I mentioned to John a trick that can be used to improve the stability of the 1/350 kit for R/C use. I don't know the correct terminology for this but what is done is that a rod is attached to the keel amidships (it can be removable). The rod can be any length you want it but probably 1ft. or less would be ideal. At the end of the rod is attached a ballast pod that would be egg shaped or teardrop shape just so it does not induce excess drag. In this pod is placed the ballasting necessary to bring the ship to its scale waterline. You can use lead shot that has been mixed with epoxy so when it hardens it won't move around in the pod. What this arrangement does is bring the center of gravity lower than would normally be possible thus making the ship less prone to rolling. However, you must be careful to operate the model in waters where you have sufficient depth to clear the pod and so that it does not become entangled with underwater obstructions. When the model is out of the water, the pod assembly can be unscrewed from the hull so that the ship can be mounted for display.
Regards,
Bob Read
Posted on Oct 28, 1998, 4:51 PM from IP address 206.100.37.125