Model Boat Mayhem

Mess Deck: General Section => Beginners start here...! => Topic started by: KeithH on July 13, 2017, 02:02:26 pm

Title: Mowe 2
Post by: KeithH on July 13, 2017, 02:02:26 pm
Hi,

Looking for a first, entry level RC boat, any opinions on the Aeronaut Mowe 2 please?


Its cute and cheap but although photos can be deceptive, I fear it might be flimsy.


Hopefully I am wrong but comments welcome
Title: Re: Mowe 2
Post by: tica on July 13, 2017, 05:26:25 pm
Hello Keith

I have build one look here http://www.modelboatmayhem.co.uk/forum/index.php/topic,57540.msg601657.html#msg601657 (http://www.modelboatmayhem.co.uk/forum/index.php/topic,57540.msg601657.html#msg601657)

I can defiantly say go for it, it is easy to build, it sails good and it is not flimsy.
Title: Re: Mowe 2
Post by: KeithH on July 13, 2017, 09:03:54 pm
Ah that is brilliant tica, what a fantastic log of the build , and a very impressive build it is.  Well done


You have convinced me.  Thank you for replying  :-))
Title: Re: Mowe 2
Post by: ballastanksian on July 13, 2017, 09:58:33 pm
Welcome to the forum Keith.

Isn't this just the best example of how this forum can help, and sometimes without spending hours delving through the archives to find other builds!

Enjoy your build and perhaps do a mini blog just to show how you got on, as you may have found some new ideas and tips on construction that will further enrich our community.
Title: Re: Mowe 2
Post by: KeithH on July 15, 2017, 10:43:12 am
Thank you for the welcome ballastanksian.  I am so pleased i joined the forum, its such a wealth of information.


My boat is on order, cant wait to see inside the box although I may not commence the build for a few weeks yet.


I'm not sure anyone would want to see my build efforts, haha, maybe after I've build a few models and acquired a bit of skill  :-))
Title: Re: Mowe 2
Post by: KeithH on July 15, 2017, 12:15:41 pm
Here is my effort on an Antje II that i bought from lady on eBay


I made a few mistakes in the build and there were a few bits missing, and I cant get the accessory kits now.


I doubt if I will sail her but Im reasonably pleased with a display model
Title: Re: Mowe 2
Post by: Bob K on July 15, 2017, 12:47:08 pm

I'm not sure anyone would want to see my build efforts, haha, maybe after I've build a few models and acquired a bit of skill  :-))


No, please Keith.  It is important to others starting out to see a First Build as a step by step sequence.
We all need a start point to learn from.  I am sure you will get plenty of help from others on Mayhem if you have questions or come to a halt -  We all do at times.  Go for it.  I will be watching with great interest.

Bob K
Title: Re: Mowe 2
Post by: KeithH on July 15, 2017, 07:17:50 pm
OK Bob, will do. 


Probably in a few weeks there will be a post title , 'Look what Ive done ... HELP '   :-)
Title: Re: Mowe 2
Post by: tica on July 16, 2017, 07:10:54 pm
Hello Keith

I'll be looking fwd for your build log, as others have already stated it is important for the hobby that the beginners show their builds including their mistakes, so other may avoid doing the same ones.

We had the yearly Open Pool day at our model club today and my Möwe II and mrs. Tica's Classic were used as examples that a novice can build a nice looking model for a fair amount of cash.

BTW: I'll post pictures from the open pool day later.

Happy Modelboating
Carsten
Title: Re: Mowe 2
Post by: KeithH on July 19, 2017, 10:51:32 pm
Well my kit arrived today so watch this space  :-)
Title: Re: Mowe 2
Post by: ballastanksian on July 20, 2017, 07:39:45 pm
I'll get a pack of Hobnobs in:O)
Title: Re: Mowe 2
Post by: KeithH on July 22, 2017, 05:52:07 pm
Ive opened up my Mowe 2 kit and I have to say, as a beginner I am extremely impressed.


