After inspecting my new acquisition thoroughly, I found numerous cracks in the paint and some flaking, so investigated further and found almost all the seems had sprung.
Over the next few weeks I intend to restore her to a seaworthy and long lasting model I can enjoy.
The sequence of pictures and notes will help understand what I'm doing at each stage.
Picture;- 1 is what it looked like when I got her.
2 is the inner workings,
3 is cabin and electrics removed.
4 visible cracks.
Next step is to clean away the old paint and see whats underneath hopefully nothing too disastrous as I don't want to scrap her.
Well I'll leave it at that and start work now, hope I'm not boring all you experts, as this is only my second restoration.Don't hesitate to but in and tell me I'm doing it wrong. By the way this is my first ever blog.Thanks Colin.
[{"id":"1350481553","name":"1350481553.jpg","caption":"","url":"https:\/\/model-boats.com\/media\/1350481553\/l","thumbUrl":"https:\/\/model-boats.com\/media\/1350481553\/s","isImage":true,"ext":"jpg"},{"id":"1350481659","name":"1350481659.jpg","caption":"","url":"https:\/\/model-boats.com\/media\/1350481659\/l","thumbUrl":"https:\/\/model-boats.com\/media\/1350481659\/s","isImage":true,"ext":"jpg"},{"id":"1348860685","name":"1348860685.jpg","caption":"","url":"https:\/\/model-boats.com\/media\/1348860685\/l","thumbUrl":"https:\/\/model-boats.com\/media\/1348860685\/s","isImage":true,"ext":"jpg"},{"id":"1348860581","name":"1348860581.jpg","caption":"","url":"https:\/\/model-boats.com\/media\/1348860581\/l","thumbUrl":"https:\/\/model-boats.com\/media\/1348860581\/s","isImage":true,"ext":"jpg"}]
After inspecting my new acquisition thoroughly, I found numerous cracks in the paint and some flaking, so investigated further and found almost all the seems had sprung.
Over the next few weeks I intend to restore her to a seaworthy and long lasting model I can enjoy.
The sequence of pictures and notes will help understand what I'm doing at each stage.
Picture;- 1 is what it looked like when I got her.
2 is the inner workings,
3 is cabin and electrics removed.
4 visible cracks.
Next step is to clean away the old paint and see whats underneath hopefully nothing too disastrous as I don't want to scrap her.
Well I'll leave it at that and start work now, hope I'm not boring all you experts, as this is only my second restoration.Don't hesitate to but in and tell me I'm doing it wrong. By the way this is my first ever blog.Thanks Colin.
2 items I find very useful for stripping paint off model boats, especially if they contain plastic/abs parts.
1/ "Fairy power spray" oven cleaner - spray on, leave for about 5 - 10 mins, then brush off with a firm bristled brush and warm water.
OR
2/ there is a marine stripper called "safe stripper", used by the full size craft people, its a green coloured gel like substance, works like a normal paint stripper, but again safe for models with any plastic or abs content.
ive tried and tested both and both work well, of course, the "household [1] is easily available from your local store too!
HI guy's,
Didn't expect such rapid replies, but thanks for info, the boat is actually 34 3/8 inches long. it's a shame that the builder didn't use a one piece lift off upper only small individual roof sections. But I was able to separate the cabin structure using a shortened modeling knife and great care. the paint was removed using a heat gun and small scraper took me about 25 minutes.
Thanks Colin.
Well an afternoon in workshop has give me a clean outer, and as suspected all joints showing signs of opening. Think one of main problems caused by the use of steel pins, they have all rusted and only the paint was keeping it all together. So I've replaced pins with brass ones and used a syringe to put epoxy glue into joints, have removed paint using hot air gun and scraper, followed by a light sanding with small orbital sander which has given me a pretty good surface, which will only need minor filling.
Will add more info after supper.
Thanks Colin.
