Model Boat Mayhem

The Shipyard ( Dry Dock ): Builds & Questions => Working Vessels => Topic started by: Taranis on May 05, 2021, 07:37:20 pm

Title: Billing Boats Nr 424 Mercantic cargo vessel.
Post by: Taranis on May 05, 2021, 07:37:20 pm
A blast from the past a kit from the 1960's
Coming soon.

Having just secured the purchase of an unbuilt kit I will start this post haste before it perishes  %%


Despite all the other part builds I have I just can't resist this one.


There is a lot of history on the web about this ship.

1:50 scale  37.5" long

(https://images.lauritz.com/images/70B10F9E310A1E33F11A615543CFCF02)
Title: Re: Billing Boats Nr 424 Mercantic cargo vessel.
Post by: SteamboatPhil on May 05, 2021, 08:12:51 pm
Yeah you got it, it makes a great model and still one of my favourites.....I am very  jealous. I wish  had never sold my one 
Title: Re: Billing Boats Nr 424 Mercantic cargo vessel.
Post by: Taranis on May 06, 2021, 08:28:19 am
Yup.
I found this ont' web
(https://photos.smugmug.com/Billing-Boats-Nr-424-Mercantic/i-JCmhtpQ/0/9c402021/X2/4DB6C050-7FCD-4773-BFBE-3A9438C3A44A-X2.jpg)

Title: Re: Billing Boats Nr 424 Mercantic cargo vessel.
Post by: Taranis on May 07, 2021, 04:49:16 pm
Item has been posted into the care of Hermes 🙈


I hope to receive it early in the week. Upon delivery I will check the inventory for anything missing.
I already have Facebook associates who can provide any of the obsolete fittings if I need them.


Like the Midwest lobster boat kit this is obsolete and rare so I am going to template every part as it is trimmed for fitting so that it could be turned into a laser cutting exercise, maybe Billing might want to resurrect it? They no longer have any archival material to do this. AFAIK
Title: Re: Billing Boats Nr 424 Mercantic cargo vessel.
Post by: hama on May 07, 2021, 05:58:36 pm
Really looking forward to this build, a classic!


Have a nice weekend!
Hama
Title: Re: Billing Boats Nr 424 Mercantic cargo vessel.
Post by: Taranis on May 07, 2021, 06:01:30 pm
Me too Hama. It appears to be quite a simple build that will be enhanced with modern day materials like a glass & resin overcoat. It will outlast me for sure
Title: Re: Billing Boats Nr 424 Mercantic cargo vessel.
Post by: tassie48 on May 07, 2021, 09:17:34 pm
Andy lucky sod I had one sold it years ago sailed well had tons of deck cargo detail funny would turn to port better than Starboard for some reason, would be a great kit for modelers to have bit like the Flower class Corvette would be popular  tassie48
Title: Re: Billing Boats Nr 424 Mercantic cargo vessel.
Post by: nemesis on May 08, 2021, 12:23:50 pm
This is one beautiful model. Why Billings have not brought it out again beats me. I have recently built two, one has gone to a friend down south and the other is at home. Over the years there has been so many fibreglass hull moulds made for this one.Which is just as  well as they are like hens teeth. They is lots of info on the net, these little boats seem to pop up in all corners of the globe, all with little modifications. "Mercandia" is or was the firms name. nemesis   
Title: Re: Billing Boats Nr 424 Mercantic cargo vessel.
Post by: Taranis on May 08, 2021, 02:10:53 pm
Because the new owners of Billing today do not have any information to reproduce it.


What would be a good size of propeller for this?
Title: Re: Billing Boats Nr 424 Mercantic cargo vessel.
Post by: kevin547n on May 08, 2021, 05:26:41 pm
Even j fancy this ione, even though iam not a lover of billings
Title: Re: Billing Boats Nr 424 Mercantic cargo vessel.
Post by: nemesis on May 09, 2021, 03:32:12 pm
      Andy, Ill check up on Tues at the club and let you know. bill
Title: Re: Billing Boats Nr 424 Mercantic cargo vessel.
Post by: dodes on May 10, 2021, 02:42:46 pm
I remember that type of coaster in trade , their death nell was the artic lorry and roll on /off ferries. Shame they kept a lot of heavy traffic of our roads.
Title: Re: Billing Boats Nr 424 Mercantic cargo vessel.
Post by: John W E on May 10, 2021, 04:32:23 pm

hi ya there, I know this plan is pretty close to the coaster for anyone who fancies building a similar one.   It is - it is you know.


john



Adrian M MM682 - Sarik Hobbies - for the Model Builder (https://www.sarikhobbies.com/product/adrian-m-mm682/)
Title: Re: Billing Boats Nr 424 Mercantic cargo vessel.
Post by: nemesis on May 10, 2021, 05:52:47 pm
That is the beauty of a fibreglass mould, it would not take much alteration to make this one. nemesis
Title: Re: Billing Boats Nr 424 Mercantic cargo vessel.
Post by: Taranis on May 12, 2021, 06:40:09 pm
As I haven't actually started this yet I am going to try it on another forum were there are no restrictions. I will continue my current blogs here to their conclusion.
Title: Re: Billing Boats Nr 424 Mercantic cargo vessel.
Post by: Colin Bishop on May 12, 2021, 07:24:10 pm
Restrictions???

Colin
Title: Re: Billing Boats Nr 424 Mercantic cargo vessel.
Post by: Taranis on May 12, 2021, 07:29:20 pm
It's a management thing Colin. It's my work and I'm blogging where I can choose to edit my work when I want. Too often I look back at my blogs to find things I could have done better. It's been discussed already and I don't really want to explain any further. This only affects new blogs. The current ones will continue.


EDIT
The recent group meeting of moderators concluded that 2 hrs was enough time in their combined opinions.
This is missing the point entirely and with all due respect non of them contribute their work unless I'm missing something.
If anyone is found to abuse an open editing system then simply ban them rather than humming and r'ing about it.
IMHO
Title: Re: Billing Boats Nr 424 Mercantic cargo vessel.
Post by: Colin Bishop on May 12, 2021, 07:59:12 pm
Ah, I see. The problem in the past on here is that some people were editing their original posts when they saw responses. Granted, the original offenders have moved on, but the temptation remains which may or may not matter.

A blog or build log is a bit different to run of the mill posts but my humble view is that when posting in that mode it is best to compose offline on a wordprocessor and carefully examine it for total perfection before copying and pasting it onto the forum. In fact I always do this with long posts anyway as I have sometimes lost my carefully constructed text due to a glitch of some sort.

Works for me!

Colin
Title: Re: Billing Boats Nr 424 Mercantic cargo vessel.
Post by: Taranis on May 12, 2021, 08:06:33 pm
I can look at something as long as 4 yrs ago that I shared. I don't get paid for my time sharing my work and I'm not sitting down for hours composing blogs off forum to suite a daft situation. The feeling of paranoia and distrust has become too much for me I'm afraid.
I found a group where editing is encouraged. We all want the best from our sharing and the easiest experience possible.
Title: Re: Billing Boats Nr 424 Mercantic cargo vessel.
Post by: Colin Bishop on May 12, 2021, 08:24:51 pm
I'm rather more used to writing articles for magazines which means that you need to edit it to your satisfaction and only then fire it off for publication.

I distrust anything published online as it is ephemeral and can disappear forever in the wink of an eye. (and frequently does!) Anything published on forums etc. is acutely vulnerable to this. One reason why I never commit a huge effort to online publication.

If Martin were to fall under a bus (heaven forbid), this forum would soon disappear as there appears to be no disaster recovery plan in place. It is very vulnerable in that respect.

Colin
Title: Re: Billing Boats Nr 424 Mercantic cargo vessel.
Post by: Taranis on May 28, 2021, 12:06:44 am
Mercantic gallery update https://techno.smugmug.com/Billing-Boats-Nr-424-Mercantic/ (https://techno.smugmug.com/Billing-Boats-Nr-424-Mercantic/) Questions welcome.


My apologies to those interested in this model for the lack of updates but a compromise has been made  O0
All of the parts pictured are brand new modified parts with the aid of the old asymmetrical frames  :((  I used the port side of every bulkhead to reproduce a mirror image of each (butterfly fashion). I've also modified the internal shape of each to better accommodate any internal fixtures later.
The mahogany deck parts were a long way out in terms of shape and fit so pretty much useless and I've remade from scratch in 1.5mm ply. I've templated all my parts along the way.

Starting afresh with the keel blocks sheered off the bench after completing the framework.
(https://photos.smugmug.com/Billing-Boats-Nr-424-Mercantic/i-PGfx355/0/0f00f776/XL/15CFB277-C954-4939-A558-92EBD41707A6-XL.jpg)

As of this morning the skeleton applied with diluted finishing resin before  starting to chamfer the frames
(https://photos.smugmug.com/Billing-Boats-Nr-424-Mercantic/i-RBkTHnJ/0/444b1c56/X2/409F5704-D44C-49BA-AC70-45D9F9E7922C-X2.jpg)


(https://photos.smugmug.com/Billing-Boats-Nr-424-Mercantic/i-zvPzzmt/0/cdaf9c9e/X2/C1D90CF1-84B2-4190-9DC5-56EF789A905B-X2.jpg)


(https://photos.smugmug.com/Billing-Boats-Nr-424-Mercantic/i-b7sfsvp/0/773851d7/X3/D241D9AD-B57C-40BA-AEA9-2F72E859CBE8-X3.jpg)


The propulsion and steering. Raboesch waterproof shaft 4mm 211mm long (can be shortened) Raboesch 35mm type A 4 blade prop. Overlander 28/36 motor. I've used this motor in three models now and it delivers perfectly with an RC car ESC . The variables are battery voltage and propeller size but it can do a wide variety of model sizes and types. Hoga tug and Riva Aquarama are using this motor for example which could not be further apart in required performance.


(https://photos.smugmug.com/Billing-Boats-Nr-424-Mercantic/i-d5fwpsR/0/13ec4ec4/X2/B8B0DAED-5701-4CF3-8137-4800C5C6A675-X2.jpg)

One of a group of photos in the gallery where I showed the frame from different angles with a nice background.(https://photos.smugmug.com/Billing-Boats-Nr-424-Mercantic/i-36qmHnB/0/cb9c6ec6/X2/4A4A04A7-DEC0-4029-B4DA-78638AE1725A-X2.jpg)

As I was making the aft deck I realised there was no provision on the plan or the instructions for the deck fittings and mast.

Here I fitted two levels of 5mm ply with pre drilled pilot holes at relevant locations that can be utilised later.
(https://photos.smugmug.com/Billing-Boats-Nr-424-Mercantic/i-pKWNfhP/0/eace5355/X3/A95DCA6C-09F2-428F-8991-12A0CA82E035-X3.jpg)


For reference below. Also Cornwall Models have been despatching my orders the following day recently and arriving in good time  :-)


(https://photos.smugmug.com/Billing-Boats-Nr-424-Mercantic/i-zvJFkGD/0/840939cd/X3/724F02F3-61B9-48B3-A80C-F8754C37ABAB-X3.jpg)


(https://photos.smugmug.com/Billing-Boats-Nr-424-Mercantic/i-4FWQfsW/0/99bf2c01/L/6E8B85C5-BCC8-46BC-AF2E-B27C21926201-L.jpg)


(https://photos.smugmug.com/Billing-Boats-Hoga-tug-708/i-FzVGtK9/0/8fc8e87e/X2/D9BC3D79-1049-4692-A2A4-C4AAF429D69B-X2.jpg)
Title: Re: Billing Boats Nr 424 Mercantic cargo vessel.
Post by: Taranis on May 29, 2021, 12:46:20 pm
Here I'm fitting the second half of the bottom skin. The ends are not glued yet and will be persuaded into place later when the main body is not able to move. The decks fore and aft are held parallel to the bench to prevent any twist.
(https://photos.smugmug.com/Billing-Boats-Nr-424-Mercantic/i-tmrn8Jp/0/658ec42f/X2/1B8993E5-6B15-46D8-96F7-AABFD4D4B848-X2.jpg)


(https://photos.smugmug.com/Billing-Boats-Nr-424-Mercantic/i-TPF3tXk/0/86a11a26/XL/945DC500-7679-4D9C-8819-B510365A9A70-XL.jpg)


(https://photos.smugmug.com/Billing-Boats-Nr-424-Mercantic/i-GRmdRSK/0/51443246/XL/CA4CA967-35CB-4163-AB53-A86B789BDCDE-XL.jpg)


Order of Obechi planking in three widths placed on Thursday with CMB and arrived today Saturday  :-))


I've cut the supplied tube down to provide handy workshop dispenser.
(https://photos.smugmug.com/Billing-Boats-Nr-424-Mercantic/i-ngzGnhP/0/f9a86914/XL/35AFAF8A-541F-4E45-BB3B-D6F4F0DEBB8E-XL.jpg)


(https://photos.smugmug.com/Billing-Boats-Nr-424-Mercantic/i-wmwCx8N/0/2971c833/XL/C1CD4C8D-BC42-47A3-A13E-3C290D4BA413-XL.jpg)


 :-))
(https://photos.smugmug.com/Billing-Boats-Nr-424-Mercantic/i-pKp4sBQ/0/996703d6/XL/3B4F3BEC-4E6D-4F09-B7EB-4B6E4B7B942B-XL.jpg)


I now have to change tack and use the weather to best advantage. So despite having everything to progress Mercantic I must change to painting other builds.
Title: Re: Billing Boats Nr 424 Mercantic cargo vessel.
Post by: tassie48 on May 29, 2021, 10:00:25 pm
Can't wait to see her on the water Andy
Title: Re: Billing Boats Nr 424 Mercantic cargo vessel.
Post by: Taranis on May 29, 2021, 10:14:42 pm
Well thanks to a fellow builder on Billing Boats builders group, fast forwards.

Thank you Soren Kjaer Nielson   :-)

(https://photos.smugmug.com/Billing-Boats-Nr-424-Mercantic/i-P7PJW2h/0/faaadf2d/XL/31CF2F10-5E7E-406B-9AAB-7A209627E909-XL.jpg)


(https://photos.smugmug.com/Billing-Boats-Nr-424-Mercantic/i-wcBPZjv/0/e5e9bcba/XL/64D3EC58-0988-44FA-B68C-55228D97E69E-XL.jpg)


(https://photos.smugmug.com/Billing-Boats-Nr-424-Mercantic/i-ZVFzjjH/0/c4ebe86d/XL/0439A4D9-2750-4F51-BFED-1F94BAA8DC98-XL.jpg)


(https://photos.smugmug.com/Billing-Boats-Nr-424-Mercantic/i-7gpfhxb/0/b93e0c93/L/3BC2F722-6D3A-4629-BFF0-7E92511B7A30-L.jpg)


Here we can see he knocked out the bulkhead frames completely and replaced with consistent thickness ribs   :-))  A modellers licence to improve on the kit.
(https://photos.smugmug.com/Billing-Boats-Nr-424-Mercantic/i-GwMBjGk/0/3c2d1298/L/8F16C5B0-2559-4F38-AF8D-1C41DC933233-L.jpg)
Title: Re: Billing Boats Nr 424 Mercantic cargo vessel.
Post by: tassie48 on May 30, 2021, 01:36:53 am
Andy many thanks for sharing just a beautiful model I first went to sea in 1973 on one very similar hence my interest looks great on the water got me looking around for a kit now  for a coaster boat my old girl had a working Derrick,  anchor and nav lights thanks again buddy .tassie48
Title: Re: Billing Boats Nr 424 Mercantic cargo vessel.
Post by: Ruud109 on May 30, 2021, 03:13:10 pm
Good to see you back, I always enjoy your builds! This one looks to be a good one as well!

Title: Re: Billing Boats Nr 424 Mercantic cargo vessel.
Post by: Taranis on May 30, 2021, 04:47:42 pm
Good to see you back, I always enjoy your builds! This one looks to be a good one as well!


Thank you. Have I been away?  :-)
Title: Re: Billing Boats Nr 424 Mercantic cargo vessel.
Post by: Ruud109 on May 30, 2021, 06:51:59 pm
well after a week or two :)
Title: Re: Billing Boats Nr 424 Mercantic cargo vessel.
Post by: Taranis on June 22, 2021, 09:29:15 pm
Having struggled with the bottom sheets I decide to focus on the aft planking around the prop which is now progressing well. I've stopped using CA for planking as it has undesirable effects on my skin. So its a slow job with Aliphatic resin.
(https://photos.smugmug.com/Billing-Boats-Nr-424-Mercantic/i-NZcVCfB/0/2ad090f7/X2/E544CE68-AE05-4A8C-AB13-2F6B9F3D4F21-X2.jpg)


(https://photos.smugmug.com/Billing-Boats-Nr-424-Mercantic/i-mQxnGF8/0/6996b5e1/X2/E962E570-EBEE-4A52-8504-323257595070-X2.jpg)
Title: Re: Billing Boats Nr 424 Mercantic cargo vessel.
Post by: Taranis on June 23, 2021, 09:55:05 am
Working late got me to here. I'm thinking I will plank the aft half with the plank joints on the flat midship section.
As it is being glass coated anything goes.

(https://photos.smugmug.com/Billing-Boats-Nr-424-Mercantic/i-HdFRGb8/0/d7d16ead/X2/E2803DF2-D42E-4256-9439-8A1EF6421635-X2.jpg)


(https://photos.smugmug.com/Billing-Boats-Nr-424-Mercantic/i-mF2mxrn/0/18550226/X2/974A5CAE-A5C4-4777-A33D-7B7086CD39B1-X2.jpg)


(https://photos.smugmug.com/Billing-Boats-Nr-424-Mercantic/i-nHNsXMm/0/da011fbb/X2/60CEC0DC-F463-4343-8C0B-C6466DAEB6C3-X2.jpg)


(https://photos.smugmug.com/Billing-Boats-Nr-424-Mercantic/i-hNSGcCq/0/8751dcf4/XL/256EAAA1-31C9-4A13-AD0C-B56E5F6BAB0E-XL.jpg)
Title: Re: Billing Boats Nr 424 Mercantic cargo vessel.
Post by: nemesis on June 23, 2021, 04:43:01 pm
Hi Andy, nice to see a rising floor for a change. Lots of this model ended up with a concave bottom. It is coming along quite nicely. Bill
Title: Re: Billing Boats Nr 424 Mercantic cargo vessel.
Post by: Taranis on June 23, 2021, 06:51:37 pm
What's a rising floor Bill? thanks.

Ply cut the correct way to bend easily.
(https://photos.smugmug.com/Billing-Boats-Nr-424-Mercantic/i-pwPTmHk/0/4f86642f/XL/C03E7014-E8C8-4A32-85C5-91FA85BD887C-XL.jpg)

(https://photos.smugmug.com/Billing-Boats-Nr-424-Mercantic/i-ndBPhpP/0/38df1471/XL/FB42B145-66C4-4342-BE07-F49DEDA19471-XL.jpg)

(https://photos.smugmug.com/Billing-Boats-Nr-424-Mercantic/i-wD56RsG/0/17ed3f8a/X2/F26683C3-6AD6-4314-B10B-FA9D2434048C-X2.jpg)

(https://photos.smugmug.com/Billing-Boats-Nr-424-Mercantic/i-rz8mqGj/0/b5ce4832/X2/4807C31A-FEA6-4A6C-8A4C-F02256675EC1-X2.jpg)

(https://photos.smugmug.com/Billing-Boats-Nr-424-Mercantic/i-D7jdKHd/0/5c1ca404/X2/FED5E346-0999-4744-96BC-76BF04EC8EB6-X2.jpg)


Full complement of pictures @ https://techno.smugmug.com/Billing-Boats-Nr-424-Mercantic/
Title: Re: Billing Boats Nr 424 Mercantic cargo vessel.
Post by: nemesis on June 23, 2021, 08:06:51 pm
Hi Andy, Where the plates rise away from the keel, so I suppose every thing drains down to there, the bilges. bill
Title: Re: Billing Boats Nr 424 Mercantic cargo vessel.
Post by: Taranis on June 24, 2021, 08:51:51 pm
A long day it's been to get to here, a selection of pics from the gallery.
(https://photos.smugmug.com/Billing-Boats-Nr-424-Mercantic/i-T9BPJvq/0/6076d7a0/XL/72D9971A-F06C-491E-8B15-964833C236A3-XL.jpg)


(https://photos.smugmug.com/Billing-Boats-Nr-424-Mercantic/i-nNc4FM4/0/06080c81/XL/74ABBF0A-472B-44E4-A542-779CCC2CA093-XL.jpg)


(https://photos.smugmug.com/Billing-Boats-Nr-424-Mercantic/i-qcvRQTH/0/22ff40eb/X3/9A3B6D1F-3A78-4D06-B40B-4D760F0AB616-X3.jpg)


(https://photos.smugmug.com/Billing-Boats-Nr-424-Mercantic/i-8tjt63f/0/40ba7e87/X2/A57ABD27-1CCB-442C-8F55-784992F29D93-X2.jpg)


(https://photos.smugmug.com/Billing-Boats-Nr-424-Mercantic/i-SxK6Hrg/0/b6de6e9d/X2/E5D3876F-2759-42AB-935A-AD751CB30FD8-X2.jpg)


(https://photos.smugmug.com/Billing-Boats-Nr-424-Mercantic/i-QPt5LFG/0/51d26706/X2/6661504F-CF2F-44B9-98B5-03DDC558588E-X2.jpg)
Title: Re: Billing Boats Nr 424 Mercantic cargo vessel.
Post by: steve mahoney on June 24, 2021, 11:01:01 pm
Good progress – you're certainly not messing around.
Title: Re: Billing Boats Nr 424 Mercantic cargo vessel.
Post by: Taranis on June 25, 2021, 03:39:20 pm
Cheers Steve, the joy of retirement  O0

Closing the aft skin this morning, shaping and sealing the balsa and resin coating the inside.


