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[meridian84]

Hi to you all from New Zealand.After an absence from the model boat scene of about 35 years, I have recently bought a half built (large) model of a fast torpedo boat the hull of which was built from a Vic Smeed plan.  Not being a military fan, I am in the process of converting it to a workboat. However it came with a 25cc petrol engine installed which I am at present trying to get running. It will run briefly but I think the Walbro carb may need attention as does the fuel tank and lines which may not be providing the supply the engine needs.  I did contemplate 'throwing the baby out with the bathwater' and converting to electric but I have no idea about modern electric motors and what I would need to power a large model such as this.  However I am sure this forum will provide some great tips and advice as I continue on my journey to getting this model up and running.
Grant

[Martin (Admin)]

[meridian84]

Thanks Martin


Funnily I could read that quite easily, hahaha


Cheers
Grant

[sparkey]

  Grant,Martin has been standing on his head again told  him about it but he does not listen,Ray.  

[hopeitfloats]

welcome meridian. which end of the country are you.

[meridian84]

Hi there Hopeitfloats
I'm in Mosgiel, Dunedin
Not terribly far south of you.

[kiwimodeller]

Hi Grant, if you do decide to persevere with the petrol engine you will find that your local mower and chainsaw shop should be able to help. If they have a good workshop they will have a very comprehensive Walbro carb manual and once identified they will be able to get gaskets and diaphragms for the carb and the fuel pump side of things (usually part of the carb).  Personally I would be changing to electric as you will find that you are more likely to be made welcome at lakes etc. The only stipulations the council made when we applied to use the town lake here in Waihi were "nothing fast and nothing petrol powered". There is lots of info on the forum and in the model mags about electric motors but for the hull you have it sounds like you would be able to use a car heater motor and a 12V, 7AH Sealed Lead Acid battery from Dick Smiths or Jaycar fairly inexpensively. Then all you need to sort is a speed control and a radio set and these days you should be able to get them relatively easily off Trade Me or from a model shop. Send Me a PM if you want some suggestions and dont forget to post some photos as you progress. Cheers, Ian.

[meridian84]

Thanks heaps Ian
The use of a heater motor is not even a thought that had crossed my mind.
As far as radio gear goes, I was lucky enough to pick up a second hand 6 channel Futaba 2.4 Ghz set for $70 off Trademe still in it's original box so was incredibly lucky there.
So it should be a relatively inexpensive conversion all up really.

[radiojoe]

Hi Grant,  Personally I would ditch the petrol engine in favour of electric, cleaner, less hassle starting, just switch on and you're away, and with the right motor/prop combination you will still get a good scale speed, you don't mention the size of your boat but I guessing an 800 size motor direct drive or geared, with a 12 volt 7ah battery will give quite a good run time, I have a 600 motor on a 6 to1 reduction gear in my 44" tug swinging a 70mm 4 bladed prop using a 12 volt 7ah battery also running a smoke generator, it runs for hours. 
Joe

[meridian84]

The boat is 1900mm in length with a beam of 450mm. At present it has a 3 blade prop of 70mm dia.

[radiojoe]

That is large, If it were me I'd use a 900 size motor with a 2 to 1 reduction gear, and I'd use two 12 volt 7ah batteries wired in parallel to give extra run time and help with the ballast a hull that size would need, but then I'd only be looking for scale speed, if you want it to plane I'm sure some of the fast hull boat guys on here will be able to help you.

[Antipodean]

Hi Meridian, welcome to the forum.
I get to see more Kiwis here than I do anywhere else these days.
Looking forward to seeing this monster boat of yours


Ian

[RAAArtyGunner]

Thanks Martin


Funnily I could read that quite easily, hahaha


Cheers
Grant

Same here looks normal, am I missing something 

[derekwarner]

  ....Folks......pay no attention....just Martin's funny sence or is it sense  of humour or is it humor? 

That is,........ it appears he [Martin] is thinking we of the Great Southern Hemisphere are all upside down 

I personally had no trouble reading the message or is it massage?....as I stood on my head    ............ Derek