Model Boat Mayhem

The Shipyard ( Dry Dock ): Builds & Questions => Pleasure boats, Sports, Race, Power and Leisure Boats: => Topic started by: Chris G on January 13, 2013, 01:47:40 pm

Title: Aeronaut Diva
Post by: Chris G on January 13, 2013, 01:47:40 pm
Has anybody reading this built a Diva. I have just started one and have some unanswered questions.


Many thanks Chris G
Title: Aeronaut Diva
Post by: Chris G on January 14, 2013, 10:19:25 pm
Well judging by the lack of comments nobody has either built one or is interested in the Diva.


Should there be someone out there who might be interested I have just started building one, a Christmas present from my daughter, and if anyone is interested I am prepared to do what do you call it? a build log with pictures.


Seems a good well priced kit and looking at U tube goes very well.


I await your response.


Regards Chris G
Title: Re: Aeronaut Diva
Post by: pompebled on January 14, 2013, 10:32:50 pm
Hi Chris,

This guy from Belgium built a twin motor version, but I'm sure he'll answer your questions regarding building a single motor one:
http://www.modelbouwforum.nl/forums/bouwverslagen-schepen/143403-bouwverslag-diva-van-aeronaut.html (http://www.modelbouwforum.nl/forums/bouwverslagen-schepen/143403-bouwverslag-diva-van-aeronaut.html)

Or check out a Danish build (in English):
http://www.rcgroups.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1435435 (http://www.rcgroups.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1435435)

A German build his third one here:
http://modellbauer.forum-aktiv.com/t6488-aeronaut-diva-kajuttboot (http://modellbauer.forum-aktiv.com/t6488-aeronaut-diva-kajuttboot)

Regards, Jan.
Title: Aeronaut Diva
Post by: Chris G on January 14, 2013, 10:44:28 pm
Thanks Jan


Looks like all bases have been covered and a well documented build. I will just muddle on and finish it and sail it, looks as if it could be quite sporty. I am not interested in really fast boats, cannot afford to buy the batteries to move them.


Thanks for the reply, take care Chris G   
Title: Re: Aeronaut Diva
Post by: vnkiwi on January 14, 2013, 11:32:32 pm
Chris,
All builds would be appreciated on Mayhem.
Await yours with interest as no two builds are ever the same
cheers
vnkiwi
Title: Re: Aeronaut Diva
Post by: pompebled on January 15, 2013, 10:22:13 am
I have just started one and have some unanswered questions.
Hi Chris,

If you ask your questions here, I'm sure the combined knowledge on this forum will be able to provide answers to help you get along with your build.
Mind you, there's nothing wrong with 'muddling on', but life could be made easier with the input of the forummembers.

As vnkiwi already stated, we love to see another build, specially with pictures!

Regards, Jan.

Title: Re: Aeronaut Diva
Post by: Artistmike on January 15, 2013, 10:34:27 am
As vnkiwi already stated, we love to see another build, specially with pictures!

I second that, the Diva is one I considered just before I built my Sea Scout and I'm still tempted to make one as a companion to the Sea Scout for when I'm out sailing with my Grandson. I'm looking forward to seeing how it goes so loads of photos please.....  :-)
Title: Aeronaut Diva
Post by: Chris G on January 15, 2013, 10:49:42 am
I thank you very much for the encouragement, My last build just about completed is a beautiful tug so this is the first sports boat I have attempted since the wooden Fairey Huntsman some years ago.
As I said earlier my daughter bought me this kit for Christmas and my first impressions are good, German efficiency and all of that.
I have started as per the drawings which are excellent and I hope that I have downsized the photo correctly, keep screwing that up!!!!!!!
All the pieces fit beautifully with a little sanding and when glued, super glue first followed 24 hours later with epoxy the whole thing is beautifully rigid.
I will be asking for your assistance later when deciding how to power her and will be spending some considerable time in the future learning the art of applying 2 part varnish.


Thats it for the moment hope the photo downloads. Regards Chris G   
Title: Re: Aeronaut Diva
Post by: pompebled on January 15, 2013, 11:00:49 am
Hi Chris,

I think twice the size will show more detail:
(http://www.modelbouwforum.nl/forums/members/pompebled-albums-motoscafo-anti-sommergibile-picture88473-spanten-110-cm.jpg)

Regards, Jan.
Title: Aeronaut Diva
Post by: Chris G on January 15, 2013, 11:03:10 am
See if this is better, thanks Jan
Title: Aeronaut Diva
Post by: Chris G on January 15, 2013, 11:12:37 am
Try again !!!
Title: Re: Aeronaut Diva
Post by: Artistmike on January 15, 2013, 11:15:22 am
Try again !!!

