Springer Class R/c Boats

[Aerominded]

WOW!!! those look great!!! you are really are flying along!!! :)

[Tug Guy]

I have been working on this off and on for a few days now. I thought I would show it to you all. This goes on tug #11 that Ken Reilly drew up.

[Tug Guy]

Toesup very nice looking and well engineered. With all the bracing will you still have room for all the electronics to balance out? Whats the topside going to look like?

Don

[der kapitan]

I have been working on this off and on for a few days now. I thought I would show it to you all. This goes on tug #11 that Ken Reilly drew up.

Hi Don,

Well, this is in keeping with your thing about every boat needing a crane.
Is this going to be a working model?

[Tug Guy]

Just a non working model for display. Something to add a fun look to the boat. You may not be able to see it but I have 3 wires, simulating hydraulic lines, coming out of the back side of the control panel going to the cylinder, underside of the crane and the end of the crane for a better look.

Don

[toesup]

Sorry guys, not much to show for my efforts today, I've been making bollards / double cross bollards ... 16 of them!!! :eek:

Yes Der Kap, i am trying to stop the bow from falling out if i hit anything hard :p I guess the 'engineering' comes from being an ex Architect and having a Father who was a toolroom engineer. I might be going a little over the top but its better to be safe than sorry :o

Don B, I should be able to run all the electrics through to where i want them and be able to balance to the waterline, that shouldnt be a problem. The internals have been designed round all the equipment... this time.. :o
As for the 'top side', it will be a Springer with a British flavour (I'm an ex-Brit) but the details are top secret.. :D

Hopefully i will have something to 'show' (in pics) by tomorrow..

[toesup]

Don, how big is the crane?

[Aerominded]

A Thames River Springer? :)

[toesup]

Not saying Aero, my lips are sealed... very "hush, hush"... ;)

Though what the wife will come up with is anyones guess... :eek: :eek: :eek:

[der kapitan]

Hi Toes,
All in good fun, which is the idea of the Springer in the first place.

It requires little to no expertise to knock one together, and it can
be built during a few lunch hours at work.

A Thames Springer? Why not?

[Tug Guy]

Toesup the base is 1 3/4" x 2 3/8" x 3" high
The crane diameters are 3/4", 1/2', 3/8" respectively x 6" long.
The ball is 3/8"
The cylinder body is 5/16" with 1/8" pistons.
The hook is 9/16" long x 1/2" wide.

Don


Don, how big is the crane?

[Aerominded]

How are they coming along, Toes? :)

[sivadmatt]

boat fox your pix's are of my & my girl friends boat. you are right she wanted to paint it

[Boatfox]

boat fox your pix's are of my & my girl friends boat. you are right she wanted to paint it
WELCOME to the forum......Great place to share info. Post up on your fleet (start a new thread) :D

[toesup]

How are they coming along, Toes? :)

At the moment Aero the 'production' shop is running slow..... :o

I have some parts made, but i am waiting for the prop tubes to arrive before finishing 'things' below decks...
I have been working on the superstructure for mine however... and will post some pics of the parts a little later...
The Wife's version is back in the drawing office under-going a 're-design'.. ie: "I dont want mine like that.." :o

[toesup]

Springer update .... with pics :D

I think you can see where i am heading... yes Aero, its going to be a 'Thames' version of a springer.... ish.. :p
The bitts are from 3/8" and 1/8" aluminium bar stock and the bow and stern double bitts are sewn and epoxied to the bulkheads, the singles are 'sunk' well in to the hull and epoxied to the insides of the hull.
I'm waiting for the prop tube before i make up the motor mount and cooling system, but the tubes should arrive any day now.
I'm particularly proud of the small turned items (on the new lathe), the liferaft canister, the horns and the searchlight... :D

[der kapitan]

Springer update .... with pics :D

I think you can see where i am heading... yes Aero, its going to be a 'Thames' version of a springer.... ish.. :p
The bitts are from 3/8" and 1/8" aluminium bar stock and the bow and stern double bitts are sewn and epoxied to the bulkheads, the singles are 'sunk' well in to the hull and epoxied to the insides of the hull.
I'm waiting for the prop tube before i make up the motor mount and cooling system, but the tubes should arrive any day now.
I'm particularly proud of the small turned items (on the new lathe), the liferaft canister, the horns and the searchlight... :D

Hi Toes,

Looks fine to me, nothing like a departure from the ordinary to pep things up---.

