So, did a little more today, the escape hatches at the bottom of the superstructure and the side rails. I found that the mouthpiece of my vape mod was the exact diameter of the hatches, so I used it as a template.🤣
Hopefully I’ll have enough of the proper size of brass wire to do the upper rails or I might have to scavenge thru my unbuilt kit stash!! Can’t just bop on down to Hobby Lobby right now😮
Cash

Hi Marky, really hate to hear this. Keep busy, keep your head down and spirits up best you can. Holler at me if you need to vent.
We’re rooting for you across the pond.
Cash

Man, I’d love to order from Krick direct, but I don’t think they ship to the US, didn’t see an option nor any rates.😭

I was thinking of basic at Lackland....first thing we learned was “your name is Airman, my name is SIR!!”😮

Polishing brass is better than cleaning the latrine🤣

Hi y’all, real quick update. I modified a Robbe venturi vent into a hailer/speaker by sanding the bell down and installing a rivet into the rear, made the wind break from a modified LEGO, sheet styrene and styrene rod, added an antenna and made a few rails. My care package from Cornwall Model Boats arrived today with some stanchions, ladders and portholes, so I’m set. It’s wide open throttle from here on out!!😁

Cash

So, our county and the surrounding counties are under shelter or stay at home orders. One can go for a walk, walk the dog, etc, but no groups meetings and no gatherings, cinema, etc. Since I’m in an “essential business” (parts department auto dealer) I’m still working. However, I set my vacation up several months ago for this Wednesday till Tuesday next week. Fun. Lotsa fun. Plus, my daughters school has resorted to online class, and my wife is now working from home, and we’re driving the cats mad. They want their privacy back, I reckon. Anyway, built up some of the detail from plastic sheet, wood, legos and zip ties.
I did the exchangers or ventilators, not sure what they are to be honest, out of sheet styrene, and the mounts from styrene covered balsa. Those were fairly simple. The ventilators were another matter, as the ventilator grilles were molded fittings that are now out of production, with the closest set to me at the bottom of the lake making a good home for catfish. So, I razed my daughters old Legos, found a couple that were close in dimension to my original units, shaped them, sheeted the shapes side with sheet styrene. I then cut off the lugs, sanded, then made grilles from cut down tie wrap strip. Finished the rest of the detail with sheet and strip. Not exactly like my former units, but they look the part. I went ahead and gave them a quick coat of paint to see how they turned out, the installed them.
Cash

I’ve had a couple of disasters. Y’all know the most recent, the loss of the PT15s superstructure with all hands. Before that, many years ago, probably about 1979-80 or so, I built a Lindberg Blue Devil destroyer. I had an old Citizen-Ship 27mhz full house full proportional system that my loving aunt bought for me around 1975. The original intent was to help me get into RC flying, but the set was way obsolete by then, and the channel I was on was right next to channel 19 on the then very active CB channel, so it was never flown. Anyway, I was taking a break from flying 1/2a u-control, and decided to rc the Blue Devil. One channel, rudder only, dry cells for power. Took her to the local rock pit, a runoff and rain filled quarry, put her in, think she worked for 2 minutes, had to fish her out. Oh, and a tarantula got a little close and I’m not really friendly with big furry spiders. The Blue Devil ended her career carrying a load of fireworks that somehow ignited on a routine patrol in our creek.
The worst disaster was all my fault. While stationed in Germany I built a few boats, mostly 6 and 7 cell nicad fast electrics. I had built a Graupner Eco Speed, which I truly loved. We ran at a small lake near Landstuhl and there was a pier I would make a fast pass at and turn at the last second..playing chicken. Anyway, I grazed, no hit the pier one day, no damage except for a small near the waterline, but as long as the boat was moving, it was a non issue..I would fix it later...but didn’t. Mistake number 1.
A few months later I installed a slightly hotter motor and took her out. I was still using Tamiya connectors as I hadn’t changed them to the green Multplex connectors I use to this day. Oopsie number 2. Anyway, during the day the plug melted, and I wanted to make ONE MORE RUN, so I stripped the wires and tied them together....of course, she lot power middle of the lake. Remember the crack? Now, it’s below the water line since the boats not moving....and she took on water and sunk. Einstein move number 3.
We recovered the boat, dried her out, I fixed the crack, installed a new esc and she was good.
We had some fun with this though. There were a couple of kids that we would let run some of our boats, one of them handled the Eco Speed nicely, and I’d let him drive it from time to time. We showed up the weekend after the sinking, and he asked “Wo ist kleine rennboot?” I answered “unter wasser”in my best broken German. Then I said blub-blub-blub and made a sinking motion with my hand. He answered “blub-blub-blub?...nicht gut!!”
My buddy watched the whole exchange and got quite tickled by it.🤣
I picked up a NIB Eco-Speed off eBay a few years ago with the optional Race drive, came with an upgraded motor. She’s still going strong.

Thank you Martin.

George, that looks really good, like the paint scheme. You did a real nice job of bringing her back.

