Model Boat Mayhem

The Shipyard ( Dry Dock ): Builds & Questions => Springer Tugs => Topic started by: radiojoe on November 04, 2017, 07:39:46 pm

Title: GALA GIRL (Springer tug)
Post by: radiojoe on November 04, 2017, 07:39:46 pm: Hi all, With Brocklesby almost completed apart from the odd bit of detail I think of now and then, I've had the urge to build something and another Springer will do nicely, fairly cheap to build and a compact size, after a rummage round my work shop I found I had most of the running gear, just a prop and coupling to buy and of course the plywood from SLEC.COM that came the next day.
So I've been having fun this week doing the drawings for Gala Girl, as I've chosen to call her, I say Springer, it's more Springer-ish, I'm modding the hull to get away from the inverted wing shape by having some flat areas front and bottom, it will be interesting to see if there is any effect the submarining tendency, and this time I'm determined to build slower, well that's the plan anyway.

Joe.
Title: Re: GALA GIRL (Springer tug)
Post by: Starspider on November 07, 2017, 08:49:42 am: Joe good drawings a second career maybe ok2 . To slow you down perhaps the good lady could tie one of your hands to the bench or behind your back %% , although not sure that would slow you that much. Think I will follow along always learn something.
Enjoy your build.

Colin
Title: Re: GALA GIRL (Springer tug)
Post by: radiojoe on November 07, 2017, 10:01:52 am: Thanks Colin, of course when she's finished your third bell will have pride of place on her wheelhouse. :-))
This build is something to do during the long winter days, sitting nice and warm watching telly is fine now and then but every day would drive me nuts. %%
So now I'm almost finished the drawings and have all the running gear and plywood together, so next I'll make the rudder, I don't know why but in all my scratch builds I've made the rudder first, it's probably because I think of the rudder as part of the running gear if that makes sense, anyway I'll do a build log on her if only to keep me focused so after she's finnished I have a folder of photos if I didn't do a log I'd probably forget to take photos. O0
Title: Re: GALA GIRL (Springer tug)
Post by: Starspider on November 07, 2017, 03:47:40 pm: No what you mean about the TV. Hoping to get my shed finished over the next couple of weeks and get started on some modelling at last >>:-(
Shall look forward to the build log always learn something lol. Rudder first is as good as anywhere to start just as long as you enjoy it.
Colin
Title: Re: GALA GIRL (Springer tug)
Post by: radiojoe on November 07, 2017, 04:40:36 pm: Made the rudder today by laminating pieces of styrene over the stock, I've chosen a fishtail rudder again as it worked so well on my first Springer. the fishtail is formed by having the two outer 0.5mm laminations wider than the two center 1.5mm ones then the over hang on the 0.5 ones are bent outwards and the void is filled with P38. ok2

Joe
Title: Re: GALA GIRL (Springer tug)
Post by: Starspider on November 07, 2017, 11:57:46 pm: Looks a good way to do the fish tail. Do you solder straps to the stock to bury in the laminations or rely on just the glue on the stock.

Colin
Title: Re: GALA GIRL (Springer tug)
Post by: radiojoe on November 08, 2017, 10:13:45 am: The portion of the stock inside the rudder has several flat areas ground in, all the laminates are bonded with poly cement but the stock and the last lamination is bonded with epoxy, I make all my rudders this way now. :-))

Joe
Title: Re: GALA GIRL (Springer tug)
Post by: Starspider on November 08, 2017, 10:48:19 pm: I will give that a try Joe, see learning sfuff all ready lol

Colin
Title: Re: GALA GIRL (Springer tug)
Post by: ballastanksian on November 09, 2017, 10:38:07 pm: The only issue I can see with building her slower is that, with less to build on this model compared with the detail monsters that warships are, it will not take very long to build even slowly :-) Perhaps you could build several alternative superstructures to fit on her to occupy you during the winter but not fill your house up with hulls.
Title: Re: GALA GIRL (Springer tug)
Post by: radiojoe on November 09, 2017, 11:00:37 pm: I hear what you'r saying Ian, I have resolved not to work on her every day and not to get too obsessed with the build as I've tended to do in the past I made the rudder two days ago and have been doing other stuff even went to Southsea yeterday for an afternoon tea at the Queens Hotel shmbo had a voucher as a present £18 each we thought it was highly over rated and we were looking for the gold nuggets buried in the cakes %% seriously though I plan on doing a bit now and then I have to remember it's not just me that's retired
Title: Re: GALA GIRL (Springer tug)
Post by: ballastanksian on November 10, 2017, 11:30:00 pm: Good point Joe.

You will have to make an afternoon tea once a week for Mrs Joe and your good self that is better than the one you experienced in Southsea. I would expect a selection of sandwiches, a number of cakes and perhaps even a few biccies along with a good sized pot of good tea.

If you cannot get five cups of tea per person out of a pot then you have been diddled :-)
Title: Re: GALA GIRL (Springer tug)
Post by: radiojoe on November 11, 2017, 04:39:14 pm: Your right there Ian, Afternoon Tea at home would be far better than the Queen Hotel, the finger sandwiches all had some kind of mayo, salsa, or chilly in them so that put the mockers on it for me I can't stand garnish like that, why do they and the likes of Mc Donalds and Burger King do that what happened to add it if you want it, it takes the us twice as long to get a big mac, after trying to explain to the zombie behind the till that we don't want any mayo or sauce, but they have only been trained to push buttons and you know by the blank look on their face that it ain't going to work >>:-( <*< one of my pet hates, don't you know. >:-o

Anyway rant over,, made a start on the hull today, I've put large fillets in the corners because I want to have a large radius on them. :-)

Joe
Title: Re: GALA GIRL (Springer tug)
Post by: derekwarner on November 11, 2017, 08:49:23 pm: Wow....$62.00 for 2 cups of tea & few finger sandwiches :embarrassed: ......Derek
Title: Re: GALA GIRL (Springer tug)
Post by: radiojoe on November 11, 2017, 09:01:36 pm: That's right Derek, plus two small cakes and a scone and jam, not a price I would pay, it was a voucher my wife had as a present. {:-{
Title: Re: GALA GIRL (Springer tug)
Post by: Starspider on November 14, 2017, 11:42:00 pm: £36 would buy a nice amount of ply or plasticard %) just saying, but Jill would .......... <*< Lol
Title: Re: GALA GIRL (Springer tug)
Post by: radiojoe on November 15, 2017, 09:32:50 am: Your right there Colin, well lets face it £36 is enough to build the whole Springer, well as far as the wife's concerned anyway %) %)
%% {-)

Joe.
Title: Re: GALA GIRL (Springer tug)
Post by: radiojoe on November 15, 2017, 11:28:42 am: A little more done, trying to soften the corners with large radii, that's going to make the gunwalls a bit tricky, maybe heating and bending styrene, ah well it's a challenge.

