Model Boat Mayhem

The Shipyard ( Dry Dock ): Builds & Questions => Lifeboats => Topic started by: Charlie on September 30, 2019, 08:26:50 pm

Title: 12m SSRS Victoria Class Lifeboat
Post by: Charlie on September 30, 2019, 08:26:50 pm
This past weekend I started construction on a 1/12th scale model of a 12m Victoria Class Lifeboat of the SSRS. The SSRS, or Sjöräddningssällskapet, is the Swedish Sea Rescue Society. They have 38 of these 38 knot / 14 ton, twin Waterjet powered Lifeboats in their fleet. The first one was built in 1997, and the most recent was completed in 2017.  Luckily for me there is lots of info online to refer to for my build, including drawings. There is a General Arrangement drawing on the Swedeship website, which I got my local print shop to enlarge to 1/12 scale. The model will have a GRP hull and deck. I have a pair of Oceanworks WaterJets to install, and have ordered a pair of Brushless motors for power. So far I have just cut out the hull plug frames and mounted them on the build board.
Title: Re: 12m SSRS Victoria Class Lifeboat
Post by: Capt Podge on September 30, 2019, 08:36:17 pm
Looks like you've chosen another cracking subject there Charlie.
Tagging along with this one  :-))


Regards,
Ray.
Title: Re: 12m SSRS Victoria Class Lifeboat
Post by: Charlie on October 14, 2019, 09:24:20 am
Made some progress on the Plug over the weekend. Think i need to tidy the bench up and clean up all those cobwebs!
Title: Re: 12m SSRS Victoria Class Lifeboat
Post by: Capt Podge on October 14, 2019, 09:46:28 am
The cobwebs are there to help keep the dust contained  :D


I see that there are horizontal slots cut into the lower sections of the frames.
I'm curious to know what they are for?
- or will it become apparent later in the build...


Regards,
Ray.
Title: Re: 12m SSRS Victoria Class Lifeboat
Post by: Charlie on October 14, 2019, 10:00:31 am
Hi Ray,


There is a narrow horizontal step in the hull profile. Trying to shape a skin to match would be tricky, but by having those slots i can use a much wider skin that doesn't need shaping. I will then fit the upper and lower skins afterwards. All should become clear when i get to that stage. But i first need to finish off the framework, and get everything nicely faired in.


Charlie
Title: Re: 12m SSRS Victoria Class Lifeboat
Post by: Capt Podge on October 14, 2019, 10:24:13 am
Ok, thanks for that Charlie, makes perfect sense and your forward planning should pave the way for another good looking model, both on and off the water  :-))


Regards,
Ray.
Title: Re: 12m SSRS Victoria Class Lifeboat
Post by: Charlie on October 18, 2019, 07:56:28 pm
Bit more done, starting to see the Hull shape now
Title: Re: 12m SSRS Victoria Class Lifeboat
Post by: derekwarner on October 19, 2019, 01:04:08 am
Charlie.......another Member Andy experienced a vibration issue with the aluminium spiral shaft couplings as supplied in the kits for the Ocean Works jet drive units for his project....may be worth reading for future reference

https://www.modelboatmayhem.co.uk/forum/index.php/topic,63576.msg675090.html#msg675090

Derek
Title: Re: 12m SSRS Victoria Class Lifeboat
Post by: Charlie on October 21, 2019, 10:41:47 am
Hi Derek, thanks for the info. I have been following Andy's Shannon build, so was aware of this issue.


This is how far i got over the weekend. The Bow area is taking shape; the first skins have been attached to the step in the hull profile, and i have started on the Stern Overhang. The reason for the horizontal cuts in the frames is now evident.
Title: Re: 12m SSRS Victoria Class Lifeboat
Post by: Charlie on October 27, 2019, 09:08:17 pm
The stern has been finished off, and all of the frames were then sanded down and faired in. It was then time to fit the first section of skin, which is a piece of 0.8mm Ply.
Title: Re: 12m SSRS Victoria Class Lifeboat
Post by: Capt Podge on October 27, 2019, 09:17:50 pm

The reason for the horizontal cuts in the frames is now evident.


Noted. Thanks Charlie  :-))


Regards,
Ray.
Title: Re: 12m SSRS Victoria Class Lifeboat
Post by: Charlie on October 31, 2019, 09:32:39 am
Next skin now glued in place. That used up my stock of Ply, so i thought i might have to wait a few days until i obtained some more. However i put in an order with SLEC on Monday afternoon, and it arrived yesterday. Excellent service as ever.
Title: Re: 12m SSRS Victoria Class Lifeboat
Post by: Charlie on November 10, 2019, 08:39:54 pm
A bit more progress on the plug. At this rate it's going to take a while :o
Title: Re: 12m SSRS Victoria Class Lifeboat
Post by: Charlie on November 21, 2019, 04:50:27 pm
Looking good :-)
Title: Re: 12m SSRS Victoria Class Lifeboat
Post by: Charlie on November 25, 2019, 03:26:42 pm
Hull Plug is almost finished. Just waiting for the glue to set, then i will sand all the edges to size. The next job will be fitting the 2 spray rails each side.
Title: Re: 12m SSRS Victoria Class Lifeboat
Post by: Canterbury Coxswain on November 25, 2019, 03:34:41 pm
As always Charlie, a superb piece of craftmanship.............leading from the front in scratch building and 'unusual' subjects. We have come to expect nothing less from your good self. I will watch with joy - you'll still be finished before any of my semi-scratch lifeboats!!
Kim
Title: Re: 12m SSRS Victoria Class Lifeboat
Post by: hama on November 25, 2019, 06:28:12 pm
I'm also watching with great interest, and as I live in Sweden I see these boats and the bigger sisters every now and then. Let me know if you need a particular photo of her, perhaps I can help out.
Keep on building!
Hama
Title: Re: 12m SSRS Victoria Class Lifeboat
Post by: Charlie on November 25, 2019, 08:02:07 pm
Hi Kim, glad you are onboard with my build! Once i've got it on the water i will bring it down to Mote Park or Herne Bay and put it through it's paces for your inspection!


