Building A Navy, One Foot (or 30 Centimeters) At A Time, Part II - The Game Changing Motor

Before we go on to the next batch of models, I feel it is important to cover an important topic, motive power.
As mentioned in Part I, the Lindberg models relied mostly on an electric motor that the builder had to make themselves. It was a bit complicated for the novice, though many did so with no problems.
This motor was a single magnet unit, and could run reliably enough on 3 volts. Still, the simple fact that it had to be made by the hobbyist was a slight, though not insurmountable, problem.
Other companies were relying on other small, low voltage electric motors for their kits. The bulk of these motors came from Japan. Like the Lindberg kit motors, they were single magnet and low voltage. Some had twin magnets and were were a bit stronger. 

3 VDC motor, probably a TKK, from an ITC model

They were still a little weak, however, and not as efficient as they could be.
Enter the Mabuchi F series, and the 130. 

A modern 130 type motor

The little 130 class motor had two magnets, could run on as little as 1.5 volts DC,  was smaller and lighter, and was inexpensive to manufacture. By the late 1960's, it was becoming ubiquitous. 

Comparison between new and old

The Mabuchi 130 was also more reliable than the previous motors, with lower draw, so not only allowing for increased battery life, but allowing for smaller batteries to be used. With the arrival of alkaline batteries, it meant that model ships could now run for extended periods of time. 

The stage was set for the next revolution in small electric powered model ships.