Gloucester and District
Model Boat Club
Ted’s Thames Police Launch Brushless Motor and all wood Construction
Simon’s US Coastguard Picket Boat in 1940’s Colours.
Laurence’s Tyne Class lifeboat
Ross’s scratch built Police Boat
These photos show Arthur Edgecombe’s revitalized Riva launch. As originally built, it was powered by two MFA 800 Torpedo motors with a 12v sealed lead acid battery driving two brass 50mm 3-blade props, but Arthur found that the power/weight ratio would not produce scale speed and bring the boat up to plane. Disappointing!
Arthur thought it worth a try so took out the two heavy MFA motors and replaced them with Keda 2837/18, 830kv outrunner motors from Giant Cod These are comparatively low revving, high torque units. The pack is 9.6v NiMh and the props 45mm type X 2-blade plastic. The new motors are sized 28mm dia x 37mm length and weigh just 78g, and with the very heavy SLA gone the weight saving was around 7 lbs!
She went very well indeed and Arthur is delighted with the improvement. The Riva now sits on her waterline, and offers as much speed as you want, with long run times and no overheated components.
Martin’s new Chris Craft
Original HFM Pilot Boat. Resurrected by Ted. Standard motor and a bobs board
replaced with brushless motor and compatible speed controller. Now with trim
tabs fitted, completely repainted, looks very fine on the water.
Danny’s Cruiser
Ted’s high speed launch from a kit supplied by the Vintage Model Boat Kits.
Rob’s “Princess”
