RC Tugboat

thingiverse

This is a functioning 3d printed RC Tug Boat that has been designed using rene76’s thing:2840309 hull and parts as a starting platform. Included with this design is the original (unmodified) hull files, a number of custom designed parts, an example list of hardware & electronics that can be used, and links to other Thingiverse parts to aid in completing this as a fully functioning RC model. All parts were printed in PLA, most parts with 50% infill, motor mount and rudder ring 100% infill, on a printer with an approximate build area of 255x255x260mm. Ensure all parts have been dropped to build plate level prior too printing. Assembly notes: Hull
Completed hull pieces were glued with epoxy. The whole hull was then painted with epoxy, high fill primer & wet sanding were used to smooth the hull prior to being painted with acrylic spray cans. Prop shaft
The hole for the prop shaft may need to be carefully drilled out to fit the stuffing tube. Test fit with propellor and rudder installed to ensure clearance and trim too length if required. Affix with epoxy. Fill stuffing tube with grease prior to use. Rudder
A 3mm stainless or brass shaft is required. Epoxy the shaft into the rudder. The shaft length may need to be trimmed. File a notch in the top end for the grub screw in the rudder arm to gab on to. Test fit to the rudder stuffing tube, apply grease to the shaft on the final fitting. Prop The plastic prop I used needed to be trimmed to fit inside the rudder ring. Try to ensure that about the same amount is taken from each blade, and sand smooth when finished. Superstructure
The superstructure can be assembled with CA. Clear Lexan cut into strips make good windows, which can be affixed on the inside of the wheelhouse with CA or hot glue. Run any lights and wires before affixing the wheel house roof with CA. All other deck accessories were attached with CA Running gear Install the motor mount first, test fit and mark location prior to affixing with epoxy. The battery tray can be assembled and installed with CA. A stand is used to position the front of the tray over the prop shaft to enable easy access to the battery from the rear hatch lid. The ESC is installed to the left of the motor, I used double sided tape, a non-waterproof ESC may need to be mounted higher to keep it dry. A 9g servo is mounted vertically using thing:703530, epoxied to the right side of the motor mount. The Receiver is placed in front of the rudder servo. ensure the RX wrapped in a plastic bag and sealed. Recommended Parts: Rudder & steering Rudder shaft – 3mm x 100mm
https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_9xJxuv Rudder steering arm – 3mm diameter hole
https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_9fAK5R Pushrod – M2x200mm
https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_9Hx6vf Clevis – M2
https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_AYxNhj 9g Servo https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_9jKIdn Powertrain Motor Turnigy 2216 aerodrive - 3mm drive https://hobbyking.com/en_us/turnigy-2217-16turn-1050kv-23a-outrunner.html?gclid=Cj0KCQjwheyUBhD-ARIsAHJNM-NJ596FTkqVGIwFphh8azpkkpHCHfaACr2qgsbQyFrmpCVWIetIQIAaAqxYEALw_wcB&gclid=Cj0KCQjwheyUBhD-ARIsAHJNM-NJ596FTkqVGIwFphh8azpkkpHCHfaACr2qgsbQyFrmpCVWIetIQIAaAqxYEALw_wcB or 2212 (2830) 1300kv out runner (prop drive type) https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_9iAOVR ESC 30-40A brushless, waterproof ESC recommended. https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_ACWjCZ Propshaft/prop/uni joint M3 150mm sleve, 200mm shaft https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_AeFqC9 Universal joint - 3mm to 3mm https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_A2JfPJ Prop 2 blade, 27mm diameter, 3mm shaft hole. https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_ALvcvJ Electronics Transmitter - I use the GoolRC Tg3 transmitter as it has 3 channels and the ability to limit steering and throttle throw. https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_A7WKCd Battery Turnigy 2s, 20c 1.3 Lipo https://hobbyking.com/en_us/turnigy-1300mah-2s-20c-lipo-pack.html?queryID=b34d0bf2d4c4d194fc9cdf1ad649d5b4&objectID=18119&indexName=hbk_live_products_analytics or 2s 30c 1200mah Lipo https://s.click.aliexpress.com/e/_Acy8Dn Change log: Oct 22 - Re-uploaded due to thingiverse error