Posts : 499 Join date : 2011-06-11 Age : 73 Location : West Yorkshire
Subject: Re: Rhyl Mersey Class Lifeboat Mon May 09, 2016 9:29 pm
Made a start on the deck fittings today beginning with the towing gobeye for the stern.
This is made from laminated styrene and the removable H section brazed from steel rod.
Kick boards for the stanchions next.
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gribeauval Master
Posts : 499 Join date : 2011-06-11 Age : 73 Location : West Yorkshire
Subject: Re: Rhyl Mersey Class Lifeboat Wed May 11, 2016 8:08 pm
The kick boards for the stanchions on a Mersey are an inverted 'T' section bonded to the deck This is not easy to find so I have made it myself.
First the positions for the boards was plotted and a slot cut into the deck using mini router with a 3mm straight cutter.
Oversize pieces of 3mm ply were cut and glued into the slots followed by the horizontal parts fixed onto the deck and the upright. This gives a strong fixing into the deck for the stanchions.
When fully cured the upright was trimmed down to the correct size, primed and will later be given a coat of the correct grey.
The deck can now be given its coat of anti slip paint.
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gribeauval Master
Posts : 499 Join date : 2011-06-11 Age : 73 Location : West Yorkshire
Subject: Re: Rhyl Mersey Class Lifeboat Fri May 13, 2016 8:51 pm
As the weather has been fine over the past couple of days I masked off the hull and prepared to spray the deck.
This is the paint I use from my local branch of B&Q.
After spraying the deck looks a mess but as it dries it smooths out to a much better finish.
When the deck had dries and the masking removed the hull was given its RNLI corporate identity, yellow over red stripes, Hull fleet number, draught marks and at the stern the station name.
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battleshipbuff Gunner
Posts : 174 Join date : 2012-03-16 Age : 78 Location : Cornwall
Subject: Rhyl Mersey Fri May 13, 2016 9:37 pm
Cracking on at a good rate now Mike. Superb finish as always. If you are down at Torbay in August for Lifeboat week I hope we can meet up.
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troutrunner Master
Posts : 573 Join date : 2014-01-23 Location : Lincolnshire UK
Subject: Re: Rhyl Mersey Class Lifeboat Sat May 14, 2016 8:24 am
Nice work and she's looking really good
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gribeauval Master
Posts : 499 Join date : 2011-06-11 Age : 73 Location : West Yorkshire
Subject: Re: Rhyl Mersey Class Lifeboat Thu May 19, 2016 11:49 am
More of the details added.
The towing gobeye has been fixed in place and the metal fender protector added.
The lifting lugs made and fixed onto the deck.
The chain releases made and fitted onto the deck.
The closed fairleads painted and fitted onto the kick boards.
The hammers for the chain release made and fitted.
Upper steering position painted matt black and the working compass fitted.
The towing post and mooring bitt made along with the reinforcing blocks for under the deck.
Painted and fitted onto the deck.
First part of the stern rails made from steel welding rod, just need to make the matching starboard section next.
Rails made, painted and fixed in place.
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Guest Guest
Subject: Re: Rhyl Mersey Class Lifeboat Fri May 20, 2016 2:07 am
Superb Craftsmanship Mike
troutrunner Master
Posts : 573 Join date : 2014-01-23 Location : Lincolnshire UK
Subject: Re: Rhyl Mersey Class Lifeboat Fri May 20, 2016 7:32 am
Ditto Damiens comment, nice detailing
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gribeauval Master
Posts : 499 Join date : 2011-06-11 Age : 73 Location : West Yorkshire
Subject: Re: Rhyl Mersey Class Lifeboat Fri May 20, 2016 8:22 pm
More deck fittings made.
The capstan on the fore deck was made from turned beech and styrene sheet.
Painted and ready to fit.
Mersey class lifeboats are recovered by driving onto the beach and hauling up with the aid of recovery strops fixed to the boat. When not in use the strops are held in place on the bow by an overcentre fitting.
The fittings fixed in place on the fore deck.
The strops themselves are bolted through the keel and pass up the stem, guided by small plates into the bow groove.
The free ends are held in the over centre fitting.
Before anybody asks, yes it does work!!
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Just add water Gunner
Posts : 169 Join date : 2015-05-02 Age : 70 Location : Down the boozer.
