Model Boat Mayhem
The Shipyard ( Dry Dock ): Builds & Questions => Working Vessels => Topic started by: jcarse on November 13, 2009, 01:22:09 pm
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We are currently working on a project here in Oban funded by the European Social Fund, working with the local unemployed. This project is to construct a 1:30 scale model, from scratch, of the "Isle of Mull" ferry which runs between Oban and Craignure on Mull. We're building this in Fibreglass and are currently making the mould, the wooden plug being finished a week or so ago. It is our intention to have as many working parts as possible on this vessel and we are open to advice on how to make these moving parts work, e.g. the bow doors and the stabilisers, as well as any other help anybody can give. I'll be posting some photos shortly, once I get them reduced. Meanwhile anybody can reach me on my Council email address: jcarse@argyll-bute.gov.uk
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1/30th scale, what is the overall size of the model? Sounds like an interesting project. Plenty of CalMac enthusiats here.
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The length of the boat is 3.3 Mtrs...about 11' 3"....like a big upside down bath at the moment!! We reckon it will come in at something in the region of 200 - 300 Lbs in weight. There's not a lot of it under the water, so ballasting will have to be kept as low as possible....we're open to any suggestions!!
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So it is just about big enough to be a "manned model" , any plans in that direction?
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Absolutely none!! It'll be controlled by 2 persons, one operating the direction and speed and the other operating the ancillary stuff.
It's a 2 year project finishing on 1st April 2011, funded to the tune of £243,000.00 by ESF and various other bodies. This sum includes wages for 30 unemployed persons being employed at 6 month intervals under the Governments New Deal programme.
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Sound s like a winning scheme :-)) The manned model would extend the training to ship handling and navigational skills etc. Check the Warsash Training Centre in England and Port Revel in France. Would have to be a bit bigger though, say 20ft oal.
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Yes, so far it's been a great project, we have a materials budget of around £26.000, which anybody reading this would die for, to have that amount of money to spend on a model.....what we're lacking is the knowledge of what's available to us in the way of electronics, so if anybody can help............. {:-{
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I think an invitation to some of the Scottish model boat clubs might be fruitful. There are a couple in Glasgow , Greenock, Largs etc that have all the experience needed. Many members from these clubs are on Mayhem and I`m sure will assist. Radio(s) should be 2.4gHz and servos heavy duty metal geared types. Why not invite clubs for a day out, they would love to nip up to Oban for a natter and a look at the hull. Your budget is amazing. We need pictures of course.
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This sounds really interesting.
For main propulsion why not think of electric outboard(s), they will sit inside a boat that size, and, have the speed control included. Plus a big added extra is the large batteries needed for endurance will provide some serious ballast.
Ian
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I'm not so sure about the outboard engine suggestion.....were looking at two engines, each slightly more powerful than those used on the old Sinclair C5, with an output of around 300W. The propellers are a problem, according the drawings, once scaled down the diameter is 60mm (4 Bladed), I'm reliably informed that this is way to small and we need 90 - 95mm, however, 60mm is all we have room for between the centreline of the shaft and the hull, we can angle the engines a bit more but it's not going to make a great deal of difference.
The modelling clubs suggestion is a super idea and I'll get on to that this week. As far as the photos are concerned I'm having trouble reducing the size, as soon as I can get them reduced I'll upload them, hopefully this week.
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Can I suggest 'PIXresizer', obviously for resizing photos. I now use it as a result of it being mentioned in another listing and I find it easy to use and 'it does just what it says on the tin'. :-))
Derek.
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Unfortunately using a Council Computer has its drawbacks!! We can't download any software from any outside source and many of the Websites available to me are restricted, I even had to apply for permission to access Mayhem!! What I've done is to reduce the photos by emailing them to my home address and reducing them there and email them back to my Council computer......!! phew!! So I should have some up by the end of the week. Thanks for your advice.
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Some Pics ...at last!!
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Even More Pics!!.......Anyone any ideas on how to make the bow doors work??....they're hinged on the foredeck, would like to keep it that way if possible and they're in 2 stages, the bow lifts up and the internal door which acts as the ramp comes down....any suggestions would be welcome!! Will be posting some pics of the stabilisers, another thorn in the flesh!!!
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Nearly forgot....many thanks to Derek for suggesting Pixresizer..super piece of Software and as he says, it does what it says on the can!! Many thanks Derek!!
