Model Boat Mayhem
The Shipyard ( Dry Dock ): Builds & Questions => Working Vessels => Topic started by: Tug-Kenny RIP on May 01, 2013, 07:56:21 pm
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Today I started the build of Caldercraft's Talacre. This is a single hatch coaster named after the town of Talacre in Wales.
The kit is complete in the box and has not been started since it was bought some years ago, so we are dealing with instructions written the old way.
Here is the box with all the contents laid out ready to put together and I should like to show how I did it, warts and all. I may have a few questions as we go along. %)
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I have cleaned out the hull and drilled the first holes. I then fitted the 4mm prop shaft and made a block to secure the motor. I have chosen a 500 type motor and tested it for quiet running.
The assembly was lined up and epoxied into place.
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The rudder was next to be lined up and the supplied parts were slotted in and fitted great. I have not epoxied these yet as I find it best to leave until the linkages are set up.
The propeller was a cheap cast affair and was discarded in favour of a brass one 5 mm larger as we are not going for speed so much as power when sailing her.
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enjoy the build Kenny. Will watch with interest and see how grand a job you make of her.
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Thank you for supplying her to me, Mike, I'll try and make you proud of me. :}
Cheers
ken
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Today I went through all the wood sections and cut out all the little pieces (not forgetting to renumber them on the backs)
The decks were laid inside to get a feel for the fit and it was decided not to use the supplied Balsa wood design. I plan to fit a sturdier frame around the insides of the bulwarks.
As an addendham, this model was notorious for having a Kink in hull sides left over from the original moulding at the factory ???? This was attended too some weeks earlier when I clamped wood to the sides and left it tightened together up in the loft. This idea worked and now the sides are straight and true.
Cheers for now
ken
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Ken,
I think the kit still has the bridge the wrong way round - see photo.
The painting is wrong too!
Also, I did the original review for Model Boats - I can email you a copy if you want.
Colin
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I'm sure you will do her more proud than I would have Kenny.
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Yes please Colin. I seem to recall reading it in the mag but don't know where it is now.
Good job you wrote quickly, as I have cut the Bridge parts out and was sizing them up against the hull to get their positions, and thought at the time it looked wrong. :o
Good job I've left the two deck half's over length. Now I can position the bridge wall more accurately. I'm working on the deck curvature at the moment. (cutting the curved under braces)
Cheers
ken
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You're making me blush Mike. Stop it
ken
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Colin,
Cracking pictures. I shall refer to them often.
ken
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PM me your Email Ken.
Colin
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Morning Colin, Don't know how I missed this last night.
Please click on my name in the profile on the left and it's there.
Cheers
ken
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The inside rails have been epoxied over night and here's the result.
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On the Talacre, the two decks are at different heights. To this end we have made two decks and fitted curved braces underneath to get the deck to curve throughout their lengths.
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These have been placed inside the hull and you will notice that the sides have splayed out somewhat !!
Hopefully, with the aid of elastic bands they will pull together when the time comes for securing them in.
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It is time to fit the rudder servo. Unfortunately the rudder shaft only protrudes half an inch above the rudder tube which in itself only comes up a short distance inside the hull. The rest of day was spent pondering the problem.
The tiller arm was missing from the kit so our came the faithful 13 amp plug pin. This proved to have a very large hole in the end and was too big for the spindle which was only 2.5mm. Also, when in position it proved to be too low as it knocked the stern rise of the hull.
It looks as if a re-design will be necessary as I need more height to the shaft inside the boat. I need to fit an extra length to get it higher. I need to make an inline coupler to fit an extra bit. Hey ho ... that's what this hobby is all about. :}
Cheers for now
Ken
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Here's a close up of the rudder top.
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Why not trim the top of the white metal brace.Redrill the 13 amp plug leg to the correct size and then drill though the shaft and plug thingy and either split pin it or use a peice of brass rod thru it to locate it positivly SIMPLES really
Dave
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hi ken,
can you not tap out the existing shaft in rudder, held in a vice then replace with a longer shaft of same diameter, i dont think it would have been cast with shaft fitted, would have been fitted after could be wrong though , i did this on a cast metal rudder worked for me.
david
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Personally I don't like these big heavy cast metal rudders and their soft white metal supports. I use them as a pattern for stronger and lighter brass/wood replacements which can be designed to fit the space available. Manufacturers use white metal because it is cheap and convenient not because it is the best material for the job.
Colin
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Hi Stavros, Brilliant thinking about the plug pin. I never thought about turning it around. %)
Hi David, Thank you for the information about tapping it through. I might look into this today.