Its a simple boat, thats why I chose it but the kit is ideal for someone starting out.


Its well, and colourfully presented. 
There is a little instruction handbook, extremely well illustrated and explained, and I have to admit that for the first time in my life, I have read the book before starting the job  :-)


There is a lot in the box, clearly numbered and beautifully cut.


They even give you some glue, some sandpaper and the bits to make a sanding block.


The only daunting thing, but am sure its just me being cautious, is that a couple of the template sheets are less than 1mm thick so careful handling needed I think.


I cant start this just yet but in maybe a week I will post again
Title: Re: Mowe 2
Post by: ballastanksian on July 22, 2017, 10:49:42 pm
It looks an impressive kit keith. I'll keep an eye out for your next post. Good on you for breaking the universal 'Man'nerism of not reading the destructions before starting  :-))
Title: Re: Mowe 2
Post by: KeithH on July 29, 2017, 11:07:01 am
Made a start with the small bits that were drifting in the bottom of the box namely the anchor and the steering wheel.


Didn't wish to lose or damage them.  They're so thin that they released themselves from the template sheet.


I wondered why they weren't just in one piece but the finished effect of layering is quite pleasing
Title: Re: Mowe 2
Post by: KeithH on July 29, 2017, 05:34:17 pm
A little work on the keel today.


I'm impressed at how much thought has gone into this kit by the manufacturers and also love the layering technique.


The keel is made up of a veneer, then the main parts that show you exactly where to leave space for the prop shaft and the rudder shaft, then another veneer on top to complete.


Ive chosen to fit the Bow at this stage while the keel is lying flat.  The book tells you to fit it later but I always seem to have a problem getting glue-in parts vertically plumb.


Ive read ahead and I don't see a problem so fingers crossed.


A bit of soldering to do before the next stage ......  something Ive never done before in my life :-/
Title: Re: Mowe 2
Post by: KeithH on July 29, 2017, 10:10:24 pm
Well thats my first ever attempt at soldering.


Not particularly a masterpiece but I think its tight and sound.


I did think that the wires were a little heavy duty for the size of the motor but they did come with the kit.  [size=78%]Comments anyone ?[/size]
Title: Re: Mowe 2
Post by: Tug-Kenny RIP on July 30, 2017, 12:48:17 pm

The wires are fine Keith.  Just the size I would have used, as you can never be too sure what current they are likely to demand.   ;)

ken
Title: Re: Mowe 2
Post by: KeithH on July 30, 2017, 01:51:12 pm
Hi Ken


the motor doesn't have any indication of positive  / negative terminals.


I have a wiring diagram that refers to a red dot indicating the positive.


No red dot on this one.  Does it matter ?



Title: Re: Mowe 2
Post by: Tug-Kenny RIP on July 31, 2017, 11:47:49 am

They can be connected  ANY WAY AROUND.

It's which side you connect the positive too that makes it turn clockwise or anti clockwise.

Hope this helps.

ken
Title: Re: Mowe 2
Post by: KeithH on July 31, 2017, 10:03:45 pm
Thanks Ken, everything helps me at the moment  :-))
Title: Re: Mowe 2
Post by: KeithH on August 02, 2017, 01:51:05 pm
Bit of progress with the hull of the boat.  this is a sheer delight to assemble but I have to say that the stringers were a faff.


Had to use my pin-pusher to hold them in at the bow, and just left the pins in anyway.


No regrets about fitting the bow whilst the keel was lying flat.  At least I know everything is straight, plumb and square.
Title: Re: Mowe 2
Post by: KeithH on August 02, 2017, 01:56:50 pm
And a bit of painting and staining of the wheelhouse and the deck.


I haven't decided on colour scheme just yet but I do like a bit of natural wood look on boats, and the wheelhouse will be white for sure, just an undercoat at the moment.


The wood stain is Ronseal Brushing Wax, colour beech.  Just lying around in the cupboard.  A couple of more coats then when its dry I'll yacht varnish it.
Title: Re: Mowe 2
Post by: KeithH on August 04, 2017, 02:51:26 pm
Hull sides now in place but rather testing to achieve.

