Second decent run with this boat- rather sedate I think. At the moment it's drawing 33amps (stationary, 16.5 amps each motor) with both motors running from a 12v Nimh pack. I want to get each motor running off a separate LiPo and then I could probably increase the prop size- still well within the esc rating and the motors are very cool after a run at the moment. it seems a bit back heavy and I'd like to get it running flatter- so will try moving the batteries more amidships.
{"text":"Second decent run with this boat- rather sedate I think. At the moment it's drawing 33amps (stationary, 16.5 amps each motor) with both motors running from a 12v Nimh pack. I want to get each motor running off a separate LiPo and then I could probably increase the prop size- still well within the esc rating and the motors are very cool after a run at the moment. it seems a bit back heavy and I'd like to get it running flatter- so will try moving the batteries more amidships.","subject":"Lesro Rapier","media":[],"youtubeUrl":"https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=46VWDkN_akM"}
Second decent run with this boat- rather sedate I think. At the moment it's drawing 33amps (stationary, 16.5 amps each motor) with both motors running from a 12v Nimh pack. I want to get each motor running off a separate LiPo and then I could probably increase the prop size- still well within the esc rating and the motors are very cool after a run at the moment. it seems a bit back heavy and I'd like to get it running flatter- so will try moving the batteries more amidships.
HI Ian
See you are making good use of the wattmeter 😀
Like the video and agree the balance could benefit with a bit more weight amidships.
Listening to the video sound suggests your motors are not developing full power so I suspect the NiMh's are not capable of delivering the amps required.
You could try smaller props with the NiMh's to see if the performance Improves, could be your motors are working just below the optimum.
HI Ian
See you are making good use of the wattmeter 😀
Like the video and agree the balance could benefit with a bit more weight amidships.
Listening to the video sound suggests your motors are not developing full power so I suspect the NiMh's are not capable of delivering the amps required.
You could try smaller props with the NiMh's to see if the performance Improves, could be your motors are working just below the optimum.
Dave, I found that the Nimh batteries were dropping off to around 9v at full power when measured with the wattmeter and this is why I want to go for Lipos, one on each motor. At the moment I'm taking everything from one pack and I think this is the limiting factor.
When I get my Lipos I will stick them in the middle and try larger props, probably 40mmS types to begin with, having measured what's going on with the wattmeter first. it may be that the existing props will do better if the batteries are delivering up what the motors want. You're right, there is still plenty of headroom with this setup.
Just got to rake up the cash for two largish capacity Lipos!
The wattmeter is a splendid purchase- I'd say essential for this type of thing.
Anyway, glad you liked the video- she still looks quite good toodling around at that speed.
All the best...Ian
Dave, I found that the Nimh batteries were dropping off to around 9v at full power when measured with the wattmeter and this is why I want to go for Lipos, one on each motor. At the moment I'm taking everything from one pack and I think this is the limiting factor.
When I get my Lipos I will stick them in the middle and try larger props, probably 40mmS types to begin with, having measured what's going on with the wattmeter first. it may be that the existing props will do better if the batteries are delivering up what the motors want. You're right, there is still plenty of headroom with this setup.
Just got to rake up the cash for two largish capacity Lipos!
The wattmeter is a splendid purchase- I'd say essential for this type of thing.
Anyway, glad you liked the video- she still looks quite good toodling around at that speed.
All the best...Ian
A Lesro Rapier built from a new kit undertaking its maiden voyage. Two 700 9.6v motors with two Mtroniks 40 amp esc's run on 12v with two 37.5mm props. The performance was somewhat disappointing. When the photo was taken I had a 14.4v pack in, forgetting the 12v limit on the esc's -but I got away with it!
{"text":"A Lesro Rapier built from a new kit undertaking its maiden voyage. Two 700 9.6v motors with two Mtroniks 40 amp esc's run on 12v with two 37.5mm props. The performance was somewhat disappointing. When the photo was taken I had a 14.4v pack in, forgetting the 12v limit on the esc's -but I got away with it!","subject":"Lesro Rapier","media":[{"id":"1346072331","name":"1346072331.jpg","caption":"","url":"https://hobby.land/media/1346072331/l","thumbUrl":"https://hobby.land/media/1346072331/s","isImage":true,"ext":"jpg"},{"id":"1346072273","name":"1346072273.jpg","caption":"","url":"https://hobby.land/media/1346072273/l","thumbUrl":"https://hobby.land/media/1346072273/s","isImage":true,"ext":"jpg"},{"id":"1346072252","name":"1346072252.jpg","caption":"","url":"https://hobby.land/media/1346072252/l","thumbUrl":"https://hobby.land/media/1346072252/s","isImage":true,"ext":"jpg"}],"youtubeUrl":""}
A Lesro Rapier built from a new kit undertaking its maiden voyage. Two 700 9.6v motors with two Mtroniks 40 amp esc's run on 12v with two 37.5mm props. The performance was somewhat disappointing. When the photo was taken I had a 14.4v pack in, forgetting the 12v limit on the esc's -but I got away with it!
