Model Boat Mayhem

The Shipyard ( Dry Dock ): Builds & Questions => Any Other Builds => Topic started by: FLAT-TOP-FLYER on February 14, 2013, 09:48:20 pm

Title: GRIFFON 600 HOVERCRAFT BUILD
Post by: FLAT-TOP-FLYER on February 14, 2013, 09:48:20 pm

The Paliform Griffon 600 hovercraft kit has been well documented in the modelling press, and its been around a while but I thought it would be worth my take on the build.

This was bought for me as a Christmas present, and I have longed to build a hovercraft, since building a kit in the 60's which was produced by Yeoman and powered by a ED Racer (2.5cc diesel engine)...This was highly entertaining, but did not last long as it was free flight/sailing, and suffered a collision with a tree, and the engine mounting came lose and the propeller turned most of the model into match wood.
So I had a big smile on my face when I removed the wrapping paper on christmas day.... :} :}

Well what do you get in the kit, everything needed to complete it apart from motor, radio gear, battery, etc., The hovercraft is constructed from Depron, (material used by the R/C flyers) the skirt is already made, and as the kit is die-cut it should be a straight forward to build. The kit came with glue which is a contact type but having used it before in making a few park flyers, found it hard to use you have to be really accurate in lining up everything. So I'll be using cyano which is foam safe.
WELL ITS ON WITH THE BUILD....

NOT MUCH TO SEE WHEN YOU OPEN THE BOX
(http://i1280.photobucket.com/albums/a493/flying-flees/DSCN1311_zpse947dae0.jpg)
Title: Re: GRIFFON 600 HOVERCRAFT BUILD
Post by: FLAT-TOP-FLYER on February 15, 2013, 08:49:43 pm
Having read the instructions, which are good and clear, I made a start...the first item is the motor mount which I skipped and went straight to making up the duct which is made up from a balsa/depron/balsa sandwich. Details are given for making a "duct former" this I made and was well worth the effort, and did make the job very easy. This was left for several days to make sure the glue had completely dried..I had used waterproof PVA....also the balsa skins were soaked in warm water before attaching to the depron inner. Only thing left to do is trim the duct to the right width (80mm) this also supports the rudders. The top rudder support is made from depron (item 18) in the kit but I have decided to make this from 3mm liteply.



THE DUCT AND THE DUCT FORMER
(http://i1280.photobucket.com/albums/a493/flying-flees/DSCN1323_zps0c76a0ba.jpg)
Title: Re: GRIFFON 600 HOVERCRAFT BUILD
Post by: pettyofficernick on February 15, 2013, 10:16:30 pm
Looks interesting, what size motor will be required to run it? I have a brushless outrunner looking for work, so I might just build one. I shall follow your thread with interest.Looking good so far.
Nick :-)) :-)) :-))
Title: Re: GRIFFON 600 HOVERCRAFT BUILD
Post by: FLAT-TOP-FLYER on February 15, 2013, 10:41:42 pm
Hi Nick
Brushless motor listed in the instructions is a "400 size brushless motor (1800rpm/v or above) the one I have is a 2000kv I think but will sort this out later. The kit comes with a motor mount, and the holes will suit most motors.
Have started on the hull and will post tomorrow were I'm up to tomorrow

Mike
Title: Re: GRIFFON 600 HOVERCRAFT BUILD
Post by: pettyofficernick on February 15, 2013, 10:46:40 pm
Mine is a 1000kV outrunner, so may not be powerful enough, on 11.1V Lipo would only give 1100rpm.....
Title: Re: GRIFFON 600 HOVERCRAFT BUILD
Post by: richald on February 15, 2013, 11:30:44 pm
pettyofficernick

Your 1000kV motor should give 1000 rpm per volt so on a 11.1V LiPo it will run at 11,100rpm


Richard
Title: Re: GRIFFON 600 HOVERCRAFT BUILD
Post by: pettyofficernick on February 15, 2013, 11:45:13 pm
pettyofficernick

Your 1000kV motor should give 1000 rpm per volt so on a 11.1V LiPo it will run at 11,100rpm