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Just a thought
Will it go out the door
or is there a big door behind the cameraman?
Yours Aye
Ned
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Yes!....... a big set of double doors!!
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Some new pics on progress of the ferry.........a hull is born!!
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Looking very professional. Carbon fibre there too, dont forget it may cause radio problems by masking the signal. presume one of the guys is of small stature and will be doing the testing...on board. Keep us up-dated on progress. You may get requests from the tuggers for a hull for towing comps !
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...Hi Guys...
What have you done with the mould now that your hull is born...We could certyainly use a hull that size for our Tug-Towing Competitions...We work on the scale of 1/32 so there wont be much difference...
I am a member of Glasgow Richmond Model Boat Club and you would be welcome to visit us for a cuppa and chat about your project...
We have a very experienced engineering squad in our club...
...Best Regards...Norry...
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Would love to know how things are progressing with the build.
Incidentally, regarding such things as door lifting mechanisms etc. you should have enough room to install a basic hydraulic system. You wouldn't need to use hugely powerful pumps and you should have plenty of reserve ballast capacity for the mechanics, battery etc. I'm thinking perhaps of something based on a car's power steering pump. Considering the vast range of applications for hydraulics nowadays, this could be valuable experience for anyone interested in a future in engineering. You could try local technology colleges for advice, as well as possible local engineering businesses.
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Interesting "heavy" engineering solutions at that scale seem feasable NSA. Anybody in Oban know how the project is going ?
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Havent heard anything at all about it
sorry
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Thanks Meyer, maybe the Lady With Red Shoes is about :o
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Sorry guys!!!!.....been off on long term sick, started back yesterday, will get some pics up shortly.....bow doors still a problem!!!!
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Hi Guys
Sorry it's been so long on an update. With me being off work for about 4 months the project is running behind by about the same, we're still working on the electronics and have the stern doors working and the inner bow doors, the engines and steering are both installed and working. The engines are brushless Robbe Outrunners, tiny in size but extremely powerful, the props are 95mm four bladed. I'm assured by Willie at the Paisley Model Centre that these are more than adequate to run the boat at 5/6 knots. Because of the skills base we are using we decided not to go down the hydraulics route for the bow doors but rather use a mechanical system worked by a rack and gear with the travel being controlled by micro switches, the inner doors work well and so should the outer doors which are being hung this week. Some of the superstructure is made and we hope. I've attached some pics to show you the progress. The engines are run through an Action Electronics P40 unit which slows down the inboard engine when turning and the stern doors, although worked by a sail arm are run through an Action Electronics Servo Morph which slows down the servo to a realistic speed, works well. I have to say a huge thank you to Dave at Action Electronics whose help and advice has been invaluable and once completed the boat will be packed with his bits and pieces.
I know a few of the readers here will frown at the way we've worked the moving parts, but please bear in mind the skills base we are using, so far 8 local unemployed youngsters, with various issues, have been employed on the project at different stages, 5 of these have moved on to full time sustainable employment with local employers and managed to turn around their lives. This project has given them a considerable amount of confidence and self belief, all in all, so far, it's been a major success.
I've attached some pics of the stage we're currently at and would appreciate any comments.
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Who cares as long as it works.
Bob
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Well said Bob , at least it will work and good to hear about the youngsters getting work as well :-))
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Wow, looks great!
A handsome ferry it is as well.
Good luck!
Hama
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Cracking work there, Can't wait to see her finished & working, A video must for you tube if ever there was one !!! Also well done you for getting teenagers etc involved, & motivated, pat youself on the back for that alone.
Tell the lads who're helping, they are doing a wounderful job. Keep it up Dan.
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Good to see you are back on the job and hope you are well again. Rewarding to hear the lads have benefited, give the rest of them that we are all watching and wishing them and the project well. Oh and be sure to make sure "the bosses" know of the boat modelling community are behind this effort 100%. Still got a pile of boat magazines for you !
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Any updates on the progress of your build?
Would be great to see how your getting on.
Regards
Andrew
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It's coming on, well into the superstructure now, being held up waiting on parts....anchors mainly, will post some pics this weekend, looking for someone to do the lettering, signs and logos.........any suggestions??? The weather hasn't helped either....don't suppose I need to tell you that.....-17c here at times, had to send the guys home on a number of days as toilets were frozen up!!!...so falling a bit more behind.
