Notes on running the “Spitfire”
Please read through these notes even if you are already an experienced racing boat operator.
The “Spitfire” is a scale model of a home-built racing boat dating from the 1950's, i.e. it is not a purpose-designed racing
model. It is essential to bear this in mind when setting up the boat's CG and power system.
The full-size vessel was capable of 50 miles per hour (= approx. 80 km/hr) in a straight line and under optimum conditions;
when racing with other boats its top speed would naturally be far less. At a scale of 1 : 5.2 this would give a top speed of
35 km/hr for the model; considerably less than 30 km/hr when racing. The recommended power system and a 2S LiPo
battery gave our test models of the 'Spitfire' a top speed of about 25 km/hr combined with safe handling. With this in mind,
we would not recommend trying a 3S set-up until you have already become accustomed to the boat's handling on the
water.
Do not move the throttle stick abruptly when accelerating! The brushless outrunner motor generates sufficient torque to
cause the vessel to rock or wobble under fierce acceleration. You can avoid this by advancing the throttle stick cautiously
and not too quickly. This applies in particular when starting the boat from a standstill.
Boats powered by an outboard motor are steered by swivelling the whole drive shaft, with the result that the steering
response is much more direct. The model responds very differently from a conventional racing boat with rigid shaft and
rudder! You should never apply sudden, pronounced steering commands at full speed. Steering commands should always
be slight when the boat is at high speed. If you wish to carry out a tight turn, first reduce speed markedly, then initiate the
turn, and only accelerate again strongly once the turn is complete.
If the model runs over another boat's wake, it may jump and then strike the water again at an angle; if this should happen,
reduce speed until stability is restored.
If you fit out your “Spitfire” with a dummy driver, you must secure the figure securely so that there is no possibility of
movement when running! An unwanted change in the driver's position could alter the boat's CG to the point where control
is difficult.
However, if you observe the points stated here, the “Spitfire” is safe to operate, and has predictable handling; it will give
you many hours of fun at the lakeside.
We hope you have hours of pleasure with the model!
Notes on the dummy driver
In technical terms it is not essential to install a dummy driver in your “Spitfire”, but there is no doubt that the model looks a
great deal better with a skipper on board, especially since onlookers have little idea of the boat's scale unless a driver
figure is in the cockpit.
The “Spitfire” is designed to accommodate a 1 : 6 scale dummy driver. This is the internationally accepted scale for what
are known as collector dolls, which include both military figures and civilian equivalents. As a result there is a vast range of
complete dummy figures available, together with an extensive choice of clothing and items of equipment. All this means
that there are virtually no limits to the type of dummy driver you can install in your model.
This type of dummy figure generally has many articulated joints, making it easy to position the driver in the appropriate
kneeling attitude in the boat. If you fit a driver to your “Spitfire”, take care to fix the figure securely to the two kneeling
boards (parts 42), using pieces of foam rubber, hook-and-loop tape, rubber bands or screws. You can hook the feet or toes
of the dummy driver in the slots at the rear of the kneeling boards.
We regret that we cannot provide precise instructions for securing the driver in the model, since the variation in driver
figures is so wide.
You can investigate the wide range of collector dolls available by searching for “collector dolls 1:6”, “military figures 1:6”,
etc. on the Internet. These figures are also available at some of the major modelling fairs as well in well-stocked toy shops.
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