Fantail Launch Build Log

[Greysquirrel]

This my first attempt at building a plank on frame model, although some may say this model is not a true plank on frame because of the simplified way of planking it is still my first at this type of build.
The model went together pretty quickly but found some of the directions lacking or ambiguous or it is probably my lack of experience that made for the Operator Error's but a little spit, glue, Spackle and sandpaper and of course UN BOND because I guess I am the only one to get his fingers stuck to their model.Any how I am to the point to fiberglass but with our cold weather and my cool, damp basement shop I just hope it cures OK.
Here are a few pictures of progress so far.

[Kmot]

Looks good Greysquirrel. I am interested in building this boat someday so I am glad to see this thread.

Please post where you feel the Midwest manual was lacking or ambiguous. I am finding many problems with the directions of the Midwest Elliott Bay and I have posted those for anyone who may be considering this boat. I would like to be aware of what to look out for on the Fantail Launch.

Are you going to power it with a steam engine or electric motor?

[Greysquirrel]

Looks good Greysquirrel. I am interested in building this boat someday so I am glad to see this thread.

Please post where you feel the Midwest manual was lacking or ambiguous. I am finding many problems with the directions of the Midwest Elliott Bay and I have posted those for anyone who may be considering this boat. I would like to be aware of what to look out for on the Fantail Launch.

Are you going to power it with a steam engine or electric motor?
The Chine log assembly in the instructions looks like it went right up to the stem but the plan does show in held back, of course I went by the instructions and could not get the side planking in place and had to un do the chine, cut it back so it would fit. When I went to put on the deck the stem was so high that you can not get the deck to sit on station 1 without cutting a notch in the front of the deck, I may have done something wrong but I cut a notch out and it sat right on the top of station 1. Instruction say to at the aft of the boat the chine should follow the Sub Deck but when I did the port side it turned out right and the starboard it was way out of line but fixable.
After everything was glued up I went to fair frames and all where OK without and low or high spots, so that was right, but when I went to put on the bottom plank, which has a couple of notches in it for fitting they would not line up but again fixable without too much problem, some of these problems may have be my doing as I have no experience
with this, and even though the simplified planking system is fast a sometimes thing that single boards may be more enjoyable to build.
Going to power it by steam using a Heritage Engine from Midwest that you can get from My Atomic.com. for $101 with free shipping, I bought mine from their Amazon store and paid $106 plus shipping
http://myatomic.com/catalog/viewsku?sku=MID987

[Greysquirrel]

Never going to get this sucka painted, had two weeks of rain and if it wasn't raining it was blowing, then a day of snow followed by freezing weather. Yesterday got a chance to shoot a coat on the bottom and as I was doing it the wind came up so it looks like some dust or pollen got into the paint so I may have to wet sand it and start over. This week it's rain all week except maybe Wednesday so maybe some luck then. Maybe time to build a small spray booth.
In the meantime I stained and varnished all the mahogany except for a couple of pieces that still have to be bent, made an oiler and condensation tank, and put the tube into the stack. I got so bored I even cleaned and polished the sides of the boiler for something to do. Think it's time to look for another project or maybe do some of the "Honey Do" jobs around the house and yard. Got to find another project fast.

[Kmot]

Any progress is good progress! :D

[Greysquirrel]

Still a few things to do but I think it's mostly done, have to install oiler, seem to be having a problem attaching it, I have been using epoxy but it doesn't seem to want to stay in place, but I am pleased with how it turned out as this is the first project like this I have attempted, I have made a waterline model and Springer, no running gear and a barge but this was a first for me. As a child I was not allowed to attempt model airplanes as I might not be able to finish them and that would mean I had failed and I would have least liked to have the chance not to fail, but enough of that, you get my meaning.
I found out how to do a lot of things and more importantly how not to do a lot of things that just come back to haunt you later in the build.
I have really enjoyed this and am moving on, my next project will be a scratch build from plans drawn and published an English magazine called Model Boats in 1986.
But you guys have gotten me hooked, I now have two kits to build, the African Queen and a plastic model of Fulton Steam boat, also another set of plans from the same magazine for another steam launch. Damn, so many boats out there and so little time.

[Kmot]

She looks fantastic Greysquirrel. Well done! :)

[Greysquirrel]

Thanks Tom, always appreciate your encouragement.

[zultone]

That's a real nice looking boat. Did you make the steam engine? If so, are there plans for one like it? I've made some 'steam engines' out of a coil of copper tube and a candle, but have always wanted a real one.

[Greysquirrel]

That's a real nice looking boat. Did you make the steam engine? If so, are there plans for one like it? I've made some 'steam engines' out of a coil of copper tube and a candle, but have always wanted a real one.
No it's a Midwest Heritage engine available at a number of places I bought this one at My Atomic for $105.05 including shipping.
http://myatomic.com/catalog/viewsku?sku=MID987

[MILLERTIME]

Nice build!!!