Richard

Ah, missed a '0', had a typo moment....
Title: Re: GRIFFON 600 HOVERCRAFT BUILD
Post by: FLAT-TOP-FLYER on February 16, 2013, 06:47:57 pm
Attention is now turn to making up the hull, this is again made from 3mm depron....I did read somewhere that is worth doing the following modification, this involves glueing ply to the side that has contact with the ground, and it also adds stiffness to the whole structure.
I have used 2mm liteply, and in the picture you will see the ply, in the aperture  which will have to be removed, this allows the air under the hull.
Since this picture was taken I have cut out the aperture, and coated the ply with marine varnish.
(http://i1280.photobucket.com/albums/a493/flying-flees/DSCN1325_zpsc0ee4559.jpg)
Title: Re: GRIFFON 600 HOVERCRAFT BUILD
Post by: TheLongBuild on February 16, 2013, 07:22:16 pm
Having read the instructions,
You Read the Instructions !! I thought instructions were a last resort.. :}
Title: Re: GRIFFON 600 HOVERCRAFT BUILD
Post by: FLAT-TOP-FLYER on February 16, 2013, 08:02:31 pm
Not normally !!....but thought it might help this time.... %%
Title: Re: GRIFFON 600 HOVERCRAFT BUILD
Post by: triumphjon on February 16, 2013, 08:13:41 pm
ive just completed my 600 which also came as a crimbo pressy , hope you enjoy your biuld .jon
Title: Re: GRIFFON 600 HOVERCRAFT BUILD
Post by: FLAT-TOP-FLYER on February 19, 2013, 06:21:25 pm
Hi Jon
How yours and which motor did you use ?
Mike
Title: Re: GRIFFON 600 HOVERCRAFT BUILD
Post by: FLAT-TOP-FLYER on February 19, 2013, 06:26:49 pm
The build continues....have given the 2mm ply several coats of yacht varnish the base has bowed slightly, but this will be removed when the remaining formers are glued to the base.
[/size]Base of the hull with the 2mm ply coated with yacht varnish
[/size][/color](http://i1280.photobucket.com/albums/a493/flying-flees/DSCN1354_zps1213d1e4.jpg)[/font]
Title: Re: GRIFFON 600 HOVERCRAFT BUILD
Post by: triumphjon on February 19, 2013, 09:25:49 pm
ive only breifly tried it outside , when the evenings get lighter i live opposite an asda store with a big carpark ! im not sure what kv the motor is , its around the 400 size and came from a written off helicopter . ive not got the plywood lower skin to my hull yet though .
jon
Title: Re: GRIFFON 600 HOVERCRAFT BUILD
Post by: FLAT-TOP-FLYER on February 19, 2013, 09:46:05 pm
Hi Jon,
I did read about this mod to the hull somewhere, but have failed to find it....it sounds as though you have the right setup
Mike
Title: Re: GRIFFON 600 HOVERCRAFT BUILD
Post by: FLAT-TOP-FLYER on February 20, 2013, 07:49:48 pm
The build continues......in the picture is the frame work of the hull, and the heart of the hovercraft. This is 3mm Depron, I have loosely assembled it for the photo, the bulkheads fit in to slots in the base of the hull.
(http://i1280.photobucket.com/albums/a493/flying-flees/DSCN1353_zpsdf9241da.jpg)
Title: Re: GRIFFON 600 HOVERCRAFT BUILD
Post by: FLAT-TOP-FLYER on February 20, 2013, 07:57:48 pm
The build continues......having loosely assembled the bulkheads, next came the best bit and glueing it all together, as mentioned before I'm not using the glue that came with the kit, but I'm using foam safe cyano, with activator. This makes the whole thing quick and very easy.
The base had bowed slightly with the several coats of yacht varnish, but once the glue had taken hold the structure its nice and flat.
(http://i1280.photobucket.com/albums/a493/flying-flees/DSCN1352_zps124f9e9f.jpg)
Title: Re: GRIFFON 600 HOVERCRAFT BUILD
Post by: FLAT-TOP-FLYER on March 11, 2013, 09:58:51 pm
The build continues......have glued the deck on, and have started, the engine area. The instructions call for 3mm Depron to add strength to the mounting, but I have decided to use 3mm lite-ply, also theres a bridging plate under the main motor mount , this is part no. 18 in the instructions, again this is change to 3mm lite-ply.
(http://i1280.photobucket.com/albums/a493/flying-flees/DSCN1406_zps8d878a85.jpg)
Title: Re: GRIFFON 600 HOVERCRAFT BUILD
Post by: Norseman on March 11, 2013, 10:18:49 pm
Hi Mike

As you are in the early stages of the build I was wondering if you had given any thought as to whether there were any little modifications possible? Little tweaks or corrections I mean.

