Model Boat Mayhem

The Shipyard ( Dry Dock ): Builds & Questions => Working Vessels => Topic started by: GrahamD on July 11, 2020, 06:17:40 pm

Title: Slec (Aerokits) 34" Crash Tender
Post by: GrahamD on July 11, 2020, 06:17:40 pm
My childhood wish was to have one of these, but money wouldnt stretch too it, and being an RAF brat I was never in the country long enough.


I looked at the 46" version the oldtimers do as a kit, but as I'm getting older the extra size and weight just aint worth it, so the 34" kit from Slec fits the bill.


Box contents and instructions


Title: Re: Slec (Aerokits) 34" Crash Tender
Post by: Dave_S. on July 11, 2020, 09:28:28 pm
Very nice - I have an identical kit in an identical box that arrived just a couple of weeks or so ago.
Title: Re: Slec (Aerokits) 34" Crash Tender
Post by: GrahamD on July 14, 2020, 12:38:24 pm
Onwards, but slowly.


Cut cabin sides and added floor supports




Fettle warning *


Had to modify with a file both parts K3 to achieve a nice snug fit into K1 & B1 (fyi K1 is referred to as KD1 in the manual!)




So far so good

Title: Re: Slec (Aerokits) 34" Crash Tender
Post by: GrahamD on July 14, 2020, 03:27:25 pm
Added the bulkheads (using the cabin sides to hold in place dry to ensure square)



Title: Re: Slec (Aerokits) 34" Crash Tender
Post by: GrahamD on July 16, 2020, 12:54:35 pm
Now its starting to look like a boat



Title: Re: Slec (Aerokits) 34" Crash Tender
Post by: GrahamD on July 28, 2020, 06:43:10 pm
I'd like to lie and say the bottom and side skins just fell on, but I wont...


Nightmare, the skins were about 20mms too short either at the bow or at the stern depending on which way I put the bottom skins, I chose the stern (easier to fill).
the side skins even after much re-shaping still didnt look right, but a week later they are on, the bow blocks shaped and looking ok.


I remember the days of Cascamite and brass nails, and felt relieved we at least now have a good selection of clamps and glues...



Title: Re: Slec (Aerokits) 34" Crash Tender
Post by: Martin (Admin) on July 28, 2020, 08:15:24 pm
 
That's disappointing to hear.    {:-{

Might be worth sending photos to SLEC, maybe they don't know there's an error in the laser pattern computer file.


Title: Re: Slec (Aerokits) 34" Crash Tender
Post by: Dave_S. on July 28, 2020, 09:40:39 pm
As my kit (bought a month or two ago) is still unstarted on the shelf (too many being built at the moment) I will certainly be interested to hear what they have to say.



Title: Re: Slec (Aerokits) 34" Crash Tender
Post by: GrahamD on July 30, 2020, 05:41:47 pm
Moving on a bit quicker now.


Painted inside, adding top skins



Title: Re: Slec (Aerokits) 34" Crash Tender
Post by: GrahamD on August 02, 2020, 04:56:08 pm
Front cabin almost completed, just needs further sanding and some shaping


i was going to epoxy some Fglass sheet to the bottom skins, but with my medical ailments probably not such a good idea, so Light weight Fglass sheet and Poly-c (Polycrilic) at least its fast setting and no odors or vapors so can do this indoors without her indoors complaining.



Title: Re: Slec (Aerokits) 34" Crash Tender
Post by: GrahamD on August 07, 2020, 04:35:40 pm
Added top (and now bottom) spray bars



Title: Re: Slec (Aerokits) 34" Crash Tender
Post by: GrahamD on August 07, 2020, 04:37:07 pm
Whilst still painting the skins with Poly-c (and now also the spray bars) I've moved on to the electrics



Title: Re: Slec (Aerokits) 34" Crash Tender
Post by: GrahamD on August 22, 2020, 09:18:17 pm
And moving on



Title: Re: Slec (Aerokits) 34" Crash Tender
Post by: GrahamD on August 22, 2020, 09:20:07 pm
Started on the roofs and the netting (I used scale model tank camouflage nets





Title: Re: Slec (Aerokits) 34" Crash Tender
Post by: GrahamD on August 22, 2020, 09:21:30 pm
Apart from the skins, Ive loved the build, and have already lined up number 2



Title: Re: Slec (Aerokits) 34" Crash Tender
Post by: mikew on March 11, 2021, 11:41:25 am
Hi Graham


Just found your build, As my next build is the Crash Tender, I was interested did you speak to SLEC ?


Cheers
Mike
Title: Re: Slec (Aerokits) 34" Crash Tender
Post by: SwordsmanDreamer on August 18, 2022, 07:01:49 pm
Hi Graham and Mike
Very nice build.
I'm interested in the SLEC Crash Tender.

Did any further information come to light about the skin fitting problems / the skins being too short ?
Thanks