I used two of the Graupner mini jet drives, and two Graupner speed 500 motors, purchased from Hobby Lobby. I finally got her in the water last Sunday, after a ten month build. I used every method I could think of to build the boat as light as possible, fearing the drives wouldn't be powerful enough to move the boat at scale speed. I was pleasantly surprised to find that she moved as fast as she did! Way faster than scale speed, I'm using the Spektrum DX 6 radio, that is computer programable, so I'll set the throttle throws down to keep the boat a bit slower. I need to warn you to go ahead and purchase the drives and motors, and install them in the transom as soon as you assemble the transom, and the two aftmost bottom hull plates. Don't wait untill the hull is completely finished as I did. This made installation a real pain! The transom is also too thick for the flanges on the drive if you assemble them as per the plans. The optimum set up, would be to cut out the inner transom (its made of two thick pieces of balsa, sandwhiched together), enough so the inboard flange has plenty of room, to butt up against the outer most transom piece. This will allow the flanges to seat properly against eachother. Also critical, is the fact that the transom has to be EXACTLY at 90degrees from the keel, and the bottom hull plates where the intakes mount. Mine was a few degrees past 90, and it required alot of filling and sanding to make things right. Here's two pics of the drives as they were roughed in. If you need more, feel free to e-mail me at [email protected]
Also, I have pics of the real vessel as she looks today for detailing purposes. There may still be a few pics on the gallery in my profile.
Fair winds, and following seas......
Hippie>>>>>>>sends