Hi Hama, i don't need any photos just yet, but once i progress i may well take you up on your kind offer. However there is one bit of info that i do need, which is the paint colours. Do you think you would be able to find out the RAL Codes for the Red, Blue and Yellow/Green?


Charlie
Title: Re: 12m SSRS Victoria Class Lifeboat
Post by: Charlie on November 27, 2019, 08:20:35 pm
Took the plug off the build board today to start rubbing down. I think her lines are quite attractive. One more job i have to do is add the camber to the stern. This isn't shown on the GA or Lines, so will have to guesstimate from photos.
Title: Re: 12m SSRS Victoria Class Lifeboat
Post by: Charlie on December 02, 2019, 09:04:17 am
I had some 1/2 inch Obechi strip which i split diagonally with my Coping Saw, to create the 2 full length Spray rails. Once the glue has fully set i will blend them in with a bit of Filler.
Title: Re: 12m SSRS Victoria Class Lifeboat
Post by: Charlie on December 03, 2019, 04:37:01 pm
I didn't have any suitably thick timber strip suitable for the 2 shorter spray rails, so i have laminated 2 strips of some unknown timber together. Don't think the clothes pegs will be missed today, it's far to cold to hang any clothes outside! It's been 5 degrees in my garage today.
Title: Re: 12m SSRS Victoria Class Lifeboat
Post by: Charlie on December 15, 2019, 05:41:41 pm
Spray rails are on, and the first coat of Filler Primer has been applied. 
Title: Re: 12m SSRS Victoria Class Lifeboat
Post by: fireball XL5 on December 15, 2019, 11:55:22 pm

Charlie, this is a wonderful build, and being new on here I am fascinated by all the different ways in which you guys construct your models.


When you talk about your hull being a plug, do you mean that you are now going to use is to make a mould from it and then cast some hulls from it. That would be amazing.


Do you then make enough moulds to cover your costs. I suppose that would then become a realistic way of supporting your own hobby.


I shall watch your build with joy and interest.


Thank you for laying out what you do and how you build your model step by step. it is very informative.


best regards, Herbie.
Title: Re: 12m SSRS Victoria Class Lifeboat
Post by: Charlie on December 16, 2019, 10:22:17 am
Hi...Herbie ok2


Yes, you are correct, the plug is just a pattern which i will use to take a mould from. Then from the mould i can lay up the actual finished GRP hull.
I'm only planning on producing one hull, since working with GRP is such a smelly dirty messy business. But the finished result is worth it since it should last for many years without requiring any maintenance, unlike timber models.


Charlie
Title: Re: 12m SSRS Victoria Class Lifeboat
Post by: fireball XL5 on December 16, 2019, 02:24:02 pm

thank you for your reply Charlie.


very interesting indeed.


I shall keep watching to see the outcome of your beautiful build.


thank you.
Title: Re: 12m SSRS Victoria Class Lifeboat
Post by: Charlie on December 23, 2019, 02:54:04 pm
I have fitted a small flange around the topside of the plug to give the mould a neat edge. Now i'm busy with the Squadron Green Putty filling all the small gaps and then more rubbing down.
Title: Re: 12m SSRS Victoria Class Lifeboat
Post by: Charlie on December 27, 2019, 08:14:28 pm
The hull plug is now complete and put aside to await for warmer / drier weather for GRP layup.


So today I had some free time, so headed over to Tonbridge with my KNRM (Dutch equivalent of the RNLI) 1:14 scale model of the 14m inflatable lifeboat 'Christien'. During the past few weeks the heavy rainfall in Kent has caused the River Medway to burst it's banks, which resulted in the flooding of the Tonbridge Racecourse recreational park. This now makes an ideal boating lake, so I was eager to try it out! The RIB with it's water jet propulsion and shallow draft was the ideal boat in these quite shallow waters, although the Jets did tend to suck in the grass.


Youtube clip here: https://youtu.be/DVoJjtLRDGY (https://youtu.be/DVoJjtLRDGY)
Title: Re: 12m SSRS Victoria Class Lifeboat
Post by: Capt Podge on December 27, 2019, 08:31:59 pm
That's a great little boat you've got there Charlie, looks excellent on the 'lake' - thanks for sharing.
Going to be a while before weather improves for the grp job, so at least you have something to sail in the meantime  :-)


Regards,
Ray.
Title: Re: 12m SSRS Victoria Class Lifeboat
Post by: RMH on December 27, 2019, 08:33:25 pm
Lovely model is the 'Christian' and it performs really well. I'm often tempted to buy the similar mouldings from KMB but I've got enough projects as it is.
Title: Re: 12m SSRS Victoria Class Lifeboat
Post by: Charlie on February 28, 2020, 07:16:22 pm
So, it's still too cold and damp to get out to the shed and start laying up the GRP mould. Looks like it will be a few more weeks before i can get started on that. So to keep myself entertained i have been out finding new interesting sailing locations. After Storm Dennis a couple of weeks ago, the River Medway flooded again, and i found such a good location by the Rugby Club grounds. This area is a flood plain and this is what it is meant for; the flooding down here has not been bad enough to affect anyone's houses luckily. The last photo shows the same area a couple of days after, when the waters had receded. I have also uploaded some more videos onto my YouTube Channel.
Title: Re: 12m SSRS Victoria Class Lifeboat
Post by: Capt Podge on February 28, 2020, 07:40:18 pm
Nice one Charlie - your photos cover the two extremes and the second from last even has the rugby posts in view  %%


