Topic: Model Solent Class Build Log (Read 13868 times)

Charlie · « **on:** May 06, 2012, 08:59:18 pm »

Here we go then with a build log of my Solent Class Lifeboat. A couple of things i should mention here, the build is a bit more advanced than shown here, but i am going to start the log from the beginning, and hopefully have it up to date fairly soon. All feedback, good or bad, is welcome. I decided on a scale of 1/18th to give a model size that will fit in the boot of my car without having to fold the back seats down, that way i can get the kids in the car as well! My chosen materials are mainly plastic, the reason for this is that my models have to live in my garage where it gets fairly damp, and i have had some previous wooden models attacked by mould before. I managed to obtain a set of drawings to copy through the Lifeboat Enthusiasts Society, which i scaled down on the photocopier at work. First job was to make the hull mould from some old ply i had lying around:

Charlie · « **Reply #1 on:** May 07, 2012, 10:07:49 am »

It took a while to complete the planking with 1mm x 6mm ply strips, after that it was time to get the filler and sand paper out, to get as smooth a finish as possible. Once the plug was finished, i made a 3-part GRP mould.

Neil · « **Reply #2 on:** May 07, 2012, 11:53:27 am »

Impressive!.
just a point of interest for my own info.......why did you split your model at the centre, and being in three parts, which part of it was in two halves.the front or the rear half.
Only ask, as usually a mould will be split length ways longitudinally down the keel.
neil.

Charlie · « **Reply #3 on:** May 07, 2012, 08:58:19 pm »

Hi Neil,
When I last made a GRP lifeboat hull, I split the mould down the centre line, but found it very hard to get the plug out of the mould. The shape of the tunnels seems to prevent the 2 mould halves from being opened outwards – I could only move them up off the mould. So this time I thought I would try to make things a bit easier, and create a 3 part mould, with the rear half split down the centre-line, and the front section being made in one piece. This seemed to work quite well, as it was much easier to get the plug out of the mould.
Anyway, this is what the hull moulding came out like.

Neil · « **Reply #4 on:** May 07, 2012, 09:13:53 pm »

looks very good Charlie.
neil.

Charlie · « **Reply #5 on:** May 07, 2012, 09:29:28 pm »

If she turns out half as good as one of your builds Neil, i'll be happy!
Next up was the cabin which is also a GRP moulding. For ease of moulding i have left off the wheelhouse structure, which will be fabricated afterwards.

Charlie · « **Reply #6 on:** May 08, 2012, 08:23:01 pm »

After the hull was primed, the prop shafts were glued into position. I could then fabricate the patterns for the 2 A-Frames, which were cast in white metal. Rudders were also completed at this point.

Number 6 · « **Reply #7 on:** May 10, 2012, 04:32:28 pm »

Looking very impressive so far, Dave.

Charlie · « **Reply #8 on:** May 10, 2012, 09:20:37 pm »

Thanks Dave

Next job was to make the structure to support the deck, and the beginnings of the 2 stern bollards, and the forward samson post. This was all made out of 2mm styrene. I do like working with plastic, it is so quick and easy to cut and shape, compared to wood. I had also installed the motor mounts by this stage.

Charlie · « **Reply #9 on:** May 12, 2012, 09:39:37 pm »

2 layers of styrene were used to form the deck. Once this was in place, the cabin moulding could be trimmed to size, and work on the wheelhouse could start.

Neil · « **Reply #10 on:** May 12, 2012, 09:55:40 pm »

looking great, Charlie......I like the bravery in using styrene for the deck...........it looks superb.

Charlie · « **Reply #11 on:** May 13, 2012, 10:07:36 pm »

Hopefully the deck will be strong enough. This seems to be the way some Model Slipway kits are done, which is where i got the idea from.
Here are a couple of photos of the wheelhouse in progress. I decided to leave the roof off until after the interior has been painted, so that I can get access to all the nooks and crannies.

Charlie · « **Reply #12 on:** May 17, 2012, 08:23:28 pm »

To make the forward bulwarks, i fixed some temporary formers to the deck to allow the bulwarks to be glued into place . These were later removed.

Charlie · « **Reply #13 on:** May 17, 2012, 08:28:40 pm »

The same process was then used for the aft bulwarks

Neil · « **Reply #14 on:** May 17, 2012, 08:46:17 pm »

very very nice work there Charlie........it gives such sharp finishes.
neil.

Charlie · « **Reply #15 on:** May 19, 2012, 07:35:31 pm »

Today it was time to get the primer out. Here she is after a couple of coats. Starting to look like a lifeboat now

Number 6 · « **Reply #16 on:** May 24, 2012, 09:46:11 pm »

Looking superb, can't wait to see her finished, Dave.

rg197r27 · « **Reply #17 on:** June 02, 2012, 07:36:01 pm »

very nice build keep up the good work

rich

Charlie · « **Reply #18 on:** June 05, 2012, 08:40:29 pm »

Thanks to the Queen, i have had a bit of time to work on the boat! The painting has started. I have shown below the paint scheme i have chosen, which will be as she was first built. I have chosen to model one of the slipway launched Solents, so the hull will be white below the waterline, blue above the waterline, full length red stripe, and grey bulwarks/deck edge and cabin.

Charlie · « **Reply #19 on:** June 10, 2012, 09:16:01 pm »

I used Rustoleum Textured Spray Paint for the deck, after seeing it being used on other builds on the forum, and i am quite pleased with the result. The masking beforehand was a bit of a pain, particularly around the bulwarks, but the effort was worthwhile. I think i will leave the finish as it is, rather than risk applying a top coat of anything. I have made a start on the red stripe, but this is going to take a while as i am using Humrol Enamel paints which require 6 hours between coats. I did try a second coat after one hour but this just caused the first coat to ripple, so not recommended. I had forgotten to fix the A-Frames earlier, so i took the opportunity to do this whilst waiting for the paint to dry.

Neil · « **Reply #20 on:** June 10, 2012, 09:20:22 pm »

Lovely finishing with the paint charlie........oh how I wish I could get a finish as good......the big thing that lets me down..........suppose it comes down to impatience..........patience is not in my vocabulary when paint time is upon me.
neil.

spongie · « **Reply #21 on:** July 22, 2012, 05:26:00 pm »

which one is she to be then charlie? I notice the pics of three sisters down at levington used as reference...

Charlie · « **Reply #22 on:** August 12, 2012, 08:25:55 pm »

Hi Spongie,

She will probably end up as The Three Sisters.

Progress has been a bit slow recently, nevertheless, some progress has been made. The wheelhouse roof is fitted, all major paintworks have been completed, port side lifelines have been fitted, and i have made a start on the radar scanner. Been waiting a few weeks for some RC components to be delivered, but as soon as they do arrive i will start installing all the Electrics. Here are a few pics, enjoy:)

Neil · « **Reply #23 on:** August 12, 2012, 09:56:06 pm »

really is looking well. superb job.
neil.

derekwarner · « **Reply #24 on:** August 13, 2012, 07:25:12 am »

Charlie.....that "Rustoleum Textured Spray Paint for the deck" looks brilliantly lifelike.....

...

It would be perfect for our OZ builder in Brisbane for his GMLS13 launcher on his FFG........

You also have very bright natural lighting to your work shop area....... Derek

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Author Topic: Model Solent Class Build Log (Read 13868 times)