[{"id":"1350495719","name":"1350495719.jpg","caption":"","url":"https:\/\/model-boats.com\/media\/1350495719\/l","thumbUrl":"https:\/\/model-boats.com\/media\/1350495719\/s","isImage":true,"ext":"jpg"},{"id":"1350495629","name":"1350495629.jpg","caption":"","url":"https:\/\/model-boats.com\/media\/1350495629\/l","thumbUrl":"https:\/\/model-boats.com\/media\/1350495629\/s","isImage":true,"ext":"jpg"},{"id":"1350495565","name":"1350495565.jpg","caption":"","url":"https:\/\/model-boats.com\/media\/1350495565\/l","thumbUrl":"https:\/\/model-boats.com\/media\/1350495565\/s","isImage":true,"ext":"jpg"},{"id":"1350495519","name":"1350495519.jpg","caption":"","url":"https:\/\/model-boats.com\/media\/1350495519\/l","thumbUrl":"https:\/\/model-boats.com\/media\/1350495519\/s","isImage":true,"ext":"jpg"}]
Well an afternoon in workshop has give me a clean outer, and as suspected all joints showing signs of opening. Think one of main problems caused by the use of steel pins, they have all rusted and only the paint was keeping it all together. So I've replaced pins with brass ones and used a syringe to put epoxy glue into joints, have removed paint using hot air gun and scraper, followed by a light sanding with small orbital sander which has given me a pretty good surface, which will only need minor filling.
Will add more info after supper.
Thanks Colin.
HI Colin
Whilst I would agree that gentle heat will help with some resins I suspect your boat was built with Cascamite, an aliphatic resin. This dries rock hard and unlike some two part resins will not soften with heat.
HI Dave and Graham,
Yes the original build glue does seem like cascamite, but the shaft tube has been fitted using what I believe to be a polyester resin, as it softens with a little cellulose thinners and then scrapes away quite easily using a dentist's pick (which I find very useful modelling tools). Just a bit slow but wont damage structure this way as there is about 3 inches by about 1 inch of it to remove. Once out I will check shaft length and alignment and refit shaft tube with new bearings and make a new stainless shaft if needed. But won't be able to do anymore work on boat till Monday as this weekend I will be away collecting our new puppy from my sisters near Bath, Won't be back till late Sunday.
Will add more pictures and news as it happens next week. By for now Thanks Colin.
HI all,
At last I'm able to continue rebuild thanks to wife letting me use kitchen.
The pictures show my next step, I've coated hull in sanding sealer followed by sanding to a reasonable finish. Then coated with Eze-Kote resin from Delux Materials, then sanded back lightly. I then covered with 24gsm glass cloth using Eze-Kote, which is very easy to use, I think that another resin coat will make it ready for priming with a filler primer from Halfords car paint range.
I'm doing this work at the same time as going through the same operations on my wife's Fairey Swordsman restoration.
Just off to rub down for last resin coat, will update in a couple of days.
[{"id":"1365708035","name":"1365708035.jpg","caption":"","url":"https:\/\/model-boats.com\/media\/1365708035\/l","thumbUrl":"https:\/\/model-boats.com\/media\/1365708035\/s","isImage":true,"ext":"jpg"},{"id":"1365707984","name":"1365707984.jpg","caption":"","url":"https:\/\/model-boats.com\/media\/1365707984\/l","thumbUrl":"https:\/\/model-boats.com\/media\/1365707984\/s","isImage":true,"ext":"jpg"},{"id":"1365707930","name":"1365707930.jpg","caption":"","url":"https:\/\/model-boats.com\/media\/1365707930\/l","thumbUrl":"https:\/\/model-boats.com\/media\/1365707930\/s","isImage":true,"ext":"jpg"},{"id":"1365707884","name":"1365707884.jpg","caption":"","url":"https:\/\/model-boats.com\/media\/1365707884\/l","thumbUrl":"https:\/\/model-boats.com\/media\/1365707884\/s","isImage":true,"ext":"jpg"}]
HI all,
At last I'm able to continue rebuild thanks to wife letting me use kitchen.
The pictures show my next step, I've coated hull in sanding sealer followed by sanding to a reasonable finish. Then coated with Eze-Kote resin from Delux Materials, then sanded back lightly. I then covered with 24gsm glass cloth using Eze-Kote, which is very easy to use, I think that another resin coat will make it ready for priming with a filler primer from Halfords car paint range.
I'm doing this work at the same time as going through the same operations on my wife's Fairey Swordsman restoration.
