Model Boat Mayhem

Mess Deck: General Section => Model Boating => Topic started by: U-33 on July 22, 2014, 07:48:29 am

Title: Hobby Engine Atlantic tug
Post by: U-33 on July 22, 2014, 07:48:29 am
I've just 'acquired' one of these little tugs, looks like a nice little thing for a quick sailing session down the lake. A good dirtying and weathering session will be needed, a few tyres, odds n' bobs fitted, etc.


Couple of questions for you tug experts...


(1) Is the supplied radio any good, or will it be worth my while swapping it for a Planet 5?
(2) Any other modifications needed?


Cheers chaps,


Rich
Title: Re: Hobby Engine Atlantic tug
Post by: IanPal on July 22, 2014, 09:57:54 am
Not long and you wont be able to get in that  room then Rich, let alone sleep in there  {-)


Is that TX 27 meg? If so and I thought you have a spare Planet surely you might as well swap it over?
Where are you thinking of getting the tyres from, as I need some too.


Although I've not touched the Bugsier for a week or so as I've been playing with the Spearfish,  and I think I may of cocked up a bit trying to get a bit more speed out of her.


I'll explain all when I see you Tomorrow, Oh by the way I have something here for you......   
Title: Re: Hobby Engine Atlantic tug
Post by: U-33 on July 22, 2014, 10:09:38 am
Not long and you wont be able to get in that  room then Rich, let alone sleep in there  {-)


Is that TX 27 meg? If so and I thought you have a spare Planet surely you might as well swap it over?
Where are you thinking of getting the tyres from, as I need some too.


Although I've not touched the Bugsier for a week or so as I've been playing with the Spearfish,  and I think I may of cocked up a bit trying to get a bit more speed out of her.


I'll explain all when I see you Tomorrow, Oh by the way I have something here for you......


Sounds interesting, Ian...


Yes, I have a spare Planet rx and also a brand new tx/rx as well, so I will change the 27mhz one, I'm going to install separate motor controls in it as well.


Poor old Spearfish...hope you haven't broken it?


See ya tomorrow mate...


Rich
Title: Re: Hobby Engine Atlantic tug
Post by: U-33 on July 22, 2014, 11:19:36 am
Sorry, forget to add that the tyres come with it, mate...I don't really know where you'd get some. eBay, maybe?


Rich
Title: Re: Hobby Engine Atlantic tug
Post by: chuffy on July 22, 2014, 12:44:53 pm
1/24 scale lorry tyres, about 45mm OD are available from Italeri, they are made from rubber and scuff up a treat for fenders, just bought two boxes from Amazon.


Paul.
Title: Re: Hobby Engine Atlantic tug
Post by: MLT44 on July 22, 2014, 01:21:21 pm
Hi
    I don't know if it will help, I get my rubber tyres from S.H.G. They do a range from 12.5 to 50mm, pack of 12 12.5 for £2, up to £10 for the 50mm. Hope this will help you.
                        Dave
Title: Re: Hobby Engine Atlantic tug
Post by: U-33 on July 22, 2014, 01:31:19 pm
There you go, Ian...tyres coming at you from all directions. You'll be ''tyred'' out soon...


(I'll get me coat....)


Rich
Title: Re: Hobby Engine Atlantic tug
Post by: IanPal on July 22, 2014, 02:01:06 pm
Thanks very much guy's, I will order some right now.
I'm guessing here, but as they are like real tyres if I was to drill a tiny hole in the bottom in the tread area it will stop them filling with water.


Is that how you guy's do it?


Sorry Rich, I seem to have hijacked your thread
Title: Re: Hobby Engine Atlantic tug
Post by: mikearace on July 22, 2014, 02:18:20 pm
Got some old tyres in the spare bins I wont use - welcome to them for only the actual P&P cost.  Not sure of the size but will measure if interested.
Title: Re: Hobby Engine Atlantic tug
Post by: U-33 on July 22, 2014, 03:01:11 pm
Correct Ian..although the miniscule amount of water they ship won't be a problem, but it's a good idea anyway. Just had an email, my Atlantic is on the way, 'twill be here tomorrow, so you'll be the first to see it.


Mikearace...if nobody else wants those tyres, I'll take them please. They will be very useful on the Longtail boat.


Rich
Title: Re: Hobby Engine Atlantic tug
Post by: NFMike on July 22, 2014, 03:26:55 pm
I'm guessing here, but as they are like real tyres if I was to drill a tiny hole in the bottom in the tread area it will stop them filling with water.
Is that how you guy's do it?

