Hi Robert,

I hope you are well,
It has been a while.
Do you have any updates to post?

Martin555.

Hi Red

Thank you for the comments and information. I will get this one finished first and test it it in the water.

Robert 👍

Gone well so far Robert - looking good. Suggest you wait until you have the Diva completed and have run it a bit before finally deciding what will be next.

A tug of some sort is usually nice to have - you have to decide whether you like fast boats or steady plodders like the tugs - hence the suggestion you try the Diva for a while first before deciding.

Tugs can also have a barge built later to pull around etc - size depends on where you are able to sail and what sort of transport you have. One fellow at the old Club in Johannesburg used to tow himself around in our rescue boat with his large scale Imara tug . Needed two people to launch as it had a very large truck type battery running two windscreen wiper motors...............

Some Tug kits are very expensive and take a long time to build - strongly suggest you avoid those - not sure about any others than a couple in the Billings range which are quite expensive - sure there must be some reasonably priced kits around - a workboat of some sort is probably another good choice - the HA kits like the one Martin is building are well priced as are the Vintage Boat models from SLEC. There are a few other reasonable kits available from Cornwall Model Boats and Sarik offer a few Styrene models but mostly of warships of some sort. Then there is the Springer Pusher Tug type which would be a fairly simple build - but not aware of any kits available for those.

Nerys suggestion of a yacht would also be a good idea - most of us have a least one sailboat in our collection.

Hi Nerys

Thank you for that information. I will try and source one out from somewhere this will be my next build.

Robert 👍

Hi Robert, If anyone had a kit in stock, I'd suggest the Aeronaut Bella but everyone as far as I know is saying 'unavailable'. A very attractive yacht with the same mahogany hull as 'Diva'. Sails well too. I've always said that she is the best kit I've built.

Cheers, Nerys

Hi Nerys

Thank you for the comments well appreciated. It does get contagious I don’t know what my next build will be. I would like some advice on what ship to build next when this is finished. Have you any ideas.

Robert 👍

Hi Martin

Thank you for the comments well appreciated.

Robert 👍

Absolutely great work Robert.
You are definitely getting the hang of this model boat making.

Martin555.

She does look good Robert, all that lovely mahogany. Think you have made a superb job of your first build. As you are nearing the end, have you started thinking what to build next? The whole thing gets pretty contagious once you start.

Cheers, Nerys

Hi Colin thanks very much.

Robert 👍

Robert I commend your steady approach, the model is coming to life.
Cheers Colin.

Hi Nerys

Thank you for your nice comments. Yes I am working on the Cabin and other bits it just takes time for the Varnish to dry but all in very thing going well at the moment. I will update my blog once I got cabin sorted out.

Thanks
Robert 👍

Hi Robert, think the building of the hull and deck of your 'Diva' have gone very well. All that lovely mahogany reminds me of building my Aeronaut 'Bella', it looks great varnished. I guess you are into the cabin top and all the rest of the 'above decks' bits by now, so the best of luck to you. Look forward to seeing the finished boat.

Nerys

Hi Mistyoptic

I have been looking on the modelboatbits site for a Rudder and propshaft could you please tell me watch size Rudder I need and what size propshaft I need it would be well appreciated. I am fitting a MFA 385 Motor with a ESC Mitroniks micro viper marine 10 boat I know you need a 4mm propshaft but don’t know what size Rudder to bye from that site.

Thanks
Robert 👍

Hi Red

That is a good sketch I have saved it with all my other stuff as well thanks for helping me out with it.

Robert 👍

That's a good sketch Red.
That would have helped me no end in the past. But I've saved for future reference.
Cheers Colin.

Hi Redpmg

Thank you for that drawing. I have some stuff but never done one but I am going to give it a go and I will as well talk to the chap that built one of these as well thanks for that.

Regards
Robert 👍

A rough sketch - much easier to take advice from the previous builder though - especially if you don't have the materials to hand.

Hope that helps. Dont advise it at this point though - rather go commercial

Hi Redpmg

Thank you for that information I wait till you draw the plan.

