Charon Boatman of the River Styx by bensid54

[bensid54]

Good point Arthur this is going to be tricky. Trouble with the wood that will be exposed to the water so it has to be sealed which may give it some gloss, unless there is a type of wood that can resist water like teak maybe. I could always make a clear plastic hull and glue the planks to it with CA glue, that could be a plan. I've started working on his hands the left hand will rotate the right hand will move up and down. They are rough now but once I finish the arms I will finish and fit the hands.

[captainbob]

I was thinking of your hull and here's another idea.  Build it out of wood to look the way you want.  Fill any gaps with clay then fiber glass the inside and wash out the clay.  This way the gaps would not be filled with anything but the fiberglass on the inside would waterproof it and hold it all together.

 

Bob

[bensid54]

That makes sense Bob use resin to fill in the gaps and it would be strong then I could place planks over that for the interior of the boat. Thanks

[bensid54]

The upper arms, forearms and hands so far. Now I have to mill the elbows, wrists and shoulder to fit it all together then dress it up to look better. I think this will work if not there is always plan"B". 

[bensid54]

Ha ha Good one Arthur, it never dawned on me what that guy could make. Another question is how far or long are the trips and does he get vacation time?  

[mtaylor]

So he's not a union member then?

[bensid54]

Medical and dental benefits too! That guy could really use the dental and putting on some weight won't hurt either.

[bensid54]

The arms build, this is the first prototype and will be changed in a number of ways to improve the look and function.

[bensid54]

Arms mounted and operating, many changes needed but at least I'm on the way to the final design.

[RichardG]

Looking really good    .

 

Richard. 

[mtaylor]

You are well on  your way.  That is is some realistic rowing motion going on there.

[bensid54]

Thanks Guys, like the Bireme this one will be going for some time. Problem is I have two static models to do one a kit the other a scratch built Gillnetter. 

[BANYAN]

They're coming along really well mate; he'll be paddlin' along before you know it.

 

cheers

 

Pat

[bensid54]

Thanks Pat it's coming together slowly but surely.

[Louie da fly]

Oh, that's just amazing! I take my hat off to you, sir. If this is just the test model, how good is the final form going to be?

 

Steven

[bensid54]

Thanks Steven it has been a collaboration of AEW and myself to get to this point, he did the first mock up and is responsible for the programing of the Ardiuno board to give it the lifelike motion. Arthur I have been going over the tipping of the paddle and what you suggested regarding a lever on the oar is one of the things I mulled over until last night. The cable idea came to me as you suggested but with a twist, which would be to set it up as a belt and pulley configuration. I can remotely mount the servo with two idler pulleys turning on an axis independent of the elbow and shoulder, tricky but doable. I think I will need to go to the local fisheries supply and get some gillnet repair twine to do the job, that stuff has no give and is about the strongest twine/cable I can use. As far as the oar being on the same plane I like this better because he can be centre of the boat and clear the Starboard side with the oar just like a person would do when rowing a boat standing up. I showed my wife the video all proud of myself and she said " Where's the boat I don't like it it's stupid when are you going to grow up?" I didn't have the heart to tell her that if I haven't grown up by the time I'm sixty I likely won't, sometimes the girl just doesn't get it!

[bensid54]

Yes belt tension is a concern your idea has merit and is feasible. Another possibility Arthur is he will have a robe and his arms will be covered up to his hands, so with that in mind I can hide a servo near his hands under the sleeves of his robe. I could actually hang it from the paddle and anchor it on his forearm using a pin and guide that way the servo won't restrict his movement.

[Canute]

The only difference between men and boys id the price of the toys. We never really grow up!

[bensid54]

So True Ken! Well Arthur I'm glad your wife got a charge out of that and yes try as they may there are just some things about their husbands that just won't change. Tell your wife thank you for the compliment!

[druxey]

Ingenious arrangement!

[bensid54]

Thanks Druxey I do find making things like this fun and a bit challenging.

[bensid54]

Can't download video once again. I changed over to windows 10 now another learning curve.

[bensid54]

I think it worked!

 

[bensid54]

 Charons, head, neck and screw machined and ready for assembly

Charons head, neck and screw assembled

 

The base of the neck which will sit on top of the servo that will rotate his head

[bensid54]

Head installed for testing.

[BANYAN]

Wow, that is looking good mate; love the evil eye stare

 

Have you though of adding a small sound device to play "funeral/eerie" music as he rows to mask the servo noise (no sneaking up otherwise )

 

cheers

 

Pat

[bensid54]

Thanks Pat, I never thought of eerie music but I kind of like the idea. I wonder if there are micro players that I can use a memory stick with?

[BANYAN]

I am pretty sure there are small programmable device the RC people use on which you can record the music/sound, and the triggers, length to play etc.  Some kind hearted soul whom has the ability may be able to dub the selected music with creaks, graons and oar splash even  Too ambitious?

 

cheers

 

Pat

Edited May 30, 2016 by BANYAN

[bensid54]

That would work Arthur I can spice 5 volts from my receiver to power it, now to find micro size loud speakers. This becoming a much more ambitious build than I originally pictured!

[Canute]

Get some "sugar cube" speakers, like in a cell phone. Also, check out the tiny speakers the model railroaders use inside their locomotives.