Model Boat Mayhem
The Shipyard ( Dry Dock ): Builds & Questions => Working Vessels => Topic started by: GG on June 22, 2017, 08:27:59 pm
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The latest model plans have just been sent off to the magazine "Model Boats". The inspiration was a short inter-island crossing made on a small ferry during a holiday last year. It suddenly dawned on me that the boat just went back and forth between the islands without turning around. A sensible idea which saved a lot of time on a short journey. To achieve this the ferry had propellers at both ends, too tempting an idea not to try at model scales.
The models construction was kept as simple as possible using balsa and card. Its length is 28 inches (71 cm) and is powered by two RE385 motors. It looks quite normal until you lift it out of the water and see the propellers and rudders!
Using independent control of both rudders and motors allows the model to be sailed normally in both directions just using the "aft" prop and rudder. This can cause some orientation problems! Mixing rudders and motors will have it rotating on the spot or moving sideways. Diagonal sailing is more tricky since one prop is rotating in reverse and not creating any propwash over its rudder.
A bit of a challenge to sail at first but, like learning to ride a bike, practice makes perfect,
Glynn Guest
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Just like the Sydney Ferries have been pretty much forever!
Ian
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Yes with many a thrill and drenching to be had on the Manly run. O0 O0 O0
No such fun these days :(( :(( :((