Started this about a week ago after acquiring circa 10 years prior . Really nice and easy build this one from
Early 1970s . I’m planning to run a brushed 540 on 8.4 - -16.8v . It’s only 28” so will scoot with that .
Currently at the glassing stage using west system 105 epoxy.
Also thinking of painting it in period correct 1970 gulf livery like the old ford race cars .
There isn’t much info available on these boats so they must be pretty rare .
[{"id":"17858078216","name":"17858078216.jpeg","caption":"","url":"https:\/\/model-boats.com\/media\/17858078216\/l","thumbUrl":"https:\/\/model-boats.com\/media\/17858078216\/s","isImage":true,"ext":"jpeg"},{"id":"17858078211","name":"17858078211.jpeg","caption":"","url":"https:\/\/model-boats.com\/media\/17858078211\/l","thumbUrl":"https:\/\/model-boats.com\/media\/17858078211\/s","isImage":true,"ext":"jpeg"},{"id":"17858078223","name":"17858078223.jpeg","caption":"","url":"https:\/\/model-boats.com\/media\/17858078223\/l","thumbUrl":"https:\/\/model-boats.com\/media\/17858078223\/s","isImage":true,"ext":"jpeg"},{"id":"17858078196","name":"17858078196.jpeg","caption":"","url":"https:\/\/model-boats.com\/media\/17858078196\/l","thumbUrl":"https:\/\/model-boats.com\/media\/17858078196\/s","isImage":true,"ext":"jpeg"},{"id":"17858078246","name":"17858078246.jpeg","caption":"","url":"https:\/\/model-boats.com\/media\/17858078246\/l","thumbUrl":"https:\/\/model-boats.com\/media\/17858078246\/s","isImage":true,"ext":"jpeg"},{"id":"17858078228","name":"17858078228.jpeg","caption":"","url":"https:\/\/model-boats.com\/media\/17858078228\/l","thumbUrl":"https:\/\/model-boats.com\/media\/17858078228\/s","isImage":true,"ext":"jpeg"},{"id":"17858078219","name":"17858078219.jpeg","caption":"","url":"https:\/\/model-boats.com\/media\/17858078219\/l","thumbUrl":"https:\/\/model-boats.com\/media\/17858078219\/s","isImage":true,"ext":"jpeg"},{"id":"17858078237","name":"17858078237.jpeg","caption":"","url":"https:\/\/model-boats.com\/media\/17858078237\/l","thumbUrl":"https:\/\/model-boats.com\/media\/17858078237\/s","isImage":true,"ext":"jpeg"},{"id":"17858078257","name":"17858078257.jpeg","caption":"","url":"https:\/\/model-boats.com\/media\/17858078257\/l","thumbUrl":"https:\/\/model-boats.com\/media\/17858078257\/s","isImage":true,"ext":"jpeg"},{"id":"17858078253","name":"17858078253.jpeg","caption":"","url":"https:\/\/model-boats.com\/media\/17858078253\/l","thumbUrl":"https:\/\/model-boats.com\/media\/17858078253\/s","isImage":true,"ext":"jpeg"},{"id":"17858078240","name":"17858078240.jpeg","caption":"","url":"https:\/\/model-boats.com\/media\/17858078240\/l","thumbUrl":"https:\/\/model-boats.com\/media\/17858078240\/s","isImage":true,"ext":"jpeg"},{"id":"17858078249","name":"17858078249.jpeg","caption":"","url":"https:\/\/model-boats.com\/media\/17858078249\/l","thumbUrl":"https:\/\/model-boats.com\/media\/17858078249\/s","isImage":true,"ext":"jpeg"},{"id":"17858078280","name":"17858078280.jpeg","caption":"","url":"https:\/\/model-boats.com\/media\/17858078280\/l","thumbUrl":"https:\/\/model-boats.com\/media\/17858078280\/s","isImage":true,"ext":"jpeg"},{"id":"17858078273","name":"17858078273.jpeg","caption":"","url":"https:\/\/model-boats.com\/media\/17858078273\/l","thumbUrl":"https:\/\/model-boats.com\/media\/17858078273\/s","isImage":true,"ext":"jpeg"},{"id":"17858078286","name":"17858078286.jpeg","caption":"","url":"https:\/\/model-boats.com\/media\/17858078286\/l","thumbUrl":"https:\/\/model-boats.com\/media\/17858078286\/s","isImage":true,"ext":"jpeg"},{"id":"17858078297","name":"17858078297.jpeg","caption":"Inside