Just off to rub down for last resin coat, will update in a couple of days.
Thanks for the information Colin. I have always used epoxy up until now but Eze Kote certainly sounds...eze-er! my main problem is getting some. I can order it but will pay about £3 postage. A local shop has Eze Dope and says it's the same thing- but I'm doubtful. I will have to wait until I can order several bits from a supplier who keeps it.
I know you have been involved with full size craft as have I- but I did have a nasty reaction to epoxy once (stupidly using a bare digit as a handy smoothing tool) so am very wary of it now.
HI Ian,
I got mine on eBay £13 and free p&p. Eze-dope is not the same, that's for using over tissue paper on planes.
And you don't need to worry about clean up (even fingers) just soap and water and its gone.
Colin.
Have now re-fitted the running strakes, using c/sunk brass screws and gorilla glue. And am now trying to remove as much of the old paint from inside, so that I can try and re-seal the keel joints and bulkhead joints. When stripped out will probably use a liquid resin to re-seal before adding motor and servo mounts. then it'll be painted white inside before working on re-decking using mahogany planks.
[{"id":"1366115407","name":"1366115407.jpg","caption":"","url":"https:\/\/model-boats.com\/media\/1366115407\/l","thumbUrl":"https:\/\/model-boats.com\/media\/1366115407\/s","isImage":true,"ext":"jpg"},{"id":"1366115357","name":"1366115357.jpg","caption":"","url":"https:\/\/model-boats.com\/media\/1366115357\/l","thumbUrl":"https:\/\/model-boats.com\/media\/1366115357\/s","isImage":true,"ext":"jpg"},{"id":"1366115281","name":"1366115281.jpg","caption":"","url":"https:\/\/model-boats.com\/media\/1366115281\/l","thumbUrl":"https:\/\/model-boats.com\/media\/1366115281\/s","isImage":true,"ext":"jpg"},{"id":"1366114846","name":"1366114846.jpg","caption":"","url":"https:\/\/model-boats.com\/media\/1366114846\/l","thumbUrl":"https:\/\/model-boats.com\/media\/1366114846\/s","isImage":true,"ext":"jpg"}]
Have now re-fitted the running strakes, using c/sunk brass screws and gorilla glue. And am now trying to remove as much of the old paint from inside, so that I can try and re-seal the keel joints and bulkhead joints. When stripped out will probably use a liquid resin to re-seal before adding motor and servo mounts. then it'll be painted white inside before working on re-decking using mahogany planks.
Have now finished stripping inside of hull and deck. Stripped and cleaned cabin frames and replaced rotten frame wood ready for new roof, have started to rebuild cockpit well, using some salvaged ply from my spare wood box, (wife say's trash box). The roof is being made from 1/16th marine ply. As I'm working on hull at same time, I tend to do 1 thing on hull, then while glue is setting I do a part of cabin/cockpit unit, I've just put the first 2 planks on deck, so doing write up while glue is setting.
Right now its time for a nice cuppa tea while I trim the next few planks.
[{"id":"1366487192","name":"1366487192.jpg","caption":"","url":"https:\/\/model-boats.com\/media\/1366487192\/l","thumbUrl":"https:\/\/model-boats.com\/media\/1366487192\/s","isImage":true,"ext":"jpg"},{"id":"1366487149","name":"1366487149.jpg","caption":"","url":"https:\/\/model-boats.com\/media\/1366487149\/l","thumbUrl":"https:\/\/model-boats.com\/media\/1366487149\/s","isImage":true,"ext":"jpg"},{"id":"1366487075","name":"1366487075.jpg","caption":"","url":"https:\/\/model-boats.com\/media\/1366487075\/l","thumbUrl":"https:\/\/model-boats.com\/media\/1366487075\/s","isImage":true,"ext":"jpg"},{"id":"1366487024","name":"1366487024.jpg","caption":"","url":"https:\/\/model-boats.com\/media\/1366487024\/l","thumbUrl":"https:\/\/model-boats.com\/media\/1366487024\/s","isImage":true,"ext":"jpg"}]
Have now finished stripping inside of hull and deck. Stripped and cleaned cabin frames and replaced rotten frame wood ready for new roof, have started to rebuild cockpit well, using some salvaged ply from my spare wood box, (wife say's trash box). The roof is being made from 1/16th marine ply. As I'm working on hull at same time, I tend to do 1 thing on hull, then while glue is setting I do a part of cabin/cockpit unit, I've just put the first 2 planks on deck, so doing write up while glue is setting.
