Model Boat Mayhem

The Shipyard ( Dry Dock ): Builds & Questions => Navy - Military - Battleships: => Topic started by: MikeA on February 09, 2012, 10:01:07 am

Title: pt-109 build
Post by: MikeA on February 09, 2012, 10:01:07 am
ive just started building a pt 109, it been a fair while since my last build and i just thought id share with you what ive done so far if anyone is interested.

firstly got the plans from this bloke:

http://www.building-model-boats.com/model-boat-plans-store.html

I then got them printed on A0 so they came out as one big sheet and so i didnt have to patchwork the templates. I then stuck them onto card board, like so:

(http://s16.postimage.org/f8c6wdcip/SDC13122.jpg) (http://postimage.org/image/f8c6wdcip/)

anyway i cut them out and drew round them onto ply wood. It didnt work out aswell as i hoped because the glue i used to stick the paper to card curled the templates and they were a ****** to draw round, there are probably better methods though i can think of anyone off the top of my head, maybe pritstick will stop the card from curling because i used PVA.

Anyway I cut all the peices out of 1.5mm ply with a stanley knife, i would use thicker wood but it was hard enough and im not a fan of balsa. Anyway a big jump later and im currently here:

(http://s15.postimage.org/3u947p47r/SDC13123.jpg) (http://postimage.org/image/3u947p47r/)

itl do :-))
Title: scratch pt-109 build
Post by: MikeA on February 11, 2012, 12:19:07 am
yesterday after my last post i didnt get much more done, just a bit more structure on the frame:

(http://s9.postimage.org/rpod02cwb/SDC13124.jpg) (http://postimage.org/image/rpod02cwb/)

Anyway today i got a fair bit and now completely covered the chines. After cutting out the bulkheads i had a lot of waste material around the empty spaces where they use to be on the ply i used. I could have bought a new sheet and made the chines in long strips and would have saved time but would have also taken another chunk out of my budget. So using a pencil and a bit of trimming i jigsawed so to speak the sides on:

(http://s8.postimage.org/jkstfbixd/SDC13132.jpg) (http://postimage.org/image/jkstfbixd/)

After several hours of sanding and filling in the gaps with glue and the saw dust from the sanding all the pieces were blended smoothly togeather:

(http://s15.postimage.org/iuk10o0br/SDC13133.jpg) (http://postimage.org/image/iuk10o0br/)

The interior looks a bit rough ill admit but it will be all hidden away once the deck is on and tissue will be going on the outside to reinforce and cover the patchwork affect on the bow. I have to wait now for my hardware and wood to turn up before i can go any further and with the snow at the minute that could be be any time.

(http://s16.postimage.org/7me41m3e9/SDC13134.jpg) (http://postimage.org/image/7me41m3e9/)

Title: Re: pt-109 build
Post by: MikeA on February 17, 2012, 01:56:01 am
  I got my propshaft from MMB but had to hang around for the wood, In the end i bought some from the local model shop. I bought the last lot and they said it would take 10 days for them to get more in, so i ordered some off ebay first class post and its still not here, that was last week!!

On the drawing and templates the keel is marked out as two peices with a gap in the middle to allow for access for the propshaft. To make life easier for my self i boxed in and epoxied the propshaft straight onto the keel, then installed the hole thing in one peice. Next i marked out and installed the rest of the bulkheads:


(http://s17.postimage.org/5ecvxv1uj/SDC13309.jpg) (http://postimage.org/image/5ecvxv1uj/)

(http://s13.postimage.org/jj7o2p0c3/SDC13310.jpg) (http://postimage.org/image/jj7o2p0c3/)

Today i managed to get the bottom done, all the gaps are filled and the lines are all sanded going to work on the motor mount next:

(http://s7.postimage.org/w8czjgr93/SDC13312.jpg) (http://postimage.org/image/w8czjgr93/)
(http://s15.postimage.org/5m0zdqtqf/SDC13313.jpg) (http://postimage.org/image/5m0zdqtqf/)
Title: Re: pt-109 build
Post by: mikearace on February 17, 2012, 08:23:19 pm
Looks a lovely job on that hull Mike
Title: Re: pt-109 build
Post by: MikeA on February 18, 2012, 01:29:38 am
I cant tell if your pullin my leg or not. Its not tidy ill admit, just using every scrap and splinter to save money, patch work boat!!

Anyway i did more today. In fact i got loads done today. First job was to install the motor, now im sure a lot of you wouldnt dream of installing the hardware at this early stage but i do because I like to be able to do all the aligning and adjusting and whatever while i can still get my hands in the boat, yeah ill need to fiddle about with it later on for maintenance and that kinda stuff but it works for me. Using an MMB propshaft and coupling i trial fitted the position of the motor all joined up. I soldered on a nice set of green and yellow wires and some gold plated banana connectors:

(http://s15.postimage.org/yprhyv28n/SDC13314.jpg) (http://postimage.org/image/yprhyv28n/)

At this stage of any boat build we all start thinking about a boat stand, some people go to great lenghths to make boat stands just while they are working in them. I simply use a box and cut a V in either and the boat sits in that just nicely. Its only for working on and if spill anything never mind, plus i can chuck me tools an whatnot in it when im not building.

(http://s15.postimage.org/bi6ehi87r/SDC13315.jpg) (http://postimage.org/image/bi6ehi87r/)

Its actually a little undersized the box because my misus nicked the box i had in mind for her own hobby.

Anyway my favourite part of any build is the mechanicals so i rigged up a temporay speed controller, battery and receiver. Using my right hand to control the throttle i tweaked and wiggled the motor around while running to get the alignment right by simply listening to it. I got an idea of where the motor had to sit so i made a motor mount out of 3 small sheets of light ply laminated togeather. Using a ruler, compass, pencil and a small handful of tools i marked out the laminated ply taking measurements from the motor and profile from the bottom of the hull. That was the easy bit though, I screwed the motor to the mounting bracket, connected an powered it up. Then while the motor was running, holding on to that and the controller i somehow managed to epoxy it in.

(http://s7.postimage.org/ssrunkas7/SDC13316.jpg) (http://postimage.org/image/ssrunkas7/)

Ok so i let that dry a bit and moved on to the deck, i sorted out the access hatch coaming which fairly simple, just a few strips of wood and a little ruler action. The next stage though was rather testing. To fit the deck i was going to attempt it in one peice but some of the contours of the hull wouldnt allow it so i did it in two halves. I laid the hull upside down on a large peice of ply and drew around the boat, next i removed the boat and marked out the centre and the access hatch on the newly doodled deck. Using your boggo standard stanley knife i cut the deck out then cut it in half. I would say i simply glued the two halves on top but id be lying because it took the best part of 2 hours and a lot of colourful language trying fix clamps and hold stuff. In the end i taped the deck on with several rolls of electricians tape while it dried.

Anyway few hours of sanding later, some CA glue for the gaps and a few LB of talc i fixed the deck:

(http://s7.postimage.org/glxaxhjmf/SDC13317.jpg) (http://postimage.org/image/glxaxhjmf/)

Now im glad i did the motor first because id have struggled trying to get it set up in there:

(http://s11.postimage.org/4519bcryn/SDC13320.jpg) (http://postimage.org/image/4519bcryn/)
Title: Re: pt-109 build
Post by: mikearace on February 18, 2012, 03:45:21 am
No not pulling your leg or plonker or anything else. It does looks nice and smooth and symetrical now you have sanded it down and it will paint up very nicely.
Title: Re: pt-109 build
Post by: MikeA on February 18, 2012, 09:05:31 am
ROFL thanks for the compliments anyway  {-) :-)) I wasnt sure if anyone was interested nobody had said anything till you did, i was considering not bothering with a build thread.

Title: Re: pt-109 build
Post by: mikearace on February 18, 2012, 10:51:05 am
Well Im watching with interest Mike and would like to see how she finishes up
Title: Re: pt-109 build
Post by: MikeA on February 19, 2012, 02:16:52 am
OK time for an update. Today i managed to get the hull sealed using the tried and tested dope and tissue method. Turned out ok i think, its got a nice smooth surface for painting too of course:
(http://s15.postimage.org/b78u8gh13/SDC13321.jpg) (http://postimage.org/image/b78u8gh13/)

Took a picture of it outside after the rain, i had to do some of the sealing inside, the smell of the dope was overpowering so i got it over and done with.

(http://s17.postimage.org/6nwlmxz63/SDC13325.jpg) (http://postimage.org/image/6nwlmxz63/)

Ok so while that was drying i started on the hatch lid and superstructure, if thats the right word. To be honest i was dreading this bit but seems to be going togeather better than i thought it would:

(http://s14.postimage.org/fs8ssm4vh/SDC13327.jpg) (http://postimage.org/image/fs8ssm4vh/)

anyways thats all for now  :-))
Title: Re: pt-109 build
Post by: Tug-Kenny RIP on February 19, 2012, 02:48:39 pm
Quote
Anyway my favourite part of any build is the mechanicals so i rigged up a temporay speed controller, battery and receiver. Using my right hand to control the throttle i tweaked and wiggled the motor around while running to get the alignment right by simply listening to it. I got an idea of where the motor had to sit so i made a motor mount out of 3 small sheets of light ply laminated together.