Thanks
Robert 👍

Hi Robert - seem to recall someone else built this boat and posted on this thread - perhaps you should rather ask him what he used.

I make my own rudders from thin brass sheet (was given lots of small pieces years ago) and 3mm brazing rod (bought a pack cheaply) estimating the size needed from the chosen prop - then cut them down to the optimum size after testing on the boat. You should make sure you use a balanced rudder - IE the shaft is fitted roughly 1/3rd across from the front . This places much less strain on the rudder servo.

Will make a drawing and post it on here later - so you could actually buy a brass bladed one slightly larger than the prop you use - but be prepared to cut it down in size afterwards. Much simpler to take advice from the previous builder re what size you need.

Hi Redpmg

I have been looking on the Modlebits site. Could you tell me what Rudder Size I would need and what propshaft size I would need. I don’t like using the plastic that comes with it.

Thanks
Robert 👍

Hi Redpmg

Thank you for all this information. I will do what you have said. Yes it is going well as it is my first build I am just taking my time with it to get it right. I will take all this information on board.

Thank you
Robert 👍

It was a very good choice for a starter model as you have plenty of space to work inside . Glad you are taking it slowly and enjoying the build - looking great so far.

First use a piece of brass or ally tube to do the initial line up - a small piece of plastic tube inside will grip the motor securely or wind a bit of masking tape around the motor shaft. Must be a tight fit on the propshaft as well.

Then a little trick for final motor alignment is to use a low voltage battery connected direct to the motor - when you wiggle the motor around and up & down you will soon find the best position with the motor running fast & easy. Only works with brushed motors of course.

Don't forget however to leave enough room for whichever coupling you are using and use the proper coupling for the final alignment.

Hi

Thank you very much just taking my time as it is my first build.

Robert 👍

Looking good Robert👍

JB

Hi Colin H

Thank you for the comment. It is looking very well at the moment. Just taking my time as it is my first build.

Thank you
Robert 👍

That's a classic looking boat and you are building it extremely well.
Looking forward to seeing more.
Cheers Colin.

Hi Martin555

Thank you for your comment. Yes it is looking nice just taking my time with it being my first build.

Thank you
Robert 👍

Looks great Robert.
Very professional.
She is going to look fantastic when completed.

Martin555.

Hi Geoff

It is a joy to build and can’t wait till it is on water. Thanks for liking it

Robert👍

Love it Robert, nice build and finish, looking good.
Glad you are getting on with the kit, it is a joy to build isn't it?

Regards

Geoff.

I am curious to know, have you pinned the bottom skins on? from the pictures it looks like it. I have enlarged the picyure but I am still not sure. I bought the Aero-naut Classic sports classic boat. I have only built part of the hull as the bottom skins did not fit. I have had to buy more ply to remake them a bit larger. I was unhappy with the model and have wished that I had bought another one of the old Sea Hornet kits. I foundthe side stringers on the sports classic far too thin and not substantial enough to take small brass pins, like I have done on several of the old Areokit boats.

Hi Colin H

I have been looking on the Modelboatbits site. Could you please tell me what size rudder I would need and what size propshaft I would needs please as I don’t like the plastic one that comes with the kit. I await your reply.

Thanks
Robert 👍

Hi Colin H

I meant Z-Poxy PT40 sorry about that.

Robert

Hi Colin H

Just a question. Do I use Z-Poxy P42 finishing Resin to seal the hill from leaks your comment would be well appreciated.

Thanks
Robert 👍

Hi Nervys

Thank you for your lovely comments. Do I varnish it with mahogany varnish or clear varnish.

Thanks
Robert 👍

Looks as if you are doing very nicely, the bare hull looks good. Please varnish that lovely mahogany!.

Nerys

Hi Coilin H

Thank you for your comments I am trying hard. If I hit a snag I will defiantly shout.

Thank You
Robert 👍

Robert, you are doing very nicely, she is starting to come to life.
Keep it up and shout if you hit a snag, but so far very good.
Cheers Colin.

Hi Martin

Thanks very much for your information I will take it on board I think spray cans would be easier for me.

