Model Boat Mayhem

The Shipyard ( Dry Dock ): Builds & Questions => Pleasure boats, Sports, Race, Power and Leisure Boats: => Topic started by: ukmike on June 20, 2017, 06:40:41 pm

Title: Biggish Aquarama Special build
Post by: ukmike on June 20, 2017, 06:40:41 pm
Hi.

LOA 1.3 mtrs. x 380mm Beam.
Powered by 2 x 1KW. brushless motors.
Some photos of the work so far.
Mike.
Title: Re: Bigish Aquarama Special Build
Post by: TomHugill on June 20, 2017, 11:05:12 pm
Been looking forward to this mike, following on!
Title: Re: Bigish Aquarama Special Build
Post by: Martin [Admin] on June 21, 2017, 11:59:50 am
 
Yeah, I say Bigish too!
Title: Re: Bigish Aquarama Special Build
Post by: DaveRuss on June 21, 2017, 12:42:58 pm
I take it that this is a scratch build.If so,do you cut the parts yourself or is there somewhere you send the plans.Thanks
Also can you tell us what wood you are using etc.

Will be following closely.
Title: Re: Bigish Aquarama Special Build
Post by: ukmike on June 21, 2017, 01:48:17 pm
Building from plans and cutting the wood myself.
The frames should have been 5mm birch ply but when it arrived it was the Imperial equivalent which is a tad thicker, as is all of  the wood that I ordered.
The keel is 2 X 5mm laminated together from frames 7 to 13 and 4 laminations from 6 onward. Again all oversize due to the wood being Imperial.
Other woods include Mahogany, Lime and a little 4mm ( ish ) birch ply.
Glue will be mostly yellow aliphatic, maybe a little epoxy here and there.
The Mahogany planks for the hull sides and some of the decking will be 9mm X 3mm which I will cut myself, the hull bottom is 3 mm ply due to the full size having a white bottom.
As for varnish, ( eventually ), it will be LeTonkinois.
Mike.
Title: Re: Bigish Aquarama Special Build
Post by: DaveRuss on June 21, 2017, 09:26:37 pm
Thanks Mike she sure is going to be a big one.I bet she will be quite heavy too.
Title: Re: Bigish Aquarama Special Build
Post by: TomHugill on June 21, 2017, 10:06:51 pm
Mines a similar size and isn't too heavy
Title: Re: Bigish Aquarama Special Build
Post by: ukmike on June 22, 2017, 01:19:24 pm
Her are a couple of photos of my exposed shafts setuup.

The 2 miniature pillar blocks will take the prop thrust and the 2 alloy things are the flexi motor couplings.
Didn'y fancy the idea of using brass wheel collets on the outside of the hull as I want the shaft tubes to protrude as little as possible thu' the hull bottom.

Mike.
Title: Re: Bigish Aquarama Special Build
Post by: me3 on June 22, 2017, 05:33:40 pm
Looking good! Where did you get the plans from?
Title: Re: Bigish Aquarama Special Build
Post by: ukmike on June 22, 2017, 06:05:56 pm
From Marc Spitàls in France.
Title: Re: Bigish Aquarama Special Build
Post by: ukmike on June 29, 2017, 03:14:36 pm
Finaly managed to straighten the keel by wetting with very hot water and W/Up liquid, clamped into aluminium angle with a small packing piece in the centre then drying with heat gun made for paint stripping. It has kept in shape for 3 days now and shows no sighns of bowing.
Have started to fit the frames now then I can turn upside down and fit the chine stringers which are 3 laminations of 3mm Lime.
Mike.
Title: Re: Bigish Aquarama Special Build
Post by: ukmike on July 14, 2017, 05:55:16 pm
Progress so far, very slow going.

Here are some photos of my exposed propshafts set up. Nothing glued in yet, just setting the alignments.

Mike.

Title: Re: Bigish Aquarama Special Build
Post by: Martin [Admin] on July 14, 2017, 08:30:55 pm
Images are very small, try resizing to 800 x 600   :-))
Title: Re: Bigish Aquarama Special Build
Post by: ukmike on July 31, 2017, 09:29:03 am
Progress so far.
Title: Re: Bigish Aquarama Special Build
Post by: martno1fan on August 01, 2017, 06:50:14 am
Great work mate,what motors are those they look a bit small.
Title: Re: Bigish Aquarama Special Build
Post by: ukmike on August 01, 2017, 10:25:35 pm
It's not the motors are small but the couplings that are quite large.
They are not Modelling types.
Mike.
Title: Re: Bigish Aquarama Special Build
Post by: martno1fan on August 02, 2017, 06:01:47 am
What size are they and whats the shaft diam .
Title: Re: Bigish Aquarama Special Build
Post by: ukmike on August 02, 2017, 07:58:21 am

Here you go Mart.

3642 / 5mm shaft / 1100kv / 950 watts on 4 cells.
What do you reckon ? Am looking for about 7 kilos finished weight.


Mike.
Title: Re: Bigish Aquarama Special Build
Post by: martno1fan on August 02, 2017, 08:38:46 am
My worry is wether they will have the torque needed to last over a period of time in such a big heavy boat . I can only judge it on the type of hulls i use such as my large Apache.I know mine are faster and a faster design etc but size x weight ratio wise theyre similar. You might be fine and you can but try it i guess mate .Im one of these guys who thinks the more power the better lol.
Title: Re: Bigish Aquarama Special Build
Post by: martno1fan on August 02, 2017, 08:47:17 am
This one is on sale at the moment seems a good motor even on 3 s .This motor has lots of torque as its designed for fast boats,over kill ? . Might pick two up for myself at this price .
https://hobbyking.com/en_us/4362-1300kv-1994w-brushless-motor-suitable-for-hydropro-inception.html
Title: Re: Bigish Aquarama Special Build
Post by: ukmike on August 02, 2017, 02:08:58 pm

Thanks for the info and advice Mart.

Seen those motors and a very good price at the moment.
I want to use only 4 cells and am not particularly concerned about long running times, my main interest is the building and finishing, not the sailing.
I take your point about the weight and have decided to build another hull with extra lightening. Birch plywood is very heavy so my aim is to remove as much of it as possible with sacrificing structural strength.
Will see how it goes !!


Mike.

Title: Re: Bigish Aquarama Special Build
Post by: martno1fan on August 02, 2017, 03:43:51 pm
Thanks for the info and advice Mart.

Seen those motors and a very good price at the moment.
I want to use only 4 cells and am not particularly concerned about long running times, my main interest is the building and finishing, not the sailing.
I take your point about the weight and have decided to build another hull with extra lightening. Birch plywood is very heavy so my aim is to remove as much of it as possible with sacrificing structural strength.
Will see how it goes !!


Mike.

Ive been meaning to make a mould of one of these for years that would consist of main hull and a top structure that would allow people to glue on wood veneer if they wish , i just never seem to get the time to make the model to use as a plug  %) .Would certainly be lighter and more user friendly for rc use i think .
Title: Re: Bigish Aquarama Special Build
Post by: chris1 on August 05, 2017, 06:34:01 am
Nice build and from what i see, very neat workmanship.  Is there a website with Marc Spitals plans? Thank you
Title: Re: Bigish Aquarama Special Build
Post by: ukmike on August 05, 2017, 06:53:35 am
Unfortunately no website for Marc.
The plans are from 1996 and I don't even know if he is still alive !!

Have abandoned the first build,( the one you see on here, ) and started a second one which will be much lighter and modified to accept brushless motors and exposed prop shafts.
Hope to drop about 2 kg. from the finished weight
Will post photos showing the differences as I go along, if that is of any interst.

Mike.
Title: Re: Bigish Aquarama Special Build
Post by: SailorGreg on August 05, 2017, 08:16:10 am
Will post photos showing the differences as I go along, if that is of any interst.

Mike.


Oh yes please. Most definitely of interest!  :-))


Greg
Title: Re: Bigish Aquarama Special Build
Post by: ukmike on August 14, 2017, 10:27:15 pm
Here are some pictures of the lightened and more accurate version of the boat.
Much of the birch ply has been replaced by using a lightweight type ply, not Lite Ply, also much cheaper.
The keel has been perforated with lightening holes and the frames have had as much wood removed as possible.
The 2 deck thingys, don't know what they are called, have been changed to approx 2/3rds light weight ply and 1/3rd birch which will be similarly lightened after fitting.
So far the new parts as pictured are 350 grams lighter than the same original parts so I am on course to acheive my final finished weight.
It is very difficult to fathom the plans as the construction is unusual and the notes in French are baffling, even Google translate is struggling.
Anyway here are the pictures, see what you think.


Title: Re: Bigish Aquarama Special Build
Post by: ukmike on September 19, 2017, 04:43:19 pm
Hi.
Progress on the second hull is proceeding, all be it at a snails pace.
Here are some photos of the work so far, the spray rails are built into the hull as per full size, they are formed as an integral part of the double planking and be about 8mm high at the stern tapering to nothing at the bow.
The stern platform or "Ailerons" as the French designer calls it are removable to allow sanding of the hull and then fitted later.
I am having to resort to some filler here and there to get the first layer of Lime planking as near to perfect as I can which should help the Mahogany final layer a little easier to apply.
The bottom is glassed already as it only has a single layer of 3mm Lime.

Mike.
Title: Re: Bigish Aquarama Special Build
Post by: martno1fan on September 19, 2017, 10:43:10 pm
Nice work Mike  :-)) .
Title: Re: Bigish Aquarama Special Build
Post by: derekwarner on September 19, 2017, 11:24:59 pm
Morning Mike......that double diagonal planking is progressing very well.....it's always a pity to paint it  <:(....

Getting back, the motors appear to be 4 bolted out-runners and the 2 bolt bearing assemblies also appear to be outer spherical and so self aligning

Are the bearing housing outers plastic?.....is the part at the red arrow an inner shaft as a part of the bearing assembly as it appears to be steel and your shafts appears to be brass..........is there a specification sheet available?...

Just going forward a few pages <*<....critical resonance/speed or vibration issue [at a high speed]?

Derek
Title: Re: Bigish Aquarama Special Build
Post by: Davo on September 20, 2017, 12:57:17 am
Definitely a labour of love. You must have some excellent woodworking machinery for producing such precision parts (plus your skill to use them!). I have achieved chine spray rails on standard ply constructed hulls by oversailing the ply at the chine rail, profiling as per your pictures then finishing with a little body filler. It certainly keeps the spray down.
Looking forward to he next instalment....
David
Title: Re: Bigish Aquarama Special Build
Post by: ukmike on September 20, 2017, 08:28:54 am
Hi Derek.
The bearings are FL8 floating bearings with alloy housings, the reducing sleeves,( 8mm to 4mm ), are steel.
The 4mm shafts are 316 stainless steel.
The spiral cut couplings will absorb any and all movement in any direction although the alignment of the whole drive train is a accurate as I can possibly make it.
Have fitted whole assembly in situ and run it up to maximum speed with both motors and there doesn't seem to be any problems, in fact, the whole system was amazingly quiet.
I did fear that the the empty wooden hull would act as a loudspeaker, but was amazed by how quiet it was.


The main reason for using 2 floating bearings was to carry the thrust of the props, I didn't like the idea of an ugly wheel collet on the exposed shafts.
The whole setup was very inexpensive and very effective.


Mike.
Title: Re: Bigish Aquarama Special Build
Post by: ukmike on September 20, 2017, 08:54:26 am
Morning Davo.
Thanks for the reply, unfortunately I don't have many tools for my work, just the usual hand tools plus a 30 year old bandsaw, a home made 8 inch sanding table using a washing machine motor, an equally old jigsaw and my favourite, a Proxxon Moto tool.
All of the cutting out was done using the bandsaw or jigsaw.
How I would love a selection of machines but have neither the space or finance any of them.


Mike.
Title: Re: Bigish Aquarama Special Build
Post by: derekwarner on September 20, 2017, 10:00:09 am
Thanks Mike for the understanding.......it is always good to see quality fit for purpose components selected for drives  :-))

Having said this, will the drive line not always be in compression rather than tension when running ahead?

Derek
Title: Re: Bigish Aquarama Special Build
Post by: ukmike on September 20, 2017, 11:31:57 am
Not the case Derek, any thrust fwd. or reverse is stopped at the FL8 as the shafts are locked  at that point by 2 grub screws in each 8mm bearing onto each of the sleeves and 2 in each reducing sleeve on to each shaft and the bearings themselves have absolutely NO backward or forward float.
That was the whole point in using them.


Mike.
Title: Re: Bigish Aquarama Special Build
Post by: derekwarner on September 20, 2017, 11:52:09 am
Mike ...when I looked for 'FL8 floating bearings' the only meaningful page was the SKF link for the same part number...but this relates to two bearings in combination but apart with the <.....> and >......< capacity

I understood why you had chosen such a bearing O0....and is good to understand for members [me included].....as to the capability of these FL8 assemblies

Is a WEB link available?.....  Derek
Title: Re: Bigish Aquarama Special Build
Post by: canabus on September 20, 2017, 12:02:51 pm
Hi UK MIKE
Very nice setup !!!
Quiet as a mouse !!!
We realigned and upgraded a drive line in a mate's boat.
The red universe joint went again!!!
Replace the bearings and shaft, realigned the motor mount which was the main problem.
Used my motor alignment tool and installed the motor with a solid coupling.
The motor is rated for 18 volts, but, only runs 12 volts.
We run it on 18 volts and the owner said it's quieter than ever!!
But why is the motor revving so hard !!!
He was totally happy with our upgrade and that carton of beer was dam nice.