That's better ! :-))
Title: : Aeronaut Diva
Post by: Chris G on January 20, 2013, 05:06:47 pm
The frame of the boat is now complete although needs some serious rubbing down. What do they say good prep is essential. Really do love the model, great fun to build plus I love working with wood.


I will try to add a photo to this but my record on downloading pictures is dismal.


Note: I have fallen foul on the glue front. I bought various adhesives from a company that was at a model boat show most of which are good but their epoxy is still sticky and not set after 24 hours. Back to 'Araldite'. I shall in future try glues on sample bits before using them in ernest. Maybe a lesson for any other new builder.


Chris G


 



Title: Re: Aeronaut Diva
Post by: pompebled on January 20, 2013, 05:53:50 pm
Hi Chris,

I rarely use epoxy (two part glue) to glue my boats together; the quick drying (waterproof / white) woodglues available today work much quicker and cleaner (with a bit of practice), also aliphatic glue works like a charm.
Aliphatic resin glue is chemically similar to PVA (white glue), but it is chemically modified to make it stronger and more waterproof.  It is typically a buttery yellow color and is sold as "carpenter’s wood glue."

Regards, Jan.
Title: Aeronaut Diva
Post by: Chris G on January 20, 2013, 06:05:56 pm
Thanks Jan


Use all types of glue when working on the 'real thing' and it would seem some of them are better and certainly cheaper that those we use for modelling.


It was a cautionary tale that might help the other new modellers that are on 'Mayhem'


thanks again Chris G
Title: Re: Aeronaut Diva
Post by: Artistmike on January 21, 2013, 07:23:51 am

I second the use of Aliphatic glue for wood in model boats, it has all the benefits of the old PVA but is faster to set, better 'grab' easy to sand and of course is waterproof, always a good feature in a boat.  .. :-)

Coming along nicely though, I'm very tempted to have a go at one of these myself when I've finished my current restoration project...
Title: Aeronaut Diva
Post by: Chris G on January 21, 2013, 10:22:10 pm
Well I really went for it today, while you lucky people who work for a living were struggling to get to your places of work I decided to crack on.


The kit is really good and the cut veneers want to go where you want them, no struggle. The instructions are great and I cant praise it enough. Everything fits like a glove. I have made 'Billings kits in the past and I would rate these as better. Just hope the little demon sails well.


I will try to upload some pictures  {-)


I think I will paint the hull and restrict the varnish to the topsides. The models I have seen on U Tube seem to be dark and that is not what I want. The veneer is really good and it seems criminal to cover it with paint but it does make for a dark model.


So far good experience. Chris G



Title: Aeronaut Diva
Post by: Chris G on January 24, 2013, 07:06:58 pm
Work continues, have ordered the 400 motor and battery stick pack, also pushed the boat out and have gone to 2.7 ghz R/C from 40 mhz system. Trust this will make life simpler.


As usual the tidying up of the hull before painting takes an age and with this being chine built and the surfaces butting together it is not easy to see the gaps. Have to hold the model to the light.
When glueing always conscious to keep glue from the beautiful hard wood veneer.


I did all of that and masked the water line or where the hull should be painted to, put a heater in the garage and have had the spray paint in the house overnight to achieve a workable temperature.


The results are reasonable, I am sure with some judicious rubbing down I will end up with a mirror like hull.


I am having the weekend off, you can get too much of a good thing. Still chuffed with the kit though.


Chris G         
Title: Re: Aeronaut Diva
Post by: Chris G on February 11, 2013, 07:04:43 pm
Disaster, trying to make too many models at the same time. The Diva has taken a bit of a back seat, silly really because it is a build that is relatively easy, well that is what I have found. Imagine a kit where everything fits  :o
I have fitted some of the internal panels, all of beautifully cut veneer with the direction of grain as it should be. All the pieces fit and with the exception of a little delicate sanding it is a simple process of glueing it together. I have just this afternoon fitted the deck, one piece that looks really good. Keep experimenting with glues and have just started using Unibond ' No more nails wood adhesive' seems ok will have to wait to see if the boat falls apart when it hits the first wave on the water or gets moved about in the boot of the car.
It all seems embarrasingly easy, I have a pal who is building a Caldercraft Puffer as we speak and the bits and plans and drawings make it to say the least challenging. It will be a lovely boat when finished though.
Still unsure if I should varnish or paint the hull. Some of the models I have seen do look so dark and varnishing if not done well can look dreadful. 'Watch this space'  {-)
Hopefully photo downloaded. All the best Chris G
 
 
 
