Model Boat Mayhem
Mess Deck: General Section => Beginners start here...! => Topic started by: rich_morris on April 03, 2020, 04:03:40 pm
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Hi All,
Thanks for letting me become a member of this site. It looks like it is full of lots of really useful information.
My 10, nearly 11 year old son recently went with one of his friends to have a go at model boating. His friend, friends father and brother have all been boating for ages. My son never been before. Now he has become quite interested in it. And after a few chats with his friends father, who has been very helpful, I decided to get my son a boat.
We decided to buy an Aero-naut Classic Sports Boat kit. I'm sure he will need some help making it, and we will build it together. I also, possibly rashly, decided to get an Aero-naut Jenny kit too! Something for me to play with, so we can both have something to take to the water.
Over the next few weeks, I'll start buying the rest of the kit we need, at least to complete the first boat. Looks like this s a good place to look to see what other kit people use/recommend.
I'll try and keep a record of how we get on with both boats. I see a few people have done the same.
Rich (and Luke)
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Hey Rich,
Welcome to the ( so far ) Coronavirus free Mayhem Forum !
Not built a Aero-naut kit myself, but I hear good things about them, so happy building.... post photos! :-))
(https://www.der-schweighofer.net/public/files/original/194418_SB_Queen_Sportboot_AERO_NAUT_Modellbau_308000149010.jpg)
https://tinyurl.com/t97c6o7
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Hi Richard, where abouts in Beds are you?
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Hi Klunk,
We are just North of Luton.
I believe that my son was taken to one of your clubs meetings at Wardown Park.
Good to make contact with you! Maybe we can meet face to face at some point soon, once the Covid restrictions are lifted!
Rich
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Hey Rich,
Welcome to the ( so far ) Coronavirus free Mayhem Forum !
Not built a Aero-naut kit myself, but I hear good things about them, so happy building.... post photos! :-))
Hi Martin,
Thanks for the welcome.
Hopefully, two links to pictures below will work!
(https://photos.app.goo.gl/YemNqpW4rWBuWAuX8)
(https://photos.app.goo.gl/Y3z6XurRtSffCrLb9)
As it's not Luke's birthday for a few weeks, they will have to stay in the boxes for a while. Unless of course the boredom of isolation proves too much!
Rich
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Hopefully these two pictures upload..
Nothing exciting in terms of progress.
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Hi Rich
Classic is a good place to start, and gives great little model.
Check out my build of it here https://www.modelboatmayhem.co.uk/forum/index.php/topic,57838.msg602811.html#msg602811http:// (https://www.modelboatmayhem.co.uk/forum/index.php/topic,57838.msg602811.html#msg602811http://)
And please do you self the favour and replace the propshaft with some thing better, you can see my choice of parts in the link.
BR Carsten
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Hi Rich
Classic is a good place to start, and gives great little model.
Check out my build of it here https://www.modelboatmayhem.co.uk/forum/index.php/topic,57838.msg602811.html#msg602811http:// (https://www.modelboatmayhem.co.uk/forum/index.php/topic,57838.msg602811.html#msg602811http://)
And please do you self the favour and replace the propshaft with some thing better, you can see my choice of parts in the link.
BR Carsten
Hi Carsten
Thanks for you link. Always good to see other peoples builds! I have seen a couple of builders say the prop shaft needs to be better. Did the one you use fit as a replacement without too much bother? Ie will a relative novice make the change without too many problems? I assume it's better to fit from the start than try and fit once the boat is built?
I also notice you fitted a Universal joint rather than the flex hose as a joint between shaft and motor.
I think I am planning to install a brushless set up. But will start with NiMh batteries, as I have a few of those already from buggys.
Was suggested this motor - Turnigy L2210A-1650 Brushless Motor (180w) - but I wonder if its a bit too much. Maybe a 1200kV would be better to start with.
We will read through your build post several times before we start!
Do you mind if I as what varnish and paint you used?