Thank you Colin. This was my alternative. I might have a go at making another one.
Cheers guys
ken
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Build another one, was the way to go.
I tapped out the old rudder tube and drilled it for a larger version. A new rudder was constructed and fitted to a larger shaft with matching tube. This was epoxied in and works OK.
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Next job was to fit the electrics
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Battery fitted and everything seemed to run Ok, so the decks were laid in (but not secured down yet).
The weight was measured and it came out at 8 lbs, so well under the recommended 12 lbs.
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Time to start on the bridge deck. I have gone for reversing it to match the real Talacre and believe me, this took a few days to get it right.
We have not painted anything yet, nor stained the wood, but this will give you an idea of the layout.
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The foredeck has not been secured down yet but here is a close up of the fitting.
I still have all the metallic fittings in their little bags, so can't wait to get started on the fitting out. next stop is the paint shop. %)
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Nicely taking shape Kenny.
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Thanks Mike. It is a pleasant build even though the instructions are a challenge. Some of the structures have been 'beefed up' a bit as they appeared a little too weak. I've applied extra bracing here and there. :}
Cheers
Ken
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Looking good Ken.
Looking forward to another YouTube build video ... with keyboards :-))
Dave
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Cheers Dave me ol mate. Haven't got that far yet but it is going well.
Ken
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The Wheelhouse has not yet been fixed down so I was able to complete it on the bench.
I have wood stained it with a diluted mix to make it look old and worn out. I think I might have over succeeded. %)
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Whilst this was drying I got on with the front deck and it's roof.
It's a plastic lunch box inverted with metal edges provided to go around the top. this is then overlaid with pre-drawn hatches which I have left uncut.
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I then moved fore'd and fitted the upper piece to the bows section.
The model required a raised bow glued to the tops of the bulwarks. I thought this a bit flimsy, especially with my driving, so I've made a complete section from a solid wood piece. I'll picture it tomorrow.
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The staining dried out so I got on with fitting out the bridge deck.
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As per usual kit models, they supply the pre moulded tops and expect you to furnish the base poles and glue it together.
As these were a bit flimsy, I've run a wooden dowel up through the tubes so as to attach the tops and the base rings securely. This took the rest of the day to get right and now I'm presented with a warped oval shape to which I have to fit a tube !!
Here's the part I have to work with. I might try the vice tomorrow and see if I can make it rounder.
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>>:-( no Ken....not the vice.........this marvellous metal has little compressive strength {:-{ virtually ZERO ductility <*< & the addition of gentle heat does nothing until it melts before your eyes <:(
One solution would be to thin out the ellipse at the joint lines, then use epoxy metal to strengthen the bore in the same plain, then very gently machine [hand scrap] the bore to a nominal roundness & then install stepped or spigoted tubes
Again the pipes can be further blended with epoxy metal at the transition joint......the last option could be to go to your hobby store & search the racks for a similar set of Graupner brand components that appear to be of roundish moulding O0 ......Derek
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Alternatively, simply put the entire 'top' into a 'round' pipe/tube and fair the tube/pipe join to the 'top' with filler. :} :}
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Hi Kenny you must be in a hurry to leave port at the rate you are building this one. Nice work though, keep the pictures coming, we don't want Dave to be upset if he fails to get his daily dose of pictures. Thanks for sharing, Mick B.
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Thanks for all the advice guys. It's no vice then. I shall offer up a dowel and try extra filler and if that looks shabby, I'll but new ones.
Just checked the epoxied bow. My goodness, it's sturdy stuff, isn't it. Now for the decks and 50 elastic bands as it requires quite a pull on the sides.
ken
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It's no vice then.
In that case I'm not coming to the party %)
Dave
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Alternatively, simply put the entire 'top' into a 'round' pipe/tube and fair the tube/pipe join to the 'top' with filler. :} :}
This is exactly what I did on my Talacre nearly 30 years ago and it worked beautifully.
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Today I tried straighten out the curve (is that right ???) in the Vice and it worked a treat because it was solid.
Once I had a round end i could turn some dowel to fit. These were glued in with super glue and tomorrow I shall apply a little filler to smooth it all around.
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The fixing with the epoxy has now dried and become very firm.
Here it is before the wraps came off. Also shown is the wooden raised bow that was attached.
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Off with the Postman's rubber bands and the excess epoxy sanded smooth.
All items just placed into position. These will be removed for the spraying process.
