The PE refit

Now that I have some time< ihabe decided that the PE needs to have some work done to it. Besides resheeting, I gave every system a test. The pneumatics appear to be functional. The drive system is not. One of the motors was running louder than normal and one would not turn the propeeler unless I started it. So I disconnected the universal from the shaft. Both shafts moved very easily with no resistance. I ran the motors with the universal still attached to see if they would turn. One engine would turn but it was noisy. The other would not unless I started it to move. So both motors have been removed. Now to go find some motors to fit. Hopefully I can find something locally. With a mail strike I can not order anything unless I was an expensive shippong charge.

 

Well Finally have decided to get around and get the Prinz Eugen back on the water. two new motors have been wired up. installed them to the shafts and found a problem. One of the set screws on the u joints got stripped and I cant get it out nor can I get it to tighten. Oh well. Down to Maritime hobbies next weekend to see if I can get a new one and finally get the motors running correctly.

 

So While I cant get the set screw to move, I decided to take the shafts out while I had the chance and give them a new coat of grease. The prop shafts now move very easily.

 

Hey BB26,
Your talking about WW 2 Heavy Cruiser, right? or are you talk about BB Prinz Eugen???
Nikki

 

This is the Austro-Hungarian battleship. It is one of the 4 VU class ships.

 

The setscrews are a pain once they get stripped. If they look a little rusty you want to spray a rust free lubricant on to the setcrew and let it sit before trying to unscrew it.
Other than that trying to get better quality setscrews is hard. I don't know how many I have gone through over the years.

Good to see it's getting worked on Captn.

 

Actually the screw is nice and shinny. I tried backing it off and i think it is jammed in there. The rusty looking ones move quite well. I hate the set screws that you use a screw driver rather than a hex key.

 

At least I got a chance to make sure all batteries were charged. I just dont want to consider going to dog bone and collars yet due to room constraints

 

Good to hear you are back at it. We just got done playing with motors (and set screws) A trick I do is set the screw and then goop over it. I pick the goop out and the screw is pristine. Also the goop will keep the screw from vibrating out and getting lost. Re goop when you are done.

 

I wish I did that. It is a pristene screw but it will not budge either forward or backwards. It came off easy to take the u joint off the shaft but once it went in a bit it jammed and wont move at all.

 

try heat

out of the boat of course!
If not, maybe soak it. After that, it gets ugly....

 

Go to Home Depot and get an easy out, they are great for removing set screws. If you are carefull you will not wreck anything. If you are not redrill and tap new threads.

 

I will give that a try. I really dont want to replace the u joint if I dont have to.

 

Hey Paul,
Nice to hear that the PE will be once again be a terror on the high seas.
J

 

worst comes to worst, you can drill and retap another set screw spot.

 

And last option would be just to replace the graupner u joint. I think I will look for the easiest solution. On the upside the rudders have now beed greased and reinstalled. They seems to be moving easily. I tested the motors and I know both are running as expected.

 

Good to hear Captn. Keep those propeller shafts working well.

 

Well some more good news today. My Fleabay futaba servos arrived today. Time waterproof and then tool dip.

 

Hey BB26,
Do you have any photos of her??
Nikki

 

If you search the forums Stokamoto had a thread of her construction. He had some links to photobucket which will give you an idea of what it looks like before she went into combat.