Members Harbour
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Harbour Pilots Boat
Built from a kit produced by SLEC from an original Lesro design.
Construction started in March 2020....completed March 2021.
robbob
4 years ago
8 Attributes
1 Photo
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Thames River Police Launch
Constructed from a kit by Vintage Model Works, based on a design by Phil Smith for Veron, started June 2018. (Motor: Turnigy 3548 outrunner) (ESC: Turnigy 30A watercooled) (8/10).
Completed August 2019.
robbob
5 years ago
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46" RAF Crash Rescue Tender
Construction started May 2016....completed June 2017. (Motor: Turnigy SK3 4250-500) (ESC: Turnigy 90A watercooled) (9/10)
robbob
7 years ago
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Members Blogs
55 Posts
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SLEC Harbour Pilots Boat by Robbob
Itโs been a while since I built my last model boat, a Thames River Police Launch and prior to that my RAF Crash Rescue Tender and I thought Iโd better get something on the go pretty soon or Iโll have nothing new to show at the club exhibition in September.
While I was visiting the Warwick International Model Boat Show in November last year I spotted a new model by SLEC of a Harbour Pilots Boat, due for release in Spring 2020.
A quick โphone call to them confirmed that it was now available and so I decided to buy the kit and start building it to keep me occupied during the enforced isolation we all find ourselves in at the present.
The kit arrived the following day, very safely packaged in a strong carton, and after opening the box and quickly checking the contents I took out the supplied Building Instruction and Picture Instruction manuals and studied them both at length to familiarise myself with the construction sequence.
Anyone that is familiar with the old Aerokits/Keil Kraft model boats will recognise their characteristic โegg crateโ method of construction and this model is a re-working of one such design by Ian Hull for SLEC.
Fortunately I have all the required tools, adhesives and other materials in the workshop including a 10โ propshaft and 40mm 2 blade prop that I bought in error for a previous model and so I can make an immediate start. Iโll still need to buy in a receiver, servo, rudder, brushless motor and speed controller and a couple of LiPo batteries at some point but I certainly have all I need to make a start on the build.
All of the plywood parts are CNC router or laser cut and many of the parts lock firmly together with tabs and slots that are already quite a good fit, but however fine the router bit is it canโt produce a sharp 90 degree cut so the first thing the instructions tell you is that you should use a small square file or a sharp knife to square all the internal corner cuts to ensure a proper snug fit.
Construction starts with the assembly of the main keel, first bulkhead and the two small parts K2 that lock it together. At this point Iโm dry-fitting the parts to ensure that it all slots together correctly. Itโs here that a small improvement could be made by re-designing the two smaller parts so that the tabs that slot into the main keel K1 are staggered rather than meet at the same point as the existing slot is long enough. Easily fixed by amending the CNC files but for now it can be fixed by filing each tab to half its length, but Iโll pass on the suggestion to SLEC.
The remaining bulkheads are slotted onto the keel and the two long beams are slotted in at deck level to lock it all together.
When I was happy that all was well I took it apart and re-assembled it all using a waterproof aliphatic PVA glue and a few clamps to hold it all together while the glue sets. A try square was used to check the assembly for square.
In the next part Iโll be fitting the strakes and additional keel parts and constructing the base of the superstructure.
robbob
3 years ago
46 Posts
18 Followers
574 Likes
36" Thames River Police Launch by Robbob
After the successful build of the โVintage Model Worksโ RAF Crash Rescue Tender I was asked by Mike Cummings of VMW if I would undertake to build a prototype of their new model with the aim of checking the construction method and the assembly instructions for accuracy before the kit is put into production.
The model is a โThames River Police Launchโ and is based on the original design by Phil Smith for the Veron company, this was a very popular model kit in the late 50โs and 60โs and sold for the princely sum of 43 shillings and tuppence, approximately ยฃ2.15 in todayโs money but an equivalent cost of ยฃ48.50 in 1960.