(https://photos.smugmug.com/Billing-Boats-Nr-424-Mercantic/i-snjZS96/0/19444c54/XL/64EC86F5-FCB8-4062-A18A-59D095514FFC-XL.jpg)

(https://photos.smugmug.com/Billing-Boats-Nr-424-Mercantic/i-DLnQfr6/0/3d28fe1f/X2/665FAFE0-D23E-41F7-885D-83F36966E2C0-X2.jpg)

Constant checking for any distortion, absolutely bob on with straight edge across the fore deck.
(https://photos.smugmug.com/Billing-Boats-Nr-424-Mercantic/i-Q3c7cHG/0/c7846a50/X3/7017852B-BAE8-4C24-9A37-0D283DCD75DE-X3.jpg)

(https://photos.smugmug.com/Billing-Boats-Nr-424-Mercantic/i-WV4X5mP/0/22a1f890/X2/1D704AF5-CBCB-4490-B778-35E771B0CF76-X2.jpg)

I'm now using a fan to create outdoors when using epoxy. I bought this years ago to speed up drying floor levelling compound and forgot all about it  :((  Now a major workshop asset  O0


(https://photos.smugmug.com/Billing-Boats-Nr-424-Mercantic/i-rtJX8vZ/0/f93b7f35/X2/1F1B1788-D8EF-410B-AF3A-A9CD19452A53-X2.jpg)


Next is the making of a template for a single piece of ply around the bow from deck to gunwale.
The original Mahogany parts that were intended for this must have been a nightmare if even usable with the grain running the wrong way. I'll bet there was much swearing and many bodges in its day.


I don't like to let surplus mixed resin go to waste so this was used to add some lead shot in the stern bilge.


(https://photos.smugmug.com/Billing-Boats-Nr-424-Mercantic/i-Pv8Gc4B/0/554cc838/X3/7B974A6A-7891-431A-97CB-9C0C75BF0B16-X3.jpg)


Her bum is lovely and smooth to the caress  :embarrassed:
(https://photos.smugmug.com/Billing-Boats-Nr-424-Mercantic/i-kvWPV3z/0/e47c270c/X3/EA6A3642-DBB7-4672-B8DF-ADC9888C66AD-X3.jpg)


(https://photos.smugmug.com/Billing-Boats-Nr-424-Mercantic/i-HmVW7Sh/0/2f854712/X3/26E0F041-C41A-44DD-AE50-C0294DCD20B2-X3.jpg)


(https://photos.smugmug.com/Billing-Boats-Nr-424-Mercantic/i-NLpVQ42/0/17412d57/X2/6775A621-504B-460D-A6BD-4F99902ACBB8-X2.jpg)


No more work at that end now until the full skin is ready for sanding.


So now the bow presents itself for the works
(https://photos.smugmug.com/Billing-Boats-Nr-424-Mercantic/i-j3MvWm9/0/b5c6cd32/X2/D8C6A05A-9342-49B7-AEA0-547AB728084F-X2.jpg)
Title: Re: Billing Boats Nr 424 Mercantic cargo vessel.
Post by: nemesis on June 25, 2021, 05:42:15 pm
Hi Andy. That bow is a thing of beauty, a lovely flair and a pleasure to behold. It is coming along quite well. bill
Title: Re: Billing Boats Nr 424 Mercantic cargo vessel.
Post by: Taranis on June 25, 2021, 05:53:40 pm
Thanks Bill. There is a lot more to sand off of the bulwark ribs yet which leaves them very weak. I've gathered that builders smash them out after fitting the skin and fit their own ribs more akin to the real vessel. None of that is in the build information but it is the way to go for sure.
I imagine if you put 10 Mercantics side by side they will all be different shapes  {-)


I have a good eye and I will be happy with how it develops in my own way  :-))
Title: Re: Billing Boats Nr 424 Mercantic cargo vessel.
Post by: Taranis on June 25, 2021, 08:46:43 pm
I thought that was it for today but bolstered by a single malt I made a start at the pointy end.
There is a mismatch betwixt keel and frames (not my doing) so the skin has to fit best it can and the keel be re shaped to suit later.
Just one half glued and clamped tonight.
Although the bends at the bow look extreme I can firmly say that the stern is the most complex and now behind me. pun
(https://photos.smugmug.com/Billing-Boats-Nr-424-Mercantic/i-rpXRLQZ/0/a1c52ac8/X2/C756BE11-B9B7-4573-B6AE-25943F6DD126-X2.jpg)
Title: Re: Billing Boats Nr 424 Mercantic cargo vessel.
Post by: roycv on June 27, 2021, 08:58:20 am
There is a bare unfinished wood hull of Mercantic on ebay, no plans or parts.
Roy
Title: Re: Billing Boats Nr 424 Mercantic cargo vessel.
Post by: SteamboatPhil on June 28, 2021, 05:13:51 pm
Have to say looking really good Andy, nice work (and one of my most favourite models)  :-))
Title: Re: Billing Boats Nr 424 Mercantic cargo vessel.
Post by: Taranis on June 28, 2021, 06:53:51 pm

I've seen it Roy, very expensive firewood  %% 


Cheers Phil.
Now further planking at the pointy end working away from the keel.
(https://photos.smugmug.com/Billing-Boats-Nr-424-Mercantic/i-J4dDSBJ/0/f43bbf97/X2/9DA3F3E4-65E6-4B62-80CC-5F09A98862E6-X2.jpg)


At the same time extending the bulwarks forwards
(https://photos.smugmug.com/Billing-Boats-Nr-424-Mercantic/i-G2Zh5XC/0/bae9489e/X2/61E75EDE-8B46-4B7E-9335-59A4555C7F44-X2.jpg)


(https://photos.smugmug.com/Billing-Boats-Nr-424-Mercantic/i-7dzRnXC/0/d63ebf0a/XL/4EAFF50A-24E0-4A9C-B9C7-3591B3E177D0-XL.jpg)


(https://photos.smugmug.com/Billing-Boats-Nr-424-Mercantic/i-JMBRDx8/0/af7e20aa/X2/4EE3A8CB-9FED-4275-BA7A-A0A321196C3C-X2.jpg)


(https://photos.smugmug.com/Billing-Boats-Nr-424-Mercantic/i-zxFp4gx/0/d45c5412/X2/B2A58295-1F70-4AC4-A485-9A11A75E9E2A-X2.jpg)
Title: Re: Billing Boats Nr 424 Mercantic cargo vessel.
Post by: Hande on June 29, 2021, 09:28:03 am
Andy, I hope it's not a trade secret of your's, but after weeks of struggling with mine -
I'm really interested in how you accomplish the neat paintwork along the line where the bulwark knees meet the deck.
humble follower,
Hande
Title: Re: Billing Boats Nr 424 Mercantic cargo vessel.
Post by: Taranis on June 29, 2021, 09:39:36 am
I have only done that on the Portgarth. My other boats have not been different colours.
On the Portgarth I first painted the deck and masked it up before fitting the bulwark ribs on top of the thin paper masking. You will find pictures in the blog.
https://techno.smugmug.com/Portgrath/Portgarth-volume-5/
Another method copied from John Boyd masks off the bulwarks and ribs without painting around the ribs
(https://photos.smugmug.com/Billing-Boulogne-Etaples/i-G8dd93v/0/fc932c2a/L/11E27689-AB08-4ADD-B292-FFD4B26E4E65-L.jpg)


(https://photos.smugmug.com/Billing-Boulogne-Etaples/i-Dr4PKJj/0/ddb7f96c/X2/E35C43F9-EC2A-4EE3-AE12-282205883FD4-X2.jpg)


Fortuitously Stevn's arctic is all one colour
(https://photos.smugmug.com/Stevns-Arctic/i-hL2TP56/0/f1a94256/X2/B41C71F2-7DC5-4CCA-9F0F-1284609B92AB-X2.jpg)
Title: Re: Billing Boats Nr 424 Mercantic cargo vessel.
Post by: Taranis on June 29, 2021, 04:53:54 pm
I decided against trimming the keel to suit the bottom skins in favour of re contouring with resin.
(https://photos.smugmug.com/Billing-Boats-Nr-424-Mercantic/i-X9tGnQ6/0/640b71d8/XL/7DB75790-63E9-41E2-B7AD-9B51F4816AEB-XL.jpg)


(https://photos.smugmug.com/Billing-Boats-Nr-424-Mercantic/i-dLXgh9L/0/cddc2ae8/XL/87C71FC1-674A-4AED-A484-1A0FF9B29816-XL.jpg)


Better  O0
(https://photos.smugmug.com/Billing-Boats-Nr-424-Mercantic/i-SZk7r3J/0/d3b42ebe/XL/AA34DE3C-F2F7-4F50-84C5-8AB08681645C-XL.jpg)


Both sides now planked to same stage and some lead shot fitted in the bow
(https://photos.smugmug.com/Billing-Boats-Nr-424-Mercantic/i-C6rXDvC/0/d5c11adb/X2/90E6718E-8239-4CC1-8451-60F1CD6B6BD0-X2.jpg)


(https://photos.smugmug.com/Billing-Boats-Nr-424-Mercantic/i-kBpxWHX/0/38e92e13/XL/AAE52425-CF67-49B2-914D-E3551C311C9D-XL.jpg)


(https://photos.smugmug.com/Billing-Boats-Nr-424-Mercantic/i-hfttRT3/0/53e2e91f/XL/E2812B17-A2BD-4107-9A97-8653F631BC07-XL.jpg)


(https://photos.smugmug.com/Billing-Boats-Nr-424-Mercantic/i-RzKhLGS/0/5e6e62b3/XL/5005ADD5-E9BC-47FE-8EC2-0393F58E46CE-XL.jpg)
Title: England beat Germany
Post by: Taranis on June 29, 2021, 08:09:16 pm
A very rare occurrence  {-)


To celebrate I fitted another plank whilst under the influence  {-)


(https://photos.smugmug.com/Billing-Boats-Nr-424-Mercantic/i-QJSFsf4/0/ad9638a5/X2/1A398F7E-643B-425C-B732-9B6416ADD097-X2.jpg)


(https://photos.smugmug.com/Billing-Boats-Nr-424-Mercantic/i-HhH4vx7/0/62407b6f/X2/AD2FFD9F-00C4-4E1D-9132-C78005DD24A6-X2.jpg)


(https://photos.smugmug.com/Billing-Boats-Nr-424-Mercantic/i-4s5GjMp/0/7334d728/X2/1FBDD5CF-2B92-411C-854C-A9A5F402A4E1-X2.jpg)
Title: Re: Billing Boats Nr 424 Mercantic cargo vessel.
Post by: Colin Bishop on June 29, 2021, 09:32:02 pm
Is that Caviar in the forefoot?  :}

Colin
Title: Re: Billing Boats Nr 424 Mercantic cargo vessel.
Post by: Taranis on June 29, 2021, 09:40:45 pm
Caviar might be cheaper but not heavy enough  {-)
Title: Re: Billing Boats Nr 424 Mercantic cargo vessel.
Post by: Taranis on July 01, 2021, 04:35:26 pm
Billing Boats HQ touched base today. This will by no means be a quicky but they've asked for my help to reintroduce this kit as there has been much interest shown by Billing fans.
I have of course offered them all that I have in anyway that I can help.


They are extremely busy lately so its a slow burner  O0
Title: Re: Billing Boats Nr 424 Mercantic cargo vessel.
Post by: Stan on July 01, 2021, 04:42:21 pm
Question for Andy is the Mercantic very similar to the Slipway Dutch coaster?


Stan.
Title: Re: Billing Boats Nr 424 Mercantic cargo vessel.
Post by: Taranis on July 01, 2021, 07:19:22 pm
They’re both cargo vessels yes
Similar ? No I'd say there are more differences than similarities especially with the construction method and materials besides the appearance.
There’s pictures on page one Stan
Title: Re: Billing Boats Nr 424 Mercantic cargo vessel.
Post by: Taranis on July 01, 2021, 07:35:24 pm
A bit further.

(https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-VM95gv7/0/XL/i-VM95gv7-XL.jpg)

(https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-9HDQ5Xk/0/X2/i-9HDQ5Xk-X2.jpg)

As this approaches closure I'm of the opinion that the last 20mm or so of the bow tip will be best done with a balsa block. There is nothing to gain by struggling with this.


(https://photos.smugmug.com/Billing-Boats-Nr-424-Mercantic/i-vzKVWTQ/0/65d947ea/X3/67C61C29-47A7-4D75-97BB-8381B4087A1B-X3.jpg)
Title: Re: Billing Boats Nr 424 Mercantic cargo vessel.
Post by: Taranis on July 02, 2021, 08:35:53 pm
Just one little plank yet to fit before finishing with a block of balsa.


Then the sanding can begin leading to a cover of glass cloth.
(https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-LnK7chm/0/X2/i-LnK7chm-X2.jpg)


I've done the two large wash ports and will probably pilot drill the long ones before the resin coat.
(https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-cNRZdqc/0/XL/i-cNRZdqc-XL.jpg)


(https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-KqwhXMc/0/X3/i-KqwhXMc-X3.jpg)
Title: Re: Billing Boats Nr 424 Mercantic cargo vessel.
Post by: Stan on July 02, 2021, 08:41:16 pm
Andy do you sleep?


Stan.
Title: Re: Billing Boats Nr 424 Mercantic cargo vessel.
Post by: Taranis on July 02, 2021, 08:49:51 pm
 {-) 
Title: Re: Billing Boats Nr 424 Mercantic cargo vessel.
Post by: Taranis on July 03, 2021, 08:32:35 am
Continued last night so now ready for a pencil rub over and course sanding of all the high spots. Then we'll see if any filler is required.


I think if we manage to get this kit back into production I will recommend a taller balsa block at the bow similar to the smit Rotterdam construction.
I should have decided sooner to do this.

Bill mentioned the well deck yesterday and it made me think what is the idea behind the need for one?



(https://photos.smugmug.com/Billing-Boats-Nr-424-Mercantic/i-b6ZNQSS/0/f71871b8/X2/E768F1F8-DE57-4680-A92A-C10660ABBEB5-X2.jpg)


(https://photos.smugmug.com/Billing-Boats-Nr-424-Mercantic/i-fcRK6b7/0/d8be3443/XL/135B341E-3C91-41CA-9EAA-A0F6AF4E7377-XL.jpg)


(https://photos.smugmug.com/Billing-Boats-Nr-424-Mercantic/i-WJ5RmPs/0/6afd801e/X3/067F0CD8-21A8-4604-BEC4-07C1D798BF6C-X3.jpg)
Title: Re: Billing Boats Nr 424 Mercantic cargo vessel.
Post by: tassie48 on July 03, 2021, 10:03:25 am
Andy I would put my hand up for a couple of them if they went back into production most differently following your build can't wait to see her on the water do you have a name for her yet tassie48
Title: Re: Billing Boats Nr 424 Mercantic cargo vessel.
Post by: Taranis on July 03, 2021, 10:28:30 am
I have the original transfer sheet which looks to be good for 50 years old  %%


So hopefully the name will stick “pun”  O0




Title: Re: Billing Boats Nr 424 Mercantic cargo vessel.
Post by: hama on July 03, 2021, 10:45:25 am
Hi!
You're doing a great job as usual and I'm following with great interest.
About the well, I'd say it's the designers intention to maximize the cargo capacity on a minimum size given the specific regulations to measure the size of a cargovessel at that time. Size matters when it comes to port fairs, manning and such.
Others may correct me on this, but it's my guess.
All the best!
Hama
Title: Re: Billing Boats Nr 424 Mercantic cargo vessel.
Post by: nemesis on July 03, 2021, 11:04:53 am
Hi Andy, going along with Hama. These little cargo boats evolved to the tasks they had to do. Getting into "non- ports", jetties and river that other vessels could not, lying in the mud at low tide and calls that had no facilities at all. Hence the Well deck to make cargo handling easier. bill
Title: Re: Billing Boats Nr 424 Mercantic cargo vessel.
Post by: nemesis on July 03, 2021, 11:08:18 am
Andy, If you are serious about a kit make the hull in glass fibre. bill
Title: Re: Billing Boats Nr 424 Mercantic cargo vessel.
Post by: Taranis on July 03, 2021, 11:10:24 am
I’m not making a kit Bill
Billing are with my help and it will still be plank on frame.


Thank you both for your thoughts on the well deck, makes sense  :-))
Title: Re: Billing Boats Nr 424 Mercantic cargo vessel.
Post by: Taranis on July 03, 2021, 04:21:08 pm
I thought you might like this that is printed in eight languages.
Very true, to be built not assembled.

Even with well cut parts it would still be necessary to adjust to fit.

I've gone to great lengths to get my printer scanner working so it scans to file and I've sent Billing a test email with a scan. If the reply is good I'll be forwarding scans of the keel, frames and deck next week.


Today was intended to be sanding but its rained almost all day so nothing happening.


(https://photos.smugmug.com/Billing-Boats-Nr-424-Mercantic/i-cjJs2p7/0/c741cf9c/X2/7368DEC4-5078-4003-8F7A-16FA9787FCEB-X2.jpg)
Title: Re: Billing Boats Nr 424 Mercantic cargo vessel.
Post by: Taranis on July 04, 2021, 11:38:51 am
Hull sanding day
(https://photos.smugmug.com/Billing-Boats-Nr-424-Mercantic/i-gfLm7Jk/0/c50b2aa2/X2/6AC7E144-4285-4C2E-9DBB-B2C04719E8B5-X2.jpg)
The pencil aids identifying the low spots


(https://photos.smugmug.com/Billing-Boats-Nr-424-Mercantic/i-GgsDX9F/0/0cefb41f/L/B508A244-8CDF-4990-BEF9-65D469B02B2E-L.jpg)


(https://photos.smugmug.com/Billing-Boats-Nr-424-Mercantic/i-fc9jnpJ/0/b59d8966/L/C0D51E30-0050-4D80-AC5E-94D1BFEEA90D-L.jpg)


(https://photos.smugmug.com/Billing-Boats-Nr-424-Mercantic/i-HRZbw7R/0/2e928b52/L/FBD26A31-5BD8-4215-BA6A-B89BEDBA073E-L.jpg)


(https://photos.smugmug.com/Billing-Boats-Nr-424-Mercantic/i-sVcdns9/0/68b092df/XL/7DDE8E27-6A2E-4BBE-A6A9-A88336429D46-XL.jpg)


(https://photos.smugmug.com/Billing-Boats-Nr-424-Mercantic/i-LNsbgFX/0/6350ad09/X2/17338AF2-8662-47D4-BEC1-ECCEAE8B7F5C-X2.jpg)


(https://photos.smugmug.com/Billing-Boats-Nr-424-Mercantic/i-DxKzWpP/0/32f6e2c3/X2/5D286439-B735-45C1-B71B-325712333553-X2.jpg)


(https://photos.smugmug.com/Billing-Boats-Nr-424-Mercantic/i-WSMs5DK/0/611e85cf/X2/8FD00827-8626-4ABA-A543-304E7EE41B34-X2.jpg)


A coat of PT40 then seals and hardens the wood. This will be sanded again and any remaining imperfections filled before a final coat and glass cloth.


