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Prepping
11/01/2023 at 21:39 • 0 commentsI've plugged up the rudder hole (ready for drilling out to a smaller diameter), tapped all the brass nails in fully, given her a good rub down with a sanding block, and she's nearly ready for sealing and filling. Oh and I fabricated the roof for the wheelhouse.
New parts on order, should arrive in a few days. How exciting!
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Destroy! Destroy!
10/30/2023 at 21:08 • 0 commentsAfter a bit of consideration I decided there was no option but to remove the original prop tube and rudder. The prop tube came out easily enough with a drift and a few light hammer taps. Thank goodness it wasn't glued in all that well. A modern 6mm prop shaft should fit nicely in the 1/4" hole.
The rudder was more of a pain. It came away from its glue easily, but wouldn't come out of the hole. Plus I knew I'd still need access somehow for a servo. So, reluctantly, I removed the seats and rear panel. Again, thankfully the glue was a bit crap and cracked free fairly easily to reveal a nice empty space and the top of the rudder.
Next decision: fit the servo there, but have to somehow make it accessible in case it fails? Or run a rod linkage towards the bow and fit the servo where it's much more accessible, sealing the linkage behind a panel forever...
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Research
10/29/2023 at 15:28 • 0 commentsFound some plans:
Looks like the rudder never had any linkages, and the motor seems to be a small nitro engine (possibly a Mills 1.75cc). I bet that was terrifying when it was running! Noise, smoke, fuel, oil everywhere. At least I can see where all the bits are supposed to go.
Also, this nice example of the finished kit.
And another one.
And a detailed commentary of a scratch-built one. All going to be very useful...
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First sight...
10/29/2023 at 15:08 • 0 commentsWell, it looks boat-shaped, and a lot of the bits I'd expect to see on a boat seem to be present, and there are some 'leftovers' too. Some of the bits are in an envelope postmarked 1953! There's a few broken and missing bits but it's not a bad start...
First thoughts:
- it's been nailed together with tiny tacks! That's going to make painting/getting a smooth finish interesting
- the rudder is very stiff, and any linkages that might have once been connected to it are now sealed inside the rear seating/deck area. I don't think the original builder wanted a functional model else why?
- the prop and shaft are long gone, so will need to replace all that
- it's going to need a lot of paint and filler!
- plus motor, servo, radio, battery, etc.
Should be a lot of fun! :)