is sealed with epoxy","url":"https:\/\/model-boats.com\/media\/17858078297\/l","thumbUrl":"https:\/\/model-boats.com\/media\/17858078297\/s","isImage":true,"ext":"jpeg"},{"id":"17858078282","name":"17858078282.jpeg","caption":"Epoxy layer","url":"https:\/\/model-boats.com\/media\/17858078282\/l","thumbUrl":"https:\/\/model-boats.com\/media\/17858078282\/s","isImage":true,"ext":"jpeg"},{"id":"17858078289","name":"17858078289.jpeg","caption":"","url":"https:\/\/model-boats.com\/media\/17858078289\/l","thumbUrl":"https:\/\/model-boats.com\/media\/17858078289\/s","isImage":true,"ext":"jpeg"},{"id":"17858082217","name":"17858082217.jpeg","caption":"","url":"https:\/\/model-boats.com\/media\/17858082217\/l","thumbUrl":"https:\/\/model-boats.com\/media\/17858082217\/s","isImage":true,"ext":"jpeg"},{"id":"17858084141","name":"17858084141.jpeg","caption":"","url":"https:\/\/model-boats.com\/media\/17858084141\/l","thumbUrl":"https:\/\/model-boats.com\/media\/17858084141\/s","isImage":true,"ext":"jpeg"}]
Started this about a week ago after acquiring circa 10 years prior . Really nice and easy build this one from
Early 1970s . I’m planning to run a brushed 540 on 8.4 - -16.8v . It’s only 28” so will scoot with that .
Currently at the glassing stage using west system 105 epoxy.
Also thinking of painting it in period correct 1970 gulf livery like the old ford race cars .
There isn’t much info available on these boats so they must be pretty rare .
Putting the deck on I realised this boat has an open top for a glow engine . As I’m using electric I need to cut out a new hatch without the hole .
[{"id":"17858426778","name":"17858426778.jpeg","caption":"","url":"https:\/\/model-boats.com\/media\/17858426778\/l","thumbUrl":"https:\/\/model-boats.com\/media\/17858426778\/s","isImage":true,"ext":"jpeg"},{"id":"17858426781","name":"17858426781.jpeg","caption":"","url":"https:\/\/model-boats.com\/media\/17858426781\/l","thumbUrl":"https:\/\/model-boats.com\/media\/17858426781\/s","isImage":true,"ext":"jpeg"}]
No matter what I do I always end up
With uneven surfaces and I have to do a tonne of fairing once it sets .
Sides went on today as did the deck which differentiated from the plan slightly as I don’t need an open cockpit for the engine .
[{"id":"17859172770","name":"17859172770.jpeg","caption":"","url":"https:\/\/model-boats.com\/media\/17859172770\/l","thumbUrl":"https:\/\/model-boats.com\/media\/17859172770\/s","isImage":true,"ext":"jpeg"},{"id":"17859172774","name":"17859172774.jpeg","caption":"","url":"https:\/\/model-boats.com\/media\/17859172774\/l","thumbUrl":"https:\/\/model-boats.com\/media\/17859172774\/s","isImage":true,"ext":"jpeg"},{"id":"17859173082","name":"17859173082.jpeg","caption":"","url":"https:\/\/model-boats.com\/media\/17859173082\/l","thumbUrl":"https:\/\/model-boats.com\/media\/17859173082\/s","isImage":true,"ext":"jpeg"},{"id":"17859173099","name":"17859173099.jpeg","caption":"","url":"https:\/\/model-boats.com\/media\/17859173099\/l","thumbUrl":"https:\/\/model-boats.com\/media\/17859173099\/s","isImage":true,"ext":"jpeg"}]
No matter what I do I always end up
With uneven surfaces and I have to do a tonne of fairing once it sets .
