Model Boat Mayhem
The Shipyard ( Dry Dock ): Builds & Questions => Navy - Military - Battleships: => Topic started by: das boot on February 13, 2009, 05:27:27 pm
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Chaps,
I’m about to start a build of a Matchbox 1/72nd scale Flower class corvette(I had one years ago made up as HMS Bluebell…she met a sad end in Princes Park Lake, Eastbourne, got her prop tangled around a bouy line and went down with all hands) I can’t remember for the life of me how I fitted her out, so this is going to be a totally new build.
I have in mind…
A Mabuchi 280 motor driving a 30mm prop via a six inch prop shaft
An ACTionMan Pico esc
One of Mark’s micro servos rotating the front cannon
Another of Mark’s micro servos rotating the rear deck mounted cannon
A standard size Futaba servo for the rudder control
A four cell battery pack for the combined motor/radio
A destroyer siren board with a speaker mounted forward up in the bow space
Some working lights(not sure which yet)
A separate four cell battery pack for the sound and lights
Any comments/criticisms welcomed please…
Rich
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Hi Rich mine was a bit more basic than yours.
Deans Marine Kyte motor
6" prop shaft with oil filler
3 bladed brass prop
Marine 5 speed controller
7.2v nicad battery pack.
Universal prop shaft coupling
Existing kit rudder bonded to smaller rudder with resin
Futaba 2 channel radio.
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Not too far out Dickie...how does the Kyte motor compare, size wise, to a 280? Is it bigger or smaller? I thought I'd use the 280 'cos I've already got a brand new one, plus a brand new Pico esc and battery pack bought for my Mighty Mo...recycling at it's best.
Rich
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One of the problems with the flower class plastic kits is the need to weight it well otherwise it bobs like a cork all over the place.
personally I would fit a sealed LA battery [which also helps with the ballasting] and in addition to the Action ESC.. I would fit a mains distribution board[ Dave's Ref P92]
as it helps keep the wiring tidy and gives you a power source for your RX supply without additional batteries to slot in and if you are fitting lights / sounds /etc you have a common power source to go to and keep your wiring neat and tidy
Speak to "ACTION" first as he knows what to do / how to do it and will supply you with a free wiring diagram [ free if you buy his products]
I learnt the hard and expensive way ...and I trust his judgement.....".And you get discount as a Mayhemer" :-))
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Not too far out Dickie...how does the Kyte motor compare, size wise, to a 280? Is it bigger or smaller? I thought I'd use the 280 'cos I've already got a brand new one, plus a brand new Pico esc and battery pack bought for my Mighty Mo...recycling at it's best.
Rich
Not sure how it compares for size but I just love Deans motors and have several different ones in my fleet.
The Kyte in my corvette on a 7.2v will run all morning and not flatten the battery.
Not the cheapest motor but smooth, quiet and economical. :-))
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One of the problems with the flower class plastic kits is the need to weight it well otherwise it bobs like a cork all over the place.
personally I would fit a sealed LA battery [which also helps with the ballasting] and in addition to the Action ESC.. I would fit a mains distribution board[ Dave's Ref P92]
as it helps keep the wiring tidy and gives you a power source for your RX supply without additional batteries to slot in and if you are fitting lights / sounds /etc you have a common power source to go to and keep your wiring neat and tidy
Speak to "ACTION" first as he knows what to do / how to do it and will supply you with a free wiring diagram [ free if you buy his products]
I learnt the hard and expensive way ...and I trust his judgement.....".And you get discount as a Mayhemer" :-))
Thanks Ivor, good thinking on the distribution board, I'll email the old chap later on and see what he has to say...he's not a bad lad, is he? %)
Point taken on the ballasting, I do remember having to weigh Bluebell down with loads of ballast to avoid that 'toy-like' bobbing about.
Thanks to you too Dickie, I'll see if I can get a comparision between the motors and then make a choice from there. I'm thinking that maybe the 280 might not be quite man enough...perhaps someone else will jump in here?
Thanks chaps,
Rich
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Hi Rich,
I built my Bluebell about 20 years ago, used a Mabuchi Re 385 motor and that motor is still going strong.
