Model Boat Mayhem

The Shipyard ( Dry Dock ): Builds & Questions => Yachts and Sail => Topic started by: ericjansen on September 14, 2019, 03:02:24 am

Title: 1:25 Columbia - Classic International 5.5 Meter
Post by: ericjansen on September 14, 2019, 03:02:24 am
I finished up the 1:25 Tuiga, for which I will try to update the thread in the coming days (https://www.modelboatmayhem.co.uk/forum/index.php/topic,63317.0.html (https://www.modelboatmayhem.co.uk/forum/index.php/topic,63317.0.html)).

She looks beautiful next to the 1:25 Endeavor II, for which I will also try to finish up the thread (https://www.modelboatmayhem.co.uk/forum/index.php/topic,63316.0.html (https://www.modelboatmayhem.co.uk/forum/index.php/topic,63316.0.html))

As a final, I decided to build an 1:25 International 5.5 Meter.
They are ~32ft (9.5m) in overall length, and should show the sheer size of the Tuiga and Endeavor.


Then, after some more study, I decided to build not one, but two of them.
One will be a Classic (<1974), with an attached rudder, and following all the classic lines.
The other one will be a Modern version (>1994), with all knuckles, modern keel and rudder, and so on.
 
I sketched up both of them, and will go from there.




Title: 1:25 Columbia & Ali Baba - Classic & Modern International 5.5 Meter
Post by: ericjansen on September 15, 2019, 10:08:59 am
So here is the challenge I am giving myself:

For the classic Columbia, I ordered the 1:25 kit from Coral, which I found cheaply on the web.
It is in the post, or so I hope.

I actually never built a kit, so I will see how that goes ....
I will follow the basics, but intend to have an fully open hull without bulkheads, so I will try to have all frames and false bulkheads removable.
I further plan to have this one in varnished wood above the waterline, I hope that will work out with the double planking.
I will also change the transom, re-design the cockpit, make all new rigging, and some more.

For the modern Ali Baba, I basically have nothing, just a bunch of pictures.
The 5.5 meter class is a development class, very popular, and it seems everyone is hiding their cards.
From several evenings searches, I have some main dimensions, and some sketches, but that's about it.

No problem though, I sketched the main arrangement, plus a simple lines plan, the rest I will scale from the pictures I have.
Good thing is that it does not have to be an exact copy, I will probably copy and past some various stuff from various models ;) .

Title: 1:25 Columbia & Ali Baba - Classic & Modern International 5.5 Meter
Post by: ericjansen on September 15, 2019, 10:26:45 am
As the Columbia seems to have some delay in the post, I decided to make a start with the Modern Ali Baba.

First, made myself a simple working stand, as I will also need that for the framing for the Columbia.

Then, transferred all frames from the paper to the plywood, and cut them.

I am using up a lot of old materials on this one, so it will not be looking as pretty as on other models, and the plywood I am using rather sucks.
However, this boat will have a closed cockpit, so once the deck is fitted, nothing of it can be seen any more.

Modern 5.5 meters hulls are relative simple, a flat, slightly curved side shell, a hard knuckle, then a slightly shaped side, followed by flat center.
Most 5.5 meters have the knuckle only at mid ships, the Ali Baba I plan to replicate had it for most of the hull length.
Makes the lines plan rather simple :).
 
Title: 1:25 Columbia & Ali Baba - Classic & Modern International 5.5 Meter
Post by: ericjansen on September 16, 2019, 06:44:15 am
The nice thing about small sized models is that you can work quickly.
Yesterday it was raining, and I made quite some progress in the rough woodwork.

First added the top planking, to create some strength in the model.
It also took out the slight curve I had in the wood used for the center.

While waiting, I cut, glued, then shaped the keel.
I follow the keel from the Wasa V, with a slight bulb and a trim tap.

Then moved on by adding the cockpit, using the longitudinals for some extra strength.
I left the center bulkhead removable for this purpose, cut them to fit after the cockpit was installed.

It is getting some shape, amazingly small compared to the International 15 meter Tuiga she looks though.
Title: 1:25 Columbia & Ali Baba - Classic & Modern International 5.5 Meter
Post by: ericjansen on September 16, 2019, 06:49:58 am
Then, this morning I added the bottom planking and transom, straightened out the top, then glued the hull and deck together.
Need a good hardening overnight, ready for some shaping tomorrow.