Print

Please login or register.
1 Hour 1 Day 1 Week 1 Month Forever
Login with username, password and session length.

[Bob K]

Make and Mend week

One problem with making two plus hour sailing sessions twice a week is that, inevitably, a certain amount of transit / handling damage builds up over time.  So, every so often I need a Make and Mend week.  Most of the fleet have been on the dry dock work bench this week.

• HMS Amazon has a tripod flagstaff that overhangs the stern, even its base, which is quite vulnerable.  Having already repaired it twice I decided to remake it in thicker brass tubes.  No longer quite scale, but more solid.  A few other minor bits reaffixed.
• HMS Skirmisher has had both flagstaffs replaced, plus some crew members and other bits re-stuck in place.
• Cruiser Descartes slipped out of her rubber slings last week which resulted in hitting the ground stern first.  I thought it was going to need a prop shaft replacement, but luckily the brass A frames absorbed the impact.  A frames repaired and shaft now runs true again.  Phew!
  
• Iggle Piggle boat has a poorly motor.  Probably fluff from the scale figure that fits over it.  Replacement motor, plus a better coupling fitted.  The push fit rubber ones are useless IMO.
• Lastly Polyphemus has loads of vulnerable and hull-overhanging detail which even a carry case does not entirely protect.  It is a heavy boat, having to squeeze diagonally in the car.  I managed to clip the topmast off at Alfold under an overhanging landing platform.  Overall, lots to mend, but all done now.

Anyone else have battle damage to repair through high mileage sailing?

[Capt Podge]

Hi Bob.

Mine's not so much "battle damage" as "exhibition damage" - to be expected.

Nearest to camera: TON 12. Main net spar on port side snapped in half - temporarily repaired with piece of clear tubing.
Next : Amaranth. Rigging on aft mast snapped. Crewman pulled from fo'c'sle deck (still onboard due to hands being secured to the anchor chain)
Next : Denise Anne. Just some minor rigging damage to repair.
Next : Denise B. Again, minor rigging damage.
Last : Layla. Liferaft canister gone from port side - other one a bit grubby, so I'll make 2 new ones.

So, overall, not too bad considering they have been on display for 4 weeks plus.

Once repaired, they will be cleaned up and stored safely, ready for the next exhibition - or sailing session perhaps....


Regards,

Ray.

[Vts99]

Just wondering but during transport of your models do u have them on basic stands or inside transport crates as I've saw a few people build boxes where one side drops to access it and it protects the boat during transport . Only downside is it may take extra space up in your vehicle

[Bob K]

Maneuvering a largish heavy, and delicate, ship through several doorways takes its toll, as well as getting it out of the car the other side.  Sometimes protective cases, with hinged or removable lids, can in themselves be a cause of damage to delicate extremities.  My most transported vessel has made more than 200 round trips to various lakes and shows.  Even when 'safe' on the lakeside trolley there are always the fingers of bystander adults, to say nothing of the hazards of lifting into the water.  Even then it is not safe.  Other boats, enthusiastic wildlife etc ...

Other than building in solid stainless steel, with zero detail, risk comes with the job.

[phil_parker]

I'm a big fan of wooden boat boxes. Yes, they add to bulk a little, but if they save one little bit of damage then they are worth it.

In a car, you can wedge a box in place to stop it sliding around with anything to hand. Try this with an un-boxed boat and you have to be more careful. Fine if you plan your sail in advance, but for "It's a nice day I'll head to the lake for half an hour" trips, the box should protect your pride and joy.

Mind you, damage still occurs. I need to replace a fender on my Bantam after helping rescue another boat this morning.



(More on this boat on my blog)