Thanks
Rich
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Hi Carsten
Thanks for you link. Always good to see other peoples builds! I have seen a couple of builders say the prop shaft needs to be better. Did the one you use fit as a replacement without too much bother? Ie will a relative novice make the change without too many problems? I assume it's better to fit from the start than try and fit once the boat is built?
I also notice you fitted a Universal joint rather than the flex hose as a joint between shaft and motor.
I think I am planning to install a brushless set up. But will start with NiMh batteries, as I have a few of those already from buggys.
Was suggested this motor - Turnigy L2210A-1650 Brushless Motor (180w) - but I wonder if its a bit too much. Maybe a 1200kV would be better to start with.
We will read through your build post several times before we start!
Do you mind if I as what varnish and paint you used?
Thanks
Rich
It is easy to fit a larger tube, you can measure the old tube and the new tube and then remove ½ of this from each part of the keel.
Choice of BL: If you use Turnigy L2210A-1650 with 7.2V NimH you will have approx 11800rpm where I'm using a BL with 1380Kv, with Lipo it gives for 2S approx 10200rmp and for 3S approx 15300rpm, so just stay with that choice, your battery will also add some weight that will slow it a bit down. It sails great and scale like speed with the 2S, with 3S it is too fast and gets unstable in rough water.
Varnish: I'm using Junckers Skibslak,It's a Danish Brand of 1K maritime high gloss, you can use any maritime type of 1K varnish.
Paint: It is Vallejo water based, first a couple layers of varnish with a rubdown between, then the colour and then some layers of varnish on top of the that.
Carsten
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It is easy to fit a larger tube, you can measure the old tube and the new tube and then remove ½ of this from each part of the keel.
Choice of BL: If you use Turnigy L2210A-1650 with 7.2V NimH you will have approx 11800rpm where I'm using a BL with 1380Kv, with Lipo it gives for 2S approx 10200rmp and for 3S approx 15300rpm, so just stay with that choice, your battery will also add some weight that will slow it a bit down. It sails great and scale like speed with the 2S, with 3S it is too fast and gets unstable in rough water.
Varnish: I'm using Junckers Skibslak,It's a Danish Brand of 1K maritime high gloss, you can use any maritime type of 1K varnish.
Paint: It is Vallejo water based, first a couple layers of varnish with a rubdown between, then the colour and then some layers of varnish on top of the that.
Carsten
Thanks. I assume I'll also need to swap the prop, if I swap the shaft?
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Yes you have to get another prop, I'm using a 30mm hydroprop from Graupner No. 2299.30 and please use a good quality UJ instead of that flimsy piece of silicon tube, it will not stand for the BL setup.
Video of my wife's classic running with a 5Ah hard case 2S LiPo.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a3_VGfSnTho
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Hi Rich,
I’ve just started on the Aeronaut Jenny, first boat build for about 20 years since I did one with my dad so will see how it goes. If I can find somewhere to host the images I’ll put some up from the build so far. Have learnt a few things not to do but all part of the experience! I struggled a bit with the hull stringers as it’s a real curve at the front of the boat and getting them to hold was difficult, cable ties seemed to work for me but not seen anyone else use that method online so possibly not a normal approach.
Would recommend getting some ratchet clamps, normal spring clamps really struggled to hold the hull panels in place.
To the rest of the community I had a few questions for help (sorry if some seam really obvious):
I have gone for the Aeronaut 650 Race Motor, so went brushed. I note on my old boat (now v old) we fitted suppression capacitors. Are these not needed now with modern controllers as the new motor didn’t come with any?
It a thanks for info on the paint, I was going to ask about best paint, varnish people use and any recommendations they have that ship in the UK. I notice aeronaut recommend covering the boat in a coat of clear boat lacquer, is this what most people do?
I struggled to find an alternative prop shaft the right size for the Jenny online, it’s a 380 mm tube with a 350 mm shaft. Did find this one online although it’s a bit short
https://howesmodels.co.uk/product/13-inch-330mm-m4-boat-propeller-shaft-stainless-steel/ (https://howesmodels.co.uk/product/13-inch-330mm-m4-boat-propeller-shaft-stainless-steel/)
Would it make a significant difference to the as supplied shaft and is that one above any good or are there other brand’s people use?
