Some time ago I saw an article on river ferries that were used in situations where some means of moving people and vehicles across rivers too wide and/or deep to ford. A bridge might have been a good idea but it needs sufficient traffic to justify and maybe the cash just isn't available.
These ferries often appeared to use "Z-drives" for steering and propulsion. A model based upon them would be a good challenge and out came the sketch pad. I couldn't find a suitable commercial model Z-drive nor figure out how to duplicate something cheaply or easily. Luckily I had also been pondering the subject of Thrust Lines and was able to cheat and produce something that looks OK and works well, but only after relearning the coordination needed for "tank steering"!!
Plans now in the hands of the Model Boats editor. The design is so simple that it ought to appear as another "Mini-Plan" in the magazine.
Glynn Guest
