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Colin T
Able Seaman
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R.N.L.B. Lady MacRobert (Montrose Lifeboat)
This 1/12 scale model is based on the Aerokits Solent Class lifeboat. Over the past 5 months it has been under going a major refit. I originally built the boat about 35 years ago and got the "bug" again last September. I've done the best I can to make a silk purse out of a sows ear.

Its powered by two MFA Torpedo 800 electric motors. power comes from two lead acid batteries, each rated at 12v 7Ah. Control is provided by two Mtroniks Tio ESC. The twin spade rudders are linked to one servo. Each ESC has its own receiver. I found that one receiver, using a Y lead, could not continuesly keep the two ESC supplied with a signal and they kept going into Failsafe mode alternately. I got round it by binding two receivers to the one transmitter. Within the engine compartment is an automatic bilge pump. Two probes detect if/when the water level rises to a certain amount in the bilge and activates the pump.

The model has working radar scanner , navigation lights, search light and blue flashing light.

If you want to see the boat in action please go to my You Tube page at https://www.youtube.com/user/coljacktonvale
Liked by doghouse and Falmouth1729 and
7 comments
  • larryshaw48Able Seaman
    Not done a 'blog' But my Solent also started off as an 'Aerokits' kit back in '79 or 80'. it was always an ever changing model and has ended up as true scale as I can get it using the drawings I bought from RNLI drawing office in Poole a few years ago. I gave it a fake number 48-021 to cover any mistakes if compared to a real life boat. I've sailed it across the Blackwater estuary in Essex from Bradwell and I can honestly say it was the first craft in Burnham-on-Crouch Marina when they let the water through in (about) '88 or '89. After donating my old home made RCME 27meg system to the Mid Thames Boat Club museum at Beale park in 2000 I sailed it at Beale park quite a lot with my new 'Fleet'gear- trouble was MTBC always had their 'lifeboat days' when we were on holiday and the lifeboat days fizzled out. So now it languishes in the garage.. Did meet some nice people from Watermead club at Beale a couple of weeks ago... So may get it there.
  • Colin TAble Seaman
    I've not done a blog either. I have the RNLI drawings but as you know you only get the starboard side in detail. Also they cut everything off above the wheelhouse roof so no detail regarding radar or aerials.
    My doors are tarted up originals as supplied by Aerokits. The hatches are from Marks Boat Bits.
  • DeswelhamPetty Officer 1st Class
    Interesting idea about using twin receivers. Clever

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