Model Boat Mayhem

Mess Deck: General Section => Chit-Chat => Topic started by: Nordsee on July 21, 2010, 09:08:29 am

Title: Airboats, Foam Hulls?
Post by: Nordsee on July 21, 2010, 09:08:29 am
I built an Airboat years ago, but the thought of cutting wood etc, puts me off of another. In my shed, is a large sheet of Blue Foam, the sort used for Insulating Roofes, "Roofmate", High density foam. Just wondered, cut a slab the correct size, angel the bows, cut holes for battery and RC bits, make a frame for motor and prop, off we go. Pleasant blue, does not absorb water, any reasons why that shouldn't work?
Title: Re: Airboats, Foam Hulls?
Post by: Guy Bagley on July 21, 2010, 09:27:30 am
used the blue foam for modelmaking before, - cant see why it would not work,

just becareful and make sure any adhesives are solvent free-  and when you cut or sand the blue foam wear a mask !
Title: Re: Airboats, Foam Hulls?
Post by: Arrow5 on July 21, 2010, 11:10:14 am
That would work OK but will be prone to "dings" and "hangar rash".  You could skin it with 1.5mm balsa then coat it with paint or resin to waterproof the wood.  I`ve made a Springer this way. Another way to get a paintable surface is to cover the foam with brown wrapping paper , parcel type.  Slightly thin some white PVA wood glue (waterproof), 15% water, coat the paper and foam, allow paper to soak for 10minutes then re-coat and apply to foam. Use cut pieces for each surface with 5mm overlap . This will dry and shrink to a hardish egg-shell finish.  When dry sand lighlty,  re-coat with a couple more coat of thinned glue after first has dried overnight.  You can then paint the skin which will be glossy and need roughening-up a bit. Enamel better than cellulose in case of seepage through to foam if you`ve missed a bit ! Dont ask....!
Title: Re: Airboats, Foam Hulls?
Post by: Subculture on July 21, 2010, 02:12:38 pm
Or you could just skin it with glass tissue and epoxy resin- watch the weight though.
Title: Re: Airboats, Foam Hulls?
Post by: Circlip on July 21, 2010, 02:45:27 pm
Or  skin it with Nylon or Silk and Epoxy resin.

  Regards  Ian
Title: Re: Airboats, Foam Hulls?
Post by: Nordsee on July 22, 2010, 08:13:25 pm
I thought of covering it with Fablon!!