Real Steel

[Sm shogunParticipant @smshogun38232]

Many build boats from kits, or scratch build in traditional timber or more modern plastics; but how many build in steel. As a lifelong engineer and having come into model boats at a young age, I started with kits, then progressed onto scratch building from the lit stages. As I have worked shifts throughout my working life, I made several models in steel, these were usually from thin sheet offcuts destined for the scrap bin.

I was wondering how many others have done the same as work boats look authentic if left, and the traditional rust streaks form on them, and they look much better than the pristine model boats often seen today.

They do take a lot of skill to make as steel distorts when heated due to soldering, welding, and braising, so this creates new panel beating skills to add to our collective skills.

[Sm shogunParticipant @smshogun38232]

Many build in wood or plastic, but how about steel?

[Paul TParticipant @pault84577]

In my younger days I did try steel by building one of my large models out of 1/2" x 1/2" x 18swg Mild Steel Box for the frame and 0.49 gauge tinplate skin.

It was fine for the hull and deck and provided an excellent weight for strength ratio but the superstructure became laborious due to all of the intricate cuts and welds so I reverted back to timber to complete the upperworks.

Using steel was a interesting diversion for one project but I have to admit to being a lot happier with wood.

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