This design has been updated to accommodate electric propulsion and radio control by Colin Smith, the son of the original designer and it has been re-scaled to be 36โ in length where the original was 24โ which gives much more scope for detailing and provides more โhiding roomโ for the drive, control systems and all the associated wiring.
The kit produced by VMW uses the same construction techniques as the original and the materials are a combination of balsa and plywood both of which a laser and CNC cut for precision.
The ply and balsa materials supplied are of very high quality as one would expect from VMW and all the stripwood for the chines, rubbing strakes and deck detailing is included, even the dowel required for the mast is in the box, very comprehensive!
The kit also includes white metal fittings such as the fairleads and stanchions, and the searchlight and horns. The glazing for the windows comes in the kit too.
The instruction sheet supplied is in need of revision as it is largely taken directly from the original as written by Phil Smith and some of the terminology needs updating, for instance the ply bottom and side skins are referred to as โstrakesโ but I understand that a re-write of the instructions is in hand along with an updated plan showing the best positioning for the motor, prop-shaft, battery, ESC, receiver, rudder and servo.
During construction I have added a few additional pieces of ply or balsa as reinforcement or supports and substituted some balsa parts for ply where I thought a stronger material would be better. I also added some hatches to give access to the wiring at the bow and the rudder & servo at the stern but largely I have not gone โoff planโ to any extent.
The pictures show the model in itโs present state (Nov 2018) and is ready for painting and finishing.
robbob
5 years ago
97 Posts
30 Followers
983 Likes
Vintage Model Works 46" RAF Crash Tender
Here's the history bit so pay attention...
Many years ago as a boy in the fifth year of my north London secondary school, circa 1971, our woodwork class was given the option to make something of our own choice.
Having mastered the majority of joints, wood turning, finishing techniques and the making of table lamps, stools and bookshelves etc. this seemed a good idea, so myself and a fellow classmate and model making chum asked if we could construct a model boat.
The teacher, on hearing that it was to be from a kit and not from scratch was a little surprised but agreed.
So my friend and I jointly invested about 20 quid in an Aerokits 34.5 inch RAF Crash Tender from Blunts' model shop in Mill Hill (long since gone like many others) and we set about construction during lesson time and sometimes at break times.
I recall we used "Cascamite" to glue it all together on the advice of the woodwork teacher because neither 'Scotch' glue nor PVA was suited to marine construction.
Good progress was made over the course of our last year at school but it was never fully completed, only requiring painting, running gear and detailing.
My friend decided that he needed to withdraw from the project as he was enrolling in a college away from home to study for a career in the merchant navy and I agreed to buy out his share and continue with the project.
And so it was that I carried on with the painting and installing the running gear which consisted of a 1.5 cc marine diesel engine, water pickup, prop shaft and rudder and a MacGregor radio system with a stick for steering and a single button for speed control.
The engine and radio came from Michael's Models in Finchley (also long gone) for ยฃ20 as my elder brother, who had started a Saturday job there, was able to get a staff discount for me.
The diesel engine was noisy and smelly and a pig to start with a leather thong around the flywheel and I decided to abandon this means of propulsion (I foolishly ran it for slightly too long 'dry' and melted the soldering around the brass water jacket!).
By now I had graduated from my part time job in Woolies to an engineering apprentice with Post Office Telephones and my new income of 20 quid per week could support my modelling and electronics hobbies after my contribution to the household for my keep.
So off to the model shop to buy a Taycol Supermarine electric motor, two 12v volt lead acid batteries and a suitable charger.
The diesel came out and was sold on Exchange & Mart and the mount and coupling re-made to accommodate the new Taycol motor.
What an improvement that was!
I can't remember now what speed controller or servo I used but whatever it was did the job, and it went like the clappers on Friary Park boating lake (also long since gone) even though the radio control system was a bit crude with the non-proportional steering and 'blip' throttle control.
The boating took a back seat when I acquired my driving licence and my first car (a rusty old Cortina Mk 1) and I also got involved in sound recording for radio.
I decided to sell the boat and bits for ยฃ60 through Exchange & Mart and bought an Akai 4000DS tape recorder and a 'Chilton' audio mixer, built a home studio and along with a good mate of mine started making radio commercials for the new commercial radio stations including London's Capital Radio.