Sides went on today as did the deck which differentiated from the plan slightly as I don’t need an open cockpit for the engine .
@Schmango
100% with you on this one. For me it's a toss up if I can get a nice true surface, so I started tack glueing down the glass prior to applying resin. This was marginally helpful. On my last "fast" boat build I sanded the high spots after glassing, brushed on another coat of resin sanded again and then primed it to see what issues I had left. Bondo was then used on the "issues" and a light sanding followed. Tedious for sure, but I was good with the result. I often marvel at guys that fiberglass surfboards to an incredibly smooth surface, but then again they are working with large flat surface areas.
😉
Below is the deck it came with vs the deck I made without the hole for the ic engine . I cut a paper template and used a scroll saw to cut it out and shaped it down with a hand plane .
I made a rear lip at the stern to secure it in place so I won’t need screws . Will prob use a magnet at the front. The balsa was pretty dinged up and very low density so wasn’t easy to work with but we got there .
I’ve coated the deck in epoxy .
Next step is fairing the hull and adding the strakes . Lots and lots of fibreglass sanding coming up which I hate .
[{"id":"17860026130","name":"17860026130.jpeg","caption":"","url":"https:\/\/model-boats.com\/media\/17860026130\/l","thumbUrl":"https:\/\/model-boats.com\/media\/17860026130\/s","isImage":true,"ext":"jpeg"},{"id":"17860026107","name":"17860026107.jpeg","caption":"","url":"https:\/\/model-boats.com\/media\/17860026107\/l","thumbUrl":"https:\/\/model-boats.com\/media\/17860026107\/s","isImage":true,"ext":"jpeg"},{"id":"17860026097","name":"17860026097.jpeg","caption":"","url":"https:\/\/model-boats.com\/media\/17860026097\/l","thumbUrl":"https:\/\/model-boats.com\/media\/17860026097\/s","isImage":true,"ext":"jpeg"},{"id":"17860026098","name":"17860026098.jpeg","caption":"","url":"https:\/\/model-boats.com\/media\/17860026098\/l","thumbUrl":"https:\/\/model-boats.com\/media\/17860026098\/s","isImage":true,"ext":"jpeg"},{"id":"17860026079","name":"17860026079.jpeg","caption":"","url":"https:\/\/model-boats.com\/media\/17860026079\/l","thumbUrl":"https:\/\/model-boats.com\/media\/17860026079\/s","isImage":true,"ext":"jpeg"},{"id":"17860026126","name":"17860026126.jpeg","caption":"","url":"https:\/\/model-boats.com\/media\/17860026126\/l","thumbUrl":"https:\/\/model-boats.com\/media\/17860026126\/s","isImage":true,"ext":"jpeg"},{"id":"17860026131","name":"17860026131.jpeg","caption":"","url":"https:\/\/model-boats.com\/media\/17860026131\/l","thumbUrl":"https:\/\/model-boats.com\/media\/17860026131\/s","isImage":true,"ext":"jpeg"},{"id":"17860026114","name":"17860026114.jpeg","caption":"","url":"https:\/\/model-boats.com\/media\/17860026114\/l","thumbUrl":"https:\/\/model-boats.com\/media\/17860026114\/s","isImage":true,"ext":"jpeg"}]
Below is the deck it came with vs the deck I made without the hole for the ic engine . I cut a paper template and used a scroll saw to cut it out and shaped it down with a hand plane .
I made a rear lip at the stern to secure it in place so I won’t need screws . Will prob use a magnet at the front. The balsa was pretty dinged up and very low density so wasn’t easy to work with but we got there .
I’ve coated the deck in epoxy .
Next step is fairing the hull and adding the strakes . Lots and lots of fibreglass sanding coming up which I hate .
Any advice as to how I use 50 year old
Stickers ? There doesn’t seem to be an obvious peel method .
I’d like to use the originals but I wonder if they are deteriorated beyond function ?
