Building The 1/48 AM Minesweeper / Mine Sweeper

[Mike McCrea]

Hey Guys, I thought I would try my hand at a build log thread of the 1/48 Minesweeper Joe and I are producing, hope you don't mind and maybe I can learn something and maybe answer a few questions for anyone else who might want to build one.
First I had to order plans and the Sweeper CD and buy all the material for the master. After the master was made,I then made the two piece mold and laid up the hull. Then.....
1.) Started by cleaning up the little bit of the part line on the hull
2.) Then installed the 1/4" pine deck edge strips, I think this will be the only wood used in building this ship. My deck is 1/8" plexi, so the edge strips were glued in place with this in mind.
3.) With plans from floating drydock, copied the deck outline and taped down to the 1/8" plexi deck. There might be an easier way to do it but thought this would give me an area to start. Once cut out, I used my disc and belt sander to remove what didn't look like a Minesweeper deck. :) Joe and I will be offering this hull as a kit for sale.
Here's a few pics..
Edited to add pics of the mold making process in my garage and with this hull still in the mold.
http://img521.imageshack.us/img521/1319/twopiecemold5004ay9.jpg (http://imageshack.us)
http://img77.imageshack.us/img77/8130/buildthread1008qh9.jpg (http://imageshack.us)
http://img54.imageshack.us/img54/886/buildthread1004dy5.jpg (http://imageshack.us)
http://img212.imageshack.us/img212/4386/buildthread1007zr4.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

[Kmot]

This is perfect Mike! Of course we don't mind. In fact, we insist! :)

I know I am very interested myself to see how a bare glass hull becomes a full boat.

[Skipper AM299]

Looking Good Mike this thread will be one to wach

[desron48]

:eek:

[capricorn]

Looks great Mike,

What's it's displacement? Is it single prop? Cap

[Reid]

OK COOL!!! man now you got me pumped to start building...

any luck with getting pics of the overhang??

[keith S]

Mike, Looks like you have a good prodjrct started. I have used Lexan for decks on many prodjects and is a good way to go. May I sudjest if you have not done so already, that for your deck arrangement,that you glue the plan sheet to the bottom of the plexi deck. This will do a couple of things. 1) will give you the refference points for cutting and 2) easiest way to locate the details and mark them without the hassel of multiple measurements. Also recommend using some sort of bracing accross the hull for the deck as it will sag after you start to place the house on. Good source is Plastistrcut I Beams. Keep up the good work as many of us will be watching this build!

[Mike McCrea]

Hi Guys,
Thanks for all the reply's. Today, I added the deck braces made out of 3/4" X 1/4" and 1/2" x 1/4" plexi. Where ever your going to have an access hatch, make sure you round the bottom of the brace that way when you reach in for anything you wont catch your arm on a sharp edge.
I don't have the 2 drive shafts yet and the 2 rudders still need to be made, so I will hold off on that area's braces. Deck edge supports and deck braces joints were reinforced with bondo. Also finished cutting the plexi top to shape.
http://img68.imageshack.us/img68/7176/buildthread2a001fl9.jpg (http://imageshack.us)
http://img517.imageshack.us/img517/4352/buildthread2a003oj2.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

[desron48]

********

[Reid]

Well mike looks like you passed first inspection :D :D You do make it look easy... good inspiration if your stuck on something :eek:

[CaptLee]

Mike Will be at the Riverside show and am bringing my SuperShips version. remember it takes 2" props and the ones from PropShop are in 4mm threaded so use the right shafts so prop installation is simple. Individual ESC's are essiential for steering as it is a real pig on the rudders only but comes alive with motor assist. See me at the show and will open mine up so you can avoid my mistakes in your build.

[Mike McCrea]

Hi Captlee,
Great I look forward to seeing you there and your AM. When is the show?

[Skipper AM299]

Your build is looking great. I ordered a Hull and have it on its way.......In the mean time its Inspired me to dust off the 1/24 Am and go back to work on her. Keep up the good work.