We even won a 'Campaign' advertising award for one of our efforts! And so after several years as a 'phone engineer I moved into professional recording for A/V and broadcast and then into TV production.
Fast forward to today.
Semi-retired with grand kids and with more free time on my hands I still had an interest in model making so in Jan 2016 went to the Model Engineer exhibition at nearby 'Ally Pally'.
It was there that I saw an RAF crash tender just like the one I built all those years ago and got into conversation with the chap on the stand.
This re-ignited my model making interests and I researched the hobby and that model in particular.
robbob
5 years ago
Recent Posts
๐ 46 inch crash tender water in takes an outlet pictures
5 months ago by
๐ฌ๐ง robbob (
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Hi Scott.
Here's a picture and a drawing of the rear of No.93 showing the cooling and exhaust outlets on the stern.
Also a picture of the stern of my No.94 model.
The water pickups should be just behind the propeller/s.
I hope this is helpful.
Robbob.
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๐ฌ Re: Final pictures
7 months ago by
๐ฌ๐ง robbob (
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Tremendous job Mike.
I've been following your build with very keen interest and you certainly have set the benchmark for this model.
I fear that when I get back to building mine, hopefully as soon as my new workshop is finished!, it won't be anywhere near as good as yours.
Congratulations๐๐๐
Robbob.
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๐ The BIG StAlbans Model Show
9 months ago by
๐ฌ๐ง robbob (
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The BIG St.Albans Model Show returns to Townsend School St.Albans on 23rd & 24th September. This is not just a static exhibition...this is MODELS THAT MOVE.
Free train rides, have-a-go boats, Tamiya Trucks, hot air balloons, drones, planes and so much more to see and do for all ages.
Pay at the door by card or cash or buy your tickets in advance online and save ยฃ1 on adult tickets. Refreshments and an Ice Cream Van. FREE PARKING.
Over 2000 visitors last year to the biggest model show in the South of England.
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๐ Very sad news Martin555
1 year ago by
๐ฌ๐ง robbob (
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Very shocking and sad news. ๐
Martin had a very individual character and added a different dimension to this site.
His comments were always welcomed and his humour was unique too!
He will be missed by all.
Robbob.
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๐ฌ Re: Tubes/conduits and balsa blocks
2 years ago by
๐ฌ๐ง robbob (
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Hi Andy.
Great progress so far ๐๐.
The kit I was supplied with for my test build was a 'pre-production' version and the balsa bow blocks were indeed laminated from various pieces.
I think you should really orientate piece 3 with the grain to ensure that it sufficiently extends to the bow to allow for shaping. The piece appears to be slightly thinner than it really could be but then it will be 'flattened' to a degree to form a flat surface for the external keel to sit on. The external keel parts in my kit were supplied in balsa but I re-made them in ply so that they would be more sturdy if knocked.
Are they supplied in ply now?
Keep up the great work.
Robbob.
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๐ฌ Re: 04 The inner keel
2 years ago by
๐ฌ๐ง robbob (
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Excellent progress Mike ๐๐.
Like you, I have left the prop-shaft fixing until the motor mount is in the right position. ( I must start posting my own blog soon!)
Rob.
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๐ฌ Re: Controls
2 years ago by
๐ฌ๐ง robbob (
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Hi Graham.
A superb example of electro/mechanical design and prototyping. This project will be every bit as good a 'Bill & Ben' if not better. Great work!
Rob.
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๐ฌ Re: Mechanism Mk 2
2 years ago by
๐ฌ๐ง robbob (
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Charlie ?
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๐ฌ Re: Mechanism
2 years ago by
๐ฌ๐ง robbob (
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What you have done in your first attempt is possibly way beyond what most, if not all, of us could have hoped to achieve. That you are re-visiting the project would imply that you may have surmounted the initial problems.๐
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๐ฌ Re: Mechanism
2 years ago by
๐ฌ๐ง robbob (
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Hi Graham.
