Powering a small model - Armidale
Posted: 28 Jun 2010 20:47
I have been asked several times over the last few weeks about the components that I use in my small model ships so I thought that I would post some info on a few of my small models.
Starting with my Armidale Class Patrol Boat – HMAS Wollongong lll:
Although this model is not the smallest in my fleet there was still a big challenge to overcome to make it a successful functional model. Because the real ships have a relatively small displacement, everything in the model had to be kept as light as possible so that it sat alright in the water.
Below are a couple of photos showing the internal components of my Armidale. One photo shows the motor and gearbox fitted in place and another photo with the motor and gearbox slid forward. The wooden block in the center of the hull now serves no purpose. It was originally going to be the mount for two smaller motors.
The motor is a small hobby motor that I picked up from Dick Smith Electronics ($4.95). I made a small gearbox so that the single motor drives both shafts. An idler gear is used to reverse the direction of one shaft. The gearbox and motor assembly slide onto the propeller tubes and it is held in place by the gears mounted on the prop shafts.
I have started using LiPo batteries as a power source for my small models as they are quite light and small for a given capacity. In this case a 4000mah 7.4V battery gives a reasonable running time. The speed controller is quite small, about 25mm square. I have purchase several of these from Hong Kong recently (bigdotunclestore.com). These are sold as model car speed controllers but they have performed well in my ship models so far.
The rudder servo is a small 16gm servo once again from a Hong Kong hobby shop.
I will post photos of the set up in some of my other small models in the next few days.
Steve.
Starting with my Armidale Class Patrol Boat – HMAS Wollongong lll:
Although this model is not the smallest in my fleet there was still a big challenge to overcome to make it a successful functional model. Because the real ships have a relatively small displacement, everything in the model had to be kept as light as possible so that it sat alright in the water.
Below are a couple of photos showing the internal components of my Armidale. One photo shows the motor and gearbox fitted in place and another photo with the motor and gearbox slid forward. The wooden block in the center of the hull now serves no purpose. It was originally going to be the mount for two smaller motors.
The motor is a small hobby motor that I picked up from Dick Smith Electronics ($4.95). I made a small gearbox so that the single motor drives both shafts. An idler gear is used to reverse the direction of one shaft. The gearbox and motor assembly slide onto the propeller tubes and it is held in place by the gears mounted on the prop shafts.
I have started using LiPo batteries as a power source for my small models as they are quite light and small for a given capacity. In this case a 4000mah 7.4V battery gives a reasonable running time. The speed controller is quite small, about 25mm square. I have purchase several of these from Hong Kong recently (bigdotunclestore.com). These are sold as model car speed controllers but they have performed well in my ship models so far.
The rudder servo is a small 16gm servo once again from a Hong Kong hobby shop.
I will post photos of the set up in some of my other small models in the next few days.
Steve.