The large receivor battery is just wedged in place for now for the trial run. It won't be located there. I still have to build another compact firing platform for the dual sidemounts. I imagaine there will be more changes as I go. I may not go with accumulator tanks as the main lines will have such a short length between teh main Co2 tank and the cannons. Pump switch works great as there is no toggle for this TX to use to activate. I did have a major issue yesteday. The forward hatch fell off the hull and hit the concrete floor and snapped off a large section . The section was nearly cut in half after I decided not to cut it all the way through. I forgot to reinforce it and seal it with cloth and supports so it snapped cleanly. I did a quick repair using cloth and resin and supports and repaired it then repainted. Hatch still fits nicely. Whew dodged a bullet that time.
The TX receivor switch is installed at deck level. Wiring cleaned up. Now just need a break in the weather. Going to get video from the GO pro on board Roma to film MO on her sea trials.
Back from the Missouri's first shakedown on the water. Conditions were sunny skys, light to moderate wind. Sea state light to moderate chop. Winds were breezy at times which kicked up the swells inshore. I brought Roma along for rescue backup. I started the test with the float test . Just needed a slight amount of weight in the bow area but the model was on even keel from port to starboard. The first test the motors were activated but I had to reverse the servo for the Rudders. Once corrected Missouri started her run without the drag discs. As suspected the ran fast. I also had the rudders well off trim so I had no tools with me to correct it so I compensated by keeping the rudders neutral on the stick. The model was brought in and the second time it was launched with the drag discs. This time the model ran at speed . Maneuvering was very tight. The model plowed through the wave crests very well and though it rocked in the swells it immediatly righted itself. The rocking was minimal considering the conditions. Not enough water got in through the hatches to give the pump anything to pump out but little 4 inch dribbles from time to time. The model had no issue turning against swells and moderate breeze on the superstructure. After about 15 minutes heard a strange noise and the model slowed suddenly. Yep one of the drive gears let go. Surprisingly I was still able to cruise in on one shaft and maneuver even with the swells and wind. Passed it's disabled condtion. Found that the dogbone collar had let go and a screw popped from the pinion gear. Once back at the yard I switched out the collar and replaced the missing setscrews. This time the setscrews were threadlock in place. No issues with the TX or MAG Throttle system. Everything else went very smooth. Mo looked lean and sleek. Only systems left to install are the remaining servo and poppets, hoses, and the cannons themselves left. Won't be anytime soon for that but till then all is left is to finish the superstructure and deck cosmetics. Pictures to follow ...
Thats a really nice Roma model. Ever heard of a guy named Joe Vilar who had one in the early 90s? It was awesome looking too.
Thanks Ron. I don't recall that name back in the 90s but I remember seeing a very detailed Vittorio Veneto on one of the original Swampy Vids which this one had all 3 rudders working and 4 shafts. I was amazed at how maneuverable it was and how elegant the model looked. It hunted down a Brooklyn Cruiser. The Cruiser got away but barely.