[Mike McCrea]

Great pics Trevor, I'll be happy if mine comes out half as nice as yours. Please do a build log so I can follow..and PLEASE more pics...I can use all the help I can get.

mike .....this is great to see one of my (our) creations come to bear....looking good keep it up......btw the 1/4 sq. stringers will be avalible upon request......joe


Yea Joe your right, it is nice to see one of our creations go from the plans to this. :)

[CaptLee]

Mike The Riverside show is Oct 21st, Kmot or one of the locals should have details for you. My sense of direction is poor but it is in a park on the North end of Riverside, cannot remember the name at the moment. Try to find the Inland Nautical Society website for full info.

[Kmot]

http://www.inlandnauticalsociety.com/regatta.htm

[Reid]

GOOD GOD!!! that thing in 1/24 is almost 8ft long!! COOL MODEL!!

[Kmot]

that thing in 1/24 is almost 8ft long!!

That's definitely Horrible Harry size!

Harry? :D

[Reid]

Mike you going to the show??

[Mike McCrea]

Hey Guys,
Had a snafu with my shafts and struts ( you know what I mean Joe :) ) so I'm going to make myself, so until the parts get here I'm dead in the water so did a little work on the super. I was thinking of going Reid but its about 90 miles one way...but then again I've driven farther
Don't laugh Trevor..I'm more of a glass guy than a detail guy...
http://img528.imageshack.us/img528/6049/buildthread3006rd1.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

[Reid]

well at least your boat isn't Fubar (that would bad)... 90miles... wow i better see how far it is for me... might think twice now before going. joe and i were talking about props... he showed me some 3 bladed ones... i know they were 4 but all i could find were some crazy props that looked like they were off of a DD... any ideas... Joe sent me to dumas... this a plastic on made by Robbe that looks just like that real deal but (platic in Balboa it would melt on contact with THAT water)

[Skipper AM299]

Mike, Hey Bud I would never Laugh at you. And yes you are one heck of a Glass guy. I see you chose the Modified Bridge Right on. Its looking good Mike, My hull should be here soon, Cant wait to dig in.

Reid, Yes she is a Big Ole girl almost 8'. But she can Cruise. Thanks for the Compliment.

[Skipper AM299]

Reid, What I have done in the past is to Take Rivabo props and heat them up and pull the Blades off. Cut them to the design you are looking for and solder them back on. Just a different way of doing things.

[Reid]

BRILLIANT!!!! that is a great idea!! what do you think 48th... (mike and joe)

[toesup]

Oooops... :o

[Skipper AM299]

Hey Guys, I received my 1/48 AM hull Yesterday. If your still looking for your winter build Or just want a smaller ship, This is one nice hull. Congrats to Mike and Joe. Darn fine job on this Hull. Thanks you two this is cool.

Trev.

[desron48]

Reid, What I have done in the past is to Take Rivabo props and heat them up and pull the Blades off. Cut them to the design you are looking for and solder them back on. Just a different way of doing things.reid you ask me about pulling the blades off the prop hub?? i'd rather use the stock rivabo prop.....joe

[desron48]

Hey Guys, I received my 1/48 AM hull Yesterday. If your still looking for your winter build Or just want a smaller ship, This is one nice hull. Congrats to Mike and Joe. Darn fine job on this Hull. Thanks you two this is cool.

Trev.it's my pleasure trevor.i'm glad you like it....joe

[Reid]

how she coming Mike... after that Snafu u had

[Mike McCrea]

how she coming Mike... after that Snafu u had

Hi Reid, Slow....struts and shafts came out okay considering this is the first set I have ever made. I learned a few things making these..Hope to start putting them in this week.

http://img139.imageshack.us/img139/1921/buildthread5002iq4.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

[Reid]

COOL!! they are real nice...how long are they...what type of prop u got on their... couldn't find one that looked scale (like that pic of that one onthe beach)... :(

[Skipper AM299]

Hey Mike those look OUTSTANDING!!! Great job.

[desron48]

Hi Reid, Slow....struts and shafts came out okay considering this is the first set I have ever made. I learned a few things making these..Hope to start putting them in this week.

http://img139.imageshack.us/img139/1921/buildthread5002iq4.jpg (http://imageshack.us)very nice mike....that's how we learn..by doing it..

