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[theberengersniper]

Hi guys,

I'm new to the forum. I'm currently building the Our Lass 2 kit by Model Slipway, and a great kit it is too. My last kit was the Trent, also produced by Model Slipway. That kit didn't need ballast, but because the OL2 is such a huge hull it needs loads, which is the source of my question:

I'm using 4 12v lead acid batteries which weigh roughly 11kg in total. When I place these in the hull do I place these such that the waterline is parallel to the water all the way round? The reason I ask is that there still aren't any decks, superstructure or fittings on her and I worry that they'll all affect the trim on the vessel. Taking the weight of the CNC plastic sheet, halfing it to get a rough weight for what's actually used out of it and adding the weight of the metal fittings makes for roughly an extra 2kg, which could clearly quite severaly impact weight distribution and trim.

Could anyone offer some advice on how I should proceed intially? I'm assuming with this kit that there's no way to get the deck off again once fitted, so need to get the trim right at this stage.

Thank you for any help!

Fraser.

[nhp651]

yes is the simple answer,

 because you can "trim" her finally once you have built up the model.

also taking into account the wight of the plastic material and all the fittings/ electronics when prelimiarily ballasting it ,add this weight to your  initial ballast pack  or she'll lie too far down in the water,once fully trimmed and built.

[Stavros]

Fraser dont worry about it believe you ME I have jusst completed one,I have put the lead in the bow as described in the Model boat mag article and also in the stern.I am using 2 x 12v 7amp hour batts in her,1 x 6v gell cell and 2 x 2 ltr botts filled with water and she is still 3 mm above the water line.Personally I would go this way but it's up to you


Stav

[balders]

Hi,
  I echo what Stavros says.I also used two 12v batteries and two x two litre bottles filled at the waterside.I did'nt bother with any additional ballast and she does sit slightly above the waterline but it does not deter from the model in any way.I had the heeby jeebies when building her as Laurie led me to believe i'd need about 4 bottles,batteries and muscles like Popeye.She's a cracking boat but realised during the build that she would be too big for me so sold her on.But the pleasure is in the build for me and once she's up and running well it's time to sell her on and go back to slipway for a new build.I am trying to work my way through there complete catalogue as I rate there kits as second to none.
                                                                                     cheers  Andy 

[theberengersniper]

Thanks for the reassurance guys.

I have taken into account the weight of the fittings and the styrene sheet (at least approximately) and I still reckon I need more ballast total than the figure in the manual, but i'll go with what i've got and see what the outcome is. As you all say, you can add more later if necessary.

Can someone advise what kind of access there is to 'below' once the model is built?

Fraser.

[Number 6]

Hi there Fraser, I'm in the final stages of building Our Lass getting her ready for priming and painting. All comments made so far I agree with too. Access below the deck is a little tight but not too restrictive. I had been considering the idea of putting another opening towards the bow just big enough to get a hand in if needed but decided against it in the end, with the curve of the deck it would have been more trouble than it was worth. You'll have to post some pictures of your build. It's a great kit and very enjoyable, Dave.  

[manx venture]

very easy to put an extra hatch in her, i have done it to mine, from liferarfs forred to the gilson winch

[Number 6]

very easy to put an extra hatch in her, i have done it to mine, from liferarfs forred to the gilson winch

That's quite interesting mv, I thought of doing something similar but was concerned the hatch wouldn't sit properly. Do you find it fits ok and stays flush with the deck, does it just sit in place or fastened down? Have you tried it on the water, I know water shouldn't come over that part of the deck if sailed sensibly but does any come in through the hatch? I still haven't started painting her yet so could still put another hatch in. Dave. 

[manx venture]

yeah it sits in place no bother, i put 2 runners dwn the side to stop it falling right through, had it on the water loads and no water reached up there, even with it rolling about quiet abit

[Number 6]

Thanks for the info MV, I might do it myself. Just adding some more extra detail, hoping to start spraying her this week if it finally stops raining! Dave. 

[manx venture]

i have a scale trawl net that works and tow it behind her, great fun! the extra hatch makes it 10x easyier to get ballast and battreys in and out, think with just the wheelhouse accsess it be a nightmare, for the half hour it took to cut out id highly recommend it