Subject: Re: Rhyl Mersey Class Lifeboat Sat May 21, 2016 5:21 pm
I have been watching this build and I think this is true craftsmanship in every sense of the meaning! 97 out of Ten Bernie.
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gribeauval Master
Posts : 499 Join date : 2011-06-11 Age : 73 Location : West Yorkshire
Subject: Re: Rhyl Mersey Class Lifeboat Mon May 23, 2016 8:55 pm
More bits done.
The metal support and lifeline at the front of the superstructure has been made and fixed in place.
The fender protection plates at the bow have been fitted and the bow roller made.
This is hinged to allow the recovery strops to be deployed/recovered and is operated by removing the locking pin.
The upper helm position has been fitted out with throttles, instruments and switches.
Finally for now here is a small duck board I made today.
This is where it lives on the upper helm position.
Soon be time to refit the mast!
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battleshipbuff Gunner
Posts : 174 Join date : 2012-03-16 Age : 78 Location : Cornwall
Subject: Rhyll Mersey Mon May 23, 2016 9:11 pm
Absolutely wonderful build.The minute detailing,and the way you utilise materials is amazing. Great Stuff Mike, Sincerely, Mick
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Just add water Gunner
Posts : 169 Join date : 2015-05-02 Age : 70 Location : Down the boozer.
Subject: Re: Rhyl Mersey Class Lifeboat Tue May 24, 2016 4:52 pm
I like the compass
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Just add water Gunner
Posts : 169 Join date : 2015-05-02 Age : 70 Location : Down the boozer.
Subject: Re: Rhyl Mersey Class Lifeboat Tue May 24, 2016 4:54 pm
Damien wrote:
Superb Craftsmanship Mike
Excellent cant wait to see the end result
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Subject: Re: Rhyl Mersey Class Lifeboat Wed May 25, 2016 4:38 pm
Just add water wrote:
Damien wrote:
Superb Craftsmanship Mike
Excellent cant wait to see the end result
trouble is.....mike as a tendency not to finish his Mersey's' lol........he's got one big enough to sit in and steer it sat in his back garden that we are ALL waiting to see.....so come on mike.........stop playing with teensy weensy ones and get the biggun done, lol
gribeauval Master
Posts : 499 Join date : 2011-06-11 Age : 73 Location : West Yorkshire
Subject: Re: Rhyl Mersey Class Lifeboat Wed May 25, 2016 4:49 pm
nhp651 wrote:
Just add water wrote:
Damien wrote:
Superb Craftsmanship Mike
Excellent cant wait to see the end result
trouble is.....mike as a tendency not to finish his Mersey's' lol........he's got one big enough to sit in and steer it sat in his back garden that we are ALL waiting to see.....so come on mike.........stop playing with teensy weensy ones and get the biggun done, lol
Thank you for your comments guys, much appreciated.
This one has to be finished Neil, 'cos it's not mine!!!
I have many other boats to build for other people I never get chance to build my own. I have a Waveney, Severn, Shannon, Brede and a Tamar of my own waiting to be done. Plus I have done the research and, with my son, produced hull lines in Freeship for the 64ft Fast lifeboat (a one off) they had in Dover in the 1930's AND sorted out the drawings for the steam lifeboat the Duke of Northumberland (to be turbine jet driven) and the contra rotating props on a single shaft version!!
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Subject: Re: Rhyl Mersey Class Lifeboat Wed May 25, 2016 6:18 pm
you do live up to your tag matey, lol..............just get building and put a bed in your workshop si you can build in yr sleep..........no slacking now....
gribeauval Master
Posts : 499 Join date : 2011-06-11 Age : 73 Location : West Yorkshire
Subject: Re: Rhyl Mersey Class Lifeboat Thu May 26, 2016 9:33 pm
last day's work until after the Bank Holiday.
The loudspeaker and the control box made and fitted onto the rails at the front of the wheelhouse.
The horn made and fitted onto its hanger on the rail. This slides forward on the rail to release the wheelhouse when it needs to be removed.
The grab rails along the roof edge were made and fitted in place.
Searching through the spares boxes produced handrail stanchions, M2 nuts and bolts and small electrical ring terminals...........
produces the folding aerial bases for the wheelhouse roof.
Add wires etc and you have the aerials (still have a few more to make).
These will be painted and fitted after the Bank holiday as I am going to East Anglia to visit the full size Thames Class lifeboat 50-001 on Saturday.
