These were cut to size from Vinyl using a Cricut Machine which we already had at home. Very useful for various craft needs. Ron

very nice build Ron👍

That's a very tasty looking boat Ron, a chap at our club has one, but not as nice as yours, very professional job👍

Cheers, Pete

You've done a great job Ron. That looks really nice.
Really like the transfers. They look much better than those supplied.

Ron, that pilot boat looks nice, you did a grand job on her!👍

Hi Peter. Hopefully I have attached 3 photos taken indoors for you to see. When next out on the water, I will get a few more. Ron

Good to hear you finished the build Ron. Do you have any pictures that you can post.
I enjoyed this project and was delighted with the outcome. I am now attempting a submarine conversion from a Revell kit and a much larger fire boat called the Dusseldorf.
Looking forward to your pictures if you have some.
Peter.😊

Hi Peter. Remember me from about 9 months ago. After a bit of time away from Modelling, I have just recently finished the Pilot Boat, it has had its first test sail and went well. The weather now is a bit blowy and, as was mentioned, the Pilot Boat initially needs a reasonable wind-free day. I live on the edge of North Sea and can be quite blustery. Hopefully I will be able to get its second sail and sort out any problems. It was a tricky build for my first go at Plastic Modelling. The electrics look good after quite a bit of time sorting out the wiring. Roll on a calm day for its next Sail. Regards. Ron

Thanks for the credit Peter 👍
Saw your mail, answer soon, been having PC problems.🤔
Just about got 'em ironed out now 😊
Cheers, Doug 😎

Hi Ron.
I have a reasonable knowledge of electronics and wiring but my difficulty lies in the circuit board designs, especially when IC`s are involved. Fortunately this site has some very good people willing to help. I have been helped a lot by Doug, (RNinMunich) who is always happy to advise.
Due to only requiring a small quantity of electronic items such as LED`s at a time, I buy most of them through ebay. I would recommend bright_components for LEDs and resistors. They sell most things needed for the boat builder where electronics are concerned. 😊

Hi Peter,
Thanks for idea for making easier access to Rudder Connections. I have modified mine to similar to yours and all seems well so far. I have not continued with "above" Deck Building but that will be next on the plan. How "Electrical Minded" are you regarding LED wiring etc.? I am looking for a good Website, both for getting advice on Wiring along with suitable supplies for UK source. Any ideas? Thanks again. Ron

Hi Ron.
I have just fitted the rudders and controls last weekend. I have built almost the complete model but held off from fitting the deck until I had time to consider this problem. The best I could come up with was to reverse the control arms so that their screws fixing them to the rudders were accessible from the front after the deck had been fitted. Doing the linkages this way means that you have to bend the control arms to miss the strength rib in front of the rear skin and also you might have to reverse the servo travel direction on the Tx. I had to do this.😉
I have included a picture to show what I have done. it does not solve all of the problems but makes adjustment possible.
I have also included a picture of the dual speed controller. I know you have solved this problem but I have tested this unit and it works very well. I hope this helps in some way.
Peter.😊

Hi Peter. I have competed the hull and tested motors which are running OK. Whilst setting up the Servo etc for the Rudder Control, I found the fittings very fiddly to connect (and that is without the Deck fitted). Moving on, I am considering what can/should be done to enable slight adjustments to the Rudders etc. when the Deck is fixed. All very tight to get into that area. Has anyone had this problem and found an answer? Thanks. Ron

Hi Peter. I have spoken to Cornwall Model Boats and they advised me that to run 2 engines from one ESC, you should set up and get one engine running, then separately the second one and then join them together by means of a Y Connector. I have done this and now have both engines running together. I don't need them to run individually. Steering will be done by Rudders. Best Wishes. Ron👍😁

Call the guys at Harbor models.com You only need 2 speed controllers if the motors will run at different speeds. They sold me a Viper 40 amp that runs my 2 brushed 500 motors perfectly (1/96 USS Olympia). They are great for questions and customer service. John Asklar

Hi Ron.
I am currently building the Aeronauts Pilot Boat Kit. it is reasonably well advanced now but I still have to fit the electronics.
I bought two 400 sport brushed motors and was advised at a very early stage that two speed controllers were necessary. I looked into various solutions and found that Hobbyking sell a dual speed controller especially for two motors. it is a Hobbywing Quicrun 860. I hope this helps.😊
Peter.

