- Joined
- Mar 31, 2025
- Messages
- 14
- Points
- 48
And so it begins…
With what I expect to be a 2-year project, this Amerigo Vespucci build will deviate from what would have been a gorgeous static model, to hopefully a fully functional RC ship that remains true to its design. As there are so many threads that do a super job of detailing the AV build, I’ll focus primarily on my efforts to fabricate an RC version of this marvelous ship.
To that end, there are numerous new challenges that will need to be addressed….namely:
The balance between scale accuracy and the allowances required to account for RC functions, including:
Then there’s the hull construction itself. The materials provided with the kit are not entirely suitable for a wet environment. So alternate materials and/or water-proofing will be an area of focus.
My intention is to proceed in three stages. The first will be to complete the hull with a functional propulsion system. Once waterproofing has been established, the appropriate motor, prop, steering gear, and ballast have been selected, I’ll focus on sail control.
Sail control presents major challenges. First, I need to learn how these ships sailed the seven seas . Do I need all sails to be functional? How much control do I really need? Do I need to automate the furling and unfurling functions? So much to consider.
Lastly, I’ll focus on scale details. I’m thinking of cladding the hull in copper to accurately reflect the actual ship. Not sure I can accomplish this detail yet still have a seaworthy hull.
I’m sure more challenges will pop up during the build…. So buckle up and stay tuned.
(I hope to update progress weekly)
With what I expect to be a 2-year project, this Amerigo Vespucci build will deviate from what would have been a gorgeous static model, to hopefully a fully functional RC ship that remains true to its design. As there are so many threads that do a super job of detailing the AV build, I’ll focus primarily on my efforts to fabricate an RC version of this marvelous ship.
To that end, there are numerous new challenges that will need to be addressed….namely:
The balance between scale accuracy and the allowances required to account for RC functions, including:
- Propulsion
- Steering
- Sail control
- Maintenance access
- Battery access
- Ballast
- Transportation (to the pond)
Then there’s the hull construction itself. The materials provided with the kit are not entirely suitable for a wet environment. So alternate materials and/or water-proofing will be an area of focus.
My intention is to proceed in three stages. The first will be to complete the hull with a functional propulsion system. Once waterproofing has been established, the appropriate motor, prop, steering gear, and ballast have been selected, I’ll focus on sail control.
Sail control presents major challenges. First, I need to learn how these ships sailed the seven seas . Do I need all sails to be functional? How much control do I really need? Do I need to automate the furling and unfurling functions? So much to consider.
Lastly, I’ll focus on scale details. I’m thinking of cladding the hull in copper to accurately reflect the actual ship. Not sure I can accomplish this detail yet still have a seaworthy hull.
I’m sure more challenges will pop up during the build…. So buckle up and stay tuned.
(I hope to update progress weekly)