[Aerominded]

I like it Toes!!! Looking good! :)

[der kapitan]

I don't have a lathe, though I can borrow a small one if I need it. I plan to do my towing and mooring bitts from brass tubing as an easy way out.

[keith S]

I don't have a lathe, though I can borrow a small one if I need it. I plan to do my towing and mooring bitts from brass tubing as an easy way out.
No professional lathe either. :( Use my poor mans lathe to make parts. This is also known as my cordless 24v drill using a Dremel or files to help shape the parts. :D :rolleyes:

[patmat2350]

Have a radial arm saw? Or a bench grinder? Both of mine have 1/2"-20 arbors, and can accept a threaded Jacobs chuck. For a while, I was using that set up for "turning" small parts.

Pat M

[Aerominded]

Hummmm, interesting thought about the bench grinder turned lathe... I'm going to have to look at mine for the possibilities! :)

By the way, anything new with your Springer, Patmat? :)

[Tug Guy]

I am still working on my Springer off and on. Here is a pic of what I have so far. The wooden crate fits over the plastic water barrier and is removable for access to the rudder controls. Nothing is finish sanded or painted yet.

[toesup]

The crane looks excellent Don!..

..and the crate 'cover' to give access to the rudder control is INSPIRED!. :eek:

[der kapitan]

Well Don, you're further along than I am.

[Tug Guy]

der kapitan,
I think you are much busier than I am. You have been making hulls for others and also have duties I don't have. I don't work on mine with any regularity. I look forward to seeing your model when done. They have always given me incentive in the past. I have no doubt your Springer will do the same.

Don






Well Don, you're further along than I am.

[Tug Guy]

Thanks Toes. I recently got the prop shaft made and have partially installed the belt drive system. I am s till working out the kinks. That is why the decking isn't glued down yet. I also need to figure out what to fill the crate with to make it look good.

Don


The crane looks excellent Don!..

..and the crate 'cover' to give access to the rudder control is INSPIRED!. :eek:

[der kapitan]

I also need to figure out what to fill the crate with to make it look good.

Don

That should be obvious. Seeing that it's a hard-working boat, why not fill it with empty beer cans, for that "lived in" look? :D :D :cool:

[Aerominded]

Hee hee, beer cans! :)

Your Springer is looking great, Don! and I think you're right about cranes adding to the look! :cool:

[Tug Guy]

How about wine bottles instead? :D

Don



That should be obvious. Seeing that it's a hard-working boat, why not fill it with empty beer cans, for that "lived in" look? :D :D :cool:

[Tug Guy]

Thanks Aero. I have the pilothouse floor planked and am staining it for the 3rd time now. Once I can install it I will try to figure out what the cabin looks like inside. By then I should have the belt drive running, then on to the roof details. All this is probably week after next at my rate of work.

Don




Hee hee, beer cans! :)

Your Springer is looking great, Don! and I think you're right about cranes adding to the look! :cool:

[der kapitan]

How about wine bottles instead? :D

Don

That'll work too. Whatever floats your boat.

Thinking ahead, I'm browsing for crew figures, and wonder what we can get that's close to 1/20th scale. Somebody suggested the garden railway ones.

[toesup]

I've been looking for figures too....

Try the local Thrift Store and have a look through the childrens toys. I've found a Tug Captain and some 'Girls' ..and a driver for the Hornet today from our local store... all for 60 cents!!!! :D :D

I would of thought your 'cargo' would of been obvious Don... SPRINGS of course! :p

[Tug Guy]

I did think of old auto parts when I first made the crate. What I am planning on doing is cutting a piece of foam that will fit into the crate, paint it some dark color and use it for a mounded base for the "junk". That way I won't have to make as many pieces. Getting lazy I guess.
The easiest thing to add to the crate of course would be fish, but that is so common it isn't fun anymore. I found some 3 7/8" figures in a 2nd hand shop here some weeks back.They were about 50 cents each. They seem to fit pretty well.

Don




I've been looking for figures too....