"Back to the drawing board"....yes perhaps.
Still I would regard this as a successful 'proof of concept' that just requires a re-think on more suitable hardware to achieve the desired action.
Good work nevertheless.๐๐
Rob.
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๐ฌ Re: The Marlin Cabin Cruiser (Vintage Model Works)
2 years ago by
๐ฌ๐ง robbob (
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Hi Mike.
I'll be following your build blog with great interest and, as you know, we are both building the same model for VMW. I think mine is probably a bit further along than yours so I must get my blog started soon, and it will be interesting for followers to see how we both approach the build process!
The Marlin is a great little boat and it goes together well......so far๐.
Rob.
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๐ The BIG St.Albans Model Show
2 years ago by
๐ฌ๐ง robbob (
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The St Albans and District Model Engineering Society are proud to announce the long awaited return of The BIG St.Albans Model Show.
This two day event will showcase the the activities and the Society and those of many of the clubs and societies in the surrounding area.
This popular family show is aimed at young aspiring modellers and experienced modellers alike. It's billed as 'Models That Move' because there are not just static displays but real working models of locomotives, traction engines, boats, flying displays and rides on a real steam train. Download the Show Flyer for more details.
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๐ฌ Re: Fitting Y-Boat compartment and deck
2 years ago by
๐ฌ๐ง robbob (
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Terrific progress Sy....your rate of work never ceases to amaze me!
Your removable electrics panel is a great idea and so easy to implement in a GF hull. Does the kit come with a Y-Class Boat to go into the compartment?
Rob.
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๐ 36 inch Thames Police Launch.
2 years ago by
๐ฌ๐ง robbob (
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Hi Nick.
Good to see that you are making a start especially after a bout of illnesses!
You can bet you'll find your roll of soft iron wire while you're looking for something else. Such is the 'Law of Sod' ๐
Rob.
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๐ฌ Re: Model Slipway RNLI Tamar class lifeboat 1:16 scale
2 years ago by
๐ฌ๐ง robbob (
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Hi Sy.
It's good to see you back on the site with your new project๐๐, I recall you telling me that you had a bought a Slipway kit on eBay for an 'arm and a leg' and that a new build on the way. I'm looking forward to following your build blog and seeing how it's done properly and to your exceptional standards.
I'm working on a new VMW kit at the moment and will be posting a new blog on that fairly soon๐.
Rob.
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๐ 36 inch Thames Police Launch.
2 years ago by
๐ฌ๐ง robbob (
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Hi Nick.
I really like the what you're doing with the keel/prop redesign, it will look really good and should work just fine.
You may find that reducing the propshaft angle will mean you have to move the motor location further into the cabin very slightly but that's of little consequence.
Rob.
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๐ 36 inch Thames Police Launch.
2 years ago by
๐ฌ๐ง robbob (
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Nick.
The plans for the kit I built were also in two parts so they're no different. However they are good quality prints with no geometric distortions so they are easy to align and tape together, and you won't be building off the plan anyway. The CNC and laser cutting is extremely accurate so the parts fit well with little or no 'fettling'.
Robbob.
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๐ 36 inch Thames Police Launch.
2 years ago by
๐ฌ๐ง robbob (
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Hi Nick.
The VMW kit is a great choice for your latest project and is very good value as mturpin013 has already said.
When I built mine I did some extensive research on the history of the boats, found some good pictures and also a few videos on BritishPathe of the boat in action which I found very helpful for detail.
Here are some links to the videos:
https://www.britishpathe.com/video/river-police-rescue/query/river+police+rescue |
https://www.britishpathe.com/video/river-police-1/query/river+police |
https://www.britishpathe.com/video/river-police-boat/query/river+police+boat |
https://www.britishpathe.com/video/river-pilot/query/river+police+boat |
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๐ Annoying Klaxxon sounds
2 years ago by
๐ฌ๐ง robbob (
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Hi Roy.
I had to Google 'perigrinations' !!
"a journey, especially a long or meandering one"
Don't get lost on the way........๐
Rob.