The boat was in the water at the weekend(only 12 volts) the quietest boat ever!!
   
  :-))
Title: Re: Bigish Aquarama Special Build
Post by: martno1fan on September 21, 2017, 12:29:07 pm
Hi Mike if you still have the first one you half built id be interested in buying it and finishing it off and using it as a plug to make a fiberglass version .
Mart
Title: Re: Bigish Aquarama Special Build
Post by: ukmike on September 21, 2017, 01:05:05 pm
So sorry Martin, I took it to the local council tip along with some other rubbish that had to go.
Shame !!

Mike.


Title: Re: Bigish Aquarama Special Build
Post by: martno1fan on September 22, 2017, 05:44:08 am
So sorry Martin, I took it to the local council tip along with some other rubbish that had to go.
Shame !!

Mike.

<*< <*< <*< hehe oh well worth a try mate no worries .
Title: Re: Bigish Aquarama Special Build
Post by: bj on September 23, 2017, 07:39:09 am
Mike ...when I looked for 'FL8 floating bearings' the only meaningful page was the SKF link for the same part number
Is a WEB link available?.....  Derek
The part in the picture is what I knew as a Pollard Self Aligning Cartridge Bearing (designed for agricultural use) but they seem to be defunct now.
Nearest that I could find was http://www.bearingson.com/category/2-bolt_flange_bearings/cast_iron_2-bolt_flanges/saft200_series/1_2-bolt_ductile_flange_bearing_saftd205-16g.asp?page=2&SortType=0 (http://www.bearingson.com/category/2-bolt_flange_bearings/cast_iron_2-bolt_flanges/saft200_series/1_2-bolt_ductile_flange_bearing_saftd205-16g.asp?page=2&SortType=0)
Title: Re: Bigish Aquarama Special Build
Post by: ukmike on December 08, 2017, 04:15:34 pm
Hi.
The build is not dead but is on hold due to family health reasons.
My wife has been in hospital for several weeks but is now home, unfortunately as yet, cannot do much for herself so I have been looking after her of course as well as running the house and seeing to her little dog Albert. Didn't realise how much involved in keep a home going.
To make matters worse, her Father of 95 passed away very recently which has compounded the problem.

Anyway, back to the build.
I have had to bring the boat along with the wood, electronics and all of the bits that are needed to finish the build indoors due to my shed getting quite damp in the winter months and don't want to risk any damage to anything.

I have however made the twin rudder control linkage and fit the servo. All of the materials excluding the 2 tiller arms I already had leftover from my flying days.
The servo is a 12.5Kg metal geared digital waterproof type and the pushrods are carbon fibre tube. The bellcrank I cut from Paxolin sheet.
It seems to work quite well but needs a little work work before it is finished.

Here are some photos of the assembly, they may be of interest.
Title: Re: Bigish Aquarama Special Build
Post by: Martin [Admin] on December 08, 2017, 06:02:58 pm
 
Good to have you back Mike.

Our kindest regards to your good lady, we wish her well.   O0





Blue anodised aluminum ball end joint .... that's POSH for you!  :o
Title: Re: Bigish Aquarama Special Build
Post by: martno1fan on December 11, 2017, 06:28:47 am
Sorry to hear about your good lady Mike , i wish her a full recovery and hope you both have a good Christmas .
Mart
Title: Re: Bigish Aquarama Special Build
Post by: ukmike on December 11, 2017, 09:02:29 pm
Sorry to hear about your good lady Mike , i wish her a full recovery and hope you both have a good Christmas .
Mart

Many thanks Martin, I'll pass your good wishes on to her.
Mike
Title: Re: Bigish Aquarama Special Build
Post by: Davo on January 05, 2018, 05:17:07 pm
A very neat well engineered solution to the steering requirements.
You may already have it in hand but I would think of adding some vertical ply stiffeners between the rudder posts and the transoms for and aft. Hitting debris with the rudders at speed could otherwise twist the posts and damage the hull. I see you have an amount of floor stiffening but a bit extra may be useful.
A masterclass in woodwork.
Looking forward to the finished boat.
I hope your wife is recovering well and 2018 sees improved health.
David
Title: Re: Bigish Aquarama Special Build
Post by: ukmike on January 06, 2018, 01:51:02 pm
Many thanks for kind words David.
Will take on board your suggestion re the rudder post reinforcement, never gave that a thought !!
Mike.
Title: Re: Bigish Aquarama Special Build
Post by: ukmike on March 31, 2018, 03:20:17 pm
Build resurrected, at last!

Have revamped the transmission system as I wasn't convinced that there would be enough power from the motors.
The replacements are 50mm size, 1500 watts each and 6 cell Li Po's.
Have completed the exposed shaft setup,(just fitted dry at the moment).
Also have altered the motor mounting.

Here are some photos of the work so far.
Title: Re: Bigish Aquarama Special Build
Post by: ukmike on April 28, 2018, 04:30:48 pm
Back in shed now so this thread may get a little more interesting.
Having recovered from illness, both my wife and myself, progress will start to be made, also, have had a long wait for mahogany.

Here are some photos of the completed spray rails and transmission, water pickups, propshaft p brackets and rudders temporally fitted.

Mike.

Title: Re: Bigish Aquarama Special Build
Post by: ukmike on April 28, 2018, 04:42:13 pm
One more photo which I forgot.
Shaft tubes in place, might make some small fairings covering the tubes.
I need 5mm more thread cutting onto the shafts to enable  the fiiting of the rear cones but the shafts are 316 stainless and I don't have the wherewithall
to do this, any suggestions most welcome.

Mike.
Title: Re: Bigish Aquarama Special Build
Post by: Davo on May 03, 2018, 08:44:25 pm
Amazing woodwork re all that planking.
Looking at the rudders, would it have been possible to put a crank on the left rudder at 3 o'clock and just linked (as shown) to the other rudder? It may take some of the energy losses and play out of the system that the centre crank induces. In saying that, either system should work fine.
Hope it is progressing well.
David
Title: Re: Bigish Aquarama Special Build
Post by: ukmike on May 04, 2018, 05:03:59 pm
I have no concerns re my rudder linkup, no slop and very accurate centering.
Here are some pictures of the last 3 days work, I only spend about 3 hours per day in there.

The transom is complete with the exhausts trial fitted, they will be chromed later.

The work at the stern was really challenging as I had to get the angles on both sides the same, took several attempts.
Will be able to make and fit the side decks so that the upper hull sides can be completely planked.

Have also fitted 2 fans above the motors, will give some thought to maybe a cowling to direct the airflow, although it would be good if some of the air
could be spilled onto the two ESC's.

Title: Re: Bigish Aquarama Special Build
Post by: ukmike on May 27, 2018, 04:03:02 pm
The stern has been an absolute nightmare, must have made the pieces half a dozen times and each time just couldn't get them to fit, so, have now disregarded the plan and made things up as I go along.Have wasted vast amounts of Mahogany which is not cheap, especially 100mm x 13mm x 1.3 mtr planks.
Anyway, have completed one side, (still needs more sanding), and used the pieces as templates to complete the other side, also, have wasted money on "Mahogany filler", alas, no one seems to know it's colour, they have been cream,orange and even a supposedly a highly regarded German made one which turned out to be purple !!Have resorted to making my own which is water based, very easy to sand and doesn't turn black when the sanding dust is added, unlike adding the dust to PVA or Aliphatic glue.

Here are a few photos of my labours, (4 weeks), the nearly completed left side which has been sprayed with washing up liquid and water just to give some idea of the colour when varnished.

Title: Re: Bigish Aquarama Special Build
Post by: ChrisF on May 27, 2018, 06:20:28 pm
When it's finished it will look beautiful so hopefully the frustrations will be long forgotten when it is.

Lovely work and detailing.

Chris
Title: Re: Bigish Aquarama Special Build
Post by: colin-stevens on May 27, 2018, 07:55:02 pm
It is a thing of beuty and can only get better.
Title: Re: Bigish Aquarama Special Build
Post by: ukmike on June 04, 2018, 07:36:54 pm
A little more work done on the stern.Bathing slide very near complete, apart from the vinyl upholstering and the other side of the stern ready for final shaping.Bathing deck floor nears completion with the transmission hatch fitted, havn't decided how to secure it yet tho'.
Some pictures...




Title: Re: Bigish Aquarama Special Build
Post by: ukmike on June 27, 2018, 10:32:17 pm
Some more pictures of recent work.
Mike.



Title: Re: Bigish Aquarama Special Build
Post by: johnv on June 28, 2018, 12:25:39 pm
Hi it's John V can you what size is the boat you are building .Only mine is 900mm long and 250 wide and the one I have is wood built .With single prop .Looks like you are doing very well cheers John V
Title: Re: Bigish Aquarama Special Build
Post by: ukmike on June 28, 2018, 02:45:35 pm
Hi it's John V can you what size is the boat you are building .Only mine is 900mm long and 250 wide and the one I have is wood built .With single prop .Looks like you are doing very well cheers John V
Hi John.
The boat is 1.25mtrs x 380mm, about 1/7th scale.
Mike.
Title: Re: Bigish Aquarama Special Build
Post by: ukmike on July 19, 2018, 03:08:53 pm
Latest work on the boat, but held up for a few days due to my,(new), B&D mouse sander blowingup.Fortunately, was able to get a full refund so have ordered what, on paper, should last a bit longer.
Here are the latest photos but before that I have a printable sheet of guages that can be enlarged and printed from Windows Photo Viewer.I have used glossy photo paper and the results are very acceptable but the photos are on plain A4 printer paper.
If anyone wants a copy let me know and I will email it to you.
The photos.

Title: Re: Bigish Aquarama Special Build
Post by: derekwarner on July 19, 2018, 11:57:58 pm
Very impressive Mike  O0 ..........................

Did you resolve the vibration/resonance?

Derek
Title: Re: Bigish Aquarama Special Build
Post by: ukmike on July 20, 2018, 03:00:36 am

Hi Derek.
I have lined the whole of the inside where possible using 10mm adhesive backed H/D foam which has made a huge difference.
The foam whilst high density is very light so little weight has been added.
Very pleased with the results.


Mike.
Title: Re: Bigish Aquarama Special Build
Post by: derekwarner on July 20, 2018, 03:28:39 am
Mike.....the way you have left whitewood curled shavings on the deck is very creative photography  %)

With the motor cooling fans.......I suppose you will need to wait for an extended run [loaded] in the water to understand the motor temperatures

Will the fans pull warm air upwards away from the motors, or push cooler ambient air down over the motors?  :-X

Derek
Title: Re: Bigish Aquarama Special Build
Post by: martno1fan on July 23, 2018, 12:05:05 am
Instead of printing the guages on photo paper  get some printable vinyl and print on that , much thinner and will work better,you can also buy a thin sheet of vinyl laminate to put over the top to protect them  .Builds coming along nicely .Fans should work well for you . a mate of mine uses two in one of my Thunderbolt Cat hulls at over 60 mph and they work well.
Title: Re: Bigish Aquarama Special Build
Post by: ukmike on July 23, 2018, 10:16:53 pm
Mike.....the way you have left whitewood curled shavings on the deck is very creative photography  %)

With the motor cooling fans.......I suppose you will need to wait for an extended run [loaded] in the water to understand the motor temperatures

Will the fans pull warm air upwards away from the motors, or push cooler ambient air down over the motors?  :-X

Derek
Hi Derek.
The fans are symmetrical so I just need to flip them over to reverse the air flow but as yet I haven't decided which way to have them.
Later in the build I will do some smoke tests to check which would be the best way to achieve maximum cooling effect.
I think the motors and batteries will get quite warm due to the very course pitch propellers.
The louvre panel in the rear seat can take in cold air from the cockpit or expel hot air from the motor / battery compartment, also, there are 2 air inlet/outlet
positions, one either side of the rear seat back. Again, a smoke test might show the better solution but it may well be the case under actual running.


Mike.
Title: Re: Bigish Aquarama Special Build
Post by: ukmike on July 23, 2018, 10:24:09 pm
Instead of printing the guages on photo paper  get some printable vinyl and print on that , much thinner and will work better,you can also buy a thin sheet of vinyl laminate to put over the top to protect them  .Builds coming along nicely .Fans should work well for you . a mate of mine uses two in one of my Thunderbolt Cat hulls at over 60 mph and they work well.


Thanks for the info Martin, didn't know about printable Vinyl, sounds as tho' it may be the way to go.
The gauge bezels along with the exhausts are at the chrome platers at the moment so I can't show them yet.
They are to be glazed which will prevent any water getting at the dials but not help against light fade which is a problem with ink jet ink no matter what medium it is printed on.


Mike.
Title: Re: Bigish Aquarama Special Build
Post by: martno1fan on July 24, 2018, 12:29:33 pm
Yea ive started using lots of vinyl as i now have a vinyl cutter ,its great for doing designs on my hulls and names etc if you need anything let me know.I havent tried the printable vinyl with my printer yet but it seems it works well if you have a good printer,you then just apply the laminate sheet over them ,saves having to laquer over them .Made these decals for a customers Tomahawk hull i made him .By the way i think the clear laminate could be uv safe ie potects decals against the sun at least some are .
Title: Re: Bigish Aquarama Special Build
Post by: ukmike on August 27, 2018, 02:11:03 pm
More workdone.Front now planked, side decking shaped and the Dashboard, along with the Exhausts, almost done.No steering wheel yet as I don't have access to a milling machine, the wheel I want to duplicate is the later Momo type as I find the American Cadilac type that was used on most earlier Aquarama quite vulgar.
Some pictures.