(https://photos.smugmug.com/Billing-Boats-Nr-424-Mercantic/i-CBKGzK7/0/8964439f/XL/3C625BB6-0294-4FE8-941B-0A71656B79AF-XL.jpg)


(https://photos.smugmug.com/Billing-Boats-Nr-424-Mercantic/i-FjxT7B3/0/1a65c51d/X3/9482B9A2-1E30-4D65-8BFD-7C611D292EED-X3.jpg)


(https://photos.smugmug.com/Billing-Boats-Nr-424-Mercantic/i-bSZKZSL/0/997cd2d2/X2/A7028FFA-FECA-407F-9E02-314A5740D82A-X2.jpg)
Title: Re: Billing Boats Nr 424 Mercantic cargo vessel.
Post by: Colin Bishop on July 04, 2021, 12:52:03 pm
It is a really nice hull shape Andy.

Colin
Title: Re: Billing Boats Nr 424 Mercantic cargo vessel.
Post by: Taranis on July 04, 2021, 01:09:37 pm
Yes thanks Colin. I can understand why a moulded hull would be popular as this definitely requires a great deal
of confidence or advanced modelling skills.
I wonder where Billing will place it in the order of things 🤔 maybe I’ll put this to Jens as a suggestion but I won’t be making a plug myself  %%


I must leave this now until tomorrow and the resin is then easy to sand. Even though dry to the touch it’s very difficult to sand until rock hard.
Hopefully get some cloth on it late on Monday
Title: Re: Billing Boats Nr 424 Mercantic cargo vessel.
Post by: Taranis on July 04, 2021, 02:13:04 pm
Thanks for the mail Bill  :-))


I've now glued in the correct length rudder tube and trial fitted the rudder where it will be along with rudder shoe. After a bit of re shaping I definitely have room to change from 35 to 40 mm prop. What do you think?


(https://photos.smugmug.com/Billing-Boats-Nr-424-Mercantic/i-Tgp7kgC/0/ce26ba15/XL/A0124735-79A9-4A9A-801E-A0DB6B5295A1-XL.jpg)
Title: Re: Billing Boats Nr 424 Mercantic cargo vessel.
Post by: Mark T on July 04, 2021, 02:32:03 pm
Lovely job on the hull Andy it really looks great.  I think I would stay with the smaller prop as I think it will sail like my old Fairmount Alpine.  If I went too fast or if you like over its scale speed it would just get smothered by its own bow wave.
Title: Re: Billing Boats Nr 424 Mercantic cargo vessel.
Post by: Colin Bishop on July 04, 2021, 03:31:44 pm
I agree, stick with the 35mm prop initially, as you say, you can always go a size up if necessary.

Colin
Title: Re: Billing Boats Nr 424 Mercantic cargo vessel.
Post by: Taranis on July 04, 2021, 05:04:25 pm
Cheers  :-)) 
Try before I buy  :-)


Here's an example from a Dutch blog of how people have struggled, perfectly demonstrating how inappropriate the original mahogany parts were.
(https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/yZbSDzg5E7cnstFqVbiGZ6e7dItPyNG8iUdc1z2atci8s5ZL-UUSAdVDgrmbw_--bI3dPZkfPvMgOlBodGikAisADEwff6kKi6CEQhxryDIU00f42PAxEUUstN8BPBPcL3CTP0At62mSyiy7Bh36E07AFMe-n2MzbX5bI_O2Coqcib8Pvb2BJv5O7O6i0PYeDBm9U7PPR4WnJOpYtaM6-_A95beGbsO1eAjPtiVKu3pTDenLN-zgdf-yyvrgJmXERJEySsFiDwg_JR1Uy-4uwlg1-ajgcVwp3_rUiDiUXJ_HCi0xgw2ecysQ3I9KuwFU-rhV2V5mIR5v8PvGcSwl53EmJQa8eedotdaUwksl8XihCr-ZV3GNcWOLLjfKvvhVhIOFvYhc6jOH1GmKIOU1ygdeKb7htOUBBIZnbUbGdWZSyGMuI7kz8dX24guouZCTWsATe4MDfW7LQIgduzoeiowEcYs89KBTS3YUxaOT7NDckGobHAStoYx9US8lMewM3pW6wA6eKb0JOJiK2ssjYkf4wlaoLvTmw_AJAt9_LgWGLaVR8__7rFiFZs907AxeNu5lG17ayCCcfF3kt5Awmvfar-AC6EV1326uwtqXKgJA3ksRfDd2CnCs7No92ncoMtUaMqCwifFQmvztY_wgjdKt68dYzNrHtGE=w555-h739-no)
Title: Re: Billing Boats Nr 424 Mercantic cargo vessel.
Post by: Taranis on July 04, 2021, 11:52:19 pm
Working late I made and fitted one set of hatch coamings, a bit tricky setting them up at the right height and angles.
I also made an oversized bow gunwale to be trimmed to suit later.

(https://photos.smugmug.com/Billing-Boats-Nr-424-Mercantic/i-ZsP3TZk/0/efe37b25/XL/D1B243D9-0D6B-4F4C-A7EE-32C3508692E3-XL.jpg)


(https://photos.smugmug.com/Billing-Boats-Nr-424-Mercantic/i-GfBC9sm/0/812d1e74/XL/0A709171-CB73-43DE-B20E-497B7114AF24-XL.jpg)


(https://photos.smugmug.com/Billing-Boats-Nr-424-Mercantic/i-P4J2g2r/0/b4c0c6d7/XL/F6B096F8-4E12-47A3-B7F3-8840FF8C56E2-XL.jpg)


Tomorrow I hope to re sand the hull and escape any need for filling before applying glass cloth to one side of the keel and hull.
(https://photos.smugmug.com/Billing-Boats-Nr-424-Mercantic/i-BvJSKKv/0/287743f2/XL/D835A96B-FC22-4634-BBC3-953FE80300DF-XL.jpg)
Title: Re: Billing Boats Nr 424 Mercantic cargo vessel.
Post by: Taranis on July 05, 2021, 05:38:32 pm
Progress was good today so I didn't sand the hull but continued on deck  :-))


(https://photos.smugmug.com/Billing-Boats-Nr-424-Mercantic/i-zQb5pDF/0/8c0211a1/XL/EA0EBCD9-75F9-4512-9247-CC6FDD83F55C-XL.jpg)


(https://photos.smugmug.com/Billing-Boats-Nr-424-Mercantic/i-QxjsrZd/0/078c1198/XL/D9560DF3-AFAD-405B-AB43-0E58C5E5C56B-XL.jpg)


(https://photos.smugmug.com/Billing-Boats-Nr-424-Mercantic/i-Pxzc726/0/bf1eff29/XL/F53F7D2C-CA35-4F0B-82F4-BA4CECD24762-XL.jpg)


(https://photos.smugmug.com/Billing-Boats-Nr-424-Mercantic/i-fRFpFV7/0/d6d47b26/X2/FA8C511B-EC5E-46D7-8250-76DCF2948BA8-X2.jpg)


(https://photos.smugmug.com/Billing-Boats-Nr-424-Mercantic/i-N8k3sTW/0/e9eb01a5/X2/B819E66B-64F3-4C79-9E63-C42FBF2C55CE-X2.jpg)


(https://photos.smugmug.com/Billing-Boats-Nr-424-Mercantic/i-3qCvSTz/0/dafc56b4/X2/4FC2F482-B199-4DFD-87A1-0641069DBFAD-X2.jpg)


(https://photos.smugmug.com/Billing-Boats-Nr-424-Mercantic/i-X4jF2KX/0/62fe9e0d/X2/8912A552-4132-4261-8949-1D4F066833D0-X2.jpg)

(https://photos.smugmug.com/Billing-Boats-Nr-424-Mercantic/i-cLzBfkF/0/964c13f4/X3/11C97345-95B4-4594-9A24-3523DC4748EE-X3.jpg)

Title: Re: Billing Boats Nr 424 Mercantic cargo vessel.
Post by: Taranis on July 06, 2021, 06:21:43 pm
Some ducking and diving but still moving forwards.
I managed to sand the hull. There are some very minor imperfections that will not need filling. The resin and glass finishing coat will cover them.
Finished the bow ribs and gunwale and other bits.

(https://photos.smugmug.com/Billing-Boats-Nr-424-Mercantic/i-R4JrBZv/0/97848b5e/X3/B4A15AD9-0124-4532-9E56-D923C82521AE-X3.jpg)

(https://photos.smugmug.com/Billing-Boats-Nr-424-Mercantic/i-nWX6xMv/0/d53dabde/X2/6871A7BA-ABF8-4AFE-ADB2-F8C5C1EB5225-X2.jpg)

(https://photos.smugmug.com/Billing-Boats-Nr-424-Mercantic/i-4CkbbLN/0/2d30a4e7/X2/2178A33F-6F33-4516-B3F1-DA9C43F2E666-X2.jpg)

(https://photos.smugmug.com/Billing-Boats-Nr-424-Mercantic/i-PVLCtXw/0/68c50e7c/X2/41CF28D6-477F-4974-BF87-27C36537BA68-X2.jpg)

(https://photos.smugmug.com/Billing-Boats-Nr-424-Mercantic/i-9fFBhtj/0/37805086/X2/3C245067-C744-4474-A21A-3E7EEA81BC30-X2.jpg)

(https://photos.smugmug.com/Billing-Boats-Nr-424-Mercantic/i-trWxXPP/0/91a0807f/X2/3A5F8B64-3EF6-460F-A892-5D380C0FA6CE-X2.jpg)

(https://photos.smugmug.com/Billing-Boats-Nr-424-Mercantic/i-r7VqF9r/0/26a1a145/X2/508303AC-0B3C-4210-9867-EFFC8B31644B-X2.jpg)

(https://photos.smugmug.com/Billing-Boats-Nr-424-Mercantic/i-DqNxCXs/0/4e2f1c32/X2/3DA4B1C6-E42F-466F-8A3C-89C2AC32A4BB-X2.jpg)

(https://photos.smugmug.com/Billing-Boats-Nr-424-Mercantic/i-qSJwh5k/0/166b3e1d/X2/CC1E9E1E-B994-4474-8283-E7D1AC9E5F79-X2.jpg)

(https://photos.smugmug.com/Billing-Boats-Nr-424-Mercantic/i-WdpxpHB/0/05f56c60/X2/03AEEFED-100A-4B09-8618-AA479412BA97-X2.jpg)
Title: Re: Billing Boats Nr 424 Mercantic cargo vessel.
Post by: nemesis on July 06, 2021, 06:26:03 pm
Hi Andy, Nice to see the bulb angle going on, a lovely finishing touch, bill
Title: Re: Billing Boats Nr 424 Mercantic cargo vessel.
Post by: Taranis on July 06, 2021, 06:29:25 pm
Hi Andy, Nice to see the bulb angle going on, a lovely finishing touch, bill
Bulb angle 🤔
Is that the lifting boom support ? 🤭
Title: Re: Billing Boats Nr 424 Mercantic cargo vessel.
Post by: Taranis on July 06, 2021, 09:42:27 pm
The days not over.


I wonder what everyone else did with their ribs aft of the bow?


I had a choice of breaking all the frames out and fitting new ones to scale or shaping them and accepting their over thickness.
I've chosen the latter and will fit thinner intermediate ones.
(https://photos.smugmug.com/Billing-Boats-Nr-424-Mercantic/i-3QwkK5n/0/4fc1cba5/XL/20DA5523-9408-47BD-94A3-AA65E324AEE1-XL.jpg)


(https://photos.smugmug.com/Billing-Boats-Nr-424-Mercantic/i-WWG8ZLV/0/8123bbf0/XL/D6A00E7B-3491-4799-AD38-6A01F88473F9-XL.jpg)


(https://photos.smugmug.com/Billing-Boats-Nr-424-Mercantic/i-7MKwXnb/0/517a3ec8/XL/574FB33D-0870-4137-9D83-7FB148288AA6-XL.jpg)


(https://photos.smugmug.com/Billing-Boats-Nr-424-Mercantic/i-jJ43TW9/0/06708189/XL/3D0B73A5-825C-4518-A136-800C6F797718-XL.jpg)


I've also started the stern gunwale
(https://photos.smugmug.com/Billing-Boats-Nr-424-Mercantic/i-67qGC48/0/3352695e/XL/A96E4476-B3F8-4556-B7FC-1995370D22CA-XL.jpg)


Just three ribs left to shape
(https://photos.smugmug.com/Billing-Boats-Nr-424-Mercantic/i-cPc9qv5/0/6a81088d/XL/BA85E20A-7CA7-421D-A738-C2828E947E33-XL.jpg)
Title: Re: Billing Boats Nr 424 Mercantic cargo vessel.
Post by: Taranis on July 07, 2021, 02:15:11 pm
Last night I glassed the Port side and this morning sanded it.
(https://photos.smugmug.com/Billing-Boats-Nr-424-Mercantic/i-w4Z8mw9/0/c8c2f9ed/X2/27F2A0FC-EC75-4066-869B-78DC9F018555-X2.jpg)


(https://photos.smugmug.com/Billing-Boats-Nr-424-Mercantic/i-T8MS9D3/0/713287e0/X3/D2307462-FCD2-42E2-B54E-C28F36F8619D-X3.jpg)


(https://photos.smugmug.com/Billing-Boats-Nr-424-Mercantic/i-JGJnvTS/0/0bdabc81/X2/A1148A2C-D020-48B1-83E0-4A99B56743AF-X2.jpg)


(https://photos.smugmug.com/Billing-Boats-Nr-424-Mercantic/i-SXzqCh2/0/457d50f3/XL/0EC9D49B-AF8B-490F-8155-6B7C15FC2F5E-XL.jpg)

(https://photos.smugmug.com/Billing-Boats-Nr-424-Mercantic/i-WTGPDj2/0/21f52a78/X2/DF7B63EC-B016-40D4-84F9-CBCCD25FE60E-X2.jpg)


(https://photos.smugmug.com/Billing-Boats-Nr-424-Mercantic/i-cLLgR8b/0/b998a58a/X3/22F7C9DE-C946-455F-A867-5620CB4E0CD0-X3.jpg)


Then I prepared the Starboard half.
(https://photos.smugmug.com/Billing-Boats-Nr-424-Mercantic/i-82GkVpf/0/62060d07/X2/069540F4-37D0-43D5-927B-B8F375465F0D-X2.jpg)


(https://photos.smugmug.com/Billing-Boats-Nr-424-Mercantic/i-PcqZxZv/0/b31d5335/XL/67275447-D65B-4490-A0AD-5BA74CC897DB-XL.jpg)


(https://photos.smugmug.com/Billing-Boats-Nr-424-Mercantic/i-C6tXJnF/0/65fd2dbc/XL/1866FBB3-E828-4CA3-81EF-C38D255AF15D-XL.jpg)


(https://photos.smugmug.com/Billing-Boats-Nr-424-Mercantic/i-9qtZfSC/0/1bb323be/XL/580698F3-DB68-44B0-9A12-8CF4D62921CE-XL.jpg)


(https://photos.smugmug.com/Billing-Boats-Nr-424-Mercantic/i-kkFgfhJ/0/dd638332/XL/2AE2205A-09FA-43FB-BA1F-44FBDE0112A5-XL.jpg)


(https://photos.smugmug.com/Billing-Boats-Nr-424-Mercantic/i-s5smhZP/0/7f893b93/XL/C2B88C8A-09CB-4FB5-B70B-7BD08AD35427-XL.jpg)


(https://photos.smugmug.com/Billing-Boats-Nr-424-Mercantic/i-xQbqqZD/0/6a08a34f/XL/9FA65B91-CB46-4A1C-9303-4E70A29923E2-XL.jpg)


Once sanded the next job is to set the waterline.



Title: Re: Billing Boats Nr 424 Mercantic cargo vessel.
Post by: nemesis on July 07, 2021, 08:07:12 pm
Hi Andy, bit of an awkward job to do. You could have left them as they were, an accepted part of the kit or do what you did. What ever takes your fancy. That is it with a wood kit. Still doing a good job, lovely, bill
Title: Re: Billing Boats Nr 424 Mercantic cargo vessel.
Post by: Taranis on July 07, 2021, 10:48:25 pm
Thank you Bill
Still hard to call
I may yet knock out the well deck ribs yet.
For now I’ll sand the rest of the of the hull and mark the waterline before cutting the long wash ports and adding the bilge keels and rubbing strakes
Title: Re: Billing Boats Nr 424 Mercantic cargo vessel.
Post by: Taranis on July 10, 2021, 08:09:26 am
Bildge keels fitted, waterline marked, wash ports being cut and gunwales in progress.
I hope to get some primer on the outer hull this weekend.


(https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-K8Z4dQG/0/XL/i-K8Z4dQG-XL.jpg)


(https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-JkBSsZ7/0/XL/i-JkBSsZ7-XL.jpg)


(https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-TprzRPf/0/XL/i-TprzRPf-XL.jpg)


(https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-tmz6DHP/0/XL/i-tmz6DHP-XL.jpg)


(https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-6Fzcjzc/0/XL/i-6Fzcjzc-XL.jpg)


(https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-Tj64pXw/0/XL/i-Tj64pXw-XL.jpg)


(https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-4QKwXQz/0/XL/i-4QKwXQz-XL.jpg)


(https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-7Gh7zmP/0/XL/i-7Gh7zmP-XL.jpg)


(https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-D833JhR/0/XL/i-D833JhR-XL.jpg)


(https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-RG9QjHN/0/X2/i-RG9QjHN-X2.jpg)




























































Title: Re: Billing Boats Nr 424 Mercantic cargo vessel.
Post by: Taranis on July 11, 2021, 08:39:16 am
Progress from yesterday.
Bow fairleads cut out
(https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-twBFHxz/0/XL/i-twBFHxz-XL.jpg)


(https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-DGtWkfW/0/XL/i-DGtWkfW-XL.jpg)

Two more frame ribs removed and replaced with eight new ribs.
(https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-NBS26tv/0/XL/i-NBS26tv-XL.jpg)


Rubbing strakes fitted.
(https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-SRZMtDj/0/XL/i-SRZMtDj-XL.jpg)

Coaming fitted around stern access
(https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-6gK2R94/0/XL/i-6gK2R94-XL.jpg)

(https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-mdBcnHn/0/XL/i-mdBcnHn-XL.jpg)

(https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-Gt539JJ/0/XL/i-Gt539JJ-XL.jpg)

Bracket for aft lifting boom fitted
(https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-FKL8ZGC/0/XL/i-FKL8ZGC-XL.jpg)

Favourite angle of view
(https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-N4hPsB8/0/X2/i-N4hPsB8-X2.jpg)

Today I'll be making all the missing ribs
Title: Re: Billing Boats Nr 424 Mercantic cargo vessel.
Post by: Taranis on July 11, 2021, 04:58:41 pm
Change of plans but all progress.
I finished the ribs around the rear hatch.
I then was attracted to all the obechi offcuts.
(https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-J5L6S3g/0/XL/i-J5L6S3g-XL.jpg)


Each panel is 1.5mm ply with planks glued on but removable for painting.
(https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-Xq3JRfZ/0/XL/i-Xq3JRfZ-XL.jpg)


(https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-JkBbwp8/0/XL/i-JkBbwp8-XL.jpg)


Then finally another use for the OSMO stain used on my Lobster boat.
I remember our friend DaveM asking me how to apply it.
Really easy as its just an oil. Brush cloth sponge whatever, put it on wipe it off until it looks ok to you. Then leave 12 hrs before applying clear coat.
(https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-x7qn3B4/0/XL/i-x7qn3B4-XL.jpg)


(https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-CmfTrSs/0/XL/i-CmfTrSs-XL.jpg)


(https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-gpqf2fg/0/XL/i-gpqf2fg-XL.jpg)


Now ready for the game
(https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-JNV5RFp/0/X2/i-JNV5RFp-X2.jpg)
Title: Re: Billing Boats Nr 424 Mercantic cargo vessel.
Post by: Taranis on July 12, 2021, 05:52:00 pm
I ended yesterday with making eight bases from brass strip for the bollards.
Billing do make this part but unfortunately they suffer from inconsistencies.
(https://photos.smugmug.com/Billing-Boats-Nr-424-Mercantic/i-dZQHnd9/0/517a0f10/XL/6CA30760-0385-4366-824E-C7721D115B69-XL.jpg)

