Notre Dame - U7

[astecme]

I have sprayed the gloss coat on the hull, ABS cowl turned up so I'll see if that fits then it is adding the tail. If it does not fit then we have a problem - the mould broke up during production - we have one more pull so will have to make a cast then another pull and re-check - I want to offer a choice of top so will then take another cast (£100 a go!!!) and chop that for the split version.

I sent a copy of the plans to Ian Folkson of Ian's boats and Ian's signs asking what he needed to do them at 1/12th (they were 1/16th) Mail back with a jpg in it an OK and the decals arrived today with scrap for doing the edge lining, main stripes , number , name and the clover. Very reasonable price - if you need declas give him a try. http://www.iansboats,co.uk

[astecme]

As I said in the last post, Ian has sent me the decals and with the white topcoat on there is no excuse to not fit them. For those who are unsure...

step 1. they come on the backing but cut out and the waste removed, then a carrier is placed over them. When you get decals - the first step is to rub the carrier down so that it sticks to and holds the decals.

step 2. check the fit and mark some guidelines in soft pencil

step 3. get a small bowl of water with a few drops of fairy liquid in it wipe over the target area so it is damp - this will allow you to peel up the decals and reposition.

step 4. set the decals in place and wipe them down. wait a few minutes for the water to displace - carefully peel the carrier away, as the model is damp (and my carrier was extremely stick) you may have to rub down the decal and hold in place while you do this. Slow and careful!!

step 4. wipe with a dry cloth. then rub the decals down from the centre outwards. force bubbles to the edge (which you can do with the dap still there.

step 5. wait a few days!! You may have stretched the decal and it will shrink back. After a few days you can trim it and apply a varnish coat to seal everything in place.

I am waiting!!

Decals in place but not trimmed. They make a huge difference and even her indoors was impressed.

[astecme]

I had a mould of the Cab etc but on looking at it it was not right so - started on a new one.

The plan has bread and butter slices for the top at 3/8" and as I think I said earlier - I had some 3/8" MDF and have used that to do the cab part - which just leaves the deck. I did not have sufficient 3/8" and they don't do that any more. 6mm or 12mm are easily available - 12mm is nearer 1/2". For the deck it does not matter.

I created a template from balsa and reduced that by 6mm as I intend to skin the top with 6mm MDF. I cut a load of strips from the MDF slightly larger than the template - using a circular saw. Then glued them all together and drew the template on the side and allowed for deck rise. I then used an electric plane to flat the bottom. ( both these tools are cheapo McKeller ones, they both have their faults but once you understand them and allow for them they do the job.) The plane makes easy work of roughing out. Next was sand paper - the really course stuff to start - until the shape is roughly right.

NB MDF makes horrid dust - so either don't breath or wear a mask!! .

Next I fitted the cab to the deck. All I have to do now is fix the cockpit sides so they are strong enough. Then - engine or hood??

[astecme]

The superstructure mould was slightly incorrect and so it has been modified such that the fin fits!! ( schoolboy error - built the mould from the plans and failed to cehck the fit). The mould is now ready to go back to the vacformer. The revised hull drwings have been sent to the laser cutter and we have some 1/12th scale engin models coming - these are laser cut kits of Allison and RR engines that could have graced this hull.

I have fitted an ETTI strutset but not really had time to do much more.... except - I did start on the Atlas 1/12th - and have cuts for the Thriftway too cabover to start!!

[astecme]

went and got the revised moulding for the superstructure last Friday. It is HIPS for the prototype and should have ABS next week some time. The Production laser cut parts arrived today also. So we are nearly ready to go. Must write the instructions......

The Allison and Merlin engine kits have also arrived - The quality is outstanding, boxed with full instructions. They look great. The prototype will run one I had hanging around that is investment moulded.

[astecme]

KIT IS NOW AVAILABLE!!

[astecme]

well mine is now FINISHED.

This is the completed boat - well as complete as it will get - it could do with a driver and the headrest is actually missing. The decals I sent from the free plan to Ians Signs and they cut them for me. They are on file with them so if you want them they are there. Cost approx £10-15.

This shows under the rear part of the lid - the motor position is critical as it fits under the seat.

This one shows the "cab" has been split in two. I intend to leave the rear part in place. You can see the 4s pack fits easily and is very accessible as is the etti90 esc, As this is a scale model I did not want to spoil the appearance with a safety loop! This configuration is the next simplest and safest. In future I will see if I can figure out a decent safety loop approach - any suggestions? (keep them clean ;) )

[Phil]

Very nice build Allan, Well Done!

A thought about putting a safety loop into a scale boat. If you have a scale driver you could embed the safety loop in his/her body, allowing the two male plugs to stick out of the bottom. Then have the two female plugs fitted in the bottom of the cockpit. Then all you have to do is pull the driver out and the boat is dead.

Phil

[astecme]

Yes - nice idea - but then the safety loop is on a removeable part of the boat - If we are talking Naviga Rules - then that is not legal. I'll try and bring it to Creally ... and the Pac

[Phil]

Don't put it on the water then Allan, you and Crealy have a bad record, the Tree, the Island what next

It will be good to see you, we missed you at Warminster.

Phil