Introduction: How to Make a PT-Boat Out of a Syma RS700 White Stealth Boat
First things first, I am new to making instructables, so if my instructions seem to be a bit vague, please don't make rude comments. Also I apologize for not having any pictures of the build process. This is because it did not occur to me that it would be a good idea to document the build. I will eventually add more pictures and possibly a video or two of the finished boat and how it performs in water.
Materials needed:
(1) Syma RS700 White or Black Stealth Boat
(1) Dremel
Cutoff wheels for dremel (preferably saws not grinder wheels)
(1) Can of gray or dark silver spray paint
(1) bottle of gloss red paint
(1 or 2) Brushes
(1) Roll of masking tape
Lots of cardboard
Design sketches of WWII PT-Boats (top, front, back, and side views)
Step 1: Chopping Off the Top Deck
First start by marking a cut-line along the seam between the upper deck and the lower hull. this will require a steady hand as you will have to keep the edge smooth and equal on both sides.
Step 2: Cutting the Side Fins Off
The next thing to do is to mark a line along the bottom edge of the side fins where they become flush with the hull. you will need to cut along this line. be sure to take your time and keep the edges clean and smooth. once the cut is finished run along the edge with a sand paper wheel or plain sand paper to smooth and remove any melted lmps of plastic along the edge of the hull.
Step 3: Removing the Motors and Electrical Systems
The motors and radio unit are held in with small screws. carefully remove the screws and set them with their correct parts in a small tray or shoe-box lid.
Step 4: Creating the Top Deck
Take a large piece of cardboard and trace the top edge of the boats hull. you will need to cut one the exact size of the hull. repeat this process, but this time trace the hull outline so that there will be a 1/8 inch gap between the hull and the cardboard. glue the two layers together, making sure the smaller one is centered on the larger piece. once this is complete trace and cut out a 3 inch by 4 inch rectangle in the center of the deck. be sure that the rectangle runs along the hulls length, no its width.
Step 5: Mating the Deck to the Hull
Carefully lay the new deck on top of the hull, making sure that the deck sits flush with the top edge of the hull. tape it in place and run along the edge with a hot gun gun to weld the cardboard to the plastic hull.
Step 6: Making the Superstructure
This step is where the design sketches will be needed. the super structure will depend on what PT-Boat you are building. My model is of PT-109, therefore I used the design sketches for that specific PT-Boat.
Step 7: Superstructure Base
Cut out a 3 1/2 inch by 4 1/2 inch rectangle. clue this to the cutout from the hole you made in your deck. make sure you have the smaller rectangle centered on the larger one when you glue them. this will created a removable cover for the battery access as well as the base for your superstructure. make sure this piece fits snugly when you set it over the hole in the deck.
Step 8: Mating the Superstructure to the Base
This step is simple, glue your superstructure components onto the base, making sure that they are located in the right orientation and position.
Step 9: Paint
Remove the twin props and cover the ends of the shafts with masking tape. then spray the hull and superstructure with the gray/silver spray paint. be sure none of the paint gets inside of the hull and that the paint is even.
Step 10: Reinstall Electronics and Motors
Simple: put the motors and radio back into the hull, using their respective screws.
Step 11: Paint the Waterline
Carefully trace a 1/8 inch wide line of gloss red paint about 1 1/2 inches below the decks edge all the way around the boat.
Step 12: Replace Props
Thread the props back onto their respective shafts.
Step 13: Test Run
Be careful on your first few runs, the cardboard is not exactly waterproof, therefore you will want to drive SLOW and avoid splashing the deck and superstructure.
