Latest model was built to use some of the "extra" functions on my new RC outfit. A model based on modern harbour fireboats seemed to be the way to go.
The model is about 26 inches long, 8 inches beam and weighs in at around 11 pounds. Hull construction is from lumber and plywood, with the bow and stern curves made from blocks laminated from scrap balsa. The superstructure is from stiff card, cheap and more than strong enough. Very simple but tough and does not look too bad when sailing.
Propulsion and steering is via two independent motors using transmitter "elevon" mixing. It takes a little time to become comfortable with this method as both controls are on one stick. Luckily the model will hold its heading with only minor corrections when run at half to full power.
The extras are three fire monitors supplied from an automotive screen washer pump. Although intended for 12 volts, the models 6 volt battery creates good jets of water. Two monitors are fixed to fire ahead, the third one is on a platform that can be raised and rotated via RC. The final touches are two spotlights and a siren with flashing lights.
It's quite good fun to sneek up on unsuspecting craft, or even bystanders!, give them a warning blast with the siren before spraying them.
Plans currently being drawn up for the UK magazine "Model Boats"
Glynn Guest

Glynn - Thank you for posting your latest design. It looks fantastic! I may even have to take up a subscription to see how it's put together.

Very nice Glynn.

Nice one Glynn, that is about a 9 one the cool scale for operating stuff.
Foo

I like it, Very detailed look to her.

Outstanding, Glynn. great job. Will the plans be in ''Model Boats''??

Yes Charlie, probably some time next year as the Editor aready has a couple of my plans in hand.
By the way, I understand that the publishers have a new distributor for the US, so copies might be easier to obtain.
Now back to the drawing board, Glynn

Originally Posted by GlynnG

Yes Charlie, probably some time next year as the Editor aready has a couple of my plans in hand.
By the way, I understand that the publishers have a new distributor for the US, so copies might be easier to obtain.
Now back to the drawing board, Glynn

Yes, thanks Glynn, Piel Craftsman in Newburyport MA. now carries it and that's just accross the river from me ( 10 minutes away) Look foreward to your plans.

Glynn, thanks for mentioning that a 12v windshield washer pump works well enough on 6v. to use on a fire monitor.

Good information to those looking for inexpensive pumps---.

I think the rising fire monitor is a really neat feature.

Originally Posted by Kmot

I think the rising fire monitor is a really neat feature.

Tom, I think that was an original feature on New York's fireboat "Firefighter", built circa 1936.

yep Tom,

the model looks big enough to handle twin schlottles or a VS as well

Kmot,
I did plan to fit a taller elevating platform which would have employed two moving sections operating in conertina style. Alas,my attempts collapsed on the workbench. It would have been possible to do this with an extra servo but it was getting way too complicated. I alway try to use the Engineers maxim of "what you do not put in, costs nothing, does not weigh anything and cannot break". This is not always appreciated by those who confuse good design with complexity.
This is the reason why I usually stick with simple propeller drive, anything with more that one rotating shaft is asking for more problems than it may be worth.
Now my wife is out for the day so maybe I'll get those damn plans finished?
Glynn Guest