Hi Paul,
I think a 3D printing blog would benefit quite a few members.
Maybe you could include the use of the slicing software and explain how you cut the part in to manageable sections.

Martin555.

The printer had a 200 x 200 print bed and will print to 180mm high. The part had to be cut with the software to manageable sections.

How big a printer was needed to build this boat.A very nice job.
Rick

"An inner tube ..." Martin?😮
Where's he gonna put all that rubber!?😁🤣
😎

Hi Paul,
I believe that there are several members teetering (with trepidation😐) on the brink of buying a 3D printer. And as you say hundreds gathering dust for lack of guidance🤔
Mine isn't though. 😉
It's in the cellar wrapped up in a bin bag 🤔 since the last big workshop sort-out a year or so ago. Due again now.
You seem to have mastered the art so I reckon your blog would be welcomed👍
Cheers, Doug 😎

3d printing is not for everybody, unless they are prepared to spend countless hours trying to workout the slicing software and everything else. 3d printing looks easy until you start printing your own or downloaded files. Or constantly trying to level the print bed, set the nozzle height or trying to work out why your filament hasn't stuck this print when it did last time. I purchased my first printer in 2015 and a further 3 since then, the most expensive one (twin filament printer) turned out to be a waste of money. Countless hours and attempts were made to print dual colours with only one marginal success. I finally dismantled it a few months ago and will use the parts on other projects.
So your concern is that 3d printers will take over model boat building, I think that will not happen because I secretly believe there are hundreds of 3d printers gathering dust in garages and workshops all over and I would not like to existing methods disappear. Me, I spent my whole working life resolving technical and innovation problems so 3d printers are a challenge. For every item I have printed I would say 3 have been binned. As example, recently my 12 year old granddaughter asked me to print her a dragon necklace (from the Game of Thrones),of course I said.The final print took 12 hours plus 6 hours cleaning it up, plus 36 hours of printing failures.Unless you buy a commercial printer or a very top end diy one the success rate is not great. Perhaps if there's interest I could do some kind of blog on 3d printing. cheers Paul

All very clever.👍
I just hope that it doesn't completely supersede all other building techniques though Nerys.
So many skills which might disappear for ever☹️
😎

I do like both your Dutch Towing Barges. A most unusual subject but very appealing. The fact that they are 3D printed says a lot for the way forward in our hobby.

Nerys

If you set it up as an outer tube glued to the hull and the top of the tube above water level.

An inner tube with the motor and shaft on the inside of the outer tube, then as long as both tube tops are above the water level it should be ok.

If you like i can draw something out for you if it will help.

Martin555.

Hi Martin,
the bow thruster is static and steered by the rudder. The problem with a moving bow thruster for me would be waterproofing. Thanks for the comment.

Cheers Paul👍

Hi Paul,
I like the Bow-thruster idea, is it steerable ?

Martin555.