[{"id":"17860146538","name":"17860146538.jpeg","caption":"","url":"https:\/\/model-boats.com\/media\/17860146538\/l","thumbUrl":"https:\/\/model-boats.com\/media\/17860146538\/s","isImage":true,"ext":"jpeg"}]
Any advice as to how I use 50 year old
Stickers ? There doesn’t seem to be an obvious peel method .
I’d like to use the originals but I wonder if they are deteriorated beyond function ?
@Schmango
They look like water slides decals, based on the discolored ring around them. Some Micro-Sol or a similar product may aid in bringing them back to life by softening them and making them more pliable. Testors and Tamiya make similar products I believe. Also, a light overspray of Krylon clear might be advisable. But before I do that I would cut a corner of the sheet they are on and do a test spray to make sure the Krylon won’t wrinkle the paper.
Today I went super aggressive with 80grit sandpaper to fair the high points in the epoxy . This was hard going ! In some areas I went through to the timber and also exposed some of the cloth before applying another coat of epoxy.
I purchased some sample paint to see how it would look brushed on . This is just normal water based acrylic . My plan was to use that then clear coat over the top vs spraying it on. I don’t think I will go this way after testing the results .
[{"id":"17860863553","name":"17860863553.jpeg","caption":"","url":"https:\/\/model-boats.com\/media\/17860863553\/l","thumbUrl":"https:\/\/model-boats.com\/media\/17860863553\/s","isImage":true,"ext":"jpeg"},{"id":"17860863567","name":"17860863567.jpeg","caption":"80 grit working hard","url":"https:\/\/model-boats.com\/media\/17860863567\/l","thumbUrl":"https:\/\/model-boats.com\/media\/17860863567\/s","isImage":true,"ext":"jpeg"},{"id":"17860863716","name":"17860863716.jpeg","caption":"Fairing done - time for another coat of epoxy . Colour testing","url":"https:\/\/model-boats.com\/media\/17860863716\/l","thumbUrl":"https:\/\/model-boats.com\/media\/17860863716\/s","isImage":true,"ext":"jpeg"}]
80 grit working hardFairing done - time for another coat of epoxy . Colour testing
Today I went super aggressive with 80grit sandpaper to fair the high points in the epoxy . This was hard going ! In some areas I went through to the timber and also exposed some of the cloth before applying another coat of epoxy.
I purchased some sample paint to see how it would look brushed on . This is just normal water based acrylic . My plan was to use that then clear coat over the top vs spraying it on. I don’t think I will go this way after testing the results .
@Schmango
100% been there!
A good automotive sandable spray primer and a decent block like these "Gator" blocks from the hardware store forgive a lot of glassing problems.
The first time I glassed a hull I was so aggravated with myself that I almost tossed the whole thing in the bin, but I masked up, went outside, and used my electric palm sander and saved it.
😉
Getting the motor aligned took me hours ! It’s hard going and fiddly .
The 29T motor will be swapped for a 21T spinning the 34mm prop.
The rudder is massive overkill that comes in the kit . Was tempted to trim it down but I also want to keep it original . If it impacts performance I will .
