This was a prior attempt at making a rotate, used lexan inner sleeve and a PVC coupling. Was able to get it to work, but there would have been issues as I wasn't exact on measurements or just sloppy building at the time. No bearings so the side walls could always jam, and if you take a barrel "rub" when hugging and slugging this would have been disabled. What you see is a servo inverted, the horn fits into a tab on the base and allows the turret to rotate. No chains or linkage to break. Here you can see the servo in the tray and the gun mounted. The hole in the base plate near the back is where the turret gets screwed on (one or two turns is enough). Underside shot of how the piston is attached to the base, the black wall next to it is the servo. The ring has two set screws in it to hold the rotate.
Yep, this was the same system I used for years on the VV. This build will show the pressure reducer and the clippard mouse solenoids to provide the air. I also have end point adjustments for the servo so I can aim them independently (A turret has to turn more than B turret). Doing the foam in the stern, it is a three part process as I need to get it in a lot of cracks. Started last night and should be done tomorrow, then I have to put on the fiberglass board. Next is mounting the guns and attaching the deck to the stern. Still thinking of how to split the boat so I can travel with it. This was a prototype I did with the VV, now I can use 1/4 aluminum sheet and make a solid connection.
Looking very cool! I did not know the VV split in half, but I did think you did a nice job with the elevates.
Two steps forward, one step back. When placing all the pieces in their holders, there were no chases for the ESC servo wires or rudder servo, so rip it out and try again.
Start with a wood blank make a second and see about the changes and how to connect them. Create the SS 1/4 blank
Lou, you need to set your ship up so you can break it in half on the water. Have someone run into it and split right in half. Great YouTube video.
Aluminum rib is done. It will take time to put together, just don't have the skill yet to make tabs so that it would all slide together. Used threaded rods and washers to provide strength to the rib. Sectioned the bow, now to make a rib for it as well.
Young master Lou brought his turret/barbette combo to the Atlanta holiday dinner on the 30th... It is as cool in person as it is in the pics!
stripped out all the old wood and aluminum got the rough cut of the front plate done. Will place it in the mill to get straight lines. This one was a little more difficult as the back plate is a little larger than the front plate due to the shape of the hull and position of the cut. It's a lot of screws, but until I get better on the mill in regards to making slots and tabs, this will have to do.
quick update. Sub deck is in and working on the gas lines that will be buried in the water channeling. Also layed out the wiring chase.
Worked on the deck this weekend. Using fiberglass sheets from McMaster, this way they are already waterproofed. I first cut out the overall size, then trim each side with a jig saw. There are two decks for each section, one built on top of the other. This way one side has a tongue and slides into a groove, and the other side will be held in place with magnets. Anytime you are cutting, place witness marks so you know what goes where (I use a series of lines, you can see the black marks). Installed, the groove is at the top rail, you can see the tongue on the top upper side of the deck piece.
