it's better to get a 3 channel rc setup and just use 2 of the channels for this (rudder and throttle) first model. Put an advert in the 'Wants & Swaps' section of the forum because many UK Mayhemmers are now using more exotic rc gear...........

loinerlad · « **Reply #8 on:** July 26, 2010, 10:18:44 pm »

Quote from: Perkasaman on July 26, 2010, 06:07:52 pm

Hi loinerlad, it's better to get a 3 channel rc setup and just use 2 of the channels for this (rudder and throttle) first model. Put an advert in the 'Wants & Swaps' section of the forum because many UK Mayhemmers are now using more exotic rc gear...........
[/quote
thanks, ill do that, i dont want anything exotic as it is just more things to go wrong a 2 channel system will do me just fine im sure.

hmsantrim · « **Reply #9 on:** July 26, 2010, 11:36:29 pm »

Hi loinerlad.
plans from my hobbystore
Vosper Pl4 MM560
Designer: Vic SmeedStar Rating: **An attractive scale model of sleek lines suitable for 3.5cc or over. Ply and hardwood construction. Length 46in., beam 9.5in.

£9.95

I am posting a pic of mine it has got a bit of clutter around it, I will clear it later and post you some other pix. Its just to
give you a general idea of the main colours.

cheers Frank

loinerlad · « **Reply #10 on:** July 27, 2010, 11:03:03 am »

Quote from: hmsantrim on July 26, 2010, 11:36:29 pm

Hi loinerlad.
plans from my hobbystore
Vosper Pl4 MM560
Designer: Vic SmeedStar Rating: **An attractive scale model of sleek lines suitable for 3.5cc or over. Ply and hardwood construction. Length 46in., beam 9.5in.

£9.95

I am posting a pic of mine it has got a bit of clutter around it, I will clear it later and post you some other pix. Its just to
give you a general idea of the main colours.

cheers Frank

thanks frank it is nice to see another vosper pl4, is it working order? looks in very good condition!
Thanks
Chris

Perkasaman2 · « **Reply #11 on:** July 27, 2010, 11:26:16 am »

Hi loinerlad, this is a big hull (46") and you may find that a conversion to electric power will be less troublesome and more reliable. If you go for electric then a twin rudder/motor/prop setup has many performance and steering advantages,the least of which is being able to reverse your boat

. Three channel enables either dual/ independant speed control of the props and exploring this facility adds a lot of extra fun/interest. It's worth looking ahead and avoiding 'false economies' ........... I speak from personal experience............... (sorry for banging on)

.

loinerlad · « **Reply #12 on:** July 27, 2010, 06:23:22 pm »

Quote from: Perkasaman on July 27, 2010, 11:26:16 am

Hi loinerlad, this is a big hull (46") and you may find that a conversion to electric power will be less troublesome and more reliable. If you go for electric then a twin rudder/motor/prop setup has many performance and steering advantages,the least of which is being able to reverse your boat . Three channel enables either dual/ independant speed control of the props and exploring this facility adds a lot of extra fun/interest. It's worth looking ahead and avoiding 'false economies' ........... I speak from personal experience............... (sorry for banging on) .

yes i think i have made my mind up that i will take the diesel engine out and convert to electric it sounds a lot less hassle, if i bought a 3 channel system does it mean all 3 channels have to be used or would it run on 2 channel with the option of changing it at a later date?? sorry if this sounds stupid but i have never done anything with RC before.

Colin Bishop · « **Reply #13 on:** July 27, 2010, 06:33:06 pm »

You may actually find it cheaper to buy one of the budget 6 channel sets from Planet or Giant Cod. You can use whatever number of channels you like. Unused ones are just spare. Conversion to electric will certainly give you more options on where to run the boat.

