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[John W E]

Hi there


Thought I would share a couple of pictures with you all - my version of Glynn Guest's 80 ft Elco PT-Boat Model Boats November 1999.  This was basically a straightforward build from the plans and then after I had finished the hull, I sort of deviated using imaging from the web of plastic kits to enhance the model.


I stuck to the geared drive to try it out.    I was unable to purchase the 'old' Graupner gear drive which is suggested in the magazine.   However, I was able to purchase similar from Cornwall Models.  I also purchased a propeller and rudder from them.    The motor I already have, and I believe it's a Graupner 500 speed - hopefully to run on 2 li-po batteries of 7.4 volts.  Glynn has mentioned on another topic about this plan being slightly wrong - I have found nothing wrong at all.   If the model is too wide or whatever, it certainly doesn't show.   I have taken photographs of a certain amount of the build if anyone is interested - I have had to stop now - because I didn't realise, she is a good weight with me adding all the extra details on there.


So, we will have to do a test - and see how she performs.


John

[Nordlys]

Really nice model you have there, it does look good with the "extra details" you mention.
I had similar issues with my last boat build, Raf Whaleback, it sat so low in water after I had added all the bits it was supposed to have, I rarely sail it now
because I can't reduce the weight any further.
N

[frogman3]

HI John a really nice model an if she sails as good as she looks she will be a cracker but as i found if she is to low in water an only usein lipos then she will struggle to get her bow up but im hopein for the best for you on that an some pics would be nice of her on the wet stuff
 
chrisb

[GG]

John,
       Nice model.
If it's of any use, the original weighed in at 3.3 lb (1.5 kg) and was powered by a 545 motor with a free-running speed of 18,000 rpm on a six cell Nicad pack.  The motor drove a 45 mm diameter two bladed plastic propeller via a 2:1 gear reduction.  The speed was more than adequate.

Best sailing trim was found with the Nicads, in a three cell saddle pack configuration, either side of the motor.  Early trial runs had them ahead of the motor but this prevented the bows rising and the model adopting the correct planning trim at full speed.

After more than a decade of fun, this model has been retired to my reserve fleet.  Given an hour and it could be refitted and ready to sail again, if I didn't have too many other things to distract me..!!
Glynn Guest

[John W E]

hi there, cheers for kind comments everybody.


Glynn, when you say 3.3 lb - is that with the batteries in the model?  or, just the model by itself.    At the moment my model weighs 2 lb 10 oz without the batteries in it.    I do have Li-Po batteries to fit into the model which are a lot lighter than Nicads - so maybe the overall weight of the model will be something in the region of 3 lb 5 oz.


John

[GG]

John,
        The 3.3 lb is the ready to run weight.  As 0.3 lb is just under 5 oz, our models might have similar weights.
By the way, just checked and the batteries were placed not alongside the motor but aft of the motor but still in the motor compartment.


Also, do check that the drive-line is smooth with no perceptible friction.  You ought to be able to feel the "magnetic compression" in the motor when the propeller is gently turned by a finger tip.  Poorly meshing gears and a grease filled prop tube will ensure mediocre performance.
Glynn Guest

[tonyH]

Very nice model John. She sounds very like my old (Very Old!) ply Thornycroft which ran beautifully to scale speed on a pair of very old Graupner Multispeed units and 2x6V Nicads after I'd removed the OS20. Tail right down in the trough. Very heavy but sat in the water rather than on it.

[Backerther]

Hi John;


You did a very good job from the free plan with the PT boat.!!
Therefore, I am so eager to see her run on the water with a nice feeling as she looks on the work bench.!!


Kiyo

[Stan]

An excellent GG model well done the paint job also looks great. Just two pictures of my plastic conversion to r/c your model based on 596 just shows what you can do with a GG plan.


Stan.

[John W E]

Hi there Stan, yes yours was one of the models I used for reference, along with a couple of models on American websites.


I was on the verge of emailing you to see if you still have the colour chart for the model - when I eventually found it on the web.   Just out of curiosity Stan, what make of paints did you use on your model?


I ended up using Humbrol equivalents (enamels).


John

[Stan]

Hi John I used colourcoats paints on my model. The following colours used on my model are  Green 2 /Green3 /Dark Grey instead of black and norfolk antifouling red and deck green.


Stan.

[John W E]

lets start with a couple of pics of the build of the ELCO from Glyn's plans.


Pictures 1 and 2:  you can see where I have made a couple of cardboard templates prior to marking it out on the balsa wood.    I tend to make templates now when I am building this type of model (shall we call it the box type - where we have the deck, which is part of the main model.  The chine and the keel) all cut from solid wood.    I mark the balsa off using templates made from old cornflake boxes etc., to ensure that the shapes are symmetrical to one another.


Picture 3 :   you will see I am gluing in the cheeks either side of the keel which form part of where the prop passes through the keel - this is to give it strength.

[John W E]

next couple of pictures show the assembly of the frames to the deck - the deck is made in 2 parts which are glued down the length from 6mm x 100 mm wide balsa wood.   The hatch hasn't been cut out yet - this is left until last.  All the frames and the stern are vertical to the deck, apart from the motor mount bulkhead which is made from 3mm birch ply.


