Hi all,

just posting a summary of (mainly) previously posted pics to kick off this build log and show progress to date since I first started researching the building of this 'leviathan'😉 last year.

I'm currently at a stage where I have acquired the necessary propshaft/tube/propellor assembly and awaiting delivery of my chosen powertrain. The timber for most of the build has been sourced, so now I have finished other projects, all that really remains is to get on with it!!😁
1)The plan...
2)Drawing bulkhead and keel templates from plan
3)Bulkhead paper shapes stuck to 3/8 ply - I chose to make the bulkheads slightly thicker for extra gluing area and because I need to have ply-skin joins across certain bulkhead positions as standard modelling ply lengths do not go to 54". Some of these may have lightening holes cut in them for better internal access to equipment - haven't decided yet.
4)bulkheads cut out and trimmed/notched for stringers. Waiting for keel cut out, as a couple of issues regarding installation of the prop tube into the keel pieces have arisen; I need to accommodate the two oilers somehow, and the original keel pieces need to have another piece added to support the prop shaft all the way to the prop bearing - I'll post details when I've sorted it out...I hope🤔
5)Original 10mm pine keel pieces cut out and assembled over plan - not yet glued up as an extra piece still required
6),7) & 8) Lots of spruce strips!! - spliced together to make up pieces approx. 70" in length for 3/16x3/8 chine stringer laminations, 1/4sq. sub-stringers, 3/6 sq spray rails and keel doublers.
9)18" 3-bush 3/8dia prop tube with oilers/tubes at two bearing positions, 3" diameter 3 blade propellor fashioned from 1mm brass sheet to be fitted to M5 thread on 3/16 steel shaft. I had this specially made up by Bill Nordmeyer who owns SAB Model Boat Fittings - thanks Bill!👍👍

The brushless motor and speed controller should be arriving in the next week or two. When they do, I intend to set up an engine/propshaft test to see what the performance specs are like prior to installing the tube in the keel. Once this has taken place I'll be able to post again.

Until then , best regards,

Nick