Model Boat Mayhem

The Shipyard ( Dry Dock ): Builds & Questions => Springer Tugs => Topic started by: Norman Castle on September 15, 2015, 06:13:58 pm

Title: Norman's Springer
Post by: Norman Castle on September 15, 2015, 06:13:58 pm
Greetings from the wet 'n' windy Sarfeast :)

I'm starting to get this daft idea that perhaps I might fancy an RC boat of some kind with which to potter about on the local boating pond.  But the sum total of my knowledge on the subject goes back 50 years and more to when I used to stand by the side of a boating lake watching blokes losing their tempers with bits of washing line, petrol engines, and amazing (to me, anyhow - I was easily amazed at that age) constructions in ply and varnish.

All I can bring to the table is what modelling experience I've gained this time round, which amounts to half a dozen balsa-and-film electric-powered RC aircraft successfully built from plans.  I have a place to work in good light (most of the time), hand tools only apart from a Dremel, my Spektrum DX6i transmitter and that's about it. In other words, I'm clueless about model boats.

So right now I have just two questions.

One is - is my transmitter any use for model boats?

And the other is - given my complete newbie status, age (pushing 70), and the fact that whatever I build will be carried to the (one and only) boating pond on the trailer behind my pushbike (how's that for old-school?), what sort of boat should I be looking at? I rather fancy something that sits well in the water and is very controllable/manoeuverable at low speeds.  I have no interest in i/c engines or tearing round the pond, it doesn't have to be scale or authentic-looking in any way, and low build cost is important.

Erm ... that's about it for starters :)
Title: Re: Questions from the clueless
Post by: Arrow5 on September 15, 2015, 07:05:51 pm
Welcome and answers to your questions, tranny is fine but not for submarines.  Have a look at Springers.  A simple towboat with any style top you like.  Very bike-able ....except in my case it is wifes Dutch style bike that has the carrier {:-{
Title: Re: Questions from the clueless
Post by: Norman Castle on September 15, 2015, 07:50:48 pm
Ooooooh!  Thanks for that, Arrow5  :-)
Title: Norman's Springer
Post by: Norman Castle on September 16, 2015, 02:52:52 pm
In a word, help!  Newbie here much taken with the idea of building a Springer, but rapidly losing the will to live.

Is there actually a working URL anywhere on the internets from which I can download plans for a Springer hull as a PDF?  I've just spent the best part of 30 minutes searching and all I've found so far are dead links  :((   
Title: Re: Re: Springer Plans
Post by: Martin [Admin] on September 16, 2015, 03:48:38 pm
Here you go!   :-))

http://www.modelboatmayhem.co.uk/forum/index.php/topic,3471.msg35227.html#msg35227

Springer Plans - Word Doc format (http://www.modelboatmayhem.co.uk/forum/index.php?action=dlattach;topic=3471.0;attach=9309)


In a word, help!  Newbie here much taken with the idea of building a Springer, but rapidly losing the will to live.

Is there actually a working URL anywhere on the internets from which I can download plans for a Springer hull as a PDF?  I've just spent the best part of 30 minutes searching and all I've found so far are dead links  :((
Title: Re: Re: Springer Plans
Post by: Norman Castle on September 16, 2015, 04:04:52 pm
Thanks Martin, but whatever I do with that Word doc, I can only print the first of the three pages.  I think this is because I use LibreOffice rather than Word, but I'm not sure - hence me asking if the plan's available anywhere as a PDF.

Gosh.  I have very little hair left to pull out, and my teeth were too expensive to gnash ...  :((

But thank you anyhow.
Title: Re: Re: Springer Plans
Post by: Martin [Admin] on September 16, 2015, 04:22:28 pm
 
It  is  only a 3 page doc, side elevation is all you need - the 'beauty' of the design!

Standby, I'll convert it to PDF....
Title: Re: Re: Springer Plans
Post by: Netleyned on September 16, 2015, 04:31:12 pm
You can always get a fibreglass hull from Andy
at Models By Design. :-))

Ned
Title: Re: Re: Springer Plans
Post by: Martin [Admin] on September 16, 2015, 04:36:17 pm
Found this: http://www.rcgroups.com/forums/showatt.php?attachmentid=3677197&d=1293008003
Title: Re: Re: Springer Plans
Post by: Norman Castle on September 16, 2015, 05:59:18 pm
Gosh, thanks Martin!  :-))

Looking at how much balsa I have kicking around and what I wouldn't need to buy if I could stretch to one of those fibreglass hull, that's beginning to seem a very attractive alternative so thanks for that too.

At least now I have a choice of ways forward ...
Title: Re: Questions from the clueless
Post by: Big Ada on September 16, 2015, 06:40:46 pm
Hi Norman, what part of the SE are you. Are you near the Model Boat Association Dover, we sail on Kearsney Abbey Lake.
Several Members have built Springer Tugs and we also have a Springer Tug Barge pushing Competition at each Regatta.
We have a Web Site also Facebook and would be pleased to see you. One Member cycles with a trailer from Deal.

Regards,
Len, Scale Secretary.
Title: Re: Re: Springer Plans
Post by: Tug-Kenny RIP on September 16, 2015, 07:44:36 pm
I've just had a look and there are only three pages in the word document.

I'll check if there's anymore. However ........... the rest of the thread does show the boat under construction.  There are also loads of builds on the Forum.

ken
Title: Re: Re: Springer Plans
Post by: springersrus on September 16, 2015, 11:38:01 pm
complete springer plans here http://gtmbc.org.uk/springer.html plus pictures
Title: Re: Re: Springer Plans
Post by: Norman Castle on September 17, 2015, 06:49:11 am
Thanks gents!  I reckon I'm sorted now - at least where the plans are concerned ...
Title: Re: Questions from the clueless
Post by: Norman Castle on September 17, 2015, 06:53:03 am
Not near enough, Len - but thank you anyhow.
Title: Re: Re: Springer Plans
Post by: Norman Castle on September 17, 2015, 09:10:52 am
For my first model boat build I'll be making a very basic Springer tug, and I'm wondering if any of my spare brushless motors might be usable for it in order to keep the cost down.  These amount to ...

1500kV D2836/6

880kV C2836

EMax GT2215/12

Would it be worth my while trying any of these (using 2S LiPo's)?  And if so, what sort of prop should I get?

Title: Re: Re: Springer Plans
Post by: malcolmfrary on September 17, 2015, 09:30:16 am
Since the original spec for a Springer called for the most basic RS540 motor like one of these - http://www.robotshop.com/uk/banebots-rs-540-motor.html - you will want to figure out the nearest equivalent.  I think I saw a similar one in Maplins a few days ago for about £5.50. 
The spec also called for a 35mm or thereabouts prop.
Title: Re: Re: Springer Plans
Post by: Norman Castle on September 17, 2015, 12:56:47 pm
Thanks Malcolm.  It looks like any of my spare motors might work OK, so I'll reckon on making the mounting suitable for a good bit of trial and error. 
Title: Re: Questions from the clueless
Post by: Big Ada on September 17, 2015, 06:00:58 pm
Not near enough, Len - but thank you anyhow.

Then where are you.
Title: Re: Questions from the clueless
Post by: Norman Castle on September 17, 2015, 06:05:39 pm
Then where are you.

In the next county  ok2
Title: Re: Questions from the clueless
Post by: inertia on September 17, 2015, 06:50:49 pm
One is - is my transmitter any use for model boats?
As long as it isn't on 35MHz. You can use 27MHz, 40MHz or 2.4GHz for boats, but 35MHz is strictly for aeroplanes.
DM
Title: Re: Questions from the clueless
Post by: Netleyned on September 17, 2015, 06:58:22 pm
Spektrum Dx6i will do fine as its 2G4  :-))

Ned
Title: Re: Questions from the clueless
Post by: Norman Castle on September 18, 2015, 06:51:17 am
Yep, but I'm still not sure I understand how I use it for boats.  Am I right that the easiest way is to put the throttle on the RH (centre detent) stick and use the LH one for steering, presumably by arranging the rudder servo at neutral with the stick in the middle of its travel?
Title: Re: Questions from the clueless
Post by: Netleyned on September 18, 2015, 07:28:14 am
I use mine mainly for yachts and have the throttle (sailwinch) on the Left hand up/down stick with the ratchet.
and aileron (boat rudder) on the righthand left/right stick.
I also have a springer and a tug on the same TX setup.
Some people take the ratchet off and replace it with a spring to give
a return to neutral if you let go of the stick. It's really a matter of personal choice.

Ned
Title: Re: Questions from the clueless
Post by: Jerry C on September 18, 2015, 07:41:23 am
No rules as per which stick for what. Whatever suits you. Eg  for a steam launch I use right lever  my channel 1, as throttle (full back = stop), left lever, my channel 3, as ahead and astern gear. A rotary knob, my channel 5, blows the whistle, and another rotary knob, my channel 6, steers the rudder. For my own convenience I removed the return springs. My Tx came with 4 channels as standard. Adding 2 rotary knob pots gave two more with one connection spare for a five channel module which I use for extras on a voith Schneider tug. Some Tx can run all their channels separately with other modes for mixing channels and changing rates. Mine, by Graupner for example has Car/Boat, Aircraft, Delta and V-tail modes. I don't know much about the last three!
Hope this helps.
Jerry.
Title: Re: Questions from the clueless
Post by: Netleyned on September 18, 2015, 08:11:01 am
Forgot to add
Those are my settings on my DX6i.

Ned
Title: Re: Questions from the clueless
Post by: Norman Castle on September 18, 2015, 08:48:30 am
... Some people take the ratchet off and replace it with a spring to give
a return to neutral if you let go of the stick.

Oh, I like the sound of that!  Off now to Google how to do it  :-)

Thanks gents.
Title: Re: Questions from the clueless
Post by: Big Ada on September 18, 2015, 04:40:24 pm
My two Springer Tugs.
http://mbadover.org.uk/media/kunena/attachments/708/APairofSpringerTugs009.JPG
Title: Starting at square one - glue and paint
Post by: Norman Castle on September 20, 2015, 10:03:53 am
Two newbie questions coming up :)

1.  Am I right in assuming that Deluxe Materials' "Genuine Aliphatic Resin" yellow glue will be OK to use to put together a simple ply hull?  If not, what do I use?

2.  And having built my simple ply hull, what do I use to finish it?  I'm not after a work of art (at least not for the time being!), but merely a presentable red up to the waterline and gloss black above it.  What do I use for filler?  I'm thinking about the exposed edges of the ply in particular.  And having filled it, what paint?

