Small 7-blade prop??

[crazygary]

I'm in the midst of r/c'ing a 1/350 Hobby Boss USS Virginia, and have come across a
prop problem. The prop supplied with the kit is a pretty wimpy 7-bladed plastic affair, and
probably will not hold up!
Therefore, I'm hoping to find a 7-bladed brass prop to outfit her with.

Unfortunately, the prop I need can't be any bigger than 1/2" diameter!! This is due to the
shrouded configuration on the Virginia, and anything larger will not clear the i.d. of the shroud!

Any suggestions or assistance would be greatly appreciated.

Doesn't absolutely have to be a 7-blade prop, but, would be my preference!!

Thanks, in advance, for any assistance!

crazygary

[raalst]

Re: Small 7-blade prop??

I'm not aware of such small props. my Kilo has a 0.77 inch 5 bladed brass prop.
You could consider putting such a prop on a motor somehow and file/sand down the diameter.
I bought it from Raboesch (http://www.raboesch.com/CATALOGUS_2-2010_WEB.pdf).
their catalog has props from 0.7 inch onwards. no clue if they're still in business.

but I think you have more chance of success examining pooltoys in the local toy store and
re-using those plastic/nylon props. these seem a better scale for you
(though I expect no 7-bladed ones).

[Guest]

Re: Small 7-blade prop??

Prop Shop here in the UK do some very small props cast in various metals (aluminium, silicone bronze, stainless etc.). They're usually fairly standard types of prop though in this scale/size.

http://www.prop-shop.co.uk/

Other than that, you will either have to make your own, or have one made to your spec ($$$$$$).

Another option would be to have one 3D printed.

There is this thread of the permit build- viewtopic.php?f=35&t=11272

Perhaps the builder would be willing to share his 3D file of the scimitar prop? You could email it to somewhere like shapways.com, and they can use that file to print a metal or plastic version in the size you specifiy.

As 3D printing is charged by volume, the cost should be very competitive.

[raalst]

Re: Small 7-blade prop??

3D printing often requires some minimal wall thickness that prevents the printing of thin blades.
But you might be able to find some shop using a high quality/ high resolution 3D machine.
Shapeways does not do "thin"

[Guest]

Re: Small 7-blade prop??

Okay. I thought perhaps the sterling silver option would work, 0.6mm is pretty thin, but I guess you have it thinning towards the tips of the blades.

Dave Merriman may have some moulds for smaller props. I'd forgotten he used to do a range of small static nukes subs, so he may have something that will do the trick.

[crazygary]

Re: Small 7-blade prop??

Thank you raalst and subculture, for your replies.
I have e-mailed the prop shop and will await thier reply!
The only possible help that I can think of would be to dip the
entire plastic prop into some type of hardenable(?) solution
and let it air dry in hopes of adding a bit of a solid coating
to the plastic!!??
Any ideas, anyone?
crazygary

[crazygary]

Re: Small 7-blade prop??

Good call, Subculture!!

Will contact Dave and see wht he may be able to help me with!!

Thanks again!