Floatplane Retriever

[Igull]

Thought this might interest someone. Not original (kind of based around Andrew Newton's version on youtube), but based on available UK stuff.
It's essentially a framework of 22mm overflow pipe and fittings (except that you can't get stopped ends, so I 3D printed some
The foam 'pool noodle' is actually 20mm ID 70mm OD pipe insulation. The central box is a bit of 6mm laser cut liteply.
Motors are a pair of 2826/10 1400Kv motors and a pair of 30A esc's from HK for the Bushmule twin foamy. They're reversing - which was one of the points I wanted. All running off a ubiquitous 3S/2200. Rx is an el cheapo orangerx 618XL v2 and one of the brilliant OrangeRx Tx6i transmitters. A bit of mixing for everything on the RH stick and Robert's your auntie's husband.

This all started because I picked up a real bargain at one of our local B&B's - an eflite Carbon Z Cub - 2.1m - only 1 flight under it's belt too. I've always fancied a go at floatplane flying - bottom of my garden is literally in the river Forth ) Having lost a couple of slopers to the river, I thought it would be pertinent to have something that might be able to retrieve the model in case of a dunking My neighbours have boats and rib things to get out to them, but it takes ages to get them fettled and started - NOT electric for some reason ???

Anyway, it works fine on wet garden grass - still to get a soaking on the real stuff )

Neil

[PaulJ]

Brilliant Neil! I love it I don't actually need one because I have a small RIB for the job but this is a great idea!

Paul

[Igull]

If you strap a Zagi to it you'll have a spare floatplane Neil

Hey, now there's an idea Phil - a removeable depron wing floatplane - Mmmmmmm

Maybe need to replace the 3S with a 5S 'though

Neil

[Igull]

Hi All
As it was raining yesterday, I spent 1/2hr down at the old model boating pond in Rosyth.
This was a REAL maiden voyage, an OD boat and my first boat as such
It worked out extremely well - had around 20 mins with still more power left from a 3s/2200 - must be a lot more power frugal than my 3D aerobats
The thing was very responsive - much better than when it was in the bath
Apologies for the video, I was 'controlling' the boat at the same time.
Neil
https://youtu.be/gFhbm626xnU

[RON]

Nice superstructure, where does the man sit

Ron.

[Shaun]

It will never get airborne.

Shaun

[Igull]

Nice superstructure, where does the man sit

That's rather sexist, it's actually designed for a woman - which is why I left the seat up
Neil

[Igull]

It will never get airborne.

As this is the boat section, I'll just disregard that remark
It really does float well though - not sufficient so that I would move to the dark (wet) side of modelling - but enough fun to keep me amused for about 10 mins. I'm really not sure how boat folks can spend the day 'sailing' around - I would get bored very quickly unless there was racing or smoke and flames involved.
I have recollections of taking the kids to Peasholm Park in Scarborough when we were on holiday - many, many moons ago - that would keep the interest up for a while I did see some youtube vids on that recently - it was well done (except for the aerial bombing - long bit of string and a meteor(?) on a rope with some smoke )
Neil

[Igull]

I need to dump a floatplane in the pond now and attempt an RNLI retrieve
Unfortunately, the park where the pond is, is full of showfolks and their waltzers and stuff for a few days during the holidays. Have to wait a week until it's all moved on - don't suppose they'll fancy a 2m Carbon Cub floatplane flying past their caravan windows at 6am
Neil

[Spike S]

"... I'm really not sure how boat folks can spend the day 'sailing' around - I would get bored very quickly ..."
Its much the same as flying machines; much of the reward is building the craft and tinkering with the RC systems, then socialising in the pits. If you just buy and drive an RTR, it is just as boring as flying an RTF !
Thereby lies the difference between Model boats/Toy boats. Model aircraft/Toy aircraft