Model Boat Mayhem

Mess Deck: General Section => Chit-Chat => Topic started by: modelboatbuilder on June 22, 2012, 01:39:06 am

Title: Greetings fellow model boat builders
Post by: modelboatbuilder on June 22, 2012, 01:39:06 am
I started building model abouts about 2 years ago, I'm retired and disabled and wanted something to keep my mind active.  Additionally, I write some, dabble in acrylic panting and draw faces almost every day. 

I'm not into RC, so what I build is always "static."  So far I've build a Carbelle Manor model from a set of plans, a houseboat with an interior of my own making, a fishing type boat with a detailed interior and pilot house and am currently working on a cruiser with a detailed interior, air boat of my own design and another cruiser style hull.

I've created my own "outboard motors", "stern drives," "propellers" and cabin furniture.   It's not all the best, but I've learned and that is all that matters to me.

I currently, as I've already said, building an airboat.  I've taken pictures from an airboat magazine and my memory of airboats my dad had to create the hull and components.  The stumbling block at this point is the propeller guard to go around the engine.  I've already fashioned a propeller, seats, instrument panel, rudder control and rudders.  I purchased some aluminum rods in hopes of fashioning the propeller guard from it, however, I'm getting conflicting information about "if" and "how" to solder the pieces together.  ANY SUGGESTIONS WOULD BE GREATLY APPRECIATED.

Hoping to connect with fellow boat builders and share what we are doing in this hobby.

Happy boat building to you (to the tune of "Happy Trails."

model boat builder
(http://s7.postimage.org/5ohp88nav/Model_Boat_and_motor_resized.jpg) (http://postimage.org/image/5ohp88nav/)

(http://s13.postimage.org/iwo77kytf/model_outboard_motor_003_resized.jpg) (http://postimage.org/image/iwo77kytf/)

(http://s13.postimage.org/3rs3a2amb/dash_detail.jpg) (http://postimage.org/image/3rs3a2amb/)

(http://s17.postimage.org/4z6fy7cyj/My_Design.jpg) (http://postimage.org/image/4z6fy7cyj/)

(http://s7.postimage.org/6e52ycd87/model_boat_detail_012.jpg) (http://postimage.org/image/6e52ycd87/)

(http://s18.postimage.org/bdksn28bp/Model_House_Boat_002_640x480.jpg) (http://postimage.org/image/bdksn28bp/)

Guess that's enough for now!
Title: Re: Greetings fellow model boat builders
Post by: Mad_Mike on June 22, 2012, 02:20:48 am
hi welcome to mayhem, nice boats you got there. :-)) I dont know much about soldering aluminium, Im not sure it can be done but dont take my word for it someone on here will know better than I do.
Title: Re: Greetings fellow model boat builders
Post by: Norseman on June 22, 2012, 02:37:45 am
Hi, I've never done it but.....
http://wiki.answers.com/Q/Is_it_possible_to_solder_aluminum

Dave
Title: Re: Greetings fellow model boat builders
Post by: modelboatbuilder on June 22, 2012, 08:20:09 am
Hi, I've never done it but.....
http://wiki.answers.com/Q/Is_it_possible_to_solder_aluminum

Dave

Thanks, I went to the link, but it didn't answer questions that I had not already answered.  Appreciate your support.

moelboatbuilder
Title: Re: Greetings fellow model boat builders
Post by: modelboatbuilder on June 22, 2012, 08:28:37 am
hi welcome to mayhem, nice boats you got there. :-)) I dont know much about soldering aluminium, Im not sure it can be done but dont take my word for it someone on here will know better than I do.

Glad you enjoyed the pics.  I have a thing about detail, still  in the learning curve for hull construction and building technique.  I'll post some more pics later.

modelboatbuilder
Title: Re: Greetings fellow model boat builders
Post by: davidjt on June 22, 2012, 09:04:13 am
hi,

personally i would get some brass rod and solder them, a lot easeyer than aliminium.
i built mine that way. :-))
Title: Re: Greetings fellow model boat builders
Post by: TailUK on June 22, 2012, 10:16:20 am
There's is a flux specially for Aluminium I think it's Carr's Gray Label.  Failing that have a look for "Alutite"  thats a soldering system that works with a light flame or hot-air.
Title: Re: Greetings fellow model boat builders
Post by: chingdevil on June 22, 2012, 10:28:11 am
If it is going to be a static model why not super glue or araldite to glue the auminium propellor guard? Saves a lot of time and hassle trying to solder it


Brian
Title: Re: Greetings fellow model boat builders
Post by: Norseman on June 22, 2012, 12:10:06 pm
Saves a lot of time and hassle trying to solder it
....... interesting question though - I wouldn't mind seeing it done - I'll look for a link to a vid later.

Dave
Title: Re: Greetings fellow model boat builders
Post by: LarryW on June 22, 2012, 12:24:27 pm
 WELCOME........
                       Nice scratch builds ,  use copper wire pre stretched for prop guard , easy to solder and shape.......Larry...