Try the local Thrift Store and have a look through the childrens toys. I've found a Tug Captain and some 'Girls' ..and a driver for the Hornet today from our local store... all for 60 cents!!!! :D :D

I would of thought your 'cargo' would of been obvious Don... SPRINGS of course! :p

[Aerominded]

Springs for cargo! That'd be good! :D

re figures, yeah, check Garden scale railroads... Unfortunately "G" scale doesn't seem to mean the same thing to all manufacturers but it seems to fall between 1/22 and 1/20 scale so you will want to know the dimentions of the specific figures and do the math before buying- the crew on my Springer are just vinyl 'toys' that I found in the craft section of my LHS- they are very close to 1/20... :)

[toesup]

Todays words of advice from the Toe's up boat works...

Dont fix wire aerials to your model untill you have finished painting it...

.."you will fetch someones eye out with that!"... ;)

[Tug Guy]

Is this the voice of experience speaking? :)

Don


Todays words of advice from the Toe's up boat works...

Dont fix wire aerials to your model untill you have finished painting it...

.."you will fetch someones eye out with that!"... ;)

[toesup]

I havnt quite got the 'eye patch' of a Pirate yet, but its been a close call a couple of times today!..

[Tug Guy]

By any chance have you seen the movie "The Christmas Story"? It is all about a kid that wants a Daisy BB rifle for Christmas. The only answers he gets when he asks for one is no you will shoot your eye out. So be careful :D

Don




I havnt quite got the 'eye patch' of a Pirate yet, but its been a close call a couple of times today!..

[der kapitan]

Todays words of advice from the Toe's up boat works...

Dont fix wire aerials to your model untill you have finished painting it...

.."you will fetch someones eye out with that!"... ;)

Ah well, we all have our off days. For me yesterday, everything went right, and though I picked up a few nicks, didn't lose any body parts. And then there are days---.

[Stu :)]

Wow! I've just seen (and read through...) this discussion. Dare I say what a cute little idea for a boat, I was going to build some hybrid PVC pipe 'cat rescue craft, but I might go for a Springer instead. Theme wise... I'm a Ironclad and Dreadnought period fan so the first idea that popped into my head was those mad Russian 'round' ships- Novgorod and similar Livadia. Time to dig up the steam-punk source book for inspiration for a Square Ironclad. I'll drag the deck scale down to 1/72 to keep fittings easy, I've got 1/72 figures for Africa from wargaming and the ability to add more mad stuff like maybe towers in each corner, like a cross between the USS Monitor and a medieval castle... now there's an idea for some one; a Springer Medieval Castle. Draw bridge n' all.

Stu :)

[Tug Guy]

Sounds really cool Stu. I will be looking forward to seeing pics of this as it is built. Instead of the usual eagle on the rooftop how about a dragon instead? :D

Don

[Stu :)]

You mean something like this?...

Stu :)

[Stu :)]

I've had interesting idea. I'm all for the scratch building the hull out of wood, but follows der kapitan's fiberglass idea.
Why not vacuum mold the hull?
Same principle as used in RC Cars; but rather than use the thin styrene that is used on RC car body shells (1mm I think), use something thicker like 3mm or 5mm? Once the former and plug is setup you could 'spit' out hulls at a rather scary rate.

Stu :)

[Tug Guy]

I was thinking something more like Eragon. :D

Don


You mean something like this?...

Stu :)

[Tug Guy]

I don't know if you plan to use this like it was intended ( water Polo) or just for your own use? If you plan to play water Polo with it the vacuum formed hull will never hold up. These boats get pretty rough use during a game. If all you are going to do is use it for running on the local pond then it may work pretty good.

Don




I've had interesting idea. I'm all for the scratch building the hull out of wood, but follows der kapitan's fiberglass idea.
Why not vacuum mold the hull?
Same principle as used in RC Cars; but rather than use the thin styrene that is used on RC car body shells (1mm I think), use something thicker like 3mm or 5mm? Once the former and plug is setup you could 'spit' out hulls at a rather scary rate.

Stu :)

[der kapitan]

I've had interesting idea. I'm all for the scratch building the hull out of wood, but follows der kapitan's fiberglass idea.
Why not vacuum mold the hull?
Same principle as used in RC Cars; but rather than use the thin styrene that is used on RC car body shells (1mm I think), use something thicker like 3mm or 5mm? Once the former and plug is setup you could 'spit' out hulls at a rather scary rate.

