Derek's Snow Skidder thread

[Derek]

We are now in late November. Winter is coming. That means the snow is coming. Time to start prepping my scratch built Snow Skidder, once again.

I was actually inspired to build a "snow craft" late last year because I had seen a few other Youtube videos of people showing their "Snow Skippers", "Snow Skimmers", etc. I wanted one. I grabbed some foamboard scraps, packing tape, hot glue, a 64mm EDF, 40amp ESC, 6 channel OrangeRx, 11 gram servo, a Heading Lock Gyro, and a 3S 2200mah 30C lipo.

In my usual fashion, I had no drawings....just an image in my head and this was the result:

This was my first test. It was a very cold day....I think it was only 15 Degrees F that day, lol

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QdW69Cu1xp0

This next video was taken a short time later and the temps here a bit warmer and the snow was quite a bit harder:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8rYpPkAKaj8

Tony gained an interest in my Snow Skidder and he asked that I do an overview with some details and dimensions. Here is that video:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jg6kUpHJWIQ

I hope this helps give some ideas if you want to build a Snow Skidder or something similar. You are only limited by your imagination!!!

[Tony]

That's brilliant. Derek, love the concept. On eBay now ordering some foam board and clear packing tape.

One little question: the rod that goes through the rudder, did you just push that through the foam because it's quite thin that foam..

Thanks for doing that video... Appreciated

[Derek]

Thanks Tony! I'm happy you like it!!! I thought I'd add the other two videos to show some of the speed that this Skidder actually has. It's a bit faster than I thought it would be. Especially in a long straight away....the top speed is actually pretty impressive!!!

Regarding that rod...I covered the entire rudder with packing tape first. Then I simply pushed that rod through the foam, not quite on the edge of the rudder. The packing tape keeps the rudder rod in place. When I move the rudder, the rudder itself is pivoting on that rudder rod. The rod itself is not turning. I hope this answers your question. If not, let me know and I'll do another video. No problem!!!

[Tony]

Yes that's good thanks, now the motor, I've got one off the blade heli, can I put a prop on this do you think, it has the pinion on at moment, if so, what size prop would be best

[Derek]

Yes, you can put a prop on that motor. You'll need to know what size the motor shaft is...whether is 3.0mm or 3.17mm. Then you'll need a "prop adapter" that will fit the motor shaft. If I were to put that motor on my Skidder, I would imagine an 8x5 and 9x5 Slo Fly prop would work very well. This part will take a bit of "trial and error" because you'll need to monitor the temperature of the motor and esc. The size of prop will also depend on how big or small you make the rear end (shroud) of the Skidder. Since these are "scratch built", there is no "definite way" to go.

The prop adapter you'll need will look similar to this:

http://www.hobbyking.com/hobbyking/stor ... llet_.html

This prop adapter may or may not be "exactly" the one that you'll need. it will depend on the diameter of the motor shaft and the diameter of the center hole of the prop. If the hole in the prop is too small, it can easily be drilled out. I've done it a bunch of times. If the hole in the prop is too big, most props will come with a few various sized collars that will go inside that hole as well as around the shaft of the prop adapter so that the prop is centered and secure.

As I mentioned before, check around Youtube for other Skidders and Skimmers for inspiration. He is the video that inspired my build:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a4ilnNKAR5M

it's a very simple but very effective little screamer, lol.

Some other tips for you....

Try to keep the Skidder as light as possible
Definitely be sure to use 2-3 layers of packing tape on the underside of the Skidder. Although the snow is rather soft, it's still a bit abrasive and does tear into the tape a bit.

Keep the questions coming as they arise. Just because I made my Skidder the way it is doesn't mean that you can't make an improvisation that may be better. Good luck and have fun!

[Tony]

My motor shaft is 3.5mm. I've ordered some A1 sheets of foam board, should be here Monday or Tuesday...going to watch that last vid now

Wow that one on video is super fast..

[Derek]

Yeah, I was surprised to see the speed from the Skidder in the video. It's what made me want to build one.

[Tony]

I'm sure it could be adapted for land too... Haha

[Derek]

yeah, it probably could, in some way or another.

[wolfman76]

I need to get a new one built for next winter of my giant snow skidder man that thing was fast and I never got it past half throttle as soon as I figure out how to get YouTube videos on here I will start up a thread for it

[Derek]

I need to get a new one built for next winter of my giant snow skidder man that thing was fast and I never got it past half throttle as soon as I figure out how to get YouTube videos on here I will start up a thread for it

See if you can get your hands on an inexpensive heading hold gyro. I put one on my Skidder and it really helped to keep it going in a straight line. I had to adjust the gain just a little bit but it would track very very well. Loved it! I never did get my Skidder out this past winter but with the warmer weather coming, I'm planning on sealing up the bottom and trying the Skidder on water. I don't think it will go as fast as it did on snow but it should still move quite well.

I remember the bit of video that you shared about your rather large Skidder! I hope you can maybe make some adjustments and resurrect it! I'd love to see it again!

As for getting Youtube videos on here, there's nothing to it. Simply start your thread, then copy and paste the Youtube link. It's as easy as that!!!