This is my 54" Vietnam River Raider plodding along on Needham lake in Suffolk . Was originally an I.C engine but converted to brushless . I would like to one day convert again to water jet drives , funds permitting as I have seen how well they perform . The real boats we're powered by water nozzle so would definately look the part .
This is Victoria, she was built from a Krick kit about 4 years ago, steam powered with a Maccsteam boiler and an SVS 10mm bore x 11mm stroke oscillator. She is currently taking a well earned rest after 3 years hard work, out 3 days a week, weather permitting. Undergoing boiler cleaning, engine overhaul and a bit of patching up of the woodwork.
Completed (nearly, still a few more crates needed) in July after a 2 year build on a Kingston Moldings hull. Not a scrap of plywood has been used, all made from Oak, Mahogany, Beech and brass. All fittings scratch built, boiler from Maccsteam in Macclesfield, engine TVR 1 A BB from Macclesfield model engineering supplies. Runs on 60/40 butane propane mix. Radio 3 channels used on Futaba 6EX 2.4 ghz set, 1 fo1 for fwd/reverse, I for steering.
hI there the engine is a zenaoh 26 with a clutch fitted the engine can be bought from millpond models co.uk it runs on petrol 2 stroke mix had no problems yet had too modified the boat to fit the engine as the kit was ment for electric power lol.
Hi, I've just noticed your RAF RTTL. Looks good. This coming winter I plan to build a RTTL from plans I have acquired. Overall length 5ft. I guess with your IC engine it moves pretty quickly, I'm going to have to stick with electric power as the sailing sites in the South West are all sail or electric only.
Happy sailing
See forum and my harbour (CapnJim) for more details.
Just some footage of my weathered Model Slipways Puffer - now some years old but still cruisin'. Still appreciating the model and is one of my favourites. One day I'll build a puffer at 1/32nd. but for now this does very well.
Easy build but lots of opportunities to add detail. This has all the bells and whistles (well 'steam' whistle, smoke generator and puffer engine sound at least). Would fit in a briefcase but still able to stay afloat against the wash of bigger boats or blustery winds. Surprisingly, steers well when going astern. Speed with supplied motor about 2mph ' but this is faster than scale by a margin.
Clip prepared for YouTube resolution so best not viewed full screen.
Love the puffer,lived in Argyll when puffers were still working boats,have one to build,next project.Enjoyed your video,boat looks to bevery well built!
HI this was my winter project the hull was given to me by my son who got it at a car boot sale it had been on fire as it was driven by a petrol engine in now has twin brushless motors with 45mm props but going to put 50mm props on when they come as it needs a little bit more speed Built from a set of plans this my first go at this as I build from kits in the past cabins made out of 3mm/1.5m ply and some 1.5mm balsa wood . Hull was sprayed and the deck and cabins brushed with enamel paint.
I have to disagree when you say that brushless motors are power hungry I have one more boat on a brushless and get a longer run than with brush motors a lot of members in our club use brushless with good results
I agree brushless give excellent results and will outperform brushed motors any day, provided they are set up correctly.
Power hungry was possibly a poor use of words. My point was that brushless electronics can and do draw very heavy currents which LiPo's are able to supply, and are very light weight.
We use brushless on many model at my club and for performance and endurance they can't be beaten. 👍 😀
Manta Ray from Ware House Hobbies USA.Powered by a Zenoah 26cc mod engine,fitted with Hitec radio gear on board battery indicator and a fail safe system.Appro 55/60 mph great fun although thinking of giving it up now.
This is a fun boat!
With a steam engine that really runs, it is quite a crowd pleaser.
The tank and parts are brass, and silver soldered together. The heat source is sterno, placed in the tray and Ignited. This boils distilled water in the boiler, which is vented to the piston. The hole in the freeboard is the "exaust".
I'll have to post a video of it operating.
Howdy,
It runs pretty good. The 3 blade screw pushes it right along.
Have you had your engine running since you put it together? I've been experimenting with different types of fuel, one that would be more controlable with temperature to try and limit output. Right now its all or nothing.
I'll post a video soon.
Yes I did run it with the solid fuel but that is what has put me off. I have thought about building a small gas fired boiler- I built a 3''dia vertical boiler for another boat- just wondered if it was worth it. I have a two foot hull which might suit it- or it might be too heavy -what sort ofweight is your fantail all up? I know that was designed for the plant.
What other fuels have you tried? it would be nice to see a video when you get round to it- always interesting
This model was built from a model slipway Tamar kit. it was modified substantially.all rails are soldered brass. info was from the website of Peterhead R.N.L.I. Station were there are excellent photos. The models engines are thumper motors 4240' at 900kv and run on three cell lipos @ 5000ma. Which give me at least an hour. With a speed of at least 10 mph, which lifts her bow out of the water,way passed the bow thruster , which is a graupner 400. Radar works through an old servo . Flashing blue light on mast. Running and accommodation lights. These boats are normally red below waterline however Scarborough life boats have always been white below the waterline. The crew are star war figures modified with plastic putty and a sharp knife. Not an easy build but very enjoyable. Eric Plaxton was the chairman of plaxtons coaches, and platoons building services. He left 9 million pounds to the boro of Scarborough, and 3 million to scarborough R.N.L.I., for a new boat .
Many thanks , Yes I like the colour scheme as well. I have several projects I would like to start one being the jet drive boat. as I already have the jet drives in the drawer for the last 12 months,regards Jim clark
Lady Wooes, by Mobile Marine of Lincoln. SemI kit. I bought the hull all the timber and drawings along with dozens of white metal fittings ages ago, started it and left it for 5 years, moved to North wales and finished it. Drive is 2 Ford Cortina fan heater motors driving a pair of 55mm Prop Shop props by tank steering, reciprocating steam engine sound board, smoke unit and full working lights all from 2 X 12 v 7 Amp batteries........a good and interesting but very frustrating build to get things right.
Sailed at Erias Park, Colwyn Bay Model Boat Club and sometimes at West Shore LLandudno.