Power is from a 6v 4 a/h gel cell driving a 45mm diam 3 blade brass prop and speed control was and still is a 2 amp bobs board.
Although she is a tad tatty at the moment i still sail her now and then, they are great rough weather sailing models and can take punishment if you have everything water tight like port holes and hawse holes in the fore deck sealed.
I still run mine on Futaba m series 27 meg 2 channel radio and that must be about the same age as the boat as well, don't make it over complicated if it's just for fun sailing as the more elektrikery you add the more problems you will have to sort through when the gremlins strike at the pond side !!
Ian
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Must agree with the 385 motor.
This will run well on 6 volts and a 6 volt 4 Amp Hour battery gives good duration and ballast.
Bob
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Hi Rich,
I built my Bluebell about 20 years ago, used a Mabuchi Re 385 motor and that motor is still going strong.
Power is from a 6v 4 a/h gel cell driving a 45mm diam 3 blade brass prop and speed control was and still is a 2 amp bobs board.
Although she is a tad tatty at the moment i still sail her now and then, they are great rough weather sailing models and can take punishment if you have everything water tight like port holes and hawse holes in the fore deck sealed.
I still run mine on Futaba m series 27 meg 2 channel radio and that must be about the same age as the boat as well, don't make it over complicated if it's just for fun sailing as the more elektrikery you add the more problems you will have to sort through when the gremlins strike at the pond side !!
Ian
Hi Ian,
That'd be about the same time as I had my Bluebell then, lovely little boat it was, such a shame she had to suffer a sad end as she did. It sounds more or less the same as I built mine(I think)
As for the electrickery...I'd like this one to be a step or two up the proverbial ladder from the original, hence the rotating turrets, etc.
Must agree with the 385 motor.
This will run well on 6 volts and a 6 volt 4 Amp Hour battery gives good duration and ballast.
Bob
Decision taken then Bob...I have a 380 low drain motor I've just found in my drawer of bits and bobs, so that's been put aside ready, just made up the prop shaft and fitted a nice 35mm 3 blade prop(I can always change it later if needs be) The kit should be here Tuesday with a bit of luck, the slipway has been cleared ready for her.
Thank you gents..
Rich
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Rich,
That set up should be fine.
Bob
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Whilst waiting for the kit to arrive, I thought I'd make a start with the propshaft...pic below.
Rich
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Decided on the prototype I'm going to model...HMS Gloriosa K201.
Just waiting for someone to tell me that she was cancelled on the slipway...yup, that's why I chose that particular ship. %)
Think about it... O0
Rich
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Decided on the prototype I'm going to model...HMS Gloriosa K201.
Just waiting for someone to tell me that she was cancelled on the slipway...yup, that's why I chose that particular ship. %)
Think about it... O0
Rich
Thats a good point actually, with all these builds, do you have one that is actually runable Rich?
Don't ask the question back, the answer is yes (ish) %)
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Answer...yes(ish)
Rigger is full working order, but sold awaiting payment ;)
Mighty Mo is almost in working order...ish %)
U-33 is driving me mad trying to sort out the X-tail rudders >>:-(
Motorflote is still on the slipway :embarrassed:
Rich
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Answer...yes(ish)
Rigger is full working order, but sold awaiting payment ;)
Mighty Mo is almost in working order...ish %)
U-33 is driving me mad trying to sort out the X-tail rudders >>:-(
Motorflote is still on the slipway :embarrassed:
Rich
.......oh and still waiting for Novgorod!!!!!!
I am really looking forward to seeing this build Rich so take plenty of photos..
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By George, there's young Barry...g'day, mate! I didn't dare mention the funny round thing, don't want to scare Ian off, do we? :D
You want piccies...I'll take piccies, just for you. %)
Hasta la vista...baby!
Rich
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IM IN THE PROCESS OF DONG A GERMAN FLOWER CLASS! LOOK IT UP, THEY CATURED 4FROM THE FRENCH AND DONE THEM UP AS GAURD/FLAK/BOOM SHIPS. ALL WERE SUNK DURING THE WAR AND ALL THE INFORMATION I HAVE IS 3 PICS AND 2 LINE DRAWINGS!!! ANY HELP ANYONE????
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Hi Klunk!