I would try and leave the cooling slots fully open, to allow air to circulate through the motor internals. Same goes for any air slots in the front face of the motor, always try and make a hole on the motor mount [if none in], to aid airflow through the motor.
if you cover the slots up, you are only adding to the internal temperature of the motor you are trying to cool.
I would try and leave the cooling slots fully open, to allow air to circulate through the motor internals. Same goes for any air slots in the front face of the motor, always try and make a hole on the motor mount [if none in], to aid airflow through the motor.
if you cover the slots up, you are only adding to the internal temperature of the motor you are trying to cool.
Purchased secondhand, upgraded to a proper motor esc rather than the original/factory on/off micro switch for the motor power. Running a graupner 600 race motor and 7.4 lipo, basically just to run the brushes in on the motor before raising the battery voltage,
bit of a shaky video but try holding the transmitter and filming at same time on your own [ha ha].
it does have the capacity to move a ot faster, but would sooner work the motor in fully first
{"text":"Purchased secondhand, upgraded to a proper motor esc rather than the original/factory on/off micro switch for the motor power. Running a graupner 600 race motor and 7.4 lipo, basically just to run the brushes in on the motor before raising the battery voltage,\nbit of a shaky video but try holding the transmitter and filming at same time on your own [ha ha].\nit does have the capacity to move a ot faster, but would sooner work the motor in fully first","subject":"Kyosho Wave Master","media":[],"youtubeUrl":"https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-j-mRKlm4Vo"}
Purchased secondhand, upgraded to a proper motor esc rather than the original/factory on/off micro switch for the motor power. Running a graupner 600 race motor and 7.4 lipo, basically just to run the brushes in on the motor before raising the battery voltage,
bit of a shaky video but try holding the transmitter and filming at same time on your own [ha ha].
it does have the capacity to move a ot faster, but would sooner work the motor in fully first
I acquired this Snowberry in need of some TLC. I found some pictures of a flower class captured by the Germans in France. I used a bit of modellers licence but I think it does represent the ship. it is powered by a MFA 540, 6volt gel cell and ripmax esc. Tx rx 204 gig
{"text":"I acquired this Snowberry in need of some TLC. I found some pictures of a flower class captured by the Germans in France. I used a bit of modellers licence but I think it does represent the ship. it is powered by a MFA 540, 6volt gel cell and ripmax esc. Tx rx 204 gig","subject":"Kreigsmarine PA-2","media":[{"id":"1345208571","name":"1345208571.jpg","caption":"","url":"https://hobby.land/media/1345208571/l","thumbUrl":"https://hobby.land/media/1345208571/s","isImage":true,"ext":"jpg"},{"id":"1345208562","name":"1345208562.jpg","caption":"","url":"https://hobby.land/media/1345208562/l","thumbUrl":"https://hobby.land/media/1345208562/s","isImage":true,"ext":"jpg"},{"id":"1345208552","name":"1345208552.jpg","caption":"","url":"https://hobby.land/media/1345208552/l","thumbUrl":"https://hobby.land/media/1345208552/s","isImage":true,"ext":"jpg"},{"id":"1345208542","name":"1345208542.jpg","caption":"","url":"https://hobby.land/media/1345208542/l","thumbUrl":"https://hobby.land/media/1345208542/s","isImage":true,"ext":"jpg"}],"youtubeUrl":""}
I acquired this Snowberry in need of some TLC. I found some pictures of a flower class captured by the Germans in France. I used a bit of modellers licence but I think it does represent the ship. it is powered by a MFA 540, 6volt gel cell and ripmax esc. Tx rx 204 gig
More photos.All four shafts are powered using Raboesch 35mm diam props.
Batteries are Nicads but I am going to try some 5000ma NIMH IN THE NEAR FUTURE.