R[/size][size=78%]einforced [/size]with some[size=78%] cloth [/size]type[size=78%] [/size]material, this causes the thin veneer to be bendy and floppy.[size=78%]

[/size]The instructions recommend using tape to hold in place but Ive again resorted to my pin pusher.[size=78%]

[/size]Fitting the inner skin (see last picture below in this sequence ) will strengthen and stiffen I think.[size=78%]
Title: Re: Mowe 2
Post by: KeithH on August 04, 2017, 03:04:02 pm
Not sure why I have those [size = % ] things in my posts above ?[/size]
Title: Re: Mowe 2
Post by: Tug-Kenny RIP on August 04, 2017, 09:22:37 pm


If you want to, then you can alter any text or remove text markings within half an hour of transmitting.  After that time it becomes fixed in stone.

ken


Title: Re: Mowe 2
Post by: ballastanksian on August 04, 2017, 09:40:51 pm
Hi Keith, you are tackling this build well  :-)) She looks true. A bit of decent timber finished off properly will look great. I have seen white and natural wood models look really nice.
Title: Re: Mowe 2
Post by: tica on August 04, 2017, 09:54:29 pm
Hey looking good  :-))

It looks like the Möwe II is taking over the world  %) several new builds is popping up in Denmark.

Europe today the world tomorrow  {-)

 
Title: Re: Mowe 2
Post by: KeithH on August 06, 2017, 02:29:42 pm
HI Tica
Im surprised that there wasn't a more substantial way of securing the stern piece to the bows at each corner.
As you can see from my photos above, there is quite a gap due to the curving of the bow pieces .

Did you do anything other than glue them together ?

I'm thinking of making a corner post each side once I have the deck installed
Title: Re: Mowe 2
Post by: KeithH on August 06, 2017, 02:42:47 pm
Ballastanksian, Ive used linseed oil on some of my small static models and it looks good, even spray varnished when the oil is dry.


Not sure if I'd be leaving a slick on the pond with this one though   :-)
Title: Re: Mowe 2
Post by: KeithH on August 06, 2017, 07:17:13 pm
Hull already for priming now.  Feels like Ive been filling and sanding down for ages.


No doubt the primer coats will show up more imperfections.


The boat is now feeling quite solid albeit very lightweight.


Any tips on waterproofing ?
Title: Re: Mowe 2
Post by: KeithH on August 10, 2017, 08:54:50 pm
A little bit of progress on the hull, now painted internally.

And the wheelhouse and superstructure.  All fiddly bits and still more to do.

Its those that take the time :o


I used yacht varnish on the deck without realising it takes 24 hours to be touch dry and oh my goodness, it stinks
Title: Re: Mowe 2
Post by: KeithH on August 10, 2017, 08:56:09 pm
Forgot to say the roof of the wheelhouse isn't fitted yet, thats why it looks crooked
Title: Re: Mowe 2
Post by: KeithH on August 13, 2017, 05:43:25 pm
A little more progress on the deck and wheelhouse.

The flag pole is 3.5mm dowel when really it should be a metal rod. 

There is a small hole in the wheelhouse roof (second pic ), that would secure a metal rod but the flagpole base is definitely for a wooden dowel.

Out of the scrap pieces I have made a roof-rack not just as a feature but as a means of securing the flagpole.

I'm sure it will look good when its painted
Title: Re: Mowe 2
Post by: KeithH on August 19, 2017, 10:36:41 am
Wheelhouse completed now and the electrics all tested and working.
Just need to install the bits properly.


There's not a lot of space so I may have to make a shelf in the wheelhouse for the receiver.


Painting today  :-)
Title: Re: Mowe 2
Post by: ballastanksian on August 19, 2017, 02:56:47 pm
You have done a nice job on the superstructure. I don't doubt that skippers will add their own touches to a boat as and when needed, so the roof rack is a nice touch. What are you going to put in it?  :-))
Title: Re: Mowe 2
Post by: KeithH on August 19, 2017, 05:21:06 pm
The roof rack was largely to hold the flag pole firmly.  It was made from the bit you get in the kit to use as a sanding block.