Joe
Title: Re: GALA GIRL (Springer tug)
Post by: radiojoe on November 16, 2017, 05:10:59 pm: A bit more progress, fitted the shaft tube/skeg and rudder tube.

Joe
Title: Re: GALA GIRL (Springer tug)
Post by: SailorGreg on November 16, 2017, 07:49:24 pm: :-)) :-)) :-))

Any novel ideas for the topsides? Weird and wonderful Springers seem to be the fashion at the moment!

Greg
Title: Re: GALA GIRL (Springer tug)
Post by: radiojoe on November 16, 2017, 08:06:02 pm: (http://www.modelboatmayhem.co.uk/forum/index.php?action=dlattach;topic=59355.0;attach=179629;image)

Hi Greg, she's going to be fairly traditional with a higher bridge than my first Springer, and no doubt the usual Pinups in the wheelhouse. %)

Joe
Title: Re: GALA GIRL (Springer tug)
Post by: Starspider on November 17, 2017, 08:43:13 am: Looking good but I reckon you will be finished by Christmas :-))

Peace Colin
Title: Re: GALA GIRL (Springer tug)
Post by: bfgstew on November 17, 2017, 08:47:14 am: Coming on nicely Joe.
I am finding making the superstructure takes longer than the hull, worth the wait.

Stewart
Title: Re: GALA GIRL (Springer tug)
Post by: radiojoe on November 17, 2017, 07:36:03 pm: You could be right there Colin, but the hull is the easy part, and as Stewart said the superstructure and detailing should take longer.

just a little done today, finished off the skeg, and formed a coffer dam under the fore end of the shaft to catch any possible drips, then a couple of coats of sanding sealer so I can float the hull to find the best arrangement for the internals, I'm only using one 5000mah 6v nimh battery I happened to have spare, so I'll find the best place for it and the rest of the running gear and any extra ballast needed, my first Springer carries two sla batteries and still needed lead ballast.

Joe.
Title: Re: GALA GIRL (Springer tug)
Post by: ballastanksian on November 20, 2017, 07:31:32 pm: Quote from: radiojoe on November 15, 2017, 09:32:50 am
Your right there Colin, well lets face it £36 is enough to build the whole Springer, well as far as the wife's concerned anyway %) %)
%% {-)

Joe.

Yes, but joning Jill for afternoon tea and spending some quantitiy time with her will I am sure have earned you many 'Husband points' to bank for future show attendances etc :-))

I lie how even with a model as simple as a Sringer, you have added extra tweaks like the scalloping of the rudder skeg, brill.
Title: Re: GALA GIRL (Springer tug)
Post by: radiojoe on November 20, 2017, 08:36:59 pm: Thanks Ian, yes even though Springers are fun boats I still like to make mine look kind of "real" :o

Fitted the rudder/skeg rail and tried the prop in place, same set up as Gopha Girl it works well on her, the skeg rail offers some protection to the rudder. Changed my mind about the 6volt nimh battery and using a 2s 4000mah lipo I had spare, only 1.4 volts more but surprisingly more grunt to the motor, next I'll fit the running gear having done a float test to see the best arrangement, with every thing on board she's still about an inch too high so with the superstructure etc. she'll still need ballast.

Joe.
Title: Re: GALA GIRL (Springer tug)
Post by: radiojoe on November 23, 2017, 12:40:36 pm: Fitted the running gear and tested all working fine, first time I've used a bonded rubber coupling, runs very quiet and smooth, next I'll start the deck.

Joe
Title: Re: GALA GIRL (Springer tug)
Post by: radiojoe on November 25, 2017, 06:46:22 pm: Made a start on the deck, and fitted the access upstands, I thought I'd have a small hatch over the tiller flat just big enough to get an allen key in just in case, next I'll make the forward rams and fit them before I start the superstructure.

Joe.
Title: Re: GALA GIRL (Springer tug)
Post by: radiojoe on November 29, 2017, 04:04:21 pm: made the rams and fitted them, next comes the superstructure, I put two layers of masking tape on the upstands and build the structure in situ this give a clearance on the finished structure and stops the glue sticking to the upstands. ok2

Joe
Title: Re: GALA GIRL (Springer tug)
Post by: radiojoe on December 01, 2017, 01:50:01 pm: Next up is the superstructure base plate then the aft panel with cut out for the stairs, the front panel of the lockers and then the fore panel with an upstand for the lower wheelhouse front then the two sides, also cut the upper deck ready to fit.

I made an alteration to the design and taken out the walk way in front of the wheelhouse instead the front of the wheelhouse goes down to some lockers I thought this looked better, on a real tug the walk way would have restricted the downward view from the front windows.

Joe.
Title: Re: GALA GIRL (Springer tug)
Post by: Starspider on December 01, 2017, 10:55:15 pm: Looking good Joe but if you carry on this quick I may have too revise my finishing date :-))

Peace colin
Title: Re: GALA GIRL (Springer tug)
Post by: ballastanksian on December 01, 2017, 11:04:49 pm: You are doing a great job Joe. Possibly a bit fast, so I reccomend more Afternoon teas with your good lady :}

Now where's those Hobnobs......
Title: Re: GALA GIRL (Springer tug)
Post by: radiojoe on December 02, 2017, 09:38:55 am: Well all the dreaded Christmas shopping should slow this down some, I'm being dragged out kicking and screaming again today, I'll get her to get some Hobnobs as a compensation. %% O0

Joe
Title: Re: GALA GIRL (Springer tug)
Post by: bfgstew on December 02, 2017, 03:13:36 pm: Slow down Joe, you'll have nowt to do over holidays........ %%

She's coming along nicely...... :-))

Waiting on some electronics to come so can knock up my own BEC, then mine can have a proper sail. Still working on the flight deck and got hold of a 1/144 scale harrier, bit on the large side but this was built for fun and not for judging or critique.

