The first sail has been completed successfully. So here is the good , the bad and the ugly. The good. The ship responded well to the radio.No leaks from sitting on the water.No issues with the throttle. The auto pump switch kicked on and off depending on how much water got into the hull. The bad.I need to redo somke of my battery clips as they just want to come off the wire. needs some minor tweaking on how the deck seals in the back. Weight distribution seems to be a bit bow heavy. i need some weight in the back. The ugly. Speed. The rooster tail was somewhat large. It was zooming around. I do need to install the drag props. Rudder throw. I need to get some more rudder throw when turning to starboard. Otherwise I am happy at how it ran today.
Thanks Tugboat. I am quite happy with the progress. I just have to have it all done for IRCWCC NATS. Hopefully i will have the superstructure built and a second test run this week.
Paul what size gear pinion wheel are you using? Looks like drag props are the way to for your ship but with that amount of thrust you should be a nasty turner in a tight circle. Good to hear the progress.
The drag shafts were installed today. The resin paste should dry and harden up over night. Also superstructure work has started.
The super structure has started. The forward superstructure has been cut to as best as I can do it. Tomorrow is the rear super structure.
I like the contrast between the light grey and dark grey. I really need to find some dark grey paint.
Thanks Curt. Tommorow is full combat load day. Guns will be loaded, gas turned on and it will be driven at the grove. The cannons will fire it's first shots in anger. I might take south out and anchor it so it can shoot at it.
Well I did a 2nd run this morning before the grove gets busy. It was a fantastic run. The drag disks make it turn much better. Speed seems to be good. Not sa much of a rooster tail. Only two small items. One of the cannons seems to be hitting the deck. The other is a hose blew at the quick disconnect. Other than that it was a fantastic run. The pump turned on and off depending on the amount of water in the hull. I am pleased. I think one more run should do it before NATS.
Do you have the little metal rings that slide over the hose after it's on a fitting, to help prevent them from blowing off? Clippard makes them, or do like Brian K does and cut down the 1/4" inserts that come with the pipe fittings to make the little metal rings.
Well the Tennessee came back battle scarred from NATS. More work to be done before the build is complete. or should I say build/refit. Even though I had to switch to my back up boat during NATS, I was not displeased with the way it has turned out so far. Speed seems to be an issue.Otherwise not bad for two test runs prior to NATS
