Fireboat - Robbe Dolly variant.
On 20th May 2007 I purchased a Robbe Dolly Fireboat on EBay. The bidding ended at 18:00 and I picked it up 2 hours later. This model is a credit to the builder and the paintwork (Halfords car paint) is superb. I've since replace the receiver with a Futaba 137F so I can use my existing Futaba transmitter.
Comments, observations and details on modifying the fireboat.
The rudder linkage was a bit tentative, so I've completely reworked the connecting assembly. The under- deck wiring loom for the 10 LEDs has also been overhauled.
The motor is a Robbe Power 400/45 unit, and was originally powered by a Yuasa 6v 1.2Ah lead acid battery.
I've since replaced the existing battery with a 7.2v 3Ah NiCad unit which (a) improves performance (b) increases endurance and (c) also feeds the LEDs. This needed a minor rework of the battery tray and required 200g of ballast in the stern.
Speed controller is a Mtroniks Marine Viper 15. The stern shaft incorporates an oiler and the tunnel hull gives good maneuverability.
I have also made the fire monitor operational - a filtered water inlet was already fitted and the water pump was included in the purchase. The water pump is controlled using a PicoSwitch solid state relay, activated by the transmitter undercarriage switch.