[norgale]

Skipper ; Great looking boat. I love the wake it makes,looks so real. How much does that boat weigh anyway?

[Skipper AM299]

Skipper ; Great looking boat. I love the wake it makes,looks so real. How much does that boat weigh anyway?

She weighs in at around 200 lb Fully ballasted. For power it has a truck battery. In model terms its kinda like nuclier power. she can run forever in between charges lol.

[Reid]

200LBS!!! WOW how do you get it in and out of the water... the boat launch :D
How is the build been mike??

[desron48]

********

[Mike McCrea]

Here's an update guys, sorry for it being a while but you know the story. Since the last update, I had to rebuild the top part of the super so the wall angle's in and not go straight back like I built it. The stuffing tubes, shafts and struts have been installed. I used the Tower Hobbies stuffing tube and shaft. The struts I made myself so that explains why they look the way they do and the props are from G.T. SITEK in England.
I first made a plexi former to hold the ends of the shafts level and even. I then cut huge holes in the hull for the stuffing tubes and struts. When things were lined up so there was no binding I I took some glass cloth and cut in strips and wrapped around stuffing tubes then I saturated with super glue and hit with kicker. Struts are secure in place the same way with cloth and glue. The excess holes in the hull are covered with glass cloth from the inside, glued then resin. When dry use bondo to secure even better and bondo the outside of the hull to fill the gaps. The inside does not look pretty but it works.

[Skipper AM299]

Glad to see you back at it Mike, Looks Great.

[desron48]

mike.....it looks fantistic.....rudders are comming your way.....joe

[Mike McCrea]

mike.......rudders are comming your way.....joe

Thanks Trev and Joe....Looks like x-mas is coming early :D

[Reid]

this is going to be AWSOME once we get all three in the water!!!

[STRINGFLY]

Got my hull coming. Great thread, thanks for all the work. Keep um coming. Now I may figure out what to do when. Stringfly <>++++

[Skipper AM299]

Stringfly You'r Gonna love this Hull, Very nice work very well done. I know I love Mine.

[graphixman]

Fantastic work!

[STRINGFLY]

Got my hull,,, super nice work, beautifully done. Now I just need a million other things to finish it up..... :p Stringfly <>+++++

[Mike McCrea]

Hi Stringfly...We knew you would like the hull, I just love the look of the AM Sweeper. Here is a small update, I've got the motors installed. Motors and mounts sold by Lee at Scale Shipyard..think there big enough???? the way I drive, I would rather have the extra power to get out of peoples way.
Next step is make rudders and install. Not sure if I will make the removable or not.

[desron48]

rudders should be in your mailbox by tommorrow......joe

[desron48]

Got my hull,,, super nice work, beautifully done. Now I just need a million other things to finish it up..... :p Stringfly <>+++++no maybe a quarter million.....

[desron48]

thanks guys for the kind comments on the hull it was a very interesting hull to make.....

[STRINGFLY]

Looks good Mike. What are the motors your using ? size ? voltage ? Props ??? 1 1/2", 2 " ? Details....... :D Thanks.
Stringfly <>++++

[STRINGFLY]

A couple of pics of the hull next to my sub. Putting on the final top hull coat today. Sub is 1/40 so MSO should be a good target. :p
Stringfly <>+++++

[desron48]

i gotta get me a sub.......

[W.L Upshaw]

The Motors are 755 size 5 pole motors, they have a no load draw of 1.1 amps on 6 volts. They have an internal cooling fan. I do not have the RPM data handy. They scream on 12 volts, so I do not recommend that.

These are a good low draw, medium speed motors that will power 1:96 scale Battleships and 1:498 scale minsweepers through destroyers.

I removed the old Astro 075 marine motors from the inboard shafts of my New Jersey and installed a pair of these 755 and mounts in her, the ship moves out very nicely with running just these 2 motors, she also quieted down a bit and the motors barely even get warm running 2 1/4' dia 5 blade props.

These motors and mounts sell for $47.95 per unit.

