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[Dave_S.]

Having bought a slightly damaged (mainly by the seller's packing, as it was boxed ready to post when I arrived to collect it) Model Slipways Sentinel a few days ago, I today collected the same manufacturer's Tsekoa II, also complete minus radio. This one needs very little to get it on the water, and also came with a sturdy wooden carrying case.


If anyone recognises the model, I would l be very interested to know its provenance. There are a few indications that this could be a display model Model Slipway built. The final picture is a small brass plate on the display stand that came with the model.

[nemesis]

Looks like Dave Metcalf,s boat.

[Dave_S.]

That was my initial thought as well, but it is possible that the stand and the boat were not originally a pair. Is there anything about the built that suggests it is Dave Metcalfe's own boat?

[jaymac]

Unless running on very  still water a very wet boat  make sure that hatch is sealed, real boat is now electric driven

[Dave_S.]

Thanks for the tip, I will make sure the hatch is a good watertight fit. I saw something about the full size running on electric power when looking at pictures for reference. Makes the model even more of a scale replica!

[jaymac]

I think its maybe the 1/1  designed to shed water quickly just a wet deck. On the model not so good I was tempted to partially glaze the gaps but never use it these days

[Dave_S.]

The Tsekoa looks great on the outside, but the mechanics, though well made and installed, have seen better days.


I spent most of the day removing the rusty 540 motors and one of the shafts. The pictures explain why they had to come out!


I knew the shaft was slightly corroded by the sound it made when I tried to turn it, but was surprised at how far gone it was when I eventually got it out.


The motors were also reluctant to leave the boat, but got them out after a struggle.

[jaymac]

Did say it was a Wet boat

[Dave_S.]

Can't argue with that!! New shafts and bearings ordered, originals are 3/16", much easier to use 4mm and have access to a wider range of props and couplings.

[Dave_S.]

Only fourteen months of inactivity for the Tsekoa. I managed to get in touch with Dave Metcalf who has told me that this is one that he built and subsequently sold. It was certainly well built, and well used to judge from the state of the running gear!


I have decided to get this back on the water, so have removed the rusty prop shafts and the 8mm shaft tubes (that was a bigger job than anticipated - took the whole weekend) and have ordered a pair of 8", 8mm diameter shaft tubes which should slid easily into place. The attached photo shows the space waiting to be filled by the new shaft tubes.


All I will need to after that is replace the motors, install the radio, and get it trimmed out on the water.


I had initially considered repainting it, as the boat has been varnished at some point and the varnish has yellowed, but as it may well have been applied by DM himself, I want to keep it as close to the original build as possible.


I will probably use a pair of small brushless motors (2830/1000kv or 2836/1000kv) as I have some in my cupboard and am more used to them than I am to brushed.


All being well, it should be in action again in a week or two. I am hoping to bring it to Model Mayhem in May, so it will have to be ready by then!

[TheLongBuild]

Never seen this model and then 2 come along, been asked to sell this.

[Dave_S.]

They don't turn up very often - always liked them. Shouldn't take me too long to get it back where it belongs - out on the water.

[SteamboatPhil]

See you in May Dave 

[Dave_S.]

Looking forward to it - second best day of last year!


(The birth of my first grandchild has to take first place).

[Dave_S.]

The replacement 8mm shaft tubes arrived a few days ago, and after a bit of cleaning up where the old ones were, have now been eased into place to allow me to check that everything else will fit.

So far, I have discovered that the double Huco couplings require the motors to be moved back slightly, which required moving the battery box (a substantial piece consisting of 3 pieces of 1/4" ply) which wasn't too easy as it had been epoxied in place. I will replace it about 1/2" further forward.

I think I have passed the half way stage with this restoration - it's taken a while as I have also been restoring a Dean's ASR which I bought from my club, and carrying general maintenance on my other boats.

I'm hoping that the Tsekoa will be back on the water by the end of this month.