I'm probably not making this as easy as it could be, but any spraying would have to be rattle cans outdoors in suitable weather, and whatever materials I need will have to come from either the local model shop or Homebase  %)   

Title: Re: Starting at square one - glue and paint
Post by: BFSMP on September 20, 2015, 10:34:39 am
hello norman
yes aliphatic resin is a good waterproof glue that is excellent for gluing wood together including ply wood.
and p38 car body filler is a soft filler that allows you to sand it flat without sanding the wood away. it can even be used on balsa wood with care.
And to finish it off and close the grain ready for painting use sanding sealer, but rub each coat down when dry with fine wire wool or a fine abrasive paper to get a really smooth finish ready for painting.
Title: Re: Starting at square one - glue and paint
Post by: Stavros on September 20, 2015, 12:28:02 pm
please read my article about paint and fillers in the painting section it is all there what to do


Dave
Title: Re: Starting at square one - glue and paint
Post by: Martin [Admin] on September 20, 2015, 12:56:08 pm
 
http://www.modelboatmayhem.co.uk/forum/index.php/topic,39337.0.html
Title: Re: Starting at square one - glue and paint
Post by: Norman Castle on September 20, 2015, 01:32:36 pm
Cheers, gents.

Dave/Martin, I did actually read the article and I found it very informative.  But for now I'm not aiming for what seemed to me to be such a high standard, and besides, I'm only dipping my toes in this model boats lark at present, so I can't justify buying more materials than I really need for this first attempt.

All I want to do for now is put a waterproof finish on a ply Springer hull.  I can no doubt get myself a tube of filler without too much trouble, and I can lay my hands on a few different grades of various abrasive papers and some 000 wire wool, but what do I do for paint?  Unless I missed it, that's not covered in the article, so the question now is - what do I use?  I can brush or I can use rattle cans outdoors in suitable weather (if we ever get any), but what type/make?  Sorry guys, but this is completely uncharted territory ...
Title: Re: Starting at square one - glue and paint
Post by: Martin [Admin] on September 20, 2015, 02:37:59 pm
 
Thin some varnish or paint, wash all the woodwork with that so it soaks in. 2 or 3 or 4 top coats with same paint, " job's a good 'in!,".
Title: Re: Starting at square one - glue and paint
Post by: Norman Castle on September 20, 2015, 03:26:04 pm

Thin some varnish or paint, wash all the woodwork with that so it soaks in. 2 or 3 or 4 top coats with same paint, " job's a good 'in!,".


 :embarrassed: Oh dear ...

Sorry Martin, but I did say I'm starting at square one here.  What kind of paint?  Thinned with what?  And if I want this thing red below the waterline and black above it, am I right in guessing that I do all the wood with the red first then just a couple of coats of black on the top?
Title: Re: Starting at square one - glue and paint
Post by: Brian60 on September 20, 2015, 04:07:35 pm
As a general rule, always paint the lighter colour first. You will find it almost impossible to paint light over dark paint without lots and lots of coats!

For paint, it dpends. Are you going to put it in water? If its just a static model to try your hand at it, then use a general wood gloss paint like Dulux for painting your house. If its for going in water, I would get a couple tins of Humbrol gloss, one red one black, for the superstructure also a white. Many modellers start out with Humbrol paints as that is what they are for, before moving on to more complex paints. You could of course take the easy way out and just use a couple tins of car spray paint, it is just as durable.
Title: Re: Starting at square one - glue and paint
Post by: Norman Castle on September 20, 2015, 05:21:25 pm
Brian, thank you very much indeed for that comprehensive answer  :-)   

Right, I think that's me up to speed on the finishing front for the time being, so now to start getting my head round boat ESC's ...
Title: Re: Starting at square one - glue and paint
Post by: Martin [Admin] on September 20, 2015, 07:43:31 pm
 
Yes that's how I painted mine, lots of thin coats of car spray paint.
Title: Re: Starting at square one - glue and paint
Post by: malcolmfrary on September 21, 2015, 08:32:12 am
As said above, Humbrol enamels are a good simple starter.  If brushing, use a good quality soft brush for a good finish, and look after the brush - always clean after use.  A good preparation is the first step to a good finish, but can be spoiled by using a nasty brush.
Title: Re: Starting at square one - glue and paint
Post by: inertia on September 21, 2015, 09:14:54 am
Right, I think that's me up to speed on the finishing front for the time being, so now to start getting my head round boat ESC's ...
Norman
You will find some useful stuff about the electrical side of things here http://www.modelboats.co.uk/news/article/but-i-don-t-understand-electronics/18054 (http://www.modelboats.co.uk/news/article/but-i-don-t-understand-electronics/18054)
DM
Title: Re: Starting at square one - glue and paint
Post by: Martin [Admin] on September 21, 2015, 10:37:37 am
 
Are you happy Norman?
 If not, PM me you phone No. and I'll ring you for a chat.    :-)

My Build:  https://plus.google.com/photos/+ModelBoatMayhemPhotos/albums/6159627909341985921
Title: Re: Starting at square one - glue and paint
Post by: Norman Castle on September 21, 2015, 12:40:02 pm
Yep, I'm happy, Martin.  Thank you.

And I'm even happier now that our local timber yard has just done me a 3ft x 2ft bit of very nice 6mm ply for exactly £13.19 less than Homebase wanted for the same sized bit of total rubbish ply not fit for making a tea chest with :)

Thanks for the link, DM. I'll check it out.  Got to get my hear round these 'ere nautical ESC's being a bit weird compared to my aircraft ones, in that these have reverse.  And they seem to need water-cooling too!  :o
Title: And now - a total newbie question about propshafts!
Post by: Norman Castle on September 21, 2015, 12:52:01 pm
Or to be precise, this (http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/321322744281?_trksid=p2055119.m1438.l2649&var=510231862086&ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT) type of propshaft ...

Now, I've never had any dealings with model boat propshafts, so I'm looking at that and wondering if I get one of those ...

(a) what do I do if anything about lubrication?  And

(b) what stops water finding its way up it?

And come to think of it, what stops the prop coming unscrewed when going astern?  Thread-lock, or what?

Gosh.  So many questions ...
Title: Re: And now - a total newbie question about propshafts!
Post by: dougal99 on September 21, 2015, 01:10:56 pm
a. light oil or thin grease


b. ditto and try to have the inner end above the water line


c. lock nut
Title: Re: Starting at square one - glue and paint
Post by: dougal99 on September 21, 2015, 01:14:24 pm
  And they seem to need water-cooling too!  :o


not unless your running high current/ high speed. none of mine (12 or so) are water cooled and I've only lost one and that was due to old age (the ESC not me  :} )
Title: Re: And now - a total newbie question about propshafts!
Post by: Norman Castle on September 21, 2015, 01:14:50 pm
Oh great!  :-)

Thanks mister.  Now I can get one ordered today ...
Title: Re: Starting at square one - glue and paint
Post by: Norman Castle on September 21, 2015, 01:28:32 pm
not unless your running high current/ high speed.

Which I certainly won't be, so thankfully I now know that water-cooling is off the list of things to sort out before this first foray into the water ...
Title: Re: Starting at square one - glue and paint
Post by: inertia on September 21, 2015, 02:06:52 pm
http://www.action-electronics.co.uk/pdfs/ESCs.pdf (http://www.action-electronics.co.uk/pdfs/ESCs.pdf)

All you need to know about speed controllers. There's another article on the same website about "BEC" (Beginners Expect Confusion) but that will either bore you rigid or scare you to death...... or so I've been told!
Title: Re: Starting at square one - glue and paint
Post by: Norman Castle on September 21, 2015, 02:09:14 pm
Cheers inertia, that's actually jolly useful!   :-)
Title: Re: And now - a total newbie question about propshafts!
Post by: Unsinkable 2 on September 21, 2015, 09:35:42 pm
Norman, I wondered the same a couple of months back. I ordered a brass prop and shaft, make sure not to order the wrong size like I did, doh :embarrassed: . Make sure your thread on the prop shaft is the same as in the prop. IE 4mm or 5mm and then what I did was to pack a syringe with grease and inject it into the outer shaft, then I pushed the inner shaft back in. A "worm" of grease will exit the other end but then you know it's full and it won't leak internally. My prop shaft is below the waterline inside the boat but doesn't let a drop in.
When I fitted the outer shaft through the hull I pushed it partly in then smeared araldite all over it and pushed it the rest of the way until it was where I wanted it. I used the excess araldite that got scraped off around the prop shaft on the inside making sure not to glue the inner and outer shafts together.  U2
Title: Re: And now - a total newbie question about propshafts!
Post by: thething84 on September 21, 2015, 09:54:58 pm
only problem is if you pack it with grease you can cause to much friction on the shaft which puts excess load on your motor. Better to have small amount of grease in the outter tube so to leave a film on the shaft. Or fit an oiler tube to the inner end.
 
James
Title: Re: And now - a total newbie question about propshafts!
Post by: Unsinkable 2 on September 21, 2015, 10:08:09 pm
Mmm that's probably true James I never thought of that as I was fitting a slightly over powered brushless motor and the friction actually helps........


There you go Norman, my boats almost finished and been in the water a few times and I'm still learning. (Info stored for future builds)...... U2
Title: Re: And now - a total newbie question about propshafts!
Post by: derekwarner on September 21, 2015, 10:15:08 pm
One must be cautious when their advertisement quotes..... "Material - Stainless Steel Inner Tube and Outer Shaft"

I am sure we know what they mean, however that is not what they are saying.... %)... Derek
Title: Re: And now - a total newbie question about propshafts!
Post by: Unsinkable 2 on September 21, 2015, 10:43:28 pm
Ah Derek I see your eye for detail that never misses a trick is not just trained on photographs but wording as well, let's just hope it's not a stainless steel inner and outer (made of water absorbing papier-mâché) ha ha ha


How you saw the submarine and knew the names of the ships in the photo in the other post is beyond me, you must have eagle eyes, a big encyclopaedia and too much time on your hands..... Ha ha ha! U2


Oops, hijacking the thread......... Sorry
Title: Re: And now - a total newbie question about propshafts!
Post by: Unsinkable 2 on September 21, 2015, 10:49:15 pm
At the risk of hijacking the thread further I just realised that I read it wrong "inner TUBE" doh  :embarrassed:


Just goes to show how strong the wine is here in France.........