Ron that’s really looking sweet. Nice craftsmanship, nice subject. The DF65 sails made me look twice, I have one of those boats, it’s a nice racing yacht, but I still prefer my Micro Magics. If you can’t get fiberglass, have you ever thought of using old pantyhose.? I know some guys who used that in airplanes to good effect, and has been mentioned several times in some model aviation sources as a suitable substitution.
Cash

So, today I spent a little time in the shop and worked on the superstructure for the PT15. I had to make the bulkhead and ramps to fit the aft cabin into the forward cabin. Once I had that fitted to my satisfaction, I applied Stabilt Express to the top of the bulkhead and ramps, and about one third of the way down, and jigged the assembly on the deck. This way it would sit on the deck flush, and the glue wouldn’t travel all the way down to the deck, making a bonded mess. Worked almost perfect, got one little drip that pulled a dot of paint off but I can touch that up.
I built the forward entryway with 2 pieces of scrap plura and sheeted the top down to the deck with one thin piece of styrene, then glued it in place. I also found the dark brown tinted windows that came with my SAR, i used clear plastic in their stead on that boat, so I’m going to cut and shape them and glue them on the outside of the bridge. The original molding had the windows molded in such a way that they protruded slightly from the main part of the bridge, I’ll cut small openings to let some light shine through, and the externally amounted windows will look close to the original, and be easier to install. A little filling and sanding and it’s time to start some details.
Cash

Yeah Doug I see your point. But, I know my limitations, and to be quite honest, I’m surprised it looks as good as it does.
There might be a workaround to this whole thing however. Got ideas, y’know😁
Oh...about the magnets. I used craft store magnets that obviously were not up to the task. Also, I may have not had the right size to begin with. That’s another thing I’m going to re-engineer, along with getting the balance right. I think I know what my problem was, as this boat calls for 8 cells, and I was setting her up for 6 cells or 2 Lipos. She looked okay in the tub, but I’m pretty sure I need to add at least 3-4 ozs in the stern to keep her stern planted and stable. We’ll see.
Cash

Thank you!!

Got the bridge built tonight, took about 2 hours of cutting, fiddling, sanding, cursing and gluing.😁 need to finish sand everything then assemble the superstructure, plus add the fwd entryway thingy that goes on the front of the main structure. Once all that is done it’s retime for fiddly bits.
I have determined that I’m not cutting out the windows. The originals were part of the entire molding, and that was a very dark tint, so in most light they were pretty close to opaque anyway. My SAR came with tinted windows that I didn’t use, and I THINK I kept them. If I can find them I’ll cut them down and glue on, or I’ll paint the windows a dark gray. There is a fine line between challenging and frustration...and I think once I cut the windows it would really weaken the bridge, so there’s that.

Almost there Ed, you’ll be in the water before you know it. Really looking forward to seeing her underway with the smoker going.
Cash

I’m using CA for the wood to styrene. I scuff the plastic at the joint to promote bonding. I’ll probably strengthen some of the joints with Stabilit.
Cash

She does Nerys, she truly does. But, when things don’t go well, I’ve learned to put things aside for later instead of giving up entirely. That’s what I did with the Taucher, and although she’s not my favorite, she turned out somewhere between okay and pretty good, and I can live with that.
I like the little Anna, I think she would be...a less frustrating build and a good entry into steam. I’m thinking after I take that leap I’ll get back to the Elliot.
I have too many projects I want to build and way too little time..😐

LTjg Errol T Cat is pushing me to get this done, as the Texas Navy needs to have a patrol vessel for the night watch...I reminded him that I am the ranking officer, but all I got was this look.....🤣

Hi everybody. Y’all remember the “fun” I had about 2 months ago, with the SAR motor issue and the loss of the PT15’s cabin and bridge? Well, I’ve got the SAR fixed, retrofitted a 3530 1700 kv outrunner and a much better coupling, and she runs smooth and cool. So...I decided to go ahead and do some updates and maintenance to my other boats in the fleet, which led me to the PT..I decided to start building the superstructure and get her back in the water. I worked too hard on her to let her sit around and gather dust.
I bought a pack of styrene sheet in various thicknesses, and ordered some sundry items that will be needed from Cornwall Model Boats. While I’m waiting for those I decided to start cutting plastic.
Now, the original structure was comprised of 2 main moldings, some detail moldings, and of course built up detail parts and fittings. All that is at the bottom of the lake, and this boat is way the heck out of production, so I had no choice but to build it up from sheet. Luckily I kept my plans. I traces what I needed to get started from the plans and cut templates. Then I cut my sides and tops.i built the main cabin first. I’m using balsa stock at the joints to allow me to sand a decent radius in the finished cabin(s) as the original had a slight radius at most corners. I also had to build up the entry “buckets” as they were molded parts too.
I got the main cabin built last night, and the sub/aft cabin tonight. I think it looks okay for now, need to finish some sanding and then join the two halves together with a bulkhead and ramps as the original. Still have to do the bridge, the original bridge was molded with the lower main cabin as a unit, and that entire section was molded from tinted clear plastic, you masked off the windows and shot it with paint. I’m going to have to build the bridge as a separate part and glue it on. If I decide to do clear windows, I’ll have to cut the openings, paint the cabin and then glaze the windows before gluing it on, then mask the openings when I paint the final assembly, as I’ll have no access to the inside of the bridge once it’s glued in place. Alternatively, I can just paint the whole thing and paint the windows as they were pretty dark to begin with. I’ll make that decision in a few days, but I’m leaning towards glazed windows as I think it’ll be worth the effort.
Take a look tell me what y’all think, this is my first time scratch building anything in plastic.