Stu :)

Vacforming a Springer hull may pose some problems, considering the draft and
the vertical sides. Even a heavier plastic sheet will thin down badly at the deepest point of the draw. Also, the vacuum machine will have to be a very heavy-duty (read expensive) one to be able to handle the thicker plastic that
will be needed. The idea is doable, but at what cost?

[toesup]

Toesup boat works update...

My version has had the rudder and tube fitted, the motor and prop shaft installed and is having the 'skeg' and rudder support manufactured. The superstructure is coming along niceley and should have the windows installed sometime this week. ;)
The wifes version has come out of the design shop looking VERY different from other Springers i have seen on here... a little more 'old school'.. I'm not sure of the Mix / Match.. but what do i know, I'm only the builder.. :D

[Tug Guy]

Toesup Are you going direct drive and not geared?

Don

[toesup]

Toesup Are you going direct drive and not geared?

Don

I did think about going geared, but decided on going direct drive..

[Aerominded]

Lookin' good Toes! Is that a water outlet I see on the port side of the Springer on the right of the picture above?

[Tug Guy]

Good Catch Aero I totally missed that.

Don

[toesup]

Is that a water outlet I see on the port side of the Springer on the right of the picture above?

Yesssir, thats what it is.. the inlet is just in front of the rudder and just behind the prop... A little jet of water out of the side when she moves forward, as well as cooling the motor. :D
One of my next steps is to try bending Ali tube in to a coil to fit the round the motor... The wife is going to wonder where all her cooking salt has gone! :censored:

[Rex R]

for '05' motors I've found that a piece of 1" pvc pipe is just the right size for winding cooling coils around. works best if you sorta pull the tubing around the pipe. takes about 31" of tubing for an 05.

[Stu :)]

Dumb question, why not use a heat sink on the motor and run the copper cooling pipe through the heat sink? The principle works on a myriad applications... cars, computers, my Dad's aquarium.

Also regarding the vacuum molds, I meant to say polycarbonate and not styrene. I know the sides would be a bit on the flexible side, but you could reinforce them with strips of scrap sheeting. In fact by the time you built extra reinforcements disguised as water tight compartments, battery boxes, etc She'd be a tough nut to crack.
Cost; obviously the more you do the cheaper it becomes. The cost of a former would and the plug mold, would be a one off, you'd get three hulls per sheet with plenty of scrap strips and you'd need to pay the guy who presses the button. A decent run would be $25 to 28NZ a hull, maybe as high as $70NZ for a one off. Would be useful if you needed to churn out two full sized Springer football teams in a hurry.

Anyhow enough of that idea I'm off to the hardware store tomorrow to get some 3mm ply and a fiberglass kit.

Stu :)

[toesup]

Stu
The only heatsinks i have on my cars have the fins running the length of the motor, not round the dia. I also think the sinks made for cars are 'pants' and plan on machining my own (proper ones) when i get the chance. :D

[toesup]

Todays update
Have made the cooling coil for the motor, having help from the wife :eek: to fill the ali tube with salt. I wound the tube round a 'D' size battery and its now a snug fit on the motor. It worked a lot easier than i imagined. :o
The 'skeg' is attached and the brasswork supports for the rudder have been manufactured / soldered together and just need some more cleaning up.

The Wifes version has had the front bulkhead fixed in, but the rear bulkhead isnt going to be in the same place within the hull as mine... That needs developing and re cutting. Now the front bulkhead is fitted, the motor and its mount can get fitted..

[Stu :)]

Ok Toes... help!
I decided to give aluminum tube cooling a try and it was easier and quicker than I thought, however here's where I fell over- how does one get the salt out?

Stu :)

[toesup]

Ok Toes... help!
I decided to give aluminum tube cooling a try and it was easier and quicker than I thought, however here's where I fell over- how does one get the salt out?

Stu :)

Two methods..
One, keep rotating the tube till all of the salt is out...

or..

Put the tube in water, it disolves the salt

[toesup]

Todays update..

Didnt get much done today.. due to an outing to the AMA convention...

But, i was looking for some life rings of suitable dimensions for my Springer.. and couldnt find anything to suit. But the other day, whilst perusing Michaels for some chain (didnt find any)... I happened accross their selection of wooden wheels. :D
If you drill out the centre 'hub' and with a little carefull sanding and some paint, you can end up with a reasonable Life Ring!.

