Topic: Sterling American Scout (Read 18579 times)

Stan · « **on:** July 08, 2024, 09:40:30 pm »

Having built many models over the years, mostly using plastic items, I have decided to have a go at a build using wood. The kit chosen is the Sterling American Scout. Not an easy build and it is proving a slow build. The quality of the timber leaves a lot to be desired. Just a few pictures showing the first steps in construction.

roycv · « **Reply #1 on:** July 09, 2024, 12:15:29 am »

Hi, a few years ago I had a look at this kit as I fancied the model. The kit seems to be a large collection of balsa blocks! I decided it was not for me but good luck with it.
Roy

Circlip · « **Reply #2 on:** July 09, 2024, 08:50:16 am »

I detect a distinct touch of masochism, first a dumbass tug and now a stirling scout? There's hope for Aerykits vintage boxes in the attic.

Fingers crossed for Sunday.

Regards Ian.

Circlip · « **Reply #3 on:** July 09, 2024, 12:29:02 pm »

"All balsa, plywood and mahogany parts are accurately die-cut, embossed and shaped wherever necessary ....and construction is internotched so that each master-piece model 'Falls together' with amazing ease. Plans include step by step illustrations and instructions to create a fabulous reproduction which is equally at home on the mantelpiece or in action in the water"

Must be right, quoted from Sterling catalogue.

I see the Green and Grey are close to hand.

Fill yer boots mate.

Regards Ian.

Stan · « **Reply #4 on:** July 09, 2024, 01:24:36 pm »

So far having problems with poorly marked parts and not fitting correctly.I will persevere with the build.

Colin Bishop · « **Reply #5 on:** July 09, 2024, 01:59:55 pm »

The American Scout kit has had a dreadful reputation ever since it first appeared decades ago! Good luck.

Colin

Stan · « **Reply #6 on:** July 09, 2024, 07:20:34 pm »

A very stressful day while working on the American Scout build. Locating part numbers on the printed balsa could drive you to dispair.But I have carried on regardless and most of the formers are now in postion. It is a long time since have used modelling pins in a build.

Colin Bishop · « **Reply #7 on:** July 09, 2024, 07:47:13 pm »

Gosh, it does look crude!

Colin

SteamboatPhil · « **Reply #8 on:** July 09, 2024, 08:23:56 pm »

As we would say here Stan, "bon courage" I think a lot of patience and you will win

dougal99 · « **Reply #9 on:** July 09, 2024, 08:44:06 pm »

Looks very basic or a little old school. I shall watch your progress with interest. Good luck

dodes · « **Reply #10 on:** July 11, 2024, 05:23:07 pm »

Done right can make an impressive model, i have one in my garage, I renamed it Defender so as I can float it with another scout. Goes well on the pond and with all the derrick's etc, it makes a change from tugs and warships.

roycv · « **Reply #11 on:** July 11, 2024, 06:40:17 pm »

I see from post 6 that if the stress gets too much toilet paper is to hand.

Roy

Stan · « **Reply #12 on:** July 11, 2024, 07:03:33 pm »

Hi not that bad yet

Colin Bishop · « **Reply #13 on:** July 11, 2024, 07:05:20 pm »

I can just imagine what Dave Milbourn's comments might have been on seeing those construction images....

Toilet paper doesn't even begin to address it!

Colin

Stan · « **Reply #14 on:** July 11, 2024, 07:19:22 pm »

Hi Colin what is wrong with my pictures? Yes it is a very trying build I will be totally grey when it is complete.

Colin Bishop · « **Reply #15 on:** July 11, 2024, 07:42:36 pm »

Pictures are fine Stan, they just show how awkward the build is. However, as Dodes says, if you can complete it successfully then the underlying construction is concealed and it will look quite impressive.

The exterior of my latest Greek fishing boat build covers up some framing errors I'd prefer to forget. Wood is a very forgiving material.

Colin

Stan · « **Reply #16 on:** July 11, 2024, 09:45:19 pm »

Can anyone help with motor fitting in the Scout? I have found the prop shaft supplied in the kit only fit for the bin. Looks like i will be placing order wirh SHG for a m4 shaft.

Fastfaz · « **Reply #17 on:** July 12, 2024, 10:26:59 am »

Hi Stan,
Keep going you're doing fine, though I can fully understand the frustration with the poorly marked out timbers (reminds me of MMM drawings/plans). Hope you all have good weather on Sunday and the attendance is good, take care and stay safe.
Cheers, Pete

Stan · « **Reply #18 on:** July 12, 2024, 09:11:35 pm »

Update on the Scout it seems like some parts are missing. I need to check the scrap wood in the waste bag. A large number of items will need to be remade due to poor fitting. Model shop Leeds for some balsa sheets pictures to follow.

roycv · « **Reply #19 on:** July 13, 2024, 04:51:48 am »

Hi Stan I have been looking at models of American Scout on the Internet and she is a handsome design. The many derricks on board look great until you realise the man power needed to operate the prototype and the way things have changed now.
The character of this era and the detail gives a brilliant model. I have a small cargo boat and the derricks etc do enhance the detail etc
regards
Roy

Circlip · « **Reply #20 on:** July 13, 2024, 11:23:07 am »

Saw an example of this kit fifty years ago, it made AeroKits look like Tamiya in comparison to Airfix. Trouble is, wonder how the price of an "Original" kit will escalate after Stan's finished this one? Wonder how many Tug kits from TLOTF have sold on the strength of the 'Havoline' one?
Two examples of building rather than buying.

Regards Ian

dodes · « **Reply #21 on:** July 13, 2024, 05:24:05 pm »

You were asking about motors , I believe I fitted a 540 low noise (5xpole) with a black plastic screw on a 4mm shaft working on 6volts. When I go out to the garage next I will measure the screw and pass on the measurement to you. I went for a black screw as I was not sure what the original was made off, as it was a cheap war time build it could well have been fitted with a caste iron/steel screw.

roycv · « **Reply #22 on:** July 13, 2024, 08:20:01 pm »

I agree, I am not sure of the dimensions but cargo ships usually have low revving large propellors. My smaller scale one has a 2 inch dia. prop and you can almost watch it go round and the boat goes well.

I save a bit of extra power for avoiding less careful sailors on the lake!

I have favoured high voltage motors (12 - 18 volts) and run them on 6 volts when they will happily turn a large prop directly.
Most esc's need 7.2 volts (6 cells) to supply the rx. voltage via the BEC.

However, if you disconnect the red wire to the rx. and use a 4.8 volt separate battery supply for the rx. then you can run the motor at 3 or 4 volts if that suits. Actually I do not disconnect the red wire on the esc but insert an extension servo lead with the red wire cut in that lead, so much easier and keeps the esc as normal.
Roy

Roy

Stan · « **Reply #23 on:** July 13, 2024, 09:33:47 pm »

I have made many types of models over the years this one will test my skils to the limit it is just problem after a problem.

Stan · « **Reply #24 on:** July 18, 2024, 04:20:33 pm »

The first stage of building the American scout is complete. A selection of pictures showing the construction from different angles.Please note the the use of strait edges arcross the build to keep everything symmetrical.👍👍👍👍👍👍👍

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Author Topic: Sterling American Scout (Read 18579 times)