Help with revell gato prop strut attachment

[Jcopter]

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
Jack B

[He Who Shall Not Be Named]

I used on one model a single 2-56 flat head. On another model I used two. Both are holding up just fine.

A potential source of confusion is that I initially make the entire strut A-frame-stern plane lower bearing piece removable -- later making a vertical cut to separate the A-frame portion, that is eventually permanently bonded to the skeg with cohesive cement, from the stern plane lower bearing portion of the part. That removable portion (secured with either a single or two 2-56 flat head screws) permits removal/installation of both the rudder and stern plane assembly. You'll see what I'm talking about through examination of the below photos.

It's best to drill a .0625" hole (1/16") through both the stern plane lower bearing portion of the part and skeg while the two are held together in alignment. Take 'em apart, then cut thread into the skeg bore with a 2-56 tap. Then enlarge the hole in the stern plane lower bearing part to 3/32", and bevel the top of that hole to accept the head of the screw(s).

If you screw up the skeg hole, or are not confident you have enough meat there to get adequate thread, dab in some CA and baking soda, then drill and tap into that mess. Rotsa Ruck!




This is the hard-way! Today I recommend you cut a vertical break between the strut a-frame portion of this part and the after stern plane lower bearing portion. Then straight-away gluing the A-frame to the bottom of the skeg.





If you elect to go with the kit provided strut bearing, ream out its ass-end to fit a flangless Oilite bearing possessing a 1/8" bore. Or you can go with the metal strut bearings provided in the fittings kit.



The stern tubes are not secured to the hull till you have the strut bearings in place, a shaft (or shaft 'stand-in') in place, and everything checked for symmetry. And DON'T GET SLOPPY WITH THE ADHESIVE!!!!



The ahead-astern thrust bearings are the last item to be affixed to the hull.

[Jcopter]

Thanks For the info!! that is what i needed, I was going for your method as no need to re-invent the wheel
and it made the most sence. So 1,*2-56 flat head screw will do the trick?*It*will hold up well enough.
and just tap the plastic, and all will be golden.*Got*any other new nuggets/tips as to the build?
I have read all your reports and have most of the pix downloaded for quick reference.
anything you would do different/change?
Thank you once again
JAck B

[He Who Shall Not Be Named]

You got and are looking at the DVD's?

David

[Jcopter]

No I did not buy your WTC, I make my own, I have had great sucess with my own design
However, I have built mine on the ideas/success & info from many others with much thanks
Jack B

[trout]

Jack,
I think David was asking about the DVD set they sell for building the Gato, not trying to sell you the WTC - I think it is great that you build your own WTC, but I found the DVD's to be worth the money in tips for building the Gato such as the one you asked here about the rudder and dive planes. I would guess many of those that you are looking at have built theirs from the DVD.
Peace,
Tom

[Jcopter]

"O" I did not know the had a separate DVD for just building the Gato *I thought it was for the WTC and installation of the WTC in to the gato.
So you have it and think it is well worth the money, I will have to check into it. I have Dave Welch's DVD and found it to be quite useful.
by the way, I did not think David was trying to sell me a WTC simply adding a helping Hand, That I greatly appreciate, I was just letting him
know why I did not have his DVD as I thought that it came with the WTCs but now I know that it can be purchased separately.
JAck B