Model Boat Mayhem

The Shipyard ( Dry Dock ): Builds & Questions => Navy - Military - Battleships: => Topic started by: Dan.Lord on July 07, 2015, 02:00:27 pm

Title: Tribal class Frigate H.M.S. Eskimo Built on Deans Marine H.M.S. Zulu
Post by: Dan.Lord on July 07, 2015, 02:00:27 pm
Hi all, well I ordered the Zulu yesterday about 10.30, & it arrived this morning at 9.25, so you can't complain about the prompt service that Deans supplies  :-))


Anyway, on opening the box, I found a well packed kit, comprising of a nice hull, comprehensive instruction book, laser cut decks, 3 trays of fittings in white metal , resin & etched brass all nicely sealed so not to loose any bits  :-)) some vac formed bits n pieces, a good full size plan & even a complimentary cd with plenty of pictures of her being built a various stages.
All in all very pleased with what I see so far. As RadioJoe mentioned in his build log, the hull bottom is a tad concave, so I've ordered some 3mm ply to re enforce it, so I won't actually start building until it arrives  {:-{ , I can make a stand etc though  :D  Cheers & more to follow soon ( I hope ) All the best Dan.
Title: Re: Tribal class Frigate H.M.S. Eskimo Built on Deans Marine H.M.S. Zulu
Post by: Colin Bishop on July 07, 2015, 03:31:15 pm
With regard to the concaveness in the hull, put it on a flat surface, lay a narrow piece of wood inside (such as a bit of 25mm stripwood) and then add enough weight to the wood to flatten the bottom. Next use a hairdryer on full heat to apply hot air to the bottom until the hull is warm to the touch (it won't melt). Allow to cool then remove wood and weight and you should find that the hull bottom will remain flat. You might possibly have to repeat the treatment.

You may also find that the tops of the hull sides have curled in a bit making it difficult to fit the deck. A similar technique can be used to remedy this too but you will need to be more careful as the plastic deck WILL melt if heated up! Apply the heat to the outside of the hull to avoid this. An alternative method of straightening the sides is to use stripwood on each side temporarily wedged in place to straighten them before applying heat.

It is common for GRP hulls to slightly distort after being removed from the mould as the curing process continues but easily put right as above.

Colin
Title: Re: Tribal class Frigate H.M.S. Eskimo Built on Deans Marine H.M.S. Zulu
Post by: Dan.Lord on July 07, 2015, 04:06:44 pm
Thanks for the tip Colin  :-))  The top edges look fine on this one, in fact the hull's pretty good all over, apart from the slight concaveness of the bottom. I was going to "borrow" Joe's idea with the ply, & use it t mount the motor & battery's etc.
Went looking for a bit of wood to make the stand with & got collared into tidying up the garage before I make anymore mess  {:-{  oh hum !!!!

Title: Re: Tribal class Frigate H.M.S. Eskimo Built on Deans Marine H.M.S. Zulu
Post by: Dan.Lord on July 07, 2015, 04:44:37 pm
Also just ordered this from the States, 1/96th wasp created on a 3D printer. about £28.00 inc shipping but looks the dogs do-dars  O0


https://www.shapeways.com/product/TW3LULPQ6/westland-wasp-helicopter-kit-1-96?li=search-results-3&optionId=42881413
Title: Re: Tribal class Frigate H.M.S. Eskimo Built on Deans Marine H.M.S. Zulu
Post by: Bob K on July 07, 2015, 05:13:34 pm
Shapeways do really nice work. Had several of their excellent 3D printed parts.

Went looking for a bit of wood to make the stand with & got collared into tidying up the garage before I make anymore mess  {:-{  oh hum !!!!

The trick is, I have found, is never let the level of 'mess' fall below a certain standard.  That way a bit more never notices.  If you have exposed the floor surface you had 'overdone' it.
Title: Re: Tribal class Frigate H.M.S. Eskimo Built on Deans Marine H.M.S. Zulu
Post by: Dan.Lord on July 07, 2015, 06:43:40 pm
Lol yes I certainly over did it today  %%  hard work esp with  :police: <*<  watching over you.  >>:-( Done now though, out tomorrow so hopefully make a start Thurs   :-)) 
Oh yes I'm looking forward to getting the wasp to see just how good it is  ;D
Title: Re: Tribal class Frigate H.M.S. Eskimo Built on Deans Marine H.M.S. Zulu
Post by: ballastanksian on July 07, 2015, 08:29:22 pm
The idea of using the base that the parts are printed on as a jig as well is brilliantly inspired. I take my hat off to the designer as he has really thought the model through.

