Trying to clear varnish in cold weather is so much fun😐 3 days, 3 coats, and probably a week to go. Only using an airbrush and applying thin coats, as thick brushed coats would take a month to dry between coats. This varnish (Aust Bondall marine varnish) is thinned about 15%, and takes 24 hrs to be firm enough to sand. I couldn't use an NGR stain, (non grain raising) so the ply grains stood out a bit in places, but are slowly disappearing. The red stain is getting darker with each varnish coat which is what I'm after.
Update - Had some sun today, so put it outside to get a suntan.
[{"id":"163048468726","name":"163048468726","caption":"","url":"https:\/\/model-boats.com\/media\/163048468726\/l","thumbUrl":"https:\/\/model-boats.com\/media\/163048468726\/s","isImage":false,"ext":"file"},{"id":"163048473532","name":"163048473532","caption":"","url":"https:\/\/model-boats.com\/media\/163048473532\/l","thumbUrl":"https:\/\/model-boats.com\/media\/163048473532\/s","isImage":false,"ext":"file"},{"id":"163048477594","name":"163048477594","caption":"","url":"https:\/\/model-boats.com\/media\/163048477594\/l","thumbUrl":"https:\/\/model-boats.com\/media\/163048477594\/s","isImage":false,"ext":"file"},{"id":"163048482290","name":"163048482290","caption":"","url":"https:\/\/model-boats.com\/media\/163048482290\/l","thumbUrl":"https:\/\/model-boats.com\/media\/163048482290\/s","isImage":false,"ext":"file"},{"id":"163055589153","name":"163055589153","caption":"","url":"https:\/\/model-boats.com\/media\/163055589153\/l","thumbUrl":"https:\/\/model-boats.com\/media\/163055589153\/s","isImage":false,"ext":"file"},{"id":"163055596617","name":"163055596617","caption":"","url":"https:\/\/model-boats.com\/media\/163055596617\/l","thumbUrl":"https:\/\/model-boats.com\/media\/163055596617\/s","isImage":false,"ext":"file"},{"id":"163055603123","name":"163055603123","caption":"","url":"https:\/\/model-boats.com\/media\/163055603123\/l","thumbUrl":"https:\/\/model-boats.com\/media\/163055603123\/s","isImage":false,"ext":"file"}]
Trying to clear varnish in cold weather is so much fun😐 3 days, 3 coats, and probably a week to go. Only using an airbrush and applying thin coats, as thick brushed coats would take a month to dry between coats. This varnish (Aust Bondall marine varnish) is thinned about 15%, and takes 24 hrs to be firm enough to sand. I couldn't use an NGR stain, (non grain raising) so the ply grains stood out a bit in places, but are slowly disappearing. The red stain is getting darker with each varnish coat which is what I'm after.
Update - Had some sun today, so put it outside to get a suntan.
Trying a bit more resin casting, this time trying fairleads. The anchor one was finished and painted, so thought I'd have a play making a rough die for imprinting the clay. Made the shape from 3x3mm square balsa pieces and glued them to a balsa holder. It was then all hardened with thin Cyano and then pressed into the flat clay piece. The wider holder acts as a stop, so you can re-create exactly the same piece each time.
They will need finishing, as they are just slightly bigger than needed, and will be slightly rough when taken from the mould, (as were the vents and anchor fairlead) and with a long end for possibly holding when painting (filed off later) As long as the mould lasts they could be made in batches for future use. Easy enough to make a bigger die as well. The mould is easy to recreate from the clay as well if it breaks. The moulds need to be kept on the same flat surface after the impressions are made, as if you move them by hand they will distort before air drying or oven heating.
Another coat of varnish today as well, (no 6), pic of coat 5. Slowly smoothing out as the grain fills.