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Subject: Re: Rhyl Mersey Class Lifeboat Sat May 28, 2016 11:47 am
gribeauval Master
Posts : 499 Join date : 2011-06-11 Age : 73 Location : West Yorkshire
Subject: Re: Rhyl Mersey Class Lifeboat Thu Jun 02, 2016 11:47 am
Short break over so back to work!
The rest of the aerials for the roof have been finished, painted and fitted in place on the wheelhouse along with their associated wiring plugs.
Plus they all fold down as on the full size boat.
The emergency transmitter aerial has also been made and fitted on the forward casing.
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gribeauval Master
Posts : 499 Join date : 2011-06-11 Age : 73 Location : West Yorkshire
Subject: Re: Rhyl Mersey Class Lifeboat Sun Jun 05, 2016 9:06 pm
Spent yesterday at the Doncaster Model Boat Show buying parts and talking to old friends so today I have only made the Bantex aerials that fit on each side of the wheelhouse.
These areials are hinged as on the full size boat so that they can be lowered when the boat is housed. The piece of toothpick at the pivot is a temporary measure!
The mast was temporarily refitted to allow the support struts to be cut to length.
View from the bow, just need to paint the struts.
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Roadrunner Forum Overlord
Posts : 1714 Join date : 2011-06-10
Subject: Re: Rhyl Mersey Class Lifeboat Mon Jun 06, 2016 12:17 am
Top notch detailing work
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gribeauval Master
Posts : 499 Join date : 2011-06-11 Age : 73 Location : West Yorkshire
Subject: Re: Rhyl Mersey Class Lifeboat Tue Jun 07, 2016 7:56 pm
The window frames on the port side of the wheelhouse have now been painted and the glazing fixed in place. The rest will be done tomorrow. The filters on the side air intakes are also now in place.
Most of today has been taken up with 'playing about' with Photoshop. This has produced the dedication plate for the Mersey.
Screen shot of the layers needed to make the plate.
Printed out at the size needed for the model on high quality photo paper.
Plate in position under the port side aerial. With minor magnification it is readable.
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Roadrunner Forum Overlord
Posts : 1714 Join date : 2011-06-10
Subject: Re: Rhyl Mersey Class Lifeboat Tue Jun 07, 2016 10:55 pm
nice touch on the dedication
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Subject: Re: Rhyl Mersey Class Lifeboat Wed Jun 08, 2016 3:16 am
Indeed a nice touch Mike.
gribeauval Master
Posts : 499 Join date : 2011-06-11 Age : 73 Location : West Yorkshire
Subject: Re: Rhyl Mersey Class Lifeboat Wed Jun 08, 2016 11:16 am
Roadrunner wrote:
nice touch on the dedication
Damien wrote:
Indeed a nice touch Mike.
Thanks guys.
The crew at Rhyl are very proud of this dedication and keep the plate well polished.
Mike
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Roadrunner Forum Overlord
Posts : 1714 Join date : 2011-06-10
Subject: Re: Rhyl Mersey Class Lifeboat Wed Jun 08, 2016 11:53 am
Talking on polishing the dedication plaque, do you have the ability to acid etch at that size??
it may be worth looking into if you do another, meaning you could etch the lettering from brass sheet and coat the letters in black paint, once polished it would be even more outstanding!
of course it may not be possible given the size but its an idea
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gribeauval Master
Posts : 499 Join date : 2011-06-11 Age : 73 Location : West Yorkshire
Subject: Re: Rhyl Mersey Class Lifeboat Wed Jun 08, 2016 3:12 pm
Roadrunner wrote:
Talking on polishing the dedication plaque, do you have the ability to acid etch at that size??
it may be worth looking into if you do another, meaning you could etch the lettering from brass sheet and coat the letters in black paint, once polished it would be even more outstanding!
of course it may not be possible given the size but its an idea
Short answer ..... No.
The majority of the letters are only 0.5 mm tall, just possible with my hi res photo printer.
It would be possible with a laser but I can't afford one of them!!
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gribeauval Master
Posts : 499 Join date : 2011-06-11 Age : 73 Location : West Yorkshire
Subject: Re: Rhyl Mersey Class Lifeboat Sun Jun 12, 2016 4:54 pm
The grab lines on each side of the hull have been fitted in place.
The wiper boxes and wipers have been made and fitted over the front windows.