You can have your thread back now Norman........normal service is resumed!
Title: Re: And now - a total newbie question about propshafts!
Post by: derekwarner on September 21, 2015, 11:36:16 pm
Just a part of my training U2  {-).....and the Wine in OZ is pretty good too  :-))....Derek
Title: Norman's Springer
Post by: Norman Castle on September 24, 2015, 09:59:32 am
Sorry gents but yet another question coming up ...

I'm not far off working out my motor mounting, and for that I need to know how best to align it.  Now, as I understand it, the general idea with a Springer is to keep the propshaft aligned with the waterline, and I'll be doing just that.  Even though the coupling will be this one, (http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/191573413846?_trksid=p2057872.m2749.l2649&var=490651334276&ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT) am I correct in assuming that it'll still pay me to align the motor shaft as near to co-axial as I can get it?

Title: Re: Motor to propshaft alignment
Post by: Tug-Kenny RIP on September 24, 2015, 10:35:49 am

It is not imperative that the prop tube has be aligned with the water level.  Most of them are tilted slightly downwards, which is why they use your coupler shown.

The main problem is due to the original height of the motors shaft from the base line deep in the hull.

Hope this helps

ken
 
Title: Re: Motor to propshaft alignment
Post by: Dave Cook on September 24, 2015, 10:46:21 am
Hi Norman , Yes you should aline best you can without the coupling this will minimize vibration . The way i do this is make a adaptor m4 or m5 to suit your shaft and a hole in the other side to suit your motor shaft , chock up your motor mount till the adaptor that as been screwed on the prop shaft will slide over the motor shaft with no obstruction then epoxy the motor mount in place with the adaptor in position.
Regards Dave  ok2 
Title: Re: Motor to propshaft alignment
Post by: Stavros on September 24, 2015, 11:45:11 am
Another way of doing it is to simply use insulation tape over the coupling thus in effect making it a solid coupling.....this way the motor and shaft will be in perfect allignment......obviously when everything is glued and screwed down you remove the tape

Dave
Title: Re: Motor to propshaft alignment
Post by: Norman Castle on September 24, 2015, 01:05:36 pm
Great!  Many thanks for the helpful tips  :-)
Title: Re: Motor to propshaft alignment
Post by: Fastfaz on September 24, 2015, 01:19:01 pm
     Hi,
          I agree with all the above and another way which I have used very successfully is to align everything with the coupling made solid (I tape pieces of scrap timber around it) have the motor fixed to its base I then fix the base to the hull using a good quality silicone such as "Forever". Have the motor connected to your battery, watch how it spins and push the base down onto the silicone until you are happy with it being straight level and in line with the shaft. LEAVE IT to dry out overnight and there you go, the added bonus is that the silicone acts as a shock absorber (don't use cheap crap from the pound shop) and should you need to remove the base at a later date it can be done without destroying the hull.
     Hope this helps.
        Cheers,
           Faz. :-)) :-)) :-)) :-)) :-)) :-)) :-))
Title: Re: Norman's Springer
Post by: Martin [Admin] on September 24, 2015, 01:48:42 pm
 
Hi Norman!

I've merged all your post here.
 It's easier for us all to follow your build / progress and answer all your questions in one place!   

Martin    :-))
Title: Re: Norman's Springer
Post by: Norman Castle on September 24, 2015, 02:33:38 pm
Much obliged, Martin.  That made a huge amount of sense!
Title: Re: Norman's Springer
Post by: Martin [Admin] on September 24, 2015, 03:34:59 pm
 
Re: shafts and couplings, paper alighment, see:

http://www.modelboatmayhem.co.uk/Builds/Puffer_Jan/Part_4.htm

(http://www.modelboatmayhem.co.uk/Builds/Puffer_Jan/images/PICT4979.JPG)
Title: Re: Norman's Springer
Post by: Arrow5 on September 24, 2015, 03:56:12 pm
If you replace the centre section(red bit) with silicon tube it will be much a quieter boat.  Exhaust pipe for a 40 or 60 size glow motor, tight push fit over splines from your aeromodelling days.   Fit grub screws at 180* to each other, not on same side as shown above. This photo shows fitting for a non-threaded end type of  of propshaft, prop end will have thread to suit propellor and lock nut.
Title: Re: Norman's Springer
Post by: Norman Castle on September 24, 2015, 05:40:10 pm
Good idea, arrow5, but alas I don't have any suitable tubing.  I couldn't be doing with those awful noisy infernal combustion engines in my aircraft ... :-)
Title: Re: Norman's Springer
Post by: Arrow5 on September 24, 2015, 05:51:37 pm
Shame you missed some of life`s joys. The smell of castor oil and ether in the morning, the chug chug of a 4stroke Laser, the whine of a 2stroke at 20,000 rpm.  Oh what bliss O0 . but I digress, you only need an inch , check your pals` flight boxes.
Title: Re: Norman's Springer
Post by: Norman Castle on September 24, 2015, 05:58:05 pm
Shame you missed some of life's joys. The smell of castor oil ...

Oh no I didn't - vintage bike racing and a mate with a Scott kept me topped up with the smell of burnt Castrol R for long enough!  {-)
Title: Re: Norman's Springer
Post by: Fastfaz on September 24, 2015, 07:55:23 pm
     Oh the howl of a two stroke (has to be a racing motorbike)! there is nothing like it. Sadly the two stroke race bike a few and far between except in the classic races. I used "Motul 800" fully synthetic and no seizures all year and boy did that Yamaha get some grief from me during the season, previous owner ran it on R40 which was a nice smell but not condusive to winning races as in "to finish first, first you have to finish. Happy days.
     Cheers,
         Faz. :-)) :-)) :-)) :-)) :-)) :-)) :-))
Title: Re: Norman's Springer
Post by: Arrow5 on September 24, 2015, 08:12:19 pm
Oh no I didn't - vintage bike racing and a mate with a Scott kept me topped up with the smell of burnt Castrol R for long enough!  {-)
   So do we have  the Springer`s name now ..."Squirrel"
Title: Re: Norman's Springer
Post by: Norman Castle on September 25, 2015, 06:50:49 am
So do we have  the Springer`s name now ..."Squirrel"

Only if it needs water-cooling  :-)
Title: Re: Norman's Springer
Post by: Arrow5 on September 25, 2015, 08:31:33 am
Ha ha :-))
Title: Re: Norman's Springer
Post by: Netleyned on September 25, 2015, 08:46:01 am
That's the way to do it  :}


Ned
Title: Re: Norman's Springer
Post by: Dave Cook on September 25, 2015, 10:31:41 am
Castrol R now that brings back great memories  :-))
Title: Re: Norman's Springer
Post by: Norman Castle on September 25, 2015, 10:41:59 am
Castrol R now that brings back great memories  :-))

How about Gunk on a hot engine then?
Title: Re: Norman's Springer
Post by: Dave Cook on September 25, 2015, 12:23:19 pm
Wow even better :-))
Title: Re: Norman's Springer
Post by: Norman Castle on September 25, 2015, 06:46:26 pm
So ... while waiting for Herpes to deliver the parcel that's been showing as "out for delivery with your local courier" since 0730 on Thursday, I've been pondering on several aspects of boat design as it relates to My First Springer, and I have a question about skegs.

Obviously that part of the skeg below the propshaft serves to protect the prop and rudder from nasties, but what else does it do?  Or to put it another way, what would be the effect of replacing the bottom section of the skeg by a skeletal (strip or wire) one?  Wouldn't that tend to make the rudder more responsive?
Title: Re: Norman's Springer
Post by: Arrow5 on September 25, 2015, 07:33:14 pm
If it was a Formula 1 boat perhaps but the original plans showed that flat metal strip had a hole to accommodate the bottom bearing of the rudder.  Most people seem to forget about that and just keep the strip for prop and rudder protection, your choice .  A square rudder to regulation size rather than the common proprietary items seem to be the norm, add a T strip (Gurney) for added response if you like but they are quite nimble in a sort of way.    A square  tube  fitted "diamond" fashion is easiest way to make a "fishtail".   See illustrations in thread, soldering required.
Title: Re: Norman's Springer
Post by: Norman Castle on September 25, 2015, 07:57:16 pm
Cheers arrow5.  The only ships' bottoms I recall seeing in real life had the end of the propshaft held in place by a vee-shaped bracket, so I was just trying to work out the actual purpose of the skeg.  I guess it boils down to prop/rudder protection plus being an easier build than a fabricated brackety thing.
Title: Re: Norman's Springer
Post by: Arrow5 on September 25, 2015, 10:02:53 pm
Correct, its a simple model built like a brick, not as bad as the Motoflot, but the skeg is supporting the propshaft and giving a bit of help in straight tracking plus a mount for the prop and rudder protection and bearing at bottom of rudder if used..
Title: Re: Norman's Springer
Post by: Norman Castle on September 26, 2015, 06:53:30 am
... the skeg is supporting the propshaft and giving a bit of help in straight tracking ...

Thank you, sir.  You just cleared up the bit I was still wondering about :)
Title: Re: Norman's Springer
Post by: Arrow5 on September 26, 2015, 11:52:07 am
Any thoughts on style of topside of Springer yet ?   Ye olde Enlish Thames steam tug maybe ???? {:-{
Title: Re: Norman's Springer
Post by: Norman Castle on September 26, 2015, 12:41:22 pm
Any thoughts on style of topside of Springer yet ?   Ye olde Enlish Thames steam tug maybe ???? {:-{

Dunno yet.  The basic hull is done to the point at which I need to establish where the rudder and propshaft need to be, but I'm snookered for that until the shaft arrives.  Right now I'm inclined towards simply making the deck with a girt big rectangular 'ole in it surrounded by an upstand (coaming?) of maybe 15mm over which I can in due course fit different tops.  Makes some kind of sense?
Title: Re: Norman's Springer
Post by: Arrow5 on September 26, 2015, 04:08:08 pm
Yep , perfect sense.   Don't let the rudder project beyond the transom (stern). All the part positions are on the plan, just need a little shuffling to suit your gear. 
Title: Re: Norman's Springer
Post by: Netleyned on September 26, 2015, 04:24:34 pm
Go for 20mm on the coaming.
Springers tend to bury the bow
as soon as you open up.
Ballast her a bit nose up
A bulwark around the bow will
keep some water off the deck.
but make sure it has an escape
route overboard.The water not the bulwark {-)

Ned
Title: Re: Norman's Springer
Post by: Norman Castle on September 26, 2015, 05:49:35 pm
Thanks once again chaps.  So if I make the coaming 20mm and the top a good fit over it (just slack enough to come off easily), am I correct in assuming that it won't need any kind of seal/gasket?
Title: Re: Norman's Springer
Post by: Netleyned on September 26, 2015, 06:09:08 pm
Not had a seal or gasket on mine Norman.
They are not built for speed so as soon as you see
a bow wave over the front just ease the throttle back a tad
and all will be ok.

