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[ojays]

Last year I hit an all time low with my modelling.

Several builds on the go, but no enthusiasm for them, although I still kept browsing the modelling groups/forums.

One of the groups started a group build, subject "size matters". Having never been involved in this sort of thing, I thought that having a fixed finishing time might prompt me into doing some thing different.

I had several back copies of 'Model Boat' magazines and had been browsing them, when one with a set of free plans by Glynn Guest caught my interest.

Having last scratch built a model boat as a lad back in the late 50's early 60's, and this being something a little different, decided to have a go.
The plans are pretty basic, but I thought I could improvise and use a little builders licence.

As the build title was 'Size Matters' thought this would be quite appropriate, as being termed 'The Smallest Aircraft Carrier Around In The World'

Before you all correct that title, yes I know the RFC/RN flew a biplane from a barge back in the 20's/30's.

Getting back to the project. I had decided from the start that the helicopter would have a working rotor, and the vessel would have rudders instead of differential steering.

Also I would clad the wooden areas with plasticard, as this would provide suitable surface to elaborate on, plus I like working with plastic.

The following is a description of the build, hope you enjoy.

[ojays]

First stage was to build the basic structure as per the plans, except for the recessed prop tubes.
The plans call for steering via differential of the motors, I prefer using rudders so these were allowed
for in the build.
Another change from the plans is I wanted to recess the props as per the real vessel.

To make the troughs I used cardboard templates to be able to skin around.
The bow was made up from several layers of balsa sheet and rounded off to the correct profile.

[ojays]

The superstructure was modified slightly, as I wanted to incorporate some more detail than the plan provided.

The basic structure was the same as the plan, just heightened and lengthened slightly.

An extra hatch was built into the stern area to access the rudder posts. And one built into
the bow area for access to the receiver.

The whole structure was then clad in thin plasticard, and a little filler as and where needed.

The prop shafts were also fitted at this time.

[ojays]

I had decided from the start that the Huey would have a working main rotor.

Apart from that, the Huey was built out of the box.

The motor is a small geared item using a carbon fibre rod as the main shaft,

which is supported in a carbon fibre piece of hollow tube, all fitted inside the main

transmission box.

The main power cable is hidden in the refuelling hose.

The crew is a modified air force ground crew kit, arms and legs etc, cut and shut to

provide the poses I wanted then painted in Vietnam era camo.

Assorted bits and pieces came from my spares box. Tarps and camo netting is made

from household tissue and medical gauze, painted with thinned a white PVA/olive drab

colour mix.

[ojays]

The bar armour was made up from strip plasticard on a made up jig.

[ojays]

The motors are just a couple of cheap 380's attached to a couple of cheap props/shafts.
A Motronics Plug & Play 15 amp ESC transfers the power from a Voltz 1800 7.2 v power pack
The couplings are from SHG (my go to suppliers)
Rudder control via mini servo

[raflaunches]

Ojays


If this is an example of your work when you’ve lost your mojo then I can’t imagine how good you are with it!
Lovely work and detailing. Keep up the excellent build log.

[Netleyned]

Lovely work 
Ned

[Klunk]

https://www.modelboatmayhem.co.uk/forum/index.php/topic,62470.0/topicseen.html

[ojays]

Yes, I have seen this brilliant build by Stan, to a much larger scale.
Many working parts built into it as well.


Gregg

[ojays]

I must thank Glynne Guest who's plans originally caught my eye, at the same time as I was reading 'Brown Water Black Berets', about the riverine forces during the Vietnam War.

Water ballast test, required a little ballast to counteract the Huey tail overhang.
Motor test on the Huey, worked just fine, if a little noisy

I have found the rudder set up is very responsive, as she will turn almost in her own length at slow speed
The motors are a little too powerful, as even at quarter throttle she is faster than scale speed.

Now got my mojo back, so will complete my 1/350 Enterprise build.

[ojays]

Final pics.

[tigertiger]

Great subject, great model 

[derekwarner]

That coarse hessian/coir rope matting and the rolled up canvas is very crisp & lifelike    ..........


Not sure why they had it draped over the stern?........it is Blast Netting




Derek

[ojays]

Covering up a fault in the bar armour, and couldn't be bothered to make some more.

[derekwarner]

So maybe true to function description in a Conflict Zone......excellent choice displayed without question  ...... Derek