Right now its time for a nice cuppa tea while I trim the next few planks.
Well 5 hours work done on deck planking, hope you like my contrasting grain scheme, I think it will look good when finished with about 6 coats of varnish.
The planks have not been sanded yet. I just wiped with damp cloth to show grain for photos. The planking is 9mm x 2mm which was left over from my wife's dolls house project.
The light planks are hand cut pine. I' sticking them down with Evostick wood glue.
[{"id":"1366541266","name":"1366541266.jpg","caption":"","url":"https:\/\/model-boats.com\/media\/1366541266\/l","thumbUrl":"https:\/\/model-boats.com\/media\/1366541266\/s","isImage":true,"ext":"jpg"},{"id":"1366541213","name":"1366541213.jpg","caption":"","url":"https:\/\/model-boats.com\/media\/1366541213\/l","thumbUrl":"https:\/\/model-boats.com\/media\/1366541213\/s","isImage":true,"ext":"jpg"},{"id":"1366541162","name":"1366541162.jpg","caption":"","url":"https:\/\/model-boats.com\/media\/1366541162\/l","thumbUrl":"https:\/\/model-boats.com\/media\/1366541162\/s","isImage":true,"ext":"jpg"},{"id":"1366540855","name":"1366540855.jpg","caption":"","url":"https:\/\/model-boats.com\/media\/1366540855\/l","thumbUrl":"https:\/\/model-boats.com\/media\/1366540855\/s","isImage":true,"ext":"jpg"}]
Well 5 hours work done on deck planking, hope you like my contrasting grain scheme, I think it will look good when finished with about 6 coats of varnish.
The planks have not been sanded yet. I just wiped with damp cloth to show grain for photos. The planking is 9mm x 2mm which was left over from my wife's dolls house project.
The light planks are hand cut pine. I' sticking them down with Evostick wood glue.
You can buy glass cloth in a fine weave for about £5 a sq Metre. Will give a superb glass finish and sands beautifully.
Regarding laminating round bilge keels you cut the cloth oversize, place on the hull and then cut from the edge into the cloth where the hull is curved. This will allow the cloth to follow the curve with an overlay which will strengthen the join. Make sure you work the resin into the cloth underneath before covering with the overlay. Once dry fine wet and dry will smooth the overlay. A final coat of resin will give you a glass like finish. 😀
Thanks for that. I will try this next time I build a hull- just felt a bit anxious about having an unmanageable mess on my hands- I'll have a bit more courage next time!
After about 10 hours more the decking is all in place and rubbed down ready for varnishing. So hope to finish hull prep in the next few days, then on to the painting and varnishing.
I will also be fitting the cabin roof's before commencing with the painting, as I like everything prepared before the painting starts.
[{"id":"1366977458","name":"1366977458.jpg","caption":"","url":"https:\/\/model-boats.com\/media\/1366977458\/l","thumbUrl":"https:\/\/model-boats.com\/media\/1366977458\/s","isImage":true,"ext":"jpg"},{"id":"1366977411","name":"1366977411.jpg","caption":"","url":"https:\/\/model-boats.com\/media\/1366977411\/l","thumbUrl":"https:\/\/model-boats.com\/media\/1366977411\/s","isImage":true,"ext":"jpg"},{"id":"1366977378","name":"1366977378.jpg","caption":"","url":"https:\/\/model-boats.com\/media\/1366977378\/l","thumbUrl":"https:\/\/model-boats.com\/media\/1366977378\/s","isImage":true,"ext":"jpg"}]
After about 10 hours more the decking is all in place and rubbed down ready for varnishing. So hope to finish hull prep in the next few days, then on to the painting and varnishing.
I will also be fitting the cabin roof's before commencing with the painting, as I like everything prepared before the painting starts.
Well fellow modellers I've been so busy this last 2 weeks that I forgot to post progress report.