{"text":"More photos.All four shafts are powered using Raboesch 35mm diam props.\nBatteries are Nicads but I am going to try some 5000ma NIMH IN THE NEAR FUTURE.","subject":"Fairmile D","media":[{"id":"1342951612","name":"1342951612.jpg","caption":"","url":"https://hobby.land/media/1342951612/l","thumbUrl":"https://hobby.land/media/1342951612/s","isImage":true,"ext":"jpg"},{"id":"1342951473","name":"1342951473.jpg","caption":"","url":"https://hobby.land/media/1342951473/l","thumbUrl":"https://hobby.land/media/1342951473/s","isImage":true,"ext":"jpg"}],"youtubeUrl":""}
More photos.All four shafts are powered using Raboesch 35mm diam props.
Batteries are Nicads but I am going to try some 5000ma NIMH IN THE NEAR FUTURE.
Hello from an Ossie, I am gob smacked at your detail, it is so good I bet you have messed up and the shoe laces on the boots of the crew are done incorrectly? ( well, I know they are wearing wellies, so it can only be that the buttons on the weather jacket are on the wrong side?) What a delight, a superb model of building and engineering. Very, very well done . See ya Lyle.
Hello from an Ossie, I am gob smacked at your detail, it is so good I bet you have messed up and the shoe laces on the boots of the crew are done incorrectly? ( well, I know they are wearing wellies, so it can only be that the buttons on the weather jacket are on the wrong side?) What a delight, a superb model of building and engineering. Very, very well done . See ya Lyle.
here are few pictures of sea queen scratch built plank on frame using Ikea blind slats ,
first
runs OK but still to sought out motor esc and prop , runs of 5mins befor cut out kicks in . ....
so back in the dock for motor change , so when weather gets better will give it another go at Portishead where there is bit more space to get some on the water shooting-pictures 👍 .cheers Larry...
{"text":"here are few pictures of sea queen scratch built plank on frame using Ikea blind slats ,\n first \n runs OK but still to sought out motor esc and prop , runs of 5mins befor cut out kicks in . ....\n so back in the dock for motor change , so when weather gets better will give it another go at Portishead where there is bit more space to get some on the water shooting-pictures \ud83d\udc4d .cheers Larry...","subject":"jubilee sea queen","media":[{"id":"1338997981","name":"1338997981.jpg","caption":"","url":"https://hobby.land/media/1338997981/l","thumbUrl":"https://hobby.land/media/1338997981/s","isImage":true,"ext":"jpg"},{"id":"1342518426","name":"1342518426.jpg","caption":"","url":"https://hobby.land/media/1342518426/l","thumbUrl":"https://hobby.land/media/1342518426/s","isImage":true,"ext":"jpg"},{"id":"1342518355","name":"1342518355.jpg","caption":"","url":"https://hobby.land/media/1342518355/l","thumbUrl":"https://hobby.land/media/1342518355/s","isImage":true,"ext":"jpg"},{"id":"1342518195","name":"1342518195.jpg","caption":"","url":"https://hobby.land/media/1342518195/l","thumbUrl":"https://hobby.land/media/1342518195/s","isImage":true,"ext":"jpg"}],"youtubeUrl":""}
here are few pictures of sea queen scratch built plank on frame using Ikea blind slats ,
first
runs OK but still to sought out motor esc and prop , runs of 5mins befor cut out kicks in . ....
so back in the dock for motor change , so when weather gets better will give it another go at Portishead where there is bit more space to get some on the water shooting-pictures 👍 .cheers Larry...
HI there, I have a sea queen that I found in my mates grandads house, built in 1959 with paper work for the ganette 15cc motor, the boat was in VGC but I just had to restore it, the motor and esc I used is from gaint cod, the motor is a EMP 50/65 410kv with a 100amp ESC on 4cell lipo 5000 with a 70mm plastic prop, the speed is a bit over scale speed but the run times are up to 20 minutes.Brushless is the way forward, brushed motors are a thing of the past.
HI there, I have a sea queen that I found in my mates grandads house, built in 1959 with paper work for the ganette 15cc motor, the boat was in VGC but I just had to restore it, the motor and esc I used is from gaint cod, the motor is a EMP 50/65 410kv with a 100amp ESC on 4cell lipo 5000 with a 70mm plastic prop, the speed is a bit over scale speed but the run times are up to 20 minutes.Brushless is the way forward, brushed motors are a thing of the past.
HI Chris,
This sounds very exciting. I have a Sea Queen kit which I want to start and have put off whilst I research what to put in it. Any photos or video of your Sea Queen in action?
