The Evil Doctor's Next Project

[Dr. Jet]

I finally have the varnish to tint the chrome! That's a story worth a thread of it's own......

So I think I have the base color to the point where it looks "wet" and it's time to fire up the airbrush. Here's where it's "make it or break it" time.....

I stuck a paint mixing stick on the bottom of the hull with double-sided tape so I could move the hull around when painting it.

[Dr. Jet]

I shot the chrome on and it looks really good. It wasn't until I got it in the sunlight that I saw the paint was a little thin in one area. The product says less than 1 hour or more than 48 for a re-coat. Looks like a couple more days before anything happens.

[Dr. Jet]

Learned Something New Today

After putting the hull in the sun for a few hours, it was dry enough to handle. I had a fine mist of over spray in a few areas, but it really wasn't bonded with the surface. Native Paul had me concerned about the durability of the finish, so I wiped the over spray off a small area with my finger. Lo and behold, it was smooth and shiny underneath. I dusted a larger are with a micro fiber cloth. Eventually, I was buffing it with the micro fiber and getting a spit shine out of it! This stuff is hard and durable. DO NOT get ANY solvent near it until it is sealed with a clear coat, or in my case, the tinted varnish, then clear.

The areas where the paint was thicker (e.g. the cockpit) look much, much better, so I think I may be a bit more generous with the next coat, especially the front deck.

[Panther6834]

Bill, in a way, it's a 'shame' you're going to "cover up" this gorgeous chrome look, as I'd have the perfect name for the boat, as-is: Liquid Metal. Or, as an 'alternate', you could have given it a Terminator theme, and called it 'T-1000'.

[Dr. Jet]

When I was buffing it out, I thought "T-1000"......

[Dr. Jet]

More Photos

Someone wanted to see more photos of my Micro Drifter build so here they are.

The motors don't really experience any side-to side loads while running, only vertical ones, so I make sure the mounts will withstand them. I orient the motor mount screws in the vertical plane for this reason. I made sure the outboard edges of the CF mounts are tied into the hull by wrapping carbon fiber strands up and along the motor mount, then along the sides of the hull. These mounts are rock-solid and the motors aren't going to be moving or flexing at all. They do not need a forward support like the really long motors do.

[Dr. Jet]

More Photos

I used an HS-77BB servo because it would fit and because I had one in my servo bin. I just used a couple of short pieces of CF angle to make the mount.

I'm going to use the same servo linkage as I used in the 1/20 scale hydro, except it will be in a Pull-Pull arrangement. I had to do this because the geometry of the linkage induces some differential throw. I compensated for it at the servo horn (wheel) but it is not 100% equal. My linkage will allow the "push" side to flex just a tiny bit to make it all work.

[Dr. Jet]

If I Needed a Forward Motor Support.

The motor mount in my Micro Iceberg was not as rigid as the MD and that motor needed a forward support. I made a rectangular hole in a small piece of CF plate that a wire tie could slip through. Then I sanded the CF bit down to where it would slide under the motor. Some epoxy and Voila! The forward end of you motor is secure yet easily removable. I did the same thing with my Graupner Systems. It works especially well in the minis where space is at a premium.

[Panther6834]

Someone wanted to see more photos of my Micro Drifter build so here they are.

The motors don't really experience any side-to side loads while running, only vertical ones, so I make sure the mounts will withstand them. I orient the motor mount screws in the vertical plane for this reason. I made sure the outboard edges of the CF mounts are tied into the hull by wrapping carbon fiber strands up and along the motor mount, then along the sides of the hull. These mounts are rock-solid and the motors aren't going to be moving or flexing at all. They do not need a forward support like the really long motors do.

Looks great...I like.

[NativePaul]

Sorry Doc, it was a long time ago, and before I inherited my camera, I don't recall the shape of the Miss Madison flood chamber, I have some feelers out for more info and will let you know if/when I get something back.
All I have found of it so far is this grainy video.

I saw this new Mini Hydro Canard on facebook, and thought it might be up your street.
103304413_3199594963425500_1432813646892581176_o.jpg
102703483_3200115793373417_2913688361659393332_n.jpg

[Dr. Jet]

NP: That's about the exact same way my Miss Madison ran. Really fast, but chop = flip. I'm in no hurry, but if you find any info let me know.

Now the mini Canard is just weird enough to tempt me for another "off the wall" project. Who makes that hull?

[NativePaul]

It is made by a chap called Pavel Rudenko. I don't know him myself though.

[Dr. Jet]

There were some questions on hardware. I am using this stinger on the MD: https://www.ebay.com/itm/TFL-55MM-Ad...kAAOSwAE9b17uL

[Panther6834]

There were some questions on hardware. I am using this stinger on the MD: https://www.ebay.com/itm/TFL-55MM-Ad...kAAOSwAE9b17uL

Thanks. Just added it to my 'Watch' list. Tomorrow, I'll compare it against the 6 I listed in the PM.


~ More peace, love, laughter, & kindness would make the world a MUCH better place

[Dr. Jet]

My Favorite Cooling Water Pickup

No drag, Lots of pressure and flow. See Photos.