Thanks for the interest
John
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looking for someone to do the lettering, signs and logos.........any suggestions???
Thanks for the interest
John
Hi John
I would recommend these guys - very helpful and should be able to do the work for you -
http://www.westcoastgraphics.co.uk/contact.htm
Also, they are Scottish based and probably well aware of the lettering logos etc that you are looking for.
If you speak to the 'Boss' Craig - by all means tell him i recommended them.
Hope that helps,
Kim MacLean
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Contact a gentleman called Colin Crow at BECC [google them] as the company is already geared up to producing CALEDONIAN McBRAYNE [CALMAC] logos as they do them in varying sizes and have them formatted on disc........his work is superb.....he's done some beautiful one off's for me, and is a very approachable man
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John, try
Barry’s Model Lettering
Unit 80
Conduit Street
Leicester
LE2 0JN
0116 2756158
www.modellettering.com
barry@modellettering.com
for logos and lettering.
Excellent service and very helpful.
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try Richard at CGL in market street
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Thanks Guys.......Super help.
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Thanks for the update. Looking forward to seeing the pictures of progress so far.
Regards
Andrew
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Awesome so far :-))
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Thanks for all the positive remarks!!
Have uploaded latest pics of the boat
John
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Thats Awesome !!!! :-))
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That is coming along nicely, remind us what scale is it ?
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This project is to construct a 1:30 scale model,
Bob
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Thanks Bob.
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The superstructure is being made of very light plasticard, reinforced where necessary with balsa and obeche.........bit worried about stability since she's already floating to her lines with only the batteries and about 20lbs of lead!
I've attached a couple of pics of a rib which is on board, since we're a bit pushed for time I was hoping to source on of these, but that's proving impossible......anyone know of anywhere....it's about 10" long and can be quickily fitted out to match the existing, also the deck seating, there's about 380 of these, I thought about making them in fibreglass and using various thicknesses of piano wire and dowelling to sit them on the deck.............unless of course anyone has any other suggestions........!!
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Dont know about a RIB but the seats can be cast using polyurethane resin in RTV (room temerature vulcanising) rubber molds. Simple procedure, need one master then multiple molds. Might be useful technique for other multiple items such as lamps, loudspeakers, life raft containers, doors etc. Your fibreglass supplier should stock it. Have you considered an add-on non scale keel for stability, remove for static display.
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I'll need to do some research into RTV, sounds good...........and quick!
Thanks
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...Hi John...
What Beam is the Rib...I have a plastic one that is 16.5 inches Long x 5.5 inches beam...Could probably be " Cut & Shut" to the correct length...I can send you pictures later...P.M. me your E-Mail Address...
This one is part of a Military PLay Set...Get looking on E-Bay and Toy Shops...Also Car Boot Sales...
I have another smaller one which is 7.5 inches x 4 inches beam...with a flat bottom...could possibly be lengthened to correct length...
If any of these are of use to you I will send it up to you...
...Best Regards...Norry...
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hi, i've just been moulding some fittings in RTV T30 rubber from these guys..it is expensive stuff but superb and gives great definition...they also sell polyeurethane resin to.
http://www.tiranti.co.uk/subdivision_product_list.asp?Content=Silicone+Rubber&Subcategory=51&Subdivision=
the T30 is very strong but also very pliable allowing great undercutting of the master.
neil
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thought id throw this along..
http://www.instructables.com/id/Make-a-silicone-mold-from-common-household-materia/
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that is just amazing......WHAT AM I SPENDING £100 quid a time on silicone rubber when I can do that lol.........I'mm gonna give that a try............look out wifey......I need the kitchen!!!!
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RTV ...........definately the way to go!! Very quick and easy for our skills base here, thanks to all for their help, will keep you posted and will take some pics of the moulding process.
JC
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Hi Guys
project coming to an end, about a month and we'll be finished, can't post any pics at the moment as the superstructure is off while we tidy up internally and paint the hull and decks. Colin Crow did a super job with the graphics, would reccommend him to anyone.
It's been super corresponding with everyone and a huge thank you to each and everyone of you for all the help and assistance you've given us...........still looking for a RIB though!!
Will get some pics up of the painting as soon as the superstructure goes back on..............we'll be testing in Oban Bay in a month.....eeeek!!
