Fletcher class destroyer, 1/125 DD557 "USS Johnston"
Months ago I was given a prebuilt Lindberg 1/125 Fletcher class destroyer. It was in very bad shape: wrongly built, the original kit deviations from true scale not fixed, the builder didn't succeed in converting it to RC, chunks of glue here and there, not to mention the state of the paint...An abandoned model, it had a second life in my hands. I fixed the problem of the low stern, raised the deck 10mm, installed a single (instead of the wrong twin) rudder, homemade stuffing boxes, buoyancy reserve (these ships take on water in rough conditions), home-built many missing fittings...months of hard work. But it paid. I built it as the DD-557 USS Johnston which along with other destroyers fought to annihilation in the Battle Off Samar, Philipines, October 1944. This is a link to our site, in Spanish, sorry, but you know, a picture is worth 1000 words, where I show the process: http://www.camne.com.ar/presentandomodelos/dd557/dd557.htm vids: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PwAVgSaoolo http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hb2pL0GhLDA Patrolling waters East off Samar:
Posted on: 10/25/2009 11:14 AM by Author "rva1945" in the forum "RC Scale Boating"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=9200485

RE: AIRSOFT BARREL MECHANISM for my jagdpanther
Thanks but, I can't find one of these Sherman Airsoft barrels published for sale.
Posted on: 10/25/2009 9:22 AM by Author "rva1945" in the forum "RC Tanks"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=9200295

RE: AIRSOFT BARREL MECHANISM for my jagdpanther
LED? Is it related to the IR firing system? I intend to install the Airsoft sytem.
Posted on: 10/25/2009 9:20 AM by Author "rva1945" in the forum "RC Tanks"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=9200290

RE: AIRSOFT BARREL MECHANISM for my jagdpanther
What you don't know guys, is that my Jagdpanther has two ESC's, the standard sized receiver, the battery pack and a Tamiya double gearbox, it seems that the only barrel with its own gearbox (it works on a spring and a piston) and firing system that will fit is the T72 one. Then I'll have to work the Tiger-type muzzle brake (very similar to that of the Jagdpanther). But all the wires puzzle me, I thought that it came with just a pair of wires (+ and ground). Thanks Robert
Posted on: 10/24/2009 11:15 PM by Author "rva1945" in the forum "RC Tanks"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=9199683

RE: AIRSOFT BARREL MECHANISM for my jagdpanther
The muzzle brake is not available as spare part. And the T72 M mechanism seems to be the smaller one, and I don't have plenty of rrom inside the tank. Regards Robert
Posted on: 10/24/2009 6:37 PM by Author "rva1945" in the forum "RC Tanks"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=9199079

AIRSOFT BARREL MECHANISM for my jagdpanther
I want to implant the Airsoft firing mechanism in my 1/25 Jagdpanther. The Tiger I looks nice because it comes with the similar muzzle used in the Jagdpanther: http://www.toyeast.com/v3/pdtdetail.asp?pdt_id=A02106714 but the hardware seems to occupy more room than the T72 M: http://www.toyeast.com/v3/pdtdetail.asp?pdt_id=A02106784 and they seem to have at least 3 pairs of wires. Does anyone know the wiring layout? Thanks Robert
Posted on: 10/24/2009 4:53 PM by Author "rva1945" in the forum "RC Tanks"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=9198896

RE: VSTANK Pro Tiger Early 1/24 tracks question
Yes, they for sure use the same text for all the tanks. T H A N K S Robert
Posted on: 10/20/2009 10:09 PM by Author "rva1945" in the forum "RC Tanks"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=9189601

RE: VSTANK Pro Tiger Early 1/24 tracks question
Well, Toyeast don't make tanks, they sell them, but I didn't find any info from VS about switching to rubber tracks for the Tigers. Thanks.
Posted on: 10/20/2009 9:33 AM by Author "rva1945" in the forum "RC Tanks"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=9187752

VSTANK Pro Tiger Early 1/24 tracks question
I still couldn't figure it out whether the VSTank Pro 1/24 Tiger I Early comes with individually linked plastic tracks, or rubber ones. I want the plastic tracks version, with Airsoft firing system (not IR.) A forum member told me that the VS Tiger always came with plastic links, but it seems that every item I find in ebay, amazon, etc implies that it comes qith rubber tracks, and that the plastic links is an extra ($20 or so) option. I asked Toyeast and they answered "rubber tracks". Another question: in case the Tiger tank comes with rubber tracks, and I order the spare plastic linked tracks, will the sprocket run or will I have to change it? Please help me, I would want to waste my money order something I really don't want. Regards Robert
Posted on: 10/20/2009 8:53 AM by Author "rva1945" in the forum "RC Tanks"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=9187678