I then thought perhaps a start on the superstructure would make a nice change.
(https://photos.smugmug.com/Billing-Boats-Nr-424-Mercantic/i-CH93smh/0/656909a0/X2/162D1D4B-9FFA-4F56-8361-645209E3E874-X2.jpg)

(https://photos.smugmug.com/Billing-Boats-Nr-424-Mercantic/i-QdSZd2R/0/97cbb28e/X2/E7EF13B5-4697-4702-B74D-1CE57B77B372-X2.jpg)

(https://photos.smugmug.com/Billing-Boats-Nr-424-Mercantic/i-LQX66jQ/0/1744c086/X2/F31FEFA4-23BD-4B75-BCF8-B57B29B152DC-X2.jpg)

Base complete
(https://photos.smugmug.com/Billing-Boats-Nr-424-Mercantic/i-hF3d97q/0/aba7bbdf/X2/B5E10524-8E94-4A83-8005-F12B2B4218B7-X2.jpg)

It's essential here to have the correct relationship between the height of the deck cabin roof and the gunwale.
(https://photos.smugmug.com/Billing-Boats-Nr-424-Mercantic/i-sZBKpqv/0/faa44bc1/XL/AF6271EA-454B-4905-9D4D-96322E976BBD-XL.jpg)

(https://photos.smugmug.com/Billing-Boats-Nr-424-Mercantic/i-B7Qh8Hc/0/cdcf9c09/X2/ACED20E5-EB09-408E-A79F-7CB52463A8CE-X2.jpg)

Making the walls is 10% inspiration 90% perspiration

(https://photos.smugmug.com/Billing-Boats-Nr-424-Mercantic/i-4bc7rdN/0/7837310e/XL/7C9FC3B9-8A03-46F8-928E-8B244A46B97D-XL.jpg)

(https://photos.smugmug.com/Billing-Boats-Nr-424-Mercantic/i-VHb566h/0/5c2a3dca/XL/CFF61519-5471-4214-BEAA-8885965BEC6A-XL.jpg)

(https://photos.smugmug.com/Billing-Boats-Nr-424-Mercantic/i-DkJLNkV/0/4b202510/XL/3AFBFEA3-6F35-455A-8BCF-60795D7A28CC-XL.jpg)

(https://photos.smugmug.com/Billing-Boats-Nr-424-Mercantic/i-d9FbCKK/0/2498df17/XL/CED0977F-5759-46AF-A534-A2EADD4E5C6D-XL.jpg)

(https://photos.smugmug.com/Billing-Boats-Nr-424-Mercantic/i-xQZS9z6/0/f9a104c9/XL/EEB8B9CA-772C-427D-85D8-C4BC5F0625EC-XL.jpg)

(https://photos.smugmug.com/Billing-Boats-Nr-424-Mercantic/i-rgJdcwP/0/e3952196/XL/481F41B3-75A7-4768-8EC6-DFA1923FA712-XL.jpg)


(https://photos.smugmug.com/Billing-Boats-Nr-424-Mercantic/i-gv4PnW4/0/7d2be1e4/X2/FB258791-319A-4480-B34A-555BDAC23E8B-X2.jpg)


(https://photos.smugmug.com/Billing-Boats-Nr-424-Mercantic/i-hWrGkz8/0/94fd4cfe/XL/0D928EFD-8B44-441C-AD37-606F94F627BF-XL.jpg)


For the next level, the bridge windows.
(https://photos.smugmug.com/Billing-Boats-Nr-424-Mercantic/i-mvkj8QF/0/a885779a/X2/2ACB624A-288D-4F3F-A51A-9B24B4185604-X2.jpg)



Title: Re: Billing Boats Nr 424 Mercantic cargo vessel.
Post by: Taranis on July 13, 2021, 08:38:39 am
Currently I'm making a template to match exactly the gunwales for the upper deck.


Also I'm going to shape the funnel today. Here I've made paper templates glued to the base as a guide. Thank you MarkT  :-))


(https://photos.smugmug.com/Billing-Boats-Nr-424-Mercantic/i-4DLVkzn/0/b79433e3/XL/035D0843-413D-49DB-A94A-A2DCEE46559E-XL.jpg)


The original instructions call for the port holes to be drilled after finished paintwork  {-)


That is a terrible idea as a mistake can mean a complete repaint  %% 


Another IMPORTANT point is to avoid drilling on a bulkhead frame. If you stuck rigidly to the drawing this would occur!  Fortunately I had the foresight to avoid that potential disaster.


(https://photos.smugmug.com/Billing-Boats-Nr-424-Mercantic/i-CFWdMs7/0/25bf15e3/XL/47A991FE-2EEE-40F3-98EE-523D56B5D713-XL.jpg)


(https://photos.smugmug.com/Billing-Boats-Nr-424-Mercantic/i-gkZKtcC/0/40c8815f/X2/8629348F-C96C-4565-80C3-6E0C2748F48B-X2.jpg)

(https://photos.smugmug.com/Billing-Boats-Nr-424-Mercantic/i-h6wzfk6/0/0e0a12d4/XL/D07407CA-891A-4664-9736-10B118771ADD-XL.jpg)


(https://photos.smugmug.com/Billing-Boats-Nr-424-Mercantic/i-jbSPTkr/0/d4e5a5fe/XL/6A82236B-811C-493D-87BE-5E451AC3F51F-XL.jpg)


Resin coated to harden the balsa after rough sanding.
(https://photos.smugmug.com/Billing-Boats-Nr-424-Mercantic/i-27cdjPP/0/73305db2/XL/4C18AF3A-CFB7-40E3-A1DB-833C8B7476FF-XL.jpg)


(https://photos.smugmug.com/Billing-Boats-Nr-424-Mercantic/i-BGNWfhJ/0/49a30661/XL/989EDFA7-0F68-474A-8C36-CDD0616070FA-XL.jpg)


(https://photos.smugmug.com/Billing-Boats-Nr-424-Mercantic/i-BR7zdH7/0/92817d4b/XL/DD9BE7C9-E93D-46F1-8310-FC92ED55C47A-XL.jpg)
Title: Re: Billing Boats Nr 424 Mercantic cargo vessel.
Post by: Taranis on July 14, 2021, 07:38:02 am
Moving on. The paper template was turned into 1.5mm ply, oversize at this point.
(https://photos.smugmug.com/Billing-Boats-Nr-424-Mercantic/i-QK6xKsN/0/6257f103/XL/7E807DBE-D472-4F4A-B8C9-D9A0B01425C5-XL.jpg)


All the while I'm considering how this will be painted, so as far as possible they won't be glued together.
(https://photos.smugmug.com/Billing-Boats-Nr-424-Mercantic/i-pRDCJ5q/0/18886de2/X2/D1299A83-1957-4327-8950-D8597818A984-X2.jpg)


(https://photos.smugmug.com/Billing-Boats-Nr-424-Mercantic/i-wbKLh3H/0/d04d72fc/X2/0BB5C411-8DB8-4C18-88E2-CDF00E6631C5-X2.jpg)


(https://photos.smugmug.com/Billing-Boats-Nr-424-Mercantic/i-qXjgszb/0/f06955e5/XL/B12ED243-6FC9-4394-8C93-4201C56F0F66-XL.jpg)


(https://photos.smugmug.com/Billing-Boats-Nr-424-Mercantic/i-8HrwCM8/0/3b69265f/XL/DE3E980F-8000-4A82-AA2D-6E47AA26308B-XL.jpg)


(https://photos.smugmug.com/Billing-Boats-Nr-424-Mercantic/i-pWhMj47/0/af1bd26d/XL/F80FC28D-F673-4368-9021-4CE958626F1D-XL.jpg)


(https://photos.smugmug.com/Billing-Boats-Nr-424-Mercantic/i-mNpGvff/0/ef8dbbe5/XL/3A842713-9EEC-40D2-8E1E-30D2CE29D69D-XL.jpg)
Title: Re: Billing Boats Nr 424 Mercantic cargo vessel.
Post by: Taranis on July 14, 2021, 01:59:25 pm
So now the upper deck is trimmed to accept the wrap around. This is my new method off the cuff. Since having a Quooker tap fitted I see this as useful for more than hot drinks
(https://photos.smugmug.com/Billing-Boats-Nr-424-Mercantic/i-DskM3WQ/0/95a1cf06/X2/3D0D1849-C11A-44DF-B932-7743BD0690DF-X2.jpg)


The inner pipe is the radius I require and the outer half pipe prevents the outer skin splitting.
(https://photos.smugmug.com/Billing-Boats-Nr-424-Mercantic/i-HQQMFVQ/0/c39c82d6/X2/EB6752A8-C6F6-4582-8740-B06DE2D2DFCA-X2.jpg)


Two or three dowsings then tied and left to dry.
(https://photos.smugmug.com/Billing-Boats-Nr-424-Mercantic/i-NkWPpDr/0/b4f47910/X2/B8FD425E-3A2C-4D56-B9B6-DC6F6D34A178-X2.jpg)


(https://photos.smugmug.com/Billing-Boats-Nr-424-Mercantic/i-D2grXs8/0/6f77d141/X2/DA603B5C-540C-4093-9E44-5FC13527C59F-X2.jpg)


(https://photos.smugmug.com/Billing-Boats-Nr-424-Mercantic/i-zk6djrp/0/076e0cc0/X2/2CB9F2DB-B4C8-4C80-BCAD-C50840FD4E49-X2.jpg)

.....................................     ...................................
Still damp but it now has no resistance and no splitting.  I will give it a second treatment to be sure.
(https://photos.smugmug.com/Billing-Boats-Nr-424-Mercantic/i-P4s4Z7f/0/29351aef/XL/37B97655-3B9D-4BF0-975F-71D01D19DA80-XL.jpg)


(https://photos.smugmug.com/Billing-Boats-Nr-424-Mercantic/i-DhbR5jc/0/4a75c28b/X2/ADCC03DE-CA92-4C50-BCA6-2C35A3AE2153-X2.jpg)

...................................................         ...............................................


As this is a lot of work to cut out it would be folly to cut it first and then form the bend.
(https://photos.smugmug.com/Billing-Boats-Nr-424-Mercantic/i-SqDFtM5/0/d72f1a42/XL/45D053B3-383F-40B7-8F44-C123AD6762BB-XL.jpg)


(https://photos.smugmug.com/Billing-Boats-Nr-424-Mercantic/i-LxXZrtK/0/811ffd2c/XL/FB2EAE10-714A-4F5C-8653-90374944111B-XL.jpg)


More later....
Title: Re: Billing Boats Nr 424 Mercantic cargo vessel.
Post by: Taranis on July 14, 2021, 09:12:00 pm
Forum seems unusually quiet, so todays third post.


Here is one side roughed out with the rotary Proxxon.
(https://photos.smugmug.com/Billing-Boats-Nr-424-Mercantic/i-KpG9dQm/0/b38af8a4/XL/5885D41C-03EA-4B5E-BB35-3AF73CF0207C-XL.jpg)


Honestly the template is quite inaccurate but as stated back in the 60's this model has to be built!! not merely assembled  O0


Rough fit
(https://photos.smugmug.com/Billing-Boats-Nr-424-Mercantic/i-3t6TTpm/0/f6019dbb/XL/3706BD4C-F078-4A0E-A433-EC56700E1085-XL.jpg)


Underside
(https://photos.smugmug.com/Billing-Boats-Nr-424-Mercantic/i-7Zb2RMp/0/bf6d3467/XL/F838B377-03C9-4591-8835-F390F0E923B3-XL.jpg)


Not too shabby
(https://photos.smugmug.com/Billing-Boats-Nr-424-Mercantic/i-Mt6Qrck/0/8552d29b/XL/7ECA703E-DD95-406B-9BD9-0CC92D477749-XL.jpg)


Everything still comes apart for painting.
(https://photos.smugmug.com/Billing-Boats-Nr-424-Mercantic/i-QJRhc6m/0/068e59c5/XL/0EA2F2A2-6766-4A37-90A6-C24D0A01E94E-XL.jpg)


(https://photos.smugmug.com/Billing-Boats-Nr-424-Mercantic/i-x6JcGRM/0/d45f6587/XL/CDCE1876-2A95-4273-BB79-1AE68732C369-XL.jpg)


(https://photos.smugmug.com/Billing-Boats-Nr-424-Mercantic/i-Ddb7V9X/0/5a255c6a/XL/7D76C0F0-904D-4E4F-86AE-A84FDFA53273-XL.jpg)


Tomorrow head start
(https://photos.smugmug.com/Billing-Boats-Nr-424-Mercantic/i-r6rH8JS/0/80827b47/XL/DBE60E33-2886-4CD6-9CB7-DCBC3F37D38C-XL.jpg)
Title: Re: Billing Boats Nr 424 Mercantic cargo vessel.
Post by: Taranis on July 15, 2021, 08:18:48 pm
Superstructure woodwork almost complete.
Component parts easy to paint and glaze.
(https://photos.smugmug.com/Billing-Boats-Nr-424-Mercantic/i-6mvkNVw/0/3fc457cc/XL/92FA4F97-4308-4D16-BE0F-7EC04A7525C3-XL.jpg)


(https://photos.smugmug.com/Billing-Boats-Nr-424-Mercantic/i-Z5PFtfk/0/4a14b958/XL/8A4F9B33-56E5-42CD-9348-B3CA114DD62A-XL.jpg)


(https://photos.smugmug.com/Billing-Boats-Nr-424-Mercantic/i-3WMGZZP/0/17e915dc/XL/940B5F12-DA7E-4A29-8B95-14C2CEE0C396-XL.jpg)


(https://photos.smugmug.com/Billing-Boats-Nr-424-Mercantic/i-7Mjb3DL/0/2e811b2d/XL/E527384D-2079-422C-9CC2-AC50A46ECD06-XL.jpg)


(https://photos.smugmug.com/Billing-Boats-Nr-424-Mercantic/i-cfNS6gs/0/18836d16/XL/C07150E5-8D71-4717-8849-1C6E139ADE99-XL.jpg)


(https://photos.smugmug.com/Billing-Boats-Nr-424-Mercantic/i-B7S2Z4K/0/520c7a7d/XL/FA9CAF08-E83B-4F53-8935-D54E04AA25F9-XL.jpg)


(https://photos.smugmug.com/Billing-Boats-Nr-424-Mercantic/i-G7bT5vd/0/24fb0259/XL/95E1315F-9DC5-40E6-B576-FD0C72D00605-XL.jpg)


(https://photos.smugmug.com/Billing-Boats-Nr-424-Mercantic/i-fnKsqPg/0/16c7e786/XL/B24C7A59-1BB3-428D-B8B8-E839197F00BC-XL.jpg)
Title: Re: Billing Boats Nr 424 Mercantic cargo vessel.
Post by: RST on July 15, 2021, 08:35:22 pm
The naval architecture in this boat is interesting.  Do you know why she was designed with the split level decks?  Was it so out-sized deck cargo could be carried on the forward hatch without compromising stability?  Maybe just a fashion of the time?


Am amazed at your mojo as usual.  To quote Star Trek 2 I think: "hours instead of days, days instead of weeks".  I've only got even slower at doing things over the last 18 months!
Title: Re: Billing Boats Nr 424 Mercantic cargo vessel.
Post by: Taranis on July 15, 2021, 08:47:31 pm
Hi Rich, I asked the same question some time ago but cannot find the replies.
Basically its evolution. As a coastal cargo vessel she could deliver almost anywhere and the lower well deck and hold would have made it easier to load / off load at non ports. She's flat bottomed so she can anchor close to shore at high tide and wait for the low tide leaving herself high and dry. There is an archive photo of her fully loaded on top of the well deck hatch so there certainly wasn't any stability issues.


Cheers


Edit
Outsized cargo is a good point you made  O0


(https://photos.smugmug.com/Billing-Boats-Nr-424-Mercantic/i-Q32MbFr/0/3a66237e/X4/94C6B37C-BC8B-440C-B7A0-6FF0B96B385B-X4.jpg)
Title: Re: Billing Boats Nr 424 Mercantic cargo vessel.
Post by: hama on July 15, 2021, 10:26:17 pm
Superb work as always!!
As for the well, as I tried to give an answer earlier  I'll try again.
A ship's tonnage is the enclosed volume and matters when it comes to regulations and fees. If you look at the picture of Mercantic with a full cargo you realise that had she had a full length main deck without the well, her total volume on the same length would be greater. She can still carry deckcargo on the full length of the vessel and load down to her deepest draft, but on a lesser volume.  There were as I understand a lot of vessels at 299GRT and 499GRT to avoid certain rules of manning for instance.
This is how I understand the design of the Mercantic.
But more important, carry on with yet another of your fabulous builds!!
Hama
Title: Re: Billing Boats Nr 424 Mercantic cargo vessel.
Post by: RST on July 15, 2021, 10:42:51 pm
Superb work as always!!
As for the well, as I tried to give an answer earlier  I'll try again.
A ship's tonnage is the enclosed volume and matters when it comes to regulations and fees. If you look at the picture of Mercantic with a full cargo you realise that had she had a full length main deck without the well, her total volume on the same length would be greater. She can still carry deckcargo on the full length of the vessel and load down to her deepest draft, but on a lesser volume.  There were as I understand a lot of vessels at 299GRT and 499GRT to avoid certain rules of manning for instance.
This is how I understand the design of the Mercantic.
But more important, carry on with yet another of your fabulous builds!!
Hama


...great point Hama!  I forgot that, as you sat GRT is technically measured volume but in tonnage and not intuitive or much link in-between to the uninitiated.  All probably mixed in with tax rules and state rules rather than class rules.  A good point -a cheats way around things back then -the same happens today also.  It's all about tax!


I like Andys picture also.  The bulwarks are split at interesting sections I have a theory on but not qualified to comment.


Rich
Title: Re: Billing Boats Nr 424 Mercantic cargo vessel.
Post by: nemesis on July 16, 2021, 06:17:06 pm
Hi Andy, We to have often wondered about that as well, coming,at times,  to consider that they were removable for easier access. It would be interesting to find out, keep up the good work, bill
Title: Re: Billing Boats Nr 424 Mercantic cargo vessel.
Post by: Taranis on July 16, 2021, 06:58:14 pm
Thank you all for your comments and info  :-))


Last night I resin coated the superstructure and made the davits


(https://photos.smugmug.com/Billing-Boats-Nr-424-Mercantic/i-kfmjqx3/0/46dcb25a/XL/46976157-DCB2-4A40-8149-33A6321F664B-XL.jpg)


(https://photos.smugmug.com/Billing-Boats-Nr-424-Mercantic/i-2g6ZNBg/0/be8b7448/XL/7F40B523-78CD-48E2-BC9B-7F9F88DEF5E2-XL.jpg)


(https://photos.smugmug.com/Billing-Boats-Nr-424-Mercantic/i-xwmGxNw/0/eb38e16f/XL/4710D06A-E691-4B3A-8127-54F2D3C4BB1F-XL.jpg)


(https://photos.smugmug.com/Billing-Boats-Nr-424-Mercantic/i-VdhkWtx/0/1fc9461d/XL/E10E3169-B3C2-44A3-B49F-52630E8ED169-XL.jpg)


Today I had to go to two branches of Halfrauds to stock up on satin lacquer and while I was at it I bought Ford Olympic Blue as recommended by Bill  :-))
(https://photos.smugmug.com/Billing-Boats-Nr-424-Mercantic/i-f8vZ3KX/0/7ab6905b/X2/8032AE3F-DCD9-4CFB-B057-D0470D42A1D7-X2.jpg)


After sanding the resin I coat all in Satin lacquer, a good leveller and baser for primer.