As you will see from the attached photos, the deck has had 3 coats of varnish, it should have been 8 or 10 by now, but the air temp and humidity has slowed it's drying time. Have painted and fitted out the roof and cabin section, then made some new doors and control center and chart table.
The wife made 2 seats using a wire frame and upholstered in real leather ( an old handbag.) Then gave me 2 figures for the family crew.
Made the new mast from a chopstick, made all new Brass Deck Fittings. The wife is making Fenders at present.
No wind screen at present as it shattered as I was trying to re-fit it.
Well that's all for now, this boat and my others will be on display at Abbergavenny show this weekend.
Well fellow modellers I've been so busy this last 2 weeks that I forgot to post progress report.
As you will see from the attached photos, the deck has had 3 coats of varnish, it should have been 8 or 10 by now, but the air temp and humidity has slowed it's drying time. Have painted and fitted out the roof and cabin section, then made some new doors and control center and chart table.
The wife made 2 seats using a wire frame and upholstered in real leather ( an old handbag.) Then gave me 2 figures for the family crew.
Made the new mast from a chopstick, made all new Brass Deck Fittings. The wife is making Fenders at present.
No wind screen at present as it shattered as I was trying to re-fit it.
Well that's all for now, this boat and my others will be on display at Abbergavenny show this weekend.
Sorry for delay, but here are the photo's that wouldn't upload yesterday.
Anyone out In the Abergavenny area on Sunday or Monday, please look In on the steam and vintage show, where you can find me In the model tent.
[{"id":"1369428341","name":"1369428341.jpg","caption":"","url":"https:\/\/model-boats.com\/media\/1369428341\/l","thumbUrl":"https:\/\/model-boats.com\/media\/1369428341\/s","isImage":true,"ext":"jpg"},{"id":"1369428295","name":"1369428295.jpg","caption":"","url":"https:\/\/model-boats.com\/media\/1369428295\/l","thumbUrl":"https:\/\/model-boats.com\/media\/1369428295\/s","isImage":true,"ext":"jpg"},{"id":"1369428244","name":"1369428244.jpg","caption":"","url":"https:\/\/model-boats.com\/media\/1369428244\/l","thumbUrl":"https:\/\/model-boats.com\/media\/1369428244\/s","isImage":true,"ext":"jpg"},{"id":"1369428207","name":"1369428207.jpg","caption":"","url":"https:\/\/model-boats.com\/media\/1369428207\/l","thumbUrl":"https:\/\/model-boats.com\/media\/1369428207\/s","isImage":true,"ext":"jpg"}]
Sorry for delay, but here are the photo's that wouldn't upload yesterday.
Anyone out In the Abergavenny area on Sunday or Monday, please look In on the steam and vintage show, where you can find me In the model tent.
HI Brian,
The figures are from the wife's collection, it was her idea to add them, and it got a lot of interest at the Abbergavenny vintage show at the weekend.
Only 3 coats of varnish so far as time ran out for the show, so will be doing more in the next week or so, still need to make a new windscreen as the old one shattered when it was removed, but managed to re-use all the other windows.
I also need to finish the hull paintwork, and fit door handles to cabin doors (will be making my own, as I did with the other deck fittings, cleats and fair-leads Found that old 3 pin 13 amp plugs are a good supply of small brass for making small parts). Hope the weather picks up soon as can't paint or varnish with the damp air.
Thanks for comments, Colin.
1/ "Fairy power spray" oven cleaner - spray on, leave for about 5 - 10 mins, then brush off with a firm bristled brush and warm water.
OR
2/ there is a marine stripper called "safe stripper", used by the full size craft people, its a green coloured gel like substance, works like a normal paint stripper, but again safe for models with any plastic or abs content.
ive tried and tested both and both work well, of course, the "household [1] is easily available from your local store too!
Didn't expect such rapid replies, but thanks for info, the boat is actually 34 3/8 inches long. it's a shame that the builder didn't use a one piece lift off upper only small individual roof sections. But I was able to separate the cabin structure using a shortened modeling knife and great care. the paint was removed using a heat gun and small scraper took me about 25 minutes.
Thanks Colin.