New Build - lake tour boat

As I said in the American tour boat thread, I had seen a model for sale on ebay which I found attractive and fancied trying to build something like it. Some time ago I bought some figures to help me work out dimensions - they claim to be 1:30 or G scale but G scale is also quoted as 1:25 . Anyway, they are smaller than the figures used on Lady of Maine.

The model will only be about 30 cm by 13 cm and powered by a 140 size motor. The hull is being made from plastic card, and is just a simple flat bottomed box. Yesterday I drew some 'plans' and today I cut the bottom and deck and some pieces to support the deck. I have a prop tube and shaft which are too long but will be cut down, and I will make a rudder from brass. Once the hull is made, the interesting part starts - the superstructure.

Here is what I am aiming at



and this is today's effort - the deck is not stuck down yet.

  

Barrie

A bit of a hold up - I made a mess of shortening the prop shaft so had to order a new one , and then I made a mess of my thumb trying to take control of a rogue clematis
...and its surprising how much you need both thumbs

Normal service will be resumed later this week - I hope

Barrie

take more water with it, barrie, lol.

Ouch 

My new prop shaft arrived yesterday so this morning I managed to make a little progress - still struggling with the thumb
The propshaft is tacked in place and a support for the inboard end fitted. I've started on the mount for the motor, but it still need lining up accurately. The rudder tube is in but not fixed - I added some scrap card to give better support, and will probably add a support from the transom.
Next jobs are to finish the motor mount, permanently fix the propshaft and build a servo mount. Then I can add the deck and and sides.

Barrie

The prop shaft is now fixed in place with P40. I roughed up the card before applying. The motor mount is fixed in  place and a coupling made from cable insulation.I added a collet to the prop shaft so it doesn't slip.
I tried a couple of options for the battery location, but ended up as you see it. I built a servo mount which is not yet finally positioned - I need to make up a tiller arm before finalising its location. The ESC and Rx should go either side of the propshaft when I source them
Once the servo linkage is sorted I can fix the deck and sides, and get onto the interesting part - the superstructure.

Barrie

The servo has now been installed. I had to cut down the mount I had made. It is unlikely that I will be able to remove the servo as one of the screws is well hidden when the deck is on .
Since taking the photo I have stuck down the deck. Next job is the sides, then I can see if it floats  
. I also made a skeg from brass strip which need fitting.

Barrie

Despite it being 32C in my workshop, I have now fitted the sides to the hull. Its not the most attractive hull, or the most efficient, but the purpose of this build is the superstructure
When I had fitted the first side I realised I had made a mistake with the transom as it did not come above deck, so now it has an extra skin

I also fitted the skeg that I had made earlier, so I think I am ready for the test tank - the kitchen sink should suffice in this case

Barrie

More seasonal weather today - thank goodness, although still no rain  
I didn't put it in the water   instead I filled in a few gaps and smoothed the edges. I also fitted a 'keel' made from some square section plastic. There is still some sanding of filler required at the bow. I also made a stand from some foamboard - a bit rough but I didn't have any suitable wood to hand. If the model turns out OK, I will make a better one,  The coamings are fitted to the opening ready to start on the superstructure

This one shows the skeg and 'keel'.



and this the current state of the build.



Barrie

I think that bollard may be too big  its really a handle to remove the hatch.

The filler has been sanded smooth and is now ready for paint. I built a cover for the deck opening using the cut-out piece. Then I started thinking that this wasn't big enough for the deck, so have added a larger piece of 1.5 mm.
The main job was cutting out and sticking together the parts for 10 seats for the passengers. I also spent some time working out how I am going to make the remainder of the model  This included deciding on the material for the railings and the roof supports. In both cases they will be plastic card - 3 mm round for the railing supports and 6 mm square for the roof supports. I have cut out notches in the new deck to take the roof supports. The railing supports will fit in holes drilled into the deck. I just need to work out how to accurately drill all the posts for the actual railings

Barrie

Well - after a break for various reasons including a weekend in my home county of Yorkshire, I have finally returned to this model
The railing uprights and roof supports have been cut and the uprights drilled for the railings. the deck has been edged, and holes drilled. Its now ready for the square roof supports to be drilled and then I can start fixing them all.
Before I do I think perhaps I should at least mark out the seat positions as access is going to get tricky

Barrie

I started to drill the square posts today and discovered that it was not going to be possible to do so accurately enough. If you have tried to drill plastic card you will know it can be tricky as it has a tendency to melt if you are not careful. I usually use some water to cool and lubricate, but this does not work when drilling through 6mm
So its back to the drawing board. I have already cut the square holes for the posts
I do have some 6mm square wood which I may be able to use, although it will take more preparation to get a good surface. At the moment I can't think of any alternative.