Ned
Title: Re: Norman's Springer
Post by: Arrow5 on September 26, 2015, 09:35:50 pm
and don't have anything electrical in the bilges, just in case {-)
Title: Re: Norman's Springer
Post by: malcolmfrary on September 27, 2015, 03:09:21 pm
Not had a seal or gasket on mine Norman.
They are not built for speed so as soon as you see
a bow wave over the front just ease the throttle back a tad
and all will be ok.

Ned
And don't launch it "overarm for distance" unless the top is very firmly fixed.
Title: Re: Norman's Springer
Post by: Arrow5 on September 27, 2015, 04:10:36 pm
...or if you have a full load of stones. %)
Title: Re: Norman's Springer
Post by: Norman Castle on September 27, 2015, 05:47:43 pm
Well, I thought I was going to get through the weekend without another question, but alas no ...

I'm using this (http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/201344274520?_trksid=p2057872.m2749.l2649&ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT) rudder assembly, and I'm currently engaged upon the trial installation.  The necessary woodwork is done to ensure that both the flange at the lower end of the threaded sleeve and the nut that goes on from the top of it will sit square to the axis the hole.  But when I fit this for real, what do I use to seal the wet side joint face?  I don't trust that O-ring!   

Title: Re: Norman's Springer
Post by: Arrow5 on September 27, 2015, 07:40:33 pm
Keep the O-ring and pack the tube with Vaseline or similar.
Title: Re: Norman's Springer
Post by: Norman Castle on September 27, 2015, 07:52:18 pm
Thank you, sir  :-)
Title: Re: Norman's Springer
Post by: Arrow5 on September 27, 2015, 08:07:43 pm
I would advise filing and punching the rivets out and soldering a square Springer sized brass sheet version with "fish-tail" or a diamond square tube on trailing edge.  Adjust throw to 45* , watch the arm doesn't hit the transom.
Title: Re: Norman's Springer
Post by: Norman Castle on September 28, 2015, 07:28:51 am
Gosh, the list of improvements to make and things to do differently next time is getting longer by the day!  Right now though the emphasis is on getting used to working in something other than balsa and getting this thing floating and working, so I'll stick with this rudder for the time being. 

What's the odds on me getting away with one of these (http://www.hobbyking.com/hobbyking/store/__29512__HobbyKing_8482_HK15178_Analog_Servo_10g_1_4kg_0_09s_UK_Warehouse_.html) for a rudder servo?
Title: Re: Norman's Springer
Post by: Martin [Admin] on September 28, 2015, 08:04:57 am
 
Smaller than usual but no issue really!

(http://www.hobbyking.com/hobbyking/store/catalog/16257(3).jpg)
Torque: 1.2kg/cm @ 4.8v, 1.4kg/cm @ 6v
Weight: 10g
Speed: 0.10/60deg @ 4.8v, 0.09/60deg @ 6v
Voltage: 4.8v~6v
Plug: JR
Title: Re: Norman's Springer
Post by: Arrow5 on September 28, 2015, 08:17:04 am
...and being offered at £1.41 . What do YOU think  :o                               
Title: Re: Norman's Springer
Post by: Norman Castle on September 28, 2015, 08:55:54 am
...and being offered at £1.41 . What do YOU think  :o

I don't know.  That's why I asked.  I'm sorry to be clueless, but my only reference is that I've been using these on several 48" wingspan model aircraft for the last two years never had a problem with any of them.  However, I have no idea how that might translate to a model boat rudder.   And I can't afford to buy a new servo if one of these will do.  I'm over budget already ...
Title: Re: Norman's Springer
Post by: Arrow5 on September 28, 2015, 09:09:03 am
Simple mod to commercial rudder, plasticard or other square regulation size sheet wrapped and epoxied round  cut-off rudder blade.   Just to keep you an honest Springerist O0 {-)   Next pic shows the more intimate parts of a Springer`s nether regions for a little bit of titillation ..ooh er. %%  Scoops and scallops etc.  Servo , you've answered your own question, use it and hope it works.   48" aircraft ?  foamy perhaps but not turbine 200mph job I`ll bet. :}
Title: Re: Norman's Springer
Post by: Martin [Admin] on September 28, 2015, 10:25:29 am

Yes, try that servo out, if it works it works!.
( Personally, I would make the mounting big enough to take a standard servo (40x20mm) so if there is a problem it can be replaced later. )

Futaba S3003 (s148) - "Servo Standard"
Basic Information
Modulation:    Analog
Torque:    4.8V: 44.0 oz-in (3.17 kg-cm) - 6.0V: 57.0 oz-in (4.10 kg-cm)
Speed:    4.8V: 0.23 sec/60° - 6.0V: 0.19 sec/60°
Weight:    1.31 oz (37.0 g)
Dimensions:    
Length: 1.57 in (39.9 mm)
Width: 0.79 in (20.1 mm)
Height: 1.42 in (36.1 mm)
Motor Type:    ? (add)
Gear Type:    Plastic
Rotation/Support:    Bushing

(https://www.servocity.com/assets/images/futm0031.jpg)
Title: Re: Norman's Springer
Post by: Arrow5 on September 28, 2015, 12:22:25 pm
Good idea. plan ahea...d :-))
Title: Re: Norman's Springer
Post by: Norman Castle on September 28, 2015, 05:49:46 pm
Ah. Methinks I might well be able to acquire one of those at little or no cost ...

Neat idea for the rudder!
Title: Re: Norman's Springer
Post by: Unsinkable 2 on September 29, 2015, 08:41:39 pm
Futaba S3003 a great servo but BE WARNED, if buying from eBay you may need to check them if they are from a Chinese seller. The reason....... I bought some of these a couple of years back, it stated in the advert 'genuine futaba S3003 servos. On receiving them I noticed they didn't all work or sound the same, on closer inspection I also noticed the stickers were not really stuck on very straight and an even the supplied screws didn't pass through the supplied eyelets.
 If you send them to futaba they just destroy them, if you use them in aircraft they destroy your aircraft and if you tell eBay they ask you to return them to the supplier. Unfortunately postage costs from Europe is usually 90% of the purchase price (ok not quite but a big percentage) and it's not worth the hassle.
 Lesson learned buy from European trusted sellers. U2
Title: Re: Norman's Springer
Post by: Norman Castle on September 30, 2015, 07:05:14 am
Thanks for the warning U2, but I managed to get an as-new 100% kosher one yesterday from a bloke down the road  :-)
Title: Re: Norman's Springer
Post by: Norman Castle on October 04, 2015, 01:58:51 pm
If you replace the centre section(red bit) with silicon tube it will be much a quieter boat.  Exhaust pipe for a 40 or 60 size glow motor, tight push fit over splines from your aeromodelling days.

Alas, my aeromodelling didn't extend into infernal combustion engines, so I've been trying to find a source of some of this 'ere tubing since last weekend and I've got nowhere.

I'll have to get some online, so what exactly is it I want and what ID to fit tight enough over those splined adaptor thingies that are nigh on 8mm diameter?
Title: Re: Norman's Springer
Post by: Arrow5 on October 04, 2015, 04:38:07 pm
Try Anglia Model Centre , they are a proper model shop and do aero as well as marine. They have ebay presence too. Just describe what you want it for, they will have the splined pieces to check for a tight push fit.  I`m sure they will sell you 12" piece.   It is heatproof silicon tube for joining exhaust to silencers and tuned pipes on both aircraft and boats, not fuel tube which is far too small.  They do a nice line in alloy motor mounts if you havent got that far..    Some pictures of your build would help in case we see any problems developing.
Title: Re: Norman's Springer
Post by: Norman Castle on October 04, 2015, 05:40:14 pm
Try Anglia Model Centre , they are a proper model shop and do aero as well as marine. They have ebay presence too. Just describe what you want it for, they will have the splined pieces to check for a tight push fit.  I`m sure they will sell you 12" piece.   It is heatproof silicon tube for joining exhaust to silencers and tuned pipes on both aircraft and boats, not fuel tube which is far too small.  They do a nice line in alloy motor mounts if you havent got that far..    Some pictures of your build would help in case we see any problems developing.

Thank you sir.  I should be able to get a snap or two of the ongoing works in the coming week.
Title: Re: Norman's Springer
Post by: Unsinkable 2 on October 05, 2015, 08:10:55 am
Blimey Norman almost 2500 views of this thread so far and not a single photo to actually view %%  are you honestly building one {-) {-)  ha ha ha, I'm sure you'll get something on here soon. I'd like to say it's looking good but instead I'll just say it sounds good :} .  Looking forward to next week. U2


 
Title: Re: Norman's Springer
Post by: Norman Castle on October 05, 2015, 11:03:08 am
...  are you honestly building one ... 

Oh indeed, but not at any great speed, on account of (a) I don't really know what I'm doing and (b) life keeps getting in the way.  Et voilà, the present state of play ...

(http://i79.photobucket.com/albums/j158/danfoto_photos/IMG_1037_zpsl2uhvi3s.jpg)
Title: Re: Norman's Springer
Post by: Unsinkable 2 on October 05, 2015, 08:09:22 pm
 :-))  I understand what you mean when you say life gets in the way, my job gets in the way, I would like to be retired but if I was then I suppose I would just wish I was younger {:-{  you can't win can you?


It doesn't matter how long it takes Norman, it's started, it'll progress and one day it'll be ready to sail...... Good on yer for getting a photo on....... My turn now, I have to update my thread....... See what you've done now, inspired me...... Thanks....... U2
Title: Re: Norman's Springer
Post by: Arrow5 on October 06, 2015, 09:36:27 am
Good photograph, epoxy a triangle of wood all the way up the propshaft (just like the skeg )    Solder a vertical oiler tube about 25mm from top end of propshaft  tube  first.  Nice clean work area. 
Title: Re: Norman's Springer
Post by: Norman Castle on October 06, 2015, 12:55:05 pm
Nice clean work area.

Wonder why my lady wife never says that ...