What make of Lipo do you use? I'm just on the cusp of buying a couple and they seem to vary hugely in price. Presumably you got yours from Giant Shark?
Any info gratefully received!
Ian
HI Chris,
This sounds very exciting. I have a Sea Queen kit which I want to start and have put off whilst I research what to put in it. Any photos or video of your Sea Queen in action?
What make of Lipo do you use? I'm just on the cusp of buying a couple and they seem to vary hugely in price. Presumably you got yours from Giant Shark?
Any info gratefully received!
Ian
This model was originally scratch built in 1964 by my Dad as a 15th birthday present for me,the length over all is 60.5" with a beam of 17.5" and a theoretical draught of 3.5",not sure as to the actual design but it is meant to be 1/12th scale, it was originally powered by a 12 Volt windscreen wiper motor out of an old Mercedes car, and the radio gear was a home made system as well, but both are now well beyond repair and I am fitting an MFA 800 Motor with a Fusion Aquapower ESC rated at 125amp. run by a new 2.4 Ghz radio system.
When I get to sea trials stage I will send Update and possible video footage.This boat along with the rest of my harbour, will be on view at the Abbergavenny Steam Rally this weekend June 3rd and 4th(Sunday Monday) in the model section marquee.
{"text":"This model was originally scratch built in 1964 by my Dad as a 15th birthday present for me,the length over all is 60.5\" with a beam of 17.5\" and a theoretical draught of 3.5\",not sure as to the actual design but it is meant to be 1/12th scale, it was originally powered by a 12 Volt windscreen wiper motor out of an old Mercedes car, and the radio gear was a home made system as well, but both are now well beyond repair and I am fitting an MFA 800 Motor with a Fusion Aquapower ESC rated at 125amp. run by a new 2.4 Ghz radio system.\nWhen I get to sea trials stage I will send Update and possible video footage.This boat along with the rest of my harbour, will be on view at the Abbergavenny Steam Rally this weekend June 3rd and 4th(Sunday Monday) in the model section marquee.","subject":"MV CAROLINE","media":[{"id":"1338239055","name":"1338239055.jpg","caption":"","url":"https://hobby.land/media/1338239055/l","thumbUrl":"https://hobby.land/media/1338239055/s","isImage":true,"ext":"jpg"},{"id":"1338236370","name":"1338236370.jpg","caption":"","url":"https://hobby.land/media/1338236370/l","thumbUrl":"https://hobby.land/media/1338236370/s","isImage":true,"ext":"jpg"},{"id":"1338238962","name":"1338238962.jpg","caption":"","url":"https://hobby.land/media/1338238962/l","thumbUrl":"https://hobby.land/media/1338238962/s","isImage":true,"ext":"jpg"}],"youtubeUrl":""}
This model was originally scratch built in 1964 by my Dad as a 15th birthday present for me,the length over all is 60.5" with a beam of 17.5" and a theoretical draught of 3.5",not sure as to the actual design but it is meant to be 1/12th scale, it was originally powered by a 12 Volt windscreen wiper motor out of an old Mercedes car, and the radio gear was a home made system as well, but both are now well beyond repair and I am fitting an MFA 800 Motor with a Fusion Aquapower ESC rated at 125amp. run by a new 2.4 Ghz radio system.
When I get to sea trials stage I will send Update and possible video footage.This boat along with the rest of my harbour, will be on view at the Abbergavenny Steam Rally this weekend June 3rd and 4th(Sunday Monday) in the model section marquee.