Stewart
Title: Re: GALA GIRL (Springer tug)
Post by: radiojoe on December 03, 2017, 01:19:48 pm: Yes as you say Stewart they are a bit of fun so scale isn't that important so the Harrier should look good, I've based mine on roughly 1:24 just so I can get an idea of the size to make stuff. :-))

Joe
Title: Re: GALA GIRL (Springer tug)
Post by: radiojoe on December 04, 2017, 09:06:16 pm: With the upper deck on I fitted the magnets I got from e-bay, so amazingly strong it only needed two pairs on the center line and you can pick up the whole boat just grasping the superstructure also made a hatch cover for the tiller flat and did a bit of detailing on it, not much room for magnets here so I glued a piece of lead in the cover this holds it down nicely, well I hadn't touched it for a couple of days. :o

Joe
Title: Re: GALA GIRL (Springer tug)
Post by: ballastanksian on December 04, 2017, 11:31:24 pm: Nice :-)) I have some of those little magnets for some wargaming models to pop them onto various bases (display or gaming). Your progress looks fab Joe.
Title: Re: GALA GIRL (Springer tug)
Post by: radiojoe on December 05, 2017, 06:02:09 pm: Thanks Ian,, Look who's turned up today it's Skipper Tom inspecting the progress, I hadn't realised he had one foot higher when I ordered him never mind I'll have the steering column on a plinth so he can stand near the wheel, actually that may look more natural. %%

Joe
Title: Re: GALA GIRL (Springer tug)
Post by: SailorGreg on December 06, 2017, 06:14:18 pm: Knowing your attention to detail Joe I wouldn't be surprised to see the skipper's pipe belching smoke! Now there's a challenge! {-)

Greg
Title: Re: GALA GIRL (Springer tug)
Post by: radiojoe on December 06, 2017, 06:27:09 pm: ho thanks Greg, now let me think hmmm. {-) {-) {-) on second thoughts the tug is a work place so no smoking by law so I've taken Toms matches away,, phew saved. %%

Joe
Title: Re: GALA GIRL (Springer tug)
Post by: SailorGreg on December 06, 2017, 06:29:59 pm: {-) {-) {-)
Title: Re: GALA GIRL (Springer tug)
Post by: radiojoe on December 09, 2017, 12:00:17 pm: Started the wheelhouse, cutting out the windows and doorways was tiresome probably would have been easier in styrene but I like working with ply, ultimately I think it makes a stronger structure, fitting out the wheelhouse will be done using styrene.

Joe
Title: Re: GALA GIRL (Springer tug)
Post by: bfgstew on December 09, 2017, 12:10:39 pm: She's coming along nicely Joe......... :-))
Title: Re: GALA GIRL (Springer tug)
Post by: radiojoe on December 12, 2017, 12:18:40 pm: Thanks Stewart, I've been having fun with the wheelhouse fit out and also made the funnel stack, my mouldings of the 1:48 water tight doors came in handy for the locker hatches.

Joe
Title: Re: GALA GIRL (Springer tug)
Post by: derekwarner on December 12, 2017, 08:32:54 pm: Joe...did you saw one of the Skippers legs off?......or was he born in the Hills Country {-) Derek
Title: Re: GALA GIRL (Springer tug)
Post by: radiojoe on December 13, 2017, 02:30:44 pm: Hi Derek, no that's the way he came, he has one leg bent up a bit, that's why I've put a plinth at the wheel housing it's about 2.8mm, I hadn't realised this when I bought him, you can see the bend in the leg better here, he will eventually be situated inside the wheelhouse near the wheel so once the roof is on the leg shouldn't be so noticeable.

Joe
Title: Re: GALA GIRL (Springer tug)
Post by: radiojoe on December 19, 2017, 11:30:17 am: I made the wheelhouse furniture in removable modules so it will be easier to detail and paint them before final fit, also made the sliding doors and scribed some detail on the wheelhouse ones, then made a start on the gunwalls, made a bit of a mistake, got carried away and bonded them in place then I realised I hadn't cut out the scuppers etc. I don't want to remove them now it was a bit of a job getting the radius corners right, I'll just have to cut them out in situ.

Joe.
Title: Re: GALA GIRL (Springer tug)
Post by: Starspider on December 19, 2017, 03:14:03 pm: Looking good Joe, finished by christmas? O0

colin
Title: Re: GALA GIRL (Springer tug)
Post by: Netleyned on December 19, 2017, 03:25:58 pm: Quote from: radiojoe on December 13, 2017, 02:30:44 pm
Hi Derek, no that's the way he came, he has one leg bent up a bit, that's why I've put a plinth at the wheel housing it's about 2.8mm, I hadn't realised this when I bought him, you can see the bend in the leg better here, he will eventually be situated inside the wheelhouse near the wheel so once the roof is on the leg shouldn't be so noticeable.

Joe

The one I got for my Springer was the Boss Capitan from CM and arrived in six bits courtesy of RM
Stuck the bits back together as it wer'n't CMB 's fault and I was not going to bother with RMail
He is shown in the wheelhouse of my springer on here somewhere.

Ned
Title: Re: GALA GIRL (Springer tug)
Post by: radiojoe on December 19, 2017, 04:00:57 pm: Hi Colin, not if the wife's go anything to do with it, 5 days to go that's at least another two days shopping, %% {-)

Hi Ned, my skipper came in a fairly stiff blister pack so he was in one piece. :-))

Joe
Title: Re: GALA GIRL (Springer tug)
Post by: Starspider on December 19, 2017, 04:28:15 pm: Joe did you have to mention the S word I need a lay down now {:-{
Title: Re: GALA GIRL (Springer tug)
Post by: radiojoe on December 19, 2017, 04:44:19 pm: I know what you mean Colin, I really do. :(( {-)

Joe.
Title: Re: GALA GIRL (Springer tug)
Post by: radiojoe on December 27, 2017, 03:39:43 pm: Done some more to the bulwarks and managed to cut out the scuppers etc. in situ that I had forgot to do before bonding in place, I also managed to do the round corners reasonably ok and should look better with the bulwark capping on, also made up the wheelhouse roof while waiting for glue to dry elsewhere this will stay loose till the boat is finished.