The stanchions have had their support bars soldered in place where needed, painted and fixed onto the toe boards.
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Roadrunner Forum Overlord
Posts : 1714 Join date : 2011-06-10
Subject: Re: Rhyl Mersey Class Lifeboat Sun Jun 12, 2016 11:33 pm
Excellent attention to detail. very impressed with the craftsman ship, but you must almost be done right?!
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gribeauval Master
Posts : 499 Join date : 2011-06-11 Age : 73 Location : West Yorkshire
Subject: Re: Rhyl Mersey Class Lifeboat Sun Jun 12, 2016 11:53 pm
Roadrunner wrote:
Excellent attention to detail. very impressed with the craftsman ship, but you must almost be done right?!
I wish!!!!
Still got to make the anchors, some deck fittings, safety lines, ram guards, liferings and holders, drogue and holder, refit the mast and join up all the wiring then refit the shafts, motors, rudders, r/c and sound system(when it arrives) plus other bits I can't think of at the moment.
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Roadrunner Forum Overlord
Posts : 1714 Join date : 2011-06-10
Subject: Re: Rhyl Mersey Class Lifeboat Mon Jun 13, 2016 1:27 am
lol you youngsters and all your fandangled toys
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gribeauval Master
Posts : 499 Join date : 2011-06-11 Age : 73 Location : West Yorkshire
Subject: Re: Rhyl Mersey Class Lifeboat Tue Jun 14, 2016 9:36 pm
More bits done.
The life rings and their holders have been made, painted and, when the paint hardens off, the small details will be added and then they will be fitted on the stern rails
I have also made the drogue, in its cover, and the holder and again when dry will be fixed to the rails at the rear of the wheelhouse just behind the helsman and to the starboard sde of the mast.
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Subject: Re: Rhyl Mersey Class Lifeboat Wed Jun 15, 2016 6:17 pm
it's an award winner is this one mike.........just beautiful matey.
gribeauval Master
Posts : 499 Join date : 2011-06-11 Age : 73 Location : West Yorkshire
Subject: Re: Rhyl Mersey Class Lifeboat Wed Jun 15, 2016 7:09 pm
nhp651 wrote:
it's an award winner is this one mike.........just beautiful matey.
Thanks Neil, but I can see too many faults that need re-doing but don't have the time as delivery date looms!!
By the way do you have any of the plough anchors for the Mersey left ?? I need a couple to save me time buildimg them.
Mike
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gribeauval Master
Posts : 499 Join date : 2011-06-11 Age : 73 Location : West Yorkshire
Subject: Re: Rhyl Mersey Class Lifeboat Fri Jun 17, 2016 3:20 pm
The life rings have been fitted onto the holders and the details added.
Now fitted onto the stern rails.
The drogue and holder fixed onto the wheelhouse stern rails.
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Subject: Re: Rhyl Mersey Class Lifeboat Sat Jun 18, 2016 2:55 am
Guest Guest
Subject: Re: Rhyl Mersey Class Lifeboat Sat Jun 18, 2016 7:30 pm
gribeauval wrote:
nhp651 wrote:
it's an award winner is this one mike.........just beautiful matey.
Thanks Neil, but I can see too many faults that need re-doing but don't have the time as delivery date looms!!
By the way do you have any of the plough anchors for the Mersey left ?? I need a couple to save me time buildimg them.
Mike
yes mate....send me your address and i'll put a couple in the post for you.
gribeauval Master
Posts : 499 Join date : 2011-06-11 Age : 73 Location : West Yorkshire
Subject: Re: Rhyl Mersey Class Lifeboat Sat Jun 18, 2016 10:31 pm
nhp651 wrote:
gribeauval wrote:
nhp651 wrote:
it's an award winner is this one mike.........just beautiful matey.
Thanks Neil, but I can see too many faults that need re-doing but don't have the time as delivery date looms!!
By the way do you have any of the plough anchors for the Mersey left ?? I need a couple to save me time buildimg them.
Mike
yes mate....send me your address and i'll put a couple in the post for you.
email sent
gribeauval Master
Posts : 499 Join date : 2011-06-11 Age : 73 Location : West Yorkshire
Subject: Re: Rhyl Mersey Class Lifeboat Thu Jun 23, 2016 7:40 pm
The distinctive quarter bollards of the Mersey have been made and painted.