Brilliant, Mike.  :-))   yes we are watching your build and gathering information.  I use your idea to get the motor running true and quiet. I wonder if others try to make them run smooth by sound and feel.
A tip to save getting all the control gear rigged up is, to use a 6 volt battery directly on a 12 volt motor. The results are not so fierce and it's easier to handle the loose assembly.

 Keep up the good work

ken

 

 
Title: Re: pt-109 build
Post by: MikeA on February 19, 2012, 09:24:05 pm
I have no idea what other people do. I use to measure a postion the motor first then just hope for the best. Its not too obvious from the photo but the motor isnt actually dead inline with the keelson, its just where it was happiest. No point in arguing with it.
Title: Re: pt-109 build
Post by: sentry on February 20, 2012, 11:19:47 am
am watching to Mike looking good please dont take it to morrisons lake its few to deep and never want you to lose it. hope your going thursday I am and bringing a mate.
                                   Regards Howard.
Title: Re: pt-109 build
Post by: john44 on February 20, 2012, 11:21:37 am
Brilliant, Mike.  :-))   yes we are watching your build and gathering information.  I use your idea to get the motor running true and quiet. I wonder if others try to make them run smooth by sound and feel.
A tip to save getting all the control gear rigged up is, to use a 6 volt battery directly on a 12 volt motor. The results are not so fierce and it's easier to handle the loose assembly.

 Keep up the good work

ken

 

 
Hi Mike you are doing a good job there,
as Ken says a smaller battery direct to the motor is an excellent way to set up a motor / shaft assy.
you can also connect a ammeter/multimeter in your motor wiring and when it reads the lowest resistance/amps
it should be perfectly set.
So you have a visual as well as an audible way of setting up your motors.

john
Title: Re: pt-109 build
Post by: MikeA on February 20, 2012, 12:29:33 pm
am watching to Mike looking good please dont take it to morrisons lake its few to deep and never want you to lose it. hope your going thursday I am and bringing a mate.
                                   Regards Howard.

Ill still sail at morrisons though these days i have countermeasures just in case of miss haps. I like it there because its out of the way of some of the neanderthalithic vermin we seem to be plagued with in this town. plus its a big open space for my FE boat.

I know what you mean though :-)) Dont worry im not worried about the depths i have no intention of sinking (touch wood)

as far as thursday is concerned i cant go  :(( >>:-(, im still keen though so youl see me about  :-))
Title: Re: pt-109 build
Post by: MikeA on February 21, 2012, 01:02:34 pm
Ok so its been a day or two since my last post and ive been very busy getting the deck houses built, all made out of light ply and balsa:

(http://s11.postimage.org/bk31ag09b/006.jpg) (http://postimage.org/image/bk31ag09b/)

a few deck hatches fitted to the bow, just followed what i saw on the plan:

(http://s16.postimage.org/6dgwpy82p/007.jpg) (http://postimage.org/image/6dgwpy82p/)


when i was cutting out the templates for the deck house i wasnt sure actually what the squares on the side were till i googled about a bit. So as soon as i found out they were windows  (seems stupid and obvious but better safe than sorry) my first thought was right cut them out, so i did. Next without thinking any further forward i assembled the entire house without a thought about any glass! Thus completrly sealing all access to the inside. I later found out they were just suppose to be painted on! Anyway after a bit thinking over cuppa i had plan and raded the recycling bin.

heres what i did:
 Firstly further scanning google i noticed that a small frame was around the windows so i cut a square of card from a coco pops box and then marked out the size of the windows with your basic ruler and pencil. The frame needed to be about 1mm thick to be scale so it was rather small:

(http://s7.postimage.org/82hbdj2ef/001.jpg) (http://postimage.org/image/82hbdj2ef/)

next i cut of the MIDDLE of the frame first, if i had done the exterior of the frame then try cutting out the middle it would have torn the card, so using a sharp stanley i carefully followed the lines, well best i could:

(http://s11.postimage.org/a2m6cmkwf/002.jpg) (http://postimage.org/image/a2m6cmkwf/)

Using a pair of your boggo household scissors i then cut the exterior of the frame out:

(http://s17.postimage.org/53kgx0t4b/003.jpg) (http://postimage.org/image/53kgx0t4b/)

next was to stick on the back a peice of see through plastic i salvaged from an empty felt tip pen packet, i used an over sized peice of plastic first, stuck it on with abs glue then trimmed it down with the scissors so it matched the exterior dimensions of the cardboard frame:

(http://s14.postimage.org/6ceqectot/004.jpg) (http://postimage.org/image/6ceqectot/)

previous experience of making windows has taught me not to use CA as it leaves a powdery residue on the plastic, which in this case if had happend i wouldnt have been able to wipe off.

Using the same glue i stuck the window frames with the "glass" in over the holes on the deck house:

(http://s14.postimage.org/xkl9k3brh/005.jpg) (http://postimage.org/image/xkl9k3brh/)

a bit of sanding sealer and paint will make the frame water resitant, doesnt need to be overkill water proof just splash proof.

gun turrets next gotta find some tubes O0
Title: Re: pt-109 build
Post by: Netleyned on February 21, 2012, 01:24:14 pm
Looking good there Mike
Isn't it grand when you find a way of
reversing a cockup without dismantling
hours of work.

By the way, where is Morrisons pond as
I get to Scunny every couple of weeks
and sometimes call in to Morrys?

Ned
Title: Re: pt-109 build
Post by: MikeA on February 21, 2012, 01:35:19 pm
yeah i was quite please with its turn out, if i had put the windows on the inside it would have been wrong and had no frames. The pond is called ashby ville and its round the back. It has road access from the a15 Mortal Ash hill but thats where the jet skis launch from, i go round the back to the otherside away from the jet skis.

http://wikimapia.org/#lat=53.5638717&lon=-0.6114042&z=17&l=0&m=b
Title: Re: pt-109 build
Post by: Netleyned on February 21, 2012, 01:52:18 pm
Thanks for that Mike
Mortal Ash Hill is the A18 by the way  :-)) :-))

Ned
Title: Re: pt-109 build
Post by: MikeA on February 21, 2012, 02:03:11 pm
Thanks for that Mike
Mortal Ash Hill is the A18 by the way  :-)) :-))

Ned

I couldnt remeber off the top of me head  :embarrassed: cheers for educating me
Title: Re: pt-109 build
Post by: MikeA on February 22, 2012, 10:40:29 am
The build progress is now starting to slow down heres comes the time consuming fiddly detail bits. The plan requires two 35mm diameter AA turrets on either corner of the deck houses, I have been pondering a while as to what to use, in the end i took a trip to town to find something. It boiled down in the end to two options either a plastic red bycle pump from poundland or a length of soil pvc pipe from wilko. The pipe was a perfect diameter exactly 35mm but like everything i only needed about 3 inches and the wilko sold it in lengths of 2 meters!! Being nice n white rather then bright red i figured it would be easier to paint so home it came. At only £1.67 a little more than the pump i couldnt complain but only the draw back is ill have to find somewhere to stash the last 6ft on tube i dont need!

Using the standard stationary and a small hand hacksaw i cut the tubes to the lenth and then marked out the profile of the deck houses on the tubes so as they fitted. It took a lot of fiddling and to be honest a few gaps apeared which i filled later with a dabble of CA and talc:

(http://s15.postimage.org/xnyhzcep3/SDC13665.jpg) (http://postimage.org/image/xnyhzcep3/)

The plans show a ridge or lip that goes around the top of the towers. A few ideas popped to mind and some varied failed attempts i finally decided to use strips. I cut the strips 4mm wide out of 0.8mm ply, in order to get the them bend around the 35 mm tubes without snapping or being awkward i cut the strips perpendicular to the grain of the wood:

(http://s14.postimage.org/x6hl83a71/SDC13673.jpg) (http://postimage.org/image/x6hl83a71/)

Then using clamps and tie wraps i wrapped them round the the AA turrets. After the first ones i laminated another two on top of each turret to bring out the depth they needed to be:

(http://s17.postimage.org/hqrgdw5ff/SDC13667.jpg) (http://postimage.org/image/hqrgdw5ff/)

(http://s18.postimage.org/tn9w6vslh/SDC13675.jpg) (http://postimage.org/image/tn9w6vslh/)

On the trip home i was walking through the ten foots and something disgaurded on the ground caught my eye which at the time i thought hmm maybe i could use that as a post:

(http://s16.postimage.org/hkl3wsfap/SDC13666.jpg) (http://postimage.org/image/hkl3wsfap/)

A bit of old chair, i reckon its part of the back, so checking nobody was looking i picked it up and brought it back to try. I matched up a section of the chair back to the drawing and found a section i could cut out and use:

(http://s14.postimage.org/wk121j6u5/SDC13664.jpg) (http://postimage.org/image/wk121j6u5/)

without acces to a lathe, nor require shaping or funding i thought it was a good match and a good find, so on it went:

(http://s17.postimage.org/epeg95wfv/SDC13674.jpg) (http://postimage.org/image/epeg95wfv/)

So there you go, think ill do some guns now  :-))

Title: Re: pt-109 build
Post by: john44 on February 22, 2012, 01:30:42 pm
Well Mike, you are indeed a scatch builder. Following this build I realise that we scratch builders are all alike, nothing goes to waste
and we have a fun time building that way, and hopefully we always will do.

keep up the good work

john
Title: Re: pt-109 build
Post by: LarryW on February 22, 2012, 02:43:29 pm
 HI MIKE
         Nice scratch build ,  us scratch builders look at things in a different light to any body else,  never pass a skip  %%
      a few pics of my scratch built guns  using mastic nozzles, pen tubes , card , plastic sheet , wire... and a picture of basic tools, what is called building on a budget   
,     lets get a few more hints and tips going on Mayhem  :-)) :-)) :-))   LARRY ....
           