Joe
Title: Re: GALA GIRL (Springer tug)
Post by: ballastanksian on December 27, 2017, 06:17:41 pm: Aw, now that is a Crimbo present for the eyes Joe!
Title: Re: GALA GIRL (Springer tug)
Post by: radiojoe on December 27, 2017, 06:48:04 pm: Thanks Ian, Happy new year to you and everyone on Mayhem. :-))
Title: Re: GALA GIRL (Springer tug)
Post by: Starspider on December 28, 2017, 12:09:18 am: Ok Joe you win >>:-( not xmas finish I,m off to sulk.
Looking good mate.

Peace colin
Title: Re: GALA GIRL (Springer tug)
Post by: radiojoe on December 28, 2017, 09:36:19 am: Cheers Colin, All the best for the new year mate. :-))

Joe
Title: Re: GALA GIRL (Springer tug)
Post by: mike_victoriabc on December 28, 2017, 03:11:35 pm: Good looking build there!

Thanks for the posts.
Title: Re: GALA GIRL (Springer tug)
Post by: mrzippy on December 28, 2017, 06:15:02 pm: Hi Joe,

Finding this an interesting, enjoyable, if somewhat rapid build to follow.

I'm working up ideas for a big (possibly twice size) quick build Springer style tug,
with enough grunt to push loaded barges or me in a canoe/punt around my local lake,
might try a split catamaran style hull to try and avoid the diving problem?

The ABS bulwark (an area where I struggle - trying to steam ply etc) is very interesting,
wondering what glue you have put your faith in to bond the plastic bulwark to the wooden (or varnished wooden) deck?
and how you formed the neat bends in the corners of the ABS bulwarks - possibly heated up around a dowel??
your method would save me hours of old school mucking about, turning SWMBO'S kitchen into a sauna etc !

Looking forward to more posts in the future. Paul
Title: Re: GALA GIRL (Springer tug)
Post by: radiojoe on December 28, 2017, 07:19:49 pm: Hi Paul, Glad you are finding it of interest, yes Springers are quite an easy build so tends to be quick I'm trying to take my time by doing a bit then leaving it a day or two.
The glue I always use is Admiral Glues Professional Cyanoacrylate Thin, a bit more costly than the standard superglue but worth every penny, a very powerful glue, if I were to pull a bulwark off of the deck it would take some of the wood surface with it, and being thin you can assemble the joint and run the glue into it capillary action dose the rest, as for bending the styrene I carefully heat with a Black & Decker heat gun and bend round a former, you have to heat it just enough too much and it distorts, I've tried boiling water but the heat is too wide spread so you get bends where you don't want them, Hope this helps.
Joe. :-))
Title: Re: GALA GIRL (Springer tug)
Post by: Starspider on December 28, 2017, 10:25:09 pm: Joe all best for a happy and healthy new year for your good lady and yourself.

Peace olin
Title: Re: GALA GIRL (Springer tug)
Post by: mrzippy on December 29, 2017, 11:00:02 am: Hi Joe,

Thank you very much for the concise reply, glue's on order and I have a Black & Decker heat gun
buried in somewhere in the workshop - time for some experimenting ! cheers Paul
Title: Re: GALA GIRL (Springer tug)
Post by: radiojoe on December 29, 2017, 01:22:12 pm: Hi Paul, Yeah I've tried all sorts of super glues but after I found Admiralty Glues Professional Thin I haven't used anything else, apart from Alphatic wood glue for large wood joints, I did a test when I first started using it by making up a small container out of styrene about 2" cube
and just ran the glue into the joints left it for 30 minutes and filled it with water it was still intact 6 weeks later and still had water in it, just a tip though try not to breathe in the vapours when using it, if I'm gluing a lot I have a small fan blowing across the bench, I'd be interested to hear what you think of it. :-))

Joe
Title: Re: GALA GIRL (Springer tug)
Post by: ballastanksian on December 29, 2017, 04:12:46 pm: Cyano loves your moist nasal linings and lots of exposure can be uncomfortable, so do as uncle Joe suggests and work in short spells or get some air flow.
Title: Re: GALA GIRL (Springer tug)
Post by: radiojoe on January 06, 2018, 01:56:07 pm: Finished off the bulwarks today by fitting the capping's these help cover any slight kinks where I bent the corners, the hull is just about ready for priming but it's a bit cold and damp in the garage so will just have to wait till some better weather, next up is the panels and railings around the wheelhouse.

Joe
Title: Re: GALA GIRL (Springer tug)
Post by: bfgstew on January 06, 2018, 02:52:43 pm: Gala girl is looking good Joe, grand job on those bulwarks......... :-))
Title: Re: GALA GIRL (Springer tug)
Post by: radiojoe on January 09, 2018, 04:10:15 pm: Thanks Stewart,, So a bit more done, the wheelhouse side panels, I've stopped these at the rear of the wheelhouse the rest of the bridge deck will have railings, also done the fore and aft ventilators.

Joe
Title: Re: GALA GIRL (Springer tug)
Post by: SailorGreg on January 09, 2018, 05:44:39 pm: :-)) :-)) :-))

I'm having a bash at a springer now Joe - decided to use up a lot of those bits and pieces of wood and plastic that I have kept over the years "just in case" - well, this is the case! Having said that, I have bought a motor, a kort nozzle, a crew, various little fittings... So my cheapy from scrap has become a bit of a sink for money, funny how it quickly mounts up! Still doing all the hull and superstructure from what I had. Taking a lot of tips from you of course :} !

Greg
Title: Re: GALA GIRL (Springer tug)
Post by: radiojoe on January 09, 2018, 06:40:53 pm: Good on yer Greg, I look forward to seeing your progress, yes a lot of fun to build and handy to have in the back of the car just in case, I like the fact you can use your imagination, I did have to buy all the plywood for mine but keep that quiet as far as the wife's concerned it's all built from scrap and odds and ends. %% O0 :embarrassed:

Joe
Title: Re: GALA GIRL (Springer tug)
Post by: radiojoe on January 13, 2018, 02:43:01 pm: Made the steering wheel a couple of days ago, and spent the last two days re grouting the bath room, after sooo many hints from swmbo, great fun NOT, so now back to Gala Girl.