Title: Re: Bigish Aquarama Special Build
Post by: Martin [Admin] on August 27, 2018, 05:43:39 pm
 :-))
Title: Re: Bigish Aquarama Special Build
Post by: TomHugill on August 27, 2018, 08:54:32 pm
Absolutely stunning!
Title: Re: Bigish Aquarama Special Build
Post by: ukmike on August 27, 2018, 09:08:56 pm
Absolutely stunning!
Thanks for that Tom.
 I thought that the difficulty would decrease as the build progressed but not so, each next stage it more complicated than the one before. I fear this is going to take a long time to finish.
Mike.
Title: Re: Bigish Aquarama Special Build
Post by: F4TCT on August 27, 2018, 09:13:28 pm
your bossing it!, keep up the quality work.


always wanted to build this kit but i'm far to impatient and lack in talent...


Dan  :-))
Title: Re: Bigish Aquarama Special Build
Post by: TomHugill on August 27, 2018, 09:18:34 pm
Thanks for that Tom.
 I thought that the difficulty would decrease as the build progressed but not so, each next stage it more complicated than the one before. I fear this is going to take a long time to finish.
Mike.


It'll be well worth it, they run so much better at this scale!
Title: Re: Bigish Aquarama Special Build
Post by: ukmike on August 27, 2018, 09:26:51 pm
your bossing it!, keep up the quality work.


always wanted to build this kit but i'm far to impatient and lack in talent...


Dan  :-))
[/quote
Hi Dan.


It's not a kit,  I have a 20 year old plan which I used for the frame shapes but it wasn't all that accurate so for the last year I've been referring to pictures on the net.
Fortunately there are lots and are very helpful but all of them have been restored so no two are the same.
Consiquently, mine is a bit of a mix and match.


Mike.
Title: Re: Bigish Aquarama Special Build
Post by: ukmike on September 12, 2018, 02:18:43 pm
Recent work.
1st. coat of varnish on the hull, gives me some idea of the colour which I quite like.The dash top completed with the instrument visor.
Have started to make the Momo type steering wheel which the later models and some restorations used.The rim is from a Stainless Steel "O ring", 60mm od 50mm id.The spoke assy. is silver soldered in place, which I cut from Brass sheet, then grey primed it to show up faults.It will be Matt very light Grey later.
The rim doesn't need much attention as it will be leather covered.
lots lots of sanding now and umpteen coats of varnish.
Some pictures.
Mike.
Title: Re: Bigish Aquarama Special Build
Post by: ukmike on September 21, 2018, 03:33:53 pm
Hi all.


A couple of pictures of the boats 4th coat of varnish, got away with no dust on previous 3 but this time quite a lot, including some Midges.
Not a problem this time because I cut back to flat each coat.
Haven't been filtering the Varnish as yet but the last 2 or 3 will be.


Stripped all the paint from the steering wheel as it lifted from the S/S and brass. I need a better primer.
Any suggestions anyone ?
Given up on the leather covered rim as it was impossible to stitch. Will paint it also.


Have decided to change the flexible motor couplings from the spiral design to a Plum type. The clamping method of the latter is far superior to the grub screw method of the spiral type, small grub screws of any type do not like gripping 316 Stainless shafts. Here's a picture of a Plum coupling.


Mike.
Title: Re: Bigish Aquarama Special Build
Post by: papymouzot on September 21, 2018, 05:01:03 pm
Hi Mike, your work is incredibly good, excellent...  %%  This is going to be a real beauty, your attention to details is really admirable. :-))  I wish I could do a similar build and varnish quality as you do... this is the varnish which stopped me in my first Riva build...


Maybe I should come to England to get some teaching  ok2
Title: Re: Bigish Aquarama Special Build
Post by: Perkasaman2 on September 21, 2018, 06:50:32 pm
This is first class work Mike. I admire your patience and perseverance.
Title: Re: Bigish Aquarama Special Build
Post by: ukmike on September 26, 2018, 03:02:50 pm

Hello.

Dashboard complete and fitted now, apart from 2 small ignition keys. It is removable at anytime by undoing 1 screw.

Working on the 2 Portlights and the nose, (Musetto), may take quite a while !!

Thanks for you kind replies Charles and Perkasaman2.
Here are a couple of pictures.

Mike.


Title: Re: Bigish Aquarama Special Build
Post by: ukmike on October 18, 2018, 03:48:11 pm
Hi.


A few photos of the Portlights that I am making, one complete apart from buffing and the other just started.
Not super accurate, as this is the first time that I have ever used a lathe but will look better when chromed and glazed.


Mike.



Title: Re: Bigish Aquarama Special Build
Post by: Hotglove on October 26, 2018, 05:31:39 pm
Just a thought about covering the steering wheel, how about using some heat shrink about the same diameter as the wheel? cut a short length, just over twice the width of the wheel rim, shrink it in place and, perhaps add “stitching” with a pyrography iron.
I sometimes simulate leather by painting with Matt enamel or acrylic, then polishing with coloured shoe polish, it is surprising how much different the texture is from a gloss or satin finish, especially if the model has a number of different surface textures in a small area.
Title: Re: Bigish Aquarama Special Build
Post by: ukmike on January 22, 2019, 04:46:18 pm
No progress on the hull as it's too cold and damp in my shed, so, it lives in the spare bedroom at the moment awaiting Spring.
Meanwhile, working on the seats and electronics.
The photo is of the Helmsman and the double Passenger seats, just roughed out and ready for a couple of coats of Dope to aid final sanding as I have used Balsa.
Will finish the rear seat and the rest of the items that need upholstering later.
The Photo shows the electronics that will be fitted.
The 2 small Blue PCB's are step up voltage controllers, they increase a small 7.2 volt LiPo battery to 14volts for the 3 cooling fans.
The 2 small Green PCB's are variable voltage controllers which are set to drive the 2 docking lights and dashboard LED's.
The larger Green PCB with the probe attached is a temperature monitor to be fitted in the motor,battery compartment. It has an adjustable alarm point which can trigger a free relay allowing me to fit an audible or visible external device, maybe a very high visibility LED or some sort of sounder, or both.
The other larger Blue PCB just for setup purposes for the other modules, will be mounted in a hand held box to make it portable.
The final photo shows all of the interior upholstered parts which I hope to reproduce, the only difference will be the piping colour, I intend to use Red in place of the Blue.
Title: Re: Bigish Aquarama Special Build
Post by: SailorGreg on January 22, 2019, 05:06:27 pm
Nice work Mike.  Roll on spring, I am looking forward to seeing the hull completed.  :-))
Greg
Title: Re: Bigish Aquarama Special Build
Post by: ukmike on February 24, 2019, 03:50:01 pm
Some work on the front seats, just roughed out at the moment.
After several attempts have made the first length of piping, enough for the front seat only but the method works reasonably well, unfortunately I need to make
about 4 meters more to have enough to complete all of the upholstery, it's a right fiddle.
The photos show work so far.
Mike.

Title: Re: Bigish Aquarama Special Build
Post by: ukmike on March 29, 2019, 03:03:51 pm
Have abandoned the seats for the moment,(they were rubbish).Will make a new set later.

Working on the windscreen now, not something that I've been looking forward to.
Have made a former to bend the Perspex screen around, will be using the draping method, hopefully it will be o.k. first attempt but I do have a spare
piece if needed.

A few pictures to show the screen plastic cut to shape and the bending former which is a bit Heath Robinson looking inside, but very strong with absolutely no twisting or bending possible.
The main thing tho' is the bending face which is glass smooth.

Decided to make the frame from Brass and not Aluminium which was my first thought. The Brass will be somewhat more difficult but easy to silver solder.

Mike.
Title: Re: Bigish Aquarama Special Build
Post by: ukmike on April 20, 2019, 11:01:59 pm
Finished windscreen after bending, fortunately all went well.


Windscreen outer frame made from Brass sheet cut into 8mm wide strips then silver soldered together.
Due to the high cost of a sheet of 1.2mm. Brass sheet 1mtr. long, I bought 2 solid Brass door finger plates which are 75mm x 450mm and very reasonable price.
By joining 2 strips they were long enough for the job. There will be a polished Aluminium inner screen added to add rigidity. The Brass outer frame will be Chromed.


Mike.


Title: Re: Bigish Aquarama Special Build
Post by: ukmike on June 28, 2019, 10:49:40 pm
Managed to do a little more work on the boat since last post, it's quite difficult to find any time to build these days due to my wife's ongoing illness.


Here are a couple pictures of some work done showing the upholstery in the Sundeck and Bathing Slide, not fixed of course until the varnishing is complete.
One showing the  Dash top Sunglasses / Marlboro / bits and bobs tidy, don't know it's proper name.
I turned the Plexiglas support posts from Aluminium they are 4mm dia. Cross drilled and tapped M2 to accept 2mm grub screws then slotted using the lathe with chuck locked and my little Proxxon rotary tool mounted in the tool post and fitted with a 60 mm diamond dust disc.


Have scrapped the brass windscreen frame, too flimsy and made a new one from 2mm Copper. Much better.
Next job is the cockpit upholstery as I binned the first attempt as it was rubbish.


Mike.





Title: Re: Bigish Aquarama Special Build
Post by: ukmike on August 06, 2019, 07:15:32 pm
Hi.
Have put this build on hold for a while whilst I help a very good friend out in France with his Amati Aquarama build who is in a bit of a muddle.
Should be done in a month or so then I will resume my build.


Here are a couple of pictures of some more of the upholstery before ceasing work.

Title: Re: Bigish Aquarama Special Build
Post by: ukmike on October 03, 2019, 09:40:09 pm
Rear cockpit and seat upholstery finally complete after several design changes to both.
Front seats next, which will be quite challenging, for me at least

Here are some photos.


Mike.



Title: Re: Bigish Aquarama Special Build
Post by: Capt Podge on October 03, 2019, 09:58:25 pm
I've never seen such a beautiful job made, of the cockpit seating, but also so, so clean as well - I doff my cap to you.


Regards,
Ray.
Title: Re: Bigish Aquarama Special Build
Post by: ukmike on October 03, 2019, 10:10:32 pm
Many thanks Ray, praise indeed.


It took many changes and modifications to arrive at the final design.
I fear the two front seats will be even more difficult.


Mike.
Title: Re: Bigish Aquarama Special Build
Post by: Mikecotton on October 13, 2019, 02:13:40 pm
Wow ! Just realised I’ve been messing about all these years. Is the upholstery made from foam slices ? What is the final finish ?
Mike C
Title: Re: Bigish Aquarama Special Build
Post by: ukmike on October 13, 2019, 05:20:28 pm
Hi Mike.


The foam is in one piece, not slices.
I use Plastazote foam which is unusual, (if not unique), in that it is easily sanded, quite stiff but can be shaped. Also, closed cell, so doesn't soak up water.


I made the cushioning effect by forming shaped and grooved channels to receive the stitching.
This was done using a soldering iron set to 290 deg.C, with appropriately shaped tip. The result can be seen in photos earlier in the blog.


Are you referring the upholstery final finish or the boat it's self ?


Mike. 
Title: Re: Bigish Aquarama Special Build
Post by: Mikecotton on October 13, 2019, 06:03:54 pm
The upholstery effect was my primary interest although the ultra high gloss finishes always escape me.
How do you keep the dust off ?? Do you give a final buffing ? I usually feel the final coat has the best gloss but not consistently over the total surface. I found some 6000 grit while on holiday in USA but even that needs further work.
I’ve never used leTonkinois - is it worth the money. As I said in my first post ,comparatively, I’m just messing around !
MikeC
Title: Transmission completed but Front Seats on hold.
Post by: ukmike on December 06, 2019, 08:09:22 pm
Hello All.


Have put the front seats on hold for now, as after making 3 sets, all of which didn't turn out very well , I thought that a change might be in order.
I decided to finish off the transmission completely, which is now done.


This included fitting the motors with rubber bobbin mounts which has had the effect of completely isolating the noise of the 2 large outrunners being transmitted to the wooden hull, also the spiral shaft couplings are silent as are the 2 pillow block shaft thrust bearings. The only noise now is from the shaft tubes which only have phosphor bronze bushes at either end. Can't do anything about that but it's not to bad.
I made a couple of PTFE washers that fit between the props and the P brackets which prevents a metal to metal contact without adding to any friction.
The prop shaft fairings were made from 1mm Aluminium sheet.
All this has lead to a very quiet system at 11500 rpm dry. I'm well pleased.


It's back to the front seats now, which I'm not looking forward to at all.


Some photos of the work.


Mike.




Title: Re: Transmission completed but Front Seats on hold.
Post by: RST on December 06, 2019, 09:57:14 pm
Think you need to link this with previous build posts?


Looks nice, but not sure what your issues were! LoL
Title: Re: Transmission completed but Front Seats on hold.
Post by: RST on December 06, 2019, 09:59:15 pm
PS is that acoustic foam?  Not sure that's a good idea in a wooden hull. It will trap and hold moisture like crazy?
Title: Re: Transmission completed but Front Seats on hold.
Post by: ukmike on December 06, 2019, 10:18:04 pm
PS is that acoustic foam?  Not sure that's a good idea in a wooden hull. It will trap and hold moisture like crazy?
The foam is closed cell, tried it before fitting it, doesn't absorb water.
You are right about linking the posts together, unfortunately I don't know how to do it.
Noise was my concern but that's no longer a problem.
Mike.