Regards,
Ray.
Title: Re: 12m SSRS Victoria Class Lifeboat
Post by: Charlie on March 20, 2020, 01:48:51 pm
GRP supplies have arrived. Time to self isolate in the shed and get moulding!
Title: Re: 12m SSRS Victoria Class Lifeboat
Post by: Charlie on March 20, 2020, 06:03:09 pm
I'm using a new GRP supplier, and the Gel Coat and the Laminating Resin all comes pre-mixed with White Pigment, which looks a lot better that my previous mouldings which didn't have any Pigment. This will be a 3-piece Mould, so i started off with the most tricky part, which is the stern. Lots of sharp 90 degree bends to mould around. Looking ok so far!
Title: Re: 12m SSRS Victoria Class Lifeboat
Post by: Charlie on March 23, 2020, 06:08:36 pm
Moulding completed. Will give it 24/48 hours to completely harden before trimming and splitting
Title: Re: 12m SSRS Victoria Class Lifeboat
Post by: Charlie on March 28, 2020, 06:58:29 pm
Today I split the moulding, which was actually quite easy this time. And the Plug survived virtually intact. For some reason the release agent wasn't very effective in places which has resulted in the yellow primer attaching to the mould, so I had to spend a few hours today rubbing down with wet and dry, to remove this. The moulding around the spray rails needs a bit of touching up, so I have been applying filler where needed, and will rub this down tomorrow. Overall this has come out really well.
Title: Re: 12m SSRS Victoria Class Lifeboat
Post by: Charlie on April 04, 2020, 05:01:44 pm
So the 'Wet Work' is finished, for now anyway. The mould was completed; the 3 sections are held together with bolts which were drilled whilst the Plug was still in place. Then yesterday I laid up the Hull, and today I trimmed the top of the hull down to the Gunwales. Tomorrow I will attempt to release the Hull from the Mould.
Title: Re: 12m SSRS Victoria Class Lifeboat
Post by: Canterbury Coxswain on April 04, 2020, 06:37:38 pm
Charlie,
As ever that looks so neat and tidy and I am sure when it is released it will serve you proudly. That is a very unusual lifeboat [over here!] and I look forward to seeing the build progress. As always, I stand in awe of those that build the hull, deck and wheelhouse too. It must be so satisfying.
I trust you are well and that this Covid 19 'situation' is not affecting you too much. I doubt that the Dungeness Open Day will take place.......but we shall all have to wait and see.
Cheers,
Kim
Title: Re: 12m SSRS Victoria Class Lifeboat
Post by: Charlie on April 04, 2020, 07:09:15 pm
Hi Kim, Good to hear from you. It is an unusual boat, but I really like the design and the colour scheme. It should be an eye catching and unique model. I think I may have had Covid 19 at the beginning of March. I went on a Ski Trip to France, and the day after I returned I went down with a fever for a few days, and I had a cough that took about 3 weeks to clear up. However without being tested it's impossible to know for sure. But luckily I am back to normal now, and the wife and kids didn't catch my bug fortunately.
You are right about it being satisfying making everything from scratch; I find the moment when you release the hull from the mould and it has turned out ok, to be extremely satisfying! All that work put in over the preceding months suddenly comes to fruition! Hopefully this will go well tomorrow. Next job will be to start making the deck mould.
I believe that all RNLI activities including training launches has been stopped, and the ALC in Poole has been shut down (although they are still responding to emergencies). We will have to wait and see when the lockdown is lifted, to know if any open days will go ahead this year.
I hope you and your wife have escaped the bug.
All the best,
Charlie
Title: Re: 12m SSRS Victoria Class Lifeboat
Post by: Charlie on April 05, 2020, 08:38:54 pm
Success! The hull just popped out of the mould without too much trouble at all. Looks pretty good, will just need a bit of fettling in a few places, but overall it's looking pretty sweet! I was concerned that the spray rails wouldn't come out very well due to the sharp corners, but they actually came out perfectly. I couldn't do any more work on it today since there were some urgent DIY jobs to be done, but hopefully I can make a start on the stand tommorrow whilst I am working from home!
Title: Re: 12m SSRS Victoria Class Lifeboat
Post by: Capt Podge on April 05, 2020, 08:59:46 pm
I'm no expert Charlie but that's a good looking job you've made of that moulding  :-))


Regards,
Ray.
Title: Re: 12m SSRS Victoria Class Lifeboat
Post by: Canterbury Coxswain on April 05, 2020, 11:15:04 pm
There, just as expected Charlie [by us out here!] - wonderful. Those spray rails and edges are so cleanly shaped. When I said 'unusual' I still meant I liked it. Just like the Dutch SAR RIB type designs I like too................but I must not go there, too much else in the workshop. At least I will not be going to Dortmund, when I usually see them and am almost tempted. I hope your 'day at work' goes well tomorrow.
Kim


PS - thanks for the news and update.
Title: Re: 12m SSRS Victoria Class Lifeboat
Post by: Charlie on April 06, 2020, 06:36:55 pm
This just popped up in my Facebook feed - how do they know? :-)
Title: Re: 12m SSRS Victoria Class Lifeboat
Post by: Charlie on April 13, 2020, 08:25:54 pm
A few photos showing my progress. I made a stand from some timber I had in my shed. This follows my standard design which I have refined over my last few builds; the ergonomics allow easy and comfortable lifting up, walking from car to lake with a secure grip, and placing down of the stand with a heavy boat. The recess for my hands has to be large enough so that my knuckles don't rub on the ground, which could be uncomfortable if placing the boat on a concrete surface, for example! Lots of the stands I see don't seem to consider the ergonomics! The pattern for my deck mould has been progressing; the most useful tool that has helped with this has undoubtedly been my Black and Decker Power File.
Title: Re: 12m SSRS Victoria Class Lifeboat
Post by: Charlie on April 15, 2020, 05:03:56 pm
This just popped up on my Facebook Feed. The NSRI (South African equivalent of the RNLI) are building a number of new 14m All-Weather Lifeboats; this is part of the hull mould which has just been removed from the plug. It's interesting to compare my miniature efforts to the full size version. This looks so similar to my hull mould, they would appear to be using a 3-piece mould just like mine.
Title: Re: 12m SSRS Victoria Class Lifeboat
Post by: Capt Podge on April 15, 2020, 07:51:54 pm
Wow!