(https://photos.smugmug.com/Billing-Boats-Nr-424-Mercantic/i-RgGzNKm/0/82c5c6ff/X2/9A592A1D-E11D-46EE-B1C7-3D4F8ECA4598-X2.jpg)


Funnel and davit fixings
(https://photos.smugmug.com/Billing-Boats-Nr-424-Mercantic/i-FBNN9fV/0/3778c17c/XL/87261B17-B11C-4874-B92E-3DCA2401E91A-XL.jpg)


(https://photos.smugmug.com/Billing-Boats-Nr-424-Mercantic/i-njPnpkk/0/52e2542d/XL/CB172F49-2140-4FFD-97A6-B198926AA302-XL.jpg)


(https://photos.smugmug.com/Billing-Boats-Nr-424-Mercantic/i-FfxqF9M/0/500b2d5d/XL/90E7C1D2-8B8B-4203-8935-FF5398CA1166-XL.jpg)


(https://photos.smugmug.com/Billing-Boats-Nr-424-Mercantic/i-FwDsDjf/0/0742746d/X2/3E852BBB-6AE4-4000-B255-49D599FB7B2F-X2.jpg)


(https://photos.smugmug.com/Billing-Boats-Nr-424-Mercantic/i-fqSX8XB/0/628d1014/X2/9F5CE779-B759-4876-9116-84D49D2E97B9-X2.jpg)


Still lots to do
Title: Re: Billing Boats Nr 424 Mercantic cargo vessel.
Post by: Taranis on July 17, 2021, 05:29:21 pm
Far too hot today for modelling I know but aided by a fan and Italian white wine I have continued between glugs  {-)


Anyway pictures later of the limited progress


I know many of you refrain from Facebook for personal reasons but for those that do use it you can find me and all my (and others) daily updates there
Look for …  Andy and friends model boats
This is Public group so no need for membership and anything posted there can be shared and visible in any other group

Title: Re: Billing Boats Nr 424 Mercantic cargo vessel.
Post by: Stan on July 17, 2021, 05:41:26 pm
HI Taranis 90f in old money in Leeds 16.  Could you give me a call need some info.


Stan.
Title: Re: Billing Boats Nr 424 Mercantic cargo vessel.
Post by: Taranis on July 17, 2021, 08:07:10 pm
My best friend today and I've just bought another one with mains adapter.
(https://photos.smugmug.com/Billing-Boats-Nr-424-Mercantic/i-7KtcWgL/0/8e279356/X2/B8A13011-E237-4B19-BF9E-3725BCF4FADF-X2.jpg)


So I'm onto the littler things now starting with doors.
(https://photos.smugmug.com/Billing-Boats-Nr-424-Mercantic/i-2k2KtMR/0/8f6de470/L/5144C2E8-AE1F-4BB2-B85C-7A6EA6B62A09-L.jpg)

I need to buy some port holes for these.
(https://photos.smugmug.com/Billing-Boats-Nr-424-Mercantic/i-pBpmsQH/0/bc563f7b/XL/41256B14-4CB0-40A9-853A-99D63C7FA113-XL.jpg)


These vent fittings I've stuffed with wood and drilled to take a servo rod.
(https://photos.smugmug.com/Billing-Boats-Nr-424-Mercantic/i-MdQtmrk/0/327a069d/XL/DEAA9AAA-A45B-4C89-BAC5-C322B4974F2D-XL.jpg)


The funnel looks odd without exhausts so I fitted a couple of pipes.
(https://photos.smugmug.com/Billing-Boats-Nr-424-Mercantic/i-6DrcDGC/0/a0e3998e/XL/C894D8A5-C0A8-44ED-B692-7049428C346A-XL.jpg)


(https://photos.smugmug.com/Billing-Boats-Nr-424-Mercantic/i-9cWkQXC/0/0bff716e/XL/A67E7F98-728E-4F76-B3C0-A97CF75531B1-XL.jpg)


I'm not sure of some of these colours, Ice blue in particular.


(https://photos.smugmug.com/Billing-Boats-Nr-424-Mercantic/i-pn3t6Zp/0/e6ede3c0/XL/19004A3D-978E-4EF8-A021-03A6EA59A9EC-XL.jpg)
Title: Re: Billing Boats Nr 424 Mercantic cargo vessel.
Post by: Taranis on July 20, 2021, 06:47:50 pm
For the funnel I decided on Ford Radiant Red
(https://photos.smugmug.com/Billing-Boats-Nr-424-Mercantic/i-wxC5TcL/0/8b0e0451/X2/585B6274-097D-4995-85A0-5ACCD983A521-X2.jpg)


The top will be black eventually.
(https://photos.smugmug.com/Billing-Boats-Nr-424-Mercantic/i-BrPSXrK/0/77de0e85/XL/53BF9C68-2CAC-4BD9-9902-2D9CB3ADDDA0-XL.jpg)


(https://photos.smugmug.com/Billing-Boats-Nr-424-Mercantic/i-d6kWpvz/0/72918edb/XL/6466F881-25F1-4EAC-8596-A6B8885F7799-XL.jpg)


I decided I didn't like the hatch covers in only three sections as this would make the boards too heavy at full scale.
(https://photos.smugmug.com/Billing-Boats-Nr-424-Mercantic/i-tDPW4bV/0/99386145/XL/A08C7A10-3581-4800-B007-0DD2DD0FC030-XL.jpg)


(https://photos.smugmug.com/Billing-Boats-Nr-424-Mercantic/i-K6p6wnZ/0/e8e3bb21/XL/66771C9F-2A83-47C6-B47D-3FD763C85E2D-XL.jpg)


(https://photos.smugmug.com/Billing-Boats-Nr-424-Mercantic/i-fJC7PhZ/0/00930f83/XL/F8B35FCA-A852-43F0-847D-C08BB30B11A2-XL.jpg)
Title: Re: Billing Boats Nr 424 Mercantic cargo vessel.
Post by: Taranis on July 20, 2021, 06:54:56 pm
Moving on I continue catching up on ribs


(https://photos.smugmug.com/Billing-Boats-Nr-424-Mercantic/i-H2vb5Gd/0/744f95ba/L/271C2E2F-4F90-4E8D-818A-2DEC67FB7905-L.jpg)


(https://photos.smugmug.com/Billing-Boats-Nr-424-Mercantic/i-MQpdFMk/0/ab85fefb/XL/F0D8C6D1-F127-4CA3-B275-E708E38104CC-XL.jpg)


(https://photos.smugmug.com/Billing-Boats-Nr-424-Mercantic/i-3zQ4CNd/0/f891be22/XL/0FC8E760-879E-4765-AF86-FD8DC9BB08B3-XL.jpg)


(https://photos.smugmug.com/Billing-Boats-Nr-424-Mercantic/i-33rPBBQ/0/52b6a1ca/XL/E2B651A9-1BA6-4715-B64A-485185BF60BE-XL.jpg)


(https://photos.smugmug.com/Billing-Boats-Nr-424-Mercantic/i-D4zCnDb/0/0c97a2f7/XL/3367CB03-9118-470D-B292-FCA2CDF8746E-XL.jpg)


(https://photos.smugmug.com/Billing-Boats-Nr-424-Mercantic/i-GgGkJx7/0/afe75d24/XL/08F5CDA1-916E-4403-95AB-FF130FADE773-XL.jpg)
Title: Re: Billing Boats Nr 424 Mercantic cargo vessel.
Post by: Taranis on July 20, 2021, 07:03:11 pm
Here I had to fix an earlier mistake. I wasn't looking forwards to tackling this but fears were unfounded.
(https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-F6cVxZg/0/X2/i-F6cVxZg-X2.jpg)


(https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-TtjDfdp/0/X2/i-TtjDfdp-X2.jpg)


Starboard completed.
(https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-qL4SbPk/0/X2/i-qL4SbPk-X2.jpg)


(https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-zWt3KZR/0/X2/i-zWt3KZR-X2.jpg)


(https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-kSJW7bb/0/X2/i-kSJW7bb-X2.jpg)
Title: Re: Billing Boats Nr 424 Mercantic cargo vessel.
Post by: Taranis on July 21, 2021, 09:36:09 pm
Last look before primer  <:(
(https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-7jcQbPd/0/X2/i-7jcQbPd-X2.jpg)


(https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-8vq4CQj/0/X2/i-8vq4CQj-X2.jpg)


(https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-FPBnJgR/0/X2/i-FPBnJgR-X2.jpg)


(https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-2bs45RC/0/X3/i-2bs45RC-X3.jpg)
Title: Re: Billing Boats Nr 424 Mercantic cargo vessel.
Post by: Taranis on July 22, 2021, 05:21:41 pm
So it begins
(https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-jbvX6kD/0/XL/i-jbvX6kD-XL.jpg)


(https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-4GcxqhZ/0/XL/i-4GcxqhZ-XL.jpg)


(https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-r5P2Lfn/0/XL/i-r5P2Lfn-XL.jpg)


Rudder shoe fitted
(https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-jpC9DQf/0/XL/i-jpC9DQf-XL.jpg)


(https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-pXtqBvt/0/XL/i-pXtqBvt-XL.jpg)

Servo platform and linkage fitted.
(https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-H5QCPgC/0/X2/i-H5QCPgC-X2.jpg)


(https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-5bxfKPc/0/XL/i-5bxfKPc-XL.jpg)


(https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-tCqkPms/0/XL/i-tCqkPms-XL.jpg)


Lots of sanding to do. I hope to do the anti foul coat tomorrow.


A bigger selection of pictures in the gallery.




Mercantic history
https://www.faergejournalen.dk/handelsskibe/mercandia/mercantic_1964.html?fbclid=IwAR0s6w0mXquVFD1jzSlArsZoFZYGtsOmKguwfhWi9XMf6Jr5yPoFgbhc1dI
Title: Re: Billing Boats Nr 424 Mercantic cargo vessel.
Post by: Hande on July 23, 2021, 11:32:45 am
She's taking beautiful shape!
How come the primer didn't hide the waterline?
Also, can you point me toward a good tutorial on hiding gaps between plysheets with putty. You seem to "just do it" with such ease...
Hande
Title: Re: Billing Boats Nr 424 Mercantic cargo vessel.
Post by: Taranis on July 23, 2021, 02:56:56 pm
Thank you Hande


I don't know what you mean by ply & putty
I use resin on all parts and sand it.

The pictures answer the first question.

This will be rubbed down with fine wire wool tomorrow then covered in plenty of Satin clear acrylic lacquer.
(https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-K6NXkqp/0/L/i-K6NXkqp-L.jpg)


(https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-H7jTphK/0/L/i-H7jTphK-L.jpg)


(https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-4xQz47x/0/L/i-4xQz47x-L.jpg)


(https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-Gcv8xLf/0/L/i-Gcv8xLf-L.jpg)


(https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-xV67rc3/0/L/i-xV67rc3-L.jpg)


(https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-bzKCC6f/0/L/i-bzKCC6f-L.jpg)


For tomorrow.
(https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-3WhnQZF/0/L/i-3WhnQZF-L.jpg)


(https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-TGtMB6v/0/L/i-TGtMB6v-L.jpg)


Now is the time for patience
(https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-HpWKZpz/0/XL/i-HpWKZpz-XL.jpg)


(https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-c282vn3/0/X2/i-c282vn3-X2.jpg)


(https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-5gXTfrZ/0/X2/i-5gXTfrZ-X2.jpg)


Once the bottom is lacquered the propeller can be loctited on and the motor fitted.
This then allows for a bath and ballast journey of discovery.


I will then decide on a battery type and size from my current vast array without buying anymore.
Title: Re: Billing Boats Nr 424 Mercantic cargo vessel.
Post by: Taranis on July 24, 2021, 03:16:01 pm
It was a battle with the drop in temperature and cool wind.
First attempt bloomed on all the thin sections between ribs.
I rubbed over with wire wool and went again but this time straight back inside and in front of the kitchen plinth heater for long enough to see it not bloom  {-)


It's good enough for out of sight.
(https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-S5rqHmQ/0/X2/i-S5rqHmQ-X2.jpg)


(https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-Nvr4LPf/0/X2/i-Nvr4LPf-X2.jpg)


Red trimline tape 3.3mm will be used for the waterline after the Olympic blue is added.


It will all be lacquered again after decals applied too.


Tomorrow I'll fit the running gear and do a ballast test.
Title: Re: Billing Boats Nr 424 Mercantic cargo vessel.
Post by: Taranis on July 24, 2021, 08:18:11 pm
Couldn't resist fitting the prop. This picture captures the tactile yet smooth nature of the ladies bum.
(https://photos.smugmug.com/Billing-Boats-Nr-424-Mercantic/i-666zN8T/0/c2f01e5a/XL/30B67CA7-CE1C-4228-9899-3FD4B0ED507F-XL.jpg)
Title: Re: Billing Boats Nr 424 Mercantic cargo vessel.
Post by: warspite on July 25, 2021, 09:46:50 am
phwoah {-)
Title: Re: Billing Boats Nr 424 Mercantic cargo vessel.
Post by: warspite on July 25, 2021, 09:52:53 am
On reflection I could never understand the need to fill all the dents in the hull and sanding it down to a perfect hull shape - even if they were careful in the ship yard, the natural warping of the hull plates would create such dents and bulges naturally, so a truly accurate ship would still have these, in fact I remember someone on here trying to recreate the pattern of dents between the strengtheners for a frigate some time ago rather than the perfectly smooth shape of the plans - just an observational comment.


But I really do admire your craftsmanship and wish I could achieve a build like this (hence why I go for the plastic fantastic's why I actually do build something).
Title: Re: Billing Boats Nr 424 Mercantic cargo vessel.
Post by: Capt Podge on July 25, 2021, 12:02:01 pm
in fact I remember someone on here trying to recreate the pattern of dents between the strengtheners for a frigate some time ago



This one :-))
https://www.modelboatmayhem.co.uk/forum/index.php/topic,56343.0.html


Ray.
Title: Re: Billing Boats Nr 424 Mercantic cargo vessel.
Post by: Taranis on July 25, 2021, 02:03:23 pm
Most important is to be watertight  O0 {-)
So now the motor is final fixed.
(https://photos.smugmug.com/Billing-Boats-Nr-424-Mercantic/i-NB9HbKq/0/9dd08b6f/XL/33D35929-44D9-4A5E-AD69-7D485572CB8F-XL.jpg)

I've used this in a number of boats now with great success as can be seen in the Hoga most recently.
(https://photos.smugmug.com/Billing-Boats-Nr-424-Mercantic/i-mNTv3Fw/0/b507f796/XL/F5C530DD-E95B-424D-881E-5F42BBEAE6D0-XL.jpg)

Along with my favourite ESC
(https://photos.smugmug.com/Billing-Boats-Nr-424-Mercantic/i-F38rR8m/0/8892b96c/XL/3CF4B146-E845-410F-89BA-11D2E24C5818-XL.jpg)

After changing to XT60
(https://photos.smugmug.com/Billing-Boats-Nr-424-Mercantic/i-3kXBfWN/0/5fb773b8/XL/BD139905-5501-432D-9211-3DBAAC3387F6-XL.jpg)

Then adjust the settings
(https://photos.smugmug.com/Billing-Boats-Nr-424-Mercantic/i-Vz32kzz/0/c33eb93a/XL/0FA84FBE-EDC0-4146-BDE4-761722F53C06-XL.jpg)

Can be done without but much easier with a program card.
(https://photos.smugmug.com/Billing-Boats-Nr-424-Mercantic/i-NwJjfhc/0/dac7dd09/X2/2713694B-CAD3-44AE-9F97-7E22AF50CF80-X2.jpg)

One of a number of receivers I bought cheap a long time ago but work very well
(https://photos.smugmug.com/Billing-Boats-Nr-424-Mercantic/i-qTXdB3v/0/9f37bf52/XL/2453DEE2-5C5A-45CA-BC59-4036E76EA822-XL.jpg)

Video

(https://photos.smugmug.com/Billing-Boats-Nr-424-Mercantic/i-2jfgnNV/0/e4bf20e0/1920/IMG_1291-1920.mp4) (https://techno.smugmug.com/Billing-Boats-Nr-424-Mercantic/i-2jfgnNV/A)

Video link for those who cannot see the url preview.
https://photos.smugmug.com/Billing-Boats-Nr-424-Mercantic/i-2jfgnNV/0/e4bf20e0/1920/IMG_1291-1920.mp4 (https://photos.smugmug.com/Billing-Boats-Nr-424-Mercantic/i-2jfgnNV/0/e4bf20e0/1920/IMG_1291-1920.mp4)







Title: Re: Billing Boats Nr 424 Mercantic cargo vessel.
Post by: Taranis on July 25, 2021, 02:15:13 pm
So despite my earlier plan I bought these  {-)

Yes I will have to bin the Deans connectors, I don't like them anyway.

(https://photos.smugmug.com/Billing-Boats-Nr-424-Mercantic/i-4QLVf4d/0/271e0070/X3/7616F4A6-3E2F-4EEA-995D-8760B8DEA484-X3.png)


Then on to ballasting. I leave myself headroom for adjustment but make up the bulk with lead shot in resin.
(https://photos.smugmug.com/Billing-Boats-Nr-424-Mercantic/i-QrjfnwF/0/38b89380/XL/C31BFC92-3BED-4F61-B5AC-DD2423837C23-XL.jpg)


(https://photos.smugmug.com/Billing-Boats-Nr-424-Mercantic/i-9mt85rb/0/a53f76db/XL/9F7246FA-F52D-40A0-9DE3-D4017E601ECC-XL.jpg)


With caution I'm applying resin to one compartment at a time.
(https://photos.smugmug.com/Billing-Boats-Nr-424-Mercantic/i-9XVxRQg/0/dcb12999/XL/9F4FBEEF-E87C-4212-8982-4966D895ABE8-XL.jpg)


To make sure the resin sets level
(https://photos.smugmug.com/Billing-Boats-Nr-424-Mercantic/i-BMS6TSn/0/b9b8f4c4/X2/87104B80-5520-4217-A238-EAA98A22CA82-X2.jpg)


(https://photos.smugmug.com/Billing-Boats-Nr-424-Mercantic/i-p4zSXMb/0/94ba514f/X2/50BB9977-7F4D-4210-9E2B-18400CCF9B81-X2.jpg)



Title: Re: Billing Boats Nr 424 Mercantic cargo vessel.
Post by: Taranis on July 25, 2021, 07:30:45 pm
This is the final resin for the fixed ballast and I'm still a good 8mm away from the waterline. Once this sets I'll add mobile ballast to establish the gross weight.
She will happily sail at this already but the deeper! the better.
The well deck is completely submersible so the rougher the water the more realism. I may well silicon the hatch cover on as there will be nothing going on in there requiring access.
(https://photos.smugmug.com/Billing-Boats-Nr-424-Mercantic/i-75d3RWM/0/a660bdb2/XL/F6B4E4AA-3ECB-45AA-B6B4-E6EAA7BF036B-XL.jpg)


(https://photos.smugmug.com/Billing-Boats-Nr-424-Mercantic/i-mg8PdM7/0/794d56c0/XL/3F4C3668-AE5D-43BD-BFB3-A5C55DD1A4FC-XL.jpg)
Title: Re: Billing Boats Nr 424 Mercantic cargo vessel.
Post by: Stan on July 25, 2021, 08:02:25 pm
HI Andy I can not send you a pm blocked for some reason. Can you get plans for the lobster boat? Sorry to hijack your thread.


Stan .
Title: Re: Billing Boats Nr 424 Mercantic cargo vessel.
Post by: Taranis on July 25, 2021, 08:17:09 pm
I have a used hard copy from my build if anyone wants to make an offer? Stan.


Meanwhile ballast completed.
I have close enough to 900grams of headroom.
Max gross weight 6.4kg
The ballast is perfect as can be seen by the placement of the loose load midships.

(https://photos.smugmug.com/Billing-Boats-Nr-424-Mercantic/i-g5kj3sq/0/854329e8/XL/42EB983E-BAB8-4AA0-AEFA-743CF66EEFAA-XL.jpg)
Title: Re: Billing Boats Nr 424 Mercantic cargo vessel.
Post by: Colin Bishop on July 25, 2021, 08:22:57 pm
Quote
On reflection I could never understand the need to fill all the dents in the hull and sanding it down to a perfect hull shape - even if they were careful in the ship yard, the natural warping of the hull plates would create such dents and bulges naturally, so a truly accurate ship would still have these

Correct for naval ships, but not for something like Mercantic as completed. Ships are not completed with dents although they may acquire them afterwards so I think Taranis has got it 100% right.

Colin
Title: Re: Billing Boats Nr 424 Mercantic cargo vessel.
Post by: Taranis on July 25, 2021, 08:24:46 pm
I didn't have any dents in the hull requiring filling  :}

Had it not been for the balsa blocks I would have been tempted to leave her naked like my Hoga  :kiss:

Cheers Colin  :-)
Title: Re: Billing Boats Nr 424 Mercantic cargo vessel.
Post by: warspite on July 26, 2021, 08:15:39 am
I understand, but as most models are of a ship while in service, not straight out of the shipyard, the dents would be evident, except luxury yachts and powerboats or vessels that are not used in the normal sea trade like tankers and freights etc i.e. working.


So like the leander - the 'Dents' are from constant pounding by the sea and the metal deforming between the frames or natural warping from construction and therefore why model the vessel with the dents out.


