I am starting a seaplane project over on RCScalebuilder and hope to keep this thread updated now and then. This plane will be a challenge and may not make it all the way due to technical issues. My earlier exploration (at 1/8th scale) didn't have enough buoyancy to float itself so I am now working at 1/6th scale - 96" WS. The other big challenge is the drive system for the propeller, as you can probably imagine




.

I have added some rigging and worked on the tail surfaces, creating section and thickness. The pix background has also been added.

Update on this project:
A fellow modeler sent me some drawings on the Gallaudet company and its proposals to the navy, circa 1916. One of the designs was called the Hydro Scout. Although never built, this is a very appealing design because of its simpler construction.
With a 28ft wingspan vs 48ft for the D-1, I can make a 1/4 scale model rather than 1/6th. It will be a larger plane but considerably less wingspan, important for me to transport. I will attach the drawing and size comparisons (rendered D-1 to white lines for the Scout).

I've been working on the cad design of the Scout. Here are some images of the efforts so far.

These concentrate on the hub design which is critical. Cooling the motor and ESC are issues.

Update: Some laser cut aluminum and wood has arrived. The hub is about ready for the blades to be made. Front fuselage is coming along.

The front fuselage is coming along. I am working toward a test of the prop hub, which needs to stay together while providing sufficient thrust. If the test sled works okay, I will undertake the rest of the project.

An update. The propellers have been fabricated (from APC electric 22x10s) and the test sled is almost ready for a go. It will be done with a single 6s Lipo (the final design is for two 6s in parallel). This has a 100amp Castle Creations speed control and 1912-1Y Neumotor.

Incredible project,,, will be lurking

Update and visit to the float-fly, April 23, Otay Lakes.




Curtis will be my test pilot

The main float is done, other than the metal attachments for struts - which are being laser cut (the one at the rudder IS attached).

Allan,
Everything you touch is amazing!

Thanks, plumberdeluxe. I am trying to update with new pix but the site will not let me

Again. It has become impossible to add attachments to any of my posts! No matter what i do, the system will not let me do it.
I get repeated prompts to open the f###### manual but it will not let me do that either.
Please do not tell me to do the obvious stuff because... The system will not allow it! I get a "current attachments" option but no advanced and no "monitor attachments". I have been working here for years with no problems before and there seems to be no way to contact an administrator either!

Help!

let me try

I was able to post an old photo easily.
I have no idea what might be the problem

I am still unable to post any photos here. However the project has proceeded and the model taken to Lake Poway, near San Diego, for its first water tests. With Curtis Kitteringham as pilot, Steve Belknap doing the videos, here it the last run of the day. I have some homework and hope to get it out in a couple of weeks. (You may have to copy/paste the link)

I love it, what an excellent challenge to master that complicated design.
I can't wait to see it flying its second flight..........

Second takeoff, Monday, April 1st

Allan,
That beautiful plane is amazing!
I can't even imagine all the neat little details you engineered into all aspects of the build.
Everything you create is an amazing work of art.
You are an extraordinary craftsman!