Steve. Since my last message, I have made progress, purchased a kit from Cornwall Models. Started building hull just before Xmas and as you mentioned, you need to have patience to get it right. Before going to far, I am planning how to set up the Motors and the Speed controller. I have got a Viper Marine 25 ESC and 2 Motors (380's). Looking back at some photos of yours, it looks as you have 2 Speed Controllers. I am having problems in getting the ESC to talk to the 2 Motors. Do I need to have a second ESC to operate the 2 Motors? How would this be set up through my Hobbyking Controller? Would appreciate some clarity of my thinking. Best Wishes. Ron👍😁

Talking of glues for plastic I have a bottle of Plastic Magic (liquid) which you apply to the joint at one end using a brush. it runs by capillary action along the joint or press the joint together for those less accurate. I have not yet found a plastic it won't join. Be very very sparing using on any of the foams as it eats some of them. Test on scrap first. On E Bay/Amazon you can find Por type glues unbranded much cheaper but equally effective. Search for Depron glues. Happy sticking👍👍

Hi Peter
It seems so long ago and I can't remember exactly how I did it.
However, I used canopy glue (which dries clear) to stick the glazing to the window opening as centrally as I could. Any gaps were successfully covered by the metal trim, which I fitted before the canopy glue dried so I could reposition the glazing if required.
Sorry I can't be any more specific but the end result was 'gapless'.

Steve

Hi Steve.
In have been reading this thread with great interest as I am currently making this Pilot Boat kit. I am about 70% there but have hit a snag that I have no answer for and hoped you could help.
I am trying to fit the glazing but have found it to be fairly loose in the holes. Can you advise as to how you glued yours in place without sticking the protective tape in place and how it stays there due to the gaps around. When did you fit the metal trims.
Thanks.😊
Peter.

Jotika Ltd are the main UK distributor for Aeronaut. http://www.jotika-ltd.com/Pages/1024768/Distributors_Front.htm

I have just spoken to the MD, John and he can supply any parts you need.
His phone number is 01905 776073.

Hope this helps.

I have this model 3/4 finished. Unfortunately I have lost one of the metal window frames. I am at a loss as to the best way to make suitable replacement that won’t be to obvious, any suggestion would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks cormorant. Looking forward to it and its challenges.👍😁

I hope you enjoy the build Ron, I know I did.
The most difficult part for me was skinning the hull. You need to be very careful and precise when lining them up.
Best of luck!

Steve

I have followed this Thread about the Aeronaut Pilot Boat and I am going to purchase one shortly. A lot of brilliant information and hints have been made which has helped me making up my mind, I will let you know when I am ready to start.👍

Perhaps this may help?

Great thread, might just of convinced me to look st this for my next oroject

Thank you very much!
I think I will call aeronaut as the rubbing strake is included in every picture and my mother is a lawyer who advised me to just ask for them to send me one on the grounds of misrepresentation, (I know it says optional in the instructions but you only get the instructions after you buy the boat!)
Fingers crossed.
Thanks
T

I got mine from Jotika. He actually supplies the trade with this and other kits. Not cheap but it finishes the boat off nicely.
http://jotika-ltd.com/Pages/1024768/index.htm. if you telephone and ask for John, the proprietor, I am sure he will help.

sorry to post again just checked the instructions and it says that the rubbing strake is optional but not included!? i find this very annoying as the kit is hardly cheap and is missing quite a lot like the grease/silicone tubing for the rudder waterseal. I was wondering how to make/ where to get a rubbing strake? thanks
t

PPS Have just started my log!
https://model-boats.com/builds/view/30601?t=1498411507

hi guys, i have just finnished my hull with all the electrics and its all watertight etc but no rubbing strake was included in my box?! was this the same with yours? if so where did you buy yours?
Thanks
Tintin
ps i have put a video on youtube etc but will post all the links on a build log im starting soon!

Hi Tintin,

My Tugboat came out OK, She is complete now.
but, I haven't put her in the water yet! as she has a small leak and I haven't found where from. That's another project I have to work on.