Anyhow - question time again.  At the moment, the plan (such as it is) is for all the woodwork above deck level to be balsa, primarily on account of then I don't have to buy any more ply.  Good idea, bad idea or makes no odds?
Title: Re: Norman's Springer
Post by: Arrow5 on October 06, 2015, 01:30:24 pm
Sometime one finds a ready made top from food containers, toys etc.   Balsa has merits , ease of use but then needs filling, papering, painting and so on.   Thin ( 1/16th inch) ply or plasticard still costs money but will last longer. Only about  a square foot required depending on your chosen design.
Title: Re: Norman's Springer
Post by: radiojoe on October 06, 2015, 01:34:48 pm
Personally I'd use ply, balsa is not that strong,  you've made a nice strong hull so it would be a shame to have a wheelhouse that gets damaged easily, these are tough little work boats that tend to get slung in the back of the car on sailing outings, of course this is just my opinion,  %) but as Arrow says don't forget the greaser on the shaft tube or you will get water though it, just a brass tube about 1" long and 1" from the coupling end soldered in place then run a drill down it to make a hole in the shaft tube so you can inject a plug of shaft grease. :-))
Title: Re: Norman's Springer
Post by: Norman Castle on October 06, 2015, 03:46:18 pm
OK, point taken about balsa.  Ply it is then, unless I can scrounge some thick Plasticard-type stuff from somewhere

Ref this bloomin' greaser, about which I'd forgotten, do I have to use grease or could I get away with engine oil?
Title: Re: Norman's Springer
Post by: radiojoe on October 06, 2015, 06:25:32 pm
Hi Norman, oil of any thickness will eventually run out of the prop tube at the prop end the idea is to use shaft grease, it only needs to be a "plug" of grease injected though the greaser tube this forms the water seal, some guys use Vasaline or  silicon grease I prefer Robbe shaft grease, you can get plastic greasers that clamp over a hole drilled in the top of the tube, you can get them in various sizes. hope this helps :-))
Title: Re: Norman's Springer
Post by: Arrow5 on October 06, 2015, 10:27:55 pm
Food container wheelhouse idea.  ( M&S salad )
Title: Re: Norman's Springer
Post by: Arrow5 on October 06, 2015, 10:30:57 pm
Posh chocolate cabin (Ferro Roche sp?)
Title: Re: Norman's Springer
Post by: Arrow5 on October 06, 2015, 11:02:42 pm
Simple one car ferry,just right for a 1/24th scale car.  Google pictures have plenty of shots. Build with bow ramp up !
Title: Re: Norman's Springer
Post by: Norman Castle on October 09, 2015, 11:37:25 am
Well, the weekend approaches and the build continues, albeit slowly.  (I'm not one for making mistakes quickly.)

Ply with servo on and rudder hardware subject to change, btw.

(http://i79.photobucket.com/albums/j158/danfoto_photos/IMG_1039_zpsuozreqkw.jpg)

The ply under the motor is aligned parallel to the prop shaft axis but about 10mm below it, the idea being that this will make it easier to play about with different motors in due course.

And talking of motors, is it actually essential that I fit suppressor caps to the motor?
Title: Re: Norman's Springer
Post by: Norman Castle on October 09, 2015, 03:56:58 pm
Sorry chaps, another question now the battery's come ...

I'm reckoning on finalizing battery placement once I have the hull afloat, but I'm completely in the dark about what sort of gross weight I want to end up with.  Right now, the hull + all hardware + battery totals 3lb near as dammit.  If I mount the battery aligned fore and aft on one side of the motor I can get the weight lower down (which I imagine is a Good Thing), but I'd then need about 8oz of ballast on t'other side to level things up, which would take the gross weight to 3.5lb or so.  Is that in the right parish or what?

Title: Re: Norman's Springer
Post by: Arrow5 on October 09, 2015, 08:11:49 pm
Suppressors, yes on FM and AM radios not sure about 2.4ghz.  Your rudder servo could be better aligned and just use one of the four arms. Put a full height bulkhead to the servo tray in case you get a leak up rudder tube in spite of grease.  Second post, BATTERY singular ?  Two batteries, 6v  4.5Ah, solves that problem, one each side of motor. Fixing them with velcro will allow moving them to trim boat fore and aft. Look again in some of the builds in the Springer thread.  The finished boat could be about 7 or 8 pounds in weight.  Too much power is not a good idea. Fill all voids with polystyrene foam. :} :-))   Got an idea for the top yet ? {:-{ {:-{
Title: Re: Norman's Springer
Post by: Norman Castle on October 18, 2015, 03:58:38 pm
Right ho, by way of an update, here's the hull as it is this afternoon hanging in my environmentally-friendly ('cos it's powered by a wood stove) paint drier, having had its second coat of red Humbrol.  If I'm lucky it'll be dry enough after tea for me to get a second coat of white on the deck.  Then in the morning I decide whether to go for a third layer of red on the hull, or to do the first coat of above-waterline black.

Meanwhile, work proceeds on the top, which is only going to be very basic on account of how I don't want to spend more time/money than I have to on what really amounts to a tryout of all aspects of this model boating lark ...

(http://i79.photobucket.com/albums/j158/danfoto_photos/IMG_1041_zpsu3rln7ph.jpg)
Title: Re: Norman's Springer
Post by: Norman Castle on October 20, 2015, 06:11:52 pm
Well today we had the maiden voyage of the unfinished Springer, and to my great relief all went well once I'd got the ballast in the right places.  No leaks, no power plant problems, in fact no problems at all apart from the weed in the pond, so now I can concentrate on getting this one finished!

I think the only thing I'm stuck on now is what on earth to use for the "rubber" buffer strip I want to run right round the hull at the joint line between hull and deck.  Any suggestions, please chaps?  At present the best I've come up with is a D-shaped uPVC door or window gasket, but no luck so far finding one that looks to be worth trying ...

Good fun this model boats lark, innit!  :}
Title: Re: Norman's Springer
Post by: Arrow5 on October 20, 2015, 09:51:12 pm
Show us a shot of the deck and joint area so that we can have a think.  Bright red, could be a fire tender !
Title: Re: Norman's Springer
Post by: Norman Castle on October 21, 2015, 07:53:20 am
On thinking about this, it doesn't actually want to go along the join but perhaps half an inch below it.  I just like the idea of a "bumper" of some kind running round the hull apart from across the front, rather than sticking tyres on.  I suppose I could do it with wooden strips and just touch those up as required rather than the hull sides, but now I'd have to stick those onto the paint!

Ref the red, the idea is that it'll be black above the waterline, but TBH I'm a bit worried about the masking.  I've got some Tamiya tape, but I've never used it with brushed Humbrol before so I have absolutely no idea how long to leave it before peeling back.
Title: Re: Norman's Springer
Post by: Netleyned on October 21, 2015, 09:04:21 am
I used an old toothed timing belt.
Garages throw them in the skip.
Cost nowt and does the job  :-))


Ned
Title: Re: Norman's Springer
Post by: Norman Castle on October 21, 2015, 09:39:13 am
Neat idea, Ned  :-)   What's that on the wossnames at the front - on the actual pusher thingies?
Title: Re: Norman's Springer
Post by: Netleyned on October 21, 2015, 10:02:52 am
8mm rubber tube Norman


Just soft enough so as not
to damage any boat you are rescuing.


Ned
Title: Re: Norman's Springer
Post by: Stavros on October 21, 2015, 10:21:55 am
Mask it up paint it and leave around an Hour when brushing...then remove the masking but LEAVE the tamya tape until last then peel the tape off at around 45 degrees back on yourself

Dave
Title: Re: Norman's Springer
Post by: Norman Castle on October 21, 2015, 11:00:47 am
Woo hoo!  I just discovered this stuff (http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/4M-D-type-Door-Rubber-Seal-Strip-Weather-Seal-Draft-Roll-for-Car-Truck-Motor-Van-/261923577892?hash=item3cfbdca024:g:ZtkAAOSwsLtVeo0L), so I'll trot off to the nearest garage if it ever stops raining and see what I can scrounge!   Thanks for the inspiration, Ned.

And thanks for that Dave.

Off now to work out what I can find to cast some lead ingots in so I can organise the ballast a bit more sensibly ...

Title: Re: Norman's Springer
Post by: Arrow5 on October 21, 2015, 11:30:24 am
Square sponge type sealing strip from B&Q works for bumper ( push-knees is correct term, USA).    Extend your choice of rubber down to waterline.   Careful with lead casting, can you not find a half brick or something ready-made ?  Two gel-cells for instance ?
Title: Re: Norman's Springer
Post by: Norman Castle on October 21, 2015, 12:52:47 pm
... Careful with lead casting, can you not find a half brick or something ready-made ?  Two gel-cells for instance ?

Ah, I'd forgotten about using the frog of a very dry brick.  Did that a few times when I was a kid!  Good idea, but you've lost me with the two gel-cells ...  {:-{
Title: Re: Norman's Springer
Post by: grasshopper on October 21, 2015, 01:09:01 pm
Gel cells = lead acid battery with a gel instead of a liquid acid, non spill. Use those to power the vessel means working ballast instead of dead weight.


Go have a word with your local alarm installation company, often get usable gel cells for peanuts as they have to be replaced over time.

Title: Re: Norman's Springer
Post by: Norman Castle on October 21, 2015, 01:18:28 pm
Gel cells = lead acid battery with a gel instead of a liquid acid

D'oh!  :embarrassed:
Title: Re: Norman's Springer
Post by: grasshopper on October 21, 2015, 04:52:25 pm
D'oh!  :embarrassed:


Don't beat yourself up over it, we all have senior moments.....worse still it could be a senior blonde moment, then you're really up the brown coloured creek paddle-less!
Title: Re: Norman's Springer
Post by: Netleyned on October 21, 2015, 05:05:27 pm
Norman, my Springer is running an a 6V system using two
6V 4.5 AH gel cells.
One either side of the propshaft gives most of the ballast needed
plus plenty of run time.
Being gel cells they can be laid flat.
Run in parallel you have six volts.
Run in series you have twelve volts.
Very little extra ballast is needed.
Make sure you end up with a bows up
attitude as the beasties try to bury the bow.

