Ron, looks great. I'm going to build a new structure for my "Bonz", probably a fire-Springer boat. I have an extra nozzle. Original Springer specs for the hull as well.
Lew
Florida, USA
Just wanted to share some of the progress on my Push Boat.
Ron, looks great. I'm going to build a new structure for my "Bonz", probably a fire-Springer boat. I have an extra nozzle. Original Springer specs for the hull as well.
Lew
Florida, USA
Lew
Florida, USA
Home page: https://www.RCFlorida.org/lmb
Hello LewZ, yes I thought about this when building. Plus I think it will be like a sail if there is wind. Trying to make everything on top lite and hopefully stable. Since this is the springer kit and it has the original with the original super structure which I have and built but not painted. The super structure that I am working on is the Kentucky superstructure. So if it is to top heavy I can switch out with the original super structure and sail without problems?
Just wanted to share some of the progress on my Push Boat.
Hello LewZ, yes I thought about this when building. Plus I think it will be like a sail if there is wind. Trying to make everything on top lite and hopefully stable. Since this is the springer kit and it has the original with the original super structure which I have and built but not painted. The super structure that I am working on is the Kentucky superstructure. So if it is to top heavy I can switch out with the original super structure and sail without problems?
RonH
LewZ thanks for the caution abt side area. I am abt to put the Kentucky Wheelhouse on my Springer hull. I did have two incidents this summer where the superstructure on another tug resulted in a near-rollover & the cab sinking...twice!!
RodC
Just wanted to share some of the progress on my Push Boat.
LewZ thanks for the caution abt side area. I am abt to put the Kentucky Wheelhouse on my Springer hull. I did have two incidents this summer where the superstructure on another tug resulted in a near-rollover & the cab sinking...twice!!
RodC
VA3ROD
RonH:
Interesting model, but beware. I built a Springer with a similar configuration (but completely different design) superstructure. It is too top heavy, especially on turns, and is a "sailing ship" when windy. No amount of ballast helps stabilize it.
Lew
Florida, USA
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Just wanted to share some of the progress on my Push Boat.
RonH:
Interesting model, but beware. I built a Springer with a similar configuration (but completely different design) superstructure. It is too top heavy, especially on turns, and is a "sailing ship" when windy. No amount of ballast helps stabilize it.
Lew
Florida, USA
Lew
Florida, USA
Home page: https://www.RCFlorida.org/lmb
Some more progress. This push boat has a company name of “Steer Straight Marine” and the name of the boat will be “Well Done ll” ( Well Done 1” went back to the kitchen as it was burnt🥴🤣
The lights are all wired, there only two wires going down for the power as all the lights are 3 volts and wired in parallel. Everything can be disassembled with screws, pilot hose roof/pilot house from main cabin and main cabin from deck base. This is done by using screws that go into blind nuts. This will make repairs and upgrades easy. Note that I have painted it to look like a steer white with brown spots plus on the front of the pilot house is a steer skull in 1/24 scale. More to come😊
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Just wanted to share some of the progress on my Push Boat.
Some more progress. This push boat has a company name of “Steer Straight Marine” and the name of the boat will be “Well Done ll” ( Well Done 1” went back to the kitchen as it was burnt🥴🤣
The lights are all wired, there only two wires going down for the power as all the lights are 3 volts and wired in parallel. Everything can be disassembled with screws, pilot hose roof/pilot house from main cabin and main cabin from deck base. This is done by using screws that go into blind nuts. This will make repairs and upgrades easy. Note that I have painted it to look like a steer white with brown spots plus on the front of the pilot house is a steer skull in 1/24 scale. More to come😊
RonH, yes my sealed lead acid batteries are the same as what Zippkits sells. I buy them at a local electronics distributor, avoiding any shipping charge. They are 6V, 3.5 or 4 Amp-hours. Very common in emergency lighting units in offices, and used in alarm systems too, so they are a high volume item therefore pretty inexpensive.
My tug weighs 9lb with 2 of those batteries & a bit of birdshot to trim.
Right now i power the ESC from just one battery at a time however intend to experiment with drawing current from both batteries simultaneously by connecting them to the ESC thru large power diodes which will block any threat of one battery trying to charge the other. The diodes reduce the voltage of each battery by abt 0.7V but they block circulating currents.
In the twin-engine Springer I will use 2 batteries, 2 ESCs, & wont need the isolation diodes. One doesn't want both ESCs trying to power the receiver so I will cut one wire in the cable from one of the ESCs to the receiver.
Just wanted to share some of the progress on my Push Boat.
RonH, yes my sealed lead acid batteries are the same as what Zippkits sells. I buy them at a local electronics distributor, avoiding any shipping charge. They are 6V, 3.5 or 4 Amp-hours. Very common in emergency lighting units in offices, and used in alarm systems too, so they are a high volume item therefore pretty inexpensive.