Title: Aeronaut Diva
Post by: Chris G on February 18, 2013, 04:17:45 pm
Quite a bit of progress since my last post about a week since. The hull about finished and the superstructure nearly there.I could not make up my mind about the varnish or paint hull finish and have gone for varnish. It was suggested it could always be painted over if I was unhappy with it.
Anyone making one of these should consider varnishing the hull sides before painting the bottom of the boat. The wood veneer sucks paint up like blotting paper and once on the wood it is very very difficult to remove. Varnish the hull sides first and any paint that manages to creep under the masking tape will be easier to remove.
I am not looking forward to rubbing down and varnishing the boats topsides but once done it should look lovely. Also not sure of the seats which are to be made of balsa sanded to seat shapes and painted. I will have to give that some thought. I have made some proper steps that are fitted to the transom and that lead to the bathing platform was not happy with the type supplied.
I hope that the picture download is a success.   
Title: Re: Aeronaut Diva
Post by: Artistmike on February 19, 2013, 10:25:22 am

It's looking terrific and the varnish makes it really. Well worth the effort  O0
Title: : Aeronaut Diva
Post by: Chris G on February 19, 2013, 10:43:02 am
Thanks for the kind words Mike. If it goes as well as it is looking I will be quite 'chuffed'.
Regards Chris G
Title: Re: Aeronaut Diva
Post by: tt1 on February 19, 2013, 11:28:50 am
Nice build and a good log Chris, glad you decided to post, thanks for sharing. I'm currently building a Wavemaster from Vintage models and like you it's my first wooden boat.  Had reservations at first, but have had the same satisfaction with the build. Seeing yours and noting your comments of the quality I'm sorely tempted for a Diva to be the next!  Keep up with the posts  O0
                              Regards, Tony.
Title: Aeronaut Diva
Post by: Chris G on February 19, 2013, 11:53:34 am
Hello Tony
Have you considered the Aero-naut 'Princess' a little bigger than the Diva and about twice the price for the kit but I bet when built she would be a sight to behold and the envy of many. She is clearly a model of a 'Riva' although cannot be advertised as such, just think it might be my next wooden boat build.
I have to stop and consolidate, with the Diva in build along with a tug being finished and a lighter to be towed by the tug, it is all good fun though, I love it.
Anyway I will continue with the log and glad to be able to contribute to such a helpful and fun forum.
Regards Chris G
   
 
Title: Aeronaut Diva
Post by: Chris G on February 22, 2013, 10:53:50 am
As I was not that impressed with the Aero-Naut bathing platform and access ladder I decided to attempt one of my own design which I am quite pleased with. Other than that the build is going slowly, must make an effort to go out in the cold to do the last serious rubbing down.
Regards Chris G
Title: Re: Aeronaut Diva
Post by: Artistmike on February 22, 2013, 11:09:58 am

Yes, that looks good ! I know what you mean about the cold, I'm waiting for it to warm up so that I can get outside to do the painting of the hull on my yacht restoration.... It just seems to keep getting colder though ! O0
Title: Aeronaut Diva
Post by: Chris G on April 01, 2013, 02:57:02 pm
 Well the weather finally warmed up enough for me to venture outside to rub down my model. Does put you off working with wood a bit but then there is a certain satisfaction when it looks good.
Well I rubbed it down several times and applied several coats of varnish, I decided that it needed some relief as it looked like a well finished coffin so the roof of the wheelhouse got painted white. A yellow self adhesive strip on the waterline has two purposes, one I think it finishes the hull and it disguises the imperfections where the varnish and white hull meet. I did not use the green and gold strip supplied, did not like it.
I found the fitting of battery, servo, receiver and speed controller a bit of a challenge as I have never had to work in such a confined space and the dexterity in the fingers is not what it once was.
Anyway got it done, still needs a tidy up but it all works, gave it a bath test and could not believe the power from the little 400 motor. I was amazed and am really looking forward to the ice melting so I can put it on the pond. As my other models are scale and slow I am looking forward to something quick, might even become a speed freak!!!!!
Several bits still to do before it is finally finished and waiting to visit the Coalville show in a couple of weeks to buy the last few bits.
I continue to be impressed with the quality of the kit although I have a few little niggles, I am certainly impressed in terms of value for money.
I hope to post another entry with a couple of pictures of the finished model and maybe one on the lake at BDMBC.
Best regards Chris G 
Title: Re: Aeronaut Diva
Post by: pompebled on April 01, 2013, 04:35:47 pm
Hi Chris,

Your Diva certainly looks the part!

I can't see it in the pictures, but did you varnish the interior (or used epoxy resin) to make it waterproof?

If not, I would make the effort, because a fast moving boat tends to get damp inside.
Left untreated, the wood may be a feeding ground for fungus and/or mushrooms...

Regards, Jan.
Title: Aeronaut Diva
Post by: Chris G on April 01, 2013, 04:45:50 pm
Hello Jan
Thanks for the comments and advice, never had a fast boat before so its new territory for me. I did slap a load of clear varnish into the hull before fitting all of the bits, so unless it sinks it should be ok. It will help when I fit the windows and it will not go that fast especially with me on the 'stick'.
Thanks again Chris G
 
Title: Re: Aeronaut Diva
Post by: pompebled on April 04, 2013, 10:07:03 pm
Hi Chris,

You don't need to go fast to get your boat wet, small waves and wind will get the deck wet and drops will find their way into the interior, don't you worry...