The kit looks lovely, I can't wait to see the beginning of the saga.
TTFN, Ian:O)
Title: Re: Tribal class Frigate H.M.S. Eskimo Built on Deans Marine H.M.S. Zulu
Post by: deadbeat on July 08, 2015, 08:58:10 am
Before you get too far into the build you'll need to decide how accurate you want the underwater portion of the ship to be. My Nubian came with Dean's bog standard white metal propeller (the same as came with my Solebay) this prop is wrong for the ship. I fitted a five-bladed brass prop.

Also the rudder supplied with my Nubian was also bog standard (same as my Solebay) but it also is wrong for the ship although I did use it before I discovered that these ships had twin balanced rudders.

You may also want to consider bilge keels; these ships also had stabilisers. I didn't bother fitting either but bilge keels might be useful.

I wish that Shapeways Wasp was available when I needed one. I ended up buying on fleabay an Airfix 1/72 Westland Scout and cutting it down to 1/96 and making a Wasp out of it.
Title: Re: Tribal class Frigate H.M.S. Eskimo Built on Deans Marine H.M.S. Zulu
Post by: TailUK on July 08, 2015, 09:32:37 am
The idea of using the base that the parts are printed on as a jig as well is brilliantly inspired. I take my hat off to the designer as he has really thought the model through.

The kit looks lovely, I can't wait to see the beginning of the saga.
TTFN, Ian:O)

He occasionally posts to Mayhem and his own model boats are pretty good too!
Title: Re: Tribal class Frigate H.M.S. Eskimo Built on Deans Marine H.M.S. Zulu
Post by: ballastanksian on July 08, 2015, 11:04:51 am
There's an English bloke who does the same. I saw his model of HMS Kent at Shepton, and that is gorgeous. I think it is from the Deans kit.
Title: Re: Tribal class Frigate H.M.S. Eskimo Built on Deans Marine H.M.S. Zulu
Post by: Dan.Lord on July 08, 2015, 08:09:49 pm
Before you get too far into the build you'll need to decide how accurate you want the underwater portion of the ship to be. My Nubian came with Dean's bog standard white metal propeller (the same as came with my Solebay) this prop is wrong for the ship. I fitted a five-bladed brass prop.

Also the rudder supplied with my Nubian was also bog standard (same as my Solebay) but it also is wrong for the ship although I did use it before I discovered that these ships had twin balanced rudders.

You may also want to consider bilge keels; these ships also had stabilisers. I didn't bother fitting either but bilge keels might be useful.

I wish that Shapeways Wasp was available when I needed one. I ended up buying on fleabay an Airfix 1/72 Westland Scout and cutting it down to 1/96 and making a Wasp out of it.




I've brought a 5 bladed prop for her, & will most likely build a bigger rudder too. As for the other bits I'll probably just put whats in the kit  :embarrassed:  The Ply arrived today, so might make a start tomorrow :-))
Title: Re: Tribal class Frigate H.M.S. Eskimo Built on Deans Marine H.M.S. Zulu
Post by: Dan.Lord on July 09, 2015, 12:56:02 pm
The Ice has been broken  :}  Not by much though, made the stand & sanded the hull to the correct shape etc. Next job mow the lawn   >:-o  me wants to do more boat !!!
Title: Re: Tribal class Frigate H.M.S. Eskimo Built on Deans Marine H.M.S. Zulu
Post by: ballastanksian on July 09, 2015, 01:27:39 pm
Confucious, he say, a journey always starts with the first step. Much like mowing the lawn (earning hobby time points) and starting a project.

That hull is lovely.
Title: Re: Tribal class Frigate H.M.S. Eskimo Built on Deans Marine H.M.S. Zulu
Post by: Dan.Lord on July 09, 2015, 02:15:57 pm
Thanks Balla  :embarrassed:  Next job get some ply inside to flatten out the concaveness  :-))
Title: Re: Tribal class Frigate H.M.S. Eskimo Built on Deans Marine H.M.S. Zulu
Post by: Netleyned on July 09, 2015, 03:58:53 pm
I will be watching this build as an Eskimo first commission.
The propellor she started with got a bit bent on a reef in Bahrain
and we had to sail at five knots to Bombay to dock and replace
the screw with a shiny new one.
Please use twin rudders Dan if only to keep little bro happy.
It will sail a lot better.