I use a hole punch - the plier like ones for leather - to get a clear hole as drilling doesn't really work well. The amount of water isn't much but it can make a mess after the boat is taken out of the water if not drained.
I use the same punch to make holes for the lashing ropes.
Title: Re: Hobby Engine Atlantic tug
Post by: IanPal on July 22, 2014, 03:44:09 pm
Yes please Mike, I can send money via Paypal if you use it?
Title: Re: Hobby Engine Atlantic tug
Post by: IanPal on July 22, 2014, 03:52:17 pm
That will be good Rich, so I have a new sub and a tug too see tomorrow then, you will have to get yourself down to the pond mate with it.


Thanks Plague, I will give that a go, I'm sure I have a hole punch somewhere.
Title: Re: Hobby Engine Atlantic tug
Post by: U-33 on July 22, 2014, 04:37:24 pm
It's all happening here mate...new toys everywhere, and no room to put anything.  :embarrassed:  Might have to sell my bike collection.... <:(


Rich
Title: Re: Hobby Engine Atlantic tug
Post by: NFMike on July 22, 2014, 04:37:58 pm
Thanks Plague, I will give that a go, I'm sure I have a hole punch somewhere.

Was going to add a link to my post above but my account 'crashed' for some reason, so I was too late.
This page and the next 3 or 4 show my 'interpretation':
http://www.sol.me.uk/boats/southampton/photos/tyres1.html (http://www.sol.me.uk/boats/southampton/photos/tyres1.html)
Title: Re: Hobby Engine Atlantic tug
Post by: U-33 on July 22, 2014, 04:42:15 pm
Great looking boat, that...I likes that.


Rich
Title: Re: Hobby Engine Atlantic tug
Post by: mikearace on July 22, 2014, 04:46:59 pm
Yes please Mike, I can send money via Paypal if you use it?
Its a pack of 6 tyres 30mm diameter.  PM sent to Ian for first refusal if they aren't any good to him Rich then you can have them.  Just need a quid in the RNLI or Help for Heroes next time a collection box is passed.
Title: Re: Hobby Engine Atlantic tug
Post by: U-33 on July 22, 2014, 04:53:07 pm
No problems Mike, let Ian have them...the tug comes with loads of them.


Rich
Title: Re: Hobby Engine Atlantic tug
Post by: U-33 on July 23, 2014, 12:06:26 pm
The little fella arrived about an hour ago...took me three quarters of an hour to open the box! I'm very impressed with it, it's well detailed and well built, but it's crying out to be dirtied up.


I've had a play already....tow rope added and a front fender made from an old monster truck tyre. More to come...


And I scored maximum house points from my ladyfriend. The tug is to be renamed the ''Natalie Jane''...ladyfriend is well pleased with that.


Rich
Title: Re: Hobby Engine Atlantic tug
Post by: IanPal on July 23, 2014, 12:51:50 pm
It's all happening here mate...new toys everywhere, and no room to put anything.  :embarrassed:  Might have to sell my bike collection.... <:(


Rich


You can not let them go, why not buy a low display cabinet to sit under  the window?


So Natalie Jane has arrived then, looking forward to seeing it later mate, Has the battery turned up for the LED's?
Title: Re: Hobby Engine Atlantic tug
Post by: U-33 on July 23, 2014, 02:17:43 pm
And what's under the window? An Akula, and a Type V11c after Sunday...


I've changed the radio on the NJ to a Planet 5, works perfectly, just threading the tyres on now...what a pig of a job that is!


Lighting battery is here, in it's own little wtc, and ready to wire up.


See ya later,




Rich
Title: Re: Hobby Engine Atlantic tug
Post by: U-33 on July 23, 2014, 11:49:51 pm
Did a bit more this afternoon, coming on steadily now. Even Ian is impressed with these boats, might be another on the club lake soon...


Rich
Title: Re: Hobby Engine Atlantic tug
Post by: U-33 on July 25, 2014, 08:45:37 am
Can anyone show me where the rest of the screws are that hold the deck down, please? The pic shows the ones I've located so far, marked with a red line.


Rich
Title: Re: Hobby Engine Atlantic tug
Post by: U-33 on July 25, 2014, 09:17:35 am
Cancel this request...found the little devils, the deck is now removed.


Rich
Title: Re: Hobby Engine Atlantic tug
Post by: Tug-Kenny RIP on July 25, 2014, 10:50:33 am

Where were they then ?  (for future reference of new members)    :} :}


Ken

Title: Re: Hobby Engine Atlantic tug
Post by: hollowhornbear on July 25, 2014, 10:58:02 am
under the bollards. If i remember right, the hull is the same as the southhampton.

Title: Re: Hobby Engine Atlantic tug
Post by: U-33 on July 25, 2014, 11:34:33 am
Deck screw positions as ordered requested by Ken..you have to remove a few deck fitting in order to gain access to some of them, but they come off easily enough. I used an electrician's screwdriver, and gently levered them off...with care, they will come off in one piece without damage.