Title: Re: Transmission completed but Front Seats on hold.
Post by: RST on December 06, 2019, 10:23:34 pm
Water will get by every single knook and cranny by capillary action on the surfaces for sure. What has been so bad about the noise so far?
Title: Re: Transmission completed but Front Seats on hold.
Post by: ukmike on December 06, 2019, 10:39:05 pm
It will get by every single knook and cranny by capillary action on the surfaces for sure. What has been so bad about the noise so far?
With the hull being 1.25mtrs long and plank on frame Mahogany construction it acted like an accoustic guitar soundbox when the motors were running. Totally unacceptable to me so I have now successfully cured the problem, even to the point where the foam could be removed, although it's not hurting anything being left in place. And yes I do know that it would have been somewhat quieter when in the water but I had to do something about it, which I have.
Mike.
Title: Re: Biggish Aquarama Special build
Post by: Martin [Admin] on December 07, 2019, 12:33:50 am
 
Topics merged!   :-))
Title: Re: Biggish Aquarama Special build
Post by: RST on December 07, 2019, 12:59:12 am
PoF has been pretty standard for construction for ever.


...fair enough, it must be a really silent boat now.


Did you pack it with buoyancy in the void spaces also?
Title: Re: Biggish Aquarama Special build
Post by: Mark T on December 07, 2019, 04:03:52 pm
Hi Mike I'm still following this amazing build and the motor set up looks great.  I was thinking about your front seats and thought that maybe could you carve them out of wood and apply a fabric on top of that?  I know that they would not feel soft but you may get the look that you want?


Also for sound deadening I thought that maybe Dynamat could be used on the very bottom of the hull.  Its great for sound proofing as this is what they use in cars but its also very heavy for what it is.  It could also be used a ballast?


Keep the updates coming  :-))
Title: Re: Biggish Aquarama Special build
Post by: ukmike on December 07, 2019, 06:55:52 pm
Hello Mark.


I'm happy with the sound level now, it will be even lower when the boat is in the water. I do have to keep an eye the weight from now on, so I can't consider any more sound deadening materials.

I discovered today that the left side shaft assembly had stiffened slightly causing a drop in max rpm and build up of heat at the shaft tube outboard end  and at the P bracket shaft tube, really quite worrying. I found that the overall alignment had changed since it was last checked to. I had to remove the P bracket which was bonded in with epoxy resin, ( and quite a goodly amount ),  + 6 x M1.6  s/s nuts and bolts through the bracket, bottom planking, inside reinforcement and brass plate, what a job that was !! Anyway, it's all fixed now. I think the change in the weather may have caused it. After comparing the full speed of the two motors now, they are within 25 RPM of each other, 12300 right and 12275 left. Very happy with that.
As for the seats, the  basic core is done for both  and red piping is made, it's the cushioning and vinyl covering  where I'm struggling. No doubt I'll get there, eventually.


Mike.






Title: Re: Biggish Aquarama Special build
Post by: derekwarner on December 07, 2019, 07:54:13 pm
Mike....great that the threads are now linked....


Just thinking & in hindsight, if a propeller hit a submerged chunk of jet-some, it is remotely possible to put stress on the exposed length of propeller shaft & so distort the P bracket


If this happens again, for additional strength, you could consider silver soldering a triangular gusset to each bracket base..or with a little ingenuity........ %) ....mount the gusset at an angle next to the support leading edge to make it more aerodynamic 


Derek
Title: Re: Biggish Aquarama Special build
Post by: Mark T on December 07, 2019, 09:38:53 pm
Hello Mark.


I'm happy with the sound level now, it will be even lower when the boat is in the water. I do have to keep an eye the weight from now on, so I can't consider any more sound deadening materials.

I discovered today that the left side shaft assembly had stiffened slightly causing a drop in max rpm and build up of heat at the shaft tube outboard end  and at the P bracket shaft tube, really quite worrying. I found that the overall alignment had changed since it was last checked to. I had to remove the P bracket which was bonded in with epoxy resin, ( and quite a goodly amount ),  + 6 x M1.6  s/s nuts and bolts through the bracket, bottom planking, inside reinforcement and brass plate, what a job that was !! Anyway, it's all fixed now. I think the change in the weather may have caused it. After comparing the full speed of the two motors now, they are within 25 RPM of each other, 12300 right and 12275 left. Very happy with that.
As for the seats, the  basic core is done for both  and red piping is made, it's the cushioning and vinyl covering  where I'm struggling. No doubt I'll get there, eventually.


Mike.


Hi Mike


Wow - that really is a find a I really admire your quest for such precision I would never have thought of heat build up like you have found. I have no experience in building seats but having seen your build I have no doubt that the answer will be discovered by you.  Great build mate keep the pictures coming and good luck
Title: Re: Biggish Aquarama Special build
Post by: ukmike on December 08, 2019, 02:31:05 am
I take your point Derek, but I suppose you have to draw the line somewhere when deciding what precautions to take against things that might happen.
I don't fully understand what you are proposing from the photos, other than adding more metal to the struts.
I would certainly have a stronger structure that's for sure, but at the cost of loosing any scale appearance which is quite important to me.
The strut itself is made from 3mm hard brass plate which was fully tempered following silver soldering and the flanges are a tad over 1mm thick. The assembly is epoxy glued into the hull which has 5mm Birch ply re-enforcing on the inside together with brass plates and 6 bolts, washers and nuts. All in all I think it should be sturdy enough cope with most situations but as you point out, not all.
I have profiled the leading edge of the strut and the "P" shaft tube which I think is visible in the photos.


Please don't get me wrong Derek, I really do appreciate your input very much and will give it more thought, after all, no-one knows what's lurking just under the surface ☺☺


Mike.

Title: Re: Biggish Aquarama Special build
Post by: derekwarner on December 08, 2019, 04:22:46 am
OK Mike....considering the need to maintain scale appearance...'and functionality' could we ask


1. were the original full sized vessel complete P support brackets for the vessel cast bronze?
2. if so, this Bronze material, dependent on the Grade has greater 'toughness & stiffness' [resistance to bending] than certain carbon steels....and certainly soft Brass plate or strip
3. did your fabricate P frame construction include radii at change of section between the bracket base to the support arm?...so to increase the wetted surface of the soldered joint?
4. what Grade of Brass Plate did you use for each P support assembly?
6. what cooling process did you apply after the silver soldering process?


Maybe you have already covered all of these questions??...I can see the owner of a full sized Riveria up in arms &  <:(  about the cost of a propeller needing hammering & re-balancing, but not any case of the P frame bending


Derek 
Title: Re: Biggish Aquarama Special build
Post by: ukmike on December 08, 2019, 02:57:43 pm
Right then Derek, here we go.


Q1... I don't know, probably.


Q2... I believe you.


Q3... Yes.


Q4... I don't know, It was sold to me as "Hard Brass". It was certainly the hardest Brass that I have ever cut, just ask my poor bandsaw.


Q5... As you probably know, following annealing Brass self hardens over time and it doesn't take that long to do it. The process starts as soon as it has cooled.


If the bracket does take a big hit from something solid in the water while at speed, full size or model, I think it would take out a good portion of the wooden hull bottom as well as destroying the shafts and tubes plus a large part of other stuff inside the boat. Sounds like a nightmare, so I'm not even going to think about it.  :(( :((


Mike.
Title: Re: Biggish Aquarama Special build
Post by: Mark T on December 08, 2019, 03:11:06 pm
They must be some of the most solid P frames I've ever seen for a model boat.  As you have said if they managed to actually break there wouldn't be much left of the hull.  But honestly whats the chance - very slim I would say.
Title: Re: Biggish Aquarama Special build
Post by: ukmike on December 08, 2019, 03:21:18 pm
They must be some of the most solid P frames I've ever seen for a model boat.  As you have said if they managed to actually break there wouldn't be much left of the hull.  But honestly whats the chance - very slim I would say.
Hi Mark.
You never know, there just might be a submerged metal container floating just under the water in the lake that has fallen off a Container Ship during a storm.  ok2


Mike.
Title: Re: Biggish Aquarama Special build
Post by: derekwarner on December 09, 2019, 12:15:37 am
Mike...there are obscure methods  %) of accelerating work hardness of small yellow brass items that has been fabricated and silver soldered


By example, support your P bracket by the horizontal bottom plate in wooden supports in a machine vice


Take a 'say' 6 mm diameter aluminium rod & face the end......mount this in the smallest possible hand held impact drill [set to impact]
Burnish the surface in rotational impact mode on both [of the vertical sides full area] of the leg bracket......if the silver soldered joint is substantial, the resulting high speed vibration, low impact hammering will [after time] return the vertical plate to the original hardness that was achieved during the cold reduction rolling during production or the plate


This accelerated work hardening cannot exceed the hardness level attained during the original rolling


Yellow brass melts are rolled from soft to spring [or hardness] in about 5 ? levels or grades..........so you could check by a simple Fish Scale & pull the leg bracket....measure the deflection force on the leg, then check for return spring back

[In my original note, I was musing on the flot-some hitting a rotating propeller, not the P Bracket. the reaction force of this contacting a rotating propeller is many x fold contacting a P bracket]

Derek


Title: Re: Biggish Aquarama Special build
Post by: T888 on December 09, 2019, 01:46:54 pm
Hi Mike,
Lovely model. :-))


As for the risk of damaging “P” frames, I agree keep it to scale . I’ve personally never had a P frame damaged, even when I raced IC boats, some time they would hit under water items like wooded sticks. The rudder was the part that usually bent or damage.
Title: Re: Biggish Aquarama Special build
Post by: ukmike on December 09, 2019, 04:29:06 pm
Mike...there are obscure methods  %) of accelerating work hardness of small yellow brass items that has been fabricated and silver soldered


By example, support your P bracket by the horizontal bottom plate in wooden supports in a machine vice


Take a 'say' 6 mm diameter aluminium rod & face the end......mount this in the smallest possible hand held impact drill [set to impact]
Burnish the surface in rotational impact mode on both [of the vertical sides full area] of the leg bracket......if the silver soldered joint is substantial, the resulting high speed vibration, low impact hammering will [after time] return the vertical plate to the original hardness that was achieved during the cold reduction rolling during production or the plate


This accelerated work hardening cannot exceed the hardness level attained during the original rolling


Yellow brass melts are rolled from soft to spring [or hardness] in about 5 ? levels or grades..........so you could check by a simple Fish Scale & pull the leg bracket....measure the deflection force on the leg, then check for return spring back

[In my original note, I was musing on the flot-some hitting a rotating propeller, not the P Bracket. the reaction force of this contacting a rotating propeller is many x fold contacting a P bracket]

Derek
Hi. Derek. 
Due to the many hours that I have spent aligning the motors/ couplings/pillow bearings/ shaft tubes and P brackets, also, taken into account all of the suggestions, opinions and recommendations received, I have now installed the complete transmission system permanently, so no more mods, adjustments need doing.
I'm very happy with the outcome so can now move on to to face my nemesis, the front two seats. At the moment they are winning but that situation isn't going to last much longer.
Your technical input is most helpful, as it usually is, so many thanks for that.
BTW, how are you with seats, upholstery and sewing machines ? ☺☺.
Title: Re: Biggish Aquarama Special build
Post by: ukmike on December 09, 2019, 04:33:32 pm
Hi Mike,
Lovely model. :-))


As for the risk of damaging “P” frames, I agree keep it to scale . I’ve personally never had a P frame damaged, even when I raced IC boats, some time they would hit under water items like wooded sticks. The rudder was the part that usually bent or damage.
Thanks for that Dave.
It's good to hear from someone who's been there, done that.
Mike.
Title: Re: Biggish Aquarama Special build
Post by: spiff on December 12, 2019, 06:56:40 am
After comparing the full speed of the two motors now, they are within 25 RPM of each other, 12300 right and 12275 left. Very happy with that.


Hi Mike,  how did you measure the motor RPM?
Title: Re: Biggish Aquarama Special build
Post by: ukmike on December 12, 2019, 10:05:32 am

Hi Mike,  how did you measure the motor RPM?
Hi Spiff.
My transmitter is capable of receiving and displaying up to 15 sensors from the boat.
For the motor rpm I have fitted a a small disc on the back of each motor bell with a reflective strip on each one and an opto reader sensor aimed at the disc. They then send the information via i-bus to the receiver which in turn sends that info back to the transmitter which displays the speed on the screen. Just to check the accuracy of the 2 on board sensors I have swapped them over and found that the results are almost identical, less than 10 rpm difference.
I also have sensors that will tell me the  temperature of each Li-Po motor battery along with their voltage plus the receiver voltage.
Maybe a bit over the top I suppose but having that information could well save the boat at sometime..
The cost of each module is surprisingly low, ranging from £3.50 up to £8.00, so not that much really when compared to the overall investment in the boat.
As a matter of interest, by using the i-bus system I now only have 1 lead running from all of the sensors, including the servos,  back to the receiver which makes for a very tidy installation.


Mike.
Title: Re: Biggish Aquarama Special build
Post by: derekwarner on December 12, 2019, 09:57:30 pm
...."a bit over the top" .......no Mike.......

