DUKWsInARow

Earlier today, I finally got the chance to install the propeller shaft stuffing box in my 1:96 scale model(s) of the USS Kearsarge (,LV-112, and the SS Phoenix) and plan to install the rudder stuffing box next weekend.

I’m rather concerned about managing the weight on this model and was wondering if any of you could suggest a light engine for this model that would be able to move this ship at scale speeds.

The propeller is a four blader made of white metal that was actually intended for a Cottage Industries Iron Clad model.

Thank you in advance.

DUKWsInARow

another pic

DUKWsInARow

another pic

DUKWsInARow

final pic

herrmill

Use a hacked servo:

http://walternelson.com/ironclads.pdf

http://buildingmodelboats.blogspot.c...nversions.html

Hydro Junkie

You sure you want to make that into an R/C? I've found the Kearsarge kit to be very rare, too rare for me to consider making my kit into an R/C

DUKWsInARow

Hydro Junkie,

First of all, with the engine and rudder already installed (the rudder is not yet attached to a servo, put the rudder post is installed, I’m well on my way to ‘RCing’ this model.

Second of all, I’m kind of insulted by the suggestion that RCing the Kearsarge would somehow diminish a rare model. If anything, I hope that RCing the Kearsarge will enhance the model. I believe that I have enough buoyancy to add all existing detail, plus super detailed cannon from Cottage Industry Models. Plus, once I finish my model of the Alabama, the Kearsarge will actually be able to battle her nemesis once again…

Hydro Junkie

You took my comment all wrong!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I never said not to make it R/C. I was more concerned that you might lose it to the bottom due to the rare and almost irreplacable nature of the kit. I have all four ships of the 1:96 set and, to finish my set, I looked for almost 10 years to find my Kearsage. I finally found it on consignment in a hobby shop two years ago after the owner had passed away. Doing an R/C conversion could be dangerous for the model due to how top heavy the solid plastic masts and spars make the model. I do hope that your conversion is successful as I would love to see that ship on the water. I'm just voicing a concern and a caution that I felt needed to be addressed. It's actually one of the reasons mine is still in the box, the wife is afraid that something will happen and it will be damaged or worse[X(]

DUKWsInARow

Hydro Junkie,

I’m shocked to hear that it took 10 years for you to find the Kearsarge and am always surprised to hear how rare this kit is because there were two for sale at a recent meeting of a club I belong to, another available for a very reasonable price at a “collection reduction” sale I went to (this and four other kits were purchased for a combined $100.00), and yet more were available on e-bay while I was searching for a model of the Alabama.

I always treat all my models with the upmost of care and if, god forbid, one of them sank, I have no problem swimming.

Anyway, using a clunky translator, I’ve been trying to get additional tips from the following two German builders of the Kearsarge. If you’re still building yours, these links are worth checking out…

http://www.wettringer-modellbauforum...32636&pageNo=1

http://www.wettringer-modellbauforum...ight=Kearsarge

Hydro Junkie

Mine will stay in the box, for the near future at least. I've got so many projects going that if I start another one I probably won't live to see tomorrow. When I do start working on my sail "fleet", I'll probably start with the Cutty Sark as it's the simplest to build and has the least detail as there are no cannon or associated rigging there of to work on. Another reason for me to start with the "Sark' is it's still intact and there are many detail shots available in the web. I am curious about your detailed cannons you mentioned. Is there a web site or someplace I can look at them as I do prefer to have detail rather than just simple blocks to "represent" such an important part of the ship. Over the past year or two I've been drivng the wife crazy over another model that I may R/C, the 1:400 scale Enterprise as well as a static Tamiya Bismarck. When I opened the Enterprise's box, I figured the aircraft would have "some detail", but was very disapointed. I also found the Arado AR196 float planes supplied by Tamiya weren't much better so I've spent the past two years obtaining replacement aircraft from Trumpeter. These, like your cannon, are considerably more detailed and will give the ships a more finished look than the aircraft supplied with the kits.