Topic: My build of HMS Solebay.

[paul swainson]

Well I have returned from my holiday (nice break was in Ripon) and got back to working on my model.  Before I left I started on the small ship life boats/whaler etc.  I found that in my set of boats I found only one whaler, one open case boat and three motorised boats.  The build that you did Joe had two whalers, and one motor launch.  Not shore if I am missing some thing or got the incorrect small boat vacuum sheet.   Any way got on with the job and her are the three boats I have done so far. 1 the motor launch.

[paul swainson]

2nd the whaler.  Still to do the rudder and the top rib on the hull.

[paul swainson]

The other open sea boat I have to use in place of the second whaler.

[paul swainson]

The rest I have just made up and may find a use for them at some time.

[paul swainson]

I have now installed the on off switches for the ESC and was about to bond the fore deck to the hull when I realised that; 1.  How am I gong to install the A turret linkage.  2.  If I install the turret then I will not be able to paint the deck.  3. If installed the deck and the A turret will have to be painted in position.   I am wondering how best to go about this?  I wonder how Joe got on this this!

[Manxman1831]

Could you make the 'A' turret removable from the linkage?  Tempting fate, I know, if you sail in heavy seas and lose the turret.

[radio joe]

Hi Paul.
You've done a nice job on the ships boats, I didn't use the vacform boats I got some from John R Haynes. two 27' whalers and a 25' motor launch  (bit like cheating really) but great detail on them, and I've just got some for Bramble from The Model Dockyard. 
I fitted A turret after the decks were finished in fact both turrets were fitted almost at the end of the build, although they had been pre fitted so I knew they would work "A" turret is fiddly but possible and both turrets have their own micro servos linked with a "y" lead.

[paul swainson]

Well I have now installed and tested the B turret and it works not to bad how ever the movement/arch of the turret movement is not all that good it only turns about 30 decrees not the 90 degrees I was hoping for.   As you will note I have not used the spring on the B turret I use control leaver from the kit for the rudder and drilled and tapped the base with a 2.5 grub screw to hold to the spindle on the turret.  and the link rod is very small in length.  Will need to see how I can improve the movement as I have the longest control arm on the servo and a short one on the turret.

[paul swainson]

I have completed the on off switch's for the ESC and they work great and when painted they will look like normal air vents in the deck.

[paul swainson]

Made the rudder for the 27ft whaler and completed the second small sea boat as a back up.   Working out now how to install the three point lift position on these boats so that the can be held in place on the Derrek's.   As I only have one 27ft whaler I will use the other motor launch and install that on the Port side which all Navy guys know as the senior side for officers, there for this launch will do just fine.   Marked out and drilled the boat Derrek's and checked measurements all OK.   So wen I receive my A turret brass ling plate I will install all decks and start the trim down of the hull ready for painting.  I am really looking forward to this as I feel the shop will become a whole item now not parts ready to be fitted.

[radio joe]

Hi Paul
On my turrets I got about 40 degrees to port and 40 to strbrd. I think that's about all you can get with an arm and push rod set up, I think you would have to use some sort of gear wheel set up to get any more movement, I'll be giving that some thought for my next build, I didn't bother turning the small deck gun on Bramble I don't think it would have the same effect as Solebay.
I wish you would glue them decks down Paul, I can't start another one till you finish Solebay, it makes me look greedy, ha ha !

[ship's doctor]

Hi Paul,

Build looking great- really coming together!

I had a go at getting the turrets to work on my previous model of a tribal destroyer- had the same problem with limited range using servos, tried with motors and microswitches but in the end the mechanism I put in was too heavy and affected the stability of the boat, so I had to take it all out...

One option might be a 'servomorph' from Action electronics- this allows you to increase the travel of a servo and change the speed. Not used it myself though so no experience!

James

[paul swainson]

Colin:  I am just waiting for the brass plate I ordered so that I can fit it to the A turret and then the decks are ready to bonded.  I have finished inside now so she will then get her sea trials or bath trails. Ha Ha Ha.   I am going to visit Deans in July to have a look at the Hospital ship and then if I like that will be my next one.   But who knows you may have built another two by then !

James.   I have seen what you that from Action.  You can put two or three in line.   Will have a look at that.   I though that if the servo had a large arm and the gun had a smaller one the turn circle would be greatest.  So I will try that as I can drill the arm to put the rod closer to the spindle.  Any thoughts any one?

[radio joe]

Hi Paul
Yes you're right about the long arm on the servo and short on the turret up to a point ,but the trouble is the push rod hits the pivot pin on the turret,
I've even thought of fitting the servo under the turret and directly connected to the servo shaft just some thoughts.

Joe

[ship's doctor]

Hi Paul,

As Joe said I had the problem with the push rod hitting the turret pivot - with the 'servo morph' you can put the turret directly on the servo. As I understand you don't need to connect several in line, the angle is adjustable with one unit. You then use a 'Y' lead from the unit to the servos for A and B turrets. That all said I've never actually used one!

James