[{"id":"163092755386","name":"163092755386","caption":"","url":"https:\/\/model-boats.com\/media\/163092755386\/l","thumbUrl":"https:\/\/model-boats.com\/media\/163092755386\/s","isImage":false,"ext":"file"},{"id":"163092756820","name":"163092756820","caption":"","url":"https:\/\/model-boats.com\/media\/163092756820\/l","thumbUrl":"https:\/\/model-boats.com\/media\/163092756820\/s","isImage":false,"ext":"file"},{"id":"163092757997","name":"163092757997","caption":"","url":"https:\/\/model-boats.com\/media\/163092757997\/l","thumbUrl":"https:\/\/model-boats.com\/media\/163092757997\/s","isImage":false,"ext":"file"},{"id":"163092777362","name":"163092777362","caption":"","url":"https:\/\/model-boats.com\/media\/163092777362\/l","thumbUrl":"https:\/\/model-boats.com\/media\/163092777362\/s","isImage":false,"ext":"file"},{"id":"163092793165","name":"163092793165","caption":"","url":"https:\/\/model-boats.com\/media\/163092793165\/l","thumbUrl":"https:\/\/model-boats.com\/media\/163092793165\/s","isImage":false,"ext":"file"}]
Trying a bit more resin casting, this time trying fairleads. The anchor one was finished and painted, so thought I'd have a play making a rough die for imprinting the clay. Made the shape from 3x3mm square balsa pieces and glued them to a balsa holder. It was then all hardened with thin Cyano and then pressed into the flat clay piece. The wider holder acts as a stop, so you can re-create exactly the same piece each time.
They will need finishing, as they are just slightly bigger than needed, and will be slightly rough when taken from the mould, (as were the vents and anchor fairlead) and with a long end for possibly holding when painting (filed off later) As long as the mould lasts they could be made in batches for future use. Easy enough to make a bigger die as well. The mould is easy to recreate from the clay as well if it breaks. The moulds need to be kept on the same flat surface after the impressions are made, as if you move them by hand they will distort before air drying or oven heating.
Another coat of varnish today as well, (no 6), pic of coat 5. Slowly smoothing out as the grain fills.
Tried resin casting the small fairleads today, and they came out of the mould easily. Could have made them a bit thicker, but I'll see what they look like once finished. Had some resin left over so cast another air scoop and anchor fairlead. Varnish is 6 coats and counting, (if it wasn't for all the pollen and dust in the air at the moment, it would be a lot smoother. Weather's rubbish at the moment, so cant rush it, even if I wanted to, (drying is very slow), 24hrs later and still slightly tacky😐
[{"id":"163099338937","name":"163099338937","caption":"","url":"https:\/\/model-boats.com\/media\/163099338937\/l","thumbUrl":"https:\/\/model-boats.com\/media\/163099338937\/s","isImage":false,"ext":"file"},{"id":"163099341920","name":"163099341920","caption":"","url":"https:\/\/model-boats.com\/media\/163099341920\/l","thumbUrl":"https:\/\/model-boats.com\/media\/163099341920\/s","isImage":false,"ext":"file"},{"id":"163099344376","name":"163099344376","caption":"","url":"https:\/\/model-boats.com\/media\/163099344376\/l","thumbUrl":"https:\/\/model-boats.com\/media\/163099344376\/s","isImage":false,"ext":"file"},{"id":"163099348543","name":"163099348543","caption":"","url":"https:\/\/model-boats.com\/media\/163099348543\/l","thumbUrl":"https:\/\/model-boats.com\/media\/163099348543\/s","isImage":false,"ext":"file"},{"id":"163099354597","name":"163099354597","caption":"","url":"https:\/\/model-boats.com\/media\/163099354597\/l","thumbUrl":"https:\/\/model-boats.com\/media\/163099354597\/s","isImage":false,"ext":"file"}]
Tried resin casting the small fairleads today, and they came out of the mould easily. Could have made them a bit thicker, but I'll see what they look like once finished. Had some resin left over so cast another air scoop and anchor fairlead. Varnish is 6 coats and counting, (if it wasn't for all the pollen and dust in the air at the moment, it would be a lot smoother. Weather's rubbish at the moment, so cant rush it, even if I wanted to, (drying is very slow), 24hrs later and still slightly tacky😐
Very nice. Are you allowing them to free harden, or did you use a pressure or vacuum pot to reduce air bubbles in the resin? My resin is rather finicky in that it's self life, once opened, is about 6 months. After that it absorbs too much water and it's ability to harden degrades significantly.