Dave
Title: Re: GRIFFON 600 HOVERCRAFT BUILD
Post by: FLAT-TOP-FLYER on March 11, 2013, 10:37:45 pm
Hi Dave
As far as I can see at the moment, I've only done mods/corrections which I think would help with the overall strength on the hovercraft. If there was a real mod it would be to fit a lift motor.....this may come but with a larger version.

Mike
Title: Re: GRIFFON 600 HOVERCRAFT BUILD
Post by: triumphjon on March 12, 2013, 12:12:45 pm
the new sirus , which is the same overall size has the availbility to have a lift fan as well as the main motor , hovertim is currently building one

Title: Re: GRIFFON 600 HOVERCRAFT BUILD
Post by: Hover Tim on March 12, 2013, 09:36:08 pm
yes i am i have opted out for the lift motor as i want to let the public use the model too and two motors to control may end badly i hope towork on it tomorrow after illness stopped me i will get a build log going or put a link up
Title: Re: GRIFFON 600 HOVERCRAFT BUILD
Post by: triumphjon on March 13, 2013, 10:51:37 am
think a biuld log would be good tim , let more people see how to put one together ! jon
Title: Re: GRIFFON 600 HOVERCRAFT BUILD
Post by: FLAT-TOP-FLYER on May 21, 2013, 09:38:01 am
Well its been a while since I last posted anything on the build of the Griffon 600, but a burst of energy yesterday got me working on the project.... :}


As I have mentioned before I was going to change things, and the rudders were one of the "Mods"....the kit rudders are made from Depron, and plastic tube, and to be honest looked a bit on the flimsy side, so I have used 2mm lightply and 16swg brass tube. The 2mm ply has been super glued to the brass tube then glass cloth has been "doped on" the rudders to add strength.
As you can see in the picture the new rudders and the ones supplied in the kit.
(http://i1280.photobucket.com/albums/a493/flying-flees/DSCN1660_zpsa8c4c590.jpg) (http://s1280.photobucket.com/user/flying-flees/media/DSCN1660_zpsa8c4c590.jpg.html)
Title: Re: GRIFFON 600 HOVERCRAFT BUILD
Post by: triumphjon on May 21, 2013, 07:28:02 pm
with hindsight make the pivot rods longer for the rudders , i made mine as per the instructions , only to find they ride upwards as im driving my craft . this results in a loss of steering !
Title: Re: GRIFFON 600 HOVERCRAFT BUILD
Post by: Hover Tim on May 21, 2013, 07:33:15 pm
Jon have you tried slightly bending the pivot pin I have done this on the Sirius 600 it stops this from happening
Title: Re: GRIFFON 600 HOVERCRAFT BUILD
Post by: triumphjon on May 21, 2013, 07:35:18 pm
ive made up some that are 1/2 inch longer , not had time to try them again yet . i was looking for some collets to lock them against the top plate . jon
Title: Re: GRIFFON 600 HOVERCRAFT BUILD
Post by: FLAT-TOP-FLYER on May 21, 2013, 07:38:30 pm
Hi Triumphjon,
The pivot rods will have plastic sleeves on the bottom to stop that....this comes from many years flying aeroplanes.