Have also been building the radio bay... but that needs some work still.

[toesup]

Toesup boat works update for today.. :D

Both hulls are at about the same stage...

Mine has the skeg complete, just needs some finishing off before i seal the outside. The radio installation is next to be completed and then the wiring up, now i have the batteries. The battery cradles are made and slide up and down inside the hull to get the correct 'ballance point' when the floatation tests start. The deck is roughed out and begining to be fitted... :o
I think you can begin to see the direction i am going. :p

The wifes hull is about the same, but needs the skeg finishing, and the servo / rudder linkage made up.
I can use the deck off mine as a pattern to make the second one, they 'should' be the same... :o
I havnt started on the wifes superstructure yet...

I've also ordered 3 sets of radio... 2 for the Springer's and one for the Hornet.

[Aerominded]

Looking great Toes! :) Is the works finding economy of scale from building 2 at a time?

You and your wife are really going to enjoy these boats! :)

[toesup]

Is the works finding economy of scale from building 2 at a time?

Its proving interesting making two at once. The hull construction was easy and they both went together very quickly. Now there are differences needed due to the superstructure and things are taking longer.. ie one of each instead of two the same.

Oh... and there is the buying "two at a time".. :o

[Tug Guy]

Nice clean builds Toesup. Will your radar be a working one?

Don

[toesup]

No Don, sorry, all the 'fittings will be 'fixed' and non working.

A mid day update.....

The hull has been sealed inside and the electronics / wiring made up and installed.. :o

All i have to do now is wire up the Wife's verion the same..

[Aerominded]

Looks like a neat installation! I like the use of the terminal block to wire the batteries in paralell!

[der kapitan]

Tidy and well thought out, Toesup. Yours will be the model that I'll build mine by. :) That is, when/if I ever get enough time to get one started---. :(

[Boatfox]

Tidy and well thought out, Toesup. Yours will be the model that I'll build mine by. :) That is, when/if I ever get enough time to get one started---. :(
LOL...that's what you get for making a mold... ;) Wish someone would have warned me about it...LOL :D

[toesup]

Looks like a neat installation!

Tidy and well thought out

I tried to draw out the installation over one of the earlier posted pics.. At least that way i knew where things would / wouldnt fit. Its worked out better than i expected. :o

That is, when/if I ever get enough time to get one started

You mean you HAV'NT built a pre-production version???? :censored:

I like the use of the terminal block to wire the batteries in paralell!

Thats the only way i could figure to 'join' up the two batteries. You mean you didnt do it like that Aero?

[Aerominded]

Hee hee, :o I cheated and made 2 "Y" harnesses using the fold over plastic "splice connectors" (one harness for the positive, one for the negative) and joined them to a dean's ultra connector...

Splice connectors, I used to hate to see those in the wiring harnesses in my old cars... :censored: prior owners.... :rolleyes:

[Stu :)]

Dammit! Are those SLA batteries that I spy 'toes and what are Ah?

Wish I thought of that before getting 'medieval' with an old Apple laptop battery... oh well I've now got eight 3.7v 2200mAh Li-ions for something else.

Stu :)

[toesup]

Dammit! Are those SLA batteries that I spy 'toes and what are Ah?

Yes Stu, they are a pair of 6v 5ah SLA's wired together in parallell... so the Springers will still be 6v (as dictated by the 'rules') instead of the 7.2v the motors (ex car) are designed for, but with a far longer running time than the 7.2v's. :D

I was going to power the Springers with only one battery, but after a conversation with Aero and how he had powered his vessel, i decided to go with the two batteries. :o

The batts also help with 'ballast'... why add lead when you can add ballast AND running time in the form of battery weight?. In the un-complete state the hull is in currently, with superstructure, its tipping the scales @ 8lb :eek: .... and the batteries are 'moveable' fore and aft within the hull to adjust the waterline trim.

[Tug Guy]

Toesup have you tried to get the batteries in and out of the boat with the deck in place, or will the batteries stay in the hull?

Don

[Aerominded]

In the un-complete state the hull is in currently, with superstructure, its tipping the scales @ 8lb :eek: ....