Made the exhausts out of a hobby knife cut in half - works a treat as water outlets
[{"id":"17863514187","name":"17863514187.jpeg","caption":"","url":"https:\/\/model-boats.com\/media\/17863514187\/l","thumbUrl":"https:\/\/model-boats.com\/media\/17863514187\/s","isImage":true,"ext":"jpeg"},{"id":"17863514171","name":"17863514171.jpeg","caption":"","url":"https:\/\/model-boats.com\/media\/17863514171\/l","thumbUrl":"https:\/\/model-boats.com\/media\/17863514171\/s","isImage":true,"ext":"jpeg"},{"id":"17863514201","name":"17863514201.jpeg","caption":"","url":"https:\/\/model-boats.com\/media\/17863514201\/l","thumbUrl":"https:\/\/model-boats.com\/media\/17863514201\/s","isImage":true,"ext":"jpeg"},{"id":"17863514209","name":"17863514209.jpeg","caption":"","url":"https:\/\/model-boats.com\/media\/17863514209\/l","thumbUrl":"https:\/\/model-boats.com\/media\/17863514209\/s","isImage":true,"ext":"jpeg"},{"id":"17863514180","name":"17863514180.jpeg","caption":"","url":"https:\/\/model-boats.com\/media\/17863514180\/l","thumbUrl":"https:\/\/model-boats.com\/media\/17863514180\/s","isImage":true,"ext":"jpeg"},{"id":"17863514174","name":"17863514174.jpeg","caption":"","url":"https:\/\/model-boats.com\/media\/17863514174\/l","thumbUrl":"https:\/\/model-boats.com\/media\/17863514174\/s","isImage":true,"ext":"jpeg"},{"id":"17863514187","name":"17863514187.jpeg","caption":"","url":"https:\/\/model-boats.com\/media\/17863514187\/l","thumbUrl":"https:\/\/model-boats.com\/media\/17863514187\/s","isImage":true,"ext":"jpeg"},{"id":"17863514181","name":"17863514181.jpeg","caption":"Hobby knife exhausts - water outlet","url":"https:\/\/model-boats.com\/media\/17863514181\/l","thumbUrl":"https:\/\/model-boats.com\/media\/17863514181\/s","isImage":true,"ext":"jpeg"},{"id":"17863514206","name":"17863514206.jpeg","caption":"","url":"https:\/\/model-boats.com\/media\/17863514206\/l","thumbUrl":"https:\/\/model-boats.com\/media\/17863514206\/s","isImage":true,"ext":"jpeg"}]
Getting the motor aligned took me hours ! It’s hard going and fiddly .
The 29T motor will be swapped for a 21T spinning the 34mm prop.
The rudder is massive overkill that comes in the kit . Was tempted to trim it down but I also want to keep it original . If it impacts performance I will .
Made the exhausts out of a hobby knife cut in half - works a treat as water outlets
Marked the spray rails according to the plan then more sanding and a final coat of west system 105 epoxy . This completes construction of all the woodwork .
Epoxied the shaft in at the same time as coating the hull.
Painting is next .
[{"id":"17864373928","name":"17864373928.jpeg","caption":"","url":"https:\/\/model-boats.com\/media\/17864373928\/l","thumbUrl":"https:\/\/model-boats.com\/media\/17864373928\/s","isImage":true,"ext":"jpeg"},{"id":"17864373934","name":"17864373934.jpeg","caption":"","url":"https:\/\/model-boats.com\/media\/17864373934\/l","thumbUrl":"https:\/\/model-boats.com\/media\/17864373934\/s","isImage":true,"ext":"jpeg"},{"id":"17864373913","name":"17864373913.jpeg","caption":"","url":"https:\/\/model-boats.com\/media\/17864373913\/l","thumbUrl":"https:\/\/model-boats.com\/media\/17864373913\/s","isImage":true,"ext":"jpeg"},{"id":"17864373907","name":"17864373907.jpeg","caption":"","url":"https:\/\/model-boats.com\/media\/17864373907\/l","thumbUrl":"https:\/\/model-boats.com\/media\/17864373907\/s","isImage":true,"ext":"jpeg"},{"id":"17864373892","name":"17864373892.jpeg","caption":"","url":"https:\/\/model-boats.com\/media\/17864373892\/l","thumbUrl":"https:\/\/model-boats.com\/media\/17864373892\/s","isImage":true,"ext":"jpeg"},{"id":"17864373931","name":"17864373931.jpeg","caption":"","url":"https:\/\/model-boats.com\/media\/17864373931\/l","thumbUrl":"https:\/\/model-boats.com\/media\/17864373931\/s","isImage":true,"ext":"jpeg"}]
Marked the spray rails according to the plan then more sanding and a final coat of west system 105 epoxy . This completes construction of all the woodwork .
Epoxied the shaft in at the same time as coating the hull.
Painting is next .
Will
No worries usps first class "slow-boat" international isn't so expensive. Will check anyway.