First Build ---- Redtail Kneeler Hydro

[ozzie-crawl]

That looks awesome. one day i will work up the nerve to try a scratch build.
One thing i mite suggest, try a pressure/water test on your system. some times if you split the water line and there different lengths,the water will take the path of least resistance and you may not get any water threw the esc cooling.

[johnmaclean]

Thanks. Somehow the scratch-built thing doesn't seem quite as intimidating knowing that you are working off a proven design. Being new to this aspect does mean a painstakingly slow build process.

And thanks for the tip on the cooling. I would have preferred separate water pick-ups for motor and ESC like I have in my sv27's but wasn't sure how to accomplish it on this hull. I suppose I can take my cues from the hydros since this is one. I will do some further checking on that.

[Chinewalker]

Thanks. Somehow the scratch-built thing doesn't seem quite as intimidating knowing that you are working off a proven design. Being new to this aspect does mean a painstakingly slow build process.

And thanks for the tip on the cooling. I would have preferred separate water pick-ups for motor and ESC like I have in my sv27's but wasn't sure how to accomplish it on this hull. I suppose I can take my cues from the hydros since this is one. I will do some further checking on that.

Looks great on the water!

I'm gearing up for a "kneeler" of my own, albeit of a considerably different design. It'll be a 1:6 scale model of my Dad's 1959 Sid-Craft DU Hornet. I lofted the actual boat last weekend and just finished up the frame drawings. Hoping to start cutting & gluing this weekend...

Photos from then and now...

[kendt]

Thanks. Somehow the scratch-built thing doesn't seem quite as intimidating knowing that you are working off a proven design. Being new to this aspect does mean a painstakingly slow build process.

And thanks for the tip on the cooling. I would have preferred separate water pick-ups for motor and ESC like I have in my sv27's but wasn't sure how to accomplish it on this hull. I suppose I can take my cues from the hydros since this is one. I will do some further checking on that.

I wouldnt be too concerned about the split water lines. Water will go where ever it can get. Its more trouble keeping water out than it is getting it to flow.Mine is split and no where near the same length and i get plenty through both.

[johnmaclean]

Good luck with the build chinelwalker. Looks like the project will take on special meaning for you. This has been a real leaning experience for me and I've enjoyed it. Will you be posting a build thread?

Ken, I stopped by to see Chris this afternoon and picked up a cable assembly for the left side of the kneeler. I'm not sure how a push-pull system will work but I noted yesterday that when I disconnected the pushrod at the steering horn on the motor the motor had no trouble with full throw to the right. I did some additional work on the motor mount so that the heads of the top screws are fush with the surface and it helped some but the cable on the left hand side still seemed to be restricting throw for a right turn.

[kendt]

Hmm im not sure excatly whats going on there. is your steering arm on the motor the same width as on the servo. If its wider you will loose travel. You may need to make a wider servo horn.

[Chinewalker]

Good luck with the build chinelwalker. Looks like the project will take on special meaning for you. This has been a real leaning experience for me and I've enjoyed it. Will you be posting a build thread?

Thanks - I just started a thread here. I've got one gong on RCG, too... http://www.rcgroups.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1591892

[johnmaclean]

Finally got to see it run. . .

Thanks - I just started a thread here. I've got one gong on RCG, too... http://www.rcgroups.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1591892

It seemed like day for steering trouble with hydros. Kendt's tunnel hull went through three clevices before he finally called it a day. Similar issues with the kneeler. The thing ran beautifully in a straight line but would only steer right in short bursts at slow speeds. As soon as if I got off the steering at speed it would no turn right at all. Moved the turnfin back and forth, checked linkages several times. Eventually it just refused to turn right. A really close examination found a setscrew that fastened the pushrod at the steering horn not tightented down enough. Once we got that sorted out it was a lot of fun to watch it run. Still some work to do to get it dialed in but its getting there. . . I think. Love the look and the way it rides.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s5MbP4OB56Q