Cannon Rotation for Dummies

by Donny Ciccimaro

I needed a simple cannon rotation for the Schleswig-Holstein.  Space is a little limited, so I did not want to go with the traditional chain, cable, belt or o-ring drive systems.  I also did not want to fork out $50 to $60 dollars for a sail winch servo that would most likely get ruined during a sink.

I saw how Jason Annen from the MBG did his rotation on his Missouri, and really liked it.  So I copied it and installed the same rotation system on my battleship.  It is real simple.  Just a servo modified for continuous rotation with a wheel mounted on top.  I used a Dave Brown Lite Flite wheel (part #WH15-5515).  This is a 1 ½ inch diameter foam wheel, which I just screwed onto a servo arm.  Then all you need to do is mount the wheel so it comes into contact with the cannons magazine.

Cannon control is simple.  Moving the transmitter stick to the left or right will rotate the cannon in the appropriate direction.  Releasing the transmitter stick and allowing it to return to the neutral position will stop cannon rotation.

A Few Photos of the Rotation Servo and Cannon