Sounds like the cheapest form of technology driven insurance + the ability for true motor/battery performance over simulated [bath tub] tests is brilliant :-)) ...& all for the cost of a few packets of cigarettes....a no brainer


Derek
Title: Re: Biggish Aquarama Special build
Post by: ukmike on December 13, 2019, 04:33:38 pm

Hi all.

Your thoughts re. weight and performance would be appreciated, (front seats still on hold !! ).
The boat at present weights 6.3 kg. including the windscreen, allowance for front seats, radio Rx., 2x motors, 2x ESC's, rudder servo and water-cooling plumbing with exhaust pipes.
The 2 Li-Po motor batteries weigh 1.35kg including a small auxillary Li-On battery  which brings the total weight as is is 7.65 Kg.

To be allowed for are the varnishing and a little gloss paint.
The motors are 50mm outrunners of 1300 watts each turning cast bronze propellers of 48mm diameter X 75mm pitch. The hull is 1.27 loa and 385mm maximum beam.
Your thoughts appreciate please.


Mike.
Title: Re: Biggish Aquarama Special build
Post by: SailorGreg on December 13, 2019, 06:10:38 pm
Well Mike, I'm not sure what thoughts you are hoping for, but my first reaction is you're gonna need a BIG lake! 2.6kW of power through some pretty aggressive props should see you worrying about the range of your radio after about 10 seconds running at full chat. Can't wait for the video!

Greg
Title: Re: Biggish Aquarama Special build
Post by: ukmike on December 13, 2019, 06:58:48 pm
Thanks for that Gregg.


I made a mistake about the motors, they are intact 1410 watts each.


Will do a video but as Gladiator said, "Not Yet ".
 

Sorry.


Mike.
Title: Re: Biggish Aquarama Special build
Post by: ukmike on January 12, 2020, 03:31:29 pm
Very little work done recently, just trying to finish the wiring and making the 2 Louvre front cabin doors.


All the sensors are fitted and working, just the docking lights and the dashboard ignition LED's to complete.



Here are a few pictures.


Mike.



Title: Re: Biggish Aquarama Special build
Post by: ukmike on January 14, 2020, 04:15:55 pm
Here are some pictures of the cabin Louvre doors in place but not permanently fitted.


I'm not at all happy with the size, they should be somewhat larger but I can't do anything about it now.


The only really accurate part of the plan are the frames, I did abandon using it early in the build but not early enough, unfortunately  :(( .


Things became an awful lot better buy referring to the hundreds of pictures on the net and they are all that I am using now.


Mike.



Title: Re: Biggish Aquarama Special build
Post by: ukmike on January 27, 2020, 05:47:13 pm
Radio Box pictures showing wiring, (tidying to be done yet), still some more connections to be made.



I am using the 2 motor LiPo's to provide all of the auxiliary power for the accessories, this is done,safely, by adding  smaller  Ve and -Ve cables soldered onto the main cables with a 1N5400 diode in the  +Ve line of each battery with a fuse in each. My needs are only for up to 1.5 amps so will fuse at 2 amps for a start. They are then joined together to form a single supply.
It is important to ensure that if one of the LiPo's decides to go faulty and loose power/voltage for any reason, it can't draw any power from the other one, after all, LiPo's can release MASSIVE amounts of current instantly.


Here are s few photo's, please disregard the scruffy wiring, it will be sorted when I've finished in there.




Title: Re: Biggish Aquarama Special build
Post by: ukmike on February 13, 2020, 02:09:42 pm
Hello.
Due to my windscreen frame being lost by the carriers and may take up to 2 weeks to find, if they can find it, I'm not hopeful tho', I decided to build a varnishing frame which is[/size]1330mm x 50mm x45mm[size=78%][/size][size=78%].[/size]
It allows me to turn the hull whilst varnishing, thus keeping a wet edge at all times, that I believe is important to achieving a good finish.


I made a kit in the very cold shed which I assembled in the house, (wife not overly pleased), and trial fitted the hull, which was a success, no mods needed.
It is now returned back to kit form and stored in our little back bedroom.


Here are some pictures.


Mike.



Title: Re: Biggish Aquarama Special build
Post by: ukmike on February 13, 2020, 06:19:32 pm
Amendments to measurements, Should be  133cm x 50cm x 45cm.


Mike.
Title: Re: Biggish Aquarama Special build
Post by: DJW on February 13, 2020, 10:44:06 pm
Hi Mike


Very nice and functional solution. Look forward to seeing the varnish going on.


Best regards
David.
Title: Re: Biggish Aquarama Special build
Post by: ukmike on February 21, 2020, 04:02:50 pm
Hello.


With no sign of the lost windscreen frame being found, I have started on the Musetto from 1.5 mm Copper plate.

A long way to go yet but here are some photo's of the work so far and what it will look like if all goes well. The 2 halves will be silver soldered together when finished, then Chromed.

Mike.
Title: Re: Biggish Aquarama Special build
Post by: RST on February 21, 2020, 04:25:53 pm
Which courier did you use? I hope it wasn't one of 2 I can think of. They'll probably just write it off.  Best of luck with it.


Was it you looking for white copper to start again? I could only find smaller sheets than you were looking for.


Rich
Title: Re: Biggish Aquarama Special build
Post by: ukmike on February 21, 2020, 04:53:08 pm
Which courier did you use? I hope it wasn't one of 2 I can think of. They'll probably just write it off.  Best of luck with it.


Was it you looking for white copper to start again? I could only find smaller sheets than you were looking for.


Rich
Hi Rich.
The parcel was booked and paid for via Parcel 2 Go and the carrier was Hermes.
I did pay for insurance  but it's impossible to either email or phone them. Not at all hopeful of them finding it or paying out on the insurance. It's DHL for me from now on.


Regarding the remaking of the frame, I'll wait until the 14  working days have passed, ( carrier rules ) and if no joy , go ahead and buy some Copper plate and make a new one.


Mike.
Title: Re: Biggish Aquarama Special build
Post by: RST on February 21, 2020, 06:26:15 pm
Oh dear, Hermes* were one of my initial 2 and I forgot about parcel 2 Go!  You picked an absolute prize combination there in my experience!  (Yodel was the other one of my initial).


Good luck -I foresee lots of calls and emails with no result in my experience when someone sending me something used both before.  Parcel 2 go well known, look at their feedback.  Speaks volumes.  Strike it off as a bad experience I think and move-on.


*Actually I was at RM today and several others were complaining about Hermes tactics.


Best of luck,


Rich
Title: Re: Biggish Aquarama Special build
Post by: ukmike on February 27, 2020, 09:40:11 pm
Hello all.

Musetto so far, but lots to do to it yet.


As a matter of interest I have just received the full insurance value plus initial cost of sending from Parcel2Go.
They kept on asking for more and more information, I think I wore them down in the end tho'.
I can now order the metal to make another one.


A couple of photos of the work to date.


Mike.


Keep scrolling down, they are there.

































Title: Re: Biggish Aquarama Special build
Post by: ukmike on March 11, 2020, 09:29:47 pm
Hello.


Musetto almost complete, just a little re shaping here and there and lots of buffing before it's ready for Chrome plating.


Of all the things that I have had to make so far for this build, this one has been the most difficult by far.
Unfortunately, I just don't have the skills to have made it better.
I'm not completely pleased with it, but it's the best that I could do,so,will have to do.
Hopefully it will look better following plating.


Some photos


Mike.

Title: Re: Biggish Aquarama Special build
Post by: SailorGreg on March 11, 2020, 10:20:59 pm
Looks pretty darned good to me!   :-)) :-))
Title: Re: Biggish Aquarama Special build
Post by: ukmike on April 04, 2020, 01:07:53 pm
Hello.


Front seats finally done, still not perfect, but the best that I can do.
There's still some tidying needed on them but they will eventually look a little better.


Here are a few photos of the upholstery roughly fitted and held in place with sticky tape, but it gives some idea of how it will look.


Mike.

Title: Re: Biggish Aquarama Special build
Post by: Mark T on April 04, 2020, 01:11:37 pm
That looks amazing - beautiful build  :-))
Title: Re: Biggish Aquarama Special build
Post by: ukmike on April 04, 2020, 01:28:08 pm
That looks amazing - beautiful build  :-))
Thanks Mark, much appreciated.


The front seats are the final attempt, having made and messed up 4 earlier versions.


I don't do seats anymore  :(( :(( .


Mike.

Title: Re: Biggish Aquarama Special build
Post by: john44 on April 04, 2020, 09:46:19 pm
Hi Mike, they say if you have never made a mistake you have never made anything,
You have done an amazing job with your build, looking forwards to on the water pic,s



Title: Re: Biggish Aquarama Special build
Post by: DJW on April 06, 2020, 10:34:42 am
Really beautiful detailing work Mike.  You're setting the bar very high for these Aquarama builds..!!!   :-))
 
David.
Title: Re: Biggish Aquarama Special build
Post by: ukmike on July 08, 2020, 03:24:42 pm
Hello.

Re started the build again and have received the windscreen frame which was lost, then 3 weeks later found and delivered to the platers.

Then CV19 which halted any work, as the platers had to close.

Here are a few pictures of the finished frame, not very good as it's difficult to take a photo of bright Chrome.

The cost was not too bad given the price most companies were asking.

Mike.

Title: Re: Biggish Aquarama Special build
Post by: DJW on July 08, 2020, 03:56:16 pm
Afternoon Mike


Great to see you back on the Aquarama, and very nice job with the windscreen.  Looking forward to seeing it in place.


Best regards
David.
Title: Re: Biggish Aquarama Special build
Post by: ukmike on July 18, 2020, 02:20:33 pm
Hello.


I am making some new Portlights as I didn't like he first pair. The overall height from the top of the grid to the bottom of the deck flange is now 6.5mm, which I

am now happy with. Also, the grid shape has been changed to round section rather than the flat as on the first set.

Third coat of varnish applied and it seems that I can forget the first and second cuts and move straight on to 600 grit from now on, unless of course  I get some

runs and /or sags which need flattening, luckily none yet.

Some photos. The portlight is just laid in the fore-deck, haven't cut any holes yet.

Mike.
Title: Re: Biggish Aquarama Special build
Post by: ukmike on July 21, 2020, 10:17:22 pm
Hello.

Unfortunately, the varnish will be about 4 more days before I receive it, so I've fitted the Portlights to get that job out of the way.

They are exactly 1/7th scale, 31mm in diameter, but I thought that the height at that scale, 10.28mm, would look a little silly so have reduced that to 6.5 mm which looks

a lot more in keeping at that size . They will look better when Chromed of course. Also, they will have very light Green tinted  clear plastic lenses built in to stop any water ingress. They are held in place with 5 x 1.5mm x 10mm counter sunk S/S self tapping screws which were a real fiddle to fit, had to get out the magnifying glass :-) .

Mike.
   
Title: Re: Biggish Aquarama Special build
Post by: Taranis on July 21, 2020, 10:23:19 pm
Class  :-)
Title: Re: Biggish Aquarama Special build
Post by: RST on July 21, 2020, 10:30:15 pm
"I am making some new Portlights as I didn't like he first pair"

...."portlights" are essentially just the glass see-through part inside of a porthole remember. Your other parts look superb!!!
Title: Re: Biggish Aquarama Special build
Post by: ukmike on July 21, 2020, 10:37:04 pm
[size=0.85em]I used to be indecisive... but now I'm not so sure
[/size]
  • [size=0.85em]Location: Gorleston Norfolk[/size]
  • [size=0.85em][/size]
  • [/size][size=0.85em]



    [/size]Re: Biggish Aquarama Special build (https://www.modelboatmayhem.co.uk/forum/index.php/topic,58394.msg696037.html#msg696037)
    « Reply #140 on: July 18, 2020, 02:20:33 PM »
    [size=0.85em]Quote
    [/size][size=0.85em]
    • [/size]

      "I am making some new Portlights as I didn't like he first pair"

      ...."portlights" are essentially just the glass part remember. Your other parts look superb!

    That is what Riva called /call them, after all they were made in house at Sarnico so they could really call them what they liked.


    Mike.
    Title: Re: Biggish Aquarama Special build
    Post by: ukmike on July 21, 2020, 10:37:52 pm
    Hi Andy.


    Many thanks.


    They were made on my little Proxxon 250E, I believe that you have one also. Mine is 2 years old now and I wonder if they have made any mods to them since then.


    Mike.
    Title: Re: Biggish Aquarama Special build
    Post by: Taranis on July 21, 2020, 10:59:15 pm
    I don't think so but mine had perfect alignment right out of the box and acquiring it for £829 was extremely lucky
    Title: Re: Biggish Aquarama Special build
    Post by: RST on July 21, 2020, 11:08:52 pm

    That is what Riva called /call them, after all they were made in house at Sarnico so they could really call them what they liked.


    Mike.



    Yea, portights is a mis - translation, not to detract though!
    Title: Re: Biggish Aquarama Special build
    Post by: martno1fan on July 22, 2020, 08:45:05 am
    Hello all.

    Musetto so far, but lots to do to it yet.


    As a matter of interest I have just received the full insurance value plus initial cost of sending from Parcel2Go.
    They kept on asking for more and more information, I think I wore them down in the end tho'.
    I can now order the metal to make another one.


    A couple of photos of the work to date.


    Mike.


