Richard Bradfield Posted June 9, 2013 #1 Posted June 9, 2013 I am building a Chesapeake Bay skipjack and have been working on the rudder and control assembly. the picture shows the assembly as I have built it. The problem is that I can only get 19 degrees of rudder to port and 15 degrees to starboard. Not a real problem as at least it works, but based on some research, I read that the maximum efficiency of a rudder is 35 degrees to the flow of water. The steering arms are identical and the steering rods are of equal length. It seems that if I make the rods unequal it will only help increase travel in one direction. Does anyone have any thoughts on this? (sorry for the poor picture quality) Quote In progress: Willie L. Bennett Chesapeake Bay Skipjack 1/32 Scale Model Shipways
captainbob Posted June 9, 2013 #2 Posted June 9, 2013 Richard, If you shorten the cross beam at the top of the rudder post., that is bring the push rods closer to the rudder post, you will turn the rudder at a greater angle. you can play with the length of the cross beam to get the rudder movement you want. Bob Quote Every build is a learning experience. Current build: SS_ Mariefred Completed builds: US Coast Guard Pequot Friendship-sloop, Schooner Lettie-G.-Howard, Spray, Grand-Banks-dory, a gaff rigged yawl, HOGA (YT-146), Int'l Dragon Class II, Two Edwardian Launches In the Gallery: Catboat, International-Dragon-Class, Spray
RiverRat Posted June 9, 2013 #3 Posted June 9, 2013 (edited) Hi Richard, Could you explain how the unit on the left works? I used to fly RC aircraft, and just guessing, I'd expect the two long rods to be connected to opposite ends of a servo arm or wheel. Brian OOPS I just glanced at your build log. Not RC, I guess. You just want working steering that works right! Edited June 9, 2013 by RiverRat Quote "Give you joy!" Current Build: RATTLESNAKE 1:64 POB (Mamoli) Kits on hand: "Lexington", Mamoli: "Robert E. Lee", Scientific Scratch to do: "Fannie Dugan", 1870s Sidewheeler Steamboat
Richard Bradfield Posted June 9, 2013 Author #4 Posted June 9, 2013 Thanks Bob, I think I'll just live with it. Brian, yeah I just wanted it to appear to work. FYI, the unit to the left is the wheel box. The steering wheel is attached to the center shaft. In reality the shaft would have left hand screw threads on the upper part for the starboard steering rod and right hand threads on the lower part for the portside steering rod. That is beyond my capability but check out the completed kit section for a skipjack by "dandyfunk" to see one that actually works like the real thing. Quote In progress: Willie L. Bennett Chesapeake Bay Skipjack 1/32 Scale Model Shipways
druxey Posted June 9, 2013 #5 Posted June 9, 2013 I believe that beyond about 20 degrees a rudder will create more drag without increasing turning efficiency. Old ships' rudders could not turn more than about 30 degrees each way. Quote Be sure to sign up for an epic Nelson/Trafalgar project if you would like to see it made into a TV series http://trafalgar.tv
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