Though I really do like the lines and finish on this vessel.  :-))
Title: Re: Billing Boats Nr 424 Mercantic cargo vessel.
Post by: Colin Bishop on July 26, 2021, 10:35:36 am
Quote
I understand, but as most models are of a ship while in service, not straight out of the shipyard, the dents would be evident

I like my models to be 'as built' but of course others prefer the weathered look. However, if you want to depict dents then they should be 'authentic dents' in the appropriate places and not simply haphazard ones because the hull hasn't been sanded properly!

With regard to welding concavities, these are most noticeable on smaller warships which have pretty thin hulls whereas merchant vessels, particularly those like Mercantic (built in 1964), will have more robust scantlings cap[able of handling heavy and bulk cargo items. Merchant ships get a lot of hard use and sea time so they need strong long lasting hulls.

Plus of course steel plating 'wastes away' over the years and is expensive to replace.

Colin
Title: Re: Billing Boats Nr 424 Mercantic cargo vessel.
Post by: Taranis on July 27, 2021, 07:46:31 am
Unfortunately or fortunately planks have to be sanded so that they don't look like planks on a steel vessel  O0


Not needing to use filler is a bonus in saved time and effort but can improve your best attempt as in my Boulogne Etaples build.


On with the build but not much progress.


The electrics fit conveniently with the supplied double sided tape.
(https://photos.smugmug.com/Billing-Boats-Nr-424-Mercantic/i-73JSrGk/0/c6f4bbc8/XL/35135128-FD3D-4969-9301-6BBC18CD66B8-XL.jpg)


(https://photos.smugmug.com/Billing-Boats-Nr-424-Mercantic/i-7zrDqkZ/0/35a12a4a/XL/8F5B694F-511D-469C-9EFD-E74D2FF8BBCD-XL.jpg)


(https://photos.smugmug.com/Billing-Boats-Nr-424-Mercantic/i-2z2t364/0/1ef7231d/XL/21C8B2C5-011F-47F0-8901-212E277D8DA1-XL.jpg)


The batteries arrived yesterday and after testing them I changed the deans to XT60, a potentially dangerous operation if not planned carefully.
This newer style XT60 is designed to not need heat shrink which is fine on the load side male connectors BUT on the female battery connector its important to deal with one wire at a time and insulate it to guard against accidentally touching it with the other wire while trying to solder it. The heat shrink conveniently came with the ESC and I didn't need it for that.
(https://photos.smugmug.com/Billing-Boats-Nr-424-Mercantic/i-VFkGfQc/0/fabe538d/X2/9E3CD67A-CCC5-400D-879F-B9DAFBDF9BAA-X2.jpg)
 
I stuck two blocks of paxolin to the resin to be able to bridge the keel with the battery. A strip of rubber then made a base for it and some blocks of wood in front to keep the hard case battery in place.
(https://photos.smugmug.com/Billing-Boats-Nr-424-Mercantic/i-mb2hVh6/0/27b53137/XL/91A4F7DA-BCF2-48C6-881F-4064DBFEAE9A-XL.jpg)


(https://photos.smugmug.com/Billing-Boats-Nr-424-Mercantic/i-73DSkkr/0/d23c12a6/XL/B6273763-0F54-4093-900E-05D953D8B911-XL.jpg)
Title: Re: Billing Boats Nr 424 Mercantic cargo vessel.
Post by: Taranis on July 27, 2021, 09:31:42 pm
I was undecided on how to treat this wheelhouse deck as the original was a printed mahogany sheet simulating planks.


A trip to Leeds model shop today gave me the option of walnut or mahogany 0.5x3mm strip.


I chose to stay with the latter.
(https://photos.smugmug.com/Billing-Boats-Nr-424-Mercantic/i-nrDdDjs/0/0d117a4e/XL/802D6A7E-C78B-4086-A9C3-ED1BDAC2081D-XL.jpg)


(https://photos.smugmug.com/Billing-Boats-Nr-424-Mercantic/i-kDrvzBZ/0/ed212c8b/XL/90D86A00-D4A4-48AC-AFF9-540DDABDC1D7-XL.jpg)


So far so good. Once this is clear coated it can be masked off for painting the rest, I think I'm going with white.


(https://photos.smugmug.com/Billing-Boats-Nr-424-Mercantic/i-RdNWbZL/0/4909345c/XL/03807498-C202-46E7-BBF9-8EE965424D5C-XL.jpg)


Work continued to the late hours.
(https://photos.smugmug.com/Billing-Boats-Nr-424-Mercantic/i-nHnmV77/0/6e381612/XL/0E6E50ED-035F-4DD2-8A43-59DC2ED22F81-XL.jpg)


This morning a sealing coat of satin lacquer.
(https://photos.smugmug.com/Billing-Boats-Nr-424-Mercantic/i-LjSZnDZ/0/992c902b/XL/8478773D-3E97-4C8C-A08F-79B680B6CC86-XL.jpg)


(https://photos.smugmug.com/Billing-Boats-Nr-424-Mercantic/i-H8w9V2G/0/e847385e/XL/15521498-07F1-43B3-AFB9-672AFC3EB38C-XL.jpg)


(https://photos.smugmug.com/Billing-Boats-Nr-424-Mercantic/i-22RjV72/0/c73a0e76/XL/EF2E20AB-89D1-4B6A-B477-52AAD6BC06EB-XL.jpg)


(https://photos.smugmug.com/Billing-Boats-Nr-424-Mercantic/i-Tbt9j52/0/61277c56/XL/63B6B102-5EAA-4592-919B-C5E5E9FB3678-XL.jpg)


(https://photos.smugmug.com/Billing-Boats-Nr-424-Mercantic/i-b4pr5jr/0/59e049de/XL/C21A6D43-AC22-4427-A22A-DCF67922B246-XL.jpg)


(https://photos.smugmug.com/Billing-Boats-Nr-424-Mercantic/i-9dvgNjV/0/c7cc87c9/XL/A3CE11B1-B18C-4400-A535-18549698CB1F-XL.jpg)
Title: Re: Billing Boats Nr 424 Mercantic cargo vessel.
Post by: Taranis on July 30, 2021, 05:06:43 pm
I started the day wanting to progress the wheelhouse roof and it has gone ok so far.


(https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-XCM9RkH/0/X2/i-XCM9RkH-X2.jpg)


(https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-bqVFstF/0/XL/i-bqVFstF-XL.jpg)


(https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-NLFXrVW/0/XL/i-NLFXrVW-XL.jpg)


(https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-LBwnFzT/0/XL/i-LBwnFzT-XL.jpg)


(https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-gQh4MQc/0/XL/i-gQh4MQc-XL.jpg)


(https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-vzQCRSV/0/XL/i-vzQCRSV-XL.jpg)


(https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-VkZ9Wr3/0/XL/i-VkZ9Wr3-XL.jpg)
Title: Re: Billing Boats Nr 424 Mercantic cargo vessel.
Post by: Taranis on July 30, 2021, 05:11:20 pm
Tamiya paints take no time.
(https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-9QxswxB/0/XL/i-9QxswxB-XL.jpg)


Meanwhile I decided on sliding bridge doors
(https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-6N4p2rp/0/XL/i-6N4p2rp-XL.jpg)


(https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-kLNLfJp/0/XL/i-kLNLfJp-XL.jpg)


(https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-bRrNvTs/0/L/i-bRrNvTs-L.jpg)


(https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-PnnDpHF/0/L/i-PnnDpHF-L.jpg)


(https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-NHxw2DZ/0/L/i-NHxw2DZ-L.jpg)


(https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-QNKrshc/0/XL/i-QNKrshc-XL.jpg)


(https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-Bv6jthq/0/XL/i-Bv6jthq-XL.jpg)


(https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-HzLhvmM/0/XL/i-HzLhvmM-XL.jpg)
Title: Re: Billing Boats Nr 424 Mercantic cargo vessel.
Post by: Taranis on July 30, 2021, 05:14:32 pm
This is my chosen deck colour AS-14 Olive green by Tamiya.


Contrasting against white superstructure and bulwarks and Olympic Blue hull.


There will be many hours and yards of masking tape.
(https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-tWvz62v/0/XL/i-tWvz62v-XL.jpg)


(https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-LqbGFfN/0/XL/i-LqbGFfN-XL.jpg)
Title: Re: Billing Boats Nr 424 Mercantic cargo vessel.
Post by: CarlC on July 30, 2021, 07:12:49 pm
She is looking great. Really enjoying your build log, very informative, and learning a lot from your pictures too.
Title: Re: Billing Boats Nr 424 Mercantic cargo vessel.
Post by: Taranis on July 30, 2021, 07:16:17 pm
That’s good feedback thank you Carl  :-)


I hope watchers have noticed the subtle changes to the hatch cover planks over recent posts 😊
Title: Re: Billing Boats Nr 424 Mercantic cargo vessel.
Post by: Taranis on July 31, 2021, 09:06:00 pm
Billing fitting number F181 is the supplied ladder but this is also used in their 1:75 scale models and I decided to make an alternative from the Plastruct range 1:48 scale stairs.
(https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-N69zbR2/0/XL/i-N69zbR2-XL.jpg)


I did this for my Stevn's Arctic build but they were much bigger so easier to handle on the sander.


Here I made a jig to get closer to the disc and set a stop at the required half width.
(https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-j5Zn983/0/XL/i-j5Zn983-XL.jpg)


(https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-fLdHNWr/0/XL/i-fLdHNWr-XL.jpg)


(https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-9bSNLjw/0/XL/i-9bSNLjw-XL.jpg)


(https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-3DtNDgR/0/XL/i-3DtNDgR-XL.jpg)


(https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-rGvGPcF/0/X2/i-rGvGPcF-X2.jpg)


Thanks for this to my friend Bill "Nemesis"


No longer available
(https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-drT9wPb/0/X2/i-drT9wPb-X2.jpg)


(https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-29SgmzN/0/XL/i-29SgmzN-XL.jpg)


(https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-tXFqPPH/0/XL/i-tXFqPPH-XL.jpg)


(https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-4D52BwX/0/XL/i-4D52BwX-XL.jpg)
Title: Re: Billing Boats Nr 424 Mercantic cargo vessel.
Post by: RST on July 31, 2021, 09:50:13 pm
Hi andy,

I've re-purposed plenty of companionways and ladders before but always cut them down one side rather than the middle.  I find that is the easier route to re-join with solder or solvent with less clean-up after.  Obviously, whatever works though!

Did I ask before?  Since a long time I've been intrigued what the little hatch is for athwartships between the hatches?  I guess it makes little difference as it was there originally.

...That Brass winch / capstain from Billings isn't too bad really -but the Graupner affair looks better.

Rich
Title: Re: Billing Boats Nr 424 Mercantic cargo vessel.
Post by: Taranis on July 31, 2021, 10:09:26 pm
I don't know Rich but I'd think possibly access to the fuel or fresh water tank.
Title: Re: Billing Boats Nr 424 Mercantic cargo vessel.
Post by: tassie48 on August 01, 2021, 12:17:34 am
Use to be called a Tonnage hatch going thru the Panama canal it  gave you a discount on ships tonnage and we use to store hatch covers king beams and and hatch boards in there tow ropes etc some we're full hatch going to the tween decks others were just a storage hatch .tassie48
Title: Re: Billing Boats Nr 424 Mercantic cargo vessel.
Post by: RST on August 01, 2021, 12:40:57 am
Use to be called a Tonnage hatch going thru the Panama canal it  gave you a discount on ships tonnage and we use to store hatch covers king beams and and hatch boards in there tow ropes etc some we're full hatch going to the tween decks others were just a storage hatch .tassie48
..interesting and thanks tassie -probably another tax thing also.  I've not worked on merchant ships before but know the rules are fickled.
Title: Re: Billing Boats Nr 424 Mercantic cargo vessel.
Post by: Taranis on August 01, 2021, 04:28:43 pm
Yes thanks for that insight Tassie  O0


Here is a chance to see the colours of my choice. Thank you Nemesis for the pointer to the blue  :-))

(https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-HZPH567/0/L/i-HZPH567-L.jpg)


(https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-bRg4dwc/0/XL/i-bRg4dwc-XL.jpg)


(https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-8scZc3L/0/XL/i-8scZc3L-XL.jpg)


(https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-8pqxq66/0/XL/i-8pqxq66-XL.jpg)
Title: Re: Billing Boats Nr 424 Mercantic cargo vessel.
Post by: Taranis on August 01, 2021, 04:34:42 pm
Moving on and continuing with stair mods and railings
(https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-PgKQbnk/0/XL/i-PgKQbnk-XL.jpg)


(https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-BCBNrmv/0/XL/i-BCBNrmv-XL.jpg)


(https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-28TTTCg/0/XL/i-28TTTCg-XL.jpg)


(https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-fLLBLfQ/0/XL/i-fLLBLfQ-XL.jpg)


(https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-hV7Cz9N/0/XL/i-hV7Cz9N-XL.jpg)


(https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-XX8cTJS/0/XL/i-XX8cTJS-XL.jpg)


(https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-jbxpvv8/0/XL/i-jbxpvv8-XL.jpg)


I'm going to do white with olive green treads after primer.


(https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-7S6sqcG/0/XL/i-7S6sqcG-XL.jpg)




Viola
(https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-7HZ6DwB/0/XL/i-7HZ6DwB-XL.jpg)
Title: Re: Billing Boats Nr 424 Mercantic cargo vessel.
Post by: nemesis on August 01, 2021, 05:40:18 pm
Hi Andy, about that hatch, I always thought it was a deep tank, possibly for liquids and cofferdamed. But I will go along with Tassie, makes more sense. I love that mahogany deck, rich man has this boat, to deck it in this timber, lovely. It is going to be a cracker, bill
Title: Re: Billing Boats Nr 424 Mercantic cargo vessel.
Post by: Taranis on August 02, 2021, 10:47:59 am
Thanks Bill


Continued last night
(https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-SkcGKBk/0/XL/i-SkcGKBk-XL.jpg)


(https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-JJWZw6G/0/XL/i-JJWZw6G-XL.jpg)


(https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-f82smr7/0/XL/i-f82smr7-XL.jpg)


(https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-wGgZjkf/0/XL/i-wGgZjkf-XL.jpg)


(https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-SDJBbJc/0/X2/i-SDJBbJc-X2.jpg)


(https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-LTCHxhH/0/X2/i-LTCHxhH-X2.jpg)


I don't solder this type of railing but use CA and remove excess with kitchen roll.


(https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-2MLHjgh/0/XL/i-2MLHjgh-XL.jpg)


(https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-f5V6TvG/0/XL/i-f5V6TvG-XL.jpg)
Title: Re: Billing Boats Nr 424 Mercantic cargo vessel.
Post by: warspite on August 02, 2021, 11:02:19 am
At first I thought you had left the steps with that wear pattern on - but then remembered its as freshly built ;D   {-)
Title: Re: Billing Boats Nr 424 Mercantic cargo vessel.
Post by: Taranis on August 03, 2021, 08:43:10 am
I'm having second thoughts on hull colour since finding this screen grab from you tube. Looks to be during construction.
(https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-9prmXKW/0/L/i-9prmXKW-L.png)
Title: Re: Billing Boats Nr 424 Mercantic cargo vessel.
Post by: Taranis on August 03, 2021, 05:08:17 pm
I thought she deserves a stand today.
Using my templates of frames 3 & 7 to establish a raw shape for trimming exactly.
(https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-M5KXJ63/0/L/i-M5KXJ63-L.jpg)


(https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-brSLChj/0/X2/i-brSLChj-X2.jpg)


Halford gloss black dries fast on bare wood.
(https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-dMrDFz5/0/X2/i-dMrDFz5-X2.jpg)


Piano lid felt
(https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-pfpbhTL/0/XL/i-pfpbhTL-XL.jpg)


(https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-8PjX8xC/0/XL/i-8PjX8xC-XL.jpg)


The white flecks are just dust.
(https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-sMJtXSF/0/XL/i-sMJtXSF-XL.jpg)


More painting. Tamiya FINE primer followed by Halfords appliance white.
The cost of Tamiya primer has gone to £8.25 at Leeds model shop so I only buy that in an emergency. I just bought 10 tins on Ebay delivered for just under £69.
(https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-m8Fkvcq/0/XL/i-m8Fkvcq-XL.jpg)


(https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-LhPgpWj/0/XL/i-LhPgpWj-XL.jpg)
Title: Re: Billing Boats Nr 424 Mercantic cargo vessel.
Post by: nemesis on August 03, 2021, 06:08:26 pm
Hi Andy, that is a great photo, you can glean a lot from it, you are right to have second thoughts about the hull colour. It looks like a dark blue on the photo, similar to the dark blue on the Maersk tugs. Ford Baltic Blue, that came from a Maersk skipper. I had to get mine mixed at a car factors. If you would like to see the colour I will send you a pic. I have dug and delved to get photos of the Mercantic and here you turn up with two, keep well, bill
Title: Re: Billing Boats Nr 424 Mercantic cargo vessel.
Post by: Taranis on August 03, 2021, 06:11:57 pm
Check this one out Bill
https://youtu.be/NLTioTFhgLQ (https://youtu.be/NLTioTFhgLQ).  Sitting a bit too low I would say but a nice example  O0


The last few minutes of this too
https://youtu.be/8ilF3Xa1qI8 (https://youtu.be/8ilF3Xa1qI8)
Title: Re: Billing Boats Nr 424 Mercantic cargo vessel.
Post by: RST on August 03, 2021, 06:29:04 pm
I rather like the darker more grey colour.  BUT it's an old cine film and you probably got no idea how distorted it is compared to what it should be.


...I think your Arctic would look better in the blue and the Mercantic in green!  But then again I'm not known for my fashion sense, or following prototype!!  LoL

Rich
Title: Re: Billing Boats Nr 424 Mercantic cargo vessel.
Post by: Taranis on August 03, 2021, 06:31:32 pm
All replies and opinions are very welcome especially as the forum is like the Marie Celeste lately  :kiss:
Title: Re: Billing Boats Nr 424 Mercantic cargo vessel.
Post by: nemesis on August 03, 2021, 06:34:23 pm
Hi Andy, What a coincidence, that looks like "Des,s" boat from the St Georges club in Sydney OZ. He is a real Mercantic fan and is one of the down under fans I was telling you about. He has about 5 or 6 of them in different guises. Tis a small world with the WWW. Thanks for the tip. bill
Title: Re: Billing Boats Nr 424 Mercantic cargo vessel.
Post by: Taranis on August 03, 2021, 06:37:17 pm
I never thought at the outset that I would fall in love with this ship.
The fixed ballast definitely makes her feel real and lovely to handle.
Loads more pictures coming up on the Facebook Billing boats group.
If I get agreement from today’s post I will share them.


I'll be sending my frame templates to Billing Boats soon, there is a growing desire to buy this model if it comes to fruition
Title: Re: Billing Boats Nr 424 Mercantic cargo vessel.
Post by: nemesis on August 03, 2021, 06:52:05 pm
Hi Andy, I should think so to, You have nurtured this boat from start to finish, if there is a tutorial to be had on how to build a model boat, well this is it. Knew you would get the collywobbles, He He, bill
Title: Re: Billing Boats Nr 424 Mercantic cargo vessel.
Post by: Taranis on August 03, 2021, 07:00:18 pm
Kind words and appreciated. If Billing do manage to resurrect her they will be taking advantage of my build to assist customers  :-))


I think it would be risky to put this in a skill required class that is lower than experienced.


As our Father of the Billing brand said, this has to be built not merely assembled.
Title: Re: Billing Boats Nr 424 Mercantic cargo vessel.
Post by: RST on August 03, 2021, 07:01:31 pm
What's been the sticking point for them so far or am I over simplifying things?


As a commercial idea, I really like that sister ship on the German forum with the lifeboat and davits on the aft hatch.  It wouldn't take much to produce parts for two versions?  Or would they need someone to provide the drawings for the davits plus the extended rear upper deck?


Rich
Title: Re: Billing Boats Nr 424 Mercantic cargo vessel.
Post by: Taranis on August 03, 2021, 07:03:32 pm
The company of today does not have records going back to when this was produced.
The hull frames will get them re started in conjunction with the limited info they do have presently.
Title: Re: Billing Boats Nr 424 Mercantic cargo vessel.
Post by: nemesis on August 03, 2021, 07:05:10 pm
HI, Do you mean the Adolf Bermphol. bill
Title: Re: Billing Boats Nr 424 Mercantic cargo vessel.
Post by: Taranis on August 03, 2021, 07:07:13 pm
HI, Do you mean the Adolf Bermphol. bill
I suspect
The Ebba Victor training ship.
Title: Re: Billing Boats Nr 424 Mercantic cargo vessel.
Post by: RST on August 03, 2021, 07:07:57 pm
The company of today does not have records going back to when this was produced.
The hull frames will get them re started in conjunction with the limited info they do have presently.