    Keep scrolling down, they are there.
    Just a heads up on a certain company i cant name  %) ,  they wont honour their insurance on your boat if it gets damaged ive used them and they refused to pay out despite been shown photographs of damage .I dont use them anymore i use this company they honour their insurance they even want you to upload pics of your parcel before its been shipped to show how its been packaged this covers you for any damage to the box and its contents .Been using these for all my international and domestic deliveries on the hulls i build ,only had one issue with minor damage to one boat nothing serious but they paid up pretty fast .If i were you id build a cradle with some protection round your boat before putting it in a strong box .Also in case of any damage be sure your customer takes lots of photos and keeps the packaging as some companies require them to send it for examination,i know stupid right but trust me certain companies i cant name will try every trick in the book to get out of paying out .

    https://www.transglobalexpress.co.uk/quote/confirmation/b3pSc2xjTzNWejQrYm5BSHZaYTB3amJqQ0V2ZVM1TndyWlJERlpEOHhTQzNyOURRdmR5TFlONFdxdE41blN3WQ== (https://www.transglobalexpress.co.uk/quote/confirmation/b3pSc2xjTzNWejQrYm5BSHZaYTB3amJqQ0V2ZVM1TndyWlJERlpEOHhTQzNyOURRdmR5TFlONFdxdE41blN3WQ==)
    Title: Re: Biggish Aquarama Special build
    Post by: Taranis on July 22, 2020, 09:22:40 am

    That is what Riva called /call them, after all they were made in house at Sarnico so they could really call them what they liked.


    Mike.



    https://www.facebook.com/laura.vigani.7/videos/917999072031067/ (https://www.facebook.com/laura.vigani.7/videos/917999072031067/)

    NB: Link only works if you have a Facebook account and you're logged in - Admin

     
    Title: Re: Biggish Aquarama Special build
    Post by: martno1fan on July 22, 2020, 09:23:03 am
    Here's a pic of one of my hulls wrapped and protected even before it goes into a box,mine are quite robust anyway but yours is fragile by comparison so you would need to think very carefully about how to protect it .
    Title: Re: Biggish Aquarama Special build
    Post by: ukmike on July 22, 2020, 12:05:41 pm
    Here's a pic of one of my hulls wrapped and protected even before it goes into a box,mine are quite robust anyway but yours is fragile by comparison so you would need to think very carefully about how to protect it .


    Hi Martno1fan.

    You are quite right about the carriers, especially when it comes to making a claim for loss or damage.
    I had to make a claim recently for loss and the company tried every way to get out of paying. I eventually was paid out but not after lots of arguing.
    It turned out to be one in the eye for them, as a week after receiving the payout, which took one month, the parcel was found and delivered undamaged to the people I sent it to, but the carrier had already paid me an couldn't claim their money back.


    A result for the little people.


    Mike.
    Title: Re: Biggish Aquarama Special build
    Post by: ukmike on July 23, 2020, 02:17:34 pm
    Hello.

    Alas, no sign of varnish today, which is preventing me from sticking to my order of jobs to do. So am looking for things to be getting on with and decided to make the 2
    transom hand rails. Not yet decided as to the size of them due to not having any information as to the thickness. a couple of the photos show 4mm rod which I am favouring. Have done the same with 5mm but that seems a tad too thick, 4mm is favourite, it better be, because I've just ordered 300 mm of it.

    Here is my little Proxxon lathe with milling attachment fitted showing the square brass bar milled out to be used for the ends of the handrails, after some grinding and buffing, pleased with it so far.

    On a different, note does anyone know how to lock the cross slide on a PF250E as it's not covered in the manual ?
    Some pictures, including pretty girl  :o

    Mike.








     
    Title: Re: Biggish Aquarama Special build
    Post by: Taranis on July 23, 2020, 03:13:10 pm
    PD?
    (https://photos.smugmug.com/Proxxon/i-GgRCzpp/0/92c880d6/X2/CB6757E0-4A37-4D7E-95BC-8C79AA0B4A68-X2.jpg)


    Pretty girl
    (https://cache.desktopnexus.com/thumbseg/2378/2378782-bigthumbnail.jpg)
    Title: Re: Biggish Aquarama Special build
    Post by: ukmike on July 23, 2020, 03:23:23 pm
    Re. the locking of the cross slide on my Proxxon PF230 lathe.


    I have found out how to do it and it's quite easy. There is an unused tapped hole on the right hand side amongst the others that are that are all used for removing any play in the slide, 4 in number, the unused hole is a little larger in diameter than the others.
    I used a 4mm x 16mm grub screw and 4mm nut for locking. Just tighten the screw until it locks the slide, no unnecessary force is needed. Lock it of with the locknut and there you have it. To go back to normal operation of the slide, just back off the grub screw and wind it out a few turns and lock it off.


    Et voila.

    Mike.
    Title: Re: Biggish Aquarama Special build
    Post by: ukmike on July 23, 2020, 03:31:04 pm
    Thanks Andy.

    Many thanks for the info.

    It didn't come with anything in that hole, so I guest it could be for that.

    They need a locknut tho', grub screw or Allen screw, just to be safe, but I will change mine to the Allen screw, and lot easier to get at.

    Mike.
    Title: Re: Biggish Aquarama Special build
    Post by: ukmike on July 25, 2020, 03:35:49 pm
    Good Afternoon each.

    Still no sign of the varnish so have had put on another coat of the No.1, reluctantly.

    4th, one and a shine is slowly starting to appear, had to do it in the kitchen as it's far too windy outside.

    Here are some pictures of it immediately following application, so it's not levelled yet. Several more hours before I can transfer it back to the shed.

    No quips about the kitchen being off limits for a time please, as I am the only one who uses it, due to my wife's illness.

    This is definitely the last time that I use the No.1, will wait for the Classic to arrive.

    Mike.






    Title: Re: Biggish Aquarama Special build
    Post by: Mark T on July 25, 2020, 03:54:27 pm
    Wow that is beautiful Mike - the grain just leaps out at you with that varnish!
    Title: Re: Biggish Aquarama Special build
    Post by: DJW on July 25, 2020, 03:57:24 pm
    Afternoon Mike


    Two things.


    1. That boat is looking 100% awesome.
    2. I've a 'No. 1' sticker on my Le Tonk tin and was thinking of trying to get a tin of classic, but seeing what you have done with No 1, I'll be very happy if I can get similar results so will stick with No 1 this time around. You're on coat 4 how many coats are you thinking..?


    BTW. Getting some detail scale pics ready for you now.


    Best regards
    David.
    Title: Re: Biggish Aquarama Special build
    Post by: ukmike on July 25, 2020, 04:46:18 pm
    Hi David.

    Thanks for the kind comments.

    No.1 is a good varnish, it has one quality that the Classic doesn't have and that is a quicker drying time, that would suit most people, but not me, I don't mind waiting 

    the day longer that the Classic needs, after all, there are usually other jobs that can be done whilst waiting.

    Go ahead and use it, especially if you haven't used Classic before, but, most importantly, only apply the thinnest coat that you can or else it will, not might, sag and or

    run for sure.

    Re. the no. of coats, I think about 10 should be O.K. It all depends on when I'm happy with the results, if it needs more then it gets more.

    Adding weight doesn't come into the equation regarding no. of coats needed. After all each coat is virtually removed when sanding.

    Mike.
    Title: Re: Biggish Aquarama Special build
    Post by: Taranis on July 25, 2020, 05:34:19 pm
    Luscious  :-)
    Title: Re: Biggish Aquarama Special build
    Post by: ukmike on July 27, 2020, 04:20:22 pm
    Good Afternoon.

    Still no varnish, spoke to Brian this morning, pointing out that I ordered and paid for it 11 days ago and could the carrier possibly be Herm**. Unfortunately it is.
    They are the ones who lost my Windscreen Frame, now waiting to hear from Brian as he has a tracking no.

    So, Iv'e started to make the transom handrails for something to do.
    Would have liked to get them soldered up today but I silver solder outside and naturally, with my luck, it's started raining and seems set in for the day now.

    Anyway, here are a couple of pictures of the,"kit" showing the cardboard template, the resulting MDF bending former and the brass bits, maybe tomorrow will be dry so that I can continue. There will of course,be a lot of shaping, buffing etc. following the soldering. Then, if they turn out to my satisfaction, go for Chroming, but not via the same carrier.

    There is a picture of how they will look if successful.

    Mike
    Title: Re: Biggish Aquarama Special build
    Post by: ukmike on August 01, 2020, 03:15:59 pm
    Good Afternoon.


    Here are a few photos of the Ridiculous and the Sublime, along with the deck water and fuel fillers and just before someone asks, the opening tool is different for both fillers. One won't open the other so that someone  can't put water into the fuel tank and vice versa.


    The forth coat of varnish is being sanded ready for the fifth, but it's far too hot in my shed today to even consider applying varnish 34 degrees  :(( .


    Mike.


    Title: Re: Biggish Aquarama Special build
    Post by: Mark T on August 01, 2020, 03:25:49 pm
    That really is so beautiful - It looks like the mahogany is underneath glass
    Title: Re: Biggish Aquarama Special build
    Post by: ukmike on August 01, 2020, 05:51:52 pm
    Thanks for that Mark.


    I think it's going to take about 10 coats before it reaches maximum gloss.
    I takes me around 5 hours to rub down each coat so I can't overcoat the same day.
    5 hours constitute a full day in the shed. I then allow 3 days for each coat to be hard enough to sand. It's going to be quite a while to complete I think, but it should be worth it.


    Mike.
    Title: Re: Biggish Aquarama Special build
    Post by: derekwarner on August 01, 2020, 11:09:29 pm
    ..."5 hour to rub down each coat" ....


    Mike is this using the Scotch Brite type pads?....and do you use it wet like W&D ? [flooding away the removed surface materials]


    Watching those videos......'with each coat just becomes more lustrous and glass like'  :kiss: ......[the wood in the boat I mean]


    Derek
    Title: Re: Biggish Aquarama Special build
    Post by: ukmike on August 02, 2020, 12:04:26 am
    G'Day Derek.

    After the 4th. coat, which I have sanded today, I will be able to reduce the time taken to sand the following coats due to the surface becoming far more level now.
    I intend to remove the glaze using either 400 or 600 grit Aluminium Oxide paper dry, which is the most appropriate. Followed by 120 INDASA double sided foam pads, again dry. These pads a very fine and don't resemble 120 grit normal  paper, silicone or Ali Oxide.
    Finally, I was given  by LeTonkinois U.K. a  Scotch Brite pad which they sell for me to try.
    It is very fine and is perfect for a quick final sand down before applying the next coat of varnish.
    I do of course vacuum the hull and wipe over with a micro fibre cloth before the next coat.

    Mike.
    Title: Re: Biggish Aquarama Special build
    Post by: ukmike on August 02, 2020, 02:32:00 pm
    Good Afternoon all.

    Coat no.5, boat sat levelling away, should take bout 3 hours to be dust safe.

    The shine is about as good as it can gets at this stage, the rest of the coats from now on will then start to add depth, which is what I'm after.

    Still getting inclusions, dust, flying things and some that only David Attenborough could recognise . It's not important at this stage, only the final coat matters, so I have quite a while wait, but as of now I have no idea how to stop it happening.
    Some pictures when the varnish was applied.

    Mike.
    Title: Re: Biggish Aquarama Special build
    Post by: derekwarner on August 02, 2020, 11:26:37 pm
    Mike......considered brushing in the tiled bathroom......[& I don't mean with soap].............


    If the bathroom has an exhaust fan for steam removal, may not be best to turn it on to remove the Le Tonktin fumes, it could also suck dust contaminate from adjoining flooring  %)

    Derek
    Title: Re: Biggish Aquarama Special build
    Post by: ukmike on August 02, 2020, 11:36:23 pm
    Hi Derek.

    Brilliant idea, I would never have thought of that.
    So, the quality of the final finish is going to be down to you 😋😋.

    Many thanks.

    Mike.
    Title: Re: Biggish Aquarama Special build
    Post by: ukmike on August 03, 2020, 04:18:49 pm
    Good Afternoon all.


    Whilst waiting for the varnish to harden enough for me to sand down ready for the next coat, 6th.
    I have done some more with the Transom Handrails, no where near finished as the picture shows.


    If anyone is interested, I milled out a 4mm wide channel using a ball nose cutter along a piece of 1/4" square brass bar to just over centre deep.
    Cut the angles of the 4 stand offs with my little bandsaw and soldered them in place along with the 4mm round rails, worked out quite well to my surprise !!
    Lots more shaping and sizing to do yet, as you can see.


    Mike.


    Title: Re: Biggish Aquarama Special build
    Post by: ukmike on August 03, 2020, 07:13:19 pm
    Evening All.


    Here is the first handrail shaped and buffed, this is now the template for completing the second one, hopefully !!!


    Mike.
    Title: Re: Biggish Aquarama Special build
    Post by: ukmike on August 12, 2020, 06:47:36 pm
    Hello Mayhemers.

    No varnishing due to too high temps here, so, have been making the last version of the foredeck masthead light/nav.lights/flag pole assy, don't know what it's propper name is.
    It was changed for the last few Specials which ended at hull no.774. I have no idea how many were fitted with the new type due to there being no info that I can find available. The only information that I can find is a couple of photos on the net. I think that it is the boats horn as well as flagstaff and masthead white light.

    The siren that was fitted to the Aquarama's was in my opinion, ridiculous, it's sound is that of a 1950's American police car or that of a speeded up WW2 air raid siren, also, on the 10th scale models, it makes the foredeck very cluttered and I notice the the majority of full size restorations it has been omitted.
     