As mentioned in the previous post, I'm altering the rudders and the way they are mounted, using 16swg brass tubing, for the top and bottom pivots, and 16swg pivot rods.
The picture shows this mod
(http://i1280.photobucket.com/albums/a493/flying-flees/DSCN1662_zpsa4a4ca47.jpg) (http://s1280.photobucket.com/user/flying-flees/media/DSCN1662_zpsa4a4ca47.jpg.html)
Title: Re: GRIFFON 600 HOVERCRAFT BUILD
Post by: FLAT-TOP-FLYER on May 23, 2013, 10:29:29 am
Another busy day building the Griffon 600, as can been seen in the picture, the rudders are nearly finished , the control rods pivot tubes  (16swg brass tube) have been wired and epoxied in place, just the control rods to add, and most of the hull has had a quick coat of paint
(http://i1280.photobucket.com/albums/a493/flying-flees/DSCN1664_zpsa0c3b0ae.jpg) (http://s1280.photobucket.com/user/flying-flees/media/DSCN1664_zpsa0c3b0ae.jpg.html)
Title: Re: GRIFFON 600 HOVERCRAFT BUILD
Post by: Hover Tim on May 23, 2013, 10:14:19 pm
your model looks great well done I look forward to seeing it go, how have you fixed the motor mount down?
Title: Re: GRIFFON 600 HOVERCRAFT BUILD
Post by: FLAT-TOP-FLYER on May 24, 2013, 10:17:50 pm
Hi Hover Tim,
I assume your refering to the base plate, this is 3mm lightply and has been epoxied in place, the alloy motor mount (this came with the kit) has been attached with PK screws.


regards
Mike
Title: Re: GRIFFON 600 HOVERCRAFT BUILD
Post by: FLAT-TOP-FLYER on May 26, 2013, 09:50:10 pm
Have completed the cabin today, not much to say apart from the kit comes with clear plastic for the windows. I'm going to use black plasticard, may look the part...I hope. {:-{


Have given the hull several coats of Humbrol Acrlyic yellow, next is to spray the cabin, and fit the black windows.
(http://i1280.photobucket.com/albums/a493/flying-flees/DSCN1665_zps6fd4c340.jpg) (http://s1280.photobucket.com/user/flying-flees/media/DSCN1665_zps6fd4c340.jpg.html)
Title: Re: GRIFFON 600 HOVERCRAFT BUILD
Post by: FLAT-TOP-FLYER on May 27, 2013, 08:59:08 pm
Its been a busy weekend with the Griffon 600, and its getting close to completion, the hull has been painted the cockpit has been painted. The windows are from black plasticard. Finally the decals have been added.
I have tested the radio gear and all working fine.....the next job is to fit the skirt....
(http://i1280.photobucket.com/albums/a493/flying-flees/DSCN1688_zps34292caa.jpg) (http://s1280.photobucket.com/user/flying-flees/media/DSCN1688_zps34292caa.jpg.html)
Title: Re: GRIFFON 600 HOVERCRAFT BUILD
Post by: FLAT-TOP-FLYER on May 28, 2013, 04:59:33 pm
Time to fit the skirt, and the materials for attaching it...having read a few of the reviews in the modelling press, one article mentioned having trouble attaching the skirt, and it coming loose...and then stitching the skirt to the top of the hull to keep it attached, which seemed awful, and not very pretty.


After some research, and a visit to several DIY stores I can across this Mammoth Tape "Powerful Grip" double sided tape, claims to bond anything so here it goes, also need was some "Gaffer Tape" this is to act as a seal to the bottom of the skirt, both were expensive for what you are getting the double sided tape theres just enough...but its better than stitching.... {-)
The last item to buy was some "Rubbing Alcohol", this will be for removing any grease from the surface, on both the hull and the skirt were its attached.
(http://i1280.photobucket.com/albums/a493/flying-flees/DSCN1711_zps400fa838.jpg) (http://s1280.photobucket.com/user/flying-flees/media/DSCN1711_zps400fa838.jpg.html)
Title: Re: GRIFFON 600 HOVERCRAFT BUILD
Post by: Hover Tim on May 28, 2013, 05:13:37 pm
have you added some thin ply to the under side of the decks this helps give the double sided tape something to stick to 
Title: Re: GRIFFON 600 HOVERCRAFT BUILD
Post by: Sub driver on May 28, 2013, 09:56:39 pm
Hi,
Be very very carefull with the rubbing alcohol...the skirt material, if any thing like the material I get from palaform for my scratch built hovecraft models has a slight rubber content, to make it waterproof...........try some on a little area first where it wont show rather than begger up the skirt....

