High Performance MPX Foil/Self-righting Trimaran-The Test Model

Yeah but I (AYE) said it !

 

MPX Test Model

These are the total weights of the boat as you see it below(can=3lb). Still some grinding and sanding ,painting , rigging radio , rigging sails and wing mast, rudder gantry and foils.
Fire Arrow----->

1-Main hull plus cross arms= 5.32lb
2-Stb ama plus cross arms= 3.13 lb
3-Port ama plus cross arms=3.2 lb
TOTAL-------------------- 11.65lb

Float Test-
1- 11.65 + 3lb(estimated additional weight)=14.65lb==217sq.in. SA per lb.
2-11.65 + 5lb (test) =16.65= 191sq.in. SA per lb.
3- "Control" F3 foiler(designed and built about 14 years ago -full tooling/production boat)= 208.5 sq.in. SA per lb.

Click for better view:

 

MPX Test Model

This German guy is one of the most innovative model builders I've ever seen. This video is of the foil retracting mechanism for his model of an AC 45. I may use something like it on my boat after the first few test sails:
http://www.youtube.com/embed/bhHOVIBHdiw?list=UUXK2E5PDc0uJYIVLVwhr-QQ



Photo by Jens Kraub-the boat flies just like the real thing with the windward main foil retracted-and it has a wing rig:

 

MPX Test Model

Working on installing the two curved ama trunks, the daggerboard trunk and the gantry mount tube.
Originally, the gantry was to look like the one in the picture below for the twelve footer but instead of two tubes it now has one.
After this stuff is installed its the final cosmetics and then to Matt for painting....

 

MPX / SRT Test Model

Here are pictures of all three trunks-two curved ama trunks and one daggerboard trunk.One picture shows the curve of the ama trunk. Also there are two pictures of the "tail pipe" before carbonation. This tube serves as a mount for a sliding tube which will support the rudder approx 6" aft of the transom. Allows retracting or removal for transport as well as experimentation with the F & A location of the rudder and rudder foil. And finally two pictures of the jib attachment point. This allows the jib pivot to slide fore and aft. Basically the same arrangement as on many model boats.
click-

 

A nice bit of modeling is that.

 

MPX Test Model

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Thank you! A lot of detailed stuff but ,except for the foils, I'm almost thru the building part of this project-just have to install the trunks. Probably have a week or two in final sanding and filling then she goes to the paint shop!

 

MPX / SRT Test Model

All three trunks in after fighting like hell to resist their new home. Fairly tedious installation but done right. First time I designed, built and installed curved trunks on anything. Started the final filling today- should be thru with sanding (to 320) by Friday God willing and the creek don't rise. Sails should be here in a week and a half. Getting there....

 

Timing sounds pretty good.

Get it in the water in time for plenty of action before the Florida Heat Stroke Season (a.k.a all summer) arrives.

 

MPX Test Model

Thanks, Paul...

 

Nice going Doug.
I have always wanted to build an RC sailing Tri, but somehow have never got arountuit.
I have lots of RC planes though. See:- www.oldpilotsairport.com

 

Thanks, Paddy! That's extraordinary stuff on your site-you could build an excellent tri-without a doubt. I built RC helicopters for a while but never aircraft-just didn't get to it. I may yet...

 

Cool. I have always been into sailplanes. I have about 5 slope soarers. I guess I prefer them over motorized versions for the same reason I prefer sail boats.

 

MPX / SRT Test Model

It will be sometime next week or later before all sanding is complete. Unless I get real lucky. Problems and real life in the way.....

 

Darn that stinking real life stuff.

Nothing should be allowed to interfere so close to a project finish.

We have all been waiting long enough.

That said, tend to what you need to take care of.