Hi TD, been just warming it in the oven at about 50C for an hour and once cool, can be popped out of the mould, and is quite firm (gets harder with time a well.) - sandable after about 2 hrs. Haven't had any problems with air bubbles as I let the resin 'rest' for a few minutes to let any out. You shouldn't get too many if you stir the resin gently (same thing with varnish)
If you move the resin around slowly in your mixing container after mixing, it will help remove any bubbles which may be trapped. Also if you force it to set fast (too much catalyst) it will set before the bubbles can escape.
I'm using Polyester resin which is the quickest and easiest to work with for small things and is not too fussy about mixing ratios. This resin has a light blue tint and changes colour to clear as it hardens. Seems to last for maybe a year at least if tightly sealed in a cool position (bought this can last year and it's still good. I always put the lid back on immediately after removing the required amount, to stop moisture entering.
Just tested some F/Glass resin I bought about 6 yrs ago when sheathing my 12ft racing dinghy resto. Suspected the hardener might have gone off and thought I'd see if it was still useable (cost $100 for 4L so didn't want to waste about a litre of resin) Looked a bit brown from the hardener, but went off ok,- quite surprised!.
Just finished a quick sanding and filing test on one of the fairleads, and it turned out reasonably well. These are quite small ( 12L x6H x2W) and reasonably strong. I am going to make another 'die' about 3.5mm wide if possible as these are a little thin. This should allow them to be finished to 3mm Wide, and to be a bit stronger. Ok for a first try I think, and still useable.
Also forgot I had found these handy little items in the hardware store, which can be used to make 5mm diam spotlights. These are pop on screw covers and have a clear base with a slot for a screw. This can be replaced with clear acrylic or left as is and an LED fitted. $5 a pack of 12. Could be used for ventilator cowl fronts, large mushroom vents or whatever.
[{"id":"163102317094","name":"163102317094","caption":"","url":"https:\/\/model-boats.com\/media\/163102317094\/l","thumbUrl":"https:\/\/model-boats.com\/media\/163102317094\/s","isImage":false,"ext":"file"},{"id":"163102322480","name":"163102322480","caption":"","url":"https:\/\/model-boats.com\/media\/163102322480\/l","thumbUrl":"https:\/\/model-boats.com\/media\/163102322480\/s","isImage":false,"ext":"file"}]
Just finished a quick sanding and filing test on one of the fairleads, and it turned out reasonably well. These are quite small ( 12L x6H x2W) and reasonably strong. I am going to make another 'die' about 3.5mm wide if possible as these are a little thin. This should allow them to be finished to 3mm Wide, and to be a bit stronger. Ok for a first try I think, and still useable.
Also forgot I had found these handy little items in the hardware store, which can be used to make 5mm diam spotlights. These are pop on screw covers and have a clear base with a slot for a screw. This can be replaced with clear acrylic or left as is and an LED fitted. $5 a pack of 12. Could be used for ventilator cowl fronts, large mushroom vents or whatever.
I've made a slightly deeper 'die' for the fairleads now, and there is a bit more width on them to play with . Also came up with a way of assembling the windscreen frame on a bent ply base, (same curve as the deck), which as worked well. Just the top to attempt now. Yet another coat of varnish (7 I think,-lost count) after a good sand with 400, which has made a bit more progress towards full coverage. Left the previous coat to dry for 3 days due to the wet weather, and the need for a good sand. I think 1 more coat ought to do it, but will only know at the time.