Model Slipways kit with fire monitors and bow thrusters. Powered by 2 x MFA 2.5 : 1 motors on 6 volts via Action P94 mixer ESCs. Sails mostly at Tynemouth model Boat Club
{"text":"Model Slipways kit with fire monitors and bow thrusters. Powered by 2 x MFA 2.5 : 1 motors on 6 volts via Action P94 mixer ESCs. Sails mostly at Tynemouth model Boat Club","subject":"Irishman","media":[{"id":"1334348513","name":"1334348513.jpg","caption":"","url":"https://hobby.land/media/1334348513/l","thumbUrl":"https://hobby.land/media/1334348513/s","isImage":true,"ext":"jpg"},{"id":"1334348455","name":"1334348455.jpg","caption":"","url":"https://hobby.land/media/1334348455/l","thumbUrl":"https://hobby.land/media/1334348455/s","isImage":true,"ext":"jpg"},{"id":"1334348413","name":"1334348413.jpg","caption":"","url":"https://hobby.land/media/1334348413/l","thumbUrl":"https://hobby.land/media/1334348413/s","isImage":true,"ext":"jpg"}],"youtubeUrl":""}
Model Slipways kit with fire monitors and bow thrusters. Powered by 2 x MFA 2.5 : 1 motors on 6 volts via Action P94 mixer ESCs. Sails mostly at Tynemouth model Boat Club
It is a "Model Slipway" Kit and is listed on their web site ( www.modelslipway.com ) as Yorkshireman as this was the sister tug. The basic kit costs about A£270 and running gear, bow thrusters, fire monitors and radio gear costs about another A£250. The kit is really for those with modelling experience as it has a few challenges for the inexperienced. Hope this helps
It is a "Model Slipway" Kit and is listed on their web site ( www.modelslipway.com ) as Yorkshireman as this was the sister tug. The basic kit costs about A£270 and running gear, bow thrusters, fire monitors and radio gear costs about another A£250. The kit is really for those with modelling experience as it has a few challenges for the inexperienced. Hope this helps
Bought off ebay, where else! Had been started as a cruiser, with one very small electric motor,then put in a loft for goodness knows how many years.Replaced prop shaft with 2, 40mm r/h and l/h props, 2x 540 motors running through 40a esc.Radio is 27mhz. 2ch. would like to swap to 2ghz to get rid of the unsightly aerial! I am awaiting some plasticard windows to Improve the looks and will slowly add fittings as and when.I tend to sail it every now and again on the boating lake in BUXTON, no-one has shouted as yet,though I'm not sure the swans approve.!: The photo on the water was just as the power was running down, none as yet at speed.It is very manoeverable with the twin rudders,almost on the gunwhales at speed.
{"text":"Bought off ebay, where else! Had been started as a cruiser, with one very small electric motor,then put in a loft for goodness knows how many years.Replaced prop shaft with 2, 40mm r/h and l/h props, 2x 540 motors running through 40a esc.Radio is 27mhz. 2ch. would like to swap to 2ghz to get rid of the unsightly aerial! I am awaiting some plasticard windows to Improve the looks and will slowly add fittings as and when.I tend to sail it every now and again on the boating lake in BUXTON, no-one has shouted as yet,though I'm not sure the swans approve.!: The photo on the water was just as the power was running down, none as yet at speed.It is very manoeverable with the twin rudders,almost on the gunwhales at speed.","subject":"Aerokits 34\" hull","media":[{"id":"1333544216","name":"1333544216.jpg","caption":"","url":"https://hobby.land/media/1333544216/l","thumbUrl":"https://hobby.land/media/1333544216/s","isImage":true,"ext":"jpg"},{"id":"1333544003","name":"1333544003.jpg","caption":"","url":"https://hobby.land/media/1333544003/l","thumbUrl":"https://hobby.land/media/1333544003/s","isImage":true,"ext":"jpg"}],"youtubeUrl":""}
Bought off ebay, where else! Had been started as a cruiser, with one very small electric motor,then put in a loft for goodness knows how many years.Replaced prop shaft with 2, 40mm r/h and l/h props, 2x 540 motors running through 40a esc.Radio is 27mhz. 2ch. would like to swap to 2ghz to get rid of the unsightly aerial! I am awaiting some plasticard windows to Improve the looks and will slowly add fittings as and when.I tend to sail it every now and again on the boating lake in BUXTON, no-one has shouted as yet,though I'm not sure the swans approve.!: The photo on the water was just as the power was running down, none as yet at speed.It is very manoeverable with the twin rudders,almost on the gunwhales at speed.
Scratch built outrigger hydro with a 3600KV motor ESC and a 11.1v 45C 5000mAh battery, running an Octura X435 prop
{"text":"Scratch built outrigger hydro with a 3600KV motor ESC and a 11.1v 45C 5000mAh battery, running an Octura X435 prop","subject":"Predator Outrigger MK1","media":[{"id":"1330014029","name":"1330014029.jpg","caption":"","url":"https://hobby.land/media/1330014029/l","thumbUrl":"https://hobby.land/media/1330014029/s","isImage":true,"ext":"jpg"}],"youtubeUrl":""}
Built from a .PDF plan I found on the net, this 22" Outrigger Hydro sports a Hobbywing 3600Kv Brushless, along with a Hobbywing 60A esc, a 5000mAh 11.1v 45C LiPo, and an Octura X435 Prop connected to a Strudder from Prestwich models.. it weighs 930g without the battery, with the battery, she goes 1386g.