Ned
Title: Re: Norman's Springer
Post by: Norman Castle on October 21, 2015, 05:25:24 pm
Ned, this first one's using a 4Ah 7.2 LiPo for a variety of reasons, but if finances permit I'll certainly be using lead-acid for the next one.  There's the best part of 6lb of church roof in this one!
Title: Re: Norman's Springer
Post by: Big Ada on October 21, 2015, 06:22:10 pm
Pop along to your nearest Wheelchair/Mobility Scooter repair Shop and they may have some Free! batteries as they change them often at services.

Len a care worker who knows, never short of batteries.
Title: Re: Norman's Springer
Post by: Netleyned on October 21, 2015, 06:35:54 pm
Good info there Len :-))

Scoot Batts a bitty big for an 18 inch Springer tho O0

Ned
Title: Re: Norman's Springer
Post by: Norman Castle on October 25, 2015, 04:56:09 pm
Well, we had a very nice half hour or so at the pond with My First Boat early this morning!  No problems at all, and it's great fun to drive (or whatever the correct expression is).  I'll upload a video as soon as I fathom out how to do that, but meanwhile here's a snap of it perched on the Boat Transport Module (a.k.a. the plastic crate on the trailer behind my bike) ready to go home ...

(http://i79.photobucket.com/albums/j158/danfoto_photos/IMG_1109_zpsioy0sqee.jpg)

It wasn't meant to be a work of art, so that's simply Humbrol brushed onto Rustin's white primer brushed onto the bare wood.  No point in doing the whole sanding sealer and sand it routine when
this whole thing's a tryout, and similarly no point in anything other than a very basic topsides.  Front and back bumpers are rubber from some weird cheapo exercise gadget I pulled out of a skip, with that rubber car door seal stuff I linked to in an earlier post on the pushers.

Off now to demolish a leek pie and then try again later with this video ...
Title: Re: Norman's Springer
Post by: ballastanksian on October 25, 2015, 07:38:50 pm
Congratulations Norman, that is a brilliant first build. The first of many I hope. Those fenders look the part, very tidy and as if designed for the job.

Title: Re: Norman's Springer
Post by: Arrow5 on October 26, 2015, 09:33:53 am
Well done.  That is you hooked O0 {-)    In the spirit of the adaptable Springer you could reverse the top and add a vintage steam tug style funnel and have a different vessel with wheelhouse in front and funnel behind, maybe a dowel mast and a few geegaws ,ladders, vents, portholes etc.
Title: Re: Norman's Springer
Post by: Arrow5 on October 26, 2015, 09:37:10 am
We need a picture of the bike and trailer :-))    I might copy that idea.
Title: Re: Norman's Springer
Post by: warspite on October 26, 2015, 10:35:45 am
looks like a crate from wilkinsons, or asda, or tesco, usually for carrying CD's etc, stackable, hinged lid.
Title: Re: Norman's Springer
Post by: Norman Castle on October 26, 2015, 12:31:18 pm
Cheers chaps.  The top's as it is simply because of the height limitation inside the crate, which is actually an old Rentacrate as used for office removals.  That's semi-permanently mounted on the larger of the two sizes of Carry Freedom trailer, which gets towed behind a three year old Kalkhoff Agattu pedelec.  It's too hilly round here to use the trailer with my normal bike!

Anyhow, that's my first boat, and here's (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f8LCrZ8Q14Q&feature=youtu.be) my lady wife's first attempt at using our camera for video ... 
Title: Re: Norman's Springer
Post by: radiojoe on October 26, 2015, 12:46:27 pm
Hi Norman video comes up as a private one so couldn't see it, but well done on your first build, I enjoy sailing mine they are a lot of fun and also have a practical side.  :-))
Joe.
Title: Re: Norman's Springer
Post by: Arrow5 on October 26, 2015, 01:06:13 pm
We need a picture of the bike and trailer :-))    I might copy that idea.
   Nope cant afford a motor (lectrik) bike.   Hilly around here too (Cairngorms) :((   As usual the Ya.. em.... Americans do it differently
Title: Re: Norman's Springer
Post by: Norman Castle on October 26, 2015, 03:24:20 pm
Hi Norman video comes up as a private one so couldn't see it

Ooops.  Never done this before but I think I've sorted that now.

Can somebody please check it?
Title: Re: Norman's Springer
Post by: Arrow5 on October 26, 2015, 03:58:01 pm
Yes it is working fine now. Looks great, good trim, slightly stern down, turns well.  Excellent.
Title: Re: Norman's Springer
Post by: Netleyned on October 26, 2015, 04:25:48 pm
Just got your PM Norman
Everything fine as Arrow5 reports.
Fine turning circle and she looks good  :-)) :-))
Well Done   8)

Ned
Title: Re: Norman's Springer
Post by: Big Ada on October 26, 2015, 05:57:33 pm
Ooops.  Never done this before but I think I've sorted that now.

Can somebody please check it?

Video works fine and so does your Springer and also your Camerawoman.
Well done all.
Now you need a Barge to push.

Len.
Title: Re: Norman's Springer
Post by: Norman Castle on October 26, 2015, 06:00:54 pm
Cheers gents.  I shall convey your kind comments to the camerawoman/first mate (who has already put in an order for a barge)  :-)


 
Title: Re: Norman's Springer
Post by: radiojoe on October 26, 2015, 07:03:37 pm
Hi Norman yes video working fine now, as is your Springer that runs just as a Springer should, good job  :-)) :-))
Title: Re: Norman's Springer
Post by: ballastanksian on October 26, 2015, 08:50:51 pm
Looks excellent! I am impressed with the minute turning circle and the speed as well! Compliments must go to the steady hand of your 'Media and promotions manager'.

Does your wife want a Thames barge or a narrow boat? The former is a bit industrial but if she wants to do some towing/shunting then that will be an asset for you both.
Title: Re: Norman's Springer
Post by: Unsinkable 2 on October 27, 2015, 11:39:34 am
Great stuff Norman, I like it :-)) .    U2
Title: Re: Norman's Springer
Post by: Nemo on November 15, 2015, 07:24:35 pm
Great Springer Norman. :-)) My last Springer had similar performance there. First time I've seen my local pond on Youtube! Didn't realise you were so close. I am about to start my latest Springer soon so will be able to compare notes maybe.
Bob.

Title: Re: Norman's Springer
Post by: Norman Castle on November 16, 2015, 07:43:28 am
That looks very nice Bob - and way above my present standard!  If you're at the pond and a bloke turns up on a bike with a trailer behind it, that's me ...
Title: Re: Norman's Springer
Post by: Nemo on November 19, 2015, 08:20:10 pm
The great thing about Springers, is!  Simplicity! :-))

After breakfast this morning, without any plans to do so, I decided to start my new Springer. No plans, just a mental image and a ruler. A few hours later ..... then I ran out of materials (wood)!  %%

Title: Re: Norman's Springer
Post by: Tug-Kenny RIP on November 19, 2015, 09:39:00 pm

Nice curves.      :}

ken
Title: Re: Norman's Springer
Post by: ballastanksian on November 20, 2015, 06:59:51 pm
Almost lute like in its curviness:O)
Title: Re: Norman's Springer
Post by: Arrow5 on November 20, 2015, 07:43:17 pm
R.M.S. Lutiania, White Star Line of course... or is that off course ? :D :embarrassed:   You know what you have to do now Nemo
Title: Re: Norman's Springer
Post by: Nemo on November 20, 2015, 08:17:45 pm
R.M.S. Lutiania, White Star Line of course... or is that off course ? :D :embarrassed:   You know what you have to do now Nemo

Oh Aye Duncan, I sure do! O0 
Lutiania - I quite liked that, or even RMS Stringer {-)
I am hopeless at woodwork, electrics, r.c., or even painting but I usually turn out something that looks not bad from 20 feet and moves!  A build blog is OOT though!
However, this Springer will be afloat come hell or high water - possibly the latter, I hope!
Like you, I consider the Springer to give fun and to that end I am giving a lot of thought to the above-deck layoot. As I live near the south coast I thought of an idea for this wee boat and the name 'Beachy' came with an idea! Watch this space. (Mind-changing must be an option though O0)
BTW. She is 18"x8" but any resemblance to a true Springer will be purely co-incidental - or a miracle!
Bob.
Title: Re: Norman's Springer
Post by: Norman Castle on November 21, 2015, 08:29:28 am
A few hours later ..... then I ran out of materials (wood)!

Funny you should say that Bob.  Where's my best bet for small (24" x 12" or maybe twice that) sheets of 2mm and 3mm ply that aren't warped?

Ref a build blog being OTT, has anybody actually done one of a Springer?
Title: Re: Norman's Springer
Post by: Arrow5 on November 21, 2015, 10:50:22 am
Sorry Bob-of-the-short-memory...."Stringer" is the name of the Royal Swedish Navy`s stealth tug.
Title: Re: Norman's Springer
Post by: Nemo on November 21, 2015, 11:49:25 am
Sorry Bob-of-the-short-memory...."Stringer" is the name of the Royal Swedish Navy`s stealth tug.

'Short of memory'?  Never heard of it, that's why! %)
Title: Re: Norman's Springer
Post by: Nemo on November 21, 2015, 11:52:31 am
Funny you should say that Bob.  Where's my best bet for small (24" x 12" or maybe twice that) sheets of 2mm and 3mm ply that aren't warped?
Ref a build blog being OTT, has anybody actually done one of a Springer?


Hi Norman -I wrote OOT (Scottish for the English 'OUT') not OTT.  Plenty of Springer build logs on here.

Snow was a bit of a shock this morn eh?  Should have been expected on the 'Sussex Alp' though!  O0

Bob.
Title: Re: Norman's Springer
Post by: Arrow5 on November 21, 2015, 12:40:10 pm
'Short of memory'?  Never heard of it, that's why! %)
   Ach man..ye`ll be telling me next ye`ve neffer heard o` the HMS Sprub. A fine summereen that disnae  fail tae surface cos it disnae go unner tha watter at all at all.  An then there iss the illustrious Red Oktober anither sumereen fae Ameriky. >>:-(
Title: Re: Norman's Springer
Post by: Nemo on November 21, 2015, 03:05:00 pm
A wee bit like my 'Impossible' which did not fly off anything! But she did fly!! {-)
Title: Re: Norman's Springer
Post by: Arrow5 on November 21, 2015, 03:35:19 pm
Ah ! I thought of doing a HMS Springvincible (RO2.5) but thought ach one carrier in the fleet was enough %).    Weather Perth to Inverness A9 good, clear, calm, cold. 3.30pm dusk.
Title: Re: Norman's Springer
Post by: Norman Castle on November 21, 2015, 06:02:19 pm
Snow was a bit of a shock this morn eh?  Should have been expected on the 'Sussex Alp' though!  O0

Bob.