Sounds to me like you are going to come in right at the 8.5# minimum! :)

[Aerominded]

Here is the inside of my Springer, twin SLA batteries (weight is good) same batteries as Toes'- note the 2 Y harnesses with the snap type splices (always thought this was a less than elegant approach, but it works) Deans Ultra connectors connect the Y harnesses to the ESC feed-

ESC, Rx, Rx Battery (chose not to tap off of the 'main' power) and rudder servo live on a shelf under the aft deck-

:)

[toesup]

Toesup have you tried to get the batteries in and out of the boat with the deck in place, or will the batteries stay in the hull?

No Don, with the deck in place plus the deck 'trimmers' / supports where the superstructure fits, i wont be able to get the batteries in and out. I might be able to 'wiggle' them out if i really needed to, but i dont think they need to come out once they are in.

Sounds to me like you are going to come in right at the 8.5# minimum!

With paint and deck fittings i dont think i can get to 8.5lb, i might just have to add a little extra weight to get to the 8.5lb minimum, but that can also 'trim' to the waterline too :D

Any reason why you didnt tap out of the SLA's for the Rx power Aero?

[Aerominded]

Any reason why you didnt tap out of the SLA's for the Rx power Aero?

Hee hee, it was kinda by accident... :o I'm using a Vantec ESC in the Springer... I didn't read the fine print about it not being a BEC type...

"... :confused: Hummm, I've plugged it in, why isn't anything happening..." :o

Aw well! :rolleyes: (clearly stated in the manual and I think it is missing a wire to be a BEC ESC)

a little bit of weight to bring it up to 8.5# and in trim is good! :cool:

[Stu :)]

Righto picked up two 6 volt 4.2Ah SLAs, dirt cheap too at $10NZ each! However I over slept this morning and me brain ain't at full wattage ;)
So a quick question regarding electrical theory before I do a bench test with the electronics.
Ok so the two SLA as mentioned above in parallel are going to generate a total 6 volts at 8.4Ah, the 6 volts will be a constant throughout the system, but system will only draw as much current as it needs... Correct? When you're use to working with mAh, everything seems fine and less scary, but now I've got eight full Ah looking at me I'm paranoid that I'll fry a receiver or my only spare ESC, even though it's rated at 100A/400A Surge.

Stu :)

[green-boat]

You are correct, 6 volts @ 8.4AH and it only using what it needs. Nothing to be scared of, just think of 8.4AH as 8400MAh.

[toesup]

How far along with your build are you Stu?...

Can we see some pics?

[der kapitan]

Not 100% sure on this, but if you're running a 6V system, you should be able to power your RX via a direct tap if you don't have BEC, with no adverse effects.

[Stu :)]

Thanks for that, I should have thought of it as 8400mAh.

How far along with your build are you Stu?...
Can we see some pics?

Not very far :(... So far I've been scrounging up the parts I don't have, which is a lot as this will be my first proper scratch build.
The main hurdle was sourcing the plywood, now that's overcome I've cut out the lengths of wood and ready for the first assembly. With the long weekend coming up I should be reporting sooner than later.

Stu :)

[Aerominded]

Re the theory, you have it right Stu- I would be inclined though to fuse the main power circuit between the ESC and the battery just as a precaution- The batteries will try to pump out as many amps as the accessory (Motor) will demand- for at least a short period- with the motor "stalled" due to the prop being fouled, the amps could climb pretty high and ruin your day-

[Stu :)]

Righty-ho, it's perfect epoxy setting weather... not.

The first picture is the planning stage and converting everything to metric, I made a cut-out of the sides to assist me in keeping them identical. As you can see my cat tried to help, but ended up chewing the eraser instead.

Next was the cutting, too horrible to show :eek: In a family known for it's woodworking skills I'm the butt of the jokes at Christmas time. I'm fine with plastic, metal, ceramics, resins... but soon as it involves wood it goes wrong for me, perhaps I've chosen the wrong 'new' hobby.

Gluing my masterpieces together was easier than I thought it would be. One of the corners is a bit iffy but I'll cheat my bad carpentering skills and reinforce the corners with fiberglass. I've also manged to get a 4mm gap between the tops of the side and the corner stops. Most of Springers I've seen seem to have their decks sitting on top of the hull, I hoping to get mine sitting flush inside, perhaps I'm not that bad with wood after all.