Imagine trying to mould something that size on your own  :o


Also shows how good your plug was in relation to accuracy  :-))


Regards,
Ray.
Title: Re: 12m SSRS Victoria Class Lifeboat
Post by: Charlie on April 22, 2020, 02:11:01 pm
The master for the Deck Moulding is taking a bit longer that i expected. I've now got to the stage where all the beams are fitted, and are now being sanded down to the correct profile. Then i will be able to add the Coaming, and sheet-over the deck.
Title: Re: 12m SSRS Victoria Class Lifeboat
Post by: Charlie on April 27, 2020, 11:55:32 am
My deck plug is pretty much completed. Just a bit of finishing and priming to do, then i can prepare for moulding.
Title: Re: 12m SSRS Victoria Class Lifeboat
Post by: Charlie on May 03, 2020, 05:08:48 pm
Due to the warmer weather, yesterday was quite productive. I was able to apply 2 coats of release agent to the plug, and then complete the layup of one half. Today is cooler, and I have been waiting all day for the release agent to dry. Looks like I will have to wait until sometime during the week to layup the second half.
Title: Re: 12m SSRS Victoria Class Lifeboat
Post by: Taranis on May 03, 2020, 05:27:42 pm
What a fantastic thread Charlie. I don't know how I missed it.
Title: Re: 12m SSRS Victoria Class Lifeboat
Post by: Capt Podge on May 03, 2020, 09:11:33 pm
Just a shame the weather gods have let you down Charlie - still, that gives the first side a couple of extra days to harden off.
Looking good so far...  :-))


Regards,
Ray.
Title: Re: 12m SSRS Victoria Class Lifeboat
Post by: Charlie on May 08, 2020, 09:28:09 pm
Deck mould was completed on Wednesday, and I left it to Harden until today when I took it off the plug. There were only 2 small cavities to fill, so it's now all ready to layup the actual deck
Title: Re: 12m SSRS Victoria Class Lifeboat
Post by: Capt Podge on May 08, 2020, 09:52:19 pm
Hi Charlie, judging by the photos you appear to have been successful and with no damage to your plug - now, that's impressive.
Looking forward to seeing the results of the layup.  :-)


Regards,
Ray.
Title: Re: 12m SSRS Victoria Class Lifeboat
Post by: Charlie on May 10, 2020, 08:10:35 pm
Todays progress - took the deck out of the mould and trimmed the edges and the opening. It just popped out of the mould with just a couple of taps from my rubber mallet, awesome! Next job will be to make the wheelhouse, so I have been studying all the photos I can find, since I don't have any detail drawings. From what I can see, all of the boats have slight differences particularly around the rear of the wheel house, and the mast arrangement. Some boats have an upper control/steering position but others don't.
Title: Re: 12m SSRS Victoria Class Lifeboat
Post by: Canterbury Coxswain on May 10, 2020, 11:45:55 pm
Hi Charlie,
It's looking as good as I would have expected from your previous builds, you must be well pleased. Have you asked whether they could provide plans, or do you want the challenge?
Maybe we'll get to see each other again sometime......but not soon it would appear.
Regards,
Kim
Title: Re: 12m SSRS Victoria Class Lifeboat
Post by: Charlie on May 11, 2020, 11:34:50 am
Hi Kim,
Yes, i am well pleased with how this is turning out so far. I have a General Arrangement drawing which i can take the overall dimensions from, which is good enough. I never did approach the builder, as i suspect that they would never release any more detailed drawings of their design, for obvious reasons. However, i think i have now figured out the wheelhouse design, so i will proceed with the build. I can also start cutting the holes in the hull for the water jets.
Maybe one day i can run this alongside your Shannon! That would be something to look forward to.
Regards,
Charlie
Title: Re: 12m SSRS Victoria Class Lifeboat
Post by: Charlie on May 12, 2020, 09:18:15 am
Back in 1995 i started to build my first GRP boat, a 1:15 scale model of the Dungeness Mersey Class Lifeboat. This turned out quite well, except for one problem. I over-engineered the build which resulted in it being overweight. The hull was laid up of probably 4 or 5 layers of fairly thick Chopped Strand Mat, which meant that it was virtually indestructible, but sat too low in the water. So ever since then, i have been careful to keep the weight of my boats down.
I have weighed all the components so far, and these are the totals:


Hull 1480g
Deck 611g
2x 5000mah LIPOs 708g
Jets & Motors 348g
4x Servos & 2x Action P105 280g
2x ESC 116g
Total 3543g


The full size boat displaces 14 tons with full stores, which is approx 8kg at 1:12 scale. So even allowing for another 1kg for the wheelhouse and fittings, i am well underweight, and have enough spare capacity to add additional batteries if required.


This is a link to a video of my Mersey, taken back in 2000, and you can see what i mean.


https://eur01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fyoutu.be%2FEHYwiVOfAmE&data=02%7C01%7Ccharles.bowley%40maersk.com%7C46a8c287e5ab4cd6b04c08d7f64ca8a2%7C05d75c05fa1a42e79cf1eb416c396f2d%7C0%7C0%7C637248681422494747&sdata=zay3t6br2qZr9O5p%2Bv%2BR9SO95uSOQO6jnfzYGwRvAYs%3D&reserved=0 (https://eur01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fyoutu.be%2FEHYwiVOfAmE&data=02%7C01%7Ccharles.bowley%40maersk.com%7C46a8c287e5ab4cd6b04c08d7f64ca8a2%7C05d75c05fa1a42e79cf1eb416c396f2d%7C0%7C0%7C637248681422494747&sdata=zay3t6br2qZr9O5p%2Bv%2BR9SO95uSOQO6jnfzYGwRvAYs%3D&reserved=0)


Title: Re: 12m SSRS Victoria Class Lifeboat
Post by: Charlie on May 17, 2020, 08:58:46 pm
Started making the pattern for the wheelhouse moulding. Doesn't look pretty exactly, but should be good enough :o
Title: Re: 12m SSRS Victoria Class Lifeboat
Post by: Capt Podge on May 17, 2020, 09:26:23 pm
Once again, you appear to have made good progress. Good to see you're using your deck plug to build the framework on.  :-)


Regards,
Ray.
Title: Re: 12m SSRS Victoria Class Lifeboat
Post by: Charlie on May 20, 2020, 03:32:29 pm
Framework is just about complete. Next job will be to start sheeting over the structure.
Title: Re: 12m SSRS Victoria Class Lifeboat
Post by: TugCowboy on May 21, 2020, 02:44:08 pm
Sterling work Charlie, really enjoying this build.
Title: Re: 12m SSRS Victoria Class Lifeboat
Post by: Charlie on May 22, 2020, 10:24:48 am
The Wheelhouse side pieces are now glued into position. Did i mention that i love this new working from home culture we have? %%