Indeed Bob.  No ideas about flat ply then?
Title: Re: Norman's Springer
Post by: Nemo on November 21, 2015, 06:29:02 pm
Ah ! I thought of doing a HMS Springvincible (RO2.5) but thought ach one carrier in the fleet was enough %).    Weather Perth to Inverness A9 good, clear, calm, cold. 3.30pm dusk.

Latest info is a B&B at Carlisle then off for the north tomorra Duncan.

My 'Black Pearl' (kind of) 'Springing' into action, standing by to repel boarders!
Title: Re: Norman's Springer
Post by: Nemo on November 21, 2015, 06:44:32 pm
Indeed Bob.  No ideas about flat ply then?

Sorry Norman - for the CMBC 2015 3volt  Challenge this year I knocked this up in a couple of days and came 15th out of 17 in the speed slalom and bollard pull - wow! :}  'Skin off a rice pudding' comes to mind!  26cmx9cm. Possibility?
Blue lamps and nav lights do work but camera flash wipes them out.






Title: Re: Norman's Springer
Post by: Arrow5 on November 21, 2015, 08:29:04 pm
Carlisle , good going.  Forecast for morn is good all the way north.  Very cold, light wind , mostly clear sky. Will be nice after Blair Atholl but new dualling roadwork's in places after that. Yellow Vultures (average speed cameras) and plain unmarked dark Volvos sitting in laybys ) on A9 to Inverness.  Ice on un-salted side roads.   Hope he stays overnight Inverness or there about, final leg next day.  Happy motoring :-))
Title: Re: Norman's Springer
Post by: Nemo on November 21, 2015, 08:35:03 pm
Thank you Duncan - will pass this to him :-))
Title: Re: Norman's Springer
Post by: Arrow5 on November 21, 2015, 08:45:45 pm
Indeed Bob.  No ideas about flat ply then?
  Norman,  What is the problem with flat ply ?   Local model shop should have good birch  1/8" and 1/4" ply, expensive.  I usually use old drawer sides, solid 1/2" wood. Springer bottom from 1/16th" from model shop.  Recycled other stuff to counter the expensive model shop stuff. Luckily I  have a stack of blue foam from another project that will keep me going for a while.
Title: Re: Norman's Springer
Post by: Nemo on November 22, 2015, 09:26:02 pm
Carlisle , good going.  Forecast for morn is good all the way north.  Very cold, light wind , mostly clear sky. Will be nice after Blair Atholl but new dualling roadwork's in places after that. Yellow Vultures (average speed cameras) and plain unmarked dark Volvos sitting in laybys ) on A9 to Inverness.  Ice on un-salted side roads.   Hope he stays overnight Inverness or there about, final leg next day.  Happy motoring :-))

Can I just pop this in Norman - sorry to have nicked so much of your thread ;)

The lad made it to Melness in a few minutes under 7 hours from Carlisle. The AA quoted 6hrs 30mins so he did not too bad.
To quote him - ''bl***y freezing cold but roads clear all the way until the single track from Lairg to here (as I expected). The gritter had been out but the grit had only worked in the tyre tracks...leaving snow in the middle and all the passing places,  had to drop down to 20mph for most of it.  Otherwise a very scenic journey,  never done the M80/A9 before and it can best be described as Alpine rather than Highland.  Cairngorms were stunning with lots of snow,  funnily enough it wasn't as deadly cold as the Lakes last night!'

I can sleep tonight now! :-))
Title: Re: Norman's Springer
Post by: Arrow5 on November 22, 2015, 09:48:08 pm
Good news safe arrival, a warming dram is in order I think....for medicinal purposes you understand.  Back on track Norman.
Title: Re: Norman's Springer
Post by: Nemo on November 22, 2015, 10:19:44 pm
Can anyone beat this? I expect you think you can!  {-)  Last OT Norman - promise!
Title: Re: Norman's Springer
Post by: ballastanksian on November 22, 2015, 10:33:48 pm
I always wanted to travel up to the Highlands in the winter as can be beautiful and your son's picture proves it.

Pitlochrie (sic) is especially pretty.

How is Springer#2 going Norman?
Title: Re: Norman's Springer
Post by: Nemo on December 01, 2015, 10:30:57 pm
Coming along quite nicely with first primer coat on today. Still head-scratching about upper-works: work-like or humorous, hm.? Might call it 'JERRY' though. {-)

Title: Re: Norman's Springer
Post by: richald on December 02, 2015, 11:42:56 am
I'm building a Springer at the moment - mainly from the odds and sods bin.

I'm going to name mine Spaniel (probably not very original!)

Richard
Title: Re: Norman's Springer
Post by: PeachyPM on December 02, 2015, 02:51:07 pm
Great build log Norman! :-)) and lots of fun viewing all these different springers, and to join in the fun here's my "RAF rescue" springer. not a scratch build I'm afraid, I  was going to make one but then an unwanted Aeronaut Ramborator kit came up for sale very cheap so I thought why not? ]
Title: Re: Norman's Springer
Post by: Arrow5 on December 02, 2015, 03:59:10 pm
Nice one Peachy :-))  Like your avatar pic too :-))   I always thought that the Ramborator`s bulwarks were at the wrong end, maybe you could fill the gap between the knees to prevent deck-washing.
Title: Re: Norman's Springer
Post by: Big Ada on December 02, 2015, 04:21:30 pm
Coming along quite nicely with first primer coat on today. Still head-scratching about upper-works: work-like or humorous, hm.? Might call it 'JERRY' though. {-)



Done that, Mines called Gerry and my 2nd one is Guzunder, the older members will know what one of them is.

Len.
Title: Re: Norman's Springer
Post by: PeachyPM on December 02, 2015, 04:22:29 pm
I know what you mean Arrow5, there's a few things in the kit that don't make sense but then this is a German version of an American boat..... %%
Glad you like my 500, it won 3 races last season at my local club and I'm hoping she bags me the cup next year!
Title: Re: Norman's Springer
Post by: Netleyned on December 02, 2015, 04:37:54 pm
Mine was called out on a "shout" today at the
Lake to rescue  a Trafalgar class Submarine with
a loose propshaft.
Springers and submarines have problems as they
have round hulls and the Springer tries to ride up
on the submarine hull which is awash.
Managed to grip it at the sail and rescue was ok
much to the relief of Glenn the owner.
Wind was gusting to 40 Mms at the time.


Ned

Title: Re: Norman's Springer
Post by: Arrow5 on December 02, 2015, 06:23:59 pm
Guzunder...a chanty in parts of Scotland, a po in other parts. {-)    Oh oh  :oThis thread is in jepordy methinks <*<
Title: Re: Norman's Springer
Post by: Nemo on December 02, 2015, 08:29:15 pm
Or even 'ZEBEDEE'! Well, he is a springer!   :-))
Title: Re: Norman's Springer
Post by: Perkasaman2 on December 02, 2015, 10:17:38 pm
That is a very smart looking  RAF springer.
Title: Re: Norman's Springer
Post by: PeachyPM on December 02, 2015, 10:46:49 pm
Cheers Perkasaman, here's a stern shot.... Next job lights!
Title: Re: Norman's Springer
Post by: ballastanksian on December 02, 2015, 11:16:49 pm
T'is great to see this thread 'Spring' to life:O)

I saw a ten inch long ceramic Spaniel ornament on Ebay the other day and thought of it as a humerous superstructure for a Springer but was unsure about its effect on GofG.
Title: Re: Norman's Springer
Post by: Perkasaman2 on December 03, 2015, 12:31:32 am
Excellent crisp detail work. Lights will really set it off at dusk.
Title: Re: Norman's Springer
Post by: Norman Castle on December 03, 2015, 10:23:10 am
How is Springer#2 going Norman?

Sorry Ian (?) - I did answer but I started a new thread about it.  Which reminds me I forgot to explain why Springer #2 is called Pumpkin.  In Russian ...  %)
Title: Re: Norman's Springer
Post by: Arrow5 on December 03, 2015, 10:47:13 am
...and the answer is ?
Title: Re: Norman's Springer
Post by: richald on December 03, 2015, 11:12:59 am
Which reminds me I forgot to explain why Springer #2 is called Pumpkin.  In Russian ...  %)

Would that be . . . . болван  boob, blockhead, doodle, dummy, loggerhead ?

(info via google translate)

Richard
Title: Re: Norman's Springer
Post by: Arrow5 on December 03, 2015, 11:52:08 am
Yep, I Googled it too but wonder if this is a clue as to what shape Norman`s Springer is going to look like {:-{
Title: Re: Norman's Springer
Post by: Norman Castle on December 03, 2015, 01:24:49 pm
Would that be . . . . болван  boob, blockhead, doodle, dummy, loggerhead ?

(info via google translate)

Richard

Nah - pumpkin in Russian is unpronounceable AFAIC but it's spelled like wot I wrote it on the good ship Pumpkin, as pictured on the thread below this one.  This is all to do with The Lady Wife wanting the bottom of her boat to be orange rather than red on account of she's always been into pumpkins.  She's also learning Russian, so ... my first (and hopefully last) bit of Cyrillic signwriting.
Title: Re: Norman's Springer
Post by: Nemo on December 03, 2015, 09:55:24 pm
Norman - you may be welcome here - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oO_SYiPUvxo    O0

Bob.
Title: Re: Norman's Springer
Post by: Norman Castle on December 04, 2015, 07:16:38 am
Norman - you may be welcome here - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oO_SYiPUvxo (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oO_SYiPUvxo)    O0

Bob.

The Lady Wife's had that bookmarked for a while now, Bob  :-)
Title: Re: Norman's Springer
Post by: Nemo on December 06, 2015, 05:56:57 pm
I'm building a Springer at the moment - mainly from the odds and sods bin.
I'm going to name mine Spaniel (probably not very original!)Richard

Richard, re 'odds and sods' -hope you don't mind me suggesting an alternative - 'MONGREL' !  ;)
Bob.
Title: Re: Norman's Springer
Post by: Nemo on December 06, 2015, 06:27:46 pm
Coming along quite nicely with first primer coat on today. Still head-scratching about upper-works: work-like or humorous, hm.? Might call it 'JERRY' though. {-)

Still coming - but slowly.