(http://s8.postimage.org/pzxefxpdd/gun_hdml_13.jpg) (http://postimage.org/image/pzxefxpdd/)

(http://s15.postimage.org/jy4gxgl0n/gun_hdml_6.jpg) (http://postimage.org/image/jy4gxgl0n/)

(http://s18.postimage.org/d3bsosyv9/gun_hdml_3.jpg) (http://postimage.org/image/d3bsosyv9/)
Title: Re: pt-109 build
Post by: John W E on February 22, 2012, 07:32:24 pm
hi ya mike really enjoying your build of this model;  can I make a few suggestions?

Raid the sweet shop, go for a ten pence mix-up, make sure you get the lollies with the plastic sticks, they make ideal gun barrels  %%

Also, the outside brush (yard broom) the shaft handle - wood - makes ideal dowelling for bits and pieces - now my wife is going to find out why our brush was made for someone no taller than three foot  O0 O0

Also smartie tubes (empty ones - after you have eaten all the smarties - and you are rolling round in agony where you have eaten all the sweets)  they are another good source of tubing.

If you are ever stuck again for large diameter tubing - use rolled up paper tubing covered in sand n sealer - to waterproof it.   I know Colin Bishop built a model over 100 year ago (he is an owld bloke ya nar) out of brown gummed paper and shallack varnish and its still going strong - says a lot for paper -

kEEP YOUR EYES open for discarded 15 amp and 30 amp twin n earth flat wire - makes great aerials and gun barrels when stripped of insulation.

just a few thoughts

keep on the good build

aye

john
Title: Re: pt-109 build
Post by: MikeA on February 22, 2012, 09:03:08 pm
thank you all for the compliments  :}

John44 its astounding the amount of money people spend on there builds simply because of the waste. Although in this build i have bought a lot of stuff, but i did have a little bit of money.

Larry i definatly agree that more hints and tips need to be used on mayhem for scratch building. I have made suggestions in the past about on all sorts of threads and just fallen on deaf ears.  Love the gun to i need to do something like that on this build all thought your attention to detail is better than mine.

Blue bird I have saved 2 broom sticks  :} just in case cos you never know

i like to use the ink tubes out of ball point pens they make good barrels too.

I got some good ideas what ill do for guns on this build im gonna use up what bits ive got left though.




Title: Re: pt-109 build
Post by: Norseman on February 22, 2012, 09:41:46 pm
A bit of old chair, i could cut out and use:

Hi

Just an idea - perhaps you could treat the wood - I've just read a thread that involved scrap wood giving a boat woodworm.

Dave
Title: Re: pt-109 build
Post by: MikeA on February 22, 2012, 10:43:09 pm
lol perhaps i could but its too late its stuck on now and not to keen on forking out for a tin of wood worm killer for peice of 1 inch slanty dowl, ill take my chances its only a little bit and it isnt rotten or anything. Thanks for your concern though :-))
Title: Re: pt-109 build
Post by: MikeA on February 23, 2012, 02:04:42 am
well i havent seem to got as much done today as i would have liked to as ive been busy else where, but Ill show you all what i have done.

Firstly installed the rudder and servo. Usually i do this early on like the motor but for some reason decided to do it at a later date dunno why. It occured to me theres not much point steaming ahead fitting lots of delicate details to the deck when ive got to turn it over on its back, lean on it with a black n decker and drill a dirty great hole! I checked the plans first get me lines right then started with a pilot hole i driled it 1.5mm. happy with that i usud a 4mm, then a 6mm, gradually increasing diameter to avoid tearing, splitting and splintering the hull. Next i took a small round file and opened up the hole to final diameter which was about 8mm. Pushed the rudder tube through and tightened down the locking nut. very simple.

Its not shown on the plan how or where the servo is suppose to be mounted in the end i decided to attach it in the middle of the hull at the stern. After some head scratching i cut off a peice of 1/4inch sqaure beam and drilled and screwed the servo front to the centre of it. wiggling the both attached parts under the deck i then moved the servo to the a central position on the hull bottom and the glued the beam to the bulkhead sides. I had some long screws left over from a old distmantled servo and used them to anchor the back of the servo to the hull bottom into blocks:

(http://s15.postimage.org/87c2hsgo7/SDC13679.jpg) (http://postimage.org/image/87c2hsgo7/)

I adjused and tighted the tillar on the rudder post so one arm was 90deg to the rudder, I then set about trying to link the two parts. Originally i had bought from ebay or at least ordered 6 inch of m2 threaded stud. When it arrived i thought it seemed a little thicker than 2mm but with my vernier calliper battery gone flat i couldnt get a good measurement of what it was. A lot of pratting about with knuckles trying to get them to fit i chucked it in the box and bought a 2mm stainless steel rod with about 1/2 inch of m2 thread cut down at one end, only 20p. Fitted the m2 knuckles fine no problem. But the other end didnt have a thread on it, without the expense of buying a tap and dye set i did the method of what they do in a lot of rc i made a dog leg with the pliers:

(http://s13.postimage.org/763583ec3/SDC13678.jpg) (http://postimage.org/image/763583ec3/)

It works better than it looks.

Also managed to get the aa turrets done a bit more, albeit not loads:

(http://s18.postimage.org/hrep7trb9/SDC13682.jpg) (http://postimage.org/image/hrep7trb9/)

And made this horn out of an old paint brush and rubber off the end of a mechanical pencil:

(http://s7.postimage.org/uyhvp51rb/SDC13683.jpg) (http://postimage.org/image/uyhvp51rb/)
Title: Re: pt-109 build
Post by: Netleyned on February 23, 2012, 07:32:45 am
Are you sealing the rudderpost hole Mike?,or are you counting on the locknut?


Ned
Title: Re: pt-109 build
Post by: MikeA on February 23, 2012, 08:40:50 am
I havent sealed it but i have to test it yet and ill see if it needs to be modified then :-))
Title: Re: pt-109 build
Post by: LarryW on February 23, 2012, 09:28:53 am
Hi mike,
        Still looking good , also nice photo cover pictures , good camera skills ......... :-))........Larry
Title: Re: pt-109 build
Post by: MikeA on February 23, 2012, 09:28:55 am
you had me worried there so i just tested it and it didnt leak but sealed it anyway. belts n braces :-))
Title: Re: pt-109 build
Post by: Netleyned on February 23, 2012, 09:32:16 am
Yeah If the hole is left untreated you can bet that the wet stuff will find a way into the ply  <:( <:(

Ned
Title: Re: pt-109 build
Post by: john44 on February 23, 2012, 10:01:10 am
Hi Mike, great work, here are pictures of my scratch built gun/water cannon.


(http://s18.postimage.org/cf8eytimt/DSCF0170_Custom.jpg) (http://postimage.org/image/cf8eytimt/)

(http://s18.postimage.org/50j36fwr9/DSCF0171_Custom.jpg) (http://postimage.org/image/50j36fwr9/)

(http://s18.postimage.org/ez41sx66t/DSCF0172_Custom.jpg) (http://postimage.org/image/ez41sx66t/)

(http://s18.postimage.org/8mowj334l/DSCF0173_Custom.jpg) (http://postimage.org/image/8mowj334l/)

john
Title: Re: pt-109 build
Post by: tt1 on February 23, 2012, 11:23:13 am
Hello Mike, really enjoying your build, might not post much but certainly keeping an eye on you  ok2  Lovely to see a young fella using imagination, recycling others waste and looking after the pennies - another true scratch builder in the mould I'm sure. Who says you can't make a silk purse out of a sows ear!

                                 Keep up the good work and regards, Tony.
Title: Re: pt-109 build
Post by: John W E on February 23, 2012, 09:13:13 pm
hi ya Mike

The build is coming along canny, just one query - when you mounted the rudder servo, I note the front of the servo is fastened to a cross member beam, but the rear of the servo you have used 2 long screws with no support underneath.  Concern here is if those 2 screws are tightened too tight - it will begin to distort the lug and servo and then it may begin to wear or put undue stress on the gearing inside the servo.  I know the screws may just be nipped up, but personally I prefer to support a steering servo on both mounting lugs.....I often used an idea which I 'copied' from Glynn Guest for mounting my servos and its pretty quick to make - couple of pics here to show ya.

aye
john

[attachment deleted by admin]
Title: Re: pt-109 build
Post by: MikeA on February 24, 2012, 12:21:25 am
Ive taken heed john, hope this works:

(http://s10.postimage.org/5o5u7wdb9/SDC13757.jpg) (http://postimage.org/image/5o5u7wdb9/)

its rough but solid  :-))
Title: Re: pt-109 build
Post by: MikeA on February 24, 2012, 12:34:19 am
Time for an update.

