Mini servo's

jankers · 16-05-2006

I have reached the stage of fitting the rudder on my Blu flu model boat but
find very little room for the servo.

I found this http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/NEW-9-Gram-Mic...QQcmdZViewItem
whuich appears to be small enough but note the torque is only half of a standard servo.

Has anyone tried one in a 32 inch boat?

J.

**Bunkerbarge** · 16-05-2006

There are so many unknowns in this that it would be very difficult to judge.

The loading on a rudder depends on so many things such as; Displacement, Speed, Rudder Size, Rudder angle etc that I can only suggest you try it out.

You can buy quite a wide range of servo's now in all sizes and with many differrent torque outputs so I am sure that you will find one that will do the job.

My only experience with mini servo's so far is one to steer my Revell 1/72nd scale U-Boat, which hasn't been used in anger yet and one to control the gas valve in my steam boat.

I don't feel I'm being a lot of help but I would suggest that you don't jump into the first Ebay item you see but talk to some people in the know and have a good search on the Internet in the big manufacturers sites such as Hitec.

I would have a chat with the guys at Scoonies Models. They are very helpfull and very accomodating and were a great help when I was looking for a mini receiver for my Sub.

I actually think the one on Ebay would do the job and if it stays cheap you have nothing to loose by giving it a go.

I'm surprised you haven't got much room in a 32 inch boat, just what is a Blue Flue?

**Bunkerbarge** · 16-05-2006

....in fact, check out this site:

http://www.servoshop.co.uk/

If they can't help no-one can!

rjwood_uk · 16-05-2006

nice site richard, looks like it could be very useful!!!

Thanks

jankers · 16-05-2006

Thanks Bunk,

Already got that site listed, in fact it was the first I went to.
The Ebay item seems to be the same as the ones sold by Tower Hobbies, as does the servo shop item.

As you say, it is a very good price so I may just take the plunge.

Blu Flu ( short for Blue Funnel if you hadn't already guessed) is the common name given to Alfred Holt ships in the days when Britain have a merchant fleet.

If I ever get a camera i shall post a pic.

J.

**Bunkerbarge** · 16-05-2006

Being in the Merchant Navy and doing my time with Blu Flu lads, I was a Manchester Liners Cadet, I know what the expession means but I wasn't sure which of the many Blu Flu ships you were referring to.

I look forward to a picture.

jankers · 16-05-2006

Bunk,

It's the "Hector", being built to '192' scale as I don't have transport and rely on taxi/bus to get models to the pond.
I saw a '96' scale "Helenus" at Harrogate last week and the builder had been told that his model was a little adrift by two visitors who had sailed on her, seems the plans are a incorrect in certain aspects. I doubt it will show at my smaller scale, however.

J.

**Bunkerbarge** · 17-05-2006

To be honest there are always people who like to point out mistakes in models, quite often under the guise of being helpfull, but sometimes it is a bit of a one-upmanship thing.

Obviously some people are being helpfull but do they think anyone would thank them for pointing out a mistake and would a builder take it all apart to correct something? All they are going to do is dissapoint someone who has probably put his life and soul and many hours into a project and is probably very happy with the fruits of their labours.

At the end of the day building a model is for pleasure and if it has a mistake in it so what? As long as you have enjoyed building it that is all that matters. I am always a bit cautious with the intentions of such experts!!

I'd love you to try to get some pictures posted as it would bring back memories, as you say, of the days when we had a Merchant Navy to be proud of.

I was at college in Riversdale in Liverpool, now sadly another housing estate, and during the first two years we had to do "Vacational Training", which was six weeks in the workshops during the summer break.

The Blu Flu lads, who had thier own seperate housing called 'Aulis', went over to Birkenhead to do seperate training in their own establishment. It was generally accepted that the Blu Flu lads got some of the best training going and were certainly looked after by thier company.

If you went to Harrogate and saw the Kirklees Model Boat Club, that is my lot. The stand this year backed onto the pool and they took the prize for the best club stand. If I am at home I always do Harrogate as it is a perfect combination for me of steam and modelling.