First off welcome! Just an idea, but please dont write with the caps lock on, people will think you are shouting! (not the done thing).
Right then bussiness! cant give any guarantee, but have a look here; http://theflowerclasscorvetteforums.yuku.com/directory more flowers than Percy Throwers garden!!! Have a good look around and you might find something. They have a pretty good gallery.
Might seem that its a bit dead at times, but questions are normally answed!...
Stephan Brok has writen a good article about Kriegsmarine Flowers, You can find that here; http://www.cbrnp.com/RNP/Flower/PROFILE/German_Flower.htm
The site it is on is also a good place for colour info to, but nothing else about the German boats though!
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And the Japanese had some too! Captured on the ways in Hong Kong and Singapore.
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When I saw Ian's reply I also was wondering about that round Russian thing. ;D . . . I am going to do mine as one of the USS Tenacity, one of the ones that the US Coast Guard had. From the few pictures that I have seen most of the bridge / wheel house will need rebuilding.
Andre
over yonder in Portland Oregon
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When I saw Ian's reply I also was wondering about that round Russian thing. ;D . . .
Andre
over yonder in Portland Oregon
Huh? what round russian thing??? Lost me there. {-)
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Russian navy ship Novgorod, it was round.
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Russian navy ship Novgorod, it was round.
Ah! A case of mistaken identity!!! It was Mr.Kennedy to whom Andre was refering :embarrassed: My bad :-))
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I know this thread was going bad for me !!!
It would seem these chaps are obsessed with the stupid round thing and forgot we were talking about Flowers {-)
Cheers
Ian
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I know this thread was going bad for me !!!
It would seem these chaps are obsessed with the stupid round thing and forgot we were talking about Flowers {-)
Cheers
Ian
We grow flowers in round things . . . . O0 See we were talking about flowers . . . O0 {-)
Andre
over yonder in Portland Oregon
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:-)) :-)) :-)) :-))
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Hi,
I was wondering whether anyone has had experience with the Metcalf Mouldings fiberglass hull for this kit. All the builds that I've seen use the 4 piece hull without any problems. Good luck on your build!
Oliver
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Hi Oliver,
I used the GRP hull made by ABCO many years ago( I think Dave Metcalfe took over these moulds? ) for a modified flower and to be honest the hull was quite poorly moulded with poor detail and soft edges on the plating in relation to the styrene original, although I'm sure this wasn't typical of the ABCO range i have never used one since.
My Bluebell is about 24 years old now and the hull has had it fair share of knocks and has never sprung a leak, the joint method Matchbox used was very neat and strong so i would use the hull provided with the kit if i were to build another....mind you i do have 4 already so another may cause some arguments, i think i might have exhausted the....every ones different !! line by now.
Ian
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Hi Ian,
Thanks for the information. I appreciate that.
Years ago, I won a raffle for a fiberglass hull for the Matchbox/Revell kit. It was made with chopped fiberglass ( not hand laid ) and it was horrible. It was thin and miss-shapped. I couldn't even use it.
I don't know the manufacturer, but the Metcalf Moulding offering looked tempting.
Have a good day!
Oliver
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Here's a link to an article I wrote on converting the kit to RC.....
http://www.cbrnp.com/RNP/Flower/MODELS/Lessons_learned.htm (http://www.cbrnp.com/RNP/Flower/MODELS/Lessons_learned.htm)
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The story so far...
Got the hull sections glued together and all joints filled. Propshaft installed, rudder made from the kit one with a brass rod subsistuted for the plastic shaft, and installed. Platform for the rudder is built and glued into place, radio tray is just laid in position for the time being.
The front gun turret revolves through 45*, you can just see the mini servo stuck under the mid deck section.
Next job is to get the rear mounted anti aircraft gun to revolve.
Rich
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I am envious Rich..
Barry
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I am envious Rich..
Barry
Envious? Of what, mate? It's not round.... ;)
Rich
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I am envious Rich..
Barry
Envious? Of what, mate? It's not round.... ;)
Rich
Sorry, I got carried away with that round thingy on the foredeck!!
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Never mind mate, just keep taking the tablets, you'll be OK.
Rich
(you know the ones, those little round pills.....) %)
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OH GOD, OH GOD, OH GOD...........repeat infinatum !!!!!
