Saginaw lake freighter
 

Beginning construction on a scratch built 1/72 scale lake freighter. The goal is to make this ship fully operational.


Posted a couple of pictures in my gallery. Can't seem to upload them on the thread.

RE: Saginaw lake freighter
 

would love to see pictures of this build

RE: Saginaw lake freighter
 

I tried posting pictures here, but ran into some kind of technical problem. If you go to my profile, I was able to upload a couple of pictures to my gallery.

RE: Saginaw lake freighter
 

Hi All

Here's some pictures of my laker



Dave U

RE: Saginaw lake freighter
 

How long is your ship? The one I'm building will be 106" long and 12" wide.

RE: Saginaw lake freighter
 

Hi

My Ship 7 feet 3inches longand 12 inches wide.and built out of fiber glassgoing to have 10 gear boxes to run the water pumps and auger and run the boom.
any more info I can think of I will let you ok It's a scale model of Algoma Captain Henry Jackman

RE: Saginaw lake freighter
 

Sounds fantastic! I've got pictures that I took of Algosoo up at Duluth earlier this year. I'm planning to use Arduino micro controllers to handle the self unloader operation. Thinking about using an ultrasonic range sensor to activate the fog horn when another boat or duck crosses in front of the ship. I'm guessing a year or two before mine is operational. :)

RE: Saginaw lake freighter
 

I am planning to use an Arduino micro controllers as wellto run radar and bow thruster and other things.

RE: Saginaw lake freighter
 

Are you building to 1/96 scale?

RE: Saginaw lake freighter
 

I think it's 1/100

RE: Saginaw lake freighter
 

both are very nice thanks for sharing Keep us posted on the build as it goes along

RE: Saginaw lake freighter
 

So, here's a question for everyone. My Great Laker is 106" long, 12" wide, and has a single 4 blade screw. I'm planning on using a 4 blade 3" prop that I already have on hand. I'm hoping to use a "Battlers Connection gear drive", two motors into one shaft. I'm planning on using two 550 motors at 12 volts. Do you think this would be enough to drive the ship at scale speeds? I'm thinking that when the ship is at the water line, she'll be over 200lbs, possibly 300 lbs (I'm planning on having ballast tanks to add weight to the ship in the water). Looking for all thoughts and opinions on this. Thanks!! :)

RE: Saginaw lake freighter
 

You could build a test stern nothing fancy no need to sand, only paint it, just a couple quick coats of primer, no rudder needed. Mount your motor gear box and propeller like it would be in your model. Then you can run it in your test tank. You only need to do this for a few seconds. just long enough to get an accurate current measurement. The whole idea is to simulate the prop load to find out if your motors are drawing to much current.

If you're motors are pulling the same or nearly same current that the manufacturer quotes for max efficiency then you're good. Less is ok, that would let the motors run cooler. If its higher you need to gear down more or get a smaller prop.

Or if do not have an amp meter, just run it for 60 seconds then stop. Gently and briefly touch the motor case. If it's cool enough to hold your finger on it then the motor is not too hot.

When you do this test the more accurate the shape of the motor test platform, or stern the better. Also the depth of prop in the water.

Doing this now will let you evaluate your drive line choices before mounting it in the full size model. Unless you have a test tank big enough to hold the full size model?

You do realize too that even with a perfect drive line the model will take a while to accelerate to scale speed. And also it will take a while to stop.

Sounds like a fun project. Good luck!

RE: Saginaw lake freighter
 

Thanks!! That is a great idea!! I currently use a setup like this to power a 40 lbs, 6ft long model of the Bismarck. Definitely have to give it a little time to build up speed and stop. :)

RE: Saginaw lake freighter
 

Hi All

My plan is to use two gear boxes on a controlable pitch prop I'm working on as we speak
The reason for two gear boxes is simple HI GEAR and Low gear I beleive the the ESC will do the speed control for me.
With the pitch being controled I think that should get her up to speed without burning out an motor

Well it looks good on paper but if it works? I will let you know


                                                           Have a good Day
                                                                     Dave U</p>

RE: Saginaw lake freighter
 

A few pictures of my progress on the Saginaw.

RE: Saginaw lake freighter
 

Hi Aircoffee

I just want to let know abt a new type of micro controller it's called Raspbarry Pi
it offers more an the Arduino check it out let me know what you think Later
Dave U


P.S Pictures are the sea trials last summer

RE: Saginaw lake freighter
 

According to boatnerd the Saginaw is in your back yard. :)

RE: Saginaw lake freighter
 

Hi


Yes it is It's unloading right now I hope it gets out of the harbour later before the winds starts up

Have a good one
Dave U

RE: Saginaw lake freighter
 

Been working on the unloading conveyor.  Too cold to work in the garage. :)

RE: Saginaw lake freighter
 

The work on the Saginaw continues. Got the hull "rough" built and installed the bow thruster.

RE: Saginaw lake freighter
 

Really a cool project, its been awhile since its popped up, but it is just as much fun to watch it come along as I had imagined it would be.

RE: Saginaw lake freighter
 

Hey Foodstick,

You just might get to see this in person some day. My daughter is planning on going to Iowa State next year and your only a 3 hour drive away. :) I'll try to post a couple of pictures tonight.

RE: Saginaw lake freighter
 

Heck I am just 20 miles south of , ISU.

Let me know if you are going to be in the area, maybe I can get my friend to show you his three garden ponds with the working lock and dam, and remote control 1/150 th scale drag line and barge loading facilities ;)

RE: Saginaw lake freighter
 

Ok, let's see if I can upload some pictures of the Saginaw. :)The prop that is on the ship is a 2" prop. I will be replacing that with a 4 blade 3" prop.I put a strip of aluminum along the keel for added strength and the rudder shaft will go through the aluminum.I'm getting ready to cover the whole ship in one layer of fiberglass to seal everything.