Model Boat Mayhem
Mess Deck: General Section => Beginners start here...! => Topic started by: BWRIGHT on June 12, 2020, 06:18:35 pm
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Hello from the states.
I am looking to order a Caldercraft Northlight and am looking forward to the build. I have questions and need some guidance.
I am trying to save on shipping by ordering as much as possible with the kit.
1. what size motor? i am leaning toward a 545 size
2. 40 mm lh prop from Raboesch . 147 or 174 series.
3. Replace white metal stanchions with brass. What size.
4. I understand that the supplied propshaft is not stainless steel. What length shaft would I need?
5. I have tried contacting Jotika for a pdf of assembly manual so i could start studying it. If anybody has one I would greatly appreciate it.
Thank you for any assistance.
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Hi
I recently completed the Northlight and used this motor - [size=78%]https://www.mfacomodrills.com/pdfs/RE540LN.pdf (https://www.mfacomodrills.com/pdfs/RE540LN.pdf)[/size] .
The recommended prop size was 35mm with an M4 thread for scale size and the supplied stanchions were brass, not white metal so don’t buy any. The supplied propshaft was quite OK. Don’t know whether or not it is stainless but I wouldn’t change it.
The white metal imitation turnbuckles for the mast rigging were shoddy and if you want to replace anything maybe them. Also get a decent tiller for the rudder as the supplied white metal one is no good.
Can’t help with the assembly manual as I didn’t keep it and, from memory, it was rudimentary to say the least. Assembly starts with trimming the fibreglass hull then fixing bulkheads and fibreglassing them in. Drill for propshaft and, as the hull is too narrow there watch out for it splitting. Deck is in 3 sections with front and rear planked and hull painted at this stage. After that it is superstructure and fittings but you might want to fit motor etc. before fixing decks. The winch is a mini kit in itself and not well detailed in instructions. The hatch cover tarpaulin provided was undersized but Jotika sent a replacement otherwise everything else was in the kit but they are pretty good if anything is missing.
Good luck and it makes a fine finished model. There is room for a 6 or 12v lead acid battery and the removable hatch cover gives good access.
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thank you. What size turnbuckles and what did you replace the tiller with?
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This - or something like it - https://www.modelboatbits.com/SINGLE-TILLER-ARM (https://www.modelboatbits.com/SINGLE-TILLER-ARM) - for the tiller and the turnbuckles are 28mm overall. I didn’t replace them but had to drill them out and glue in brass eyes. The white metal ones are too flimsy and they break off with all the work during rigging etc. That site has lots of other bits and pieces.
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I tried to measure the propshaft but difficult now with bulkhead, rear deck etc. in place and it is approximately 7” but as I said it seemed good quality and not worth replacing. You can always replace the insert later and it is an M4 thread.
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thank you again. How many turnbuckles will I need to order? What size is the rudder shaft? just waiting for cornwall to restock the kit.
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Hello, you can get the kit direct from manufacturer http://www.shipwrightshop.com/shop/contents/en-uk/d13_Caldercraft-Classic.html (http://www.shipwrightshop.com/shop/contents/en-uk/d13_Caldercraft-Classic.html)
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You could try here also - https://bit.ly/30zeoGu (https://bit.ly/30zeoGu) - . There are 3 turnbuckles each side of the mast and 2 at the front although the front ones are fine in white metal.
This is a closeup of the turnbuckles -
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Kit is ordered from Shipwrightshop now the wait begins.
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Hello, I'd suggest you visit the site www.pinterest.com
and search Clyde Puffer. the thing to remember is that the Northlight [/color][/size]kit isn't based on a specific boat
but is more a combination of features of many boats. You'll notice this when you browse through the pictures ans see how many variations
in hulls, wheelhouses, funnels there are.
That said it does make up into a fine model.
Best wishes
Douglas
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Thanks for the heads up on Pinterest. Northlight kit wont be ready to ship for at least 2 weeks :((
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This link - https://puffersandvics.org/puffer_index.htm (https://puffersandvics.org/puffer_index.htm) - has many photos of puffers which might be of interest.
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thank you
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still waiting :((
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I purchased an older kit of the northlight but not sure how old the kit is. The white metal parts are shrink wrapped to cardboard with caldercraft on it. Any guesses to the age?
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Sorry can’t help. In my kit they were all just in plastic bags, no shrinkwrap but it sounds like it might be a newer kit if they have started shrinkwrapping.
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Im now trying to decide on battery size. 6v or 12v . 12v 10ah weighs 3kg and 6v 12 ah weighs 1.7.
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12 volt, you need the weight, in fact you might need more. Unless of course you are going to have it riding high out of the water. It narks me to see a puffer riding high with the waterline on show with the hatch cover pulled back showing a great heap of coal. When it should be down to the scuppers, IMHO. nemesis
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ty i was worried about the weight.