I had a go at soldering brass today, its not the first time ive dont it for a model boat but it is the first time i done so it looks at least prestentable. Using an electric 30w soldering iron i managed to some how make these railings for the turrets and only burn myself a little bit:

(http://s7.postimage.org/fsav7vr2f/SDC13753.jpg) (http://postimage.org/image/fsav7vr2f/)

just want to point out i modified the deck house a bit so the dash board was slanted, i had to butcher the old one first though:

(http://s17.postimage.org/in1g1co0b/SDC13740.jpg) (http://postimage.org/image/in1g1co0b/)

I cleaned it up with a chisel and emery cloth taking extra care not to break anything else:

(http://s17.postimage.org/h30pgp4zv/SDC13742.jpg) (http://postimage.org/image/h30pgp4zv/)

(http://s17.postimage.org/x2jd0911n/SDC13743.jpg) (http://postimage.org/image/x2jd0911n/)

Within no time at all i completely remade the dash with some scrap bits left over to a more scale aperance:

(http://s17.postimage.org/b3i0a5qiz/SDC13754.jpg) (http://postimage.org/image/b3i0a5qiz/)

Ill do another update tomorow  :-))
Title: Re: pt-109 build
Post by: John W E on February 24, 2012, 11:25:30 am
 :-))
Title: Re: pt-109 build
Post by: MikeA on February 24, 2012, 11:26:27 am
Last nights forum update was feeble because i was knackered so im gonna do it again. The change of the dash was a last minute thing and not worth bothering writing about but the soldering ill cover a bit more.

The soldering of the railings and stuff i have to admit i nearly didnt bother. I have a 30w electric soldering iron with is good for electrical but just doesnt create enough heat for even heavy gauge cable let alone making railings. Previous experience using it to stick a brass rudder on a post has proven its ok as long as you not too fussy about apearance. Bit of filing was needed but any way thats another story. So i went down to the model shop and selected a handful 1 and 1.5mm brass rods.  Firstly i bent the rods to make a ring then using a bit of flux i soldered legs on to the ring. It had quickly accured to me that i hadnt bought enough of the 1mm rod and so they parts were pre cut, some being very short. Soldering the legs i was suprsed at just how fast the heat transfered through to my fingers. Anyway with all 4 legs on the ring i temporarily fixed it with a tie wrap to the top of the turret for a mock up. doing the last bit of soldering was relatively easy from there.

The last part was to fix the brass railings to the turrets, I wasnt sure and expoxy had come to mind but i dont want to spend anymore money at the minute. I think the end solution was best though. simply cutting small blocks of balsa, sticking them to the sides of the turret then pushing the kegs in with some CA proved more than adequate:

(http://s13.postimage.org/69a6jp6yb/SDC13761.jpg) (http://postimage.org/image/69a6jp6yb/)

Another part was a loop at the back. I dont know a lot about ships but at a guess i would say that these railings were to stop the aa gunners from shooting there own boat. Anyway this was fairly easy to form but a pig to solder:

(http://s14.postimage.org/4kx8ztoxp/SDC13760.jpg) (http://postimage.org/image/4kx8ztoxp/)

A view of the brasswork:

(http://s13.postimage.org/525fiyvlf/SDC13758.jpg) (http://postimage.org/image/525fiyvlf/)

I am tempted to buy more brass to do more fitting but the more delicates i attach the easier it will be to break. I have no car and rely on public transport to get to the lake, well see.
Title: Re: pt-109 build
Post by: rmaddock on February 24, 2012, 11:42:26 am
You're a builder after my own heart Mike and this is a proper job of scratch building you're doing here. There's no shame at all in butchering things and doing them again because you don't like it or you got it wrong. In fact rather the opposite.
I started enjoying scratch building far more when I realised that you could do all sorts of butchery on models and once they were finished and painted they'd look fantastic. I think it's a mistake to feel that everything must slot together perfectly "a la kit".
I haven't done much soldering of brass myself and what little I have done has been worse that yours!  {-) Mind you, I'll need to make up some chainplates for the Nobby soon so I'd better get practising.
With regards to fragile details and transportation, have you thought about making a carry case for the boat? I know that lots of folks on here do just that.
Keep up the good work!
Robert.
Title: Re: pt-109 build
Post by: MikeA on February 24, 2012, 11:52:26 am
Another part i did was this doodaa at the back. I have no idea what it is:

(http://s14.postimage.org/qkztb83gd/SDC13762.jpg) (http://postimage.org/image/qkztb83gd/)

A bit of googling gave me a better idea what it looked like, still not knowing what it is though for this ill call it a flask. A bit of rummaging though junk i found an old dried up felt tip pen, using what  was left of the chair back spindle i whittled the end with the stanley so as the spindle and the pen fitted togeather:

(http://s16.postimage.org/c8f3l0hap/SDC13745.jpg) (http://postimage.org/image/c8f3l0hap/)

(http://s12.postimage.org/4i8rz7dvd/SDC13746.jpg) (http://postimage.org/image/4i8rz7dvd/)

I then cut off the excess of the spindle with a hacksaw:

(http://s16.postimage.org/xgxdg6l5d/SDC13747.jpg) (http://postimage.org/image/xgxdg6l5d/)

Using a knife, a file and various grades of emery cloth i shaped and smoothed the end into ball shape. Once i was happy with it cut the pen down to length according to the plan:

(http://s17.postimage.org/c8ayqn8uz/SDC13748.jpg) (http://postimage.org/image/c8ayqn8uz/)

A bottom was shaped and stuck on plus a cup made out of dowel to fit on top of the flask.

(http://s14.postimage.org/ifw01o0al/SDC13749.jpg) (http://postimage.org/image/ifw01o0al/)

Pictures showed a kind of cradle the flask sat in so i got some left over plastic card from another build and made to U shaped cradles. I stuck the cradles to the flask first then stuck the hole thing to stern of the deck:

(http://s17.postimage.org/er5uit9cr/SDC13751.jpg) (http://postimage.org/image/er5uit9cr/)

These fiddly bits are taking ages to make now. It took nearly an hour to make that flask!! coffee anyone?? :-))
Title: Re: pt-109 build
Post by: MikeA on February 24, 2012, 11:59:17 am
You're a builder after my own heart Mike and this is a proper job of scratch building you're doing here. There's no shame at all in butchering things and doing them again because you don't like it or you got it wrong. In fact rather the opposite.
I started enjoying scratch building far more when I realised that you could do all sorts of butchery on models and once they were finished and painted they'd look fantastic. I think it's a mistake to feel that everything must slot together perfectly "a la kit".
I haven't done much soldering of brass myself and what little I have done has been worse that yours!  {-) Mind you, I'll need to make up some chainplates for the Nobby soon so I'd better get practising.
With regards to fragile details and transportation, have you thought about making a carry case for the boat? I know that lots of folks on here do just that.
Keep up the good work!
Robert.

I have cases and boxes, when i go sailing i take my son with me in his pushchair, quite handy cos i get get a fair few boats on it but this one is my largest boat yet so i dare say ill be taking as many once this is complete.
Title: Re: pt-109 build
Post by: John W E on February 24, 2012, 01:18:36 pm


Another part i did was this doodaa at the back. I have no idea what it is:
have a look at this  :-))

http://www.hnsa.org/doc/smoke/index.htm

aye
john





Title: Re: pt-109 build
Post by: tt1 on February 24, 2012, 02:24:24 pm
  A cracking scratch build Mike, have never tried one myself, but really have admiration for the model your producing and the way you've done it. Hats off and full credit to you  - your a true ambassador to the hobby me thinks. O0 :-))

                   Regards, Tony.
Title: Re: pt-109 build
Post by: LarryW on February 24, 2012, 03:04:39 pm
 hi not bad soldering ,   i use copper wire pre stretched using a drill ,  fix one end in vice , the other end in drill ,switch on drill gently pull pull as power up ,
  you will now you now have ridged piece of wire ., bend to shape ,  steel wool to clean or brass wire brush , flux and solder, clean of item before painting,job done
  the source of wire power cable all grades and diameters , free from shop refits or skips , or the odd car boot. :-))........LARRY
(http://s13.postimage.org/8bxoi70c3/P2240011.jpg) (http://postimage.org/image/8bxoi70c3/)

(http://s13.postimage.org/vk5qw9d9v/P2240015.jpg) (http://postimage.org/image/vk5qw9d9v/)
Title: Re: pt-109 build
Post by: john44 on February 24, 2012, 03:09:58 pm
Hi Mike I use brazing rod instead of brass rod, its a lot cheaper, and its easy to solder.

john
Title: Re: pt-109 build
Post by: MikeA on February 24, 2012, 03:53:34 pm
  A cracking scratch build Mike, have never tried one myself, but really have admiration for the model your producing and the way you've done it. Hats off and full credit to you  - your a true ambassador to the hobby me thinks. O0 :-))

                   Regards, Tony.