Joe
Title: Re: GALA GIRL (Springer tug)
Post by: bfgstew on January 13, 2018, 03:53:44 pm: You really need a soldering mat Joe, you'll end up burning your house down....... %)

http://www.diy.com/departments/b-q-soldering-mat-l-250mm-w-245mm/161521_BQ.prd (http://www.diy.com/departments/b-q-soldering-mat-l-250mm-w-245mm/161521_BQ.prd)
Title: Re: GALA GIRL (Springer tug)
Post by: radiojoe on January 13, 2018, 04:16:38 pm: Yes I can see it would be useful, I used one years ago to protect the walls behind Yorkshire fittings when I did some plumbing, but I'd still need the plywood to hold all the components together,

Joe
Title: Re: GALA GIRL (Springer tug)
Post by: ballastanksian on January 13, 2018, 10:08:31 pm: The bulwarks are lovely Joe. They add lots of interest to the model on their own :-))
Title: Re: GALA GIRL (Springer tug)
Post by: radiojoe on January 15, 2018, 03:50:42 pm: Thanks Ian,, Made up and fitted the bridge deck railings today, there's not much more I can do till after the paint job now so I hope we get a dry spell so I can get down the garage and do some spray priming, I thinking of painting her the traditional harbour tug livery of black topsides and ochre yellow superstructure with green or dark grey decks.

Joe.
Title: Re: GALA GIRL (Springer tug)
Post by: Starspider on January 16, 2018, 11:53:44 pm: Looking good Joe nice work
Colin
Title: Re: GALA GIRL (Springer tug)
Post by: ballastanksian on January 17, 2018, 10:36:42 pm: I could see that superstructure put onto a standard tug hull and it looking just as right Joe. I like the brasswork, inspiring as ever :-))
Title: Re: GALA GIRL (Springer tug)
Post by: Captain fizz on January 27, 2018, 04:42:55 pm: Cracking job Joe, a work of art!

Simon.
Title: Re: GALA GIRL (Springer tug)
Post by: radiojoe on January 27, 2018, 05:04:56 pm: Thank you Simon, I can't do much more until I get the hull and superstructure primed and painted, waiting for a dry warmer period to spray in the garage.

Joe.
Title: Re: GALA GIRL (Springer tug)
Post by: radiojoe on February 16, 2018, 02:47:30 pm: well at last the weather has improved and was warm and dry enough yesterday to get the priming done and today the top coat on the superstructure, now I can carry on with the wheelhouse fit out, just realised I've run out of dark green for the decks and the local model shop where I used to get paint and some materials has closed down and the postage for a pot of paint would be prohibitive, so it looks like an outing for the wife and me to craft store about 25 miles away, cost one pot of paint and no doubt lunch to boot %%

Joe
Title: Re: GALA GIRL (Springer tug)
Post by: Martin (Admin) on February 16, 2018, 03:42:58 pm: Looks Great Joe!

.... How about one of these as a sound generator?!

(https://www.marineinsight.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/03/P1030135.jpg)
Title: Re: GALA GIRL (Springer tug)
Post by: Netleyned on February 16, 2018, 03:46:38 pm: Need to cut it in half for a 4cyl {-)
Joe, make sure the wife pays for the
Petrol, as well as the lunch and paint :-))

Ned
Title: Re: GALA GIRL (Springer tug)
Post by: radiojoe on February 16, 2018, 04:39:20 pm: Martin, Gonna need a bigger boat %%

Ned, sounds like a plan to me O0

Joe :-))
Title: Re: GALA GIRL (Springer tug)
Post by: Martin (Admin) on February 16, 2018, 05:48:49 pm: Apparently, 'You're gonna need a bigger boat!" was an ad lib by Roy Scheider ( in the film Jaws )!
Title: Re: GALA GIRL (Springer tug)
Post by: radiojoe on February 16, 2018, 06:04:52 pm: That's right Martin, I remember it well, I still don' t go in the sea. {-) .

Joe
Title: Re: GALA GIRL (Springer tug)
Post by: radiojoe on February 19, 2018, 03:47:45 pm: I've been having some fun with the wheelhouse, it would seem that Sam has a thing for Marilyn, and why not she was a cracker, I'll add more detail later as I think of it.
I got the green paint for the decks today so they willbe done next It would be very difficult to mask around all the bulwark braces so I'll hand paint the decks and the mask the whole deck area to spray the topsides/bulwarks.
Joe
Title: Re: GALA GIRL (Springer tug)
Post by: mike_victoriabc on February 19, 2018, 04:22:49 pm: Great details there.
Looks good!
Title: Re: GALA GIRL (Springer tug)
Post by: radiojoe on February 23, 2018, 04:07:26 pm: I've been busy completing the paint job the last few days, and now just leaves a bit of detailing and some deck fittings etc. I've got some bollards I made and cast for my last Springer that should look ok, haven't decided yet whether to fit working nav lights, I did fit them to my other springer but they are seldom used, but then it is fun fitting them we'll see.

Joe. :-))
Title: Re: GALA GIRL (Springer tug)
Post by: Netleyned on February 23, 2018, 04:32:23 pm: Sam is a naughty boy rolling charts
up like that.
Charts are always stowed flat with
one told normally.
Think I will have to tell his Dad Bert
who drives my Springer. O0

Ned
Title: Re: GALA GIRL (Springer tug)
Post by: radiojoe on February 23, 2018, 06:20:02 pm: Of course you are quite right Ned, I've had a word with the Skipper I think he was getting at me for getting his name wrong in an earlier post, it's Tom, Sam is the Skipper of my other springer Gohpa Girl, yes I remember seeing chart tables with large drawers underneath and as you say the charts folded in half, it will be corrected.

Joe :-))
Title: Re: GALA GIRL (Springer tug)
Post by: Starspider on February 23, 2018, 06:37:06 pm: Looking good Joe :-))
Title: Re: GALA GIRL (Springer tug)
Post by: ballastanksian on February 23, 2018, 11:15:07 pm: Too right, lovely work and the paint job is very tidy.

(I meant work and not a species from Lord of the rings)
Title: Re: GALA GIRL (Springer tug)
Post by: Terry on February 23, 2018, 11:47:50 pm: Joe, have you had this hull in the water. Curious how well it performs.

