I was looking at the props again. I think I could have gotten them a little bit closer together because the keel is sanded a little thinner at the end. But I was just happy to get them in at all. This afternoon I routed (routered?) out a small depression for the pump. Spent the evening making a motor mount and the support brackets for the prop shaft. I am going with direct drive on 2 x 400 series motors.
That sounds about right for the drive system. I was thinking about trying one of Greg's gearboxes, I have 3 or 4 in my spare parts box. The ship is light enough to use it, but dual motors will be best I think.
Okay -- so I've finally started cutting the rudder when I make a big (but totally obvious) discovery. There is no room under the boat for a 1.75 sq in rudder. I have something like 1.25 x .625 to play with (which comes out ~.78 sq in). I don't like the rudder to stick below the keel, and I really don't want the rudder to extend beyond the back of the boat. So it's a much smaller rudder that fits, or a larger rudder that might get fouled. Loss of manueverability vs loss of control. Opionions?
Do the props stick out below the keel? Your primary goal with the rudder is to redirect thrust from the props. So if the props stick out below the keel, the rudder should as well. If they don't stick out below the keel, then there's no need to stick out that deep in the first place. Same thing with the length of the rudder. When in a hard turn, you don't need it sticking to the side more than the outside edge of the prop. If the smaller rudder you're talking about meets these goals, then that's what I would recommend.
The rudder has just about defeated me. I have tried everything I can think of to make it work in it scale location. There is simply not enough space. I almost got to work with a toothed belt, but there wasn't enough vertical clearance. The only thing left is to move the rudder forward. This means I'll have to remove the prop brackets I installed and cut the skeg. I think I can get enough space then to make a working linkage. hate to do it - but.....
Just got my Omaha hulls from Mike, they are sweet looking, but you are right, don't see how a rudder will work in the proper location, will have to think it over.
unsuccess. There is (maybe) enough room to swing a rudder arm, but the props don't clear the side of the hull and I would have to basically destroy the hull to move the shafts. I think I may put this one aside for a while.
Have you looked at a chain drive like the ones ServoCity sells? You can fit a pretty small gearhead onto the rudderpost itself without needing much internal space.
It's back. I was inspired by the other build thread to try again. I cut away a little more of the skeg and really sanded the hull. I have just enough clearance for my props now. I have started installing the rudder servo and it looks like it will fit. I am sure that it won't look near as nice as the others, but I think it will make it to the water.
Progress report - The rudder is installed. The internal components are fitted but not installed. It looks like there will room for everything without too much drama. I have 2 guns almost installed. These are not in the casemates, but exit out of the stern gun house (it is not a turret because it is not armored). The barrels are very close together -- so it should make an interesting impact. I have made my smokestacks by soaking 1/32 balsa and rolling it around a brass tube. Two pieces of 4inch wide made the correct diameter. I tried a variety of glues, but the one that seems the best was Polyurathane glue. Sanded the result and put on a layer of light FG and epoxy. I have made another cannon for installation in the stern casemate. No pictures until it is sheeted. Will not be pretty.