I have also started uploading hi-res photos of my build into a new Flickr gallery here:

https://www.flickr.com/photos/188396953@N05/albums/72157714284998633 (https://www.flickr.com/photos/188396953@N05/albums/72157714284998633)
Title: Re: 12m SSRS Victoria Class Lifeboat
Post by: Charlie on May 26, 2020, 11:52:21 am
What a busy weekend that was! The weather was far too nice to spend all of it in the shed; i took a boat to the lake early on Sunday morning for a sail (YouTube link below). There were only a few joggers and dog walkers around, so i had no social distancing issues. I am so lucky to have this beautiful sailing location right on my doorstep. During this lockdown i have re-discovered the joys of Mountain Biking; i have dusted down my old Cannondale MTB, given it a good oiling and pumped up the tyres, and have been hitting the trails again. Just a 20-minute drive away is Bedgebury Forest which contains an awesome 13km Singletrack MTB trail which i have been enjoying for the last 2 days.
That said, i did make some progress on the Wheelhouse, which the photos below illustrate.



https://youtu.be/kKRdT7Ddijc (https://eur01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fyoutu.be%2FkKRdT7Ddijc&data=02%7C01%7CCharles.Bowley%40maersk.com%7C35f3cb90135849027adc08d8015ba206%7C05d75c05fa1a42e79cf1eb416c396f2d%7C0%7C0%7C637260840355190945&sdata=FlPc83b9BGoxYuPXA3dI6prQac56MD%2BfiZPU7CW08rk%3D&reserved=0)
Title: Re: 12m SSRS Victoria Class Lifeboat
Post by: Charlie on June 01, 2020, 10:36:47 pm
I thought I had just about finished the Wheelhouse - I had started applying filler to all of the gaps and cracks. But then I noticed that the rear face of the wheelhouse wasn't square; the top right corner was sloping forward by approx 6mm, although it is square at the base. So I had to remedy this by adding some tapered battens and a sheet of 0.8mm Ply to create a new rear face. Not sure how I didn't notice this before, but at least it is fixed now. The Wheelhouse roof design means that a separate moulding is required, as this fits over, and overlaps the sides of the Wheelhouse. I have started to make this, but no photos of this part yet.
Title: Re: 12m SSRS Victoria Class Lifeboat
Post by: Capt Podge on June 01, 2020, 11:52:51 pm
It's great to see that you spotted the error in good time Charlie, a lot of extra effort would have been needed if you had ploughed on and went ahead with the making of the mould  O0 .
So you have saved a lot of extra work in the long run.. Good work.  :-))


Regards,
Ray.
Title: Re: 12m SSRS Victoria Class Lifeboat
Post by: Charlie on June 03, 2020, 09:09:30 am
So the Wheelhouse is all straightened out, now i can start on the pattern for the Roof moulding.
Title: Re: 12m SSRS Victoria Class Lifeboat
Post by: Charlie on June 08, 2020, 02:13:12 pm
This is what i have to show for my weekend's efforts - a just about completed Roof Moulding pattern.
Title: Re: 12m SSRS Victoria Class Lifeboat
Post by: Charlie on June 08, 2020, 04:35:37 pm
Just for clarity i have circled this component in the attached photo, so you can see what this looks like on the full size vessel.
Title: Re: 12m SSRS Victoria Class Lifeboat
Post by: Capt Podge on June 08, 2020, 04:42:29 pm
Thanks for the update Charlie, helps a lot when looking at your plug work.  :-)


Regards,
Ray.
Title: Re: 12m SSRS Victoria Class Lifeboat
Post by: Charlie on June 09, 2020, 12:57:13 pm
Just checking my wheelhouse again, and noticed one small detail that i missed. The front face has a small vertical section which i had missed. I will add this, then i can prepare for moulding.
Title: Re: 12m SSRS Victoria Class Lifeboat
Post by: Charlie on June 17, 2020, 07:54:56 pm
The build has been progressing! Both the Wheelhouse and the Roof patterns were finished, sprayed, and then the mouldings were made. The Wheelhouse is a 3-piece moulding, so this took the longest to complete. The final side was finished tonight, and i will give it a couple of days to harden completely before removing the moulding from the plug. The Roof was a simple one piece moulding, so this was finished in one go. It was nice and easy to remove the moulding from the plug, and has turned out really well. Also, my 'Sjöräddningssällskapet' house flag from 'Scale Flags and Ensigns', has arrived! This will look the business when it is hanging from the mast and the boat is powering along at a scale 40 knots! It is 100mm width, and is deliberately a bit oversize so that it is more prominent on the model.
Title: Re: 12m SSRS Victoria Class Lifeboat
Post by: Charlie on June 18, 2020, 08:16:40 pm
In the end i couldn't wait any longer - i had to remove the wheelhouse moulding from the plug. This wasn't an easy task this time; the top/front of the wheelhouse roof had become stuck to the GRP, despite the application of 2 separate coats of release agent. However after a great deal of some quite brutal persuasion with a hammer, i was finally able to achieve the release. However the moulds look to be in pretty good shape, and after a bit of minor filling and sanding, we should be able to crack on and make the final wheelhouse mouldings.
Title: Re: 12m SSRS Victoria Class Lifeboat
Post by: Charlie on June 24, 2020, 10:00:14 pm
I have just taken the Wheelhouse and the  Roof Mouldings out of the moulds, and they look to have turned out really well. Now i can move on to fitting the Ocean-Works Water Jets and the RC gear.
Title: Re: 12m SSRS Victoria Class Lifeboat
Post by: Charlie on July 04, 2020, 08:03:24 pm
My plan today was to get all of the electronics connected so i could test everything out on the bench. I'm planning to make the RC setup as simple as possible. So left stick will run the Port Waterjet, using the Action P105 to control the ESC and the Servo for the reversing bucket. Right stick will do the same for the Starboard Waterjet. Right stick will be connected via a Y-lead to 2 servos, which will operate both steering nozzles simultaneously. So i soldered the HXT Connectors to the ESC's, and prepared the P105's by filing the openings for the wiring. But then i hit a snag - the Motors have 3.5mm bullet connectors, but the ESC's have 4mm connectors, so i couldn't proceed. I found a supplier on Ebay for some 3.5mm to 4mm bullet connector adaptors which should arrive next week.
Title: Re: 12m SSRS Victoria Class Lifeboat
Post by: Charlie on July 13, 2020, 10:42:42 am
My bullet connector adaptors arrived, and i was able to connect everything together. If i connect the motors and servos directly to my Planet Receiver, everything works fine. However once i connected in the Action P105's, i just couldn't get them to work. I did post a request for help in the 'Black Arts' section, https://www.modelboatmayhem.co.uk/forum/index.php/topic,65298.0.html (https://www.modelboatmayhem.co.uk/forum/index.php/topic,65298.0.html) but unfortunately there are no replies, i'm guessing because not many people have used these. I did follow the instructions to the letter, i doubt there is anything wrong with the units, some i'm wondering if there could be some sort of compatibility issue with the particular RX and ESC i'm using. Not to worry, i'm going to press on with the build.
I have now cut out the openings for the Ocean Works Jet Units, using the template method used to mark them out, as described in Andy Waters Shannon build! I used my Dremel and a 4mm drill bit to cut the openings, and then used a coarse abrasive paper to finish the job. I then spent a few hours filling and rubbing down a few blemishes in the GRP hull before giving it a wash to remove any trace of release agent. Once i have finished filling and smoothing the hull, i will epoxy the jets into position.
In other news, i have got my new Proxxon lathe working! It must be 30 odd years since i last touched a lathe, when i was a Mechanical Engineering Apprentice! I'm starting off with a nice easy job, which is to make some nylon rollers for another model lifeboat related project - any guesses what this might be?
Title: Re: 12m SSRS Victoria Class Lifeboat
Post by: Canterbury Coxswain on July 13, 2020, 11:55:40 am
Hi Charlie,
All looking very good, as we have come to expect! Regarding the electrical problems and set-up, 'phone Iain at Component Shop and tell him 'I sent you to him', he sells these products and is very good and in touch with Dave Milbourn who used to make them [might still help?], so between them they should put you in the right direction.
Cheers and hope this gets rectified OK.
Kim
Title: Re: 12m SSRS Victoria Class Lifeboat
Post by: Charlie on July 21, 2020, 08:06:05 am
Hi Kim, thanks for the recommendation, i will give Iain a call.


