Help with revell gato prop strut attachment

[jack b]

So I am building a revell gato and I am at the part where you get all the rear components ready to go together
I have the rudder & the dive planes all done *but I could use some help with the strut connection.
I know that in order to make it removable you need to cut it, no problem, and use a screw to attach the rear
part to the main structure, but it looks like it could use some reinforcement. How did you do yours?
what kind of screw? Did you add some material to the main structure, tap it or what?
also is is beafy enough using just one screw?

thanks for any input

[crazy ivan]

Re: Help with revell gato prop strut attachment

Jack,

Do you really feel the need to be able to remove the strut? I glued mine on permanently and never had an issue. Here is a link to a build thread I did in 2006 when the kit first came out. It may be of some use.

http://s181686668.onlinehome.us/phpBB3/viewtopic.php?f=41&t=5470

[jack b]

Re: Help with revell gato prop strut attachment

Ya I was thinkin' about doin that but what if you needed to replace or remove the prop shafts?
can you get your out ? it would make for a much robust area but I am worried about if I should
ever need to remove the prop shafts.
JAck

[crazy ivan]

Re: Help with revell gato prop strut attachment

Can't you just remove the props and slide the shafts forward and out? Even if you were to remove the strut, I don't see how the shafts would clear the rear dive planes if you want to slide them back.

The way I did mine, I can remove the 2 screws holding the skeg together and remove the rear planes. Then the shafts will slide back out props and all, leaving the strut attached to the hull. Your setup may be different, but without seeing a photo, I don't follow what removing the strut buys you.

[crazy ivan]

Re: Help with revell gato prop strut attachment

On closer inspection of my boat, with the props removed and the planes set dead neutral, the shafts might just barely slide clear beneath them (again, with the strut attached to the hull).

But if the shafts did not clear the planes, removing the strut would still force me to bend the shafts down slightly to clear. I wouldn't recommend that though.

[jack b]

Re: Help with revell gato prop strut attachment

Thanks for the reply!
What I am leaning towards is the way caswell/Merriman did his, he cut the a frame just aft of the strut attachment area used a 2-56 flat head screw to hold down the back part to the dive plane area thus making it removable for east access to the shafts. Also if something where to happen to the dive plane area as the plastic could break or get damaged, I wouls be able to repair it with out trying to break the bond. but you said you glued the whole a frame piece to the bottom hull and have not had any problems?
JAck B

[crazy ivan]

Re: Help with revell gato prop strut attachment

Jack,

I went back and looked at David's original build. If you are getting this from looking at his cabal reports (#13 shows the area in question), then I think you are misinterpreting what is shown. Both David and I cut the skeg/strut part into two sections (my cut is more forward toward the strut than Dave's). But we both glued the forward section with the shaft struts permanently to the hull. The screw shown in Dave's photo was only there temporarily to hold the piece in alignment until the glue joint set up. He states this in the text. We then used different screws, not seen in the photo, to make only the rear section (and thus the rear planes) removable. I used two screws, I'm not sure how many Dave used. Of course Dave may have changed this arrangement once he went into production, but I have not seen the final version and couldn't say. I will say that I find that the shaft actually gives a great deal of support to the strut, and not the other way around. It has given me no problems.

[jack b]

Re: Help with revell gato prop strut attachment

Hey Ivan That is exactly how I am going to do mine. Cut the strut and glue the one section in and attach the other with a/or two screws
yes I was getting my info from mostly the cabal reports as well as others. this seems to make the most sence. The only thing that worried me
was the amount of plastic on the back portion where I am going to put the screws, I was wondering if any of you guys beefed up the area
or just drilled and taped the holes.
Thanks for looking again for me. I should be getting back to it this weekend
Jack B

[crazy ivan]

Re: Help with revell gato prop strut attachment

I just drilled and tapped. Either a 0-80 or a 1-72 thread if I recall.

[jack b]

Re: Help with revell gato prop strut attachment

You did not ad any material to the stern where the screws will go
I think when I widened the slot for the metal stearn planes the two
sections to not come together so I think I will need to ad some material
for the screw to bit into
JAck B

[crazy ivan]

Re: Help with revell gato prop strut attachment

To be honest, its been five years. I don't recall if I beefed up the skeg or not. I can't tell by looking at the boat or my old build photos. But a little more styrene in that area couldn't hurt.

[jack b]

Re: Help with revell gato prop strut attachment

I think I will do what ever is needed to make it sturdy
I need to get back to work on it!!!!
Jack B

[jack b]

Re: Help with revell gato prop strut attachment

Thank You for all the help!
I have that part of the ship now finished
I cut the part and glued the forward part to the hull and made the
back removable as per DM and all is working well
I am quite happy with the freedom of movement
Thanks again
JAck B