Greek Bireme by bensid54 - FINISHED - RADIO

[bensid54]

As far as reverse goes I can put in two more switches but before I go to that trouble I'll install an override switch to bypass those micro switches when I need to make a turn or reverse it long enough to stop or give me a bit of bow room, after sea trial then I will do corrective wiring if need be. Patrick the camera is on a mount attached to the servo at the front that I made which gives me the ability to pan up and down as far as left to right goes I just turn the whole machine, the controller has a stabilizing system for cameras but I don't use it because I want to know if it is banking or turning on command. 

[Jparsley]

That I have to say is wonderful piece of engenering well done

[bensid54]

Thank you Jparsley it's almost there I have one maybe two more servos to install that I will do once I get the chance.  

[bensid54]

Second set of sea trials, I'm getting better at running it.

https://youtu.be/X7qDxvmfOT0

[Omega1234]

Hi Ben

 

You must be feeling like the 'proud father' of the neighbourhood! Very slick and, talk about manoeuvrable! Nice!

 

Would the full size ship have been able to turn on it's own axis, do you think?

 

All the best

 

Patrick

[bensid54]

Thanks for the compliments Patrick! I think they could turn on their own axis as long as the guy yelling orders gets it right. Yes I am very happy with it took a lot of time to get to this point, I can improve the stability by adding rudders and the battering ram that should smooth it all right out. I think I may actually have it done before the end of the year.

[bensid54]

This is how I improved the stability.

https://youtu.be/p7t6JKZA-cc

[mtaylor]

Now that is even more impressive...   Rudder control would be interesting as you wouldn't have reverse oars to make gentle turns.   

[bensid54]

Thanks Mark I am making some real headway now, the oars were splashing water on and in the boat before but now the only water getting in is from the gaps in the wood at the stern. 

[bensid54]

Since I started building my Bireme I have wrecked one pair of shorts and about three "T" shirts by getting epoxy rubbed or dripped on them as I'm sure many of you have had a spill or two at your own work stations, my wife of course would spot my screw ups and tell me about them, so I came up with a solution. Last year I acquired a Serger and sewing machine to make samples of my night time leg cramp prevention invention that I patented in November 2014 that works very well, and I must say I have learned how to work those machines and made myself an apron or at least I think that's what you call them, so I thought I would post a picture.  

[Omega1234]

Since I started building my Bireme I have wrecked one pair of shorts and about three "T" shirts by getting epoxy rubbed or dripped on them as I'm sure many of you have had a spill or two at your own work stations, my wife of course would spot my screw ups and tell me about them, so I came up with a solution. Last year I acquired a Serger and sewing machine to make samples of my night time leg cramp prevention invention that I patented in November 2014 that works very well, and I must say I have learned how to work those machines and made myself an apron or at least I think that's what you call them, so I thought I would post a picture.

Hi Ben

 

...how does the saying go? "Necessity is the mother of invention?"

 

Nice job!

 

Cheers

 

Patrick

Edited June 27, 2015 by Omega1234

[captainbob]

I broke down and bought one of those denim aprons made for workmen.  The Admiral wishes I would wear it.

 

Bob

[bensid54]

Good one Bob I got a chuckle out of that. At least you have it that's the first hurdle now to learn how to use it!

[bensid54]

Adding a strip of wood to the keel, other than help with the finished look of the ship I believe it will help to stop the pivoting the oars create when they are finding their balance stroke.  

[bensid54]

More pictures of added Keel strips.

[bensid54]

Time to make the ram! Started out by cutting templates from cardboard I cut out to fit the hull, taped them together to make sure the fit was right. With my paper templates I traced them on to brass sheeting I have, then using tin snips I cut them out of the brass sheet. I fitted the bent piece to the hull then traced around that piece on to the brass sheet below it. With that last step being done I was able to solder the rest of it together now the worst part is done but I've only half finished the ram.

[mtaylor]

Nice metalwork.. that ram looks great.

[bensid54]

Thanks Mtaylor it went easier than I thought it would so that was a blessing, next I have to complete it and add some of my own touches!

[Omega1234]

Hi Ben

 

That ram certainly looks like the bees knees!

 

Really nice.

 

Cheers

 

Patrick

[captainbob]

The ram is a fine piece of brass work.  I would sure hate to see that coming at my boat.

 

Bob 

[bensid54]

Thanks Patrick and Bob it turned out quite well once I started using a soldering torch inside of my small electric soldering gun. I plan on dressing it up more with some very offensive looking spikes.

[Omega1234]

Hi Ben

 

Your battering ram made me think.....When we were kids, we used to take great delight in using our RC cabin cruisers to chase the local ducks on the lake. The ducks hated it, but the bystanders had a laugh. I can just imagine how much more entertaining the spectacle would've been if your battering rams with spikes were fitted to our boats!

 

Now, that's worth a thought.

 

Cheers

 

Patrick

Edited July 4, 2015 by Omega1234

[bensid54]

Always nice to relive childhood memories! I think the ducks would have no trouble avoiding my RC boat, it may be the first time I will see ducks laugh.  

[Louie da fly]

Ben, there are a bunch of images of rams from archaeological finds here. You might find them of use in making your spikes.

 

Steven

[bensid54]

Thanks Steven I'll check it out.

[Michel]

A nice work of wood and brass.

[Louie da fly]

No worries. Happy to be of help.

 

Steven

[bensid54]

Thanks Michel!

I checked out the website Steven and the rams all appear to be the same basic style with some variations so I had better not deviate too far from those designs.  

[bensid54]

Began building the hatches yesterday, used my modified tile saw to cut all 22 hatches for the rowers to pop out of and shoot arrows at the enemy. I made them out of basswood for some contrast and the handles will be brass they will be spaced as far apart as possible to allow a roped area between the hatches. The Amati model has a plush area near the stern for someone important to sit in which would be a very bad place to be in battle so I think mine won't have that. I will be checking out other styles and models to finish the deck and come up with something more suitable. 

Edited July 5, 2015 by bensid54

[bensid54]

The rudders as they are, I attempted to slot the dowels with my milling bit but only managed to split them so I used my little table saw. As I was cutting the dowels I was making a fair bit of smoke so I assumed the blade must be getting dull so I continued on. Once I had cut both dowels I checked out how dull the blade on my little saw was to find out I had been feeding the dowels into the saw the wrong way the whole time! Some days I wonder how I manage to dress myself without labeling my shoes right and left!