A quick update on some work done using kit-supplied parts. While the stock pieces were well made and could be used as supplied, I made molds from them instead to cast new parts better suited to planned r/c operations.
The standard diving planes came with watertight bushings. As mine will be a wet hull boat the bushings were unnecessary. Also, the shafts were keyed into the resin during manufacturing and could not be removed (I tried, and broke a shaft). In order to facilitate easy removal of each plane from the boat for servicing or replacement, I wanted to make the shaft removeable. This required making a mold from the original and casting up duplicate pieces in polyurethane resin. You can't see it due to the white resin but the rivet detail came out great on the new parts.
With the planes installed, the side keels trap them in their well. The solution for freeing them is to make the shafts removeable. Casting them with a round shaft as before was easy in the new mold. However, to prevent any slipping of the plane around the shaft, a new shaft was modified from square brass bar stock and brass tubing. Each plane was cast with the shaft in place. Once cured they were removed with a gentle tug. They seat firmly, do not slip in the part and provide for quick removal of the plane.
Molds were also made from a white metal prop guard and guard support piece. Duplicate parts were cast in resin. Carbon fiber rod was placed in the mold and cast into each part to reinforce the plastic. Once cured the parts are extremely tough. They are also significantly lighter - the reason I made them in the first place. The white metal parts weighed 11.5 ounces. The resin ones total 2.5 ounces. Eliminating 9 ounces of weight from the end of a heavy boat will help make trimming easier and enhance performance.
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The standard diving planes came with watertight bushings. As mine will be a wet hull boat the bushings were unnecessary. Also, the shafts were keyed into the resin during manufacturing and could not be removed (I tried, and broke a shaft). In order to facilitate easy removal of each plane from the boat for servicing or replacement, I wanted to make the shaft removeable. This required making a mold from the original and casting up duplicate pieces in polyurethane resin. You can't see it due to the white resin but the rivet detail came out great on the new parts.
With the planes installed, the side keels trap them in their well. The solution for freeing them is to make the shafts removeable. Casting them with a round shaft as before was easy in the new mold. However, to prevent any slipping of the plane around the shaft, a new shaft was modified from square brass bar stock and brass tubing. Each plane was cast with the shaft in place. Once cured they were removed with a gentle tug. They seat firmly, do not slip in the part and provide for quick removal of the plane.
Molds were also made from a white metal prop guard and guard support piece. Duplicate parts were cast in resin. Carbon fiber rod was placed in the mold and cast into each part to reinforce the plastic. Once cured the parts are extremely tough. They are also significantly lighter - the reason I made them in the first place. The white metal parts weighed 11.5 ounces. The resin ones total 2.5 ounces. Eliminating 9 ounces of weight from the end of a heavy boat will help make trimming easier and enhance performance.