Building rc boats is something ive wanted to do since i was a kid, it wasnt till last year that i actually started the hobby. I cant afford a kit so scratch building was/is the only option for me in order to do it. I dont know why ive left it this long because ive had money in the past and wasted countless thousands on beer and other ****

If i had the funding like i use to id buy some kits but considering how far ive come scratch building id do better with a scroll saw  :} Im not sure swmbo would like it on the dining room table though!
Title: Re: pt-109 build
Post by: MikeA on February 24, 2012, 03:56:07 pm

Another part i did was this doodaa at the back. I have no idea what it is:
have a look at this  :-))

http://www.hnsa.org/doc/smoke/index.htm

aye
john







ah i see, and i suppose then the boxes near the rear AA mount are not packed lunches then. Thanks for the educational info.
Title: Re: pt-109 build
Post by: rmaddock on February 24, 2012, 04:16:41 pm
....id do better with a scroll saw  :} Im not sure swmbo would like it on the dining room table though!

 {-)
I'm with you 100% there Mike!
Title: Re: pt-109 build
Post by: tt1 on February 24, 2012, 06:17:29 pm
 Hi Mike, started a BIT late myself, had to build from kits cuz new nothing about boats but more so - wanted to see a few finished results while I've got time!  {-) {-) {-)

           I think your doing grand, and with limited facilities to boot - true dedication. Ten out of ten ok2
Title: Re: pt-109 build
Post by: mikearace on February 24, 2012, 07:17:54 pm
Its a lovely bit of work Mike
Title: Re: pt-109 build
Post by: LarryW on February 24, 2012, 07:45:51 pm
HI mike , 
            spoken like a true modeller :-)) :-))...... Larry
Title: Re: pt-109 build
Post by: MikeA on February 25, 2012, 08:44:34 am
HI mike , 
            spoken like a true modeller :-)) :-))...... Larry

who are you refering too? me or mikerace

Title: Re: pt-109 build
Post by: LarryW on February 25, 2012, 09:20:43 am
    HI MIKE ,
 YOU of course ,     silly question time whose plan are you using?........Larry.....
Title: Re: pt-109 build
Post by: MikeA on February 25, 2012, 09:21:14 am
Now its really starting to get somewhere. The detailing is getting small and fiddlier, put on the starboard/port lights yesterday plus some other small bits n bobs,  but most of all i got the cowl vents made.

Most of the time i can allways find something to make what ever part but a cowl vent?? nope NOTHING:

(http://s10.postimage.org/p23ymu5md/ipod_earbud_headphones_2.jpg) (http://postimage.org/image/p23ymu5md/)

Not little cowl vents anyway!! :} I reckon these wouldve worked on a 1/24 scale model, just earbud head phones available from poundshop, wliko, on the floor, dustbin whatever.

Nope i had to made my own!! Sandwhiching 8 peices of balsa togeather with CA i made four blocks and cut the corner of the first one:

(http://s7.postimage.org/a9suzt6gn/SDC13766.jpg) (http://postimage.org/image/a9suzt6gn/)

Using the trusty stanley i picked off a bit more;

(http://s13.postimage.org/db5ba4c5f/SDC13770.jpg) (http://postimage.org/image/db5ba4c5f/)

and gradually with the stanley and emery cloth;

(http://s15.postimage.org/4pftur4bb/SDC13772.jpg) (http://postimage.org/image/4pftur4bb/)

I whittled a cowl vent:

(http://s16.postimage.org/hm2t81rq9/SDC13774.jpg) (http://postimage.org/image/hm2t81rq9/)

It took ages like at least 45 minutes to an hour to make but its the right shape and scale to the drawing, I stuck it down with CA. Only 4 more to go! %%

(http://s17.postimage.org/u13ddlne3/SDC13775.jpg) (http://postimage.org/image/u13ddlne3/)

few glad thats over!

(http://s13.postimage.org/k9wecrt6r/SDC13776.jpg) (http://postimage.org/image/k9wecrt6r/)

Actually wasnt that bad, I got to slouch! :o
Title: Re: pt-109 build
Post by: bobk on February 25, 2012, 09:27:48 am
Nice bit of problem solving work there Mike.  Although at the time it may sometimes feel frustrating, achieving neat solutions to these challenges must be one of the key joys of building boats  O0

Keep up the good work.  Coming on well  :-))
Title: Re: pt-109 build
Post by: MikeA on February 25, 2012, 09:28:43 am
    HI MIKE ,
 YOU of course ,     silly question time whose plan are you using?........Larry.....

oh  :embarrassed: (Slow moment)

also these plans, pt 109 semi scale:

http://www.building-model-boats.com/model-boat-plans-store.html

The designer is very helpful bloke, thanks Petter if your reading this
Title: Re: pt-109 build
Post by: LarryW on February 25, 2012, 09:34:17 am
Hi mike ,
         hope dont mind a little tip ,  i  would start to paint the bits of deck parts , before final finish , stops . a of lot of masking .
         still a good job  BUT think ahead ........... :-)) :-)) :-)) Larry..
Title: Re: pt-109 build
Post by: MikeA on February 25, 2012, 09:42:49 am
normally i would but 99.98 of the boat is green!! things like the AA guns and the helmwheel etc ill do seperatly and fit them last after ive painted it, i leave small unpainted marks for fitting them of course, but ive got to make the torpedos yet (been holding them off to be honest) which have to be attached to the deck :-))
Title: Re: pt-109 build
Post by: MikeA on February 26, 2012, 10:28:27 am
New update time. A slow steady advance has been made although not as fast id like but meh what can you do. The first of 4 torpedoes has been made:

(http://s18.postimage.org/65bb6camd/SDC13809.jpg) (http://postimage.org/image/65bb6camd/)

Taking the best part of 5 hours to make one!!! >>:-( im afraid its going to be a while before i make another update. On another note the bottom of the hull has been painted in what was suppose to be oxide red or at least a good match for oxide red, apparently  >>:-( It looks like brown to me, but its going to stay as my budget is now getting tight and its below the water line. I can allways change it later if it bothers me too much.


(http://s18.postimage.org/nb2k2fkcl/SDC13780.jpg) (http://postimage.org/image/nb2k2fkcl/)
Title: Re: pt-109 build
Post by: rmaddock on February 26, 2012, 12:08:31 pm
...what was suppose to be oxide red or at least a good match for oxide red, apparently  >>:-( It looks like brown to me...

Well, if you will buy spray paint made my Addidas, what do you expect?  {-)
Title: Re: pt-109 build
Post by: John W E on February 26, 2012, 02:04:00 pm
hi Mike

Just as a little note the hull bottoms on these boats were mainly painted black like Mick Jaggers door ; but hey ho - can you tell I have just been listening to my wife woffle on

anyway

35 years of marriage and this is where you end up ....... %% %% %% %%

right

serious head on

These hull bottoms and on these type of boat were painted black on a lot of PT boats apart from those which had a striped camouflage.   I wonder, for topedo tubes, have you thought of using 'old felt tip pen cases' I think crayola make the larger ones - just raid the kids old pen box - or the next time you might see them in the £1 shop.

Just food for thought

aye

Now I am off to take me tablets :-) and listen to the Rolling Stones again. %% %%

aye

john

Title: Re: pt-109 build
Post by: MikeA on February 26, 2012, 02:19:35 pm
I had a right rummage threw everything, couldnt find right diameter. in the end i bought some balsa (sacralige)

I asked the designer what colour to paint the hull he said oxide red. i think i will paint it black though im not keen on poo brown
Title: Re: pt-109 build
Post by: MikeA on February 26, 2012, 02:28:38 pm
Well, if you will buy spray paint made my Addidas, what do you expect?  {-)

actually the paint is humbrol suggested by the bloke who owns the model shop
Title: Re: pt-109 build
Post by: John W E on February 26, 2012, 02:30:04 pm
hi ya Mike

I am having a look through a book its by John Lambert and Les Brown ISPN NO.978-1-84832-060-4 - "Allied Torpedo Boats" - its a good book.   In there there are a couple of pics of a 1:24 scale PT-109 and the guy Alec Cap has painted the hull and deck a green colour but the bottom he has painted, what appears to be 'grey/off white colour'.    The majority of colour photographs of the Elco-Higgins craft seem to have either a white or black hull bottom.   The only one I can see in this book with a red oxide painted bottom is the Atari PT-147 at 1:35 scale and the guy has painted it striped camouflage.  Must admit this camouflage looks good - might be a bit difficult to do - but worth it.

aye
john
Title: Re: pt-109 build
Post by: MikeA on February 26, 2012, 02:34:53 pm
ill do it black then. im not a good painter and dont like doing it either. Ill do my best still :-))
Title: Re: pt-109 build
Post by: riggers24 on February 26, 2012, 02:53:56 pm
Have a look at PT boat (http://www.pt-boat.com/)
Title: Re: pt-109 build
Post by: John W E on February 26, 2012, 03:01:32 pm
oooo Riggers man, if mad Mike takes a look at that website his heed will explode :-) he will be in a state of 'nervous disposition'

aye

john
Title: Re: pt-109 build
Post by: MikeA on February 26, 2012, 03:26:03 pm
Ive had a browse through, you all have to bare in mind i bought this as a simple beginners semi scale build. Its not suppose to be 100% accurate and there are parts of the boat tjhat are not and i think a mishmash of different types of elco 80's.