[STRINGFLY]

Thanks for the info WL. Will check them out at your site. I do have a bunch of 12 volt 8 ah gell cells available. Do you have anything that will handle 12 volts ?
(Yea !!!!! Sub topcoat done, just some detailing and weathering to do and I can start the MSO.)
I did get the Floating Drydock plans today. Much nicer than the Aggressive class ones. 3 very detailed sheets. Question for anyone. On attaching the square wood stringers for the edge deck support, do you ?- lightly sand, clean with acetone, then bond with polyester resin, clamping along the hull? Not had great luck with resin in the past. Any other adhesive you can use. Would bondo work ? Gorilla glue ?

Stringfly <>+++++

[desron48]

string......sand inside of the entire hull with 80 grit sandpaper then install 1/4 inch sq. stringers along the upper edge of hull i use zap a gap (thick) acc to glue on stringers then add deck beams then you can use bondo under the stringers and hull..i'll send ya a pic.......joe

[STRINGFLY]

Ok..... got lots of thick C/A and 80 grit. Have not had a lot of experience with glass hulls. My 32nd sub years ago was all glass and had to use resin on everything. Mix some, use some, waste a bunch, to hot , to slow, a pain.... Was before we had all the C/A's and kickers. Glad to know CA's will grab the glass well. I know epoxy usually won"t. Got bondo and Metal Glaze for filit strengthening. I assume you are bonding stringers flush with the top edge of the hull. Then sanding nice and flat and then the decking on top of that with the edge of the decking ontop of the hull sides ??

Stringfly

[desron48]

generaly we lower the stringers 1/8 inch below the top of the hull so the top of the hull is flush with the top of the deck......i emailed you the pics...did you get them?? joe

[STRINGFLY]

Ok, got you on the stringers. Lowered below the top hull line to accept the thickness of the deck material. Guess it would be easier that way to fill from the top any gaps between the deck and the hull sides. Just have to cut the deck closer and trim for final fit. Internal bulkheads and or cross beams would keep the hull sides from spreading if your deck is a little off.
joe... No pics yet.
Stringfly

[Mike McCrea]

Ok, got you on the stringers. Lowered below the top hull line to accept the thickness of the deck material. Stringfly


Stringfly, Check the post above, the one with the motors in it. You can see on the port side of the hull how the stringer is lowered. When the deck is glued down any gap between the hull and the deck is easily filled with bondo.

[W.L Upshaw]

The reason you lower the stringers and deck beams down below the edge of the hull to fit the deck inside the hull is.
When you put the deck over the top of the hull, certain expansion and contraction of your materials as time goes by will invaribly start showing a seam line (crack) along the top of the hull where the deck mates to it.
When you set the deck down inside the hull, the stresses are distributed in a differant manner that rarily results in cracking along the deck edge.

[STRINGFLY]

Thanks Mike and W.L Upshaw... yes ,see it in the photo's now. That really helps out. Another question if you all don't mind. If you use plexi as a deck material, what do most use as superstructure materials? My hull has 2 sections out of fiberglass. Best adhesive to bond those to the plexi ? Have read some use Gator Board for upper structures to keep the upper weight down. Does thick C/A's bond ok to the plexi ? ( I assume you roughen it up some). Thanks again for all the help.

Stringfly <>++++

[STRINGFLY]

Got the pics desron48. They were at work email address. Those really help.. Thanks.

Stringfly <>++++

[Mike McCrea]

Okay Guys..Got the hull primered and the rudders casted. Ill try in the next day or two and get them installed. These are about 1/4" longer than scale, if you want them to scale just cut or sand down.

[desron48]

thanks mike......i try to prouduce the best...... :D

[STRINGFLY]

Got the running gear from Skipper AM299 today. VERY nice work.
Stringfly <>++++

[STRINGFLY]

Mike, yes very interested on how you do the rudders. How the posts are installed and steering arms etc. Stringfly <>+++++

[STRINGFLY]

Mike, Any progress lately ????

Stringfly <>++++

[Mike McCrea]

Hi Stringfly,
Thanks for the interest in my build. With Turkey day and the little woman wanting the x-mas lights up I've been kinda busy. I hope to get back at it this week. I'm so close to a first sea trial

[Mike McCrea]

Hey Guys...another little update. Rudders now installed, tomorrow i hope to hook up the servo and then speedcontrol. You know whats after that, :) sea trial.

