Converting a plastic scale boat

[macman_84]

Hi, i am converting a 1/350 scale model of the USS Enterprise CVN-65. I need assistance figuring out what size motors i need (4 props, either 1 motor for two props or one motor for each prop). I want the boat to go moderatly fast but not like a speed boat. Also is there anyone in the chicago area that is semi-proffessional (masterful) at painting plastic models, my skill leaves something to be desired and i was wondering if anyone would be willing to help me paint mine. The ship i am working with can be found at: http://www.modelshipbuilding.com/cvn65enterprise.htm

[bugfanatic]

At 3' long you'll want to use a couple of Mabuchi 340 motors. You can get some good little motors from Radio Shack. I can't remember the part number but they are generically labelled 6v-18v motor. I've used these in the Blue Devil destroyer conversion from Lindberg & they worked great. If you'd like smaller motors, look around & you'll find some info on using servo motors. Also, if you're after some speed, you'll have to get some custom props, scale ones won't move it very fast. The props you want to get will depend on your shaft diameter that you'll want to use. You'll just have to hunt around, try somewhere like Dumas or other scale ship companies - maybe some of the guys here can help.

[rcsupra]

interesting, i'm planning almost the same thing for the future. I have a Tamiya 1/350 scale model of the battleship New Jersey. I've looked at several options...i want to make this a two motor/prop setup. First off, Swampworks builds combat battleship kits, and they offer all you need for your size ship (class 2 or 3 to them) motors, rudder kits, prop systems, everything. I can't figure out what kind of esc you could use though for two 380 motors. Other than that, you could use maybe some Kyosho Mini Z motors, i was thinking of taking all the electronics from those little cars and putting them in the ship, then soldering on some shafts and props, then fabricate a dual rudder system w/one servo. for four props, i'm not sure what you could use. good luck!!!

Swampworks
http://www.swampworks.com/SwampworksHomePage-2.html#anchor15775

[mastermodeler]

I have been using standard size servos, take all the gears out and hook up the propshaft to the servo motor you get a drive with a built in speed control for the price of a $14.00 servo. You can use a Y harness for twins and if your radio has a mixer you can have independent control of both !

[rcsupra]

mastermodeler, thats an interesting idea. so if you connect the prop shaft with a servo motor, it will spin it? i guess without servo gears the motor could do non stop full revolutions. and that "built in" speed control is a cool idea. would the motors be powerful enough to move the ship at a scale speed?

[mastermodeler]

Yes you take out all the gears and hook the propshaft to the servo motor. When you power up the radio the motor will likley spin in one direction or the other, adjust the pot output shaft until it stops then you will have fwd and rev. The larger the servo the more power you have, my latest model is a 14" fishing trawler and a Hitec 425 servo is way more power than it needs and with a 4 cell 1000mah battery it will run for a long time, I havent found out how long yet as I get bored before it runs down but at least an hour. On a 1/350 scale battleship I would use 2 cheap standard servos with a Y harness and the v tail mixer on the transmitter. It works great and is very inexpensive, all my future small boats will use this setup.
For the 1/350 Enterprise I would use 4 standard servos with the 2 port Y harnessed and the 2 starboard Y harnessed then Y harness the 2 pairs together that will let you use them to help turn the model.

[Jeffin Honduras]

I have been using standard size servos, take all the gears out and hook up the propshaft to the servo motor you get a drive with a built in speed control for the price of a $14.00 servo. You can use a Y harness for twins and if your radio has a mixer you can have independent control of both !
I am retired living in Honduras. I am most anxious to exchange emails with fellow modelers. I am just now completing 2 Lindberg PT boats. One stock the other with improvements. I would sincerly appreciate any and all responses. All emails will be answered. Jeff

[Pat Matthews]

Lots of folks use the servo conversion, but they're not very powerful... I use 2 in a 1/35 landing craft with 3/4" props, it can barely move in a slight breeze. BUT- the servo electronics can run a small 6v motor, say a 280 size, if it's not loaded with anything more than a scale prop. But stalled in weeds, it might pull enough current to hurt the "ESC"... but hey they're cheap.
See my landing craft at http://www.geocities.com/y2patmat/
Also see the link to my Lindy Fletcher board, where such things are discussed... some of the older posts and photos also deal with 1:350 carrier conversions.

Pat M

[Jeffin Honduras]

I am converting a Revell USS Lionfish to R/C. In order for model to operate correctly it must have counter-rotating props. Can I use the props that came with kit and simply reverse the polarity of one motor ? (I really doubt this). Can anyone provide me with information about how to accomplish this ? And the name of any suppliers who sells what I will need. Thanks in advance. Jeff in Honduras

[bangka]

how about 1/4 scale servos or big torque servos, are they powerful enough>? i was really thinking of making my tamiya 1/72 torpedo boat rc

[vpsbandits]

Hi. I am new to this hobby and I would like to convert a 1/32 Lindberg PT 109 for RC use. Does anyone have a detail plan (with diagrams & pictures) and a complete parts list of all the hardware required. Also what is the best place to purchase the hardware. I would like to make the conversion as easy as possible since this will be new to me. Thanks for your help.

[CG Bob]

Try the MACK Products (http://www.mackproductsrc.com/pwr_pkg_p2.htm) power package for the Dumas PT-109 (33" wood kit), MACK #402CE. It is the same kit he sells for the Lindberg PT-109.

[vpsbandits]

Thanks for the info. Does this kit also provide the hardware for the rudders? Also do you diagrams or pictures for a) the layout out of the hardware b) wiring diagrams c) templates for the mounting of the hardware. Any info you could provide would be much appreciated. Thanks for the help

[CG Bob]

Take a look at the pictures in Post #7 of this PT Boat thread (http://www.rcgroups.com/forums/showthread.php?t=282105), they show MACK motors installed in a scratch built 1:32nd scale PT boat. The rudders were scratchbuilt from brass sheet and rod. The rudder and prop shaft stuffing boxes were scratch built from brass tube.

[Jf8054]

Go to "Scale" and there is a huge thread on converting the Lindberg PT to r/c. You will not be disappointed.
Jf8054

[Jf8054]

vpsbandits,
Go to "Scale" and there is a huge thread on converting the Lindberg PT to r/c. You will not be disappointed.
Jf8054

[nick1]

TO:vpsbandits if you or any one you know has a fax machine email me at "bghanna@shaw.ca" and ill send you conversion instructions for a lindberg pt109 just send me the number and ill send you them as soon as I get the message.