One of the more tricky parts of the build, fitting the Jet Drives, is now done. I saw on another forum where someone had done a really neat job by putting a frame around the area to be glued, to prevent the excess from spilling over and looking messy. So i copied this, and it looks pretty good. I have used a slow setting Epoxy Adhesive for this job.
Title: Re: 12m SSRS Victoria Class Lifeboat
Post by: derekwarner on July 21, 2020, 08:49:18 am
So tidy these little Coffer Dams Charlie  :-)) .......a simple nitrile O-ring is great  to form the ellipse with a dab of Superglue at the intersection of a propeller shaft thru the hull ...then fill the ellipse with the epoxy glue


Nothing worse than seeing a beautiful build degraded by a spread out raggy pond of glue in the hull  :o


Derek
Title: Re: 12m SSRS Victoria Class Lifeboat
Post by: Charlie on July 21, 2020, 01:28:03 pm

Very true Derek. Even though these will be hidden from view under the deck, where no-one will ever see them, just knowing they were messy would be unsatisfactory!

Quote from: derekwarner
Nothing worse than seeing a beautiful build degraded by a spread out raggy pond of glue in the hull  :o
Title: Re: 12m SSRS Victoria Class Lifeboat
Post by: Charlie on August 03, 2020, 08:16:38 am
For the last couple of weeks work on the boat has paused whilst i have been working on a little side project. A couple of years back i built a Solent Class Lifeboat, which is designed to be launched down a Slipway. I always wanted to launch my boat down a Slipway, so i have built myself a proper Roller Slipway! The design is pretty simple, just a plywood base with a pair of battens 30mm apart in the centre, just wide enough for the keel and a bit extra to allow for clearance. I made some Nylon Rollers (On my new Proxxon Lathe!) and these are mounted on a short length of Brass 4mm Bar, which fit into holes drilled into the battens. There are a further 2 battens, one each side, to support the Bilge Keels. Total length of the Slipway is 2.4m, and the whole contraption is made of 2 pieces which slot together, for easier storage and transport. The raised end is supported by folding legs, and the lower end rests on the ground. There is a 'Stopper' device mounted in the centre of the keel, which is sprung loaded to return to the 'Stop' position. This prevents the boat from going down the slipway, until required. This is attached to a cord which when pulled, moves the Stopper so that it lays flat, thus releasing the boat to roll down the Slipway. When the boat is pulled back up the Slipway, the Stopper just pivots down, so as not to impede the recovery. I have attached a few photos that i took yesterday, when i tried this out for the first time. I think it all went quite well! I have also uploaded a couple of video clips onto my YouTube Channel.

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCMiR9mbayMsI0KTpN-SVd6w?view_as=subscriber (https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCMiR9mbayMsI0KTpN-SVd6w?view_as=subscriber)
Title: Re: 12m SSRS Victoria Class Lifeboat
Post by: Canterbury Coxswain on August 03, 2020, 11:11:30 am
What a genius Charlie,
That is so clever in both design and operation. As for the the outcome, you must be well pleased. Time well spent and so innovative! And finally, your great photos have just capture the whole event........just like the real thing. Well done, yet again something totally different and a success.
I'm sure this will 'draw a crowd', WHEN we are allowed to!
Regards,
Kim [C.C.]
Title: Re: 12m SSRS Victoria Class Lifeboat
Post by: Charlie on August 11, 2020, 09:26:35 am
Thanks Kim! Hopefully in the not too distant future i can demonstrate this at some regattas.


Back to the boat, and i have been working on fitting all of the RC components. I have made a removable tray out of 3mm Ply, onto which i have attached 2x Steering and 2x Reverse Bucket servos, as well as the ESCs, the Action units and the Receiver. I don't know if this is the best configuration as there are probably multiple ways to set this up. I also still have to work out how the Trim tabs will operate, and where to mount those Servos. So i may have to redesign this whole setup. I fitted the deck just to see what the internal access is like. The Jet Lubricating points were not accessible, so i am going to have to design a removable hatch on the Aft Deck.


