Model Boat Mayhem

The Shipyard ( Dry Dock ): Builds & Questions => Working Vessels => Topic started by: mark w on October 22, 2009, 02:20:26 am

Title: Billings "African Queen"
Post by: mark w on October 22, 2009, 02:20:26 am


This model started out as a Billings "African Queen" kit. I changed the shape of the boiler so that it wasn't so top heavy, moved the rudder under the hull, planked over the sheet decks, added cargo, and weathered the model overall. power is a small 6v of unknown origin with a Hi-Tec speed control. This model has gone through several changes over the years; canvas canopy, wood canopy, no canopy. For a while there was a smoke unit in the funnel, but it stopped working a few years ago. I ran this model from 1986 until about 2000 when I began flying r/c. I returned to boating in early 2008 and set about to get my boats running again. I love the flying aspect of flying, but I enjoy building model boats more.
Title: Re: Billings "African Queen"
Post by: Bryan Young on October 22, 2009, 08:10:12 pm
I don't say this often, but I do like what you've done. Lovely. BY.
Title: Re: Billings "African Queen"
Post by: mark w on October 22, 2009, 09:52:14 pm


Bryan,

Thanks for the kind words, It's been a great little boat for many years now. I've pulled the gear out of it several times for other projects, but i always go back to this model.

Mark
Title: Re: Billings "African Queen"
Post by: Voyager on October 24, 2009, 04:10:09 pm
That's an impressive looking model Mark, the weathering looks VERY realistic  :-)) How did you go about weathering her, any tips on applications and materials you can share with us???

Voyager
Title: Re: Billings "African Queen"
Post by: mark w on November 01, 2009, 06:11:29 am


My weathering consists of washes of dirty paint thinner; just the stuff I clean my brushes with, and ground up pastel chalks applied with different size soft and hard bristled brushes., nothing special. I've never been very good with an airbrush, I usually just use spray cans and brush paints.  Like any working boat, I apply more weathering to areas that would receive more wear; around the boiler, around the ships wheel, etc. Seams pretty basic, but I've had good results.

Mark