Irish Royal Mail Steamer Connaught build

[djcf]

Hi Stuart,
I really like the shape of the houses on the sponsons...looking great by the way.
If it was my desicion about the rails i would go with the scale -  black...goes with hull & funnels

regards
Clark

[Stuart Badger]

reaches for tin of Humbol black and very small paintbrush!

All the best

Stuart

[PeeWee]

Likewise as above go black,  i am going to try the chemical blacking solution for the Brass on the Glasgow instead of paint just as an experiment.

[derekwarner_decoy]

Hi PD's.......& yes PeeWee...the black patina fluid for brass is

25% nitric acid + 2% each of nitrates of copper + selenium + silver ......

it does work..........Derek

[Stuart Badger]

Hi PDs
thanks for the opinions guys. I think I'm going to stick with painting the handrails rather than chemical blackening. The blackening fluid is difficult to control when components are in place - as are the handrails and stanchions and it's difficult to pre-colour them as the finish inevitably gets scraped/chipped off in the installation process.

I have fitted the rudder. I mounted a piece of brass tube and filled around it on the leading edge of the rudder. I then cut 3 slots the same size as the rudder hinges. The hinges are made of brass strip with a bearing of brass tube soldered to each one. A length of telescoping tube was then fed through to provide the pivot. and the whole assembly glued and pinned to the hull. I have NO IDEA how Connaught's rudder was hung - so I've done it in a way common to ships of her age.

I have also made a start on the staircases - they are virtually complete apart from the handrail and panel detail (plus of course staining and varnishing) If you are wondering why one appears to be leaning in the photos, it's because I have just placed them in position and the bases have not been sanded to match the deck camber yet.
You may also notice that the paddle box steps are in position - so soon I can get a coat of paint on and get it wet!

All the best

stuart

[Eddy Matthews]

Magnificent Stuart!

The rudder extension is barely visible, and it's a very neat installation. Mind you, if it was my model and I was building it, I think I would have given up with those staircases! They really do look like a pain in the proverbial to get right!!

Regards
Eddy

[Stuart Badger]

Hi PDs!

I blew the first rough coat of paint on the centre section last night. I shall be finishing the  paint by hand with a brush. this coat gives me the base to work on. The idea was also to let me see what she looks like in full livery rather than part wood, part paint. I am still also working on the staircases (one finished one to go).

I took the model out of the workshop to blow the dust off and vacuum it before painting and used the opportunity to take some shots. So here they are!

More later.

All the best

stuart

[Stuart Badger]

Well PDs!

It was a lovely day here and my beautiful assistant fancied a swim....so........ it seemed like a good opportunity for Connaught's initiation to the wet stuff. I haven't weighed the ballast and batteries yet. But I think I have her trimmed about right - I might ballast her a little more depending on her stability. Static she seems to 'spring' back to the vertical when inclined - but of course all that could change under power. we'll see! She stayed bone dry inside and required surprisingly little ballast - I reckon about 10 kilos plus the batteries, once I've weighed everything I'll post the results.

Any way the first of the 'on the water shots'
all the best

stuart

[marinemole]

Stuart

Fantastic. I suspect I have been like most people and failed to realise just how big this model is. She is superb!

[PeeWee]

that's one mighty fine elegant lady, superb. 

[Stuart Badger]

Thanks! - I'll tell Ros! (my beautiful asistant!)

All the best

Stuart

[mjt60a]

WOW! that's quite possibly the finest model paddler I've ever seen 

[Eddy Matthews]

Fantastic Stuart, looks like she's sitting very nicely in the water..... Oh and Connaught isn't bad either

Eddy

[Stuart Badger]

  thanks all! - I am SO pleased that her bottom's wet at last!

All the best

stuart

[Talisman]

Superb Stuart!

P.S. - Is that your stunt double sitting poolside? Have you had extra help? - I knew there was a reason for the speed of the build....
All the best
Kim