Thanks
Robert 👍

Hi Robert,
Painting is another subject.
Again different paints for different materials.
Some members like to hand paint, other members prefer to spray.
Then do you use spray cans or airbrush and compressor.
Sometimes what works for one member dose not work for another.

Again when you are ready you will get a lot of advice from the great members on this site.

Martin555.

Hi Martin555

I am a novice at it. I have been taking all the advice from all of you on this site saying just take your time and it will work out for you and follow the instructions properly. Thank you very much for the comments. When I get to paint it what paint do I use and do you brush it on or do you spray paint it.

Many Thanks
Robert👍

Wow Robert.
I did not expect to see the little Deva in such an advanced stage.

Extremely well done.
I thought you were a novice LOL!

Martin555.

Hi Martin555

I have just updated my blog.

Thanks
Robert 👍

Hi Martin555

If I can sort out my camera to work I will take some photos and put them on my blog. I dried fitted all the bottom of the hill with masking tape to make sure it all fits ok but camera packed in for some reason so I am going to glue it together today. Then I will take some photos at some stage.

Thanks
Robert 👍

Hi Robert,
I am looking forward to seeing some more photos of your progress.

Martin555.

Hi mistyoptic

I will try and get camera working today. The progress is going very well as long as I follow the plan properly.

Thanks
Robert 👍

Seeing your picture of the framework all clamped together reminds me of the first Aeronaut kit I built, the little fishing boat 'Mauwe'. She sank on her first two sailings. I tried turning her at speed and she dipped her bulwarks under and filled with water. The second time, two one metre yachts converged on her, turned right alongside her and that swamped her. Luckily the lake is only three feet deep with a concrete floor.

Nerys

So far so good, Robert, You will find it should it all progress as per plan as they say.

Best Regards

Geoff

Hi Mouldbilder

Yes I checked every part number and it is all in the box. Thank you for liking my post. I am just taking my time with it so I get it right.

Robert 👍

Hi Robert.
Looks good so far.
I bought this kit some time ago and opened it for the first time a couple of weeks ago. All of the laser cut sheets are present along with the fittings but all of the small section wood strips are missing. Looks like I will have to buy them separately. We’re all of yours included in the kit?
Peter.😀

Hi Newboy7

I have been reading the instructions two or three times before I dry fit to make sure they fit ok before I glue. I will take your advice about taking my time with it I want it to look right at the end I am sure I will need help at some stage Thank you

Robert👍

Hi Robert This being your first boat as all have said take your time. Don't be to quick to glue parts together. Read and reread the directions. If stuck ASK we are all here to help in any way we can. As I have found out from my time on this site there are no bad or foolish question.Good work progressing .
Rick

Hi Martin555

I see what you mean now. Yes I will do that thanks for showing me the photo. Thanks for promotion

Robert👍

Hi Robert,
As you can see in the photo i have taped a hole section together just to see how it all fits.

Congratulations again promotion to Petty Officer 1st Class.

Martin555.

Hi Martin555

I have got some tape and I will take your advice on that. I have been reading instructions a couple of times and dry fitting before I glue.

Thank you
Robert 👍

Hi Robert,
Sometimes i find taping parts together with masking tape so that i can dry fit quite a few parts together to see how they all fit together and look before finally gluing helps.

Great start to the build.

Martin555.

Hi Colin

I will not rush it and I will keep you updated.

Thanks
Robert 👍

Good start Robert, don't rush it keep us updated.
Cheers Colin.

Hi Redpmg

I will take your advice and take my time with it. I have been studying the instructions two or three times and dry fit before I glue.

Thank you
Robert 👍

Hi Doug

Thank you for that information I will take your advice Thank you for liking it.

Robert👍

Looking good Robert - upside down on a board is a great way to build - helps prevent twisting & misalignment of the hull - take it slow and enjoy the build. There's an old adage "measure twice & cut once "- could also be "think twice before proceeding" - simply no need to rush things - best advice I was ever given by my grandfather about making anything at all.

Good start Robert 👍
Take it slow, read the instructions (3 times😁), and dry-fit twice, before you stick anything, and you'll be fine 🤞
Cheers, Doug 😎