Cold weather ain't good for varnishing
[{"id":"163128580959","name":"163128580959","caption":"","url":"https:\/\/model-boats.com\/media\/163128580959\/l","thumbUrl":"https:\/\/model-boats.com\/media\/163128580959\/s","isImage":false,"ext":"file"},{"id":"163128584887","name":"163128584887","caption":"","url":"https:\/\/model-boats.com\/media\/163128584887\/l","thumbUrl":"https:\/\/model-boats.com\/media\/163128584887\/s","isImage":false,"ext":"file"},{"id":"163128589615","name":"163128589615","caption":"","url":"https:\/\/model-boats.com\/media\/163128589615\/l","thumbUrl":"https:\/\/model-boats.com\/media\/163128589615\/s","isImage":false,"ext":"file"},{"id":"163128594095","name":"163128594095","caption":"","url":"https:\/\/model-boats.com\/media\/163128594095\/l","thumbUrl":"https:\/\/model-boats.com\/media\/163128594095\/s","isImage":false,"ext":"file"},{"id":"163128598760","name":"163128598760","caption":"","url":"https:\/\/model-boats.com\/media\/163128598760\/l","thumbUrl":"https:\/\/model-boats.com\/media\/163128598760\/s","isImage":false,"ext":"file"}]
I've made a slightly deeper 'die' for the fairleads now, and there is a bit more width on them to play with . Also came up with a way of assembling the windscreen frame on a bent ply base, (same curve as the deck), which as worked well. Just the top to attempt now. Yet another coat of varnish (7 I think,-lost count) after a good sand with 400, which has made a bit more progress towards full coverage. Left the previous coat to dry for 3 days due to the wet weather, and the need for a good sand. I think 1 more coat ought to do it, but will only know at the time.
Cold weather ain't good for varnishing
Hi Stephen, the jig's pretty basic but it seems to have done the job. Only thing is, the screen is bound to get damaged at some stage, as it's pretty fragile as you can imagine. Might have to make some sort of carry box for the boat. Weather is getting better slowly, but still high winds and rain, (up to 180kph down south, trees down on roads etc everywhere, - and that's after the big floods we've just had. It's you guys burning all those gum trees over there that's doing it😁
This was 3pm on a sunny day, last big ones. Hope you don't get any more this summer.
Finally got the paint something like I wanted, despite dust, moisture, storms, pollen, cold and anything else which was sent to stop me. Still not perfect, but it will have to do, as my varnish is going off in the can causing problems, and we are in lockup for yet another week, and nothing is open☹️. Lots more to do in the way of trimming etc, painting the bottom, making some more fittings etc. Transom will have to wait for more coats.
Screen frame is coming along, but still have the top frame to add, plus the screens. It's not attached yet, as I still have some hold down tabs to add to the center. It will be screwed on so if damaged it can be removed for repair. Received some new 32mm props the other day (LH/RH), but still waiting for the skippers mates' body parts (plus other bits) to come (over a month now and apparently just left China !?) Think he'll have found a new 'squeeze' by the time they get here😁
Photos are rubbish, as it's really dull today. The camera does not like it for some reason and won't auto focus properly.
[{"id":"163167944082","name":"163167944082","caption":"","url":"https:\/\/model-boats.com\/media\/163167944082\/l","thumbUrl":"https:\/\/model-boats.com\/media\/163167944082\/s","isImage":false,"ext":"file"},{"id":"163167948749","name":"163167948749","caption":"","url":"https:\/\/model-boats.com\/media\/163167948749\/l","thumbUrl":"https:\/\/model-boats.com\/media\/163167948749\/s","isImage":false,"ext":"file"},{"id":"163167954674","name":"163167954674","caption":"","url":"https:\/\/model-boats.com\/media\/163167954674\/l","thumbUrl":"https:\/\/model-boats.com\/media\/163167954674\/s","isImage":false,"ext":"file"},{"id":"163167957194","name":"163167957194","caption":"","url":"https:\/\/model-boats.com\/media\/163167957194\/l","thumbUrl":"https:\/\/model-boats.com\/media\/163167957194\/s","isImage":false,"ext":"file"},{"id":"163167963793","name":"163167963793","caption":"","url":"https:\/\/model-boats.com\/media\/163167963793\/l","thumbUrl":"https:\/\/model-boats.com\/media\/163167963793\/s","isImage":false,"ext":"file"},{"id":"163167968282","name":"163167968282","caption":"","url":"https:\/\/model-boats.com\/media\/163167968282\/l","thumbUrl":"https:\/\/model-boats.com\/media\/163167968282\/s","isImage":false,"ext":"file"},{"id":"163167991944","name":"163167991944","caption":"","url":"https:\/\/model-boats.com\/media\/163167991944\/l","thumbUrl":"https:\/\/model-boats.com\/media\/163167991944\/s","isImage":false,"ext":"file"},{"id":"163167999135","name":"163167999135","caption":"","url":"https:\/\/model-boats.com\/media\/163167999135\/l","thumbUrl":"https:\/\/model-boats.com\/media\/163167999135\/s","isImage":false,"ext":"file"},{"id":"163168008058","name":"163168008058","caption":"","url":"https:\/\/model-boats.com\/media\/163168008058\/l","thumbUrl":"https:\/\/model-boats.com\/media\/163168008058\/s","isImage":false,"ext":"file"}]
Finally got the paint something like I wanted, despite dust, moisture, storms, pollen, cold and anything else which was sent to stop me. Still not perfect, but it will have to do, as my varnish is going off in the can causing problems, and we are in lockup for yet another week, and nothing is open☹️. Lots more to do in the way of trimming etc, painting the bottom, making some more fittings etc. Transom will have to wait for more coats.