Ian
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I am envious Rich..
Barry
Envious? Of what, mate? It's not round.... ;)
Rich
Sorry, I got carried away with that round thingy on the foredeck!!
{-) O0 {-) O0 {-) O0
"Never mind mate, just keep taking the tablets, you'll be OK.
Rich
"(you know the ones, those little round pills.....) %)"
Isn't it a "large" round tablet?
Andre
over yonder in Portland Oregon
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OH GOD, OH GOD, OH GOD...........repeat infinatum !!!!!
Ian
Keep calm Ian...concentrate man, concentrate. Think calm circular thoughts.... O0
Rich
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Update on K201…
I’ve now got the motor mounting plate made up and fitted into the hull, the coupling cut to size and assembled, and the rudder servo installed and hooked up. The hull is practically finished, just a touch more sanding of the filler on the section joints to do, the forward deck cannon rotates properly now, and rear deck mounted AA gun rotates in it’s mount. Photos tomorrow night...
Thanks to the generosity of Andyn for the servo and motor mount (what a damm fine chap) and the magnificently good looking, and general all round good chap Mark of MMB (he told me to say that) for the motor to prop shaft coupling, K201 is starting to look a bit like a fighting ship now….
Thanks guys, :-))
Rich
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and will the gun turret really go "round".... :-))
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What's the green glue / filler you've used in the hull Rich?
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Hi Martin,
I think the "green" stuff is Squadron green putty. They also make a "white" version.
Of course, I could be totally wrong as I'm not doing this nice build!
Have fun!
Oliver
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and will the gun turret really go "round".... :-))
Poor Ian...he'll be needing even MORE medication now!!
What's the green glue / filler you've used in the hull Rich?
Oliver is quite correct Martin, it is Squadron Green Putty, it stinks to high heaven, gives me a sore throat if I use it for too long, but it is really good stuff. Easy to apply, never goes off in the tube, dries very rapidly and sands easily. I like it, it seems to work very well on plastic kit hulls.
Rich
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Poor Ian...he'll be needing even MORE medication now!!
Large "round" medication. O0 O0 O0
Andre
over yonder in Portland Oregon
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So wheres all the photos then ? <*<
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Ah yes...photos. It's like this, you see...as a photographer I'd make a good carpenter. I cannot take pictures to save my life, no matter how hard I try they always come out looking like some weird art form. Just take a look at the attached pic of Gladiosa as she is at the moment...
Rich
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My flower installed :-
1) 6 x 1.2V GP Battery NiMH 9000mAh
(http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b395/jchik/Flower/IMG_0020.jpg)
2) 4 Blade 35mm Propeller
(http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b395/jchik/Flower/IMG_0019.jpg)
3)&4) 400 size motor & 3003 servo
(http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b395/jchik/Flower/IMG_0005-1.jpg)
Flowers in Model Pool
(http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b395/jchik/Flower/PIC_0233.jpg)
Thank you for watching.
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Other pics of my flower(1) :
(http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b395/jchik/Flower/IMG_0009.jpg)
(http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b395/jchik/Flower/IMG_0008.jpg)
......to be continued
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Other pics of my flower(2) :
(http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b395/jchik/Flower/IMG_0013.jpg)
(http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b395/jchik/Flower/IMG_0010.jpg)
(http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b395/jchik/Flower/IMG_0012.jpg)
.....to be continued
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Other pics of my flower(3)
(http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b395/jchik/Flower/IMG_0001-1.jpg)
(http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b395/jchik/Flower/IMG_0004-1.jpg)
........to be continued
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Other pics of my flower(4)
(http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b395/jchik/Flower/IMG_0006-1.jpg)
(http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b395/jchik/Flower/IMG_0008-1.jpg)
.....to be continued
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Hi Rich,
When you glued the four sections together, did you use epoxy or some other glue?
I'm enjoying this build. Thank you for sharing your fun!
Oliver
The story so far...
Got the hull sections glued together and all joints filled. Propshaft installed, rudder made from the kit one with a brass rod subsistuted for the plastic shaft, and installed. Platform for the rudder is built and glued into place, radio tray is just laid in position for the time being.