Have to say a big thank you to people who post build blogs, really helped a lot when scratching by head looking at build instructions and wanting to double check for my own sanity I was doing the right thing. Will try and also do the same, even if the build isn’t quite to the same standard :-)
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Simon - just a couple of comments. When fitting stringers and panels (assume you mean skins?) You will find it much easier to hold them in place and take stress out of the hull assembly if you steam (some prefer to soak) to the curve beforehand before gluing. I use a kettle with the top open and wear oven gloves to hold to the bend required.
As regards the prop shaft I assume you mean 380 shaft and 350 tube! Anyway, you can always get a longer one and cut it down.
Chris
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Welcome to the forum and I wish you all luck with your Aeronaut builds! Do post some pictures of your builds, we like build logs :}
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Hi Chris, thanks good advice will try that next time. And yes you’re right, I did get the tube and shaft dimensions the wrong way round, that would have been an interesting installation based on my original dimensions I stated 😀
I’ll try and get some build pictures up this weekend, they were a bit rushed when I took them, but can show everyone what not to do 😃
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Excellent news! I look forward to seeing them :-))
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Sorry it’s been a long time without any update. Work has been extremely busy and had some parts issues that I forgot to order and then with things as they are right now delivery’s are understandably a bit delayed.
I originally hadn’t planned these photos so not the best. This is just a test to see if posting works.
(https://app.photobucket.com/u/grfirestorm/p/72e4ba61-6c3b-4db3-8f52-7e3dc59e5f65)
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That will be a no on image hosting working, ok, next go.
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Ah so that worked, well ok unconventional I know but I really struggled to get the stringers to stay in place, steaming them sounded a good idea and will try for next time. I seemed to work ok except at the front where I had an issue getting them in tight. Afterwards I found some ratchet clamps that held them well while gluing.
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I the hull went on ok but I taped it together too tight on the practice fit and never spotted on refitting that it hadn’t gone back down flush so ended up with a small gap between the hull and the centre of the frame :(( Also had some difficulty getting everything perfectly aligned at the front. Anyway onto the sides and that was not easy. The method in the instructions of putting both on together, just couldn’t get it to work, so did one at a time and weighted it down as instructed and that went ok.
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Needed a bit of filler at the front which is now smoothed down. As recommended bought a new prop shaft and that is about to be installed so will post some updates as the interior fit out proceeds.
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Hi Simon, thanks for your updates.
My son's birthday is on Tuesday, so I hope we will start building soon.
I'm hoping I've got most the bits I need, although electronics I ordered are delayed!
I'll check I've got plenty of tiewraps.
Rich
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The zip ties are a good idea Simon. Especially the reusable ones :-))
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Some updates to the very slow build on my part. Started to fit the internals and deck support structure now.
Not sure why my photos keep rotating, sorry about that.
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Have replaced the supplied prop with a Caldercraft Fineline 4mm, seemed a much better shaft than the pre supplied shaft and also replaced the straight coupling with a universal joint. Just couldn’t guarantee a perfect alignment with the straight coupling.
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Ok the epoxy work wasn’t great, but had to also modify the prop support out the back of the boat. Added a small additional bit of wood just to reduce the gap between the prop and the support point. Could have tried to just fill the whole lot with epoxy but it didn’t feel like the right thing to do.
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Then for the internals, have used double sided Velcro to put all the controller, receiver and battery in position. Battery is out the box but the Velcro down the centre line is for the battery on the additional supports I added. As per my love of cable ties, added some cable tie holders and started to cable tie power cables etc in place etc just to keep it all tidy. Leaving them loose till the build is complete.
One area I encountered problems is the servo for the rudder. It’s difficult enough trying to set up and fit in this state but with the deck installed, some areas are next to impossible to reach. Fitting the servo is the last step of the official instructions but just can’t see how you’d be easily able to do it with the deck installed so it is in now and I’ll just have to be careful not to paint the rudder when painting the hull!
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Ok so quick update, the deck is on!