Im still a beginner but one day ill pro like you lot :-))
Title: Re: pt-109 build
Post by: MikeA on February 27, 2012, 01:22:42 am
Been very busy today and made loads of progress. Firstly the torpedoes are finished!!  :} Im rather glad about that i they were a bit complicated:

(http://s18.postimage.org/esq2smh8l/SDC13823.jpg) (http://postimage.org/image/esq2smh8l/)

well not complicated but time consuming, there were many parts to be a made which im afraid to say i didnt log, not only that but i found NOTHING i could use to make it simpler.  {:-{

Anothering thing i did was make some cleats, i did manage to take some photos of how i did them though:

first up i drew out a simple T shape on some plasticard:

(http://s9.postimage.org/p84snodor/SDC13812.jpg) (http://postimage.org/image/p84snodor/)

cut them out with the stanley, nice n easy after the torpedos:

(http://s17.postimage.org/jaiq9v1kr/SDC13814.jpg) (http://postimage.org/image/jaiq9v1kr/)

rounded them off with a file and emerycloth

(http://s15.postimage.org/pguqu7p2f/SDC13818.jpg) (http://postimage.org/image/pguqu7p2f/)

stuck a base to the bottom of the T peice:

(http://s13.postimage.org/9s1itlk7n/SDC13822.jpg) (http://postimage.org/image/9s1itlk7n/)

Then stuck them to the deck, 5 in total, it was quite fun making those little bits:

(http://s15.postimage.org/7uw2gwvqf/SDC13825.jpg) (http://postimage.org/image/7uw2gwvqf/)

I wasnt going to bother but somehow had a change of heart, it just seemed worth the effort. Anyway this is as it stands at the minute:


(http://s18.postimage.org/b136kggcl/SDC13824.jpg) (http://postimage.org/image/b136kggcl/)

Going to be painting tomorow :}
Title: Re: pt-109 build
Post by: John W E on February 27, 2012, 09:04:41 pm
hi there Mike

your build is looking really good - there are a couple more things for you to do the mast and bits and pieces  and judging by the way you have done this it looks like you are really enjoying this building - if you like this style of model, sort of semi-scale have you had a look on Myhobbiesstores plans section because there are loads and loads of this type of build.

I am not sure what you are doing about your speed controllers and things like that but if you fancy a bit electronic kit bashing (for speed controllers) ACTion do their speed controllers in kit form - they are slightly cheaper than the ready made unit - the instructions are very easy to follow and you just require a decent soldering iron and solder to put the kits together - not many pieces in them, and each electronic component is described and clearly shown where it fits in the circuit board.  Food for thought and it just adds that little extra touch to your model, when you know you have done some of the electronics yourself.

aye
john
Title: Re: pt-109 build
Post by: MikeA on February 29, 2012, 01:46:18 am
hi there Mike

your build is looking really good - there are a couple more things for you to do the mast and bits and pieces  and judging by the way you have done this it looks like you are really enjoying this building - if you like this style of model, sort of semi-scale have you had a look on Myhobbiesstores plans section because there are loads and loads of this type of build.

I am not sure what you are doing about your speed controllers and things like that but if you fancy a bit electronic kit bashing (for speed controllers) ACTion do their speed controllers in kit form - they are slightly cheaper than the ready made unit - the instructions are very easy to follow and you just require a decent soldering iron and solder to put the kits together - not many pieces in them, and each electronic component is described and clearly shown where it fits in the circuit board.  Food for thought and it just adds that little extra touch to your model, when you know you have done some of the electronics yourself.

aye
john

thanks John i am enjoying this build but then i enjoy all my builds  ;) its whats its about it isnt it. I had a scan through that website and there were some plans id like to have a go. Ive been told by swmbo to make a canal boat, a rosie and jim one to be precise. Ill see about that.

As far as the esc is concerned im skint now. I use in all my boats except ONE car esc's. They do the job fine, one is this:

http://www.walkera-helicopters.com/shop/apex-electronic-speed-controller-apex-square-forward-reverse-p-6986.html

and the other:

http://www.toysonics.com/hpi-340-en-1-esc-w-reverse.html

I paid ten each for them on ebay and they're doing fine. I was tempted to buy the cheap blue esc's from china but didnt chance it so i bought second hand decent car ones instead, theyve never let me down yet and even been partially submerged!

 Until i get a better esc ill use the Apex Square for now. I would like to buy from action but im afraid i cant afford his stuff {:-{
Title: Re: pt-109 build
Post by: MikeA on February 29, 2012, 02:26:13 am
Heres an update. Ive done the painting and well its Ok, its not great simply because im no good at it. It doesnt help that i hate painting with a passion either in fact i get swmbo to do the hard stuff on my builds!

Anyway here it is

(http://s17.postimage.org/lh8q9717f/SDC13982.jpg) (http://postimage.org/image/lh8q9717f/)

I have to say ive not had this much trouble painting my boats before. In fact the image you see above you is the SECOND attempt, the first attempt was so shameful i didnt want to post it! When the original coat dried one half of the boat was glossy and the other half was matt. I recall changing brushess half way through painting (dunno why) and presumed it was clean, it looked clean anyway. I think it had some grease on it or something but whatever it was it made a right mess. In order to correct the glossy ness i repainted it once it was dry with a clean paintbrush, seemed to work but it was different shade to the original paint and ended up being blotchy, baring in mind its the same tin!! Dont think i mixed it enough

I went out this morning bought 2 new tins of paint. i mixed them both togeather in a jar using a motor with a bit of rod connected to the end and whisked it thoroughly. Using  a clean brush again i repainted the boat. The final coat seems even and unblotchy if not a little thick in some places.

Ive also made the mast, which atm you cant seem cos its drying. Another thing the flag pole at the back also doubles as the antenna tube for the 2.4ghz wire.  Its actually from a mechincal pencil which i stripped down to get out the central ptfe tube and part of the mechanism which connects on the end. I can take the tube off any time because the mechanism bit its fixed to the boat, and the tube pushes in it perfectly.

I have the guns to make yet and some other little fittings so nearly there. Dare say it wil be on the water friday :-))

Title: Re: pt-109 build
Post by: MikeA on March 03, 2012, 04:10:17 am
well it wasn't on the water Friday lol still working on it, pushing it a bit there i think %%

Firstly Ive sorted out the appallingly bad bad job to a standard which isn't perfect but satisfactory. Ideally the best coating was the first one but ruined it by changing to a dirty brush half way through. Ohwell live and learn  :embarrassed: I rubbed down the abortion of a job on the hull and re coated it getting out the lumps and streaks doing what i rarely do taking my time!!

OK heres the mast, brass rods soldered togeather with a bit of pen tubing on the top. The plans show a round baked bean tin shape at the top i can only presume is a light. So a light it is:

(http://s16.postimage.org/tmaxmytxt/SDC14019.jpg) (http://postimage.org/image/tmaxmytxt/)

the mast is removable for transport, albeit not particularly high but brings the height down just a few inches to avoid breaking. The legs push into tubes drilled and glued into the roof, i sourced the tube from blue birds suggestion lolly pop sticks which funnily enough i had saved some few months back when it had occurred to me they would be useful for something :-))
They proved a snug but solid fit onto the diameter brass i was using and proved ideal.

Next up was the flag pole/antenna tube:

(http://s13.postimage.org/47cv9kws3/SDC13984.jpg) (http://postimage.org/image/47cv9kws3/)

simply from a mechanical pencil, I actually buy them 5 for a pound just for this purpose. The parts of the mechanical pencils push togeather a fit into all kinds of ways, on a couple of boats i have i use them for 2mm prop tubes! Anyway that pulls out for transportation purposes too. Even though i have discovered its generally not necessary to have the antenna of 2.4 ghz RXTX to be elevated out of the boat i do just for good measure to make sure the reception is well above the water.

50cal Browning AA turrets:

(http://s13.postimage.org/cchllvxtf/SDC14008.jpg) (http://postimage.org/image/cchllvxtf/)
(http://s16.postimage.org/nyngyf029/SDC14017.jpg) (http://postimage.org/image/nyngyf029/)

I cant tell you how much i toiled with these things. I wanted a close to scale appearance as i could manage and being small it was very tedious and time consuming taking nearly a hole day to make one turret. The barrels are made from cocktail sticks (right diameter), the handles are made from pieces of wire and the stock is made from ply and plasticard. The bullets are pieces of wire cut to 3mm long and stuck to a wet n dry paper strip. I tried various materials and methods to make the ammo belts even considered doing it half **** and using tie wraps. My intention was to have them so that they swooped down and round into the flanks of the turret where the ammo boxes would be but after drying and construction being so small and brittle they snapped at any hint of persuasion sideways. In the end i had to either had give up on them altogether or use short belts. My missus justified my failing for me by saying the gunners have used some and nearly out of bullets  :} i felt a lot better. 

