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Thunder Tiger's Victoria Radio Controlled Sailing Yacht |
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June 1, 2009 |
I have always loved the peacefullness of a sailing boat.
Therefore, my first attempt at a Radio Control Sailing Yacht by Thunder Tiger is next. I am still working on my other
models as well. This model is still on order and it will be the first week of June when building begins.
This is the way it is with the box first opened !
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Box Contents
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June 2, 2009 |
I had downloaded the manual from Thunder Tiger a few weeks
before getting the sail boat to familiarize myself with the unit. I also downloaded the manual to see what type of Radio and other
gear was necessary. Upon starting, even though the kit comes with 2 bottles of epoxy, I decided for some reason that it might not
be enough for me, so off to the store to get more 5 min epoxy. I figure that I would use it anyway. So far, the instructions are
very well written taking to assumption that the builder has no knowledge of building a sail boat or even a kit like this.
You will see that most of the items have been removed from the box and laid out.
The last image shows that I have constructed the Radio Box to house the Reciever, Servos, Battery, and switch. The build of
this box is really straight forward with no complications. The box is epoxied into the bottom of hull. The Victoria has the
sail winch servo arm so there is no need to purchase the winch arm separately.
At this point, I am sure that you are wondering what kind of Servos and Radio that I am using.
- Spektrum DX5e
- Spektrum Reciever that came with unit
- JR Z650M High Torque Servo (Sail)
- JR Z590M Torque Race Servo (Rudder)
- Marathon 1600mah 6.0 V Team Orion
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Box Contents
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Hull
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Radio Box
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June 4, 2009 |
Continuing with installation of the Rudder, Servo Control Rod, and
other linkages. I have also installed the ballast of which is not shown in this image. There are two brass tubes that are installed
into the hull from deck to keel. One tube is for the keel-ballast post and the other tube is for the Rudder post.
The Radio Gear must be installed and operational at this point so that you can make adjustments when the Radio is operating the
pushrod for the Rudder.
This kit uses as I said before epoxy in bottles labled A and B, however, there is another glue with the kit that I have never used before
and that is ABS glue. It is like the glue used to glue PVC pipe together. ABS is derived from acrylonitrile, butadiene, and styrene.
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Rudder Control Servo Mechanism
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Rudder Control Servo Mechanism
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June 8, 2009 |
Since this Yacht build is so straight forward, it does not leave much
for documenting. The instructions had one somewhat major misrepresentation of the Mast Rigging on the upper, middle and lower lines.
The instructions had the upper and middle backwards. Also, they did not mention that the upper lines needed two cut. However, if you go
slow and not hurry, you will catch these mistakes before they happen. I think that perhaps someone that has no knowledge of ship rigging, sailing,
and such, might find this kit somewhat of a challenge, but it can be done if the person takes their time and do not get into a rush.
There is alot of adjustments to do on the servos, sails, etc. All of these details must be looked into before launching the boat. There are some
pieces that they want you to NOT GLUE, and these MUST be glued and not forget about becuase the instructions will not remind you to do so.
I only have the decals to put on and then all I have to wait for is time and a windy day !!!
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Starting the Rigging
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Starting the Rigging
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Standing Rigging Completed
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Completed Build
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Completed Build
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Completed Build
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June 14, 2009 |
Time to Sail !!
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Running
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Tac
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June 14, 2009 |
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