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The gert big lump on the aft deck is the supplied Balsa wood fitting. A bit on "ugh" side so this will have to be re-done in marine ply as there is an awful lot of components to be fitted on it.
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Make sure you get the funnel angle right Ken - it's all too easy to give it a forward slant by mistake as the aft structure tips slightly forward due to the sheer of the hull.
Colin
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Thanks Colin. It does indeed slope for'd
I notice there is not much room for the tiller arm now the rear deck is clamped down. I may enlarge the hole and fit a box affair above it.
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Full day in the shipyard today.
Set about making a new rear deck cover from plywood and starting the 'little' parts.
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The anchor winch was a little challenge but came out OK in the end.
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The funnel was assembled and 'raked' back to match the drawings.
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Just noticed the macro setting on the camera so here's a few 'close ups'
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looking good Ken Are we going to have a miaden Voyage at Mayhem this year....And dont FORGET to do as you are TOLD with regards Painting OTHERWISE Uncle STAV will get rather UPSET :P
Dave
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Hi Stav.
You will have noticed I've not touched a drop. :} Gonna do it proper like when the time comes.
cheers
Ken
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Hi Stav.
You will have noticed I've not touched a drop. :} Gonna do it proper like when the time comes.
cheers
Ken
What?? have a few drops when the time comes :o :o :o :o
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It has been a nice few days for painting, so all the little bits were laid out on a board and away we went.
Here's the result with some parts glued down and others loose.
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A flaw became apparent with the rear paneled board. As the original base unit was quarter inch Balsa wood and I replaced it with thin plywood, the overall width of the unit shrunk inwards.
I shall trim it to fit when the glue has dried.
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The masts were constructed and the hoops fitted. The assembled winches were glued into position.
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I've been dreading the lifeboats. The first cut is the worst. There will be a slight delay as I need more sharp Stanley blades. I've got the life belts and bollards painted and a load of windows and drain flaps all ready to go on. The vents came out great when painted white.
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Very nice Kenny.
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Well IMPRESSED with the Paintwork Ken someone must have taught you well.
Are we to see this at Mayhem at all
Dave
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Cheers Mike. Not a part missing from this 15 year old kit. :-))
Mind you I'm down to the real tiny bits now and the mouldings need filing. Eyelets and things are not my Forte. %)
Sorry Dave but unable to come to Wicksteed this year. The painting went well this time. Must be getting better with all those lessons. :}
Ken
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The new (sharp) Stanley blades have arrived so it's on with cutting out 50 Bulwarks. These were then fitted and the capping rails were topped off.
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Some more views.
The doors and extras were fitted on to the rear cabin. Only the lifeboats to go.
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Looking really good Kenny
Where's the crew?
You have always had an overseer on your builds
Ned
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Not long now before their dressing ceremony. {-)
I was sat here typing this post and thought it's time for a float test so i filled the bath and scuttled down to fetch her.
Two things went wrong. <:( The hull started filling with water. The boat tipped over severely to the right due to battery mis-alignment and it being upright in the container.
I shall have to think it out again. %)
ken
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I've mixed up some epoxy and poured it into the stern under the prop shaft. The bow was propped up on bricks and hopefully it will seal up around the shaft tube where it comes into the hull.
My design of a vertical 7 amp hr battery was done because of access through the front hatch. I couldn't turn and twist it down underneath to lie flat. This was to have a bad effect on the stability so tomorrow I shall have to do some cutting to enable me to twist the battery over.
When doing the float test I noticed she was above her waterline, so when I get her floating I shall be able to weigh her down and this might improve stability.
ken
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Hello Kenny.
Just caught with your latest build, looking nice my sought of boat room for lots of weathering.....
just catching up with builds , slowed up a bit trouble with ticker under NHS cosh ......
looking forward to seeing launch pictures .........cheers Larry....
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Hi Larry,
Glad you're up and running. :-)) Yes, this is a pretty little craft. Even the Mrs likes it. She should be able to go under her own steam soon !. When I can be sure I'll get her to come back. :}
Cheers
Ken
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Further work has been done on the outfitting.
I have painted the little pieces and the crew and started fitting then on. The lifeboats are assembled but the rails around the edges were cut to the marks provided which proved wrong . Ho Hum. I shall have to re cut a new set.
Here's the latest pictures.
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Some more.
I've made the rigging triangle up the front mast and put the tiny rings into the deck but it's not ready to fit yet.
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Is the water ingress sorted Kenny?
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No problem. I mixed a runnier epoxy and covered the prop tube. It hadn't quite sealed underneath.
