Model Narrowboat

[Dave]

The build has begun. It's not a kit so it will probably take a while to build. I have said in the subject heading that it's "...sort of". The reason I've said that is because although the build is taken from the plan I have extended the length by 140mm to make it near enough 900mm when it's completed.

Here are the first photos.





I have now cut out the bulkheads, as you can see below, but now I have a problem.

On the plan it looks like bulkhead '4' is meant to be cut shorter than the others and I cannot see any reason why. Could someone cast there eyes over the plans please and tell me if they think it would be OK to leave it so it's like 1,2,3?

It has just occurred to me that maybe all the bulk heads should be cut that size and in photo 1 and the section at the bottom is actually the base; if that is true why doesn't it show the cut line on bulkheads 1,2,3?

I know when you look at the photos you'll see that I have 5 bulkheads that's because I've made the model longer, but as the plan says '4' we'll stick to '4' for the purposes of this question.

None of the parts are glued yet they're just sitting on the base at the moment.

Photo1











more works been done.

Stringers and prop support now fixed



initial bow work bottom layers - this was 2 laminations of 1/32" ply



start of the stern build, this wasn't very clear in the plans and also the photos I have of the original build are not a lot of help either, so the build is my interpretation of how it should be.



cabin stringers and more bow work done



I decided to put of a bit of artistic license into the build so I'm adding wooden decking effect at the bow









More work done over the last week.

I've completed the hull. Created the cabin structure ready for covering. Planked the stern deck to match the front. The stern deck is removeable to get to the rudder linkage from the servo. I made the tiller from 2.5mm solid brass. To bend it I used an old piece of flat wood cut and drilled some 10mm dowel and cold bent it round the dowel to shape. It was suggested that the brass is heated first but I tried it out cold and it seems to have worked OK.

[BriansBrain]

WoW 

Looking great, seems very complex, good work 

[Dave]

WoW 

Looking great, seems very complex, good work 

Thanks John. As it's not a kit I have to cut everything myself and sometimes it gets very fiddly trying to clamp it together to make sure it's in exactly the right place.

I'll post updates as and when I do more 

[BriansBrain]

Thanks John. As it's not a kit I have to cut everything myself and sometimes it gets very fiddly trying to clamp it together to make sure it's in exactly the right place.

I'll post updates as and when I do more 

It looks like a very rewarding hobby... my hats off to you 

[Dave]

Thanks John. Yes I have to admit it is very theraputic. Keeps the little grey cells active, especially during lockdown. We can start playing golf next week, so I can get out more too 

[Dave]

I've cut out and fixed the sides to the cabin and cut out the windows and port holes. Next is fix the roof and then painting.

[BriansBrain]

 

I can also see a power plant   

Is it going to be a Lithium ion battery or lead acid ?

Radio controlled ?

It's all looking good anyway 

Years ago I used to build powered models boats and planes using little diesel or glow plug engines 

[Dave]

I can also see a power plant   

Is it going to be a Lithium ion battery or lead acid ?

Radio controlled ?

It's all looking good anyway 

Years ago I used to build powered models boats and planes using little diesel or glow plug engines 

Thanks John

Yes you can see the motor for the prop. It's Lithium 6v. It'll be remote control with servo for steering and there'll be a floodlight at the front. If you want to go that far, which I don't, you can now even buy sound effects to put in them so they sound like the real thing too

[Dave]

All prepped ready for the primer.

[BriansBrain]

That is looking very good 

Any perspex going in the windows ? 

[Dave]

That is looking very good 

Any perspex going in the windows ? 

Thanks John

Yes the side windows will be see through, the perspex is already cut. Today I gave it a primer coat ready for filling and final sanding down.

[Dave]

Finally got the courage up to spray the primer. After trying with an airbrush, unsuccessfully, I use the Sealy big bertha that I have, it was a little to big so now I've ordered a smaller version with smaller nozzle so hopefully that will do a better job

   



     

[BriansBrain]

Looking good 

I take it you have an air compressor ?

Many years ago, when I was 20 (ish)
I had a big one with twin pistons (compressor that is) and I used to spray cars.

[Dave]

Looking good 

I take it you have an air compressor ?

Many years ago, when I was 20 (ish)
I had a big one with twin pistons (compressor that is) and I used to spray cars.

Thanks John.

Yes I have an air compressor and a multitude of spray guns as well as airbrushes. I've only recently, in the past couple of years, tried out spraying as opposed to brush painting, apart from the cleaning side of it the spraying gives a better finish and faster coverage.

I'm still testing at the moment. I didn't mind testing on the boat as it's only the primer so it will be covered once I have filled and rubbed it down.

[BriansBrain]

...... it's only the primer so it will be covered once I have filled and rubbed it down.

I used to love spraying my cars 

It was the preparation that was a killer, hours and hours of filling then wet & dry