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[DadsBoatyard]

Hi,
I'm trying to get my 10 yr old lad interested in modelling (as opposed to rc toys from Argos) and we've built a springer hull, and have the topsides in hand. But now I do'nt know where to get the right mechanics. Can members please advise where to go (ideally online/by post) and what to ask for for motor & controller, propshaft, prop, rudder etc? Weve got radio. What should that lot cost for a basic quality?
Thanks, Harry (and Ralph)

Perhaps I should add we're in pennine West Yorkshire (Gods own county), so like to deal in pounds sterling, even for what they're worth today.
Any ideas for local shops would be welcome too.

[boatmadman]

Welcome to the madhouse!

The traders directory on the home page will take you to suppliers, all of which are online.

Speed controller and motor - ACTion electronics - he will advise you on specific items - he is v helpfull and you get a discount if you mention your forum name

Modelpower for batteries

GSitek for porops

Any of the modelshops for propshaft - Westbourne or Red bank or Cornwall model shop

Oh, and you are required to post your build of the springer on here   

ian

[barryfoote]

Spot on Boatmadman!!

[DickyD]

Ians suggestions are good or you could get everything barring the batteries from Malcolm at Cornwall Model Boats. He is very helpful and service is excellent.

Tel: 01840 770438

www.cornwallmodelboats.co.uk

Another good company for batteries is the Component Shop, very cheap and normally next day service if ordered a.m.

www.component-shop.co.uk

[craftysod]

Ebay another source or Redbank models
www.redbankmodels.co.uk
Mark

[DadsBoatyard]

Thanks for all the advice chaps,
but... if springers usually take 540 motors (?) can anyone say if direct drive is the way to go (no gbox), and suggest a prop size to be right for this floating breezeblock?
Do people always use ESCs? given that this will account for about half the total spend, (and its for a 10 yr old). Would simple full forward/reverse via a microswitch etc be really annoying?
Lead-acid or buggy-packs? I've seen both mentioned in springer photo-builds.

Thanks again, Harry


 

[craftysod]

Harry
540 motor from maplins
direct drive (use coupling)
esc from dave at action or ebay source
lead acid 6v (i use 2 for ballast)
30mm prop is perfect
need any more info or pics pm me
Mark

[chingdevil]

Harry

Do not forget the water cooling for the motor, like craftsod I use two 6v 4ah SLA batteries wired in parallel so you get longer duration but still 6volts. Direct drive is easier get an esc, if you just use microswitches you will have no control over the dive.


Brian

[craftysod]

Harry
Once you have got your son the boat built,gaurantee you will build one for yourself.
Great fun,even had to build my other half one 
Mark

[Bill D203]

Try a big boys springer with a real engine in it. Have fun now

[DadsBoatyard]

Thanks guys for all the help so far...
Next question: whats the best place to place the prop. Initially I thought parallel to the deck - but plenty dont.
And the prop centreline was coming ing at 40mm up from the bottom, which I is perhaps a bit high.
Is it worth getting it as low as possible, to push the front up?

While I'm thinking round the subject, why do springers dive at speed?
Is it a simple snow plough effect?
How about the hull being an upside down wing shape?
Are there any ways to reduce this ? Does the prop position or angle effect it?


Build continuing: My lad has gone away from the idea of a tug topside to wanting a Viking ship (hardly an longboat!). If he keeps on this tack I suppose we can carve one out of foam.
Other ideas included space ships, a dragon (I've no idea how on this one), Thunderbird 4, a swan, a wind surfer (tilting to suit of course)... But just get it on the water I might get a quick and dirty tug done...   and then see if he wants to do another.

Thanks again, Harry

[toesupwa]

Next question: whats the best place to place the prop. Initially I thought parallel to the deck - but plenty dont.
And the prop centreline was coming ing at 40mm up from the bottom, which I is perhaps a bit high.
Is it worth getting it as low as possible, to push the front up?

While I'm thinking round the subject, why do springers dive at speed?
Is it a simple snow plough effect?
How about the hull being an upside down wing shape?
Are there any ways to reduce this ? Does the prop position or angle effect it?

The prop position depends on the motor position and the angle of the shaft / stuffing tube.
Some can get the shaft angle down to 0 degrees and some dont.. 
Try to get the prop in the centre of the space available.. just in case you want to try a bigger (heracy?) prop at some stage.

The Springer shape is the reason it 'dives'. Yes, because it is an inverted wing shape.. plus the snow plow effect of the flat front doesnt help matters.
I've done several experiments with inverted 'winglets' under both the stern an the bow trying to stop the dive... and nothing seems to work. The only success i had was with a small wing underneath the bow, but even that only held off the inevitable dive... it went under at higher throttle.

The only way to stop the dive is to take it easy with the throttle finger.

[toesupwa]

Ooops..