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The Donald David, a Maine Lobster Boat, launched 1956

SAHaskell said:
Just to clarify, the cable I tested was a separate extension for the cable that is attached to the servo. It came with the package of stuff that I had purchased, in case I needed longer wires to reach from stern to the bow area.
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Hi Steve,

That makes more sense, you were just testing an extension lead.

I would still ask, have you tried operating the servo using radio control through the receiver?
 
I have opened it just recently, after checking the all the external things involved are ok. It was clearly visible that the terminals for the control wires appear in poor condition. I plan to call Harbor Models, in CA, tomorrow. No interest in harassing them, just hoping to find out what needs & options are.
 
I have a question about the remote control for my lobster boat model. I have what I think are all the control items for inside the boat. But I soon will need to buy a remote control for controlling the boat from shore. Will I need radio antenna inside the Donald David, or will the handheld control be able to contact the boat without an antenna inside the boat?
 
Hi Steve,
Can you supply photos of what you have?

The receiver will have an antenna attached to it.

Here is a video that explains the components and probably goes into more detail than you need at the moment.
He is using a programable radio which is probably more complex than you would need however the basics are the same also he is talking about aircraft, for a boat like yours you will only need one servo for the rudder and one speed controller for the motor.


The hand held part is called the transmitter.

Cheers,
Stephen.
 
SAHaskell said:
It is definite, my right eye is totally blind, with no repair in sight. I can see well with my left eye. I am actually getting use to seeing this way
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I can't decide whether this is good news or bad news. I guess no possible fix on the right eye is the bad, the good news is your adapting well to just using your left eye.

Jan
 
I will be getting new eye glasses for my left eye in a few days. That should improve the eye function.
Today I finally got back to work on the running lights for the lobster boat. And, I am making progress on the fore deck. soon I will have to get all the various wires attached and tested. It has been a long journey getting to these points, and I am delighted to see the finish approaching! more phots to follow soon.
Happy modeling
Steven
 
I have started applying the strips of wood for the foredeck; so far I have 5 strips on one side and 6 on the other, It's a slow process because each strip has to follow the foredeck lengthwise and sidewise and up/down a little due to the curve of the foredeck. It's a slow process but it's working well so far. It will take a few days for me to get all the strips cut & installed, one or two at a time, but it is going well, so far.
Happy Modeling
Steven

IMG_8069.JPG
 
Hi Steven,
Personally I would make a stand that keeps the boat on an even keel to start with this will help with marking the line.
Does the plan/drawing you are working to have a water line marked on it?
If so, is the waterline parrellel to the keel if it is then measure up from the base of the keel and mark a line on the transom and ensure the keel is parrellel to the table.
If the waterline is not parrellel to the keel you will need to measure the two heights on the drawing and adjust your stand to suit.

A block of wood with a pencel attached to it and packed to the correct height can be used to mark a line all around the hull.

You will have to place the model in a pool or the domestic test tank otherwise known as the bath or other body of water that is deep enough so the keel doesn't touch the bottom. And once all battries and othe gear is installed place ballast as required to get the boat to the waterline.

I hope this helps.
Cheers,
Stephen.
 
Thank you, Steve!
Your information is very clear, very helpful, and greatly appreciated. I don't have any actual plans, just notes and conversations with William West, builder of the real Donald David, and William died a few years ago, but I have saved notes & conversations from him; and this web site is greatly helpful. I hope to launch my model sometime soon, at a pond by my Son-in-laws cottage.
 
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