Colin

Perkasaman2 · « **Reply #14 on:** July 27, 2010, 07:36:18 pm »

Hi loinerlad, That's correct ........You could even buy a 6 channel rig yet decide to use only 2 of the channels. The esc (electronic speed control) will plug-in to the rx (receiver) and use one channel, or if twin esc's are used (one per motor if twin props are fitted) then both can be simultaneously controlled by this single channel if they are connected on a 'y' adaptor lead to the rx . Alternatively, a larger single esc can, of course supply voltage to twin motors.
Dual stick or 'tank steering' requires a seperate channel and esc for each prop......enables handling just like the original your model is based on, however this feature does requires 3 channels and the esc's MUST be identical/matched.
If you buy a 3+ channel new then usually 3+ servos are also supplied............. only 1 will be used on your boat (to actuate rudder) and you will have 2+ servos available for future models. The rx is easily fitted on velcro and can also be easily transferred between future models.

samuel15g · « **Reply #15 on:** July 28, 2010, 03:44:05 pm »

Hi hmsantrim

I might be very wrong but that looks very much like a PL4 I sold to a chap from the Glasgow Model Boat Club about 3 years ago. If it is, it's nice to see it again..... you've got a good one. Be nice to see some running pics
The PL4 was in a bit of a state when originally purchased but when I removed the superstructure for renovation, inside was a pristine Red Cap Taplin Twin. Had I sold it with that engine still in I reckon the price would have tripled. It also had a vintage rudder control working off a sliding screw connector to a small electric motor, now that was nice, slow to operate, but nice!

Regards
Terry H

loinerlad · « **Reply #16 on:** July 28, 2010, 06:25:00 pm »

Quote from: samuel15g on July 28, 2010, 03:44:05 pm

Hi hmsantrim

I might be very wrong but that looks very much like a PL4 I sold to a chap from the Glasgow Model Boat Club about 3 years ago. If it is, it's nice to see it again..... you've got a good one. Be nice to see some running pics
The PL4 was in a bit of a state when originally purchased but when I removed the superstructure for renovation, inside was a pristine Red Cap Taplin Twin. Had I sold it with that engine still in I reckon the price would have tripled. It also had a vintage rudder control working off a sliding screw connector to a small electric motor, now that was nice, slow to operate, but nice!

Regards
Terry H

Hi terry, it could well be that boat as my uncle had only owned it for about a year or so, and it does still have the rudder installed that you have mentioned. i have started renovation work now so i will be posting more pics soon.
Cheers
Chris

loinerlad · « **Reply #17 on:** July 28, 2010, 06:27:24 pm »

Thanks guys for all your help and advice on a suitable Rc system

ukboats · « **Reply #18 on:** August 07, 2010, 05:26:22 pm »

I have some background info on the Vosper PL4. Here is a pic of the one I had and sold about 2 years ago.

[/img]

loinerlad · « **Reply #19 on:** August 08, 2010, 05:35:00 pm »

Thanks for the info on the vosper, it has been interesting to read about it, also your model looks very good, it has given me some ideas for colour schemes for mine

Cheers
Chris

Perkasaman2 · « **Reply #20 on:** August 08, 2010, 07:26:40 pm »

Great info, and another application of twin Napier Deltics in fast craft. A very interesting Vosper hull design.

loinerlad · « **Reply #21 on:** August 23, 2010, 08:19:36 pm »

Hi chaps, i am well on my way to completing the vosper but have come a bit stuck

i have decided to take the diesel engine out of the boat and replace it with an electric motor instead following your advice, but i am struggling to find any info on what is the best size / type of motor to install? i have bought my radio gear now just need a motor and suitable battery and it should be ready to sail again, i have almost finished the cosmetic work and will be posting pictures on here soon for you to see.
Please advice me on motors & batterys etc...
Thanks

DickyD · « **Reply #22 on:** August 23, 2010, 08:38:03 pm »

Hi check out Marks Model Bits, his 900 motor could be just the thing.

Mark is a member of the forum and a really helpful guy.

http://marksmodelbits.ieasysite.com/ecommerce_034.htm

loinerlad · « **Reply #23 on:** August 24, 2010, 06:01:53 pm »

Thanks for your help, i will have a look at the link.
Cheers

loinerlad · « **Reply #24 on:** August 24, 2010, 07:22:18 pm »

Right then i have managed to get hold of a torpedo 800 motor, i have all of my rc gear now, just need some battery power, can anyone please reccomend a suitable battery size?
Thanks

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Author Topic: Vosper PL4 Project (Read 13440 times)

loinerlad

loinerlad

loinerlad

loinerlad

hmsantrim

loinerlad

loinerlad

samuel15g

loinerlad

loinerlad

ukboats

loinerlad

loinerlad

loinerlad

loinerlad