Veleta

[Ian GardnerParticipant @iangardner62867]

Vic Smeed’s simple balsa motor yacht from 1960

[Ian GardnerParticipant @iangardner62867]

There seems to be a bit of interest in Vic's designs due to Tony's excellent work on compiling a list of his designs, and of course we are having some fun trying to turn up more!

I was supposed to be building an enlarged Guardsman- and still hope to- but Veleta took my fancy and | thought I'd have a go. I was worried that the design might be too simple to stand enlargement, but I think the hull is very elegant and should look good in the water. There are photos in the albums section.

I enlarged the plan by 1.5 times giving a hull length of 36 ins, and used the construction method described on the plan, ie laminated plank bottom, sheet sides and blocks for bow and stern. This proved rather expensive in balsa and I would like to try using blue foam for the block sections on another model.

I used a product called Poly-C, which is a water based resin, in conjunction with nylon tights to toughen up the hull. I couldn't get one leg of the tights over the whole model so had to overlap from each end, creating a hump in the middle. This sanded out well with the aid of a bit of filler. A friend of mine helpfully pointed out that not many ladies have a 36in inside leg!!

For the first time I have logged the hours taken -46 hours to get to this stage. I have found this has really helped to keep focussed and in planning the process- interesting in view of the article in this months MB about maintaining impetus with a model.

Ian

[Ian GardnerParticipant @iangardner62867]

There seems to be a bit of interest in Vic's designs due to Tony's excellent work on compiling a list of his designs, and of course we are having some fun trying to turn up more!

I was supposed to be building an enlarged Guardsman- and still hope to- but Veleta took my fancy and | thought I'd have a go. I was worried that the design might be too simple to stand enlargement, but I think the hull is very elegant and should look good in the water. There are photos in the albums section.

I enlarged the plan by 1.5 times giving a hull length of 36 ins, and used the construction method described on the plan, ie laminated plank bottom, sheet sides and blocks for bow and stern. This proved rather expensive in balsa and I would like to try using blue foam for the block sections on another model.

I used a product called Poly-C, which is a water based resin, in conjunction with nylon tights to toughen up the hull. I couldn't get one leg of the tights over the whole model so had to overlap from each end, creating a hump in the middle. This sanded out well with the aid of a bit of filler. A friend of mine helpfully pointed out that not many ladies have a 36in inside leg!!

For the first time I have logged the hours taken -46 hours to get to this stage. I have found this has really helped to keep focussed and in planning the process- interesting in view of the article in this months MB about maintaining impetus with a model.

Ian

[Ian GardnerParticipant @iangardner62867]

There seems to be a bit of interest in Vic's designs due to Tony's excellent work on compiling a list of his designs, and of course we are having some fun trying to turn up more!

I was supposed to be building an enlarged Guardsman- and still hope to- but Veleta took my fancy and | thought I'd have a go. I was worried that the design might be too simple to stand enlargement, but I think the hull is very elegant and should look good in the water. There are photos in the albums section.

I enlarged the plan by 1.5 times giving a hull length of 36 ins, and used the construction method described on the plan, ie laminated plank bottom, sheet sides and blocks for bow and stern. This proved rather expensive in balsa and I would like to try using blue foam for the block sections on another model.

I used a product called Poly-C, which is a water based resin, in conjunction with nylon tights to toughen up the hull. I couldn't get one leg of the tights over the whole model so had to overlap from each end, creating a hump in the middle. This sanded out well with the aid of a bit of filler. A friend of mine helpfully pointed out that not many ladies have a 36in inside leg!!

For the first time I have logged the hours taken -46 hours to get to this stage. I have found this has really helped to keep focussed and in planning the process- interesting in view of the article in this months MB about maintaining impetus with a model.

Ian

[Tony HadleyParticipant @tonyhadley]

Tried to find a photograph of the finished model in some old books and publications but couldn't find anything. I will keep watching your album as work progresses. The 36" version should be an improvement on the smaller 24".

Your build is looking good (as usual).

Tony.

[Tony HadleyParticipant @tonyhadley]

Tried to find a photograph of the finished model in some old books and publications but couldn't find anything. I will keep watching your album as work progresses. The 36" version should be an improvement on the smaller 24".

Your build is looking good (as usual).

Tony.

[Tony HadleyParticipant @tonyhadley]

Tried to find a photograph of the finished model in some old books and publications but couldn't find anything. I will keep watching your album as work progresses. The 36" version should be an improvement on the smaller 24".

Your build is looking good (as usual).

Tony.

[LARRY WHETTONParticipant @larrywhetton68737]

Hi Ean,

I used astocking and pva on a balsa plank on frame JENNY sanded and sevral coats of primer

came out ok, and poly varnish in side hull hull finish will be yacht varnish,

cheers Larry,……

[LARRY WHETTONParticipant @larrywhetton68737]

Hi Ean,

I used astocking and pva on a balsa plank on frame JENNY sanded and sevral coats of primer

came out ok, and poly varnish in side hull hull finish will be yacht varnish,

cheers Larry,……

[LARRY WHETTONParticipant @larrywhetton68737]

Hi Ean,

I used astocking and pva on a balsa plank on frame JENNY sanded and sevral coats of primer

came out ok, and poly varnish in side hull hull finish will be yacht varnish,

cheers Larry,……

[Ian GardnerParticipant @iangardner62867]

Thanks for the photos Larry. I was interested to hear of your use of PVA with nylon- presumably that was waterproof. The Poly-C I used is very similar to Eze-Kote but a bit cheaper and I found it excellent- used about 250ml on the 36 in Veleta hull. I'm thinking of using foam in a subsequent model so wanted to try the system out.

Have you finished your Jenny? It's a very attractive boat and a plan that seems to have passed me by. I believe it was a free plan some years ago- would be nice to see more photos.