....yes I know that well, but they could do the same and look for an original kit and re-engineer it just the same.  Or are they just not wanting to pay for that in fear of lack-of RoI?
Title: Re: Billing Boats Nr 424 Mercantic cargo vessel.
Post by: Taranis on August 03, 2021, 07:10:53 pm
No idea Rich
All I know is Billing approached me for help and I agreed.
I doubt my blog would help with a different model either
Title: Re: Billing Boats Nr 424 Mercantic cargo vessel.
Post by: Taranis on August 03, 2021, 07:19:53 pm
Henk Boogaard photos
https://techno.smugmug.com/Billing-modellers/i-XLHF99W?fbclid=IwAR0P0k8V0VUmO69PwcRFuRqDcTLJCdYXZYncsTljfaU5oRxZJnYVvcjz_D8 (https://techno.smugmug.com/Billing-modellers/i-XLHF99W?fbclid=IwAR0P0k8V0VUmO69PwcRFuRqDcTLJCdYXZYncsTljfaU5oRxZJnYVvcjz_D8)


(https://photos.smugmug.com/Billing-modellers/i-8hbCRpB/0/96af5676/XL/784E2057-EFDE-49DC-A46F-0B96F141BD05-XL.jpg)
Title: Re: Billing Boats Nr 424 Mercantic cargo vessel.
Post by: Mrs Stav on August 03, 2021, 09:53:23 pm
Hubby suggests that colour is very very similar to Austin Rover Pagent blue


Mrs Stav
Title: Re: Billing Boats Nr 424 Mercantic cargo vessel.
Post by: Sinc55 on August 05, 2021, 08:23:04 pm

I wanted to this opportunity to thank Andy for providing such a detailed build log of the Mercantic.

I got a hold of the plans (both sheets) for the Mercantic a number of years ago but it didn't include templates of ribs, so I couldn't build the hull.  I searched for a while and eventually purchased a hull from a gentleman in Belgium.  Shortly after this I was able to get the templates.  Should have known that would happen!
Anyways, I now have the time to work on it given this pandemic we all find ourselves caught up in.  However, I haven't been able to get very much detailed information on the build, until now!
I have only build a couple of scale model boat kits, so my experience is limited and its been a struggle.   So this came at a great time!

 Thanks Andy![/color]I got a hold of the plans (both sheets) for the Mercantic a number of years ago but it didn't include templates of ribs, so I couldn't build the hull.  I searched for a while and eventually purchased a hull from a gentleman in Belgium.  Shortly after this I was able to get the templates.  Should have known that would happen!Anyways, I now have the time to work on it given this pandemic we all find ourselves caught up in.  However, I haven't been able to get very much detailed information on the build, until now!  I have only build a couple of scale model boat kits, so my experience is limited and its been a struggle.   So this came at a great time!

Thanks Andy!

P.S.  I'm new to commenting in blogs, so hopefully this entry works out!

Repaginated - Admin
Title: Re: Billing Boats Nr 424 Mercantic cargo vessel.
Post by: Taranis on August 05, 2021, 10:33:19 pm
Edited

"I wanted to take this opportunity to thank Andy for providing such a detailed build log of the Mercantic.

I got a hold of the plans (both sheets) for the Mercantic a number of years ago but it didn't include templates of ribs, so I couldn't build the hull.  I searched for a while and eventually purchased a hull from a gentleman in Belgium.  Shortly after this I was able to get the templates.  Should have known that would happen! Anyways, I now have the time to work on it given this pandemic we all find ourselves caught up in.  However, I haven't been able to get very much detailed information on the build, until now!  I have only built a couple of scale model boat kits, so my experience is limited and its been a struggle.   So this came at a great time!

Thanks Andy!

P.S.  I'm new to commenting in blogs, so hopefully this entry works out!"

You are very welcome Gord :-))   
Title: Re: Billing Boats Nr 424 Mercantic cargo vessel.
Post by: Taranis on August 06, 2021, 06:52:08 pm

Gloss first try, not totally happy yet so sanding it again.
(https://photos.smugmug.com/Billing-Boats-Nr-424-Mercantic/i-DmbWz9F/0/b6bed2f9/X2/47A249D5-5E08-4E48-9DA2-2D4D330C1D1D-X2.jpg)


Maquettes nav lights $$
(https://photos.smugmug.com/Billing-Boats-Nr-424-Mercantic/i-FWfJc57/0/59b4a94a/XL/1E48677E-256B-47B4-B79D-39C2E9843DC7-XL.jpg)


(https://photos.smugmug.com/Billing-Boats-Nr-424-Mercantic/i-HdQRn5S/0/ab4af3df/XL/0B61C2A5-AC19-4187-8E9B-9C662605D0EC-XL.jpg)


(https://photos.smugmug.com/Billing-Boats-Nr-424-Mercantic/i-RFgFnCq/0/ed0a8228/XL/ADAC561B-C71D-4FC7-B25D-D03B00756C71-XL.jpg)


(https://photos.smugmug.com/Billing-Boats-Nr-424-Mercantic/i-wmQxVV5/0/fa7a9a0b/XL/E84CFB55-24A6-48C5-8A53-51FC8084775E-XL.jpg)



Title: Re: Billing Boats Nr 424 Mercantic cargo vessel.
Post by: hama on August 06, 2021, 07:34:41 pm
So very crisp and clean, fantastic!!
Hama
Title: Re: Billing Boats Nr 424 Mercantic cargo vessel.
Post by: Martin (Admin) on August 06, 2021, 07:51:44 pm
 
    :-))
Title: Re: Billing Boats Nr 424 Mercantic cargo vessel.
Post by: roycv on August 07, 2021, 09:42:21 am
Hi Taranis that is a very nice model.  Not surprised Billing are interested again.  Deans are selling quite a few merchant ships so there is a market.

I had a not not very happy experience with Graupner, the Gracia yacht had been forgotten (1957) and the plan number re-allocated.  It is still the best looking yacht kit ever.  I asked if they would like a spare set of plans that I had and they said yes, but that was just before they went pear shape.  They never even said thank you let alone pay for them!

However following your Mercantic  build with much interest.
Regards
Roy
Title: Re: Billing Boats Nr 424 Mercantic cargo vessel.
Post by: Taranis on August 10, 2021, 08:12:17 pm
Thank you all  :-)


More pictures in the gallery but a jump forwards here.
Someone posted a picture of the real funnel on Facebook. The emblems are on shields and not directly painted on. This I recently did on Stevn's Arctic so I thought hey ho give it a go.


Using a photocopy of the transfers I made the shields from styrene.
(https://photos.smugmug.com/Billing-Boats-Nr-424-Mercantic/i-zfrPKRr/0/540d6822/XL/B9BA48A2-8893-4358-86CE-3CCC4605E2D0-XL.jpg)


(https://photos.smugmug.com/Billing-Boats-Nr-424-Mercantic/i-s7xmrxn/0/89681433/XL/8577EB39-04D7-4B20-8636-2993A89625C0-XL.jpg)


(https://photos.smugmug.com/Billing-Boats-Nr-424-Mercantic/i-6tHqdN9/0/ecae5baa/XL/0946485F-144E-4F95-ABFA-9D14F02922ED-XL.jpg)


(https://photos.smugmug.com/Billing-Boats-Nr-424-Mercantic/i-VZgw8Pc/0/518c7f94/XL/4F6DD3B6-F5FB-46CA-B265-C4C726EBFCB0-XL.jpg)


(https://photos.smugmug.com/Billing-Boats-Nr-424-Mercantic/i-sMwvKPW/0/1b660010/XL/BDF5F698-BF25-4CEF-AB1F-946BBF3DED38-XL.jpg)


(https://photos.smugmug.com/Billing-Boats-Nr-424-Mercantic/i-BRxfrTn/0/b21eabd7/XL/AEBD3660-0E74-4F7A-A8BC-D2994E4AE41F-XL.jpg)


So a red funnel with a black cap and black shields with white decals.


Billing report they have next to nothing in hand regarding Mercantic so I'll be sending them everything I can.
Title: Re: Billing Boats Nr 424 Mercantic cargo vessel.
Post by: RST on August 10, 2021, 11:37:21 pm
I don't understand Billings conundrum unless it's lazyness or just waiting for someone to do work for them for gratis.

...Anyhow -looking great so far!  Am a bit surprised youre still buying lamps though with a lathe and mill at hand?  Woud have thought a 10" rod of the clear stuff would have made lots and lots for pennies, maybe with a few small brass washers added?

Rich
Title: Re: Billing Boats Nr 424 Mercantic cargo vessel.
Post by: Taranis on August 11, 2021, 12:06:23 am
C’est la vie
(https://photos.smugmug.com/Billing-Boats-Nr-424-Mercantic/i-k8GWvnM/0/e33d0179/L/E38C318B-13C9-4385-8810-45A22B7FB847-L.jpg)
Title: Re: Billing Boats Nr 424 Mercantic cargo vessel.
Post by: Sinc55 on August 11, 2021, 12:33:24 am
Hi Andy,


I've been trying to find the name of the shipping company that the Mercantic sailed for.  It's to track down their logo so I can create a set of decals for my build of the Mercantic.


Would you happen to have any information that might point me in the right direction?   So far I've drawn a blank in being able to find anything.
Seeing you at this step  brought this issue to mind.


[/size]Thanks for any help you can provide.
Gord. 


P.S. 
Looks like it won't be too long before it's in the water for trials!
Title: Re: Billing Boats Nr 424 Mercantic cargo vessel.
Post by: Taranis on August 11, 2021, 06:40:45 am
I believe it’s Mercandia


Does this help Gord?
(https://photos.smugmug.com/Billing-Boats-Nr-424-Mercantic/i-FxXB9jT/0/3055563b/X2/F2ACB289-0875-4717-98BA-134462AAE98A-X2.jpg)


If you email me I can send you a pdf scan of this
Title: Re: Billing Boats Nr 424 Mercantic cargo vessel.
Post by: canabus on August 11, 2021, 08:31:37 am
Hi Taranis


 The book on the company with all the info on the 16 Mercantics.


DANSKE REDERIER
           BY
BENT MIKKELSEN


Volume 4


MERCANDIA


My mate has two of these boats !!!


Canabus
Title: Re: Billing Boats Nr 424 Mercantic cargo vessel.
Post by: Sinc55 on August 11, 2021, 11:36:58 am
Thank you gentlemen.  Your help has put an end to hours of searching.   :-))


Gord.
Title: Re: Billing Boats Nr 424 Mercantic cargo vessel.
Post by: Taranis on August 13, 2021, 06:59:35 pm
The funnel kept giving me problems but got there in the end, only the top to paint black.


(https://photos.smugmug.com/Billing-Boats-Nr-424-Mercantic/i-KKhzs8z/0/bbf4c5c8/XL/0FBE3415-DEAA-422B-AC49-258B61CBAFC9-XL.jpg)


(https://photos.smugmug.com/Billing-Boats-Nr-424-Mercantic/i-tzpdkBr/0/6d335d44/X2/D08E119E-6A0D-4BB6-BA40-EC0C0039F73F-X2.jpg)


(https://photos.smugmug.com/Billing-Boats-Nr-424-Mercantic/i-5gNvx2Z/0/5f576afe/X2/F537B8E2-8AA1-4176-9E80-6D7E71A556A6-X2.jpg)


Railings painted today.
(https://photos.smugmug.com/Billing-Boats-Nr-424-Mercantic/i-PsS62xD/0/276ab0da/XL/BCA9A1D2-9515-40EC-B4B8-68918A2E0797-XL.jpg)


(https://photos.smugmug.com/Billing-Boats-Nr-424-Mercantic/i-BGCQ3FX/0/b027ef1a/XL/70A8671C-61B3-4AA2-9661-33A957631ED8-XL.jpg)


Steady away not rushing.


I'm painting the winches and motors in grey as black hides any definition and detail.
Title: Re: Billing Boats Nr 424 Mercantic cargo vessel.
Post by: nemesis on August 13, 2021, 07:08:05 pm
Hi Andy, nearly finished, wish I was there when you baptise her, not that we going to break a bottle. looks great. May I request a PDF of the transfers please, something I have not got, thank you. bill
Title: Re: Billing Boats Nr 424 Mercantic cargo vessel.
Post by: Taranis on August 13, 2021, 07:13:57 pm
A long way to go yet Bill and thank you  O0
Sent a JPEG (print at A4) and a PDF in separate mails  :-))


Just brought in from the paint shop




(https://photos.smugmug.com/Billing-Boats-Nr-424-Mercantic/i-tDRHrrW/0/512fd1d9/XL/DCFA24C0-B6E5-41A4-AFA7-16103DF2D84B-XL.jpg)


(https://photos.smugmug.com/Billing-Boats-Nr-424-Mercantic/i-bZtxKsX/0/7847b252/XL/D5276A7F-81D6-4555-B1A1-E29974D9BA79-XL.jpg)
Title: Re: Billing Boats Nr 424 Mercantic cargo vessel.
Post by: nemesis on August 13, 2021, 07:26:30 pm
excellent, wish we could get more of the windlasses as they are handy for other builds, thanks for the mail, bill
Title: Re: Billing Boats Nr 424 Mercantic cargo vessel.
Post by: CarlC on August 13, 2021, 07:33:42 pm
Superb, what a stunning build.
Title: Re: Billing Boats Nr 424 Mercantic cargo vessel.
Post by: Taranis on August 13, 2021, 08:51:00 pm
Thank you


Some ensembles.
The devil is in the detail and there's still a mountain to climb.
(https://photos.smugmug.com/Billing-Boats-Nr-424-Mercantic/i-84gqxGb/0/d8e90fb8/XL/32292E49-5040-448F-97C0-0DF5C87AD5EA-XL.jpg)


(https://photos.smugmug.com/Billing-Boats-Nr-424-Mercantic/i-bJwfWrX/0/14877b1a/XL/3E8AB7CD-69DA-46DC-82B5-509A650632C6-XL.jpg)


(https://photos.smugmug.com/Billing-Boats-Nr-424-Mercantic/i-tCBF3Fh/0/f7d79cb7/X2/42177DF5-95E8-4407-8CE3-50CE8F9B806B-X2.jpg)


(https://photos.smugmug.com/Billing-Boats-Nr-424-Mercantic/i-fJLzcb3/0/fe536ba5/X2/5110EDAF-D66E-43E1-B56C-EF96645F932A-X2.jpg)


(https://photos.smugmug.com/Billing-Boats-Nr-424-Mercantic/i-Q2DBWRp/0/3eae418f/X2/C1B675D1-8C66-490A-B2D3-33AA2E7DFACC-X2.jpg)


(https://photos.smugmug.com/Billing-Boats-Nr-424-Mercantic/i-Stfm8Jz/0/a1345b7d/X3/6DC69960-001D-4D42-B57F-5331E4248183-X3.jpg)
Title: Re: Billing Boats Nr 424 Mercantic cargo vessel.
Post by: nemesis on August 14, 2021, 11:04:23 am
Hi Andy, received pics Ok. thank you. bill
Title: Re: Billing Boats Nr 424 Mercantic cargo vessel.
Post by: Taranis on August 14, 2021, 11:10:34 am
I need some new ones too as these are 50 years old and they crack when wet
Title: Re: Billing Boats Nr 424 Mercantic cargo vessel.
Post by: nemesis on August 15, 2021, 02:30:43 pm
Andy, did you get the wire/ rope reels in the kit? if not I can send what I used. bill
Title: Re: Billing Boats Nr 424 Mercantic cargo vessel.
Post by: Taranis on August 15, 2021, 04:21:53 pm
Hi Bill
No the fittings kits don't include mooring rope reels. They have a descriptive picture a piece of dowel and a bit of ply to make them but no pre made round drum sides  :((


I'd love to see what you have through my letterbox  :}  Thank you.



Title: Re: Billing Boats Nr 424 Mercantic cargo vessel.
Post by: Sinc55 on August 15, 2021, 05:04:12 pm
Looking good Andy.  It's all coming together very nicely!


I've been studying the photos you have of the stairs.  Specifically, the joints between the handrails and the stairs.  There's not a lot of difference between the wire diameter and width of the vertical stringer at this point.  Did you reinforce the stair with anything or just drill the hole very carefully?  It's hard to tell from the photo.


I'm looking at doing this soon and was uncertain about how to approach it.  Any detail you could provide on what you did would be appreciated. :-)


Thanks in advance,
Gord.
Title: Re: Billing Boats Nr 424 Mercantic cargo vessel.
Post by: Taranis on August 15, 2021, 06:43:12 pm
My stairs are wider than Billing stairs and yes I drill 1mm holes carefully using a pin vise.


On the stern stair the handrail is into the bottom tread.
Title: Re: Billing Boats Nr 424 Mercantic cargo vessel.
Post by: Taranis on August 17, 2021, 08:16:02 am
So the final railings. The most difficult left to the last  {:-{


The centre section first.
(https://photos.smugmug.com/Billing-Boats-Nr-424-Mercantic/i-8N9TwjB/0/3033e11c/XL/80BBECDF-5D7F-4AE2-AFEE-0565A6F351F1-XL.jpg)


(https://photos.smugmug.com/Billing-Boats-Nr-424-Mercantic/i-JjXdbcx/0/321dad90/XL/E09230ED-3BB4-45F9-963B-45D08EE8F49D-XL.jpg)


(https://photos.smugmug.com/Billing-Boats-Nr-424-Mercantic/i-fvMQfrF/0/739630b6/XL/2F737AD4-1342-45F0-A0A6-ED9A14557182-XL.jpg)


I might possibly get the outboard sections done today


(https://photos.smugmug.com/Billing-Boats-Nr-424-Mercantic/i-Kthzgbx/0/0e316217/XL/E46FEF68-DB59-4FA1-966D-432EF40D42F7-XL.jpg)


(https://photos.smugmug.com/Billing-Boats-Nr-424-Mercantic/i-CLXGPVQ/0/32f1d48b/XL/A38EEB0F-1249-4919-A557-746F0B513F97-XL.jpg)


When I bought the original kit from Ebay it came with a tatty painted old plastic row boat from who knows where. Clearly the original owner intended to use it instead of the balsa block provided to carve one out of  {-)


I managed to strip and dismantle it and it brought back childhood memories and I think this was originally part of an Airfix kit??


(https://photos.smugmug.com/Billing-Boats-Nr-424-Mercantic/i-zQFFf8p/0/63759496/XL/EF997AD4-7BDE-4B2D-9A29-0CC98432C0EF-XL.jpg)


(https://photos.smugmug.com/Billing-Boats-Nr-424-Mercantic/i-jTqN4fG/0/f9437bef/XL/2B95EA45-52A6-444D-BA81-92C4CC7DA637-XL.jpg)


(https://photos.smugmug.com/Billing-Boats-Nr-424-Mercantic/i-5Rsf4ZZ/0/93e59f03/XL/F987BD36-DC6F-4A76-A688-5F15AD2E4A4F-XL.jpg)
Title: Re: Billing Boats Nr 424 Mercantic cargo vessel.
Post by: warspite on August 17, 2021, 09:57:20 am
Its not off the victory or Wasa, dont know about the bounty as that was made at a scale that might be close, other than Matchbox / revell its not even close to the corvettes ships boats, anyone any ideas?
Title: Re: Billing Boats Nr 424 Mercantic cargo vessel.
Post by: Taranis on August 17, 2021, 09:58:44 am
Endeavour perhaps?


Edit. no not that but no matter it looks ok on the back  :-)


looks ok to me, just need to make a stand
(https://photos.smugmug.com/Billing-Boats-Nr-424-Mercantic/i-k65bMZ4/0/978a381c/X2/472E5F69-59AD-49F2-91D3-2B340A341382-X2.jpg)
Title: Re: Billing Boats Nr 424 Mercantic cargo vessel.
Post by: Howard on August 17, 2021, 11:28:13 am
In a word Master Class.
           Regards Howard.
Title: Re: Billing Boats Nr 424 Mercantic cargo vessel.
Post by: Taranis on August 17, 2021, 03:13:41 pm
In a word Master Class.
           Regards Howard.
:kiss:   :}


ModelshopLeeds today.