Cheers, Terry.
Title: Re: GALA GIRL (Springer tug)
Post by: radiojoe on February 24, 2018, 11:31:49 am: Thanks as always for you kind comment Ian, :-))

Hi Terry, as of yet she's only had a floatation test in the home dock to check water line/ ballast etc. she certainly sits in the water well and tethered to the end bollards (bath taps) she pulls with good power and just about turns in the width of the bath, the deviation in the standard Springer hull shape is a bit of an experiment to see if it makes any difference to the submarining tendencies, I've always thought that maybe the Springer hull shape being almost an inverted wing could cause the diving effect so I thought I'd try it with the hull flatted off to see if it makes any difference, she'll be ready for her first trials soon but I'll probably wait for the weather to warm up a bit first. :-))

Joe
Title: Re: GALA GIRL (Springer tug)
Post by: radiojoe on February 26, 2018, 02:57:12 pm: The third bell kindly donated by Colin (Starspider) is now in pride of place, not sure whether tugs have bells but mine do. ok2

I'm using the same bollard mouldings as my Gopha Girl They look about right, and a couple of life raft capsules the good thing about these is they come in all sizes so it's assumed that these are two man rafts, when I tried an oil drum moulding used on Gopha Girl it somehow looked a bit too small on Gala Girl maybe because she has a larger superstructure so I made a larger master drum and cast some more that are a bit closer to scale, I made the rims on the master somewhat over size this makes them easier to cast with fine detail any bubbles show up more, the rims on the castings where then sanded back a bit so they didn't look too heavy the oil drums have also been hollowed out to cut down on weight for me the best part of any build is thinking of and adding detail. :-))

Joe
Title: Re: GALA GIRL (Springer tug)
Post by: radiojoe on February 27, 2018, 05:12:38 pm: Just an update, I've just tried a second floatation test with the 4000 mah lipo on one side and ballast to even up the other side and she is still a good inch high, rather than add a load of extra ballast I've decided to change to two 6 volt sla batteries, plus ballast no doubt, it's 6 volt simply because of the ESC I had spare there was ample power with the lipo so I don't think dropping 1.2 volts will make that much difference so two sla's on order I've also ordered 6 volt red , green and white nano light chips in case I decide to fit them.

Joe. :-))
Title: Re: GALA GIRL (Springer tug)
Post by: ballastanksian on February 27, 2018, 10:29:17 pm: I think the ethos of Springer buildery is the space to add your own touches to the look and feel of the model. Not forgetting the sheer range of superstructure ideas we have seen! Everything from Submarines to garden sheds....
Title: Re: GALA GIRL (Springer tug)
Post by: radiojoe on March 02, 2018, 01:44:50 pm: Yep I think that about sums it up Ian. ;)

Not venturing out in the snow give me plenty of time to play around with some detailing, so this is it so far, I do like seeing electrical boxes and conduits that are probably a load of nonsense but add a bit of interest so no doubt there will be more of them. :-))

Joe
Title: Re: GALA GIRL (Springer tug)
Post by: radiojoe on March 14, 2018, 04:00:54 pm: Still adding bits of detail as I think of it, the two new SLA batteries are now installed and she still needed just under 3 pounds of ballast, always amazes me just how buoyant these little tugs are.

Joe. :-))
Title: Re: GALA GIRL (Springer tug)
Post by: bfgstew on March 14, 2018, 04:33:34 pm: Looking good Joe........... :-))
Title: Re: GALA GIRL (Springer tug)
Post by: Mark T on March 14, 2018, 05:18:25 pm: That’s got to be the best springer that I’ve ever seen - lovely job yet again Joe :-)
Title: Re: GALA GIRL (Springer tug)
Post by: Captain fizz on March 14, 2018, 06:46:22 pm: A masterclass in detailing .........superb!
Title: Re: GALA GIRL (Springer tug)
Post by: radiojoe on March 15, 2018, 10:06:16 am: Thanks very much guys, the best thing I ever did was to join Mayhem, seeing the class of building by the Mayhem members really made me up my game, just as an instance Mark's superb Fairmount Alpine is enough to inspire anyone, although there are many more inspiring build logs on the forum. :-))

Joe.
Title: Re: GALA GIRL (Springer tug)
Post by: Mark T on March 15, 2018, 02:25:05 pm: Crikey thanks Joe what a nice thing to say :-) I also get a lot of inspiration from this site and I must say an awful lot of help too :-)) Especially when I’m stuck :embarrassed:
Title: Re: GALA GIRL (Springer tug)
Post by: radiojoe on March 23, 2018, 02:55:01 pm: A bit more detailing done to the bridge deck, the fire extinguishers are made from 9mm dowel with a spring washer on top, still thinking of more detail and whether to working nav lights.

Joe
Title: Re: GALA GIRL (Springer tug)
Post by: ballastanksian on March 23, 2018, 09:34:03 pm: The spring washer idea is another jammy moment from Joe!

If you fancy making the light work then go for it. Mull it over with a good beer :-))
Title: Re: GALA GIRL (Springer tug)
Post by: radiojoe on April 01, 2018, 09:29:53 am: Yes I'll probably get around to fit the working nav lights seeing as I have the nano chips a spare micro servo and micro switch, probably won't get used that much but for me and I guess a lot of us on here the fun is in the building.

I thought I would make an attempt at making a C02 extinguisher, and just found two flood lights in my odds and ends box that I should be able to fit bright white nano chips to, these should compliment the nav lights nicely. :-))

Joe
Title: Re: GALA GIRL (Springer tug)
Post by: SailorGreg on April 02, 2018, 09:10:06 am: Still following along Joe. Looks to me like you're having way too much fun! :} :-))

Greg
Title: Re: GALA GIRL (Springer tug)
Post by: radiojoe on April 02, 2018, 09:58:13 am: Hi Greg hope all's well with you and the guys at the lake, yeah still having fun, got to be building something specially in the winter months.

Joe. :-))
Title: Re: GALA GIRL (Springer tug)
Post by: radiojoe on April 06, 2018, 04:46:24 pm: Fitted the flood lights fore and aft, next I'll fit make and fit the nav lights, the easiest place for the port and stbrd lights is on the funnel maybe a bit close together but a lot simpler to hide the wires.

Joe.
Title: Re: GALA GIRL (Springer tug)
Post by: radiojoe on April 09, 2018, 04:16:13 pm: Nav lights made and fitted and switchable from the Tx. the light lens are made from slices cut from a Bic Biro pen, now working on a fire hose and reel with a wheel valve for a bit more detail.