The front gun turret revolves through 45*, you can just see the mini servo stuck under the mid deck section.
Next job is to get the rear mounted anti aircraft gun to revolve.
Rich
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Hi Oliver,
I used Plastic Weld solvent, then covered all the joins internally with Green Putty and externally with Milliput. That's how I built my previous one and it seemed to be plenty strong enough.
Fun? What fun...? %)
Rich
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Other pics of my flower (6) :
Antenna
(http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b395/jchik/Flower/IMG_0013-1.jpg)
Lights
(http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b395/jchik/Flower/IMG_0010-1.jpg)
(http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b395/jchik/Flower/IMG_0031.jpg)
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Hi Rich,
Thanks for the information. I never realized that Plastic Weld Solvent was so strong!
Oliver
Hi Oliver,
I used Plastic Weld solvent, then covered all the joins internally with Green Putty and externally with Milliput. That's how I built my previous one and it seemed to be plenty strong enough.
Fun? What fun...? %)
Rich
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Final :-)
(http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b395/jchik/Flower/IMG_0022.jpg)
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Now that's what I call a stern gland!! :o
(http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b395/jchik/Flower/IMG_0006-1.jpg)
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Stern? I thought it looked quite friendly.... ;D
Rich
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All Lit up - What a Target.
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Stern? I thought it looked quite friendly.... ;D
Rich
Rich,
I was wondering when you would get aROUND to continuing with your flower. O0 ;D
Andre
with tongue in cheek over yonder in Portland Oregon
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I built a Snowberry twelve months ago as a second model.
Fitted with a Como 719RE318 motor, 150mm propshaft with oiler, UV coupling, 35mm Brass Prop, Viper Esc, Futaba Radio.
Initially I built the hull preloaded with about 1.5K of lead but when the guy came to repair our alarm system I was left with a surplus 12v LA battery 125mm * 75mm * 60mm so I removed the lead and used this battery.
The waterline is right and she sails very well but no added sophistication just rudder and throttle.
I have just finishes a Mountfleet Puffer with all the bells,lights,smoke but no whistle she also sails well.
I would like to build another ship similar to the Snowberry but can't so far find a large Plastic kit.
Steve
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I would like to build another ship similar to the Snowberry but can't so far find a large Plastic kit.
Steve
Italari do a 1/35 scale e-boat, and a 80 elco. Revell a 1/144 Fletcherclass.
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A quick update...electrical internal installation all but completed, just ned to make up the connecting cable from the battery to the esc. It's a touch cramped in there...
Rich
(http://img3.imageshack.us/img3/1086/99370874.th.jpg) (http://www.postimage.org/image.php?v=aV1mId3A)
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@U-33: That's a lot of stuff in there mate, what's it all for?
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@U-33: That's a lot of stuff in there mate, what's it all for?
One servo(out of view, it's under the forward deck)controls the gun rotation, one servo controls the anchor rise and fall, one black box is..no, can't tell you yet, top secret, one black bx is the esc, rx battery pack, plus on the way is lighting and sound effects....just working on that at the mo. It's all a bit of fun, it'll make a super target for my Russian sub....
Rich
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Hi Klunk!
First off welcome! Just an idea, but please dont write with the caps lock on, people will think you are shouting! (not the done thing).
sorry about that ahve now bought a new keyboard, so hopefully the kids wont break this one. The links you have given are already the ones I had found, as you can see not a lot of help with the design mods the germans made. I do know that the boats were totally unseaworthy as they made them too top heavy with the flak armament! I believe I saw a program once about one of the flowers that was sunk by the RAF late in the war, with a grandslam bomb I think! They were diving in the harbour trying to find the wreckage, but cannot remember if they found it or not. Would love to hear if some one is doing the same project with captured flowers, and the japanese flowers is a definite future project........any more info?????
Pete
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ps if anyone has a spare flowers they dont want, any condition, I would be willing to take it off their hands.......probably in trouble for this post...and no I don't want flowers from your garden/crem or any plant type things!!!!! lol
Pete
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No Pete, you are not "in trouble" for this post but if you want to get what you are looking for a post in "Wants and Swaps" is more likely to attract attention.
Roger in France
Moderator
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God you must not sleep to reply that quick!!!!!!
lol