Upperworks are decided on the humorous side to amuse the children.
Have a guess as to the eventual subject? %%  Hint - will be smoking!
Title: Re: Norman's Springer
Post by: PeachyPM on December 06, 2015, 06:57:02 pm
I heard the fat controller had made him quit the habit!  {-)
Title: Re: Norman's Springer
Post by: Arrow5 on December 06, 2015, 10:12:48 pm
Another "Spruffer" then :}  ?
Title: Re: Norman's Springer
Post by: Nemo on December 06, 2015, 11:09:32 pm
I heard the fat controller had made him quit the habit!  {-)

 :-)) yep! I gave you one clue too many! %)

I cracked on this evening and got some more bits on without any further injury! :}
No need for any more clues now the 'wheels' are on.
Aye Duncan, a real chuff-chuff - I hope! 'Thomas The Tank-Tug'. I am building from a Toys-R-Us advert!
I am intending to revert to my 'One hull, many decks Springer' idea that I gave away to a Cub-Scout Pack some years ago.
Bob.
PS: Watch this space!! More to come.   ok2

Title: Re: Norman's Springer
Post by: Nemo on December 11, 2015, 02:21:36 pm
:-)) yep! I gave you one clue too many! %)

I cracked on this evening and got some more bits on without any further injury! :}
No need for any more clues now the 'wheels' are on.
Aye Duncan, a real chuff-chuff - I hope! 'Thomas The Tank-Tug'. I am building from a Toys-R-Us advert!
I am intending to revert to my 'One hull, many decks Springer' idea that I gave away to a Cub-Scout Pack some years ago.
Bob.
PS: Watch this space!! More to come.   ok2

This afternoon, Tom took to the water. First time afloat after one tank ballasting, and I was very surprised at the results. No 'nose-diving'  and very nimble, turning in its own length thanks to Duncan's 'fish-tail' rudder confidence.  I ran it on 2x6v  in parallel. Shown is Tom in his element. Also my 'guess-plan' from an advertisement! {-)
Video, of sorts, to follow.
Bob
Title: Re: Norman's Springer
Post by: nivapilot on December 11, 2015, 02:34:42 pm
Brilliant.. :-))
Title: Re: Norman's Springer
Post by: PeachyPM on December 11, 2015, 02:57:01 pm
Toot! Toot! What a very helpful little springer :-))
Title: Re: Norman's Springer
Post by: Arrow5 on December 11, 2015, 03:00:14 pm
Where is the smoke ?   You promised smoke ... we want smoke we want SMOKE !     You`ll be hearing from the Fat Controller in the morning  >>:-(
Title: Re: Norman's Springer
Post by: Nemo on December 11, 2015, 03:13:23 pm
Where is the smoke ?   You promised smoke ... we want smoke we want SMOKE !     You`ll be hearing from the Fat Controller in the morning  >>:-(

I hear from her all day and every day!! %)
Title: Re: Norman's Springer
Post by: Arrow5 on December 11, 2015, 03:44:00 pm
Oh oh, does She read this?   There will be trouble ahead !!!!  You have a PM
Title: Re: Norman's Springer
Post by: ballastanksian on December 11, 2015, 10:41:29 pm
Lovely work Mr Nemo! Is there anything that has not been mounted on a Springer hull?
Title: Re: Norman's Springer
Post by: Nemo on December 11, 2015, 11:10:26 pm
Well, I did think about the House of Commons once, but the problems of windage put me off!  :((
My next build will be a barge/coal-truck for Tom to tow. 
Title: Re: Norman's Springer
Post by: PeachyPM on December 11, 2015, 11:43:05 pm
It's got to be troublesome giggling trucks!
Title: Re: Norman's Springer
Post by: PeachyPM on December 11, 2015, 11:46:23 pm
 :-))
Title: Re: Norman's Springer
Post by: Arrow5 on December 12, 2015, 08:58:23 am
Well, I did think about the House of Commons once, but the problems of windage put me off!  :((
My next build will be a barge/coal-truck for Tom to tow.
   What :o  only one  wagon?   Its a train man , a couple and a guards van at least ! 
Title: Re: Norman's Springer
Post by: ballastanksian on December 12, 2015, 10:09:24 am
There are definitly parallels. Both Locos and Tugs can and do tow more than one container in line. It would be a challenge to control, but maybe it would make a good advenced competition towing multiple barges about a course?
Title: Re: Norman's Springer
Post by: Nemo on December 12, 2015, 12:43:48 pm
:-))

That's exactly it! Will have to build my own though  :-)) But one will have to be enough on a 50 metre long and crowded pond. Anyway, the shed is bursting with boats now!
Title: Re: Norman's Springer
Post by: Arrow5 on December 12, 2015, 01:56:42 pm
You will have to do weed killer wagon if you visit a certain party`s lake %)    BTW shouldn`t this be in the Springer Thread ?  Poor old Norman hasn't had word in edgeways for ages >>:-(
Title: Re: Norman's Springer
Post by: Nemo on December 14, 2015, 08:58:22 pm
'Jerry's' New Livery - after much discussion! Video coming as promised.
Now for the coal-wagon.Wooooowooooooooo
Title: Re: Norman's Springer
Post by: Arrow5 on December 15, 2015, 12:04:03 pm
Nice, well out of copyright %).  A guard`s van next ?
Title: Re: Norman's Springer
Post by: Nemo on December 15, 2015, 07:09:04 pm
Nice, well out of copyright %).  A guard`s van next ?

NO - an open wagon-barge. :-))  Epoxy is cooking as I write. 
Title: Re: Norman's Springer
Post by: Unsinkable 2 on December 17, 2015, 06:58:32 am
Hey Nemo (sorry Norman :embarrassed: )


I noticed the dates you posted the pics and on the 7th Dec Tom was just a gray box and on the 11th there he was painted and sailing merrily along :o ...... Are you really such a fast builder  {-) .


Nice looking boats er trains er springers er what are they? Whatever they are it looks exactly like Thomas, well done! U2





Title: Re: Norman's Springer
Post by: Nemo on December 17, 2015, 03:03:18 pm
Nemos Springer - not Normans - thanks Norman!

Thanks U2. Yes - no point in hanging about! :-))  Retirement is grrrreat! O0

The video will be published this evening with any luck as I am struggling with Youtube uploads..
Title: Re: Norman's Springer
Post by: Nemo on December 17, 2015, 11:13:05 pm
Nemos Springer - not Normans - thanks Norman!
Thanks U2. Yes - no point in hanging about! :-))  Retirement is grrrreat! O0
The video will be published this evening with any luck as I am struggling with Youtube uploads..

Had lots of problems with Youtube so hope this works.  Excuse shaky vid as I was operating boat and camera together!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J79obSqQk9w
Title: Re: Norman's Springer
Post by: richald on December 17, 2015, 11:37:21 pm
Excellent Model !
Excellent Video !
Excellent Music !

The Santa Claus badge on the front is a nice touch.

Rolls a bit more than the average loco though !

Richard
Title: Re: Norman's Springer
Post by: Arrow5 on December 18, 2015, 10:04:52 am
Braw man, jist braw. :-))   
Title: Re: Norman's Springer
Post by: Nemo on December 18, 2015, 10:32:33 am
Excellent Model !
Excellent Video !
Excellent Music !
The Santa Claus badge on the front is a nice touch.Rolls a bit more than the average loco though !
Richard

Thanks for nice comments Richard/Duncan. The local miniature railway adjacent to our pond is holding a SANTA EXPRESS for the children's Christmas tomorrow. I will take Jerry there for them - hence the SANTA image - but it will be changed afterwards!

Now struggling again with Youtube to get the wagon on film! Watch this space!
Title: Re: Norman's Springer
Post by: Nemo on December 18, 2015, 06:06:02 pm
Thanks for nice comments Richard/Duncan. The local miniature railway adjacent to our pond is holding a SANTA EXPRESS for the children's Christmas tomorrow. I will take Jerry there for them - hence the SANTA image - but it will be changed afterwards!Now struggling again with Youtube to get the wagon on film! Watch this space!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6_m4XJ9tCtE

*Connector will be shortened and lowered to minimise 'turn-wobble' but apart from that it performed OK.
Title: Re: Norman's Springer
Post by: Stavros on December 18, 2015, 06:14:10 pm
Brilliant looking darned good there

Dave
Title: Re: Norman's Springer
Post by: Arrow5 on December 18, 2015, 08:27:29 pm
That isn't coal in the truck !   Looks like whisky barrels  O0 ;) :-))  Some of the whisky distilleries  had their own "pugs" to shuffle wagons about.   Nice job. How about a simple coupling with a teacup hook and a ring, check B&Q racks.   It`ll stop too much sway and avoid jack-knifing.
Title: Re: Norman's Springer
Post by: ballastanksian on December 18, 2015, 09:31:16 pm
That is fun Nemo! I like it very much indeed.
Title: Re: Norman's Springer
Post by: Unsinkable 2 on December 19, 2015, 08:09:55 am
Excellent Nemo, it looks exactly like one of the Thomas engines from the books I remember when I was a kid.  :-))
Title: Re: Norman's Springer
Post by: Arrow5 on December 19, 2015, 09:56:24 am
For the next repaint may I recommend a suitable livery %) From the heart of the Speyside distillery country on the Keith to Dufftown Railway.
Title: Re: Norman's Springer
Post by: Arrow5 on December 19, 2015, 10:05:07 am
Excellent Nemo, it looks exactly like one of the Thomas engines from the books I remember when I was a kid.  :-))
  Oh no it isn't  <*<!!!  Any passing resemblance to well copyright protected franchise is purely coincidental :police:. You may be contacted by their legal team O0 >>:-( {-) {-) {-)
Title: Re: Norman's Springer
Post by: Unsinkable 2 on December 28, 2015, 07:39:25 am
Arrow5, er oh yeah :embarrassed:  once I put my glasses on there was no resemblance whatsoever  {-)    U2
Title: Re: Norman's Springer
Post by: Arrow5 on March 08, 2016, 10:02:35 pm
Here is another along similar lines ( oh dear) from those lovely people at you nearby B&M store. Smaller scale than Tho.. er, that one by Nemo.  Good for a train ferry Springer ? Picture later :((
Title: Re: Norman's Springer
Post by: Nemo on March 09, 2016, 09:07:32 pm
Hurry up Wullie! %)
Title: Re: Norman's Springer
Post by: Sonar on August 29, 2016, 10:22:57 pm
What a great and very informative thread.
Just have to keep reading and reading it now hopefully something will sink in.