Gwen's Arkmodel 1/48 scale RC Type VIIC build log

[Onkel Neal]

Oh boy, I have been waiting for this

The Arkmodel is designed fopr RC use, then? On the stern planes and rudders, the small screws are part of the kit out of the boy? What material are the threads the screws screw into? Are they metal or plastic? Or metal axle shafts?

[Gwenydd]

Originally Posted by Onkel Neal

Oh boy, I have been waiting for this

The Arkmodel is designed fopr RC use, then? On the stern planes and rudders, the small screws are part of the kit out of the boy? What material are the threads the screws screw into? Are they metal or plastic? Or metal axle shafts?

Yes, it was specifically designed for RC use. Yes, those small screws on the control surfaces are included in the kit. They screw directly into the end of the control surfaces which are made of ABS plastic, so you have to be very careful when installing or removing them not to strip them out. I am probably going to make a set of metal threaded inserts (or maybe just use nuts) and drill out the holes larger and glue them in place so I have a more durable connection. The shafts for the control surfaces are all steel rods and the mount points on the hull have brass bushings for them to fit through, so they all turn pretty smoothly and without wobble.

[ET2SN]

Gwen, have you tried using "loc-tite" on metal parts and screws?

Its a little temperamental when compared to the super glues, but its also durable and easy to work with. You can find it in any "automotive" isle and, worst case, at any auto parts store. And, its pretty cheap.

I've had good results using it on 1/118th scale die casts and even on some plastic models.

[Gwenydd]

Originally Posted by ET2SN

Gwen, have you tried using "loc-tite" on metal parts and screws?

Its a little temperamental when compared to the super glues, but its also durable and easy to work with. You can find it in any "automotive" isle and, worst case, at any auto parts store. And, its pretty cheap.

I've had good results using it on 1/118th scale die casts and even on some plastic models.

Sure, I always try to use a thread locker on metal to metal connections like that. But the issue here is that with an RC model it is often necessary to remove the control surfaces to fix something or make adjustments and with a metal to plastic connection the plastic WILL eventually wear out from use. So a metal to metal, ie a small screw and nut, will be much more durable and reliable.

[ET2SN]

Yeah, there's "loc-tite" then there's what I call "less-than-loc-tite" which has some fillers blended into it so the parts can still be removed.

I think all of us who have a drawer full of alum. and brass tubing for scratch building have a bottle of this stuff somewhere on the shelf.

[Gwenydd]

thanks for the suggestion =)

[ET2SN]

Lemme dig around on Amazon, I'll be back with a link.


OK, here's what I'm talking about:

https://www.amazon.com/Loctite-Heavy...89&sr=8-2&th=1

While the joints are re-usable, you only get a finite number of "shots" before this stuff starts to build up. It isn't the best solution for a battery or servo hatch, but its great for stuff you'll only dis-assemble one or two times a year.