I'm now awaiting delivery of a new radio system, before i can test out the setup.
Title: Re: 12m SSRS Victoria Class Lifeboat
Post by: marco on August 11, 2020, 10:30:13 am
Hi charlie ,


      I discovered your post and it's with interest that I read it . Very big work of preparation for the mould but a great success for the hull . I will follow with interest the end of your project because I have ordered myself 2 water jet 24mm at ocean works to install them on board shannon class 1/16 .


Marco
Title: Re: 12m SSRS Victoria Class Lifeboat
Post by: Canterbury Coxswain on August 11, 2020, 10:46:57 am
Charlie,
Knowing you a little, as I do, I know you will have thought the access hatch solution through quite thoroughly. However, sitting here with the thunder rolling around and a little welcome summer rain falling I have two small suggestions:
Just suggestions, possibly already thought of and rejected................
All the best,


Kim
Title: Re: 12m SSRS Victoria Class Lifeboat
Post by: derekwarner on August 11, 2020, 11:45:53 am
Morning Charlie.........

T
his is interesting seeing your servo control cables [1 x wire inside 1 x orange sheath, inside 1 x white sheath] used in model engineering :-))


In Marine Engineering these equates to 'Bowden Cables' [a reinforced control cable capable of transmitting high longitudinal loads {over short distances}] and still used in Deck Hydraulic componentry


https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bowden_cable (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bowden_cable)


Have you chosen this system purely for reinforcement or rigidity?.....


Watching on in interest  %)


Derek
Title: Re: 12m SSRS Victoria Class Lifeboat
Post by: JimG on August 11, 2020, 08:19:50 pm
Standard model aircraft control snakes, there is no central wire just threaded rods screwed into the end of the plastic inner to allow the fitting of a clevis link. Bowden cables are still used in planes with a twisted multi strand cable in the center but plastic snakes are more commonly used as they are lighter. They have the advantage that the control run does not have to be straight but can be bent, in extreme cases a curve of 90 degrees has been used ( aileron linkages from a center servo) When used for curved linkages the outer really needs to be supported at several places or you can lose some movement on the inner.
Jim
Title: Re: 12m SSRS Victoria Class Lifeboat
Post by: Charlie on August 30, 2020, 08:30:48 pm


I thought i would wait until i had some progress to report, before replying....
@Kim - Thanks for your suggestions re the access hatch. I do have an idea how i am going to do this, but i was really waiting until i had finished the RC setup, so i could gauge what access would be required. I do like the idea of a lubricating tube though, that would make the maintenance a lot easier
@Marco - i was so impressed with the quality of the 28mm Jets from Ocean Works, that i went ahead and ordered a pair of the 24mm Jets. I'm not sure what i will use them for at the moment, but i have them ready for a future project!
@Derek - I have used standard RC model Aircraft Snakes, due to their flexibility. The Jets come supplied with Stainless Steel Rods, to control the Steering and the Reversing Bucket. However i cannot see how these could ever be successfully used, as there will be vertical movement of the Bucket linkage, and horizontal movement of the steering linkage, that you just would not be able to accommodate with a solid rod.

Since my last post i have completely redesigned the RC setup, and made a new Servo Tray. This now holds 6x Servos, and allows the Batteries to be placed almost exactly amidships, which is the best position for achieving the correct trim and stability. I have also now received my Radiolink T8FB 8-Channel Tx/Rx from Howes. This seems to be a big improvement over my old Planet RC system. Once i had this setup and working, i was able to trim the snakes to the correct length, and get the servos connected to the Jets. I was planning to use the Snakes for the Trim-Tab controls as well, but the radius necessary to go from the almost vertical position in the Transom, to the horizontal position of the Servos, was too tight. Therefore i have made a 90 degree linkage to cope with the bend, and have used the supplied Stainless Rods to connect the Servos to this Linkage. The photos should explain this better than my words!

I managed to record a short video of the Jets being controlled, before it was time for dinner!

https://www.flickr.com/photos/188396953@N05/50286580728/in/album-72157714284998633/ (https://www.flickr.com/photos/188396953@N05/50286580728/in/album-72157714284998633/)
Title: Re: 12m SSRS Victoria Class Lifeboat
Post by: Charlie on September 21, 2020, 08:18:08 pm
Once i had installed the RC Gear it became clear that a removable hatch in the aft deck would be required in order to access both the Reverse Bucket linkages, and the Jet Lube points. So i made a GRP Moulding for the Recess; a matching hole was cut in the deck, and the Moulding was bonded to the deck. The Deck in this location is curved in 2 axes, so i decided the only was to create a hatch with the correct curves, was to create a GRP layup on the corresponding area on the Deck Moulding, and create a GRP hatch. This was finished off with 1.5mm styrene sides.  Because the hatch is a flush fit, it will be impossible to remove it from the outside, so i fitted a small lever mechanism underneath the deck, which when i push downwards, will just lift the hatch open, and allow it's easy removal. Today i carried out a leak test in the bath, and there was only a very small amount of water ingress, probably through one of the 20 screw holes that hold the Jet Units onto the Transom. This can be fixed with a small blob of sealant in each of the holes when i do the final assembly. Now that this has been done, next job is to strip out all of the RC Gear so i can bond the Deck to the Hull. Then i will be able to start on the wrap-around foam fender system, and also trim the Wheelhouse Moulding to size.
Title: Re: 12m SSRS Victoria Class Lifeboat
Post by: Charlie on October 06, 2020, 05:19:32 pm
The deck is now bonded to the hull and all faired in. Deck Hatch is also fitted now, and the Wheelhouse Moulding has been trimmed to height and profiled to fit the deck.
Title: Re: 12m SSRS Victoria Class Lifeboat
Post by: Charlie on October 11, 2020, 08:15:33 pm
Wheelhouse Roof moulding is now fitted (temporarily). And the rear of the Wheelhouse area including the upper steering position is now in progress.
Title: Re: 12m SSRS Victoria Class Lifeboat
Post by: Charlie on October 20, 2020, 02:33:03 pm
Nothing to report build wise, but i did take a trip at the weekend down to the Isle of Thanet to see a launch of the soon to be retired Mersey Class Lifeboat at Margate. Unfortunately this will be the last All-Weather Lifeboat to be stationed here, as the local residents objected to the RNLI building a bigger Boathouse to accommodate the larger Shannon Class, which was planned. I also took the opportunity to take some photos of the first ever Trent Class to go on station, at Ramsgate.