    Due to there being no written dimensions available, which would help with scaling, I've guessed on sizes but it looks about right and there is a fair amount of licence taken.

    I have changed the final main body finish from the strange Chroming as shown in the photos to conventional Hard Chrome. The masthead white light will be added post chroming. The port and stbd. nav lights will be moved to the rear part of the windscreen frame.

    The photos make thing a little clearer.

    Mike.


    Title: Re: Biggish Aquarama Special build
    Post by: DJW on August 12, 2020, 07:24:26 pm
    Beautiful piece of work Mike.


    Agreed re the horn / siren.  It looks like it should be a light of some sort. I'm thinking to leave it off my build.


    Whats next to construct fittings wise..?  Do you wait for a batch of items to be ready then send to be chromed..?


    David.
    Title: Re: Biggish Aquarama Special build
    Post by: ukmike on August 12, 2020, 08:28:11 pm
    Beautiful piece of work Mike.


    Agreed re the horn / siren.  It looks like it should be a light of some sort. I'm thinking to leave it off my build.


    Whats next to construct fittings wise..?  Do you wait for a batch of items to be ready then send to be chromed..?


    David.
    Evening David.

    I regretted fitting the Siren to my Amati, almost as soon as was glued on. The fordeck is much too cluttered with it.

    I should be able to rub down the 5th coat tomorrow if it's a little cooler, even sanding down shouldn't be done when it's very warm because the paper clogs instantly.
    You will know if it is o.k. because the varnish to be sanded will feel quite soft and rubbery if it's too early or too warm.
    Haven't bothered posting pictures of the 5th coat as it is now getting very difficult to get a usable snap due to the glaze which is now beginning to build  :-)) :-)) .

    Will make a new pair of rear deck fillers, Fuel and Water as I have managed the get the dia. of the later Specials, they were/are quite small. Will use brass for that.

    When I have about £50 worth of Chrome to be done I'll send it off. Fortunately, I haven't, reached that point yet, thankfully.

    Top Tip, Stick with the No.1, don't even contemplate changing it. ok2 ok2

    Mike.


     
    Title: Re: Biggish Aquarama Special build
    Post by: DJW on August 13, 2020, 09:18:48 am
    Morning Mike


    Thanks for this, and it will be interesting to see what the No 1 does...


    And I fully understand that you might not be able to take many more pics of your hull as the reflections might make it impossible.


    I look forward to having that problem.


     :-))


    David.
    Title: Re: Biggish Aquarama Special build
    Post by: ukmike on August 20, 2020, 05:59:43 pm
    Hi.

    6th coat, very little improvement and it is all rubbed down now, just a couple of pictures.

    Working on making more deck fittings, I think I'll be able to make them all with the exception of the 4 clamshell vents. I've absolutely no idea how to make them.

    Here is a picture showing 1 transom fairlead finished and 1 kit for the second one, will look better when Chromed.

    The 2 shiny round things are for the fuel and water fillers, I threw the 2 Ali ones away as they were rubbish.

    Have made 2 large cleats for the foredeck, the larger one is true scale size, the other is a tad smaller but I will stick with the larger.


    Mike.
    Title: Re: Biggish Aquarama Special build
    Post by: Mark T on August 20, 2020, 06:17:32 pm
    Mike that is beautiful work - what a build  :-))
    Title: Re: Biggish Aquarama Special build
    Post by: ukmike on August 23, 2020, 02:25:04 pm
    Good Afternoon.

    Have applied what I hoped would be the final coat of varnish, but, there were too many dust specs for it to be acceptable to me, so, it's wait a couple of days and after rubbing it down apply another coat.
    I had to look very hard to find the inclusions, they are so small that it would have been perfectly acceptable for many people, but not me,unfortunately.

    The photos are not that good as the light is flaring the camera lens, but my wife said, on seeing it this morning, " That thing looks like it's made of glass", she calls it the Thing, no idea why !

    I changed from a 1 inch brush to a 1.5 inch which made a far better job the getting a totally smooth finish with absolutely no brush marks.
    I think it would be of little use the the 1/10th scale builders, too big but for a final coat the the 1 inch would be very good.
    It's the smallest in the Langnickel L283 pack of 3 and very low cost.
    My 1.5 inch is a totally different brush and is made for varnishing. Made in America and more expensive @ just under £7.00 from Screwfix, unfortunately they don't do a 1 inch.

    Mike.
    Title: Re: Biggish Aquarama Special build
    Post by: Taranis on August 23, 2020, 02:38:42 pm
    The thing looks great Mike  :}
    I’m considering the final coat and whether it might be worth considering a polishing mop and wax
    Title: Re: Biggish Aquarama Special build
    Post by: Martin [Admin] on August 23, 2020, 03:44:34 pm
     
     (https://www.modelboatmayhemimages.co.uk/images/2020/08/23/Wow1.jpg)
    Title: Re: Biggish Aquarama Special build
    Post by: ukmike on August 23, 2020, 05:48:29 pm
    The thing looks great Mike  :}
    I’m considering the final coat and whether it might be worth considering a polishing mop and wax
    Hi Andy.

    Never tried that, but I have in the past experimented with buffing using the finest compound.
    I was a complete flop, all it did was reduce the shine to a very dull finish.
    Apparently it's due to the fact that LaTonk. never really hardens enough to cut back.

    If you do give it a go I will be very interested in your results, it could help to remove the inevitable small dust p
    particles and maybe enhance the shine, that would be fantastic.

    Mike.
    Title: Re: Biggish Aquarama Special build
    Post by: Taranis on August 23, 2020, 05:59:26 pm
    I will start varnishing some scrap wood and see what happens before I try it on my thing  O0


    Edit
    Back in the 70's at Skool I often used Ronseal hard glaze polyurethane. Four coats on mahogany veneered chip board looked like glass. Rubbed down with steel wool between coats and the final coat was rubbed down with wire wool and beeswax before buffing. The result was astonishing.
    Title: Re: Biggish Aquarama Special build
    Post by: ukmike on August 23, 2020, 06:34:00 pm
    The problem seems to be that the Tung oil always stays flexible, I've found a piece of wood that was varnished about 3 years ago using LeTonk Classic. I can still dent it today wth my finger nail.
    It still has a good gloss on it so will try buffing and waxing it tomorrow and let you know how I get on.
    Fortunately I have just "The Thing" here to compare it with.


    Mike.
    Title: Re: Biggish Aquarama Special build
    Post by: Taranis on August 23, 2020, 06:40:30 pm
    I look forwards to your experiment conclusion  :-)
    Title: Re: Biggish Aquarama Special build
    Post by: Taranis on August 23, 2020, 06:57:49 pm
    I found this on wikipedia
    Tung oil finishes that start with polymerized (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Polymerization) oils or tung oil preparations are best applied in the fat over lean (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fat_over_lean) principle: thinned pure oil is applied to deeply penetrate the surface, to fill pores. Straight oil is then applied moderately to adhere to the surface and provide a good base for the thick gloss layers. The polymerized oil is then applied thickly as a single layer, allowed to fully dry, is buffed smooth with very fine sandpaper (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sandpaper), then 0000 steel wool (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Steel_wool). The surface is wiped clean with a moistened rag, then allowed to dry. A final coat is applied fairly thickly (the oil will smooth itself into a glass-like coating) and allowed to dry for two to three days. Rags soaked with tung oil can spontaneously combust (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Spontaneous_combustion) (burst into flame).

    Title: Re: Biggish Aquarama Special build
    Post by: ukmike on August 23, 2020, 08:56:06 pm
    A trifle complicated procedure and not relevant in this case as other components are used.
    But as we are using a proprietary version of the original Chinese recipe that works perfectly well I don't think anyone would go to the trouble of following those instructions, let alone understanding them.

    I/we are carrying out the correct procedure, well, at least I try to, as can be witnessed by looking at my results so far and there is a couple more coats to go, I must be doing something right.

    I don't think I need to bother buffing or waxing or any other procedures anymore, as I'm perfectly happy with the results so far. As I have said many times, "If it ain't broke don't fix it".

    Mike.
    Title: Re: Biggish Aquarama Special build
    Post by: Taranis on August 23, 2020, 08:58:31 pm
    Yes it baffled me a bit too. I hope my bathroom trial works tomorrow  :-))
    The only dust in there comes off the toilet rolls and I’ve vacd this evening
    Title: Re: Biggish Aquarama Special build
    Post by: ukmike on August 23, 2020, 09:08:39 pm
    The bathroom idea is a good one, unfortunately ours isn't big enough.
    Luckily, a friend of mine has offered me the use of his wet room, will probably take him up on offer.


    Mike.
    Title: Re: Biggish Aquarama Special build
    Post by: derekwarner on August 23, 2020, 11:12:36 pm
    ...so Mike says....."but my wife said, on seeing it this morning, " That thing looks like it's made of glass" ......give her credit Mike :kiss:


    "It'....the vessel I mean looks superb and glass like


    A good colleague once said...."we ourselves are sometimes our greatest critic"............. [too true]


    Reading about the history, it appears that the ancient Chinese were primarily interested in the water resistance Tung Oil provided over any any other quality


    Derek
    Title: Re: Biggish Aquarama Special build
    Post by: ukmike on August 28, 2020, 04:11:03 pm
    Good Afternoon All.

    I have stopped work on the varnishing for a while to concentrate on making the deck furniture.
    Have made some so far that were either not good enough or too small for the 1/7th scale size so they will be discarded.

    The pictures shows the foredeck items complete and at the correct size but will require plating of course,(eventually !!).

    There is one not very good showing the foredeck flagstaff including hooter, not the original air raid siren, both attempts, the large one is scale size and the small on works out at about 1/10th scale, nothing wrong with it other than being too little.

    The some of the later boats had a Mahogany plinth attached to it, I assume to lift it clear of the deck or just make it higher.It can be just made out in the rather small photo. The larger one doesn't have it but sits directly on the deck.

    The small one would be very good for someone building a 1/10th. Aquarama and wanted to upgrade it, as would the other bits that are of no use to me. Let me know if you are interested in them, it would be a shame to throw them away.

    All of the parts are pure guesswork, (as is the majority of the build), just taken from photo's, as there is no written information about them that  I can find

    Mike.
    Title: Re: Biggish Aquarama Special build
    Post by: ukmike on September 06, 2020, 02:21:26 pm
    A little more work done on the deck fittings which seem ok.


    Pictures showing them temporarily in place along with the windscreen, quite pleased with the results given that the sizing is pure guesswork due to the lack of
    information available.


    Mike.
    Title: Re: Biggish Aquarama Special build
    Post by: Taranis on September 06, 2020, 02:23:50 pm
    Really terrific Mike  :-)
    Title: Re: Biggish Aquarama Special build
    Post by: DJW on September 07, 2020, 05:58:37 pm
    Looks more than 'OK' to me Mike, exceptional fabrication..!


    Also just noticed the dovetail cutouts on the frames in the last two images, I'm guessing to help retain the slipway assembly..?


    Hope all's well.
    David.
    Title: Re: Biggish Aquarama Special build
    Post by: ChrisF on September 07, 2020, 06:59:18 pm
    I hope you're going to keep this one Mike, it's a beaut!

    Chris
    Title: Re: Biggish Aquarama Special build
    Post by: ukmike on September 07, 2020, 09:57:09 pm
    Looks more than 'OK' to me Mike, exceptional fabrication..!


    Also just noticed the dovetail cutouts on the frames in the last two images, I'm guessing to help retain the slipway assembly..?


    Hope all's well.
    David.
    Thanks David.


    That is where the spine fits and is removable to allow some access to the 2 rudder tiller arms.
    Also, the bathing slide lays on it and is screwed in a couple of places.


    Mike.
    Title: Re: Biggish Aquarama Special build
    Post by: ukmike on September 08, 2020, 01:27:37 pm
    Applied what I hoped would be the final coat of varnish.

    Alas, it wasn't to be, the finish is probably the best that I have ever seen for an oil based on finish, far better than my earlier build.

    Having examined it in close detail this morning I found that dust particles had settled overnight and completely ruined it. Many people would probably have let it go
    as you have to look hard to see them, but I just can't accept it and so it has to be rubbed down and done again.I, reluctantly, will have to avail myself of a friends offer to let me use his wet room, that's the only way that I can think of to be in a dust free environment.
    I didn't want to trouble him but he says it will be, "no problem".

    Here are some pictures of the boat before it's is put aside for a while to harden off. Again, difficult to avoid reflections.
    Meantime, I will carry on with my other build.

    Mike.
    Title: Re: Biggish Aquarama Special build
    Post by: ukmike on September 08, 2020, 01:33:33 pm
    3 more pics.







    Title: Re: Biggish Aquarama Special build
    Post by: SailorGreg on September 08, 2020, 02:51:16 pm
    Well Mike, I studied all of your pictures and couldn't spot a single grain of dust.  Have you cleaned your glasses recently?   ;)

    But that is a really amazing job for a brushed finish.  Congratulations! (Yes, I know you want it better, but it is already way better than most of us could dream of.)


    Greg
    Title: Re: Biggish Aquarama Special build
    Post by: ukmike on September 08, 2020, 04:01:54 pm
    Hi Greg.


    Have just cleaned my glasses but unfortunately it's all still there, the specks are really tiny, so don't show in the pictures, maybe I need one of those Macro lenses but my little cheap and cheerful camera hasn't got that facility.  :(( :(( .