Ned
Title: Re: Tribal class Frigate H.M.S. Eskimo Built on Deans Marine H.M.S. Zulu
Post by: Dan.Lord on July 09, 2015, 04:42:07 pm
lol what are you like making me more work  >>:-( I've just put a floor in her to pop out the concaveness, now allowing that to dry over night. I've already drilled the hole for the rudder, but I suppose I could always plug it & drill a couple more  %)  I think I'll make the rudder(s) slightly bigger as Joe did, might as well follow tradition  {-)  Right I'd better go n look for some brass tube, or I'll have to order some toot sweet  {:-{  Cheers Dan
Title: Re: Tribal class Frigate H.M.S. Eskimo Built on Deans Marine H.M.S. Zulu
Post by: Dan.Lord on July 09, 2015, 06:33:03 pm
Ok Ned, I've just made 2 rudders  :-))  managed to find just enough brass tube for the posts  :-)  Happy days !!!
Title: Re: Tribal class Frigate H.M.S. Eskimo Built on Deans Marine H.M.S. Zulu
Post by: Dan.Lord on July 10, 2015, 05:52:36 pm
Not much done today as been out  :}  did manage to fit the prop shaft & rudder tubes, just plopped some filler around it to tidy it up !! Also Wasp arrived today too, came from Holland, pretty good turn around, only ordered it Tuesday, thought it was coming from the USA. The detail is fantastic, It's hollow, & only weighs 8.8 grams, so hopefully shouldn't affect the stability much if at all  :-))  Tried to take some close ups, really impressed to be honest ( wasp not photo's )
Title: Re: Tribal class Frigate H.M.S. Eskimo Built on Deans Marine H.M.S. Zulu
Post by: Bob K on July 10, 2015, 06:33:23 pm
Looking really good Dan.  Glad you've opted for the twin rudders and brass prop, which I am sure will work more effectively in the water.  Keep up the excellent work  :-))
Title: Re: Tribal class Frigate H.M.S. Eskimo Built on Deans Marine H.M.S. Zulu
Post by: ballastanksian on July 10, 2015, 08:59:10 pm
The arrangement definitly makes the model Dan. The propellor is a work of art, like a submarine prop as used in the modern era.

This is definitly a rich period for warship build logs:O)

TTFN, Ian.
Title: Re: Tribal class Frigate H.M.S. Eskimo Built on Deans Marine H.M.S. Zulu
Post by: Niall on July 11, 2015, 10:13:49 pm
Take care when cutting the Wasp parts from the sprue. The resin Shapeways use is very brittle.

When printing the resin is supported with wax, this leaves a greasy residue on the printed parts. I soak them in soapy water overnight before using them.
Title: Re: Tribal class Frigate H.M.S. Eskimo Built on Deans Marine H.M.S. Zulu
Post by: Dan.Lord on July 12, 2015, 09:59:33 am
Cheers for the advice Niall  :-))  I've never used these before, so any advice always welcome. I noticed that it has a strong smell of almonds, must be the wax  %)
Anyway, yesterday was spent cutting out the anchor recesses & making up the inner bit, I also fitted the front deck to help strengthen up the hull. After a bit of faffing around all seemed to go ok  Got to trim back the hull a bit more where it meets the upper deck, as this seems to be over sized, no hardship though  ok2
Title: Re: Tribal class Frigate H.M.S. Eskimo Built on Deans Marine H.M.S. Zulu
Post by: ballastanksian on July 12, 2015, 01:32:04 pm
 :-)) Great stuff, it takes shape very quickly at the beginning.Were the recesses etched into the hull or did you have to mark them on by measurement?

I often draw in recessed lines with pencil to make them clearer for cutting etc and wondered.

Title: Re: Tribal class Frigate H.M.S. Eskimo Built on Deans Marine H.M.S. Zulu
Post by: Dan.Lord on July 12, 2015, 03:56:21 pm
The recesses were marked on the hull, sort of a raised shape which I drew around with pencil to make stand out. I just used a drill & file to shape them. made the inner bits from scrap plasti card. There is no mention on these in the plans or instructions, so I guess you're either meant to leave them or  do what you fancy  :embarrassed:
Title: Re: Tribal class Frigate H.M.S. Eskimo Built on Deans Marine H.M.S. Zulu
Post by: ballastanksian on July 12, 2015, 08:49:14 pm
It would just look wrong with them raised. I can appreciate that recesses are not fun to cast especially in a brittle resin like polyesther, so it makes sense to give you the option of cutting them and doing what you dooded.