Screen frame is coming along, but still have the top frame to add, plus the screens. It's not attached yet, as I still have some hold down tabs to add to the center. It will be screwed on so if damaged it can be removed for repair. Received some new 32mm props the other day (LH/RH), but still waiting for the skippers mates' body parts (plus other bits) to come (over a month now and apparently just left China !?) Think he'll have found a new 'squeeze' by the time they get here😁
Photos are rubbish, as it's really dull today. The camera does not like it for some reason and won't auto focus properly.
That's the biggie, UK E, there are only a few places which do film here now (120 is $25 + dev plus scan or usb) but developing and putting on your Flash drive costs a spleen, so the total for one 35mm say, is around $50 ie, -film, develop, USB) just not worth it these days. hard to even find a film camera anyhow, unless second hand, (old tech now). Used to be good when they had the WYW kiosks in the department stores, they would develop a 35 and put it on CD for around $12.
Another problem I had with my old 120 camera was that when they changed from steel to plastic film spools, the plastic ones would jamb in the camera, and you'd lose half the film. That's the only reason I stopped using it,- but that was 43yrs ago.
Having a go at making a nav light 'mono cluster' using the usual Xmas tree LEDs. LEDs were cut off the string, and stripped back to their original form. They were then soldered +to+ -to- and soldered to a fine wire lead. A streamlined housing was made with balsa, and hollowed out to accept the twin red and green paired LEDs. A ply bottom plate was made (after hot-melting in the LEDs,) and glued to the bottom with the lead protruding. A black card separator was slid between the 2 lamps.
Yet to be reduced in size and finished. but seems to work ok. A spotlight will be another thing to make, (found some 15mm plastic screw covers at the hardware previously, which are perfect for this.
[{"id":"163102322480","name":"163102322480","caption":"","url":"https:\/\/model-boats.com\/media\/163102322480\/l","thumbUrl":"https:\/\/model-boats.com\/media\/163102322480\/s","isImage":false,"ext":"file"},{"id":"163180781730","name":"163180781730","caption":"","url":"https:\/\/model-boats.com\/media\/163180781730\/l","thumbUrl":"https:\/\/model-boats.com\/media\/163180781730\/s","isImage":false,"ext":"file"},{"id":"163180784226","name":"163180784226","caption":"","url":"https:\/\/model-boats.com\/media\/163180784226\/l","thumbUrl":"https:\/\/model-boats.com\/media\/163180784226\/s","isImage":false,"ext":"file"},{"id":"163180786820","name":"163180786820","caption":"","url":"https:\/\/model-boats.com\/media\/163180786820\/l","thumbUrl":"https:\/\/model-boats.com\/media\/163180786820\/s","isImage":false,"ext":"file"},{"id":"163180788819","name":"163180788819","caption":"","url":"https:\/\/model-boats.com\/media\/163180788819\/l","thumbUrl":"https:\/\/model-boats.com\/media\/163180788819\/s","isImage":false,"ext":"file"},{"id":"163180790642","name":"163180790642","caption":"","url":"https:\/\/model-boats.com\/media\/163180790642\/l","thumbUrl":"https:\/\/model-boats.com\/media\/163180790642\/s","isImage":false,"ext":"file"},{"id":"163180793818","name":"163180793818","caption":"","url":"https:\/\/model-boats.com\/media\/163180793818\/l","thumbUrl":"https:\/\/model-boats.com\/media\/163180793818\/s","isImage":false,"ext":"file"}]
Having a go at making a nav light 'mono cluster' using the usual Xmas tree LEDs. LEDs were cut off the string, and stripped back to their original form. They were then soldered to -to- and soldered to a fine wire lead. A streamlined housing was made with balsa, and hollowed out to accept the twin red and green paired LEDs. A ply bottom plate was made (after hot-melting in the LEDs,) and glued to the bottom with the lead protruding. A black card separator was slid between the 2 lamps.