The method I used was to glue the prop tube into position in the keel first; making sure it is in the correct position.    I used Epoxy glue here - and then I assembled the motor bulkhead 90 degrees to the prop tube.   I then glued it in place ensuring that the gears meshed between the prop shaft and the motor.

[Stan]

HI John great pictures G G  designs can be taken to another level with a little thought keep the pictures coming.

[Rich griff]

Hi GG, might there be a list of your plans on here please ?

[GG]

Further to Stan's comment.
My models built with any pretensions towards being based on a real full-size vessel (in other words the term "scale" can be used somewhere in their description) are often more detailed than the plan published which is based upon them.
The logic used is that a plan that is straightforwards to build will tempt the person who may never have built from a plan before.  Covering a plan with lots of scale details such all the hatches, vents, ladders, lockers, etc. may be off-putting and confusing.  I'd rather they enjoyed building the basic model and, if they desire, add extra details to it. This also allows people to gain some extra personal achievement and satisfaction. Much better than starting a complex project and giving up..??
The Elco PT Boat plan, because it was built to a larger scale (1/32) than I usually use, was more detailed than others.  But, knowing it would behave more like a fast electric model, I couldn't face having to repair railings around the deck all the time..!!
Glynn Guest 

[GG]

Rich griff,
         I do not believe so.
Over the years the various owners of the Model Boats magazine have failed to maintain what used to be a good model plans service.  Now, the "Sarik" website contains some of these published plans but I would urge some caution as they may not be correctly described.
There are also some characters on E-bay who sell unauthorized copies of plans and construction articles. No idea about the quality or value of their "product" nor the legality of their actions, but the publishers don't seem be bothered.
I also think there may be a website dedicated to building from these plans, but it's nothing to do with me.
Glynn Guest

[John W E]

Hi there,


Here are a couple of pictures of models I have built from Glynn's plans.  I never embellished these with any further detail, apart from what was on the plan.    One of them is HMS Penelope which I built from my scrap box using balsa wood - and cost me absolutely nothing.


The other one is the MTB.  I built this and you can see it under Masterclass build.   


The plans are so straightforward and easy to follow and therefore easy to build.   Normally they come with a write up in Model Boats Magazine.


Just as a side note, the last one - the ELCO - I have done a quick tot up of the cost to build - and it's about £85 odd and that includes a budget radio.   The plastic kit of the ELCO which is by Italeri - it's about £130 - and that is without the motors / running gear / radio.

I believe there is a page on Facebook dedicated to Glynn Guest's models.

John

[RST]

Hi John,
Not to intrude but Mr Guest is far too humble.  I bought one of his books not too long ago and quite surprised just how many plans are in there to build straight-off from.  I admit a book is always dated by its publish date but Glynn knocks it squarely on the head for those wanting to break into the hobby.  I will ALWAYS promote a good book on the subject as long as we have paper to print from.

(Ironically, just a couple of days ago I pulled a stash of plans down from storage in my Mothers attic -right there in the middle was this GG elco plan.  There is a reason why I kept MB and MMI plans from back in the day but not quite so much now -they really were very good resources back then.  But I have to say actually finding a copy of MB on the shelf for sale is so hard these days I'm very out of touch what's in there now.

Rich

Hi GG, might there be a list of your plans on here please ?

"Small Radio Control Model Boats" is worth ever penny...

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/125002461978

[Circlip]

Over the years the various owners of the Model Boats magazine have failed to maintain what used to be a good model plans service.  Now, the "Sarik" website contains some of these published plans but I would urge some caution as they may not be correctly described.[/size]There are also some characters on E-bay who sell unauthorized copies of plans and construction articles. No idea about the quality or value of their "product" nor the legality of their actions, but the publishers don't seem be bothered.

 But there are other sites where the plans are offered freely for the continuation of the hobby. Still can't justify todays cost for a copy of Vic Smeeds "Water Bug" plan.


  Regards  Ian.

[Stan]

I mentioned in a earlier post how GG Plans could be taken to a new level this is my version of the ATCH  published many years ago. The Elco model looks the part well done to the builder.

[TheLongBuild]

Hi GG, might there be a list of your plans on here please ?

This is a list I have, not up to date and only really includes plans issued in Model Boats at some time, sure there are probably thousands missing !!

[John W E]

hi there,


just been going through some pictures and came across the one that set my build off.   This one is from a guy on here RoyCV  -  this model is built directly from Glynn's plans with no alterations - apart from the drive.


John

[roycv]

Hi re the Elco 80, due to helping to run our club exhibition and then getting man-flu some delay to the re-fit.  I have cracked the problems I was having and eliminated possibly stiff Huco couplings but kept the brass ferules and joined them with some thick tubing. 
I will not go back to any other way now, nice smooth connection.  I can feel the motor cogging effect from the propeller end, so hoping for a good drive set up.
Regards
Roy

[John W E]

Today we launched - first trial run lasted around 4 minutes - then all stop!


Wind had to bring it back to shore.   Wine gum wrapper wrapped around the prop - along with seagull feathers.  Obviously, overloaded the speed controller which cut out.   I needed to reset it.


off we then went - tearing around the lake - and here is a quick video which my son took with his phone cam.


John

video f79bbe2e b9c9 4273 b72c 466237acfdab 1665309601 - YouTube