RE: My Tiger in the snow!
Yes, but... http://www.bananahobby.com/1291.html One of the pictures, half the page, refers to "Upgrade Parts (Not Included in this Set)", one of those, Hard tread Set. Not to mention, at the Features section (near the end of page), it says "All-wheel spension and rubber caterpillar treads tackle rugged terrain as well as 35° inclines". Rubber caterpillar treads!! This is driving me crazy.
Posted on: 10/19/2009 2:18 PM by Author "rva1945" in the forum "RC Tanks"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=9185537

RE: VStank hard tracks
Are you crazy? How bad must you be there in Canada to consider to emigrate to Argentina, land of corruption, crime, violence, strikes, inflation, and God knows how many more calamities you'll hardly find in Canada! Unless you own a ranch in the Patagonia, hundreds of miles from Buenos Aires...please think twice. And as for Buenos Aires meaning good air...there's a lot of polluion in the city itself and boudaries... Regards Robert
Posted on: 10/18/2009 9:41 PM by Author "rva1945" in the forum "RC Tanks"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=9183920

RE: VStank hard tracks
Thanks. I'll my VSTANK Pro Tiger Early 1/24 airsoft this week. Regards Robert
Posted on: 10/18/2009 9:20 PM by Author "rva1945" in the forum "RC Tanks"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=9183857

RE: VStank hard tracks
But, what about this (found it just seconds ago)? http://www.rcuniverse.com/magazine/article_display.cfm?article_id=882 it mentions rubber treads
Posted on: 10/18/2009 8:07 PM by Author "rva1945" in the forum "RC Tanks"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=9183659

RE: VStank hard tracks
THANKS, you made me save time. Regards Robert
Posted on: 10/18/2009 8:03 PM by Author "rva1945" in the forum "RC Tanks"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=9183645

RE: VStank hard tracks
I need to know whether the VSTANK Pro 1/24 Tiger I Early (shoots BB) comes with individual plastic links or rubber tracks, I want the plastic tracks one. I guess they come with rubber tracks and the plastic tracks is an option offered separately. Or I am wrong? http://cgi.ebay.com/VSTANK-PRO-1-24-RC-TANK-AIRSOFT-TIGER-I-EARLY-GREEN_W0QQitemZ390083215011QQcmdZViewItemQQptZRadio_Control_Vehicles?hash=item5ad2c57ea3 What makes me think is the fact that the plastic tracks is an option: http://cgi.ebay.com/VSTANK-PRO-1-24-TIGER-I-EARLY-VERSION-PLASTIC-TREAD-SET_W0QQitemZ330362677954QQcmdZViewItemQQptZRadio_Control_Vehicles?hash=item4ceb266ac2 I wouldn't want to order it and get the rubber tracks version. Thanks Robert
Posted on: 10/18/2009 7:48 PM by Author "rva1945" in the forum "RC Tanks"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=9183611

RE: My Tiger in the snow!
Thanks, my concerns arise because there's the VSTANK pro Tiger I Early and the plastic tread set available as separate products. Is it the new VSTANK Tiger that comes with plastic tracks, instead of the old one with rubber tracks? This is the link: http://cgi.ebay.com/VSTANK-PRO-1-24-RC-TANK-AIRSOFT-TIGER-I-EARLY-GREY_W0QQitemZ330364504083QQcmdZViewItemQQptZRadio_Control_Vehicles?hash=item4ceb424813 can you tell if it comes with plastic or rubber tracks? I will order it from Argentina and it wil be a "tragedy" to get it with rubber tracks. Thanks Robert
Posted on: 10/18/2009 7:27 PM by Author "rva1945" in the forum "RC Tanks"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=9183575

RE: My Tiger in the snow!
I want one of those 1/24 airsoft RC tanks. The choices are Tokyo Marui or VSTank Pro. Do voth come with rubber or plastic individual links tracks? I guess the VS comes with rubber tracks and you have to get the plastic ones as spare parts. Nice vid. Robert
Posted on: 10/17/2009 1:25 PM by Author "rva1945" in the forum "RC Tanks"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=9180510

RE: Flag carried on panzers ?
Thanks. I was talking about any insignia flying attached to the antenna or so.
Posted on: 10/10/2009 6:21 PM by Author "rva1945" in the forum "RC Tanks"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=9162239

Flag carried on panzers ?
I wonder, did the panzers carry any flag? The balkenkreuz, the nazi flag (red, white circle and a black swastika inside), ..? It's for my jagdpanther. Thanks Robert
Posted on: 10/10/2009 4:20 PM by Author "rva1945" in the forum "RC Tanks"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=9162048

