Test Bench Archive

AsTec GTM 400's     24 February 2003

In January Model Boats/ Focus on Scale there is a mention of models by George Turner.

Particular mention is made of the ones based on a Huntsman hull. These are collectively called GTM 400's and are distributed by AsTec.

They are available either as a pre-joined hull and superstructure or as a kit with a choice of hull and hardware (including motor), or hull and hardware and speed controller, or pre-built hull with radio tray and rudder, motor mount and water cooling pickup fitted and a battery box with clips supplied - or these again with motor kit.

They are suitable for the Graupner 1970 or 1971 400/480 drop in motor units and a standard 6 or 7 cell battery pack - a 1200mah pack will give 6 - 8 minutes run time and a 2400 cell pack more. The boats react realistically in the 6 cell and 400 motor combination, to a ballistic performance with 7 cells and a 480. The moulds are made by George and the superstructure is moulded to fit the moulded lip in the deck perfectly. For normal use this is all that is required.

These boats/kits are able to serve a number of different requirements. At the lowest end they provide an easily and rapidly buildable model that only requires the addition of battery and radio. At another level they can be used as a basis for super detailing, extending their perhaps introductory nature to modelling. Also they provide a perfect choice for a one-class boat - for racing or perhaps for display events, etc. In race trim with light radio they have a remarkable turn of speed and AsTec suggest that the class be limited to Graupner nylon 26mm props or the 29mm version cut down to 25mm. Extensive experience has shown that these choices give peak performance.

As an example the bare hull retails at £23.00, the hull and hardware kit at £46.00 and the hull, hardware and speed controller kit at £67.00 (with an MHF20 forwards only ESC - illustrated). For another £8.50 a forward and reverse speed controller can be supplied.

AsTec also distribute other GTM hulls such as the extremely successful Eagle Mono 1, Falcon/Eco or F2 or F3 boat and a whole wedge of smaller hulls for 400 power - including a rigger, a shovel nose hydro, and unlimited hydro, two cats, etc.

They can also provide a custom service for hardware. This was introduced for fast electrics but a stainless steel version is available for scale use; at 5mm outside diameter these shafts are particularly useful. They have two plain lead/Teflon bearings that are at home when running dry or in water - so little or minimal lubrication is required. The shaft is 2mm stainless and the boss is 4mm threaded stainless. They are ideal for AsTec/s Girl class tug hull and superstructure.

AsTec also supply a full range of motors, hardware, hulls and electronics, and the range is growing, so to make things easier for web-based customers, the product pages on the site are now more interactive. See www.astecmodels.co.uk/products.php, and a pintable catalogue is also available at www.astecmodels.catalogue.php. For non web-based customers please send an A4 self-addressed envelope with 37p in stamps on it, and there is unfortunately now a charge of £1.00 (no cheques for this please - again send stamps - but it is now 22 pages long with full colour pictures.

The company can also now take a full range of credit cards or via the web via Paypal or nochex.

The new website at www.astecmodels.co.uk sports a full range of information, diary dates, an extensive bulletin board, reports, book reviews and more - at the last count over 70 pages are there somewhere!

AsTec are at 6 Stickland, Clevedon, North Somerset BS21 5EX. Tel: 01275 543471. Email: info@astecmodels.co.uk.