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๐ Annoying Klaxxon sounds
2 years ago by
๐ฌ๐ง robbob (
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I think you're right Pete. It used to be on the top right of the PC screen above the 'members online' bit but it got moved in the last screen 're-shuffle' by Stephen.
God only knows where it is on the mobile/tablet app !!
Perhaps he should make it a bit more conspicuous in the next site update? ๐.
Rob.
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๐ Annoying Klaxxon sounds
2 years ago by
๐ฌ๐ง robbob (
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G'day Roy.
After wracking my brain ๐ค trying to remember how to turn the blasted sound off ๐ก I finally found where the control is now. It's been moved around the screen a few times as the layout has changed over recent times. Follow the red arrow in the pictures!
It's not exactly conspicuous is it ! โน๏ธ
I hope you're keeping dry in OZ๐.
Rob.
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๐ฌ Re: Belated video
3 years ago by
๐ฌ๐ง robbob (
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Excellent videos Mike, the slo-mo really does help to make the scale far more realistic. ๐๐
Rob.
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๐ฌ Re: THE END
3 years ago by
๐ฌ๐ง robbob (
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A fine looking model Mike, congratulations on another successful build.
Rob.
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๐ The BIG St.Albans Model Show 2021
3 years ago by
๐ฌ๐ง robbob (
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Hi Mike.
I'm sad to say that the Big St.Albans Model Show has to be added to that list โน๏ธ.
The committee have just this week made the difficult decision to cancel the show because of the current uncertainties. We are all disappointed to have to do this but hope to stage the show in 2022 if all of this damned Covid has gone away๐.
Rob.
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๐ Test tank
3 years ago by
๐ฌ๐ง robbob (
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Nicely made Mike.
Good use of cross halving joints on the frame ๐๐
All you need now is a loofah and a rubber duck ๐๐ฆ
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๐ฌ Re: New design dash panel
3 years ago by
๐ฌ๐ง robbob (
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Terrific work Mike, you've nailed it!
I admire your skills and persistence and the end result was certainly worth all the effort.
Rob.
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๐ฌ Re: Hull shaping, cloth and resin, oh and a standโฆ.
3 years ago by
๐ฌ๐ง robbob (
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Hi Sy.
As always I'm amazed at your rate of progress ๐ฎ๐
You did well to get the glass cloth on the hull all in one piece without any serious wrinkles ๐
Real planking is sooooo much nicer than laser etched and adds a real touch of class to any model. I found that once you got into the rhythm of layng the planks and caulking strips the process was relatively quick but always rewarding.
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๐ฌ Re: Scratch built, Working Steam powered Drifter trawler LT100, to 1:24th scale.
3 years ago by
๐ฌ๐ง robbob (
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Hi Stephen.
It's good to see you back in the workshop, I do admire the precision of all your work.
Keep up the great work ๐.
Rob.
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๐ฌ Re: The battle of the skins!โฆโฆ
3 years ago by
๐ฌ๐ง robbob (
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Hi Sy.
I have used the expanding type Gorilla Glue for joinery work and that's very good as it expands into the grain and fills any gaps in yer mortice and tenon joints, (yes..... I can still make all the joints I was taught in woodwork class ๐) but I've not used their PVA though.
Hammerite...that is indeed the stuff I used inside my Crash Tender, but I used the 'hammered effect' finish as it's more tolerant of brush marks.
Once it has dried and 'cured' it's makes for a very hard, durable and waterproof finish.
Rob.
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๐ฌ Re: The battle of the skins!โฆโฆ
3 years ago by
๐ฌ๐ง robbob (
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Very rapid progress as we've all come to expect from you Sy ๐๐.
I'm following your build with great interest as I very nearly bought the same kit.
I have always used Titebond II PVA glue which is 'water resistant' and far better that ordinary white PVA which is definitely not!
There is also Titebond III which is apparently a 'waterproof' PVA if you really want 'belt 'n braces'.
With the hull properly sealed with fibreglass and resin externally and a thorough paint finish internally I don't think you will have much to worry about.
KUTGW ๐๐.
Rob.
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