    Thanks for your kind words tho' much appreciated.


    Mike.
    Title: Re: Biggish Aquarama Special build
    Post by: Taranis on September 08, 2020, 04:22:19 pm
    I think it looks superb Mike
    Despite doing mine in the bathroom it was still covered in what appears to be dust but I’m going to settle on 3ft scale
    If it looks ok from 3ft it will do  {-) 
    The colour the shine and the inlay make a much bigger impact than some dust can undo  :-))


    On my final coat I won’t have the extract fan on and see if it’s any better
    Title: Re: Biggish Aquarama Special build
    Post by: ukmike on September 08, 2020, 06:14:50 pm
    Evening Andy.


    Good thinking, probably the best way to go.


    The problem with the size of my boat is that there's quite a large surface area, the dust then has a big target to settle on.


    One glimmer of hope  tho' is that after I noticed it this morning I put it outside in disgust. The sun was shining all day on the model and its was quite hot. Have just brought it indoors and much of the inclusions seem to have disappeared, but not all.
    I'm going to leave it for a week or so and see if it's acceptable, hope so.


    I don't mind having to cut it back, but how to prevent the same thing happening, the answer is defying me.


    Mike.
    Title: Re: Biggish Aquarama Special build
    Post by: Taranis on September 08, 2020, 06:21:28 pm
    This is why I’m hoping that 0000 wire wool and pure beeswax may fix it but I’ve yet to try
    Title: Re: Biggish Aquarama Special build
    Post by: Thornej on March 26, 2021, 12:26:30 pm
    Greetings from downunder.
    What an amazing build Mike - awesome skill and work!!  :-))
    I am particularly interested to see the amount of time taken to achieve such a first class result.

    I am just starting out on a build the same size and without plans I get quite discombobulated as to what to do next and how to do it!  {:-{
    You have provided a great example for me to move forward on - Thankyou.


    One day hopefully mine will float!


    Cheers
    Jeff
    Title: Re: Biggish Aquarama Special build
    Post by: ukmike on March 28, 2021, 12:41:58 am
    Many thanks Jeff.


    No more work done to the boat for several months now as I have to work in my little shed in the garden  mainly to the weather here. Fortunately, it should be warm enough to carry on shortly. There's still quite a lot to due but all being well it should be finished this year.


    Very brave of you to take on a Riva Special without any plans, not something I wouldn't attempt but give it a go.
    Would love to see a Blog if you do it as many people on here would be very interested I'm sure.


    Mike.
    Title: Re: Biggish Aquarama Special build
    Post by: ukmike on May 25, 2021, 04:49:39 pm
    Hi.


    Big Riva is back on the workbench following the winter layoff.


    Have rubbed down the final varnish coat as I wasn't overly pleased with it and anyway would have made things more difficult carrying on without damaging it.


    I have started by completing the Docking Lights first, which is proving to be more complicated than I thought it would be. With the boat being 1/7th scale it wasn't possible to buy ready made ones, the nearest available are 1/6th and much to big, also, I would have had to sell my car to afford them.
    Following talking with Morosini Giovanni in Sarnico I was able to find out the dimensions of the full size lights so working out the 1/7th was straight forward.


    After they are done the next step is making the bow protector which is 300mm long, things don't any easier, the Docking Lights are bad enough !!


    A few pictures showing the progress made and it's to be painfully slow.


    2365 shows the shiny finish completely sanded away.


    2336 is the hole shaped finalised ready for the housing.


    2363 shows the bits used to form the housing and outer frame, consisting of wooden male mould, the jig for milling the 2 Brass frames, the 0.4mm ply housing, and it's floor, finally the 2 frames.

    Mike.
    Title: Re: Biggish Aquarama Special build
    Post by: phillnjack3 on May 26, 2021, 03:12:29 am
    this isa very very special build for a very special boat, and looking great.


    the varnish on the final is the big deal....
    if it dont turn out like you realy want ill give you 50 quid for it and take it off your hands...

    Title: Re: Biggish Aquarama Special build
    Post by: derekwarner on May 26, 2021, 04:53:11 am
    Na......go back to September 2020, the finish is under control  :-))  .....


    Looking forward to Project continuance Mike  O0


    Derek
    Title: Re: Biggish Aquarama Special build
    Post by: DJW on May 26, 2021, 07:19:49 am
    Great to see the Riva back on the workbench Mike..!


    Best regards
    David.
    Title: Re: Biggish Aquarama Special build
    Post by: ukmike on May 31, 2021, 02:54:34 pm
    Hello.


    More work started by making the Bow Protector and Docking Lights.


    The pictures show them temporarily held in place to make sure all is o.k which seems that they look not too bad so I will tidy them up prior to Chroming.


    Also  shown are pictures of how they should look as per the full size examples, alas, light years away from my efforts, I can't get anywhere near them but I'm reasonably


    pleased with my attempts.


    Mike.
     
    Title: Re: Biggish Aquarama Special build
    Post by: Taranis on May 31, 2021, 05:17:18 pm
    Yours looks better IMHO  :-))  The bow has a very strange way of showing a face with a different emotion depending how you see it.

    Startled angry sad confused all in one image  :-)
    Title: Re: Biggish Aquarama Special build
    Post by: ukmike on May 31, 2021, 05:26:52 pm
    Hi Andy.
    Having had a look I have to agree.
    Hopefully it will improve when some of the Mahogany is hidden under the White bottom.


    Mike.
    Title: Re: Biggish Aquarama Special build
    Post by: Mark T on May 31, 2021, 06:14:36 pm
    Beautiful work Mike it really doesn't get better than that  :-))
    Title: Re: Biggish Aquarama Special build
    Post by: SteamboatPhil on May 31, 2021, 06:37:13 pm
    Incredible work Mike (me who is throwing away his wood working tools now) congratulations  :-))
    Title: Re: Biggish Aquarama Special build
    Post by: ukmike on June 03, 2021, 07:03:28 pm
    Most of the deck fittings completed now, I dread to think the cost of all that Chroming.


    After several attempts making the 4 scale engine room vents I have finally given up and used the same shape as Riva used on the last few Specials for the foredeck flagstaff/white/hooter/white running light all in one assy. Just a few bits and bobs to complete and then start searching for quotes fir the plating.


    The photos show everything so far but just roughly in place and not yet fitted. The windscreen needs the final shaping then I can apply the green tint.


    Mike.
       
    Title: Re: Biggish Aquarama Special build
    Post by: ukmike on June 16, 2021, 02:22:23 pm
    Good Afternoon all.


    Very little done to the boat recently but I was able to make the flanges for the water and fuel fillers today.


    My be of interest to see the drilling method for 5 symmetrically spaced holes, 1.5mm each.


    A couple of pictures.


    Mike.

    Title: Re: Biggish Aquarama Special build
    Post by: derekwarner on June 17, 2021, 01:22:45 am
    Hullo Mike.....5 bolt pattern is very common for wheel mountings, however not so popular for fluid sealing flanges .....with 3, 4 or 6 is near universal for this purpose


    I can only think the 5 bolt propriety flanges for the Riva is as clearance or access issue .......is the 5th bolt located centrally at the top? ...if so, 2 will be located in the horizontal plane & marginally higher than for a 6 bolt pattern


    Did the originals have synthetic gasketing?......so, what will you choose for the water?


    Derek
    Title: Re: Biggish Aquarama Special build
    Post by: ukmike on June 17, 2021, 01:26:01 pm
    G'day Derek.


    Over the years that the Aquarama was in production there were several changes to the design of the fuel/water fillers.


    Some of the early ones were almost flush to the deck with no fixing shown as the fixings were done from the inside, Riva usually preferred not to show fixings to as

    much of the deck furniture as possible. Later in the production, especially with the introduction of the "Special" version, the flush versions were changed to the

    larger Mushroom design  there were 3 versions that I know of, all of which had flanges with external fixings but they varied in height and diameter.

    I have made some of each type and have settled on the Mushroom design, but I have altered the diameter and height so that it looks right on my model.

    Rightly or wrongly I preferred the 5 bolt flange fixing, so that is what it will have, after all, my model isn't perfect scale, far from it, also, some parts cannot be scaled to

    1/7th ish, they would look silly and I try to avoid silly where possible.

    The previous post was intended purely show how I achieved perfect hole spacing.

    Thank you very much for the technical information tho', but fortunately not needed in this case, maybe in the future.

    Mike.
    Title: Re: Biggish Aquarama Special build
    Post by: ukmike on July 01, 2021, 02:09:33 pm
    Hi.


    Just about the last parts of the deck furniture made now.


    2 fillers with flanges, Petrol and potable Water, along with the Stern Light which will have it's lens fitted after Chroming.


    The Stern Light shape isn't much like the full size due to me not being skillful enough to reproduce it in miniature, but I don't think it looks too bad.


    The pieces shown took me 11 hours to make including disasters, of which there were several.


    Here are some photos.


    Mike.

    Title: Re: Biggish Aquarama Special build
    Post by: DJW on July 01, 2021, 03:59:16 pm
    Looks pretty fine work to me Mike, and even better when chromed, well worth the effort.  :-))

    Title: Re: Biggish Aquarama Special build
    Post by: ukmike on September 12, 2022, 04:45:27 pm
    Good afternoon.
    At last, Bigish Riva back on the work bench, first time since 2021. Have totally forgotten at what stage I was at, let alone finding the parts that I had made.

    Have sanded the hull again in readiness for the final varnish and have decided to use a different varnish and not the LeTonk. due to the fact that, firstly, the can that I have is well out of date, that and the fact that it is now produced in Germany and apparently it is changed somewhat.

    I never gave a thought to the chance of water getting into the boat, especially when going backwards (astern) or when stopping quickly from high speed as a stern wave
    could climb some way up the bathing slide so I've solved the problem by fitting a plastic barrier which is gasketed all round making it completely watertight.
    The upholstered slide its self remains the same.

    Some photo's

    Mike.
       
    Title: Re: Biggish Aquarama Special build
    Post by: Capt Podge on September 12, 2022, 04:51:57 pm
    It's good to see her back on the bench Mike and more updates when you get yourself orientated.  :-)


    Ray.
    Title: Re: Biggish Aquarama Special build
    Post by: DJW on September 12, 2022, 05:17:20 pm
    Agreed..!  Great to see the Aquarama back on the bench Mike..!


    Best regards
    David.
    Title: Re: Biggish Aquarama Special build
    Post by: DJW on September 13, 2022, 01:50:49 pm
    Hi Mike


    I meant to ask, what varnish are you planning to go with over the current Le Tonk..?


    Best regards
    David.
    Title: Re: Biggish Aquarama Special build
    Post by: ukmike on September 13, 2022, 03:22:21 pm
    Good afternoon David.
    I wondered how long it would be before that question was posted. :-)

    I thought that I would try it firstto see if it was any good before I told you.

    Have applied 1 coat today by brush so see if it levels O.K. that was only 1 hour ago so it will be tomorrow until I know.

    From the first look it seams that another coat will be needed, but tomorrow will decide that.

    Will let you know.

    Mike. 
    Title: Re: Biggish Aquarama Special build
    Post by: ukmike on October 25, 2022, 01:05:53 pm
    Hello.


    Your opinion much appreciated on the colour for the bathing slide bottom piece, can't make my mind up.
    Red or continuing with the off White.


    Mike.

    Title: Re: Biggish Aquarama Special build
    Post by: SailorGreg on October 25, 2022, 01:58:46 pm
    Red. It is more in accord with the shade of the timber and "completes" the arc across the stern.

    Greg
    Title: Re: Biggish Aquarama Special build
    Post by: DJW on October 25, 2022, 08:32:36 pm
    Tricky to call Mike. But I'd agree with Greg that red looks more balanced...


    Looking good..!
    David.
    Title: Re: Biggish Aquarama Special build
    Post by: ukmike on September 22, 2023, 02:06:57 pm
    At last the Riva Special is complete following many changes.
    The only thing left to do is that it actually floats.


    Some pictures.


    Mike.


     
    Title: Re: Biggish Aquarama Special build
    Post by: DJW on September 22, 2023, 02:22:48 pm
    Absolutely beautiful work Mike..!  And look forward to the pictures of it floating in it's natural habitat.


    David.
    Title: Re: Biggish Aquarama Special build
    Post by: Mark T on September 22, 2023, 08:14:16 pm
    Mike that truly is a beautiful boat - the hours that you have put into this build just shine through.  That finish too..........wow
    Title: Re: Biggish Aquarama Special build
    Post by: ukmike on September 23, 2023, 04:25:03 pm
    Many thanks David and Mark T, much appreciated.I said it was now finished but I've found 2 more bits that I forgot and missed.
    They are the nav lights and the chromed strips on the 2 (as the French call ailerons), I have no idea of the correct name.
    Anyway, the very final parts will be completed tomorrow.
    Will post pictures then.

    Mike.
    Title: Re: Biggish Aquarama Special build
    Post by: ukmike on September 24, 2023, 02:49:25 pm
    Missing parts fitted, I may change the Cream colour of the nav lights to Silver or maybe Black, that that's only a few mins work.
    Here are the photos.


    Mike.
    Title: Re: Biggish Aquarama Special build
    Post by: mbm999 on February 14, 2024, 03:19:36 pm
    Hi Mike,
    Any chance you could email me a copy of the gauges they look great.
    Also, what are the surrounds made from?

    Cheers,
    Mark