RE: RC square-rigger, 1:96 scale USS Constitution
Hi Al Stein,
lack of activity in this thread has mostly lead me to abandon it, but thanks to another forum with a dedicated group of square-rigger sailors, I got my project up and running. It is now commissioned as the Moby Duck.
Under advice from other square-rigger sailors, I switched from rotating masts to rotating yards on screw eyes. This allows me to easily remove sails when the wind picks up. Sails are Tyvek hot-glued to the upper yards, and tied to the lower yards. I found that the standard servos work just fine, since the force of the wind on the square sails almost entirely balances out. One of the other sailors pointed out a brilliant method for linking the fore and aft sails to the same servos as the square sails. I am currently in the process of implementing it. The jibs are hooked up, we'll see if I have enough time to do the spanker before going sailing tomorrow. My usual pond for sea trials with my electric models has incredibly inconsistent winds, ranging from nothing to lee-rail-under to all-sails-backed in seconds, so I'm ranging farther afield tomorrow in search of a sailing pond.
[link=http://i65.photobucket.com/albums/h237/kotori87/IMG_0533.jpg]Moby Duck after the hike back from her maiden voyage[/link]. (Rookie sailor + untested ship) X (square-rigger) = [:-][X(][:@][:'(]
[link=http://i65.photobucket.com/albums/h237/kotori87/IMG_3420.jpg]Exploring the local park pond on her third voyage[/link]. Doing better, but topsails and topgallants alone isn't an ideal rig.
[link=http://i65.photobucket.com/albums/h237/kotori87/IMG_3430.jpg]On the shelf, showing off her almost-finished sails[/link]. Notice the tape temporarily holding the sails in place. Courses, jibs, and spanker help a lot, and royals look cool in light winds.
[link=http://i65.photobucket.com/albums/h237/kotori87/IMG_3440.jpg]heading up the mighty Stephens Creek[/link]
[link=http://i65.photobucket.com/albums/h237/kotori87/IMG_3445.jpg]Square-riggers have an aesthetic all on their own[/link]. Isn't she a beauty?
[link=http://i65.photobucket.com/albums/h237/kotori87/IMG_3446.jpg]riding at anchor in an eddy[/link]
[link=http://i65.photobucket.com/albums/h237/kotori87/IMG_3451.jpg]We can't go any further, Cap'n![/link] It's too dangerous!