The main frame work and sides are 4mm Agathis Ply, the bottom of the hull with be horizontally planked 2.5mm balsa; which I'll give good helping of epoxy resin to make it water tight and strength. For the guts (motor mount, battery holders, switch panel, etc) I'll use some 3mm hoop pine ply.

One thing I have discovered to date is if I want get serious about doing scratch builds, I should invest in a scroll saw and hide that darn jigsaw.

Stu :)

P.S. Still haven't worked out what's going on the deck...

[keith S]

and your off to a good start Stu:)!

[Umi_Ryuzuki]

One of the neat things about "Randy's" springer builds is that he only has one hull.
He has at least a 1-1/2"(40mm) subdeck coming in from the sides of the boat to
help prevent water seepage.
But the all the superstucture parts are built on, what is essentially, a "shoe box top".
He builds a number of finish decks that fits over the hull, and changes them out to
match his sailing preferance for the day. Tow boat one day, Tractor another day,
High cabin the next meet, and an English garden for fun.

One of the other neat points of the Springer hull. The decks can be modular.

;)

[Stu :)]

Right the house now stinks of polyester resin...

I've planked the bottom of the hull with the aforementioned balsa, I tried for a mitre cut to join the planks but didn't work so I just did a bevel cut.
Once the glue dried (took two days for the epoxy to dry on the balsa!) I gave it a sanding and coated the entire outside of the hull with polyester resin. Part three is going to be the keel and the bumpers at the front... I think :o

Stu :)

[Tug Guy]

Stink and drying times are 2 reasons I no longer use poly resin.
The hull is looking good Stu Can't wait to see the rest of the boat.

Don



Right the house now stinks of polyester resin...

[der kapitan]

Right the house now stinks of polyester resin...

I've planked the bottom of the hull with the aforementioned balsa, I tried for a mitre cut to join the planks but didn't work so I just did a bevel cut.
Once the glue dried (took two days for the epoxy to dry on the balsa!) I gave it a sanding and coated the entire outside of the hull with polyester resin. Part three is going to be the keel and the bumpers at the front... I think :o

Stu :)

Hi Stu,

Mixing polyester resin in a styrene cup brings disaster in short order, as you've
found out. I use paper hot drink cups and 1" white bristle brushes when I work, throwing it all away when finished.

I've found that it costs more to buy solvent to clean the brushes, than to use new ones each time.

Looks like you're enjoying good progress---.

[toesup]

Looks like you are beginning to get a Springer there Stu!... looking good!.

Update on the Toesup boatworks progress. :o
The deck, coaming and bulwarks are on my version... and i have painted the hull below the waterline today. The weather today isnt very warm and the paint isnt drying out very quickly, so i cant turn the hull over to show you the topside until the paint is dry :p
I've done some more work to the superstructure.. The wheelhouse roof has been planked with 1/4" wide mahogany veneer and had one coat of varnish.. and i have 'made up' two doors from veneer and added them to the wheelhouse.
The deck fittings are coming along.. and i have made 4 life-rings using wooden wheels from Michaels (with the centres drilled out), some string and some red cotton.

The wifes version has had all the electronics installed ( i was waiting for another ESC) and is currently getting the superstructure manufactured before i finally fit the deck.

To be continued... :D

[Tug Guy]

Lookin' real good Toesup. I might catch up to you in the Spring time.

Don

[Aerominded]

Somebody's been busy!!! :)

[toesup]

I've been working on the wife's superstructure today... :o

I've also been doing some work to her version of the Springer... :p
The basics are there, i need to finish the wheelhouse and make a funnel..

10 points for the person who can name the Tug the superstructure is 'modelled' after... :D

[P_J_Glor]

Titanic

[toesup]

Sorry PJ...nope

By the way, Titanic wasnt a 'Tug'... :rolleyes:

[der kapitan]

Hee hee, I think Pete tweaked you, Toesup---. :D

[keith S]

"Foundation Franklin" from Farley Mowats book. :confused: ;) :p

[toesup]

Sorry Keith....nope...

[P_J_Glor]

I know Titanic wasn't a tug but the way you have the bridge bulwarks and the promenade windows aft on the level below looks a lot like her forward upper decks.

Pete G

[Aerominded]

I agree, features look more passenger/freight ship than tug... Hummmm, I'm still thinking about what tug it could be! must be something unusual! :)