Hi y’all. The more I work on this boat, the less I like it. Had issues with the paint, the rudder is white metal, don’t really like the idea of an inaccessible rudder servo and linkage...plus I really, really think Midwest turns out better balsa and ply than plastic. So, for the time being, I’m putting her in dry dock to be worked on later. Not giving up on steam, I’m really thinking about getting a Krick Anna and putting the Midwest plant in that. Anyway...my PT15 needs to get her new cabin and bridge built, so im heading that direction.
Cash

Hi Red, sorry for the late reply. She burns 2 tablespoons of Sterno, which is a camp fuel. I think it’s gelled alcohol.
Cash

She’s looking really good! Good job Ed, can’t wait for the maiden. I think you’re gonna like her.
Cash

Good Gosh Nerys, you do nice work. She’s sweet looking..all that rigging would’ve drove me mad. Looks like a keeper to me!!
👍

To:FLEET
Thank you for the prompt reply and clarification. Will hold off any reflagging of Force, Attached vessels until further notification. Will resume scouting/reporting operations soonest, will advise once defensive/offensive capabilities re-established.
LT jg Cash Hargett, North Texas area Commander.

Hi Red. The engine and boiler were factory assembled, I didn't have to build a thing.

Hi all. Maybe it’s the fact that I’m 1 year away from 60, or that I like different types of motive power, but for a while now I’ve wanted to dabble in steam.Different is good, when I flew RC I just loved my PAW diesels. Most of the guys in my club thought I was a little..eccentric, but I loved ‘em. Anyway, steam power has the same appeal to me. Now, about 15 years ago or so Midwest Models here in the States had a little oscillating single cylinder engine and boiler combo they called the Heritage Steam engine, and there were a couple of kits to go with it, the Fantail Launch and her big sister the Elliott Bay. Well...it wa my Birthday in January, and my buddy Larry just happened to have an almost new Heritageengine combo and Ellliot Bay...so some fellowship time and a little bit of cash found it riding in the back of my Abarth and heading for the shop.
I started on her a couple of weeks ago. The floor had been built, but that was it. I did the mahogany cockpit surrounds, installed the rudder and servo, and got the upper deck fitted. Now, the servo in this boat is permanently mounted, as once the deck is glued on there’s no access. Also, the deck and hull has no flange to speak of, the joint is and edge on butt joint that’s eventually covered by a mahogany rub rail.I added balsa strip to the inside perimeter of the hull, thinking I would have a better gluing surface, but didn’t take into account the rise of the deck that curves upward and away from the hull. Well, at least it stiffened up the hull and made it easier to assemble.
I got the waterline painted, then I did the hull and upper deck, but my first coat was too heavy and I had runs on the hull side. I’m letting the paint cure a few days and I’ll sand it and try again. Hopefully I’ll have a better time of it the second go around.
Cash

Second Run Midwest Heritage Steam Engine

▶️

Good to see the Night Watch activated again. And, Congratulations and a big Huzzah to Cap’n Nerys!!👍👍
Now to business..first off, I need a clarification. Am I Texas Navy, Western Squadron, Royal Navy Attached? Don’t know the hierarchy nor how to address my fleet nor myself. Also, as of now there are several ships and boats of a support nature in the Texas Fleet, tugs, fireboat, lifeboats, and the like, including an airboat that’s been lend-leases from the Cajun Navy. However, the McKinney Inland Shipyards and Studebaker Storage facility has been busy with a new project that will put the repair and reclamation of the PT on hold for at least another 3 weeks. There’s a Steam Launch in the works, the Commodore needs something to inspect the fleet with.
So, for the time being, until the PT is fixed and/or Lt JG Errol Cats new command is built, the Texas Navy is reduced to a scouting force only. Trust me, we’ll be back to full readiness very, very soon. It’s getting close to spring, and the rabbits are restless..
LT jg Cash Hargett, acting commander Texas Navy.

She looks good so far Ed. I too have “fun” with painting, sometimes it’s a fairly easy process, other times I get real, real good at sanding down the first coat and “licking my calf over”😁

Also, if you’re going to make your monitors move vertically, be very careful with the return spring. It’s very light, and when I was testing the movement in the Dolly I let the servo move too much. The resultant slack in the monofilament actuating thread got caught in the spring and I didn’t catch it, so the next time I lowered the nozzle it got caught in the spring and damaged it. Just a heads up.
Cash