Off on a scratchbuilding kick...

[RGinCanada]

I've sorta set myself a goal of scratchbuilding every chock, fitting, and light on my current project.

(Maybe not smart, what with my smoke generator research, another hull under development, and a 'due date' of late June, but what the heck)

I've done reasonably well on the lightboards, deck lighting, horn, antennas, bell, etc, but I just can't seem to get the round ventilator cowls 'right'. I've been using examples from a couple of models I have around, but I can't seem to duplicate the shape by forming annealled brass tubing, and I cant figure out how to cast them so they are hollow :(

I know I can buy them for $2.99, but I wanna make them myself dammit!

-Ray

[patmat2350]

Probably the single toughest part besides a hull to build! I faked it... bought one that was close for the cowl shape, added brass tube for length and Bondo to round it out, and it used it as a pattern to make 6 parts; http://www.geocities.com/patspt41/ , "details".
Otherwise, form one out of Sculpy or other oven-hardening clay, to use as a casting master?
Pat M

[Kipperfillets]

Casting is great fun and warm too lol the hardest part with casting is making the core i:e the inner stay where you want it to without interfering with the outer shape. It takes time but with perseverence and research on casting you may find that modifying your moulds (or molds if in USA) will cure your problems. (I will be doing this very same thing in about 2 months from now which is how I found this thread! good luck and endeavour always prevails)

[RGinCanada]

Arghhhh &*(!@@^%!!!!!

I have wasted more [bleep bleep BLEEEEEEEEP] time on this than it took me to build the hull! I keep telling myself "its about the process... enjoy the process", but I have to say, myself has started talking back, and he's mighty ticked! :)

As a byproduct, I did figure out how to make my own portholes, so when I feel like throwing a tantrum I pick one up and stare at it awhile, imagining my finished boat...

Ahhhh, that better :)