Roger's Notes: If necessary, the hole in F2 can be enlarged to provide adequate clearance for motor alignment.

Carefully apply Slow CA to the motor mount. Re­attach the motor on the universal. Align the motor mount with the pencil marks and press it against F2. Hold it in position until the Slow CA cures (about 20 seconds).

Roger's Notes: Re-check the alignment of the prop and motor shafts before the Slow CA cures.

Remove the motor and universal. They will not be needed again until construction is completed.

Alternate Motor Installation

Roger's Notes: I installed my motor after I completed through Step #150.  I finished planking the hull and applying the fiberglass.  If you choose to use this same powering system, I suggest you also complete assembly steps through Step #150 and then return to the Alternate Motor Installation.

First thing I did was to obtain the needed Dumas motor and Master Airscrew 3.5:1 gearbox. 


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After I opened the motor and gearbox, I assembled the universal joint. 

Roger's Notes: I don't remember IF I drilled out one Coupling Socket to fit the Master Airscrew 3.5:1 gearbox or I used a coupling socket for a 3/16" drive shaft that I already had.  Sorry... but they are easy to buy.

After I assembled the universal joint I aligned it over the plan with the prop, prop shaft and stuffing box. 

Roger's Notes: You will not have to do this step because I know this system will work with very little modification needed. 


                 Click on image to enlarge


                 Click on image to enlarge



                 Click on image to enlarge
 

Antenna & Steering Tubes


Check the position of the steering tube, relative to the steering arm, by inserting the braided cable into the steering tube. The cable should come out of the back end of the steering tube and pass close over the inside hole on the steering arm, as shown. Also, the cable should slide easily in the tube. If necessary, adjust the steering tube in the frames to obtain the correct fit. Then, use Slow CA to glue the steering tube to the frames and steering tube support.

Remove the braided cable, steering arm, rudder shaft and rudder post. Place these parts back in the Hardware Bag.


Motor Installation

There are many different ways to install electric motors in model boats. The method shown in your manual and described here applies to the Midwest MEPS-III. It is available from your hobby dealer.

Roger's Notes: The instruction manual for this model tells you to install the Midwest MEPS-II Marine Motor and the MEPS-II Speed Control Unit.  Midwest NO LONGER makes the MEPS-II MEPS-II Marine Motor and the MEPS-II Speed Control Unit.  They now make the MEPS-III Motorizing System (Stock #836).  This includes a system which includes everything you need to run your boat. 

If you decide to use a different motor and installation method, as I did, Midwest suggests that you read through this sub-assembly anyway. It will illustrates how to align the motor with the universal and prop shaft.

If you will be using the MEPS-III Marine Motor, you will need a MEPS-III, Stock #836 (or an equivalent electric motor, motor mount and universal) to complete this sub-assembly.

Roger's Notes: I tried a new powering system on this model that I have not yet tried before.  The system I used and will describe used an Dumas 6 Volt Motor 18-33" Boats and a Master Airscrew 3.5:1 Gearbox that was suggested to power the ORCA model.  This is detailed at the end of the Motor Installation section.

The Dumas motor includes the following items:
One 540 size motor
Two 6-32 X 1/4" hex screws (hex ball driver size=1/16")
Two brass drive dogs
(diameter=3/8", length=1/2")
Four 6-32 X 1/2" slothead screws One nylon dog bone (diameter=3/16", length=1 1/4")
Two motor plates (length=2 3/8", width=1")

MEPS-III Marine Motor Installation


Assemble the motor on the motor mount, as per the instructions for the MEPS-II.




Assemble the universal, with the idler, as shown.