My tug weighs 9lb with 2 of those batteries & a bit of birdshot to trim.
Right now i power the ESC from just one battery at a time however intend to experiment with drawing current from both batteries simultaneously by connecting them to the ESC thru large power diodes which will block any threat of one battery trying to charge the other. The diodes reduce the voltage of each battery by abt 0.7V but they block circulating currents.
In the twin-engine Springer I will use 2 batteries, 2 ESCs, & wont need the isolation diodes. One doesn't want both ESCs trying to power the receiver so I will cut one wire in the cable from one of the ESCs to the receiver.
RonH
Yes, the small pushers are fun to build. I see you are adding a little humor which makes the project even better.
I do enjoy mine and the fact you can make a vast number of superstructure designs.
Have Fun!
Just wanted to share some of the progress on my Push Boat.
RonH
Yes, the small pushers are fun to build. I see you are adding a little humor which makes the project even better.
I do enjoy mine and the fact you can make a vast number of superstructure designs.
Have Fun!
Hi RodC, The springer tugs are great. I usually do live steam and scratch build launches. Doing a electric is a change for me. I also put a motors and horn sound module in the boat. I made a brass two piece keil for rudder support. This makes it easy to remove the rudder and prop and shaft. Once I have the internal electronics in the boat I will take some photos. The hull is dome except for some detailing and Paint. I am a slow builder as when I make something I like to make it so that it cane easily be taken apart and fixed. I am using the two 6 volt batteries that Zippkit sells. These are suppose to be wired in parallel for more current. I do not like to put batteries in parallel as the internal resistance of each battery is different and could drain one when not using. I will wire mine so that one battery is used at a time.
Just wanted to share some of the progress on my Push Boat.
Hi RodC, The springer tugs are great. I usually do live steam and scratch build launches. Doing a electric is a change for me. I also put a motors and horn sound module in the boat. I made a brass two piece keil for rudder support. This makes it easy to remove the rudder and prop and shaft. Once I have the internal electronics in the boat I will take some photos. The hull is dome except for some detailing and Paint. I am a slow builder as when I make something I like to make it so that it cane easily be taken apart and fixed. I am using the two 6 volt batteries that Zippkit sells. These are suppose to be wired in parallel for more current. I do not like to put batteries in parallel as the internal resistance of each battery is different and could drain one when not using. I will wire mine so that one battery is used at a time.
Good evening RonH, I only began sailing with METRO MARINE MODELLERS here in Southern Ontario about a year ago. I had a trawler & a fast electric from back in my working days (I retired in 2015). Two gents, the first guys who took me under their wings, had Springer tugs.
I checked out the Zippkits website and ultimately ordered 2 kits, one single-engined, outrunner brushless (640kV, so high torque at low rpm) which you heard abt already, + one that will use two brushed 540s altho its not even started yet. Cost of FEDEX or USPS from Florida into Canada is $$$, however the kits & drivetrains are relatively inexpensive...& the laser cutting & plywood is very high quality.
I hav elected to use 6V SLA batteries as 1) I need the ballast, & 2) LIPO batteries scare me. Most of my other projects use NiMH, typically 7.2V
I bought a variety of video cameras & transmitters on AMAZON. I am Amateur Radio Operator VA3ROD, & thus can possess & operate rf transmitters that uncertified hobbyists cannot. If you send me a private msg i will reply with the URLs directing you to video products on AMAZON.
Just wanted to share some of the progress on my Push Boat.
Good evening RonH, I only began sailing with METRO MARINE MODELLERS here in Southern Ontario about a year ago. I had a trawler & a fast electric from back in my working days (I retired in 2015). Two gents, the first guys who took me under their wings, had Springer tugs.
I checked out the Zippkits website and ultimately ordered 2 kits, one single-engined, outrunner brushless (640kV, so high torque at low rpm) which you heard abt already, + one that will use two brushed 540s altho its not even started yet. Cost of FEDEX or USPS from Florida into Canada is $$$, however the kits & drivetrains are relatively inexpensive...& the laser cutting & plywood is very high quality.
I hav elected to use 6V SLA batteries as 1) I need the ballast, & 2) LIPO batteries scare me. Most of my other projects use NiMH, typically 7.2V
I bought a variety of video cameras & transmitters on AMAZON. I am Amateur Radio Operator VA3ROD, & thus can possess & operate rf transmitters that uncertified hobbyists cannot. If you send me a private msg i will reply with the URLs directing you to video products on AMAZON.
I enjoy the simplicity of the Springer tugs. Mine, too, is a Zippkit.
Fun little boats, and they make a pretty decent recovery boat.
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Just wanted to share some of the progress on my Push Boat.