Beware...when you lift the deck away from the hull, the crafty Chinese have applied a more than generous layer of waterproof grease around the edge...I got covered in the stuff, all over my fingers, the deck, the hull, the handle of my tea cup, my trousers...and it's a devil of a job to get it off!


Rich
Title: Re: Hobby Engine Atlantic tug
Post by: NFMike on July 25, 2014, 01:10:32 pm
Beware...when you lift the deck away from the hull, the crafty Chinese have applied a more than generous layer of waterproof grease around the edge...I got covered in the stuff, all over my fingers, the deck, the hull, the handle of my tea cup, my trousers...and it's a devil of a job to get it off!

Yes indeed. To make working on it 'safer' I scraped most of the grease off into a small container and then wiped the surfaces as clean as possible with kitchen roll.
Just before reassembly I reapplied a thin smear onto the soft sealing gasket - it's just to allow it to slide into place easily and without distorting (ie. leaking).
Title: Re: Hobby Engine Atlantic tug
Post by: U-33 on July 25, 2014, 03:59:20 pm

under the bollards. If i remember right, the hull is the same as the southhampton.

Thanks Kev...found the little s*ds.


Yes indeed. To make working on it 'safer' I scraped most of the grease off into a small container and then wiped the surfaces as clean as possible with kitchen roll.
Just before reassembly I reapplied a thin smear onto the soft sealing gasket - it's just to allow it to slide into place easily and without distorting (ie. leaking).

I'm still covered in the stuff.. >>:-( .. a shower is called for, methinks.

And here's the results of today's labours...styrene floor with the rx, the esc will go the opposite side.
Another styrene floor installed between the prop shafts with the battery pack held on with the good old velcro strip. 


Just awaiting the esc to arrive, then I can get that fitted, tidy up the wiring, and screw the deck back on.

Rich
Title: Re: Hobby Engine Atlantic tug
Post by: U-33 on July 25, 2014, 04:49:31 pm
Couldn't resist a quick test in the domestic human cleansing receptacle...she floats very high, I think a few bags of lead shot will be called for, especially in the bows.


I've also decided to install a bow thruster to help in those tight turns that regatta organisers love to include in their course layouts. Very simple idea (nicked from Glynn Guest)...a screenwash pump, controlled by two microswitches and a servo. Just suck water in one side and blow it out the other.


Rich
Title: Re: Hobby Engine Atlantic tug
Post by: Tug-Kenny RIP on July 25, 2014, 08:42:11 pm
Hi Rich,

Have you checked the pump for reverse action, only some only go one way only.

Ken


Title: Re: Hobby Engine Atlantic tug
Post by: U-33 on July 25, 2014, 09:27:19 pm
One step ahead, Ken...it works both ways, it's a pump I used in my first Skipjack.




Rich
Title: Re: Hobby Engine Atlantic tug
Post by: Tug-Kenny RIP on July 25, 2014, 09:33:21 pm

Phew ..................  didn't want you repeating that screw fiasco for nothing.   :}


ken


Title: Re: Hobby Engine Atlantic tug
Post by: U-33 on July 25, 2014, 09:40:24 pm
The infamous screw fiasco... :embarrassed:


Rich
Title: Re: Hobby Engine Atlantic tug
Post by: U-33 on July 26, 2014, 01:03:57 pm
Internals practically finished now, had to make up a bigger front tray to get everything on it, but it does all fit now. Soon be time to refit the deck...


Rich
Title: Re: Hobby Engine Atlantic tug
Post by: Klunk on July 26, 2014, 02:45:07 pm
http://www.modelboatmayhem.co.uk/forum/index.php/topic,42266.msg426516.html#msg426516
her you Richard.....food for thought!
Title: Re: Hobby Engine Atlantic tug
Post by: U-33 on July 26, 2014, 03:54:59 pm
Been following that for a while, nice build.


Rich
Title: Re: Hobby Engine Atlantic tug
Post by: U-33 on July 26, 2014, 05:02:09 pm
And I'm pleased to announce that further on the water trials have proved successful. The rudders are hooked up the right way round, as are the motors (not bad for a first try, I normally end up having to swap over the motor wires), and there is more than enough power from those two little 280 motors...I'm really surprised just how much water they can move on full throttle.


Next up...get some ballast into the hull, she needs to come down at least 3/4'' to hit the water line...then it's reassembling time.

The bow thruster idea has been shelved for the time being, it fouls the fore deck no matter where I put it, but I do have a much smaller water pump which I'll try in due course.


Rich
Title: Re: Hobby Engine Atlantic tug
Post by: Klunk on July 26, 2014, 05:45:07 pm
That blue one on the link has a mixer and turns in its own length.  Wicked little boat!  Ps I own it now