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It did however need a lot of sanding back to the hull sides. Nerve wracking process trying to avoid touching the sides and did involve an investment in a dremel in the end!
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It probably has ended up with more of a chamber at the sides on the deck than I was expecting.
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Undercoat is now done. I really liked the white, the hull is supposed to be red with a white water line stripe, I changed from red to blue, but now partly wished I’d stuck with pure white.
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Looking Good! :-))
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Yup, I like a bit of natural wood and white bilges.
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I've built the Aeronaut Queen and its a lovely boat. I've been considering the "Jenny" as a lockdown build for this little chap ( My wife bought this as a caricature of me some years ago) I think he looks like a Gar Wood Speedboat pilot from the 1930's. and is the right scale. The two seats will need modifying but your build pics may have pushed me a little further into ordering a kit.
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Hi Terry, just fitting out the cockpit, it shouldn’t take too much modification of the seating. Just remove the outer seat supports and fit one base seat. I tried to show in the picture attached. The only issue would be the steering wheel being offset although this could be moved to the centre as well. (Brass tube on the right is the column support)
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Hi Simon
Thanks for this... the wallet could be opening a little further!
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Ok so as the boat was supposed to have a two tone hull I painted over the white base coat but am not so keen on red (As per plan) so went blue instead. Not 100% convinced two tone was better than just pure white but it’s painted now. Bit gutted that there was a small paint seepage under the tape at the bow when painting the waterline. Frog tape normally never fails me but had a few issues this time.
The question I have is what is the best method of protecting the hull and deck? I have run some test pieces using
- clear matt varnish (didn’t look good)
- clear gloss yacht varnish (not convinced over surface finish)
What would people recommend for a novice boat builder?
Then it’ll be onto final fit out and hopefully test running.
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Some rather beautiful quality wood and work on the decking you have there Simon :-))
Quite a number of Continental model boat builders use a natural product by the name of le Tonkinois varnish [based upon Tung Oil + Linseed Oil] for above the waterline woodwork
https://classicsailor.com/2019/04/le-tonkinois-traditional-varnish/ (https://classicsailor.com/2019/04/le-tonkinois-traditional-varnish/)
Well worth reading some of the work
Some of the wood finishes displayed as glass like.....
courtesy Google....
"the earliest references for Chinese use of tung oil is in the writings of Confucius around 500 to 400 BC. The Chinese have used tung oil, also known as China wood oil, for at least 2500 years for building waterproof boats and paper parasols, wood finishing, wood waterproofing, caulking, inks and paints".
Derek
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Hi Derek,
That’s great thanks, have it on order so will have hopefully turn up soon. Some of the images online look good! Hopefully I can do it justice :-)
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It’s been a while but the Jenny is complete! Much trials with varnish resulted in going with le Tonkinois marine number 1 for the mahogany sections and clear gloss yacht varnish on the painted hull. Coat 1 and 2 went well but coat 3 created a slightly liquid look, tried to sand it back but nervousness over damaging the mahogany meant I probably didn’t sand enough. Coat 4 and 5 didn’t look much better so stopped there. I wish I hadn’t used sanding sealer prior to varnishing, followed the build instructions but do wonder if that impacted the finish. Anyway this was the first build so it’s all a learning experience!
Anyway I’m happy with the final build, lots of learning experiences for a future build.
Goes great in the water, she’s a good turn of speed and zips along nicely.
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Ah sorted image.
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Fortunately it doesn’t show up in low light as much but the varnish just had a sheen to it I wasn’t happy with, was hoping for a more gloss finish. Maybe a few more coats would have helped.
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I think trying to cover the seats was the hardest part of the build! Bit miffed the frog tape failed me so the white waterline wasn’t as smooth as I wanted, but you don’t notice when travelling at speed in the water :-)
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Hi Simon,
That looks great;
My son and I finally finished our Classic Sportboat.
I'll get round to posting a few details of that build some time.
We sailed it a few times at Luton already.
I've started to build the Jenny kit now too. Early stages, just putting the stringers on.
Rich
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Awesome job! :-)) :-)) :-))