Model Boat Mayhem

Mess Deck: General Section => Model Boating => Topic started by: Silvermerlin on August 15, 2008, 04:16:06 pm

Title: Billings ZWARTE ZEE
Post by: Silvermerlin on August 15, 2008, 04:16:06 pm

I've just purchased the kit of the Zwarte Zee, can anyone recommend a suitable motor and what would be the best glue to fix the ply frames and decks to the styrene hull.  Thanks
Richard

Title: Re: Billings ZWARTE ZEE
Post by: Stavros on August 15, 2008, 04:53:22 pm

Stabilit express,Devcon 5 min or 30min epoxy,both excellent glues


Stavros

Title: Re: Billings ZWARTE ZEE
Post by: AlisterL on August 16, 2008, 05:15:52 am

Richard,

I purchased this kit in "started" condition about 18 months or so back. The original owner had trimmed the hull badly and put in the frames with some sort of epoxy. I was able to pull the frames out and separate them all without any trouble. When I put them back in again I made sure that I "keyed" the surface of the hull where the epoxy would go so that it could grab on and make a mechanical join. I used an 80 grit sandpaper to do that.

As for motor, and some will shudder over this, but I have a can motor from a 12v cordless drill on about 3:1 reduction gearing with 6 volts and that appears to be more than sufficient in the bathtub testing. I did not test it with the ballast that I seem to need to bring it down to the waterline - about 3kg!

I am still working on the model and making slow progress due to time, budget and children. I would be very interested in how you deal with trimming the bow of the hull - particularly where the moulded hull come out flat (at right angles effectively) from the vertical side of the hull - does that stay or go? There are some other interesting bits in it as well. Once again, I think I have bitten off more than I can chew!

Good luck,

Alister.

Title: Re: Billings ZWARTE ZEE
Post by: geoff p on August 16, 2008, 06:22:20 am

Silvermerlin,
Donkeys' years ago when I built the Billings Zwarte Zee - it was plank-on-frame in those days - I used a small can motor with an elastic-band drive down to the prop-shaft.  I've learned a lot since then - use BIG elastic bands  :)
Geoff

Title: Re: Billings ZWARTE ZEE
Post by: Silvermerlin on August 16, 2008, 02:48:41 pm

Hi Stavros, Alister & Geoff

Thanks for the suggestions.  Good point about keying the hull, I am glad you mentioned it.  Not sure from the plan how the bow section is to be trimmed, does anyone know. I will have to try and make a start on the build

Richard