Thanks! Under normal conditions I probably wouldn't have sunk, but I had tried to move the battery to correct a list but moved it the wrong way and just made it worse. During some tight turns, the decks would be under water. Then my pump refused to work and down I went. I must say though that all the guys were a great help. Definitely a great community very willing to help. Even with the cannon failure, they still made the trip worthwhile.
Ahhh first combat experience and problems arise. However better for your first time out as you found out there is still a lot to learn and this will make future battles a greater experience. Well done! Main thing have fun and learn as you go.
Nice, Beaver! Seeing your suffren has me looking for time to get back on the boat and finish it up. Been slammed with summer work and band camp.
Working on redoing some parts of Suffren. Today I finished building better mounts for the solenoids. Need to still stiffen the deck and remount the guns. Also need to redistribute the lead ballast to reduce heeling. Hoping to have a much more effective ship for the next battle.
Pretty good. The decks were stiffened the other day. I almost have the guns remounted. Just need to build one more piece. Still need to work on moving the extra ballast around. Mostly just need to build a new mold and cast two smaller pieces instead of one large hunk.
The key to preventing / minimizing heeling / listing is keeping the weight as low as possible AND locking it all down so that it can't shift. Especially with something narrow like Suffren, if your battery can be shifted as little as 1/2" to one side, it will cause a list. Even if you have it juuusstt right by shaking it around as you launch, you will get bumped and everything loose will shift. Then it's Davy Jones time. (No, not that guy from the Monkey's, the other guy)
Yes, in a very primitive way. I take a two-by-four and cut a channel the depth and width I want with a table saw. Then cut two plugs the will fit the mold channel. Measure how long you want it, place the plugs, and pour away! @irnuke Thanks for advice. I have to get to a pond and figure out where the battery needs to be to keep her level. I plan to glue wooden rails around the battery so it goes in the same place every time. Thus no more shifting the battery trying to get her to sit straight.
She doesn't fit in my bathtub, unfortunately.[/QUOTE] Hey there. I know I don't post much. (Actually in the shop today with son-in-law Chris working on a new type of motor mount.) It was very ice to see you and your family. Great on the one use lead molds using table saw. I like it and have done similar in the past. Good advice on locking stuff down. Good concept for all sizes of ships: a 1/4 inch square lead bar would be easy to make and mount between 2 epoxied down wood strips and could be moved fore and aft with wood blocks to secure positioning. A screw in the wood with a fender washer so they don't shift will take care of bumping issues in combat. And , as the others mentioned, you will get bumped from time to time. REgarding float testing. a feed or Water trough will work. Do you know where to find one Also, for a less than 48" ship. a kiddy pool - less than $10 at Walmart works. Nate
I really need to update this thread. I have made quite a few changes since the battle at Bradford. I just need to find the time.