Really enjoyed the photos of your Guardsman in action by the way.

All the best…Ian

[Ian GardnerParticipant @iangardner62867]

Thanks for the photos Larry. I was interested to hear of your use of PVA with nylon- presumably that was waterproof. The Poly-C I used is very similar to Eze-Kote but a bit cheaper and I found it excellent- used about 250ml on the 36 in Veleta hull. I'm thinking of using foam in a subsequent model so wanted to try the system out.

Have you finished your Jenny? It's a very attractive boat and a plan that seems to have passed me by. I believe it was a free plan some years ago- would be nice to see more photos.

Really enjoyed the photos of your Guardsman in action by the way.

All the best…Ian

[LARRY WHETTONParticipant @larrywhetton68737]

Hello Ian,

Thank you for reply, JENNY on the back burner at the moment,

working on plank deck, and looking for sail maker , and not sure about rig set up ,

if you need a copy of plan i have one…..

Guardsman is going on holiday to BRIXHAM thats where boot size boats win,

found A fresh water pool at goodington park , and having a trip on a paddle steamer at Dartmouth,

so more pictures and research to work on,

where do purchase poly .c ……would like to give it try,

on my latest narrow boat ………….cheers Larry….

[Bob Abell 2Participant @bobabell2]

I like your model, Valeta, Ian

Such nice olde worlde style, when model making was the norm and relaxing fun!

Deserves a picture on your thread, though………Hope you don`t mind?

Chunky and lovely!

Bob

[Ian GardnerParticipant @iangardner62867]

Thanks Bob. Chunky and lovely- that's how my wife describes me!! No I don't mind a picture- just thought it was a bit unfinished to warrant it.

I like these old models and this one pleases me no end-and I'm having more fun than is decent for a chap my age building her. Got a long period of deck planking ahead of me now, so need to keep the enthusiasm up.

Glasgow looking fine too- I always look in.

All the best…Ian

[Ian GardnerParticipant @iangardner62867]

Sorry Larry,

I missed your contribution to this thread. I'm not a million miles from Brixham (had my honeymoon there back in the darkages) and have sailed with a friend on the pond at Goodrington- get there before the paddle boats set up!

I didn't realise there were any paddle steamers on the Dart- I remember the hulk of the old Compton Castle in the mud at Kingswear- long gone now. You can still see the bones of one of the other Dart paddlers in the reeds somewhere below Totnes if you're having a trip. So what's this paddler then?

Poly-C comes from Slough RC I think- I will double check and get back- about nine quid for 500ml and it goes a long way.

atb…Ian

[Ian GardnerParticipant @iangardner62867]

Here it is.

**LINK**

Hope that works.

Ian

[Tony HadleyParticipant @tonyhadley]

Sorry to go off thread Ian, here are a couple of photographs of my model of Jenny, which Larry is in the process of building. A fussy little yacht which can only be sailed in fair/mild winds. The build item was repeated in the September 2012 MB. I rung Douglas McGhee (the original designer) recently and he had built an enlarged version with a schooner rig, this larger boat has since been sold.

[Ian GardnerParticipant @iangardner62867]

Thanks Tony,

It does look a very nice thing- possible projects beginning to stack up a bit now! So many boats so little time. I might get hold of the plan as I'm an inveterate collector of plans anyway- just like 'em. I seem to have missed this one completely.

Still waiting for the Vic Smeed asr launch and when it comes I'll scan it for you

You don't happen to know the weight of Jenny so I could predict the displacement of an enlarged one? Just out of curiosity.

atb…Ian

[LARRY WHETTONParticipant @larrywhetton68737]

Thank you Ian, and Tony,

Ian picture of paddler,

Tony do have any set up on Jenny , and sail rig , bit of loss on this side of build,

thank you both Larrry…….

[Ian GardnerParticipant @iangardner62867]

Blow me down! Kingswear Castle back on the Dart where she should be. I can't wait to book tickets and have a trip. Thanks Larry for bringing this to my attention- enjoy your holiday and paddler trip whenever that is.

atb…Ian

[Tony HadleyParticipant @tonyhadley]

Ian, thanks for the Vic Smeed missing designs, looking forward to seeing them. When they arrive an updated list can be sent to Colin as Moonsong has already arrived from Dave Milbourn.

Larry, nice to see the KC photograph, pm and email sent re: Jenny

Tony.

[Ian GardnerParticipant @iangardner62867]

Tony, as I said the asr launch should come any day (had a message to say it was on it's way) and then I will scan you copies of all three.

I was thumbing my old copy of Simple Model Yachts by Vic Smeed from 1970. It describes the building of three boats; 1. Starlet, 2.an 18'' full keel cruiser, Petrel and 3. a small thing called Perky. The latter is attributed to one Franz Czerny, but I suspect that Petrel is another Vic Smeed design.

The description of the building of Petrel makes reference to Model Maker magazine and uses Vic's favourite 'royal we' so I think it must be his.

I'm very excited to discover that KC has returned to Devon.

Ian

[Tony HadleyParticipant @tonyhadley]

Ian, so pleased that yet more designs are appearing, your efforts in this research are much appreciated. There will be some designs which will never get uncovered though.

Out of curiosity, does the book indicate who designed Starlet 2, the full keel cruiser?

Tony

[Ian GardnerParticipant @iangardner62867]

Sorry Tony,

My earlier post was obviously unclear.

Starlet,as you know is definitely a VS design. The second is Petrel, an 18'' full keel boat, which I'm pretty sure must be VS as it isn't attributed to anyone else, whereas the third one is- Perky designed by Franz Czerny- so three boats, Starlet, Petrel and Perky.

Must try harder!

Ian

Edited By Ian Gardner on 14/05/2013 16:38:23

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