Paddleducks
Paddler Modelling => Construction => Topic started by: Excelsior on February 24, 2007, 11:36:19 AM
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Ok, so I've been building a model... Well, it's more a builders plan for a 65' boat I hope to begin building in the near future. It's a 1:15 scale sidewheeler built from cardboard.
Anyway, as it's been coming along I'm beginning to think it would make a great design for a R/C boat. The thing is, I'm not sure I'm up for building a new version. So, the question is, can a cardboard model be water-proofed reliably? I've got some ideas on strengthening the hull (throw in a couple of bulk heads & then fill the spaces with expanding foam), but I'm hesitant about the whole R/C thing & cardboard... Might end up being a bit soggy.
Any suggestions?
Mac
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what about if you glassed it,then allowed the glass to cure then add some matting too the second coat..?
This would water proof it and strengthen it at the same time
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Thanks mate, I'll look into doing that. Although, it may be way too late in the construction stage to consider making it seaworthy. I'm not sure that there is enough hull depth to give it a reasonable amount of freeboard. To remain true to scale the draft would have to be about 2-2.5cm. Just to give you an idea of dimensions the hull is about 127cm x 26.5cm x 8cm
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Hi Mac. I have built several card models in the past and all have been successful. On the draft you stated and at the large size, you are on a hiding to nothing. The merest breath of wind and you will be skating all over!. adding 2 or three vertical keels may stop this a bit.
On the wterproofing side, DO NOT FILL WTH EXPANDING FOAM. I have seen too many models blow themselves to pieces like some cartoon. If you need foam, cut up foam packaging and fill your spaces with that., but only after proofing the inside. My favoured way of proofing card is old fashioned shellac- it soaks in and sets hard quickly. If you cant get into the spaces to coat ALL the surfaces, thin the shellac to a water consistency and POUR into the space, swill it around until all the surfaces are coated and drain off the surplus to use in the next space. leave open to dry. To coat outer surfaces, use a first thinned coat to soak in, then build up with 2 or 3 coats, rubbing down in between. Alternatively use model aircraft dope using the same technique. Hope this helps, remember first coat must be very thin to penetrate the card. Regards, Walter.
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Thought I'd upload a couple of pics of my progress... A few things to keep in mind though... The model really is only supposed to be a rough guideline to a real boat that I'm planning on building. That, combined with the fact that my fine motor skills are somewhat lacking, means that it is really pretty rough.
I'm also posting a drawing I did when I was about 12 (a long, long time ago - my artistic skills are also pretty poor). When I started building the model I had a basic design in mind, but there were a few things I couldn't decide on. Then, a few days ago, I remembered the drawing & realised that it was almost identical to what I was planning. So, other than a few small details like the boxes & the holds, I'm building from the drawing. So, it will give you a good idea of how the finished product will look. Other than the colours...
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It's looking really nice Mac - Rather than tring to waterproof the card model, why not use the parts as templates and build another from plywood?
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To be honest, I can't really be bothered building another model. This one was never intended to be anything but a plan for the real thing. The only reason I've been considering doing anything further with it is because my flatmate has suggested it. Since I don't have any real desire for a remote model, building a second boat to the same design is a little pointless for me. Plus, there's no place in my apartment to build a wooden model. Oh, and I don't have any tools either!
Although, if there's anyone interested in taking a commission to build a remote version of the Excelsior at some point in the future... Let me know.
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I reckon if you tried using that expanding foam you would rip the model apart.
As for waterproofing, glassing might be the best option, but you could try that spray on waterproofing stuff. You would need a considerable amount and I would certainly run prolonged seaworthiness trials before adding any expensive RC gear.
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I'm not so sure it's a good idea to attempt to make her a goer now. There's a lot of work to waterproof not just the hull, but the superstructure also. Then there's the strengthening of the hull. There's too much flex in it at the moment, so I'd have to add several bulkheads & probably some girders running the length of the hull. This will add more weight to a hull that I think may already displace too much water. By the way, all the decking, superstructure, etc are sitting loose on the hull. I've basically got 3 large sections of model that I'm waiting to stick together.
I'm really loving the model of the Adelaide that Bundy is building at the moment. So, rather than build a compromised model myself, I think I'm going to try and find somone to build a large scale r/c model of the Excelsior for me... Maybe even a live steamer. Not sure what that'll cost, but will be worth it. Especially since I don't know of any Excelsior models out there already. I managed to track down the original builder's model of the Excelsior's hull today & I've organised for someone to take some pics & email them to me. Along with the few photos that I've located, that's as close as I can get to a set of plans.
It'll be a fair challenge. If anyone thinks they're up to it... I live in Brisbane, so someone within reasonable travelling distance would be good.
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I've been so lazy on getting this boat completed, but thought I'd post an update on the small amount of progress I've made. I've completely gone off the idea of waterproofing the thing. The model doesn't have enough strength, among other things.
I still have to build the upper deck, complete painting & do all the detailing which will hide a lot of the rough edges. But, here are some pics. The colouring isn't quite what I wanted. But, it's not far off. The trim around the hull & sponsons will be white, as per the Industry. Highlights, such as window surrounds will be a deep, dark red/maroon. Think the colour of blood. Most other bits of minor trim will either be a gloss black (functional things like machinery & railings), or battleship grey (bits that need to contrast the red & black like stairways). Coamings of the engine well, the bitts & bollards (wrong term I know) will be the colour of the main superstructure. Interior of cabins will remain bright white.
I know of a couple of engines which would be suitable to power the real thing, once I'm in a position to build it. At the moment the my preferred option is to build the hull in sections here in Brisbane & truck it to the Murray for assembly & completion. Who knows... It's a while off before I can do anything. Sadly!