[desron48]

it's about time mike.....

[Kmot]

You are doing an awesome job of scratch building Mike! Are you going to the toilet lake for the sea trials?

[Mike McCrea]

Thanks guys..not sure what lake ill go to. If its done Thursday, you bet Ill go to hansen but the way Ive been goin I wont hold my breath.

[STRINGFLY]

Mike,
Yep.... holidays cutting into my time too. But thanks for the update.
What speed control will you be using, amps, brand, etc ? (also your battery choice.)
Stringfly <>+++++

[Skipper AM299]

Progress, Right on Mike, Nice Props!

[Reid]

COOL great job... is the solution to the access issue overkill on everything??

[Mike McCrea]

Hi Reid, Wont be long before were running our AM.s together. On this ship there will be no access to the rudder linkage so I'm trying ( I hope..fingers crossed) to make it bullet proof. If there ever is a prob Ill just cut a hole fix and patch but I don't THINK that will happen. There will be access to the rudder servo and access to the motors. I didn't make the rudders removable, maybe Ill do that on the next one.

[desron48]

you can allways put the depth charge rack over the access hatch....

[Reid]

so no weekend update... joe you are smarter than me and mike you are building a PCE so u can have the aft guntube pull out :eek: :eek:

[desron48]

that's why i'm doing the pce son......

[Mike McCrea]

that's why i'm doing the pce son......

Better hurry up Joe..I might beat you to it.. :D

[Mike McCrea]

SEA TRIALS TODAY 12-12-07

For the first time under power she ran great. The motors I have inside are too big for a 12 volt system, I try it on 6 volts before I replace with smaller motors. The 1/1/2" prop and rudders were more than enough. She also runs great in reverse. Ill do more tests later. Sorry the pics are not better..I went alone today and kinda hard to run and take cool pics.
ATF Fleet Tug standing by for salvage just in case.

[Kmot]

I think I recognize those logs floating in the water. :D

[Reid]

OMG that is cool!!! i need to pick mine up man!!

[desron48]

:mad:

[desron48]

Better hurry up Joe..I might beat you to it.. :D :eek:

[W.L Upshaw]

Mike:

She looks very good in the water, Nice Job

[STRINGFLY]

Looks great Mike. (is it just me or is lacking a bit of detail.... :p just kidding!!!). Now the real work begins. ;)
Stringfly <>+++++

[Skipper AM299]

Looks great Mike. (is it just me or is lacking a bit of detail.... :p just kidding!!!). Now the real work begins. ;)
Stringfly <>+++++

The Real Work And the real FUN :D

[Mike McCrea]

Okay..got the new smaller motors installed in a modified SSY motor mount. Tomorrow I will take to Hansen and if everything is cool, I will seal the deck and start adding the detail parts. Here is a view of the inside with my limited ability of electronics..don't laugh.

[Skipper AM299]

Looking Great Mike.

[keith S]

looks good so far. might have to add that hull to my build list. :rolleyes:

[Skipper AM299]

Keith, I also have that Hull and am working on it as well as my Big 1/24 sweep, The AM hull in 1/48 is one of the nicest hulls I have seen produced in along time. You wont regret the addition if you choose to do so.

[Reid]

AHAHAHAA

Just messing MIKE!!! :p :p :p

those look nice!!! can't wait to see it running at Hansen!!! i have will have my corvette out there too... reseeling the aft deck. run pretty well!!! had the switch my wire around so i have more scale and control forword!!... i can get out of trouble WAY fast than i can get into it :D :D

might test her in the pool today... bit cold though

[desron48]

:censored:

[Mike McCrea]

Small update...working on the rear servo rudder access hatch, the rear cable house will be the access and will be held down by the gun tub. Combing has been added to top super and rear cable house

[desron48]

***************************

[Reid]

i am gunna copy u mike :D :D

[Skipper AM299]

Very Clean, Very nice Build Mike.

[Reid]

mike one think wasn't one of the back walls farther back than the other??