scale speed and turning on model ships

kevingambrell · 31-03-2007

Hi
Just bought a couple of DVD's fromTrapplets about model boats. The one thing that leaps out is te lack of scale on performance with the bulk of the models.
Watched a few turn in less than thier own length and all run way too fast for scale. It was almost like watching model RC cars on water.
Does any one else think this is an area thats missedwith many model boats

Kevin

adzam · 31-03-2007

this a grey area kevin, first of all scale speed can be achieved by throttle control, but model boats require more than the scale speed the are modelled from. Unfortunately wind and water doesnt act as scale as we would like so more power is inherently required for manouvering or weather changes.
Obviously some models are designed to turn in their own length , such as tugs / anchor handling vessesl as this is part and pacrel with the remit on the original vessels design , manouverability.

But i do see your point, i have thought whether scale sail days would be an idea, where all models are a pre arranged scale and sailed within each models original parameters.

it would make a more intersting show for the general public rather than having a big 1/16th scale fishing boat dwarf a 1/48 tug .and would perhaps introduce a more realistic "feel" to a days club sailing.

subzero · 31-03-2007

I agree with you both. Scale fidelity is quite often overlooked by some modellers, and the gentle manipulations of the control some people just cannot do it..or forget. The scale weather is a good point as even a gentle breeze on a lake is the equivalent to a force 10 gale in scale. Most models should have more power than needed but not used unless needed, unfortunately this gets lost when people get excited when sailing their pride and joy. If you ever see a true ballast tank submarine then things happen a lot more slowly and in more of a scale speed, you cannot do things too fast due to the characteristics of the model whilst submerging etc. Model cars are the same they travel far too fast for a true scale speed but its fun...Some clubs try and do scale days...1/96 is a popular one I think but may be wrong Task Force 96 do it I think ? As long as people enjoy themselves thats all that counts...but it does detract from the overall viewing experience.

**Bunkerbarge** · 31-03-2007

Completely agree guys, there are a number of boats at our club that must be doing in the region of 70, 80 90 knots etc but it does not seem to occur to the operator that this is not appropriate.

I also agree that you do need an excess of power to cope with the out of scale weather and to get you out of those occasional tight spots you get yourselves backed into sometimes but control of the throttle at other times should be used to give a more appropriate scale speed for the best effect on the water.

I also think the effects of the wash are not always appreciated either and if you have a model such as a large scale Perkasa for example the wake it leaves can cause considerable disruption to a number of other smaller scale models.

Consideration for others is the best policy which sometimes could be adhered to a bit more, although I have to say we don't usually have a great number of issues on our pond.

kevingambrell · 01-04-2007

Hi
I agree with both points, but im sure even with a moderate breeze scale speed should be possible.
One of the clips on the DVD was of a tug towing what lookd to be a two or three foot cargo ship. As the tug went into the obsticle it was like the harbour walls were used as fulcrums to pull the ship round. Hey Bunker what would your skipper say if your next tow into port tried to do that.

I just think for such beautifuly made models some effort wouldnt go amis to ensure scale speed. But as is said its all up to what the owner wants to do.

Think il stick to my traction engines that do scale speed. nice to be moving slow enough to roll a smoke.

Some time il post a few pictures of the Revel gato finished painting but not weathered it yet.

subzero · 01-04-2007

Yep you are perfectly right,,,some modellers are just more keen about scale fidelity than others...All mine work at scale speeds as I couldn't / wouldn't put up with anything else, but thats me...there are modellers and there are modellers as some people say...Love the traction engines...do you exhibit at the Northern Modelling / Engineering exhibition at Harrogate ?

jankers · 02-04-2007

Scale speed is connected to what is probably the most asked question about boat motors, ie which one(s) to use?

I agree that boats are almost always over powered, but that's fine by me as some lattitude is generally a blessing. As for sailing, scale speed looks right so that is what i aim for.

J.

**Bluewavestudios** · 02-04-2007

I can only agree with the others here,

When I take my HMS Active out I like to sail her at a nice slow speed which in fairness probably looks about right, but I do have a reserve of more power there if required and she actually makes the same wake as the full size then, It just doesn't look right for the model though as it looks too fast and the ship looks like she is being ragged like a car.

I prefer to sail a bit more slower and sedate and I can enjoy myself with her then, yes I do like speed but I do the boats to relax too !!

Regards......Mark.