Yet to be reduced in size and finished. but seems to work ok. A spotlight will be another thing to make, (found some 15mm plastic screw covers at the hardware previously, which are perfect for this.
I wasn't thinking of 2 pack that would be expensive, just hobby paints there is a guy on YouTube who has done a lot of reviews on paints including chrome finishes.
Hi Stephen, some very nice colours available by the looks of it. His demos are interesting. Black base seems to be the way to go with chrome paints. Problem is, that a lot of these paints etc are US stuff, and probably hard to get. I've used Duplicolour ( Aust) car paints a lot for planes, and you can get some good effects with them. The chrome paint I use is a Duplicolour one, and is the best I've found locally. There may be better ones, but this is easy to touch up, and a can (around $20) lasts for ages just doing model stuff, and looks good once you get he knack of applying it.
Did a bit of painting on the nav light cluster Saturday, and it's looking promising. Only using a brush, as it's impossible to mask, and put a thick coat to seal it first. looks a bit rough, but now it's sanded ready for another coat. You have to put it on thick and fast to make it level and look chrome like, as if you keep playing with it, it dries too fast and you get a rough finish,(as you can see)- better if you can spray it.
Also managed to smooth the minute pimples on the deck varnish (humidity , cold or old paint I think) by using Brasso, then removing it quickly and polishing. Brasso makes a good polish for Acrylic lacquer as well.
[{"id":"163196998557","name":"163196998557","caption":"","url":"https:\/\/model-boats.com\/media\/163196998557\/l","thumbUrl":"https:\/\/model-boats.com\/media\/163196998557\/s","isImage":false,"ext":"file"},{"id":"163197002913","name":"163197002913","caption":"","url":"https:\/\/model-boats.com\/media\/163197002913\/l","thumbUrl":"https:\/\/model-boats.com\/media\/163197002913\/s","isImage":false,"ext":"file"},{"id":"163197007292","name":"163197007292","caption":"","url":"https:\/\/model-boats.com\/media\/163197007292\/l","thumbUrl":"https:\/\/model-boats.com\/media\/163197007292\/s","isImage":false,"ext":"file"},{"id":"163197010291","name":"163197010291","caption":"","url":"https:\/\/model-boats.com\/media\/163197010291\/l","thumbUrl":"https:\/\/model-boats.com\/media\/163197010291\/s","isImage":false,"ext":"file"},{"id":"163197014744","name":"163197014744","caption":"","url":"https:\/\/model-boats.com\/media\/163197014744\/l","thumbUrl":"https:\/\/model-boats.com\/media\/163197014744\/s","isImage":false,"ext":"file"},{"id":"163197018676","name":"163197018676","caption":"","url":"https:\/\/model-boats.com\/media\/163197018676\/l","thumbUrl":"https:\/\/model-boats.com\/media\/163197018676\/s","isImage":false,"ext":"file"}]
Did a bit of painting on the nav light cluster Saturday, and it's looking promising. Only using a brush, as it's impossible to mask, and put a thick coat to seal it first. looks a bit rough, but now it's sanded ready for another coat. You have to put it on thick and fast to make it level and look chrome like, as if you keep playing with it, it dries too fast and you get a rough finish,(as you can see)- better if you can spray it.
Also managed to smooth the minute pimples on the deck varnish (humidity , cold or old paint I think) by using Brasso, then removing it quickly and polishing. Brasso makes a good polish for Acrylic lacquer as well.