This was it's Maiden run, at Herbert Woods Boatyard, at Potter Heigham Norfolk. it ran very nicely, but can do with a little tweaking to get more speed.
For the record, I did not swear, it was someone onlooking.
{"text":"Built from a .PDF plan I found on the net, this 22\" Outrigger Hydro sports a Hobbywing 3600Kv Brushless, along with a Hobbywing 60A esc, a 5000mAh 11.1v 45C LiPo, and an Octura X435 Prop connected to a Strudder from Prestwich models.. it weighs 930g without the battery, with the battery, she goes 1386g.\nThis was it's Maiden run, at Herbert Woods Boatyard, at Potter Heigham Norfolk. it ran very nicely, but can do with a little tweaking to get more speed.\n For the record, I did not swear, it was someone onlooking.","subject":"Predator Outrigger MK1 Outrigger Hydro","media":[],"youtubeUrl":"https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H1khVjakazc"}
Built from a .PDF plan I found on the net, this 22" Outrigger Hydro sports a Hobbywing 3600Kv Brushless, along with a Hobbywing 60A esc, a 5000mAh 11.1v 45C LiPo, and an Octura X435 Prop connected to a Strudder from Prestwich models.. it weighs 930g without the battery, with the battery, she goes 1386g.
This was it's Maiden run, at Herbert Woods Boatyard, at Potter Heigham Norfolk. it ran very nicely, but can do with a little tweaking to get more speed.
For the record, I did not swear, it was someone onlooking.
HI aquamatic80
She's awsume, 😎 I think that from the way she ran I would have said the same 😭 . 🤐 How much more tweeting would she need?
Cant wait to see your MkII 😀
HI aquamatic80
She's awsume, 😎 I think that from the way she ran I would have said the same 😭 . 🤐 How much more tweeting would she need?
Cant wait to see your MkII 😀
I have not played with the prop depth and angle yet, however, she has been banished to the back of the cupboard to make way for the MK2, to be re-visited a later date.
I have not played with the prop depth and angle yet, however, she has been banished to the back of the cupboard to make way for the MK2, to be re-visited a later date.
Built from a .PDF plan I found on the net, this 22" Outrigger Hydro sports a Hobbywing 3600Kv Brushless, along with a Hobbywing 60A esc, a 5000mAh 11.1v 45C LiPo, and an Octura X435 Prop connected to a Struuder from Prestwich models.. it weighs 930g without the battery, with the battery, she goes 1386g.
{"text":"Built from a .PDF plan I found on the net, this 22\" Outrigger Hydro sports a Hobbywing 3600Kv Brushless, along with a Hobbywing 60A esc, a 5000mAh 11.1v 45C LiPo, and an Octura X435 Prop connected to a Struuder from Prestwich models.. it weighs 930g without the battery, with the battery, she goes 1386g.","subject":"Predator outrigger Mk1","media":[{"id":"1330014029","name":"1330014029.jpg","caption":"","url":"https://hobby.land/media/1330014029/l","thumbUrl":"https://hobby.land/media/1330014029/s","isImage":true,"ext":"jpg"}],"youtubeUrl":""}
Built from a .PDF plan I found on the net, this 22" Outrigger Hydro sports a Hobbywing 3600Kv Brushless, along with a Hobbywing 60A esc, a 5000mAh 11.1v 45C LiPo, and an Octura X435 Prop connected to a Struuder from Prestwich models.. it weighs 930g without the battery, with the battery, she goes 1386g.
See you are making good use of the wattmeter 😀
Like the video and agree the balance could benefit with a bit more weight amidships.
Listening to the video sound suggests your motors are not developing full power so I suspect the NiMh's are not capable of delivering the amps required.
You could try smaller props with the NiMh's to see if the performance Improves, could be your motors are working just below the optimum.
When I get my Lipos I will stick them in the middle and try larger props, probably 40mmS types to begin with, having measured what's going on with the wattmeter first. it may be that the existing props will do better if the batteries are delivering up what the motors want. You're right, there is still plenty of headroom with this setup.
Just got to rake up the cash for two largish capacity Lipos!
The wattmeter is a splendid purchase- I'd say essential for this type of thing.
Anyway, glad you liked the video- she still looks quite good toodling around at that speed.
All the best...Ian