Steampunk Flotilla?

Discussion in 'Steampunk Flotilla' started by SteveT44, Apr 23, 2014.

  1. Tugboat

    Tugboat Facilitator RCWC Staff Admiral (Supporter)

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    I haven't used mass production before on wood hulls because I try to build something that no one else is driving :) In this case, that doesn't apply :)

    I agree on multiple sessions, but the prop, shaft, and stuffing tube are spec items and that saves us from building them. At $14, it's a pretty good deal anyway. The design of the ship also places the whole prop above the keel (even if only a little). Not having it hang down protects it some from hitting objects in the water that might break the prop.

    Been playing in sketchup with some ideas for printed gears for rotating a turret. Mark Jenks did some bang-up work on a small pulley system for rudders using 1/8" stainless steel ball chain; I might see if he can scale a pulley to where it can fit over a PVC pipe tube to allow rotates with that system.
     
  2. Astrosaint

    Astrosaint Active Member

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    Humm, an actual build session on predreds ? Is Tugboat somewhere close to Orlando, FLA ? I may drive over (assuming it is within reach).:cool:I just had the radiator serviced. :cool:
    Manuel Mejia,Jr.
     
  3. Tugboat

    Tugboat Facilitator RCWC Staff Admiral (Supporter)

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    Tugboat is 5 or 6 hours north of Orlando.
     
  4. Swiss Cheeze

    Swiss Cheeze Member

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    Hey Tug any links to Marks small pulley system? Sounds like a winner.

    This looks very promising for getting into the hobby. Can not wait for more pics.
     
  5. jstod

    jstod Well-Known Member

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    This is very interesting concept and now i want to build one haha.

    Forgive me if its mentioned already, (i have not read the entire thread) but why must the prop be specifically from the one vender? would it not be better to just say it must be a certain size with a certain pitch?
     
  6. Anachronus

    Anachronus Well-Known Member

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    Uniformity and simplicity.
     
  7. jstod

    jstod Well-Known Member

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    i understand that and it makes sense but i guess the concern is what if that company goes under in 6 yrs for some reason and this style is now big? how do you decide whats an appropriate replacement? would it not be easier to specify the size/blades/pitch/style so other venders are available? idk this is the type of questions float around in my head haha feel free to ignore the crazy guy
     
  8. Swiss Cheeze

    Swiss Cheeze Member

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    I like that idea. Makes sense.
     
  9. irnuke

    irnuke -->> C T D <<--

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    No worries...if the company goes under, then their products (props) become public domain. At which point one could make a mold from an existing prop & cast as many as needed (or 3d print them).
     
  10. Tugboat

    Tugboat Facilitator RCWC Staff Admiral (Supporter)

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    Exactly as OTL (Other Jeff L) says.
     
  11. Tugboat

    Tugboat Facilitator RCWC Staff Admiral (Supporter)

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    Got the rules mostly sorted and posted on the new Steampunk Flotilla forum. It's pinned, and locked so that it stays on top, and so that it doesn't get cluttered with corrections and suggestions. If there's feedback, just start a thread, or shoot me a pm for typos.

    Also posted the upcoming assembly line build session for Armoured cruisers, at the end of July in Tug's Shop. I've even been cleaning the shop and getting a spare table ready.
     
  12. absolutek

    absolutek -->> C T D <<--

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    That isn't necessarily true. It is possible somebody could buy the product line and then not sell the particular props you use. What then?
     
  13. Tugboat

    Tugboat Facilitator RCWC Staff Admiral (Supporter)

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    Then we make adjustments. I'm not profoundly concerned about it.
     
  14. Beaver

    Beaver 2020 Rookie of the Year Admiral (Supporter)

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    We're always going to face the problem of not being able to get spec parts in the future. Whether it be motors, props, batteries, we'll always face the probability that we won't be able to get them in the future. So I think we should more worry about getting this format started than what we're going to do when we can't get certain spec parts anymore.

    Just my two cents. :)
     
  15. absolutek

    absolutek -->> C T D <<--

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    Would it not be easier to just make our own props from brass from a set pattern though?
     
  16. Tugboat

    Tugboat Facilitator RCWC Staff Admiral (Supporter)

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    IF it happened, I'd try to print something close to the spec prop on my printer, and release the file for free to anyone else, and make enough to hand out at battles. I can probably print 20 per day, easy. But I still don't think it's likely to be an issue for a few years.
     
  17. jstod

    jstod Well-Known Member

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    it was just an example. I only brought this all up in the first place because I'm not a huge fan of giving a single distributor a monopoly on any components let alone a critical one. but im paranoid about that stuff :) hehe
     
  18. jstod

    jstod Well-Known Member

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    also your link on the rules thread isn't working :/
     
  19. absolutek

    absolutek -->> C T D <<--

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    http://vac-u-boat.com/KitsParts.htm its near the bottom.
     
  20. Tugboat

    Tugboat Facilitator RCWC Staff Admiral (Supporter)

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    At this point, the only spec part is the prop. That's not so bad, I think.
    Link is fixed.