Another week on and seem to have spent lots of time achieving little. Some days all goes well and others it doesn’t.
I have made and fitted the rudder, that seems ok. I then fitted a modified M5 shaft , I should have waited and got an M4 as the prop choice for M5 seems more limited. The prop currently fitted is for lining up only and will be replaced by a 4 bladed around 45mm. The motor is in position and lined up with a universal joint M5 to M4 the motor is from and recommended by Mobile Marine Models for high torque and low revs.
Brass skeg fitted to support the rudder and ply supports for the prop shaft.
I have glassed in 2 bulkheads, not on any plan but seemed a good idea. It will enable me to carry at least 1kg of lead ballast in the bow without it moving. The aft bulkhead will allow me to have 1/2 6v 4.5 Ah batteries (approx 1kg each), the motor, the esc, steering servo and receiver all enclosed and hopefully watertight.
I read on mayhem some time ago about the ‘Lead Weight Company’ for ballast, I ordered 3kg from them and it was delivered quickly, packed well and competitively priced. I did however see in ‘Wilko’ 1kg bags of ‘budgie’ (yes budgie)
gravel @ £1, not much larger in volume than the lead shot and a saving of £4 per kg.
I anticipate needing quite a lot of weight to get this lump down in the water so I might use lots of Budgie gravel, as long as it doesn’t tweet.
Next job will be to check all fittings which will be impossible to get at when the deck is on also to tidy up rough glass work in the hull and give it all a lick of paint. Then when all that is done fit the deck.
Regards Chris G