Did a bath test and found the optimum weight and laid some lead in the bottom of the hull. I've now got the battery to lie flat and she's quite steady. The radio gear is installed so it's off to the lake when the weather improves. :}
Ken
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nice model Kenny,
were did the crew members come from?.....larry...
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Hi Larry,
They actually came with the kit. Even the little doggie. I have added two from the Aziz kit to crowd it out a bit.
Cheers
Ken
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Finished off the boat this weekend and here's the final pictures. Tomorrow it's off to the lake with the boat club.
I hope to produce a YouTube movie soon if she don't sink. (as they say !)
Cheers
ken
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What took you so long Kenny ( just kidding ) I hope she passes trials with shining colours, she is a lovely build you should be very proud of your work. Mick B.
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Hi Kenny...Been watching the build with great interest and it,s turned out a great model, hope it performs well on the water....Rod :-))
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Just got back from the lake.
It went very well indeed. A very nice boat to sail. (slight list to port but all fixed now!) We sailed for an hour and went through all the tests OK. Seems she runs astern in a straight line. ;) Plenty of power to get out of trouble if needed. The water was in need of some TLC but we ploughed through the muck alright. Got some movies of it all, so will now make a YouTube film.
Thank you all for your kind comments. I am a happy bunny now it's all over. Whats next. %)
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Perfick :} :}
You have a very nice model there Kenny.
The first pic on the water I like the best .
The colours seem to go with the period.
As you say What's next?
Ned
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Very nice build Ken. I bet you're pleased.
Colin
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Hi Ken
I eagerly await the new vid ... Trying hard go guess what the keyboards will bring ... No don't spoil the surprise.
Dave
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Thanks everyone. Yes I'm quite pleased with this one. Sort of looks the biz, as they say.
Of to the film studios now (upstairs in a dark room) :}
Ken
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Ken
Another excellent model - well done!
"Seems she runs astern in a straight line." Ouch! :embarrassed:
Mike
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Hi Mike.
The reference was for you. I especially did this test to see for myself the effect of reversing a single prop boat. After a while when under power, it does veer off course, so I also tried gentle reversing and moved the tiller to gain more information. Once she goes off course, it's difficult to straighten her up again.
The secret seems to be a rapid acceleration to rear and stop the props when underway. She then cruises in a straight line and can actually be steered a bit.
Hope this helps you with your problem
Cheers
ken
I'm thinking of selling her to fund the next one. If anyone is interested then I will do a full ad in the correct section.
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Ken
Thank you for thinking of me! :-)
That's really useful information. I'm planning another experiment in the bath within the next day or two. Unfortunately I don't have a suitable expanse of water (or club) within easy reach.
Looking forward to your video.
Mike
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Hi Ken,
....what a nice model. Great to see her on the water.
Kind Regards
Wilhelm
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Thank you Wilhelm. I'm working on the film even as I speak.
Should be ready soon. ok2
ken
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Here's the movie. Enjoy.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-H9tpHGqKKQ&feature=youtu.be (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-H9tpHGqKKQ&feature=youtu.be)
Thank you
ken
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Ken
The video certainly lived up to expectations - another masterpiece!
As you say, she goes straight astern, which makes me very jealous! {:-{ Not only that, you're using a coarse pitch, four bladed prop!
I shall go away and lick my wounds. <:(
Mike
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I really wanted the 'Ken on keyboards' special edition type video O0
Dave
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Sorry about that Dave. It is a specialist sound which doesn't appeal to everyone so it's just you, me and Ethel Smith. Ding dong. :}
I'm back on line after being on my bed in a dark room for three days. Seems I've got Sinusitis and am on Antibiotics. Unfortunately my eye has come loose and is puffy as well, along with a four day beard and breath to stop a Rhino. Struggled to the computer and it locked up on loading the start screen. Now it's back working along with over 40 mails, so life goes on. {-)
Cheers
Ken
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Hi Ken,
Nice build , and great vid........what's next .?..
cheers Larry....
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Cheers Larry. Perhaps I might go back to the Gun boat. All I need is all the deck fittings at 1:24 scale. %)
Ken
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Looks the part on the water Kenny. Great build all round. I am sure she will go to a home that values your hard work - she's a good buy for someone lucky enough to take her on.
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Surprise Surprise .......... I have taken her down off the shelf for a dusting off. This was mainly because I need a speed controller for another project.
As she has not been used since I last wrote about it on here (doesn't time pass so quickly these days !!), I have decided I need the money, so she will be up for sale soon in our sales department. Any idea of prices, chaps.
Cheers
ken