Model Boat Mayhem
The Shipyard ( Dry Dock ): Builds & Questions => Springer Tugs => Topic started by: tuggerman on July 29, 2008, 08:53:47 pm
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Hi all, can you reccommend a motor and battery set up for a Springer tug I have started the hull is 15" long by 7" beam constructed from styrene plastic sheet. It will take 2.5 kgs to take it down to waterline, I think perhaps a geared motor?
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Hi Tuggerman
In the Springers I have built I put in 545 motors brought from ACtion, I also have a direct drive to a 38mm prop. I get plenty of power out of that set up.
Standard Springers should be 18" x 8" or what ever that is in new money, I would not get into a football match with a Springer made from styrene sheet, most Springers weigh in at about 5kg constructed from 8 - 10 mm ply on the sides and top with a 1mm hull covering.
Have a look through the other threads on this subject, there is plenty of very good information available.
Brian
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Thanks Brian, no its not for combat although it is 4mm styrene, I want to use it for pushing and maybe towing, as for size I scaled it down from the original 18" x 8" to its present size, and plan to make a few different superstructures for it.
regards
John
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Hi John
If you go down the 545 motor route make sure you water cool it, I fried a couple of those plus a 385. Because of the shape they do tend to go nose down under full throttle and try and push the whole lake. Try and site the batteries slightly towards the rear, I use two 6v 4ah wired in parallel, handy ballast plus a good running time.
Keep us informed how you get on
Brian
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It`ll be a Mini-Springer then ::) but I think it might still be a bit fragile. A geared 400 motor might do. Dont forget they do not like to go fast. Keep us informed, you might have started a cult ::)
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thanks for your help chaps, please have a look at the link below and let me know what you think about this motor and gearbox please
John
http://www.pandanmodelboats.co.uk/acatalog/Planetary_Motor_Gearboxes.html
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Gear box fine.....motor TOO massive (unless I missed small ones there). Nip into Maplins and have a look at their MFA range , a 540 is about £6.00 with mount and will power a full-size Springer with zest on direct drive , 6volts. Water cooling coils on Ebay for about £3.