Hi Peter,

A word of warning if you have not already found out. The templates for the rudder etc are not very accurate. I have checked the measurements given against the plan and they are different, eg the distance from the stern to the end of the keel is 135mm on the plan and only 130mm on the boat. This affects where you drill the holes for the rudder and corts nozzle. I have decided to wait until I have temporarily fitted the skeg and then drill the holes after further measuring but so far I think the 50mm will be 45 and the 83 will be 78. However I will not say that is 100% until the skeg is fitted and I can use rudder and nozzle for proper alignment. If you want to keep in touch during building and swap warning/helpful notes my e-mail is lcrane1946@btinternet.com

regards

Les

Have finally re-measured, drilled, fitted and epoxied the skeg, korz nozzle and rudder. Involved a lot of fitting with tape and checking before drilling but am glad I did not rely on the templates provided. End product looks OK. However, have not been able to fit bow thruster as has not been deliverd despite being ordered and paid for when collected the model weeks ago. Have had several contradictory explanations from the model shop involved, last week it had been posted and they were surprised it had not arrived, today they have not yet had them in and will send it as soon as poss – am not impressed.

There is some progress! Bow thruster arrived but not until I was asked to ring up and pay (I did this when I purchased the model so was non too pleased!!). Anyway all ended well and it duly arrived and has been fitted, as has the motor and the rudder servo. Have cut out the rear openings and am now fitting the deck supports but in the cold temps the epoxy is taking hours to set rather than 30 mins so progress there has been slow. Must take a few photos and post them although they will not be exciting, just give a scale to things

Ah, there is areason. Firstly I have been helping a friend sort out a boat that he has had problems with and secondly been away for a month. Not much progress, tho I have glued the first set of deck supports around the hull. My experience with Model Slipway boats is that your approach is the right way, slightly proud and trim. I had to do that with the 4 hatch coaster and the Assurance tug where the deck is sloping and curved. Laborious but it works and provides a wide contact for the deck. Have been trying to work out where all the elecs will go as have bow thruster and hope to put full lights on mast etc so several batteries and 2 ESCs. Also bought a radio control aeroplane and have been playing with that although I have a lot to learn as it is much harder to master and I have yet to land it under proper control – good job there is a field with very tall grass near me to soften the blows!!

Les

Latest on the build after a short break. Have sorted out where electrics are to go, using 2x12v sla batteries for most and a 7.2 nimh for the bow thruster. A 6v pack will follow for the lights. Have used a big electronize esc for motors and rudder and a 15amp mtronics for the thruster. All works so far!!. As not much room to play around when deck is on (huge space, difficult access) decided to ballast at this stage. Added lots of lead after batteries but still a good inch to inch and a half from plimsol line. Have been cutting more lead from the roll and need to get it back in the bath again. Think it would be 10 times more difficult if deck had been on. Will make it all removeable. Decks done but not fitted yet. Not taken many photos but will add what I have got to my boats list. Been playing around with r/c model plane so been a little tardy with boat!

Les

Your battery boxes look class! mine are shoddy by comparison. Have now cut and folded lots of lead so will be having another try at ballasting later. I do have a downstairs bathroom so it is relatively easy to get all bits into it but I do like the idea of a frame and groundsheet – now that the hosepipe ban has ended.

Les

Hi all, been a long time since I added anything but have not been able to build due to achillies injury and not able to get around much. However, whilst still got injury have now managed to sort out space in the workshop to sit. Have started the cabin which fits in the main but the curved front is not wide enough by about 1/8th inch at the top so some infill will be required. I could have trimmed the internal roof support but not sure what knock on effect that would have. Fits ok at the base as it just fits around the coaming nicely. Managed to make and paint the gantry which looks good.