Barrie

Last night I ordered some 6 mm square plastic tube which I hope will solve my problem as there will only be a thin wall to drill through.
Today I started to paint the seats ready for fixing to the deck. I thought this was a suitably yucky colour for plastic seats



I have also been making the 'cabin' for the captain. This will be fixed to the deck and should be the same height as the roof  I have made and glazed a back for it, but looking at the photo I'm not sure that I will fit it.



Barrie

My tube arrived today and proved easy to drill using this jig made from some brass angle. I also stuck the seats to the deck.



Before I can install the supports, I need to paint the deck. So far one coat - I'm not sure about this colour though



I also received my ships wheel so I can finish the cabin.

Barrie

More painting done - this is a better colour I think  The colour scheme will be silver and green I have decided. I also cut the panel for the roof. This will have simulated solar cells on it. I did consider buying a real solar cell as they are quite cheap, but decided to stick with a simulation.

Barrie

Coming along nicely Barrie. 

I wasn't happy with my simulated solar cell, so have ordered the real one  It is 12 volts 1.5 watts so could possibly run the boat, or at least charge the battery However at the moment the battry is a LiPo, so I will not try that. I could in future change to NiMh in which case I could use the solar output. In any case she will be called Solar Queen.

The roof supports and railings are now fitted, and the roof has its edging fitted. This has shown up my mistake - the cabin is too short   - I've not decided what to do about that yet. I have made two gates for the gap at the front of the railings. I will not fix the roof until I have modified and painted the figures, and got them fixed in place.

Barrie

I solved the problem of the short cabin by adding another 1.5 cm and disguising the joint with some half round beading  I also fitted the two gates - they do not swing. 



I have now started work on the figures - I need at least 10 seated ones. The Captain has undergone surgery so he can steer - albeit one handed. 

Barrie

Thanks Damien - I'm just wishing I had designed a more attractive hull - at least one not so deep

Barrie

I'm sure your Granddaughter will love it as Pop built it.

Sorry Damien - I don't have one of them, and I'm not sure that this is for the Grandson either

Barrie

Sorry my bad

No problem - it was David who was building for his fourth Granddaughter

Barrie

 My grand daughter would love one but they're not close to suitable water only tidal rivers and lakes.

The passengers and crew are almost ready to board - just need a coat of matt varnish. 



Its been in the test tank and ballast added. The bottom of the hull has had one coat of red/brown.



The upper-works have been painted ready for fixing the roof, which is waiting the arrival of my solar cell. This is purportedly coming from London, but I think its actually coming from China via London.  Why can't these people be honest about the location of their products  Negative feedback on its way.



Barrie

he solar cell arrived today - from China via London as I suspected.
The passengers have boarded, along with the crew. The roof has been painted and lettering applied - you can't see in these photos but she is called Solar Queen. The roof and solar cell are not fixed yet as I am deciding how to fix the solar cell so that I can remove it later if I want to try solar power for real.
When the hull bottom paint has hardened I will re-mask and paint the upper part which will be silver with a green stripe.

Barrie

  

it's exactly as one would think of a river/lake excursion boat to look like.......very functional and lake worthy.............you've captured the essence perfectly.

lovely build and a real crowd pleaser.

excellent, and very colourful.

Thanks Neil - I've added a bit more colour today. This is now finished apart from some paint to touch up and then a coat of satin varnish. I coupled up the electrics toady adding a switch under the hatch in the bows as its a bit tricky to get the deck on the hull, so best done in the workshop not at the lakeside
With the solar cell, I decided to fit a lead and coiled it up under the roof where its not seen, but is available if I want to experiment with its output. I coupled up a meter and it was giciving almost 10 volts in the dull inside the workshop, but not sure how many micro amps

Barrie