The build actually started over four years ago and is documented on another forum. I've added some pics that indicate the current state of the build, and will update as it progresses. As mentioned in my 'Harbour' entry this is basically a scratch build of a doubling of the 1/10th Amati Kit Aquarama plans. The hull is complete, the running gear installed and tested this year. Only change has been a slightly coarser pitched set of propellers as the motors were not being loaded up very much at all. Electronics development and integration is ongoing, the various systems are all working on the bench, some required for running such as water pump and hull ventilation are integrated. There is an aim for functional and aesthetic authenticity running through the build. I think there a couple of years ahead to get the electronics / upholstery / fittings / functionality sorted... But I aim to have the boat out and about to enjoy it while that work continues.

Been busy producing some deck fittings at the moment, these are all to be in brass and will be chromed in a batch when they're all ready. The Aquarama has two small cleats per side (so four total) plus a larger cleat mounted centrally on the bow. These have been silver soldered, cleaned up and have had a first polish. So far so good... Also produced the fittings to attach a midships fender, just the one per side. These have been machined from solid square section brass. Final polishing will be closer to chroming. 😀

Fenders have come on a little... I've ordered some turquoise microfleece towelling to make up some socks for them. Maybe a Riva logo embroidered in but need to persuade my wife e that she 'needs' a sewing machine that can embroider... Also been busy with the Cutwater up at the bow, this is made up from two laser cut sections of 1mm brass. This is the second attempt, I melted the first... But am pleased that it's worked out this time around, it's being finished and will be polished ready for chroming. Also started working on the steering wheel, this is quite a statement piece on the real boat so at this scale should allow plenty of detailing. At the moment I have the rim in 3mm brass rod and early version of the 'shells' that will cover the lower part of the wheel. Next up will be to machine the hub and make up the spokes. Also starting to figure out how to approach fabricating the stern fairleads.

Afternoon All. I've been creating 3D printed versions of the wheel for a while, it helps me get an idea of how I can construct in brass. This also allows 'guides' to be produced on the 3D printer that help maintain the worked out geometry, angles and hole positions and so on. So now the build is in progress, I've machined the hub from 20mm brass bar and what would you call the mating part on the dashboard...? I'll call it the 'boss' until corrected... 🤔 See images 1 and 2. The steering wheel (SW) will move with the rudders, the SW servo can be seen in image 3 and drives the wheel via a 3mm brass shaft directly aligned with the servo output. The servo is normally mounted in the cabin.

Image 4 shows one of the 3D printed drill guides, the holes have to be 5 degrees toward the driver, and at 160 degrees apart. Flats on the flanks to fit nicely in the vice.

Images 5 and 6 show a similar guide printed to clip onto the rim and place the shallow drill indents in the right place.

In Image 7 you can see the 14mm white insert with ribs and propeller that will be eventually resin printed, painted appropriately.

The above drilling is now all done and ready to silver solder together. The spokes at the moment are 2mm brass rod, but this is just for positioning the various parts really, the main spokes are being made from 0.7mm brass sheet, folded over the 2mm rods and shaped to fit the hub and the rim. Think 1950's Cadillac style... See images 8 and 9 for what I'm trying to build.

Afternoon All, made progress with the wheel, all silver soldered together, now on the list to be chromed before I can fully finish. I'm working a little more on the hub to get it more like the real thing. I've printed a quantity of the various parts so I can experiment with what gives best finish. Current red insert is just red filament, I'm now experimenting with airbrushing with primer and topcoat to improve. Also using a chrome pen to highlight the ribs. I have a small (3D printed) propeller to add, and am working out how to create the very small 'Riva' logo...