Joe.
Title: Re: GALA GIRL (Springer tug)
Post by: ballastanksian on April 09, 2018, 08:38:02 pm: I get a sense of achievement when an oddment turn out to be just right for making something. I wonder if the designers of these items are inspired by the shape, or whether it is just chance.

Looking great as usual Joe ok2
Title: Re: GALA GIRL (Springer tug)
Post by: radiojoe on April 10, 2018, 09:38:12 am: Hi Ian, I think the modern term is "Thinking outside the box" and yes it is satisfying when you find something just right for the job, I sit and think of the bit I'm trying to make and try to imagine what every day item or part thereof would suit, and then search all over the house to find said item, it's surprising the things that go missing in our home, on this occasion SWMBO has lost the Biro she did the crosswords with. %) %) {-)

Joe.
Title: Re: GALA GIRL (Springer tug)
Post by: SailorGreg on April 10, 2018, 06:25:17 pm: Quote from: radiojoe on April 10, 2018, 09:38:12 am
... on this occasion SWMBO has lost the Biro she did the crosswords with. %) %) {-)

In our house that would be grounds for instant divorce - but only after a good deal of physical mutilation! %% %%

Greg
Title: Re: GALA GIRL (Springer tug)
Post by: radiojoe on April 10, 2018, 06:54:01 pm: It may very well come to that Greg she hasn't missed it yet. %% <*<

Joe.
Title: Re: GALA GIRL (Springer tug)
Post by: ballastanksian on April 10, 2018, 07:42:05 pm: I would pop out and get a small pack of them. Mrs Joe might notice the pen has changed, but at least it will work. Half a pen never writes cleanly.
Title: Re: GALA GIRL (Springer tug)
Post by: radiojoe on April 13, 2018, 02:19:17 pm: I thought the front of the wheelhouse looked a bit bland and was thinking of a bit of detail that might look ok so this is my attempt at a fire hose reel and valve.

Joe.
Title: Re: GALA GIRL (Springer tug)
Post by: Big Ada on April 13, 2018, 05:51:02 pm: That is very nice, is it scratch built. :-))

Len.
Title: Re: GALA GIRL (Springer tug)
Post by: radiojoe on April 13, 2018, 06:02:40 pm: Hi Len yes everything is scratch except the skipper, portholes and tyres.

Joe.
Title: Re: GALA GIRL (Springer tug)
Post by: Big Ada on April 14, 2018, 05:04:31 pm: The Fire Hose and Reel, what bits and bobs came in useful.

Len.
Title: Re: GALA GIRL (Springer tug)
Post by: radiojoe on April 14, 2018, 07:09:31 pm: Hi Len,, The center of the reel was cut from 10mm dowel, the sides and detail is mostly .5mm styrene, the boss in the middle is a spare part from a Tamiya Tiger tank kit, the hose is 1.5mm electrical wire with the core removed, once painted it sort of looks the part.

Joe
Title: Re: GALA GIRL (Springer tug)
Post by: ballastanksian on April 15, 2018, 12:42:38 am: That fire appliance is so good that I thought it was a rather superior resin kit. Talk about well prepped and painted :-))
Title: Re: GALA GIRL (Springer tug)
Post by: Gardener on September 11, 2018, 09:09:43 am: What ply did you use on Springer ?
Thanks
Dave
Title: Re: GALA GIRL (Springer tug)
Post by: radiojoe on September 11, 2018, 09:51:50 am: Hi Dave, The hull sides/front/back are 1/4" ply and the bottom is 1/8" ply with grain running side to side this makes it easier to bend /glue and pin in place, the deck is also 1/8" ply, I've found the best place to buy ply for modelling is www.slecuk.com (http://www.slecuk.com) much better than diy stores as you can buy small amounts for model projects and it's reasonably priced good quality ply with quick delivery.

Hope this helps

Joe
Title: Re: GALA GIRL (Springer tug)
Post by: Gardener on September 11, 2018, 10:04:33 am: Thanks
Did you put the bottom of the hull in pieces ?
Title: Re: GALA GIRL (Springer tug)
Post by: radiojoe on September 11, 2018, 11:58:19 am: On this one I've deviated from the Springer hull shape to see what it's like with the hull in flat facets so the ply bottom is in three pieces but on my previous Springer Gopha Girl the bottom is the traditional shape and is just one piece, it bends round the shape quite easy if you glue and pin a bit at a time.

If I can help any more just ask.

Joe
Title: Re: GALA GIRL (Springer tug)
Post by: Gardener on September 11, 2018, 12:01:10 pm: :-)) Joe
Title: Re: GALA GIRL (Springer tug)
Post by: Tug Fanatic on September 11, 2018, 03:10:12 pm: Has your hull the same depth as a standard Springer or have you made it slightly deeper? Some dimensions of the hull bottom would be helpful.
Title: Re: GALA GIRL (Springer tug)
Post by: radiojoe on September 11, 2018, 04:22:25 pm: The hull was drawn using standard dimensions I just flattened the forward two sections of the curve, I wanted to see if it made any difference to the submarining tendencies, that I still don't know yet as it's only been in the domestic test tank, I must get her down to the lake.

Joe
Title: Re: GALA GIRL (Springer tug)
Post by: Tug Fanatic on September 12, 2018, 10:34:13 am: Quote from: radiojoe on September 11, 2018, 04:22:25 pm
................. I wanted to see if it made any difference to the submarining tendencies...…………………….

Joe

Interesting as I have never quite believed the inverted aerofoil hull shape theory.
Title: Re: GALA GIRL (Springer tug)
Post by: radiojoe on September 12, 2018, 01:45:52 pm: Well I'm convinced the inverted aerofoil shape produces a suction at a certain speed and I wondered if having flat areas may break up the flow under the hull when I get back from holiday I'll test her at speed at the lake.