Now in position along the stern with the mooring bitts just behind them along the side toe boards. I have also fitted the exhausts made earlier. The trim tab ram guards have also been added.
The liferaft container made and fitted under the upper steering position.
The radio installation for the helmsman has been completed.
The hinged safety rail made and fitted in place.
At the bow the anchors (basic casting from Neil) have been detailed and fitted in place.
On the sides of the wheelhouse the safety wire has been added, the fire hydrant fitted into its recess, the deck lights added, the fuel fillers made and placed behind their slotted covers.
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troutrunner Master
Posts : 573 Join date : 2014-01-23 Location : Lincolnshire UK
Subject: Re: Rhyl Mersey Class Lifeboat Fri Jun 24, 2016 8:47 am
I like your detailing, would it be possible to see some photo shots of the making of some of the small components please, it would really help some of us that are not so proficient or new to the hobby.
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gribeauval Master
Posts : 499 Join date : 2011-06-11 Age : 73 Location : West Yorkshire
Subject: Re: Rhyl Mersey Class Lifeboat Fri Jun 24, 2016 8:51 pm
troutrunner wrote:
I like your detailing, would it be possible to see some photo shots of the making of some of the small components please, it would really help some of us that are not so proficient or new to the hobby.
Posts : 573 Join date : 2014-01-23 Location : Lincolnshire UK
Subject: Re: Rhyl Mersey Class Lifeboat Sun Jun 26, 2016 9:01 am
Thanks for helping us new folk with these tips, I'm sure it will help a lot of us .
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gribeauval Master
Posts : 499 Join date : 2011-06-11 Age : 73 Location : West Yorkshire
Subject: Re: Rhyl Mersey Class Lifeboat Sun Jun 26, 2016 8:11 pm
The main cabin access door made earlier has been detailed and hinged in place.
The mast has been finally fitted in position and all the wiring wrestled in place underneath the wheelhouse and is ready to connect up to the switches at the front.
Finally for now, this afternoon, the boat received its name plates.
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gribeauval Master
Posts : 499 Join date : 2011-06-11 Age : 73 Location : West Yorkshire
Subject: Re: Rhyl Mersey Class Lifeboat Mon Jun 27, 2016 8:47 pm
Spent today finishing off the wiring of the function switches at the front of the wheelhouse.
Also started fitting the control system into the hull. The esc is a twin/mixer P94, a three way distribution board ( both by Action Electronics) and their newest baby. a P110 Mk2 sound system, this is so new it isn't even in the catalogue yet! It is very simple to fit, has twin sound inputs/outputs for the throttles, up to 16 other available sounds as well as the full engine start/run/stop sequence, built in amplifier and runs on any voltage between 12v and 24v. In this installation the unit at the bottom right corner takes the 7.2v from the board and ramps it up to 12v for the sound system.
Short clip of the initial run sound set up. This will be refined/tuned to the transmitter to be used when it is all in place.
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Roadrunner Forum Overlord
Posts : 1714 Join date : 2011-06-10
Subject: Re: Rhyl Mersey Class Lifeboat Mon Jun 27, 2016 9:25 pm
spot on
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Subject: Re: Rhyl Mersey Class Lifeboat Tue Jun 28, 2016 12:38 am
Spot on indeed.
troutrunner Master
Posts : 573 Join date : 2014-01-23 Location : Lincolnshire UK
Subject: Re: Rhyl Mersey Class Lifeboat Tue Jun 28, 2016 7:20 am
Ditto the above
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gribeauval Master
Posts : 499 Join date : 2011-06-11 Age : 73 Location : West Yorkshire
Subject: Re: Rhyl Mersey Class Lifeboat Thu Jun 30, 2016 11:25 pm
The Mersey is complete!!, well as much as I intend doing
Ckecked out in the test tank this afternoon between showers. It sits well, goes as it should and doesn't leak!
All the lighting circuits tested late this evening.
Short clip with the lights, including the flashing blue light, and radar. The interior has the red night lights on.
Client collects the boat tomorrow.
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Roadrunner Forum Overlord
Posts : 1714 Join date : 2011-06-10
Subject: Re: Rhyl Mersey Class Lifeboat Thu Jun 30, 2016 11:57 pm
Absolutely smashing build bud, many congratulations on another superb build, thanks for sharing it with us!
I'm sure i speak for everyone when i say were looking forward to your next project!
RR
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