Thanks figtree7nts, I cant wait myself! I hope to get it done before the summer holidays, hope your tug boat is fairing well! 😁 Thank you for the link cormorant, I shall take a look! 👍
Tintin

Hi Tintin
I also look forward to your build blog and time lapse.
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCqdJwdKWjLv2tEaiLqWnGJw
should take you to my youtube channel and one of the videos shows my pilot boat helping with some ice breaking on our lake.
Steve

Hi Skipper44,

I am looking forward to your build blog, it sounds as if it's going to be greatly detailed blog. I look forward to seeing how your Electro Magnet gets in incorporated in to the Pilot Boat Model!
I'll be waiting Patiently for your first post!

Ed

Hi Steve,

Thanks for the reply, I was just wondering about the lights!
And now I now, eventually I'll get a Pilot boat myself.
But for now I have your Pilot boat post to look at!
Oh, and now I know if I ever get the Pilot Boat to get the LED's from Ebay!

Ed

Thank you very much for the speedy reply! Yes I have purchased some LED's off Ebay, ended up with 10 of each colour as thats the minimum you can buy! So plenty to spare if anyone wants a couple. I have also got an electro magnet which I intend on gluing (or sticking somehow so it doesnt warp the side) to the inside of the boat just above waterline. I will operate it on a seperate channel where i can turn it on and off using a turngy switch. This way i can come along side the model jettys that I have which have metal in them and attach on. I have been greatly admiring your photos cormorant! if you have a chance anymore videos of her running would be amazing! When i start mine in a couple of weeks I am going to do a time lapse and a stage by stage review until she is finnished and post it on youtube I think, only because there is very little of this boat on youtube.
Anyway, many thanks for the help!
Tintin

Hi Ed
Three LEDs were supplied, two for the bow lights and one for the searchlight.
The remainder I had to purchase but they cost next to nothing on ebay.
Steve

Hi Cormorant,

I've been meaning to ask you. are the LED's included for the lights of the Pilot Boat? Or do you have to purchase them separately!

Ed

Hi Tintin
The motors were recommended by Howes Models when I bought the kit, together with the three bladed 35mm brass props.
Motors fitted no problem with plenty of room for all the other electrics. Don't know how the price compares with Graupner but I am pleased with the performance.
Hope this helps
Steve

Hey,
I've really enjoyed reading this build log, I was wondering what the dimensions of your 540 motors were? because in the instructions (i'm about to start building it) it says to use a graupner 400 speed which is significantly smaller than the two graupner 600 speed motors that i was intending to put in it. Do you think they would fit? How much spare room is there?
Many thanks for any help,
Yours
Tintin

Just watched that youtube clip......pretty good with all the lights on Steve

Early in this thread I saw Depron mentioned as being the material of the build Was this so ? if so what glue was used in the build. UHU por or similar brand is usually recommended.Re Glueing metal to plastic good old Gorilla Glue is the one Much cheaper then those others and has good gap filling too.👍

Hi Nick

Yes, I was very pleased with the final model and its maiden voyage. it looks particularly good with all the lights on.
Just a reminder, be very precise when positioning the hull skins and don't use too much glue as the ribs will show through.
Best of luck.
Steve

Some really good posts here, i'm also on the brink of purchasing the Pilot boat.....never built one before but if keep to the advice and tips given then I should be ok.....I hope --- Steve did you have a successful launch when you sailed it for the first time?

Hi Glyn
I got all my running gear from Howes Models which is where I bought the kit. it was on their recommendation and I got 540 brushed motors, three bladed brass props and Mtroniks Viper marine ESCs. This gives me what I consider to be a good scale speed.
For gap filling I use Milliput and for small cracks, decorators caulk.
Cheers. Steve

Hi Glyn, I use pro type car body filler, look on line for your local bodyshop supplies, they will sell you filler in any size and the hardener, far cheaper than Halfords price

Just wondered is there a specific filler I can use to close any of the small gaps before painting?

Cheers, many thanks.
My hull is up, trying to decide what motors I fancy, and where to get them from, along with props, controllers, switching unit, leds, and various other grubbing that's required. Like to get in one go, save postage, fed up with paying £3:50 or more for a one tiny item I forgot! Sure you know how it is.