Quite true Mike. I'm struggling a bit at the moment to see properly. Had some new progressive lenses made for my glasses just before the lockdown, but they weren't correct, so I took them back to be adjusted. Just after I did that we were put in lockdown (now going on 3 weeks) and I'm having to make do with supermarket reading glasses which are giving me headaches. Makes doing fine stuff difficult. Lots of fun!
Decided to glue the engine covers on today which was a bit tricky, as there was no real way of holding them in place while the epoxy set. Placed a baking paper strip between the hinge flaps to prevent them becoming permanent fixtures, then applied epoxy to the roughed up hinge surfaces,(the backs of the hinge flap holes had been slightly countersunk so the epoxy would squeeze through and lock onto the nylon material (normally sticks well to one surface, but I don't want these coming adrift, as they would be hard to re-glue in place.)
Ended up cutting a balsa packer slightly larger than the gap between the 2 covers, taping it to the center of one and pushing the lids shut, (thereby forcing the closed hinges against the side rails). I added some weights to try and keep everything level till the 5 min epoxy set. Ended up working out ok, and they fitted well and opened and closed nicely. Will need to add some catches or magnets to keep them shut, as a bit of spring in the hinges keeps them slightly open (not a bad thing).
Also managed to chrome paint the hinges and trial fit the air vents to the lids
[{"id":"163204183738","name":"163204183738","caption":"","url":"https:\/\/model-boats.com\/media\/163204183738\/l","thumbUrl":"https:\/\/model-boats.com\/media\/163204183738\/s","isImage":false,"ext":"file"},{"id":"163204186524","name":"163204186524","caption":"","url":"https:\/\/model-boats.com\/media\/163204186524\/l","thumbUrl":"https:\/\/model-boats.com\/media\/163204186524\/s","isImage":false,"ext":"file"},{"id":"163204188959","name":"163204188959","caption":"","url":"https:\/\/model-boats.com\/media\/163204188959\/l","thumbUrl":"https:\/\/model-boats.com\/media\/163204188959\/s","isImage":false,"ext":"file"},{"id":"163204191131","name":"163204191131","caption":"","url":"https:\/\/model-boats.com\/media\/163204191131\/l","thumbUrl":"https:\/\/model-boats.com\/media\/163204191131\/s","isImage":false,"ext":"file"},{"id":"163204193039","name":"163204193039","caption":"","url":"https:\/\/model-boats.com\/media\/163204193039\/l","thumbUrl":"https:\/\/model-boats.com\/media\/163204193039\/s","isImage":false,"ext":"file"},{"id":"163204196640","name":"163204196640","caption":"","url":"https:\/\/model-boats.com\/media\/163204196640\/l","thumbUrl":"https:\/\/model-boats.com\/media\/163204196640\/s","isImage":false,"ext":"file"},{"id":"163204198675","name":"163204198675","caption":"","url":"https:\/\/model-boats.com\/media\/163204198675\/l","thumbUrl":"https:\/\/model-boats.com\/media\/163204198675\/s","isImage":false,"ext":"file"},{"id":"163204206310","name":"163204206310","caption":"","url":"https:\/\/model-boats.com\/media\/163204206310\/l","thumbUrl":"https:\/\/model-boats.com\/media\/163204206310\/s","isImage":false,"ext":"file"},{"id":"163210275490","name":"163210275490","caption":"","url":"https:\/\/model-boats.com\/media\/163210275490\/l","thumbUrl":"https:\/\/model-boats.com\/media\/163210275490\/s","isImage":false,"ext":"file"},{"id":"163210280245","name":"163210280245","caption":"","url":"https:\/\/model-boats.com\/media\/163210280245\/l","thumbUrl":"https:\/\/model-boats.com\/media\/163210280245\/s","isImage":false,"ext":"file"},{"id":"163210284833","name":"163210284833","caption":"","url":"https:\/\/model-boats.com\/media\/163210284833\/l","thumbUrl":"https:\/\/model-boats.com\/media\/163210284833\/s","isImage":false,"ext":"file"},{"id":"163210292645","name":"163210292645","caption":"","url":"https:\/\/model-boats.com\/media\/163210292645\/l","thumbUrl":"https:\/\/model-boats.com\/media\/163210292645\/s","isImage":false,"ext":"file"},{"id":"163210304537","name":"163210304537","caption":"","url":"https:\/\/model-boats.com\/media\/163210304537\/l","thumbUrl":"https:\/\/model-boats.com\/media\/163210304537\/s","isImage":false,"ext":"file"}]
Decided to glue the engine covers on today which was a bit tricky, as there was no real way of holding them in place while the epoxy set. Placed a baking paper strip between the hinge flaps to prevent them becoming permanent fixtures, then applied epoxy to the roughed up hinge surfaces,(the backs of the hinge flap holes had been slightly countersunk so the epoxy would squeeze through and lock onto the nylon material (normally sticks well to one surface, but I don't want these coming adrift, as they would be hard to re-glue in place.)