I also took a bunch of Videos see here: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCMiR9mbayMsI0KTpN-SVd6w?view_as=subscriber (https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCMiR9mbayMsI0KTpN-SVd6w?view_as=subscriber)
Title: Re: 12m SSRS Victoria Class Lifeboat
Post by: swiftdoc on October 20, 2020, 09:09:52 pm
Great footage, Charlie! Many thanks for sharing,


Regards,


Arno
Title: Re: 12m SSRS Victoria Class Lifeboat
Post by: Charlie on November 03, 2020, 09:11:13 am
Next job is to make the rear of the wheelhouse / upper steering position. This will also be made from GRP, so i made 3 separate mouldings. These are the Door Entrance Archway, a flat panel which will become the rear face of the wheelhouse, and a small section of Roof Profile. Last photo hopefully shows what is required.
Title: Re: 12m SSRS Victoria Class Lifeboat
Post by: Charlie on November 03, 2020, 09:15:10 am
And for any Shannon fans, i was down at Hastings last Sunday, and took this Video!


https://youtu.be/eRIQpSxF-ew
Title: Re: 12m SSRS Victoria Class Lifeboat
Post by: davejo90 on November 03, 2020, 09:40:29 am
And for any Shannon fans, i was down at Hastings last Sunday, and took this Video!


https://youtu.be/eRIQpSxF-ew (https://youtu.be/eRIQpSxF-ew)


I must say you have a very steady hand Charlie.


Not having seen that launch before it wasn't until the video was 1m.15 seconds in I realised where it being steered from.
Title: Re: 12m SSRS Victoria Class Lifeboat
Post by: Charlie on November 03, 2020, 03:21:56 pm

Glad you noticed that Dave. It's actually much harder to make a decent video, than take a photo. You have to simultaneously Pan, Tilt and Zoom, all whilst keeping the camera steady to avoid camera shake, and keep maintaining a level horizon. And you have to keep doing this for the duration of the take, which really takes some concentration and planning!


I must say you have a very steady hand Charlie.


Not having seen that launch before it wasn't until the video was 1m.15 seconds in I realised where it being steered from.
Title: Re: 12m SSRS Victoria Class Lifeboat
Post by: Charlie on November 03, 2020, 03:27:07 pm
 :o
Title: Re: 12m SSRS Victoria Class Lifeboat
Post by: swiftdoc on November 03, 2020, 09:36:37 pm
 :-)) O0 :-))
Title: Re: 12m SSRS Victoria Class Lifeboat
Post by: Charlie on November 17, 2020, 04:22:01 pm
The basic Wheelhouse structure, including the Upper Steering Position is pretty much completed now. This is entirely made from GRP and i think it has turned out rather well! There is one last GRP Moulding to make, which is the Gantry Structure, onto which sits the mast and radar. That will be my next task.
Title: Re: 12m SSRS Victoria Class Lifeboat
Post by: Charlie on December 09, 2020, 04:45:51 pm
Looking better with the windows cut out.
Title: Re: 12m SSRS Victoria Class Lifeboat
Post by: Charlie on April 25, 2022, 09:53:41 am
It's been a while! New town, new home, and finally a new shed! Time to get building again. So i just got the fendering fitted. This is just Balsa blocks sanded down to the correct profile. Next job is to cover with GRP.
Title: Re: 12m SSRS Victoria Class Lifeboat
Post by: Charlie on June 20, 2022, 10:11:07 am
Finally time to apply some colour. Starting off with some RAL 3020 Red on the fender, which looks to be a pretty good match. I did get a response back from the Shipyard in Sweden who manufacture these boats, who provided the NCS colour codes, which i had to convert to RAL.
Title: Re: 12m SSRS Victoria Class Lifeboat
Post by: Charlie on June 23, 2022, 09:49:40 am
Undersides masked off and painting in progress. Hopefully a good result awaits....
Title: Re: 12m SSRS Victoria Class Lifeboat
Post by: Charlie on June 24, 2022, 09:47:48 am
Happy with that :-))
Title: Re: 12m SSRS Victoria Class Lifeboat
Post by: Capt Podge on June 24, 2022, 01:12:14 pm
That paint job is showing her lines very nicely Charlie - good job.  :-))


Aye,
Ray.
Title: Re: 12m SSRS Victoria Class Lifeboat
Post by: Juergen on September 14, 2022, 01:33:17 pm
Hi Charlie,


what is the fendering made of? It looks like balsa.


Kind regards,
Jürgen
Title: Re: 12m SSRS Victoria Class Lifeboat
Post by: Charlie on September 14, 2022, 03:56:19 pm
Hi Juergen,
Balsa covered with GRP, should be lightweight and strong enough
Title: Re: 12m SSRS Victoria Class Lifeboat
Post by: Charlie on September 15, 2022, 09:52:20 am
Not much to report build wise, but I saw this morning that the Swedish Sea Rescue Society have announced their new class of lifeboat, which will possibly replace the Victoria Class that I’m building. Looks very nice…..next model perhaps?
Title: Re: 12m SSRS Victoria Class Lifeboat
Post by: Charlie on October 07, 2022, 09:52:20 am
The Gantry was another GRP Moulding. Should get some colours on the wheelhouse soon.
Title: Re: 12m SSRS Victoria Class Lifeboat
Post by: hama on October 07, 2022, 07:24:46 pm
Very nice! Looking forward to see the final result eventually!
Hama
Title: Re: 12m SSRS Victoria Class Lifeboat
Post by: Charlie on October 19, 2022, 02:40:05 pm
Wheelhouse colour scheme applied. Should be easy to spot on the water!