hi to get back into boat building build the cargo barge to relearn you skills

It looks like a great project, I wish you well and I hope you enjoy it, don't forget to post some photos. 👍
Cheers Colin.

Hello Colin,
Spot on! that's what i (hopefully) will end up with!
I am also going to build one of the cargo barges so that i have something to tow. The cargo barge is detailed on the same plan so rude not to have a go at building that as well.

Thanks Colin, I hadn't thought of it being anything like a Trent barge. That's a nice model by the way. Coincidentally, I'm well into modelling a Thames barge as converted in the latter days to a motor barge. She is based on 'Nellie' formerly owned by Cremers of Faversham. I knew her well in the late fifties when she was owned by R. Lapthorne & Co based at Hoo on the Medway. She is still around, privately owned and has been re-rigged as a 'stumpie'

Nerys

Looks a great project Chris, look forward to seeing the build

Hi Nerys,
Glad you asked, I have been looking myself and this is what I have found. See attached photos.
Cheers Colin

Excuse my ignorance, but would someone tell me what a Frank Rayner Barge is?

Nerys

Welcome back to our favourite hobby, help and advice is freely available. So don't be afraid of asking. We all learn by our mistakes and tend to remember how to avoid the same happening again. I've only been modelling for 60+years and still haven't learnt everything.
Cheers Colin.

Welcome back to model boat making.
Looking forward to seeing your photos and progress.
If you have any problems I feel sure that the members on this site will be more than happy to help you.

Martin555.

Hi Chris,
Sorry for the delay in responding, sounds like your well on the way to a great model.
As most of my models are vintage they are made in a similar way.
Firstly with the balsa I cover with 2 coats of sanding sealer, once sanded to nearly there I use another coat of sanding sealer.
When I am happy with the look and feel of the Hull I coat with ezekote and 0.03mm glass cloth. Allow to dry for 24 hours then another coat of ezekote. This is then rubbed down with 1200 grit wet and dry (used dry).
Next I will spray with Halford filler primer, rubbed down and followed by a couple of coats of normal spray primer, then up to 3 coats of top coat.
And finally 2 coats of lacquer of your choice. Not forgetting to rub down between each coat.
Once you start on the actual paint I use 2000 grit wet and dry used wet with a drip of fairy liquid in the water.
I hope this is helpful, if you have blemishes to fill after priming I use holts knifing putty as it's in a tube and easy to use and sand back.
Don't take my methods as gospel, there are many ways in modelling, this is just my humble opinion.
Cheers Colin.

Hello Colin,

the bow and stern are each made up from 7x 19mm thick balsa sections sandwiched together, glued and dowelled to the main hull, which is made up from 3x 3/8 sheets. The sanding is going well however i just want to make the finish a little better. Not looking for a 'as new' overall finish as it was a working barge so i guess that it was knocked around a bit in its time!
regards
chris

What construction method is it and what materials are you using. The fillers available? And the finish you require.
Cheers Colin.