A 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.

You cannot view this attachment. You cannot view this attachment. 

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.

You cannot view this attachment. You cannot view this attachment. You cannot view this attachment.

You cannot view this attachment. You cannot view this attachment.   

Stringers and prop support now fixed

You cannot view this attachment.

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

You cannot view this attachment.

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.

You cannot view this attachment.

cabin stringers and more bow work done

You cannot view this attachment.

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

You cannot view this attachment. You cannot view this attachment. You cannot view this attachment. You cannot view this attachment.   

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.

You cannot view this attachment. You cannot view this attachment. You cannot view this attachment. You cannot view this attachment. You cannot view this attachment. You cannot view this attachment.   

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.

You cannot view this attachment. You cannot view this attachment. You cannot view this attachment.   

All prepped ready for the primer.

You cannot view this attachment. You cannot view this attachment. 

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

You cannot view this attachment. You cannot view this attachment. 


Just removed the spray sheet and looked a little closer at the finish. I think I thinned the paint too much as it hasn't covered that well. So more testing to do once the new spray gun arrives and after I've filled and rubbed it down

You cannot view this attachment. You cannot view this attachment. 


I think I'm going to make a spray booth too. Pegging the sheet up to different shelves and other fixed items is not a way forward, especially if there is something I need behind the sheet 

I've now given it the second primer coat after initial filling. The filler has reacted with the primer or visa versa. The primer is oil based and the filler was an acrylic one from Halfords 'Holts Cataloy Knifing Putty 100g' which I thought would be great for it. I'm guessing I should have used a standard fine filler. Oh well you live and learn.

You cannot view this attachment. You cannot view this attachment. You cannot view this attachment.   

---------------

It's been a while I know but I have started the top coat painting process. It doesn't look very good in the photo. I was testing out an airbrush rather than the spray gun I bought. The finish isn't as bad as I thought it would be. It'll need another coat yet, possibly even two more

You cannot view this attachment. You cannot view this attachment. 


It's getting closer the the finished article.

You cannot view this attachment. You cannot view this attachment.   

This photo is similar to what it will look like when it's completed. There are more bits to add but it gives you an idea.

You cannot view this attachment.

I cheated in the end and bought a bespoke name from an online company

You cannot view this attachment. 

It's finally finished.

The only thing I'm not happy with is the decals on the cabin. I tried to feather in some neat Gloss Cote around the edges to try and get rid of them showing before I gave it it's final 2 coats, it seemed to work immediately after I did it but after it had all dried the edges of them are still visible. I could remove them and repaint those areas but to be honest I can't be bothered for the amount of work it will take.

At least I have now learnt that the type you soak off in water before applying them would have been better.

It's had it's bath test the ensure there are no leaks and I made up small sealed bags of sand to put inside as ballast which works very well.

So tomorrow (Sunday 11th April) I am going to take it to Kearsney Abbey near to us and try it out on the water.

You cannot view this attachment. You cannot view this attachment. You cannot view this attachment. You cannot view this attachment. You cannot view this attachment. You cannot view this attachment. You cannot view this attachment.       

[BriansBrain]

Fantastic 

[Dave]

Thank you BB