The orange ring was one of two life rings but I chose to buy a couple of more realistic ones, as you can see.


I might make a couple of crates out of the scrap, or am looking for some small beads or wooden balls to paint orange that will look like marker buoys  {-)
Title: Re: Mowe 2
Post by: KeithH on August 20, 2017, 08:39:44 pm
Despite what I said yesterday, I have managed to fit the electric into the hull, just need to tidy and secure the wiring now.

Painted the hull also, and added a couple of bits of trim to the bows and around the water line, just from bits I had lying around.

Still some touching in to do, and a final yacht varnishing over.

Almost ready for the water test  :-)
Title: Re: Mowe 2
Post by: ballastanksian on August 20, 2017, 08:45:10 pm
It amazes me how quickly the hull gets full up with electronic gubbins isn't it.

Looking fab keith  :-))
Title: Re: Mowe 2
Post by: KeithH on August 20, 2017, 09:16:07 pm
There's not a lot of room in this one :-/

The lead acid battery just say fits but its good for the ballast I think, and in the right place.
Maybe I should have got something smaller to fit further down the hull.

I'm pleased with it so far, won't be long now  :-)
Title: Re: Mowe 2
Post by: KeithH on August 21, 2017, 11:07:28 am
Just about there now  :-))

Passed the flotation test with only one small weight to be added so maybe this week we'll be on the water.

Only two rubbing strakes to be added and a final varnishing over.

Ive even managed to get the receiver antenna through the deck and up the exhaust pipe.
Title: Re: Mowe 2
Post by: KeithH on September 08, 2017, 07:45:16 pm
Not the best of photos I'm afraid/

I can do two things at once but not three  ..... sailing, photographing AND, childminding  :-)

But I had to record this very proud moment as my first ever RC boat, built from a kit, made the water .

Happy happy :-))
Title: Re: Mowe 2
Post by: danielcardona on December 05, 2017, 07:37:54 pm
well done :-))  Aeronaut kits are the best for beginners IMO. Whats next now? the classic maybe?


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dAhW0K7tVZ0
Title: Re: Mowe 2
Post by: thedukeofno on May 21, 2018, 02:08:39 pm
Keith


I’m in the process of building one of these myself. The instructions advise battery weight not to exceed 200g. You’re probably closer to 300 with that lead acid. No issues?
Title: Re: Mowe 2
Post by: ballastanksian on June 24, 2018, 02:59:41 pm

That is a great step up onto your future builds from what you have experienced and learnt during this project.


I look forward to see what you get up to next Keith  ok2
Title: Re: Mowe 2
Post by: Neil on June 24, 2018, 05:01:17 pm
Not the best of photos I'm afraid/

I can do two things at once but not three  ..... sailing, photographing AND, childminding  :-)

But I had to record this very proud moment as my first ever RC boat, built from a kit, made the water .

Happy happy :-))





and so you should be happy...…….a real credit to you...…...a lovely model, and can be sailed as is whilst you go to your next model, or super detail it, as fishing boats are full of character and detail...……..no end to it.


enjoy your and our hobby and look on your first build with immense pride...…..its a beauty.


neil.
Title: Re: Mowe 2
Post by: leachim on June 30, 2018, 11:56:29 pm
A great build, well written with useful photos. Finished boat looks great well done.
Hope you wont mind this next bit I don't want to hijack your thread.I have just finished building a Mowe2 myself with my 5 year old grandson. He has been very usefull and became a dab hand at gluing bits together. We have a couple of finishing touches to add and then the exciting first voyage. It has been a good project for the two of us, found the kit very easy to follow with no major problems. Would recommend it as an ideal kit for first time shipbuilders. As soon as we have it finished I will start a new thread and attempt to post a few photos.   

Mike  8)