Title: Re: Tribal class Frigate H.M.S. Eskimo Built on Deans Marine H.M.S. Zulu
Post by: Dan.Lord on July 12, 2015, 10:06:08 pm
Yeah pretty much  ok2  There;s a raised bit on the stern too, but I can't see anything that's supposed to go there. I'll smooth it off & leave it blank  :-))
Title: Re: Tribal class Frigate H.M.S. Eskimo Built on Deans Marine H.M.S. Zulu
Post by: Dan.Lord on July 14, 2015, 03:49:01 pm
Fitted the running gear etc, & fitted the aft & upper deck for test fitting. Looking a bit more like a ship  :-))
Title: Re: Tribal class Frigate H.M.S. Eskimo Built on Deans Marine H.M.S. Zulu
Post by: Dan.Lord on July 25, 2015, 03:17:15 pm
Hi all, got a bit more done this week, Fitted the decks & made the funnel superstructure. I had to make this first as all the holes were pre cut in the decks, & mostly in the wrong place. I has to remove about 1cm from the rear of the rear deck & approx 6mm from the rear of the mid deck so it would fit the funnel superstructure correctly. I also found a lot of the printed parts were poorly sized & numbered compared with the instructions, but I just made my own in a lot of places, so no drama there.
Next job drill out the port holes & have a look at making some stabilizers as I think she had them originally  :-)) [size=78%] [/size]
Title: Re: Tribal class Frigate H.M.S. Eskimo Built on Deans Marine H.M.S. Zulu
Post by: Yarpie on July 25, 2015, 08:49:33 pm
The recesses were marked on the hull, sort of a raised shape which I drew around with pencil to make stand out. I just used a drill & file to shape them. made the inner bits from scrap plasti card. There is no mention on these in the plans or instructions, so I guess you're either meant to leave them or  do what you fancy  :embarrassed:

Well done Dan, attention to detail. O0

Having served on two Tribals (HMS ESKIMO 1974-76 and HMS MOHAWK 1962-64 First Commission) the anchor recess (or lack of) were the first thing I noticed on my model and I wondered when you started out on your venture if you would overlook them.

I too used a Deans Marine kit of ZULU to build ESKIMO and must say that I also experienced problems with instructions, marking-out etc, etc. However, I persevered and turned out a reasonable model. But beware anoraks!! Some guy at a boat show argued black was white regarding the watertight door leading to "H" diesel generator compartment. %) He swore blind that it shouldn't have been there. (It was the only way in or out of that compartment). ok2 They all know best eh?

Love your Wasp, at 8.8 grams it shouldn't affect stability, but a word of warning, keep everything above the waterline as light as possible, there's not much margin of error along the waterline (unless you raise the boot topping by about 1 centimetre).

Good luck with your project, you seem to be forging ahead on both steam and G6 gas turbine coupled. ok2

Sandy.

Title: Re: Tribal class Frigate H.M.S. Eskimo Built on Deans Marine H.M.S. Zulu
Post by: Yarpie on July 25, 2015, 09:05:42 pm
...................Next job drill out the port holes & have a look at making some stabilizers as I think she had them originally  :-))

Dan, she did indeed have stabilisers. These in harbour conditions would be "housed" and at sea would be "extended" to make for a more stable gunnery platform. The order from Command on proceeding to sea would be "Extend the stabilisers" and prior to entering harbour would be "House the stabilisers".

I was on watch in the Machinery Control Room when Skipper rang down from bridge and gave the order "House the stabilisers", and I stupidly replied; "They're fine Sir ....... hows yerself?"

Immediate order "See me in my cabin when you come off watch!"

Thankfully he saw the funny side and offered me a "short". %%

So, to help you with your stabiliser issue, you could risk cutting a recess just in line below the bridge superstructure and at about bilge keel level, ensure that it is domed inboard and securely watertight and then insert a "blade" into it (similar but smaller than a rudder tip) and simulate a housed stabiliser.

But, as they're below waterline, is it worth the effort and subsequent risk to watertight integrity?

Hope this helps.

Sandy.
Title: Re: Tribal class Frigate H.M.S. Eskimo Built on Deans Marine H.M.S. Zulu
Post by: Dan.Lord on July 26, 2015, 04:49:36 pm
Hi Sandy, thanks  for the advice  :-))  I've decided to give the Stabilizers a miss, {:-{  to much work  !! As you say some "Anoraks" might pick  fault, but as long as it's near enough I'm going to be happy  :-)  You'll have to put a piccy or 2 of your Eskimo up so I can see her & get some inspiration  :D  Cheers Again Dan.
Title: Re: Tribal class Frigate H.M.S. Eskimo Built on Deans Marine H.M.S. Zulu
Post by: Dan.Lord on July 26, 2015, 06:01:40 pm
Got a little bit done today, drilled out the port holes, I had some small plastic port holes from Billings, so I plopped them in the holes to finish it off better, looks quite good. Also fitted a couple of bilge keels which I made from some scrap as they don't include any in the kit. all in all seems to be shaping up nicely  :embarrassed:
Title: Re: Tribal class Frigate H.M.S. Eskimo Built on Deans Marine H.M.S. Zulu
Post by: ballastanksian on August 02, 2015, 09:49:16 pm
Cracking progress Dan! Definitly looking like the prototype already.