I enjoy the simplicity of the Springer tugs. Mine, too, is a Zippkit.
Fun little boats, and they make a pretty decent recovery boat.
So far my collection resembles "The Island of Misfit Toys". I've picked up several boats that are old builds and have been neglected. I'm giving them the TLC they need, hoping to bring them back to their former glory. Once I get enough practice/ experience I intend to take on a full build.
Hi RodC:
Like your model push boat, sounds like your adding some detail. What type of video camera will you be using?
I have a older kit with a single screw and brushed motor
My push boat is a Zippkit. I just ordered the other super structure from them (Kentucky wheel house) I still in the middle of modifying the super structure. This is a fun model and throwing in detail is fun. I have the stinger super structure ans can easily swap
Just wanted to share some of the progress on my Push Boat.
Hi RodC:
Like your model push boat, sounds like your adding some detail. What type of video camera will you be using?
I have a older kit with a single screw and brushed motor
My push boat is a Zippkit. I just ordered the other super structure from them (Kentucky wheel house) I still in the middle of modifying the super structure. This is a fun model and throwing in detail is fun. I have the stinger super structure ans can easily swap
RonH, nicely done ! Your wheelhouse reminds me of the Springer tugs quite popular in Toronto. I've attached a photo of my ZIPPKITS wheelhouse from my own Springer. Her maiden voyage will be April 2nd when MMM rents a rec centre pool for an hour. My radar, VHF Marine band whip, navigation lites, video camera, wheel with a milk crate for Minnie to stand on, ship's cat, all these details will be added later as time permits.
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Just wanted to share some of the progress on my Push Boat.
RonH, nicely done ! Your wheelhouse reminds me of the Springer tugs quite popular in Toronto. I've attached a photo of my ZIPPKITS wheelhouse from my own Springer. Her maiden voyage will be April 2nd when MMM rents a rec centre pool for an hour. My radar, VHF Marine band whip, navigation lites, video camera, wheel with a milk crate for Minnie to stand on, ship's cat, all these details will be added later as time permits.
Just wanted to share some of the progress on my Push Boat.
Working on my mast. Drilled the holes in the pilot house so I can screw it on. Still must drill and tap the radar on. The light supports are drilled for the wire to go through. I have 4 of the same lamps, ordered two as I only need one so I will have a spare. The wires will be dresses on the side going down and will be held in place with electrical tape cut thin. There is a through hole for the wires to go through in the center of the mast mount. This way the wires will be hidden at this point. The lights are not glued in place yet as I have to paint and do some more finish work on the mast. Going to work on the 3 guide wires for the mast support. They will be attached to the mast just above the radar.
The radar unit still needs to be drilled, tapped, painted, and decaled.
I also made a working sliding door for the pilot house.
Note the steer skull on the front. With this, I will name the push boat company “ Steer Straight Marine”. The name of this boat will be called “Well Done II”. I will also be painting the supper structures a satin white and will be placing some brown patches (only on the side) to simulate a steer hide. You have to have fun with these models😊
The mast is from Harbor Models (they do have nice items) and does not come assembled. This is a 3-D made piece and the holes for the brass tubes to go through were drill on a angle (was not squared). I had to plug the holes and re-drill them working with a small drills up to the size not to break the plastic). Harbor Models makes nice stuff, but this item is not there best and with the work I had to do I could have made one from scratch. The sliding door is also a Harbor models part.
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Just wanted to share some of the progress on my Push Boat.
Just wanted to share some of the progress on my Push Boat.
Working on my mast. Drilled the holes in the pilot house so I can screw it on. Still must drill and tap the radar on. The light supports are drilled for the wire to go through. I have 4 of the same lamps, ordered two as I only need one so I will have a spare. The wires will be dresses on the side going down and will be held in place with electrical tape cut thin. There is a through hole for the wires to go through in the center of the mast mount. This way the wires will be hidden at this point. The lights are not glued in place yet as I have to paint and do some more finish work on the mast. Going to work on the 3 guide wires for the mast support. They will be attached to the mast just above the radar.
The radar unit still needs to be drilled, tapped, painted, and decaled.
I also made a working sliding door for the pilot house.
Note the steer skull on the front. With this, I will name the push boat company “ Steer Straight Marine”. The name of this boat will be called “Well Done II”. I will also be painting the supper structures a satin white and will be placing some brown patches (only on the side) to simulate a steer hide. You have to have fun with these models😊
The mast is from Harbor Models (they do have nice items) and does not come assembled. This is a 3-D made piece and the holes for the brass tubes to go through were drill on a angle (was not squared). I had to plug the holes and re-drill them working with a small drills up to the size not to break the plastic). Harbor Models makes nice stuff, but this item is not there best and with the work I had to do I could have made one from scratch. The sliding door is also a Harbor models part.