RE: 1/25 Jagdpanther conversion to RC: finished
The 1/25 Jagdpanther is 40cm (including the gun).
Posted on: 10/2/2009 10:08 AM by Author "rva1945" in the forum "RC Tanks"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=9140959

RE: lipo readings
OK, but if I get to balance the cells at lower voltages, i.e. at the beginning of the charging process, they'll reach their top voltage equaized.
Posted on: 9/25/2009 4:35 PM by Author "rva1945" in the forum "RC Boats General Discussion"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=9123653

RE: lipo readings
In case I can't afford a decent balancer, how about discharging each cell (taping into its terminals using the built-in balancer connector) to 3V?
Posted on: 9/25/2009 11:11 AM by Author "rva1945" in the forum "RC Boats General Discussion"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=9122970

RE: NiMH Battery issues
Balanced batteries in a pack is an utopy, there are always, at best, slight differences in voltage. So when you discharge the pack as a whole, there is a chance of reversing voltages in one or more batteries, which is destructive. If you follow the rule of individually discharging the pack (every cell) it is almost impossible to happen.
Posted on: 9/25/2009 10:31 AM by Author "rva1945" in the forum "Batteries & Chargers"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=9122858

RE: NiMH Battery issues
I've been using NiCad and NiMH for years and never had that problem. First, I never charged them at 1C, maybe C/10 at C/5 at worse. Fast charging kills the batteries faster. And, what's more important, keep balance: I build the packs in such a way that I have access to every battery terminals, in order to discharge them individually until the same charge level, and then charge the pack as normal. How do I balance the packs? I connect a diode (1N4001) and a resistor (4.7 Ohms, 2W) in series to every battery using alligator clips and leave them overnight. They will have 0.6V or so at the end of the balance process. Believe me, your packs will last longer. Regards Robert
Posted on: 9/25/2009 8:30 AM by Author "rva1945" in the forum "Batteries & Chargers"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=9122568

RE: can someone explain how to do this or if i can do this.
And don't solder the + and - lead of the packs, use any suitable and insulated connector, so you can unplug them to correctly charge them individually. Pay close attention to let the packs reach the same charge level; if not, chances are that under big loads (monster motors) one of the packs will decrease its voltage more than the other one, which can lead to inverse polarity and destroy the packs. And please remember these batteries are flammable, prone to fire and explosion if not handled with care. Always follow manufacturer directions. Luck Robert
Posted on: 9/24/2009 9:52 PM by Author "rva1945" in the forum "Batteries & Chargers"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=9121694

RE: can someone explain how to do this or if i can do this.
THAT SIMPLE:
Posted on: 9/24/2009 8:45 PM by Author "rva1945" in the forum "Batteries & Chargers"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=9121557

New to Li-Pos in scale boating
All of us know that Li-Po batteries tend to loose a bit of life after each run, and storing it in the shelf for long (months if not longer) shortens their life further, if not stored at the proper charge level (not 100%, just 80% or so?). I guess that is noticeable in electric flight or race boats applications. What about using them to power our scale boats, which merely suck less than an average 1C (C=battery capacity in Amps/Hour) ? Robert
Posted on: 9/24/2009 8:54 AM by Author "rva1945" in the forum "Batteries & Chargers"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=9120010

RE: Li-Pos powering our scale boats
Using heavy packs in my boats, as power and ballast, that's what I've been doing all these years...until now that my Lindberg Fletchet class, 1/125 kit I converted to RC, sits really low in the water, and I think it's a good reason to give those lighter lipos a try in my scale boats world. Just that. Thanks
Posted on: 9/23/2009 8:32 AM by Author "rva1945" in the forum "RC Boats General Discussion"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=9117520

Li-Pos powering our scale boats
All of us know that Li-Po batteries tend to loose a bit of life after each run, and storing it in the shelf for long (months if not longer) shortens their life further. I guess that is noticeable in electric flight or race boats applications. What about using them to power our scale boats, which merely suck less than an average 1C (C=battery capacity in Amps/Hour) ? Robert
Posted on: 9/22/2009 11:21 PM by Author "rva1945" in the forum "RC Boats General Discussion"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=9116868

British Mark I to IV, front or rear sprockets?
Maybe I'll build one of these from scratch. Where did they have the sprocket wheels, at the fron or rear? Did they have rollers? http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ob3fUlIOEi0 Thanks
Posted on: 9/13/2009 8:05 PM by Author "rva1945" in the forum "RC Tanks"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=9092953