Joe
Title: Re: GALA GIRL (Springer tug)
Post by: Gardener on September 12, 2018, 01:52:21 pm: Be interesting to see how tests go
Title: Re: GALA GIRL (Springer tug)
Post by: Gardener on September 29, 2018, 03:06:51 pm: Have you tested her out yet ?
Title: Re: GALA GIRL (Springer tug)
Post by: Gardener on September 29, 2018, 03:16:12 pm: What thickness ply is she made from Hull, sides etc ?
Thanks
Dave
Title: Re: GALA GIRL (Springer tug)
Post by: radiojoe on September 29, 2018, 08:07:21 pm: Hull sides / forward and transom are 1/4"ply bottom and deck is 1/8" ply, superstructure is 2mm ply,, so far only tested in domestic test tank(bath) no leaks and controls well, almost turns in the width of the bath with the fish tail rudder, now I'm back from holiday I'll get around to taking her to the lake.

Joe
Title: Re: GALA GIRL (Springer tug)
Post by: Gardener on September 29, 2018, 08:08:20 pm: :-)) Thanks
Title: Re: GALA GIRL (Springer tug)
Post by: Tug Fanatic on November 05, 2018, 11:24:27 am: Quote from: radiojoe on September 29, 2018, 08:07:21 pm
.......................................…. now I'm back from holiday I'll get around to taking her to the lake.

Joe

Report?
Title: Re: GALA GIRL (Springer tug)
Post by: Gardener on January 28, 2019, 07:43:54 pm: What did you make gunwales out of ?
Thanks
Title: Re: GALA GIRL (Springer tug)
Post by: Gardener on January 28, 2019, 08:02:30 pm: Meant bulwarks
Title: Re: GALA GIRL (Springer tug)
Post by: radiojoe on January 28, 2019, 10:29:58 pm: Hi Dave, they are made out of 1.5mm styrene sheet, the capping's are cut from .5mm styrene.
Joe
Title: Re: GALA GIRL (Springer tug)
Post by: Gardener on January 29, 2019, 11:08:32 am: :-)) Thanks
Title: Re: GALA GIRL (Springer tug)
Post by: dave parker on January 06, 2020, 01:18:51 pm: Quote from: radiojoe on November 25, 2017, 06:46:22 pm
Made a start on the deck, and fitted the access upstands, I thought I'd have a small hatch over the tiller flat just big enough to get an allen key in just in case, next I'll make the forward rams and fit them before I start the superstructure.

Have you used pins to fasten the deck on while glue dries?

Joe.

Have you used pins to fasten the deck on while glue dries?
Title: Re: GALA GIRL (Springer tug)
Post by: dave parker on January 06, 2020, 01:26:47 pm: Quote from: radiojoe on December 09, 2017, 12:00:17 pm
Started the wheelhouse, cutting out the windows and doorways was tiresome probably would have been easier in styrene but I like working with ply, ultimately I think it makes a stronger structure, fitting out the wheelhouse will be done using styrene.

Joe

Joe, how do you cut out your plywood, for example the thicker sides, and the thinner wheelhouse etc?

And then how to get them so accurate??
Title: Re: GALA GIRL (Springer tug)
Post by: radiojoe on January 06, 2020, 01:45:35 pm: Hi Dave firstly no pins used on the deck it was just weighted down while glue set, cutting plywood depends on the thickness 5mm and over I use a electric scroll saw or a jigsaw, 2 or 3mm can normally be cut with a Stanley knife or similar, cutting out windows etc. I usually drill holes in the corners inside the marked lines then use trimming knife or scalpel to cut out it can then sanded to the line as I said a lot of widows to cut out is tiresome but if you take time over it it's very satisfying, hope this helps.

Joe
Title: Re: GALA GIRL (Springer tug)
Post by: dave parker on January 06, 2020, 02:42:06 pm: That’s fantastic Joe
Many thanks!!!
Title: Re: GALA GIRL (Springer tug)
Post by: dave parker on January 06, 2020, 03:48:38 pm: When you prepped for paint, was it a few coats of sanding sealer sanding between coats, or did you use dope and cloth??
Thanks
Dave
Title: Re: GALA GIRL (Springer tug)
Post by: radiojoe on January 06, 2020, 07:30:12 pm: Hi Dave nothing so grand as all of that, I just use Halfords spray cans the superstructure gets two or three coats of grey undercoat and the hull four coats of red oxide undercoat, the finish coats are Humbrol Acrylic paint, I never use clear varnish on any of my models for the amount of time they spend in the water it's never been a problem.

Joe
Title: Re: GALA GIRL (Springer tug)
Post by: radiojoe on June 25, 2020, 02:49:25 pm: Finally got Gala Girl to the lake today her first time in water other than the bath, I went to pick up my meds this morning, as the pharmacy is close to Walpole Park I popped in to the car park next to the water and thought how ideal it was warm sunny and just the hint of a breeze, so strait home and a quick charge of batteries and down the the lake, she had already been trimmed so strait to the trials, I'd say from the off she performed as predicted and as a Springer should not too fast on full throttle and highly maneuverable, I didn't see any tendency to submarine with the modified Springer hull at her top speed, but then she is only 6 volt PB so if she was changed to 12 volt and a bit faster I can't say, to summarise I have no plans to increase her power as I think her performance was fit for purpose, she would get out to a broken down boat and push it back.

Joe
Title: Re: GALA GIRL (Springer tug)
Post by: Big Ada on June 25, 2020, 03:27:59 pm: Nice Springer, :-)
Title: Re: GALA GIRL (Springer tug)
Post by: SailorGreg on June 25, 2020, 04:46:17 pm: Great day for a maiden voyage Joe. She looks the business.

(I've sent you a PM by the way.)

Greg
Title: Re: GALA GIRL (Springer tug)
Post by: Gardener on June 25, 2020, 07:02:30 pm: looks good Joe
sailing at last !
Title: Re: GALA GIRL (Springer tug)
Post by: ballastanksian on June 25, 2020, 07:07:34 pm: I remember your build of her Joe! I am so pleased you have finally got her bum wet and that she sails well.

I reckon you have the right power/speed, as if you wanted loads of speed you would have built a cruiser or speed boat :}
Title: Re: GALA GIRL (Springer tug)
Post by: radiojoe on June 25, 2020, 07:42:19 pm: Thanks for your comments gents, I don't go sailing that often as you can tell, if there was a local scale model boat club I recon it would be different it's more enjoyable sailing with like minded folks.

Joe.
Title: Re: GALA GIRL (Springer tug)
Post by: ballastanksian on June 26, 2020, 10:11:42 pm: So true. If it wasn't so far away Chichester have a good model boat club.