JC
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Oh that is good news. Look forward to pictures . I would do tests in fresh water first, just in case. Salt water can be a bstrd with electrics and wiring etc. It will be a very good build if there isnt a dribble somewhere.
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...Hi John...
Send me sizes of the RIB that is required and I will have a look in my Bits Box...I have a couple that might be doctored to fit...
...Best Regards...Norry...
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looking forward to seeing the unit.. :-))
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Hi Guys
Nearly there!! Just a few bits and pieces to go on including the lifeboats ,(which are made!) with the exception of the FRC and the signage, about a week I reckon. Below are some pics of the boat. We're lacking some passengers........anyone any ideas??
JC
(http://s4.postimage.org/1yhegq084/Isle_of_Mull_001.jpg) (http://postimage.org/image/1yhegq084/)
(http://s4.postimage.org/1yhyb665g/Isle_of_Mull_002.jpg) (http://postimage.org/image/1yhyb665g/)
(http://s4.postimage.org/1yi39s7ms/Isle_of_Mull_004.jpg) (http://postimage.org/image/1yi39s7ms/)
(http://s4.postimage.org/1yibjgy3o/Isle_of_Mull_006.jpg) (http://postimage.org/image/1yibjgy3o/)
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Nae wimmin wae rid shoes {-)...or was that another vessel? :embarrassed: Looking great , well done the team. When and where is the launch ? You will be welcome on Loch Insh Highland Splash-in, 6 miles south of Aviemore just off the A9 second weekend in Sept, mainly seaplanes and flying boats but model boats welcome.
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I`ve just had a quick Google for 1:30th figures. This seems to be the scale for Military Modelling and G gauge rail. Try www.virtualvillage.co.uk
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Bachmann figures are 1:29 scale Probably the closest you can get. have a look. http://www.bachmann.co.uk/prod1.php?prod_selected=scraftg&prod=1
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Therre's a bit of touching up with the paintwork to do and I know the boat will float heavy. We have the following working parts:
Engines, Steering, Stabilisers, Bow ramp and Bow visor, anchors, stern doors and stern ramp, lights, radar, sounds and anchors. e'll be testing in a tank at the yard first and then, probably Oban Bay, early in the morning!!
JC
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Looking good :-))
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Hi everybody,
Well that's it......completed and all working, attached some pics of the boat in Oban Bay testing engines and steering etc., all appears to be working fine and nae leaks!! The boat needs to be trimmed down a bit at the aft end, other than that it's more or less completed, 2 years and a stack of cash!! My sincere thanks to all on the Forum who helped us, without this help we would have been really stuck on various aspects of the build......so many thanks to all. Big question is......what next??
We now have a wooden plug and split mould to get rid of, any takers?? The boat is 3.1Mtrs long, needs a long wheel based vehicle for transport.
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You have done a great job on that - looks just right on Obay Bay
Geoff
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Super, watch that Oban Bay wattur :o As a matter of interest, what interaction or reaction from CalMac or indeed the builders ? Is it going to be displayed/sailed anywhere? Any of the crew taking-up model boating as a hobby ?
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could you get a video up of all the bits working?
Great work on the boat, a real credit to you and all those who were involved.
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Thanks to all for the positive stuff!!!
It looks as though the boat will be gifted to Cal Mac and displayed in their Oban Passenger Terminal. Once I get the figures I'll let you know what the Job Outcomes were and all the other boring stuff. I'll be posting a video up onm Utube after the Press Day when there will be more pics!!
Thanks again
JC
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I think that the new Riverside Transport Museum in Glasgow should be offered an example of inter-island transport in the Highlands, a feature sadly lacking in the exhibits. ( Also no display of the Scottish drivers in F1 motor racing, Ecurie Ecosse, Jim Clark, Jackie Stewart, David Coulthard etc only a rally car of Colin McRae but that is another story. )
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Great work lads. I'm Looking forward to the video. I really hope you all get jobs out of this, you deserve it. Well done.
Ali.
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yes there cal mac crew into the hobby, i sailed on her for two years, its a shame the mode might just be sitting in the office, iv been to see the model and its a cracker. it should be passed on to someone that will sail it and show it off. great job lads.
david
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I`m inclined to agree, she should be shown and sailed. Shame if it gets stuck in a glass case, it surely isnt that kind of model >