Regards sub.
Title: Re: GRIFFON 600 HOVERCRAFT BUILD
Post by: FLAT-TOP-FLYER on May 29, 2013, 05:17:56 pm
Hi HoverTim,
There is 1/8th Balsa under the deck, this comes with the kit, and is about 15mm wide from memory, also I gave it several coats of yacht varnish.


Hi Sub Driver
Did a test on a inner section of the skirt, but wasn't to sure so left the skirt, but the "Mammoth Tape" is the dogs dudars.. %%


Thanks for that
Mike
Title: Re: GRIFFON 600 HOVERCRAFT BUILD
Post by: FLAT-TOP-FLYER on May 29, 2013, 07:34:31 pm
The last job has been to fit the skirt, and the "Mammoth Tape" works. Fiitting the skirt is not an easy task... {:-{ ...but after several dry runs, I felt it "was now or never" cause the double sided tape really sticks..!!
The kit instructions are very clear regarding fitting the skirt and if you follow them you should not go wrong.
Picture shows the skirt attached, the gaffer tape acts as a seal to prevent water seeping under the joint. The grey blocks are from 3mm thick plastic and act as skids and skirt protector when the Giffon is run over hard surfaces.
(http://i1280.photobucket.com/albums/a493/flying-flees/DSCN1716_zpsbb474e67.jpg) (http://s1280.photobucket.com/user/flying-flees/media/DSCN1716_zpsbb474e67.jpg.html)
Title: Re: GRIFFON 600 HOVERCRAFT BUILD
Post by: Hover Tim on May 29, 2013, 07:46:50 pm
Looks great well done :-)) , Skirt fitting can take a few go's to get right I look forward to seeing it run
Title: Re: GRIFFON 600 HOVERCRAFT BUILD
Post by: Sub driver on May 29, 2013, 10:03:42 pm
A very nice build there.
Welcome to the fascinating world of hovercraft..you may find it is adictive and serious FUN.
There is nothing like a full speed power slide coming out of a turn...sheer poetry in motion..
Enjoy...
Regards sub.
Title: Re: GRIFFON 600 HOVERCRAFT BUILD
Post by: FLAT-TOP-FLYER on May 30, 2013, 11:57:40 am
Hi Sub,
Thanks for the comments....well powered the Griffon 600 up, and everything is working...the only thing I was not happy with was the battery area, which is between the 2 middle bulkheads, these being in Depron are not very safe, 7.2/9.6 volt battery is heavy and gets heavier when G-force comes into play.
So as you can see in the picture, the radio installation, I have removed 1 bulkhead, the lead weight is to get the C+G in the right place, and the battery is now in a light-ply box, and glued to the base of the hull.
Well just hoping the weather is kind on Sunday at the lake....... :-)
(http://i1280.photobucket.com/albums/a493/flying-flees/DSCN1717_zpsd946b73c.jpg) (http://s1280.photobucket.com/user/flying-flees/media/DSCN1717_zpsd946b73c.jpg.html)
Title: Re: GRIFFON 600 HOVERCRAFT BUILD
Post by: Hover Tim on May 30, 2013, 05:55:57 pm
its looking really good, when your hovering on the water you need a slight nose up trip this helps the model get over the hump :-))
Title: Re: GRIFFON 600 HOVERCRAFT BUILD
Post by: triumphjon on May 30, 2013, 09:59:38 pm
ive placed my rx as high up as possible on the rear bulkhead , ive used two four sub c cell nimh dead battery packs in the mid/ forward hull for ballast , the ballast is held in dividers and velcroed to the hull floor ! ive not yet been brave enough to try mine on water , but the local asda is litterally over the street from home , so good fun after five on sunday afternoons ! ! jon
Title: Re: GRIFFON 600 HOVERCRAFT BUILD
Post by: FLAT-TOP-FLYER on June 03, 2013, 09:57:17 pm
Hi Guys
Thanks for the advice on the setup, not managed to get to the lake yet, was hoping to get to the lake on Sunday, but it looks like its Wednesday, and the weather is looking good, light winds and Sunshine... %% %%


If anything happens on Wednesday will post some action pics... :embarrassed:


Mike
Title: Re: GRIFFON 600 HOVERCRAFT BUILD
Post by: georgo on February 21, 2014, 10:47:34 pm

 :-)) well built




Quote removed