Enlarging Rudder Area ?

[toppack]

I've found that enlarging the Rudder, by about 20 to 50% from scale size, is needed usually with surface RC ships, to get a good and realistic turning radius.
Is this true with subs also?
(Or will this be explained with the SD instructions, and I'm just jumping ahead?) :D
The rudder in Revell Gato kit, which is probably to scale, really looks small. So I'll be enlarging it, enless someone can tell why I should Not?

[He Who Shall Not Be Named]

I've found that enlarging the Rudder, by about 20 to 50% from scale size, is needed usually with surface RC ships, to get a good and realistic turning radius.
Is this true with subs also?
(Or will this be explained with the SD instructions, and I'm just jumping ahead?) :D
The rudder in Revell Gato kit, which is probably to scale, really looks small. So I'll be enlarging it, enless someone can tell why I should Not?

The GATO turns just fine as is. The SEAWOLF needs the extra rudder, the KILO does not. The SEAVIEW turns just fine (three rudders!).

David,

[toppack]

Well, I don't like the wide turning radius of the Gato, since I operate in Small Ponds, not Lakes. So I'll be experimenting with various sized add-ons to rudder to determine how large it needs to be?
I'm thinking about 25% larger right now.
(it drives like my '37 Packard Limo):rolleyes:
Then I'll permanantly modify it, hopefully I won't have to remove it from hull to do that.

[He Who Shall Not Be Named]

Well, I don't like the wide turning radius of the Gato, since I operate in Small Ponds, not Lakes. So I'll be experimenting with various sized add-ons to rudder to determine how large it needs to be?
I thinking about 25% larger right now.
(it drives like my '37 Packard Limo):rolleyes:
Then I'll permantly modify it, hopefully I won't have to remove it from hull to do that.

Just use masking tape on the original rudder and test. Vary the area and shape of the tape till you work out how the new, enlarged rudder will look like. Then build a like-shaped rudder from sheet and make that your permanent fix.

David,

[toppack]

Just use masking tape on the original rudder and test. Vary the area and shape of the tape till you work out how the new, enlarged rudder will look like. Then build a like-shaped rudder from sheet and make that your permanent fix.

David,

Yep, that was the Plan, except that I use *Duct-Tape*. ;)
(the ol' Secret-Weapon) :D

[toppack]

I was going to do some Rudder Testing until I found out my neighbors Pool is not Heated.
I'm not worried about my Hands!
I just don't want that ice-water cracking my Plastic! :eek:
You know how it Is. :D LOL :D
And if it did happen to sink, it would have to stay there until Spring. :D