Ended up cutting a balsa packer slightly larger than the gap between the 2 covers, taping it to the center of one and pushing the lids shut, (thereby forcing the closed hinges against the side rails). I added some weights to try and keep everything level till the 5 min epoxy set. Ended up working out ok, and they fitted well and opened and closed nicely. Will need to add some catches or magnets to keep them shut, as a bit of spring in the hinges keeps them slightly open (not a bad thing).
Also managed to chrome paint the hinges and trial fit the air vents to the lids
Got onto making the spotlight last night and today, and it's worked out quite well I think. very simple to make as well. Used a Xmas tree LED, a plastic screw cover, some aluminium tape for a reflector, clear contact glue to keep it all together, a short length of plastic tube, and some chrome paint to finish.
2 holes were drilled in the side of the plastic cover to allow the legs of the LED to poke through. They had fine wires soldered to them and part of the original plastic LED leg insulator was used on the connections. The wires were fed down a short length of black plastic tubing and everything was thick cyano'd in place.
The lens was made from acrylic sheet and pressed into the back of the clear cover base (could have made a flat lens but not much to glue to) which was glued with clear contact glue and pressed into the cover. It was clamped and left overnight. Another coat of chrome was brushed on, (may try spraying the next coat) and that was it.
The light will eventually be mounted on the deck near the windscreen.
[{"id":"163211312252","name":"163211312252","caption":"","url":"https:\/\/model-boats.com\/media\/163211312252\/l","thumbUrl":"https:\/\/model-boats.com\/media\/163211312252\/s","isImage":false,"ext":"file"},{"id":"163211318234","name":"163211318234","caption":"","url":"https:\/\/model-boats.com\/media\/163211318234\/l","thumbUrl":"https:\/\/model-boats.com\/media\/163211318234\/s","isImage":false,"ext":"file"},{"id":"163211321618","name":"163211321618","caption":"","url":"https:\/\/model-boats.com\/media\/163211321618\/l","thumbUrl":"https:\/\/model-boats.com\/media\/163211321618\/s","isImage":false,"ext":"file"},{"id":"163211324656","name":"163211324656","caption":"","url":"https:\/\/model-boats.com\/media\/163211324656\/l","thumbUrl":"https:\/\/model-boats.com\/media\/163211324656\/s","isImage":false,"ext":"file"}]
Got onto making the spotlight last night and today, and it's worked out quite well I think. very simple to make as well. Used a Xmas tree LED, a plastic screw cover, some aluminium tape for a reflector, clear contact glue to keep it all together, a short length of plastic tube, and some chrome paint to finish.
2 holes were drilled in the side of the plastic cover to allow the legs of the LED to poke through. They had fine wires soldered to them and part of the original plastic LED leg insulator was used on the connections. The wires were fed down a short length of black plastic tubing and everything was thick cyano'd in place.
The lens was made from acrylic sheet and pressed into the back of the clear cover base (could have made a flat lens but not much to glue to) which was glued with clear contact glue and pressed into the cover. It was clamped and left overnight. Another coat of chrome was brushed on, (may try spraying the next coat) and that was it.
The light will eventually be mounted on the deck near the windscreen.
Love the deep red.
Cheers,
Stephen.