This is one with a difference - found this 15" Elver vane sailboat by Vic Smeed in a 1980 copy of Model Maker (revived). Made up two kits to sail with grandson. Laser makes cutting out so easy - but also highlights the shortcomings of old plans. This is one of the kits - spot the deliberate mistake - forgot to do the cut out for the skeg. Easy enough to rectify as its only 3mm Balsa. Keel Skeg & Rudder from 3mm Liteply - vane from 1/32 ply
[{"id":"156693652652","name":"156693652652","caption":"","url":"https:\/\/model-boats.com\/media\/156693652652\/l","thumbUrl":"https:\/\/model-boats.com\/media\/156693652652\/s","isImage":false,"ext":"file"}]
This is one with a difference - found this 15" Elver vane sailboat by Vic Smeed in a 1980 copy of Model Maker (revived). Made up two kits to sail with grandson. Laser makes cutting out so easy - but also highlights the shortcomings of old plans. This is one of the kits - spot the deliberate mistake - forgot to do the cut out for the skeg. Easy enough to rectify as its only 3mm Balsa. Keel Skeg & Rudder from 3mm Liteply - vane from 1/32 ply
That seems to me to be the profile, looking from the side rather than down.
But I see what you mean.
Not actually drawn but I would assume fitted within and flush with the ends of the side skins anyway😉
Top stringer and keel aren't shown either but seem to be pretty intuitive!
😎
Better half taking some photos - will post those as we go along. Sadly started late as I had the dreaded lergy so will probably have to finish them on my own. Martin - the parts are all there - transom is very undersize - first photo was of the actual cut parts - with the laser its so easy as I said - and you can minimise wastage.
Unfortunately most of the formers are slightly undersize and F1 too deep. Will amend the cutfile as errors are found - that's how you get it right in the end
Better half taking some photos - will post those as we go along. Sadly started late as I had the dreaded lergy so will probably have to finish them on my own. Martin - the parts are all there - transom is very undersize - first photo was of the actual cut parts - with the laser its so easy as I said - and you can minimise wastage.
Unfortunately most of the formers are slightly undersize and F1 too deep. Will amend the cutfile as errors are found - that's how you get it right in the end
Skinny bits are the chine - everything except mast & booms shown in original photo. Planking is vertical bits of 3" wide 3mm balsa. if you look closely you can see the problem with the formers.
[{"id":"156709007135","name":"156709007135","caption":"","url":"https:\/\/model-boats.com\/media\/156709007135\/l","thumbUrl":"https:\/\/model-boats.com\/media\/156709007135\/s","isImage":false,"ext":"file"},{"id":"156709017010","name":"156709017010","caption":"","url":"https:\/\/model-boats.com\/media\/156709017010\/l","thumbUrl":"https:\/\/model-boats.com\/media\/156709017010\/s","isImage":false,"ext":"file"}]
Skinny bits are the chine - everything except mast & booms shown in original photo. Planking is vertical bits of 3" wide 3mm balsa. if you look closely you can see the problem with the formers.
This photo gives a much better idea of the problem with the undersized bulkheads/formers. Next post will be after fixing bulkheads and fitting steering vane tube for rudder. Hopefully interior sealed too prior to planking.
[{"id":"156709319223","name":"156709319223","caption":"","url":"https:\/\/model-boats.com\/media\/156709319223\/l","thumbUrl":"https:\/\/model-boats.com\/media\/156709319223\/s","isImage":false,"ext":"file"}]
This photo gives a much better idea of the problem with the undersized bulkheads/formers. Next post will be after fixing bulkheads and fitting steering vane tube for rudder. Hopefully interior sealed too prior to planking.
Hi Martin - new former's in - but models shelved until there is more time to get to them. Been busy with orders - Grandson Damien asking the same question.........
Have to restart projects as another Elver is required for the other grandson . Decided to use the old 3' wide balsa i have - must be really ancient - both makes are history long ago .
So picture attached . As soon as this third boat is at the same stage as the others will continue the blog as they all have to be finished by November..............One for a Birthday and the other coming to visit in December...........
[{"id":"159898716490","name":"159898716490","caption":"","url":"https:\/\/model-boats.com\/media\/159898716490\/l","thumbUrl":"https:\/\/model-boats.com\/media\/159898716490\/s","isImage":false,"ext":"file"}]
Have to restart projects as another Elver is required for the other grandson . Decided to use the old 3' wide balsa i have - must be really ancient - both makes are history long ago .
So picture attached . As soon as this third boat is at the same stage as the others will continue the blog as they all have to be finished by November..............One for a Birthday and the other coming to visit in December...........
Hi Peter, that's the only balsa model shops used to sell in NZ for years, - apart from the NZ Airsail company brand which was processed here (gone now). We now have Australian plantation and imported processed, and US Bud Nosen balsa available. Most art shops sell balsa now too which is good. Bought an old 1975 UK Saturn Models Skydancer part built kit from Airsail (were selling on behalf) the box of which was full of old Solarbo balsa sheets, hardwood strips etc which was very useful and has lasted me for about 12 years,- (don't think the shop realized or it might have disappeared,) still using some remaining hardwood in the new boat!
But I see what you mean.
Not actually drawn but I would assume fitted within and flush with the ends of the side skins anyway😉
Top stringer and keel aren't shown either but seem to be pretty intuitive!
😎
Will update the file and let anyone who wants have a copy as jpg