The other day I was testing a 140 cm long hull running a 3000 rpm motor with a 50 mm prop, the boat goes at walking speed, but as it didn't have a deck fitted, the spray from the small waves crashing into the bow resulted in several cups of water in the bow section after a ten minute test.
Fortunately the hull was fiberglass and the first bulkhead kept the water in the front section, so no electronics got flooded.

Regards, Jan.
Title: Re: Aeronaut Diva
Post by: Chris G on April 04, 2013, 10:21:19 pm
Thanks for that Jan
I have nearly finished the boat and today finished the upholstered seating, very posh I hear you say. Great from a distance I say.
I am sure it will go well and I am too old to be a speed freak, and concerned about the hours put in to getting a lovely boat to spoil it all in a mad dash across the lake.
Thanks for the advice and will take heed and keep the 'baby' dry.
Regards Chris G
Title: Re: Aeronaut Diva
Post by: pompebled on April 05, 2013, 02:53:24 pm
I am too old to be a speed freak, and concerned about the hours put in to getting a lovely boat to spoil it all in a mad dash across the lake.
Hi Chris,

Old is relative, I took up racing fast electrics once the equipment prices dramatically dropped due to the mass production in the far east.
I just realized my son and I are entering our eleventh year of racing in Dutch and European Championchips and I just turned sixty last week.
Granted, the last year I won the Championchip is a few years back, I can't match the hand-eye coordination of my son anymore, but we have great fun and I'm still giving him a good run for his money...

Regards, Jan.
Title: Re: Aeronaut Diva
Post by: Chris G on April 05, 2013, 03:20:49 pm
Hello Jan
Well done you!! and congratulations on winning these prestigious events in your 50's. I will enjoy it if Diva and not sure what I am going to call it makes it across the lake on the plane and comes home to Daddy safely. I love model boats, my preference being making them, my partner is also an enthusiast and is currently nearing completion of a beautiful Clyde Puffer.
I am unsure if Diva will be tried before May as I am away for a while but I will take some pictures of her on the water and post them on here. Good to have a contact in the fast boat brigade, you maybe well hear from me if I get hooked and need advice on speeding up.
Take care and all the best Chris     
Title: Aeronaut Diva
Post by: Chris G on April 17, 2013, 03:43:48 pm
 I am almost disappointed to report that the model ‘Diva’ is finished save for a few electronic tweaks.
Right to end she was a joy to build mainly due to the excellence of the kit. The motor was as recommended and is a Graupner 400 powered by a compact 7.2v battery pack both light and convenient. Straightforward ESC  and a relatively cheap ‘Planet’ R/C.
Well I took it to the BDMBC club meet yesterday afternoon for its maiden voyage and of course it was blowing like hell, nobody else there so I waited, too much of a coward to set it off without back up or help. Within a short time a friendly guy arrived and Diva went for her first swim. Brilliant, responsive and quick and well behaved as she was steered between many ducks and several geese. The appearance of the boat was remarked upon and I can’t wait to really let her go when the water is calm.
I cannot recommend this kit highly enough for anyone who wants an inexpensive, pretty and fun boat.
I would like to thank the guys on ‘Mayhem’ who have helped and encouraged.
Best regards Chris G       
Title: Aeronaut Diva
Post by: Chris G on April 17, 2013, 03:46:18 pm
Sorry more pictures that I left off.
Title: Re: Aeronaut Diva
Post by: Netleyned on April 17, 2013, 03:56:04 pm
That is a lovely model Chris.
Isn't it a great feeling when your
creation goes off across the lake?
All the effort you have put into the
building has come to fruition.
Time to see the puffer methinks

Ned
Title: Re: Aeronaut Diva
Post by: Tug-Kenny RIP on April 17, 2013, 03:58:34 pm

A very build indeed.  Well done, she looks great.     :-))


ken


Title: Re: Aeronaut Diva
Post by: pompebled on April 17, 2013, 05:46:15 pm
Hi Chris,

She really looks the part, well done!

Regards, Jan.
Title: Re: Aeronaut Diva
Post by: Pearlsfirstmate on April 17, 2013, 07:29:20 pm

Time to see the puffer methinks

Ned


OK Ned - got the message - Puffer build will follow shortly  O0


I must say the Diva does look good and went very well on the lake.  All credit to the other half  :kiss:



Title: Aeronaut Diva
Post by: Chris G on April 17, 2013, 09:07:09 pm
Can't wait for you all to see the Puffer, wish I could take the credit for even some of it but it is all the work of 'a lady' :o  is nothing sacred.