20mm oerlikon AA

(http://s13.postimage.org/9y3i6olpv/SDC14007.jpg) (http://postimage.org/image/9y3i6olpv/)

despite being more complex to build than the 50's it took only a few hours to build this. Bits of pen tube, a cotton bud for the barrel and soldered wire for the shoulder pads. It helped that i didnt need to make 100 off rounds of ammo on belt that surely cut the build time down. I enjoyed making this gun. The crosshair site turned out to be about 5mm across, it had been playing on my mind a bit exactly how to go about making such a small cross hair. A brainwave struck me and it resulted in using a holepunch, stamping out a circle in the see threw plastic i used for the windows then etching the crosshairs onto the circle:

 (http://s11.postimage.org/9iwevjxkf/SDC14043.jpg) (http://postimage.org/image/9iwevjxkf/)

Its very small and hardly visible on the camera and doesn't look as wonky as the picture makes out in real life. A bit of jiggling was done after i taken the shot. But you can look threw the rear site into front with the crosshair.  :-))

Anotherthing done is a spot lamp which basically a pen tube with a bit of see threw plastic on the front stuck to a stick, nothing flash and barely worth mentioning. There is however the start to the dashboard with a helm:

(http://s15.postimage.org/4upk4bxtz/SDC14014.jpg) (http://postimage.org/image/4upk4bxtz/)

its made from a piece of plasticard seeing as its not a wooden wheel i saved me the hassle of making a wooden one and used a material which would splinter less. The wheel is 20mm in diameter to the further most outer edge of each handle. I cut the entire wheel out of one piece of plasticard then using files a thin strip of wet dry rounded each spoke:

(http://s7.postimage.org/yq0n2yhcn/SDC14011.jpg) (http://postimage.org/image/yq0n2yhcn/)

I'm afraid to say its not exactly round and blatantly eggshaped if you looked at it close up. I marked it out correctly but cutting it out was a epic task of its own, itl do i suppose.

Still got more to do yet. More dash, liferings, exhausts, bit of lettering and bobs your uncle.
Title: Re: pt-109 build
Post by: Norseman on March 03, 2012, 11:15:20 am
I'm afraid to say

Nah .........It all looks great to me - love all the scratch ideas and work involved.  :-))

Dave
Title: Re: pt-109 build
Post by: Tug-Kenny RIP on March 03, 2012, 11:27:22 am

Yes indeed. Very clever with the Scratch building.  (right up my street).

Keep em coming.   :-))


ken

Title: Re: pt-109 build
Post by: MikeA on March 05, 2012, 02:32:03 am
Well 2 weeks for a boat build might seem a long time to most of you but to me it felt like months!! %% So what have i been up to then?

First i got the controls done. I allways like doing the cabin fittings of any of my builds:
(http://s7.postimage.org/5mxjxz653/SDC14049.jpg) (http://postimage.org/image/5mxjxz653/)

The dash is all mounted on a small piece of plasticard, Ive never used plasticard to this extent before in any boat and on first trial of it wasn't impressed, but now Ive seen the uses for it in the right places and its great stuff. The gauge binnacles are small slices of an cotton ear bud, usually i would go to the extent of putting in the needles and digits but they are just too small. The throttles are made from wire and they the knobs are blobs of solder. To make each one basically i cut the wire first about 3 inches, then using the soldering iron I heated and applied and small blob of solder to tin the ends I then rested the soldering iron on its stand then holding the wire, heated the end again and fed more solder onto the molten tinning i did previously gradually making the blob bigger. I let the solder cool off holding the wire up side down so that a blob would hang off the end, when turning the wire the right way round a near perfect ball was formed. I cut down the wires to approximately 4mm and pushed and glued them into a semi Circle balsa block. Worked out great and was so simple.

Next up was the exhausts.

(http://s13.postimage.org/u79y4ftoj/SDC14050.jpg) (http://postimage.org/image/u79y4ftoj/)

These arnt shown on the plan but a fairly elaborate feature of the stern demonstrated by images on google. So using a ruler i scaled their dimensions off the SCREEN. It turned out that each muffler was about a 1/3 the length of the height of the transom, so measuring my own transom which is 90mm gave me a length of 30mm. What seemed like the width of each muffler was roughly 1/3 the length i made them 10mm wide. Constructed from plasticard and drinking straws they were time consuming but worth the effort if i say so myself  :-)

Numbers and markings:

(http://s18.postimage.org/3qoo57wol/SDC14051.jpg) (http://postimage.org/image/3qoo57wol/)

The numbers had been bothering me for a while and it was something i eventually had to face. Although MANY models actually show a large white pt 109 lettering on the bow actual photographs of the real thing contradict this. Albeit my boat is semi scale and fairly inaccurate i felt that a slight lean towards reality wouldn't go amiss so they were not included, however the little numbers are. Although the photographs i have here do not show them they are dotted around the boat in various positions. I had considered all kinds of methods of doing the writing, but in the end settled for the cheapest option. It is blatantly obvious they are painted and maybe not well. I could have bought some lettering but i wanted the challenge of trying to paint them myself, which you have to bear in mind i cant paint a door without catching the walls! Its all forward progress in the art of painting :-))

The bow:

(http://s17.postimage.org/p3n9tz7zf/SDC14052.jpg) (http://postimage.org/image/p3n9tz7zf/)

I thought it was time i showed the results of the bow. Despite it being constructed out of bits of left over scrap it turned out pretty smooth. The picture makes the paint job look like dog poo but its not as bad as it makes out honestly  :embarrassed:

(http://s16.postimage.org/xtyljfajl/SDC14053.jpg) (http://postimage.org/image/xtyljfajl/)

I have gone as far as the plans have suggested and which i am comfortable with. Im not ignorant to the endless list of improvements and additions that could be made but for me as far as I'm concerned its finished. I got out what i wanted from this build which was to make a simple version of a PT boat, this boat in particular after watching a film. All in all its cost me about 60 quid to make i reckon. I do need an esc yet and that will shove the cost up a bit but ill have to use what Ive got till i can fund one solely for this boat. When i get it on the lake ill make a clip and you can see what happens :-))
Title: Re: pt-109 build
Post by: Norseman on March 05, 2012, 05:11:21 am
These arnt shown on the plan but a fairly elaborate feature of the stern

You nailed that one Mike.  :-))
What build have you got planned/dreaming of next?

Dave
Title: Re: pt-109 build
Post by: MikeA on March 05, 2012, 09:03:02 am
thanks Dave. Ive got a hole list of things i want to build. When i was gathering the materials for this build i was working but now im not my next build will some what even tighter.

I want to do some jet boat experiments and ive salvaged some rc car parts so i am seriously considering an amphibious vehicle. Simple plans doodled on the back of a fag packet :-)) its going to be a while before i build something grand.  :-)) Ill start a new thread when all that comes about. Until then i will put my funding into a esc and transport case for this boat.
Title: Re: pt-109 build
Post by: tt1 on March 05, 2012, 10:39:46 am
Well done Mike - a true scratch builder if ever there was one.

           Good luck with your next venture, regards, Tony.
Title: Re: pt-109 build
Post by: MikeA on March 05, 2012, 10:12:48 pm
Ive been a bit hasty coming to a close on the build thread, yeah aesthetically speaking its complete but was the boat ready to go? no way! There was still lots to do! %)

positioning the battery:

(http://s13.postimage.org/nqn5llc7n/039.jpg) (http://postimage.org/image/nqn5llc7n/)

It was decided at the very beginning what battery i would be using and i was well aware that it didn't fit between the bulkheads, so i dont have a clue why i left it so late to mess around with. In order to get the battery to fit a had to cut a section of the bulkhead out, it is held in position with some off cuts from the 6mm square i used to make the cross member for the servo mounting. All very simple, secure and easily removable.

The ESC and gubbins:

(http://s18.postimage.org/focv9q8g5/045.jpg) (http://postimage.org/image/focv9q8g5/)

I suppose many people have their ideas about where to place their esc's and stuff, i like a lot of service access. On This boat and actually a few of my others Ive temporarily mounted the esc on a bulk head right under the deck and completely off the bottom to avoid splashing and submersion due to flooding. The receiver is also mounted high up on the underside of the deck near the steering servo to avoid the same problems. I just use sticky back velcro from Wilko, works great for holding batteries still and keeping stuff fixed like deck lids etc. Off course the balance needed checking so in the test tank it went:

(http://s10.postimage.org/95qs0shcl/042.jpg) (http://postimage.org/image/95qs0shcl/)

This isnt actually the first time ive got the boat wet. The first time was after i had resin doped it to check for leaks, its was still exciting though, especially because this time the boat was working  :}

Firstly i checked the water line:

(http://s15.postimage.org/bvazb0zdz/043.jpg) (http://postimage.org/image/bvazb0zdz/)

Due to the position of the ESC the ride was slightly slanted but not much, at slow speed i dont think it would have made any difference but on a plane it might have had an affect, i was hoping the slight offset of the motor from the middle would have counterbalanced the ESC, it did to some degree but needed help. A method i used for ballasting in my trawler was using fish tank gravel, If i remember rightly it was about a £1 for a kilo from wilko, not the plastic stuff either proper stone. Using a sandwhich bag sat on the port side i added pinches of gravel till the ride of the boat was level. I then emptied the sandwhich bag into a balloon tied it up and stuck it way under the deck on the port side:

(http://s18.postimage.org/w0enaq5vp/044.jpg) (http://postimage.org/image/w0enaq5vp/)

The method may seem barbaric and crude but it works fine, I suppose lead wheel balancers would be better but this works and cost me nothing, well nothing as far as the budget is concerned for this build. Anyway checked the waterline again:

(http://s14.postimage.org/7tfngrlzx/046.jpg) (http://postimage.org/image/7tfngrlzx/)
(http://s14.postimage.org/7s5pnck65/048.jpg) (http://postimage.org/image/7s5pnck65/)

Im sorry the pictures are a bit fuzzy i was trying my best not to drop SWMBO's camera in the bath %%

While the boat was in the bath the temptation to have a sail was overwhelming, so i had a tootle backwards and forwards albeit very slowly. While i was at it i tried a current test. Holding the boat still and giving it some welly I tried a 10amp fuse, it popped. I then tried a 15 amp fuse, it was fine. I was actually rather surprised and was expecting the amperage to be in 25 - 30's region, goes to show what i know. So i reckon the current draw is about 12-14 amps. I put a 20 amp fuse in to give it some head room but i can go a lot higher if necessary. The esc is rated to 225 amp continuous with a 675A spike limit, although i take these numbers with a pinch of salt. Esc's only temporary till a find another one.  :-))

Anyway its ready for a maiden run now :}
Title: Re: pt-109 build
Post by: John W E on March 06, 2012, 07:48:02 pm
Hi there Mike
Nice to see you have finished the build; it looks smart.   Do the plans show any spray rails fitted around the chines of this boat?   If not, it may be wise to fit them – make them out of 1/8 square softwood to run the full length of the boat along the chine.  This will aid in deflecting water from the sides of the hull and give a better performing boat.
Keep on with the build and good luck with your next project.
aye
john
Title: Re: pt-109 build
Post by: Norseman on March 06, 2012, 08:48:39 pm
Hi Lads

I found this site with lots of links - some to PT boats. Fascinating stuff - of course some of you might already know of it.
http://www.hnsa.org/doc/index.htm
http://www.hnsa.org/doc/index.htm#pt
http://www.hnsa.org/doc/pt/specs/index.htm

Put kettle on and break out the biscuits before viewing these full text declassified Navy documents for researchers of historic naval ships :-))

Dave
Title: Re: pt-109 build
Post by: MikeA on March 08, 2012, 12:32:56 am
I took your advice john and fitted spray rails. No they wernt shown in the plan and it had actually crossed my mind, but since they wernt on the plan i decided not to fit them at first. Anyway they are now  :-))

Took the pt out for its maiden voyage today. Got to the lake only slightly damaged lol, just the front light and part of a torpedo broken. Wasnt suprised at all really it was really combersome and awkward to get under the pushchair but managed it :}

Anyway heres some shots:

(http://s7.postimage.org/yxupit8c7/SDC14165.jpg) (http://postimage.org/image/yxupit8c7/)
(http://s16.postimage.org/65b196csx/SDC14166.jpg) (http://postimage.org/image/65b196csx/)
(http://s18.postimage.org/93yoy47dx/SDC14168.jpg) (http://postimage.org/image/93yoy47dx/)
(http://s10.postimage.org/vhfum2ax1/SDC14173.jpg) (http://postimage.org/image/vhfum2ax1/)

I ran the boat till the battery was flat, brought it and opened it up. First thing i got was a faceful of either smoke or steam or something. I checked the motor temp and it was too hot to touch, i splashed it with some water and it boiled off in seconds. I let it cool it down then had another run with a second battery. It came back hot again but I didnt quite run it aslong because i didnt want to risk any damage, i packed it away broke some more bits off and came home. I fixed all the damaged bits then dropped the b***** deck house!! I was quite lucky because it hit the hard kitchen floor and the only bit that broke was a 50 cal and it just needed sticking back on. Dont understand it.

I re tested the amperage to draw to work out why it got so hot. Its still only 10-15 amps which i thought was well within the limitations of a standard 27t 540 mabuchi. The motor is second hand so i think ill get a new one and fit a cooling coil. if that doesnt cure the heat issues ill down size the prop to a 30mm

Now youve read my waffle you can watch some youtube:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CEBLJ757JA8&feature=context&context=C494aab3ADvjVQa1PpcFOvRVGjVP9sCyzeGfg0zNaeqY1ZxOjJUKY=
Title: Re: pt-109 build
Post by: MikeA on March 08, 2012, 09:58:36 am
My budget it well limited now basically im down to a handful of coppers, and hadnt planned for the set back of the motor overheating. I need some oppinions. Im thinking instead of going for a 27t 540 i thinking about using a 545:


http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Electric-Motor-545-RC-Remote-Control-Cars-Boats-Standard-Size-5-Pole-/230740063773?pt=UK_ToysGames_RadioControlled_JN&hash=item35b92df61d

Im fairly confident that will do it and may not even have to bother using a cooling jacket/coil, what do you all think?
Title: Re: pt-109 build
Post by: John W E on March 08, 2012, 02:21:45 pm
Hi Mick
that motor in your Link is the same motor that I have fitted in to the Swordsman Model when I upgraded from the first motor I fitted in, from a Johnson 600 to 545. and on a 7,2 pack and on full belt you can fry eggs on the 545 after10 minutes I think you will be better off fitting a cooling coil on the motor you have.

 

aye john

 
Title: Re: pt-109 build
Post by: MikeA on March 10, 2012, 12:36:19 am
ordered a new motor and coil today. Also worked on the speed controller, seeing as it does the job it can stay. On the maiden run it go a little warm so Ive decided to plumb it in with the cold water feed.  Few problems arose and took some thinking to work out but got there in the end. Anyway heres what Ive done:

(http://s15.postimage.org/kfxgn5euf/SDC14174.jpg) (http://postimage.org/image/kfxgn5euf/)

First off i wanted to fit a watercooled heat sink which seemed the simplest solution, that was until i found out that the top of the fets are live and would short out if bridged. I just thought it was the legs that had current in them.

 (http://s7.postimage.org/sms7n313b/b_apexesc05.jpg) (http://postimage.org/image/sms7n313b/)

The esc comes with 4 small heat sinks that fit over the fets, theres a fence between the fets that stops you from bridging the fets and causing a short. Obviously then a flat water cooled heat sink bridging all the fets in not an option, I even considered using a thermal pad between the fets and the heatsink, until i found out the thermal pad conducts current as well as heat, No good either! {:-{ I thought about a fan, but considered that the warm air would most likely circulate inside the boat and render the fan pointless. But then for some reason i came up with an idea of combining the two! A small pc cooling fan to cool the fets and what i can only describe as a water cooled air conditioning matrix.

I first soldered brass tubing into a square U shape and made the joint water tight so avoid leaky plumbing. I then soldered wire across the brass pipe work to make the radiator. You can clearly see it on the top of the esc. I checked to see if it worked by plumbing it with some silicone pipe to the cold water tap, and to my astonishment it worked better than i had imagined. The little rad went cold in seconds and after a minute or two even formed a bit of condensation on it!!  %% The pc fan was attached underneath and a box was made to surround the fan and the radiator togeather, the fan was then tapped into the bec circuit in parallel. The motor said on it 3w at 12v which by my calculations is 250ma. The bec makes a 6v supply so the fan is running slower than intended, it still causes a draft but i dont know how much current it draws like this, possibly 125ma? I then painted it matt black as this is the best colour for absorbing the heat out of the air into the water. I know that the rad goes cold but i still have to test weather or not it makes the air cold too. Its theory based at the minute so i got my fingers crossed till the paint finishes drying.
Title: Re: pt-109 build
Post by: MikeA on March 13, 2012, 12:18:38 am
managed to get all the new motor and watercooling stuff in, bit of a squeeze but im happy with it. got to do a test run though to see how well it works.

(http://s14.postimage.org/cygwlytfx/SDC14469.jpg) (http://postimage.org/image/cygwlytfx/)
(http://s18.postimage.org/7rkmjprjp/SDC14470.jpg) (http://postimage.org/image/7rkmjprjp/)

 :-))
Title: Re: pt-109 build
Post by: Geoff C on May 29, 2012, 06:11:55 pm
Hi MikeA,      Very nice job indeed, I've nearly finished one from the same plan pdf but I scaled it up to 35" loa.     If I ever build another one it won't be from balsa wood,  I'll use ply next time.       I glassed the sides and bottom and planked the deck with mahogany strips.     It has a 543 motor controlled by an Mtroniks viper marine 15 with a 40mm brass 3 blade ww2 prop l/handed.      Kind regards, Geoff.      Here's a few pics.
Title: Re: pt-109 build
Post by: Mad_Mike on May 30, 2012, 01:27:51 pm
great boat. I noticed that you went with the access hatch rather than the vent on the back. that threw me actually and wasnt sure so i stook with the plan in casen i was wrong.
Title: Re: pt-109 build
Post by: Geoff C on June 01, 2012, 03:59:06 pm
Hi Mike,    Yes, I did a load of research into 109 and it didn't have the large E/R vent and access as shown on the plan but everything else is correct.      The next job is a plug-in mast.         I  loved the video on youtube,  she can really shift.       Best regards,  Geoff.