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[Tug-Kenny RIP]

This is my first attempt at building a model boat from the Military fleet.

I decided on  Fairmile D from the second World War as I saw a great model recently at the local Fair and was impressed by her on the water. High manoeuvrability and speed was the order of the day.

The  detailed information on scratch building is very scarce and it took a lot of research to come up with details and plans. I've bought a few books and cobbled together some pictures which is enough to get me started, so off we go.  I hope to get further help as we progress.

First off was to decide on a scale. I first chose the scale of 1:32 and show the frames construction and assembly below.  It soon became apparent that this was  on the small side when it came to fitting motors and electrics so this was abandoned in favour of a scale of 1:24.

[Tug-Kenny RIP]

Here's the pictures of the frames connected to the rib which gives it it's size.

I've now left this version on the shelf and got on with the second version

[Tug-Kenny RIP]

The frames drawings were re-scaled and printed out. These were laid onto 4mm marine ply and cut out.

As the deck curves up towards the bow it was decided to fit a block to the bow post to raise the assembly as we worked towards to the bow.  
 
PS
        You can see the smaller version on the shelf behind the bench.

[Tug-Kenny RIP]

To glue and fix them into position we used a few clamps and blocks of wood. 

[Tug-Kenny RIP]

Here's a few shots of the planking going on.  To make these involved a lot of wood cutting on the bandsaw, which filled the workshop with dust.

[Tug-Kenny RIP]

I've taken Bluebirds advice and gone for diagonal planking on the stern section.

[Tug-Kenny RIP]

The Bow section has a gorgeous curve which needed the planks bent as well, so here is my attempt. 

[Tug-Kenny RIP]

I then fitted runners along the side to accentuate the curves and allow torpedoes to be launched when I cut out the slots.   

 

[Tug-Kenny RIP]

The next job is the filling and sanding down of the hull. I see the weather has improved so I shall tackle this outside in the fresh air.

to be continued .........


ken

[Tug-Kenny RIP]

We are trying a new tack with the filling this time and using Peter Fitness's idea of using Polyfilla.  I had a small tube from decorating days and tried it on the bow.

This seemed to work OK so I went to town and got some exterior Polyfilla.  It wasn't until I started pasting it on that I saw it contained Cement.      Here's the pictures so judge for yourselves.  I'll see if it sands down tomorrow when it's gorn orf and see what it comes out like.

[Tug-Kenny RIP]

We sanded off the cement overcoat with power tools.  (took a few sheets of sandpaper !)  and snapped on the indoor Polyfilla.

Must say it's lovely stuff to work with. Sands down beautifully, and so smooth.  I put it in the sun to dry off before spraying and found the wood contracted with the heat of the sun. It was 28 degrees out there.  Cracks have started appearing between the Butt joins and the wood strip cladding had rippled a bit. It could be due to the wood glue that I've used with the glue gun. I've now re- covered with Polyfilla again and will sand down tomorrow. 

I'm now thinking that Epoxy is the way to go, either inside or outside is the question. I'll let you know how I get get on.   

[Peter Fitness]

Looking good, Ken  , keep the photos coming.

Peter.

[Norseman]

Hi Ken

I'll tag along with your new build.

Re filler - non modelling use so far - Ive just used some fairly cheapish Wilkinsons wood filler. It looks, works and hardens exactly like polyfilla and sands lovely.

Dave

[derekwarner]

Hullo Ken.....that round wooden outdoor table is really getting a nice hue of assorted colors   

Seriously tho  .....I think an external coat of epoxy & tissue will protect the pollyfilla....Derek 

[gingyer]

Looks good kenny 
Have you decided what weapons it is getting?
And what colour scheme?

Colin

[john44]

Hi Ken, watching this build with great interest as the Fairmile is going to be my next project. I have never
used polyfiller on any planked hulls I have always used car body filler, then car epoxy & close weave mat.
Then 2 coats of resin then rub down.

john

[Norseman]

Have you decided what weapons it is getting?

Maybe - maybe not - but I bet he has already figured its bollard pull

Dave

[Tug-Kenny RIP]

It's gonna have Four motors and should 'shift' her around the lake   

I've been working continuously since the last report.  Now got the 'scallops' in.  These are the torpedo launch ramps each side.  The hull has recovered and been sprayed in primer and I will be using epoxy on the insides to keep the damp stuff out.

[Tug-Kenny RIP]

Hi Ken, watching this build with great interest as the Fairmile is going to be my next project. I have never
used polyfiller on any planked hulls I have always used car body filler, then car epoxy & close weave mat.
Then 2 coats of resin then rub down.

john

Hi John,

I'm bringing my 1:32 frame to Wicksteed to sell if you're interested.  You might have smaller hands than me.   

ken

[john44]

Hi John,

I'm bringing my 1:32 frame to Wicksteed to sell if you're interested.  You might have smaller hands than me.  

ken

Hi Ken I have a spare fiberglass 31.5" hull I was thinking of converting.
Thanks for the offer mate, indecently my hands/fingers are like a hand of bananas even my guitar has to be a classical type with the widest neck I can find.

john


                       ken

[spooksgone]

Looking good, trial and error, that's how we learn. As for the issue of the scales, my wife tells me that size isn't every thing!

[Norseman]

..... and we say their bottoms don't look big in that dress.

[armc40]

..... and we say their bottoms don't look big in that dress.

I did   once   still got the scars !

[john44]

..... and we say their bottoms don't look big in that dress.

my wife bent over to pick something up of the floor, I said crikey the last time I saw something that size they
were throwing a saddle over it,
I never saw the punch comming

john

[Tug-Kenny RIP]

I've started work on the upper deck stuff and have attempted the Cabin and Bridge.

Not easy I can say. The shape is a complex angled wall system and it's taken days to get this far.

See what you think.