In an old picture I saw that she had a life raft canister on the roof.
(https://photos.smugmug.com/Billing-Boats-Nr-424-Mercantic/i-8qqBkGc/0/89cde7e0/XL/61DA98A1-2F99-4471-A23B-5E1476FC9B10-XL.jpg)


About the right size but I think I'll need to whiten it.
(https://photos.smugmug.com/Billing-Boats-Nr-424-Mercantic/i-tJ49vjV/0/073ad9d0/XL/E2503678-340F-4170-8807-40515C02C7A3-XL.jpg)


I actually went for life rings but I was allowed behind the counter for a rumage and bought a number of things for different not quite finished models  {-)


These seem appropriate.
(https://photos.smugmug.com/Billing-Boats-Nr-424-Mercantic/i-jMC394g/0/2abf9430/L/59AA74B8-5860-4843-AFB3-0515C5669D72-L.jpg)


(https://photos.smugmug.com/Billing-Boats-Nr-424-Mercantic/i-2zpZWCM/0/390b08bd/L/8860CA6D-BF83-483C-82F4-A6C24A3CFEBA-L.jpg)


I'm going to make the rowboat appear to be GRP and make the top section look like wood.


(https://photos.smugmug.com/Billing-Boats-Nr-424-Mercantic/i-NJmzkpn/0/9462c5eb/L/FD9AA787-AD1B-40C4-A4ED-45E158719BA0-L.jpg)


Railing in Tamiya primer followed by appliance white.
(https://photos.smugmug.com/Billing-Boats-Nr-424-Mercantic/i-pXFsZfS/0/1f7aa482/XL/DDE81723-6C85-4336-9DC1-4207D648F656-XL.jpg)


(https://photos.smugmug.com/Billing-Boats-Nr-424-Mercantic/i-hX3mNbd/0/040b4c8f/L/0976427C-07F9-4CF6-B2AD-DE7E18415D5E-L.jpg)


If anyone wonders how I drilled holes in those forward companionway side walls for the handrail ends ? I did that very early in the construction knowing that I could not do it after assembly.


update
(https://photos.smugmug.com/Billing-Boats-Nr-424-Mercantic/i-QsxmGMB/0/d0c710a7/XL/1ACE425D-0890-463A-A32F-3E4286EE8B2B-XL.jpg)
Title: Re: Billing Boats Nr 424 Mercantic cargo vessel.
Post by: RST on August 17, 2021, 09:12:15 pm
Hi Andy, those orange cannisters are a handy stock item to keep in the spares box.  They're quite "big" as-is but I've sliced them with a razor saw to suit other projects to shorten and if neat and solvent welded back together they suit more than one application where the diameter is about right.  I have used them in a couple of guises on my scratch built MV Raasay and my semi-scratch Loyal Moderator (the smaller 1:48 hull from Mountfleet, not the model slipway kit).  Spares are a keeper.
Title: Re: Billing Boats Nr 424 Mercantic cargo vessel.
Post by: nemesis on August 18, 2021, 07:25:40 pm
Hi Andy, Have you received the packet , the wee wifey posted it before 9 am on monday at the PO. just a bit concerned, thats all.
Title: Re: Billing Boats Nr 424 Mercantic cargo vessel.
Post by: Taranis on August 18, 2021, 07:34:15 pm
Rich
Liferaft canisters now sold as Caldercraft I agree good value at under £5 a pair. They fit together so well I've not even glued the halves together  :-)


Bill
They arrived late today thank you :-))
Is it these ones you had in mind? We had loads of them before my wife upgraded her sewing machine and then gave all the bobbins away with the old Pfaff to my daughter.


(https://photos.smugmug.com/Billing-Boats-Nr-424-Mercantic/i-fVMVnZf/0/f2ad63e9/L/45AF59CD-B5FB-43B2-9E2E-DFB974D3E483-L.jpg)


Today
Service boat stand
(https://photos.smugmug.com/Billing-Boats-Nr-424-Mercantic/i-jNMhqJb/0/02b0d0c6/L/E6BC715F-CC49-42F4-9967-84377313FB15-L.jpg)


(https://photos.smugmug.com/Billing-Boats-Nr-424-Mercantic/i-xwLX3qP/0/925868b8/XL/9F0CF6E1-98A2-4FF8-AFC3-A6EDB85867C5-XL.jpg)


(https://photos.smugmug.com/Billing-Boats-Nr-424-Mercantic/i-4BrdrQD/0/044f5d1f/XL/1C723477-4789-49EA-8BFC-BADC66F17B27-XL.jpg)


(https://photos.smugmug.com/Billing-Boats-Nr-424-Mercantic/i-mzQBhGQ/0/7640dc28/XL/BAB0D686-70E5-402E-B20A-7D3CFA22012E-XL.jpg)


(https://photos.smugmug.com/Billing-Boats-Nr-424-Mercantic/i-GCGD7Mr/0/a4728a27/XL/A06E7FCE-B60E-4D7D-BE25-6909AC6E55CF-XL.jpg)


(https://photos.smugmug.com/Billing-Boats-Nr-424-Mercantic/i-XGzGFZS/0/6cff2e2c/XL/D5A315F9-C705-4CC7-9508-A8D569751A11-XL.jpg)


Forward stairs painted.
(https://photos.smugmug.com/Billing-Boats-Nr-424-Mercantic/i-mFKfSKm/0/1fa23455/XL/08E3D01C-4D11-4F60-B5DE-7813C3F5716B-XL.jpg)
Title: Re: Billing Boats Nr 424 Mercantic cargo vessel.
Post by: nemesis on August 18, 2021, 08:24:21 pm
Hi Andy, That,s them, a very handy item. Fill the centre with whatever, chuck in the lathe and drill a 1/16 hole for the wire. For the triangle stand, I used flat brass stock, but you can get away with a fine brass split pin and bobs your uncle.If you think they are too wide, cut to fit.These things in real life come in all sizes. Anyway I am glad you got them and hope they are of some use to you. bill
Title: Re: Billing Boats Nr 424 Mercantic cargo vessel. Mooring rope stowage reels
Post by: Taranis on August 19, 2021, 10:07:09 am
Kindly provide by Nemesis were three options.
I decided that these were closest to the drawing being just slightly bigger but much smaller than the sewing thread bobbins.

(https://photos.smugmug.com/Billing-Boats-Nr-424-Mercantic/i-rnQ6X8h/0/a7425db5/L/E4972C4B-0319-483F-AC81-EE9803A54E51-L.jpg)

First problem to solve was how to reduce their width uniformly
I drove a 3mm HSS bit into a block of wood that could go on the disc sander.
(https://photos.smugmug.com/Billing-Boats-Nr-424-Mercantic/i-9v66mFT/0/1d9e7ab9/L/126362AE-F2C3-4E78-933F-76CEAAB6E90E-L.jpg)


(https://photos.smugmug.com/Billing-Boats-Nr-424-Mercantic/i-7Mz92LP/0/6f34385d/L/6D26D606-DFC0-442B-AAB3-6064BC63EC22-L.jpg)


(https://photos.smugmug.com/Billing-Boats-Nr-424-Mercantic/i-R2StLF5/0/0fbd2f0f/L/9A86BCE7-EFD6-40EA-9B19-D35CDBE1E4E1-L.jpg)


(https://photos.smugmug.com/Billing-Boats-Nr-424-Mercantic/i-mQ3cn2d/0/e90bb984/L/D01D366A-0CB5-45A5-A6E1-C2C9FA98F1E8-L.jpg)


(https://photos.smugmug.com/Billing-Boats-Nr-424-Mercantic/i-4tCWFq6/0/3fc25f6b/L/25368ED2-7679-4F81-BFF4-EF013F054417-L.jpg)

Carbon tube for joining and reducing hole size.
(https://photos.smugmug.com/Billing-Boats-Nr-424-Mercantic/i-pQCn2JS/0/d6e3172f/L/48BA36B7-16BD-4F4B-AC80-CF1E9D5FDC6C-L.jpg)

1.7mm brass makes a good axle.
(https://photos.smugmug.com/Billing-Boats-Nr-424-Mercantic/i-zwFkXxZ/0/49acb479/L/94AF96DC-C7B5-4C60-9871-6C665FB413AF-L.jpg)


Tamiya FINE primer.
(https://photos.smugmug.com/Billing-Boats-Nr-424-Mercantic/i-22vgDFv/0/14e49296/L/36737F0B-6D8B-444A-AD8F-3FCC36F7A127-L.jpg)


I'll be using plasticard to make the frames


(https://photos.smugmug.com/Billing-Boats-Nr-424-Mercantic/i-TvWrLbG/0/fc41d43a/L/41751DE4-443F-4E6D-83EF-37F39ED0975A-L.jpg)


(https://photos.smugmug.com/Billing-Boats-Nr-424-Mercantic/i-NwLR6bw/0/a9f55cbc/L/FD3C301C-0E3B-4331-97E3-1238ED068E1B-L.jpg)


(https://photos.smugmug.com/Billing-Boats-Nr-424-Mercantic/i-RHNzsk4/0/235f6364/L/9CCD5B6D-F05C-4FE8-AA98-88075A97D186-L.jpg)


(https://photos.smugmug.com/Billing-Boats-Nr-424-Mercantic/i-NXnTMGD/0/0cbf9e33/L/D8586238-64A8-4CAB-ABE3-9A6E3CCDA089-L.jpg)


(https://photos.smugmug.com/Billing-Boats-Nr-424-Mercantic/i-MJvBGw2/0/19eadace/L/F5D12B01-2E57-4101-A24D-0FA1EF0543EC-L.jpg)


(https://photos.smugmug.com/Billing-Boats-Nr-424-Mercantic/i-vxZ2Qjg/0/31b2b782/L/CEA77A95-4EF4-4992-A6A2-9BFC3A2686C2-L.jpg)


(https://photos.smugmug.com/Billing-Boats-Nr-424-Mercantic/i-NdjbDJn/0/e93fa33d/XL/72EEA456-7E29-4046-AB30-B812D597931D-XL.jpg)


I think these will be matt black.
(https://photos.smugmug.com/Billing-Boats-Nr-424-Mercantic/i-X9cXT3G/0/ca56f05c/XL/D3FBFF89-6678-436F-B8EE-FC4958FFD3C2-XL.jpg)


(https://photos.smugmug.com/Billing-Boats-Nr-424-Mercantic/i-g6f5jvb/0/6228ad89/L/521B5EE5-16A7-411E-A0CD-E54836F0672A-L.jpg)


(https://photos.smugmug.com/Billing-Boats-Nr-424-Mercantic/i-WF2Hwf4/0/c1b65cf9/X2/DF0CBBA7-58B4-4063-A43C-D5987C2BE643-X2.jpg)

Title: Re: Billing Boats Nr 424 Mercantic cargo vessel.
Post by: Taranis on August 19, 2021, 06:54:50 pm
I thought it about time to put her on the mobile table for access all around
(https://photos.smugmug.com/Billing-Boats-Nr-424-Mercantic/i-ZNfg95G/0/780df3de/XL/E7A02FDF-889D-48B6-A1B1-A31E08D4F3E4-XL.jpg)


(https://photos.smugmug.com/Billing-Boats-Nr-424-Mercantic/i-cFDZCj3/0/ecf875c1/X4/BD0C2CCE-47E3-430F-BD29-3D0123A03AAF-X4.jpg)


(https://photos.smugmug.com/Billing-Boats-Nr-424-Mercantic/i-F9G5skP/0/b94373f6/XL/71CBE0A3-D0EB-453C-AFD9-6A9C1EB348F6-XL.jpg)


(https://photos.smugmug.com/Billing-Boats-Nr-424-Mercantic/i-6Gz7Z9r/0/1b3f0ed4/X2/AA7676B4-D30B-4E4D-AB6B-A5B465B2D931-X2.jpg)


(https://photos.smugmug.com/Billing-Boats-Nr-424-Mercantic/i-qZVmRf7/0/ae5fcbf6/X2/9FA1AC5D-B3C5-4BBB-91FB-997FF0C3DB2D-X2.jpg)


(https://photos.smugmug.com/Billing-Boats-Nr-424-Mercantic/i-92XfWqS/0/c1e5ec3f/XL/5B434880-4EBA-4A39-91A5-93B630A7B48E-XL.jpg)
Title: Re: Billing Boats Nr 424 Mercantic cargo vessel.
Post by: CarlC on August 20, 2021, 08:08:56 am
She is looking really good, very nice model, congratulations.
Title: Re: Billing Boats Nr 424 Mercantic cargo vessel.
Post by: Nordlys on August 20, 2021, 08:22:45 am
Good morning,
24 superb pictures posted yesterday, taken over a period and put together as a great step by step guide.
That's a lot of work in itself!
Very enjoyable to follow your posts all the time, many tips along the way.


Nord.
Title: Re: Billing Boats Nr 424 Mercantic cargo vessel.
Post by: Taranis on August 20, 2021, 05:24:54 pm
Thank you both
I’m taking a break now for a while in Pershore vicinity Worcestercestercestershire  %%
Title: Re: Billing Boats Nr 424 Mercantic cargo vessel.
Post by: Netleyned on August 20, 2021, 05:45:29 pm
Keep away from the Sauce, Andy😁
Title: Re: Billing Boats Nr 424 Mercantic cargo vessel.
Post by: Taranis on August 21, 2021, 06:41:37 pm
Yes  {-)


I've not gone yet. I managed a couple of hours or three twixt packing.
I've been putting these off but I finally managed Port side.
(https://photos.smugmug.com/Billing-Boats-Nr-424-Mercantic/i-VWVRh4W/0/d15d24a8/XL/27B4117D-6E7A-43DA-886F-4658A5BE7B92-XL.jpg)


(https://photos.smugmug.com/Billing-Boats-Nr-424-Mercantic/i-pmH9mQr/0/fb82d03d/XL/BB6D1E74-B263-4BC5-BD95-66A9A42D5195-XL.jpg)


(https://photos.smugmug.com/Billing-Boats-Nr-424-Mercantic/i-XX8zxwc/0/69fb69c8/XL/680E826E-0CF2-4158-A1B9-0922E98BBF68-XL.jpg)


(https://photos.smugmug.com/Billing-Boats-Nr-424-Mercantic/i-7RFmBbD/0/20c76b3b/XL/5CB2EDCA-18C3-44E6-AA7A-83190C01CDE2-XL.jpg)


The difficulty is not just the accuracy of the bends but the fact that you cannot fit the stanchions after.


I paid my Keep Mayhem Afloat some weeks ago  :-))


For those still thinking about it please do  O0


https://www.modelboatmayhem.co.uk/paypal.htm
Title: Re: Billing Boats Nr 424 Mercantic cargo vessel.
Post by: Taranis on August 22, 2021, 10:26:21 pm
Parting shots.
Finished the mooring rope reels and the railings. A nice place to pick it back up in a week.
I've used some 1.4mm washers (from Knupfer) to enhance the handrail locating points.


(https://photos.smugmug.com/Billing-Boats-Nr-424-Mercantic/i-rkgNRRM/0/61ad1215/X2/1219A89F-3BA4-47F5-BF8B-718878EF5651-X2.png)


(https://photos.smugmug.com/Billing-Boats-Nr-424-Mercantic/i-mHzFnvJ/0/4748147d/X2/2BF971FA-DD36-434C-882C-397E06AE0B6F-X2.jpg)


(https://photos.smugmug.com/Billing-Boats-Nr-424-Mercantic/i-FmrXF2h/0/28f0bd1b/XL/186BDB75-A126-4E26-90C6-6BDCD3FBBA31-XL.jpg)


(https://photos.smugmug.com/Billing-Boats-Nr-424-Mercantic/i-smptVwb/0/5e112a3e/XL/36A010FD-85E2-420F-BE38-5671E566AAB6-XL.jpg)


(https://photos.smugmug.com/Billing-Boats-Nr-424-Mercantic/i-rWMP8rR/0/52ec54e9/XL/C69A682A-1898-4933-A5EF-5106B4468A35-XL.jpg)


(https://photos.smugmug.com/Billing-Boats-Nr-424-Mercantic/i-rTDcQzR/0/0ba3274f/XL/480514BF-6ACC-458F-9D44-BC8A7C8E4857-XL.jpg)
Title: Re: Billing Boats Nr 424 Mercantic cargo vessel.
Post by: Taranis on August 25, 2021, 04:25:47 pm
Update regarding Billing boats bringing this back to market.
They have now found a kit and a built example in Denmark so my templates and other info for the moment are not required.
Saves me some hassle  :-)
Title: Re: Billing Boats Nr 424 Mercantic cargo vessel.
Post by: Colin Bishop on August 25, 2021, 05:56:19 pm
But yours would probably have been more accurate....

Colin
Title: Re: Billing Boats Nr 424 Mercantic cargo vessel.
Post by: Taranis on August 26, 2021, 05:49:44 pm
But yours would probably have been more accurate....

Colin
Well thank you Colin but I’m sure that they will have to do very much work to convert a rather poor printed on wood offering into a modern day laser cut product. This will also need to be test built to ensure everything works as planned and corrected accordingly before mass production.
I look forwards to seeing it become available  :-)
Title: Re: Billing Boats Nr 424 Mercantic cargo vessel.
Post by: nemesis on August 26, 2021, 07:06:42 pm
Hi Andy, I go along with you there. they will not get far if they supply a box of "wood" as they did yester years. People expect a lot more nowadays. Hope you enjoyed the trip, bill
Title: Re: Billing Boats Nr 424 Mercantic cargo vessel.
Post by: Taranis on August 26, 2021, 07:21:04 pm
Yes still enjoying Wyre Piddle for a few days yet  O0
Title: Re: Billing Boats Nr 424 Mercantic cargo vessel.
Post by: Martin (Admin) on August 31, 2021, 12:52:27 pm
 

Topic Split:  Billing Boats - what next?

https://www.modelboatmayhem.co.uk/forum/index.php/topic,67281.0.html
 

 
Title: Re: Billing Boats Nr 424 Mercantic cargo vessel.
Post by: Taranis on September 04, 2021, 04:50:23 pm
Thanks Martin.


Not much doing with other things going on.


Anchor chain eyelets
(https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-bN8FHCn/0/XL/i-bN8FHCn-XL.jpg)


These pulleys are no longer made in this fashion and some of the fixing points were badly soldered off centre.
(https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-CK9kDPp/0/L/i-CK9kDPp-L.jpg)


Looking at other builders pictures I decided to follow suit and solder the lower lifting pulleys to the mast. This negated the need for resoldering the fixing eyes on two of the six.
(https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-vNnR3mZ/0/X2/i-vNnR3mZ-X2.jpg)


(https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-CrrqDfL/0/X2/i-CrrqDfL-X2.jpg)


(https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-2SHZ6kF/0/X2/i-2SHZ6kF-X2.jpg)
Title: Re: Billing Boats Nr 424 Mercantic cargo vessel.
Post by: tassie48 on September 17, 2021, 01:21:57 am
Andy how is the build going I miss our  daily dose of progress with this build  trust you are all well and safe ,look forward to the next sets of installments  regards tassie48
Title: Re: Billing Boats Nr 424 Mercantic cargo vessel.
Post by: canabus on September 17, 2021, 04:55:26 am
Hi All


Spotted on E Bay unstarted kit !!!!!


https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/234185233480?hash=item3686871448:g:wt0AAOSwUeVhPpx7


Canabus
Title: Re: Billing Boats Nr 424 Mercantic cargo vessel.
Post by: Taranis on September 17, 2021, 08:39:44 am
I'm having a break nothing more than that  :-))


Good kit find but no fittings. It will be costly for someone  %%




Actually I'm taking an interest in old stationary engines
Title: Re: Billing Boats Nr 424 Mercantic cargo vessel.
Post by: roycv on September 17, 2021, 08:54:01 am
Did you note it has $75 postage!
Roy
Title: Re: Billing Boats Nr 424 Mercantic cargo vessel.
Post by: Taranis on September 17, 2021, 06:55:22 pm
Andy how is the build going I miss our  daily dose of progress with this build  trust you are all well and safe ,look forward to the next sets of installments  regards tassie48

Just chilling and having time out.

(https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-kN2BZQT/0/XL/i-kN2BZQT-XL.jpg)


Fitted the flag to Hoga
(https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-MQbhMJb/0/XL/i-MQbhMJb-XL.jpg)


Giving Boulogne a Captain.
(https://photos.smugmug.com/photos/i-jWqgSNC/0/XL/i-jWqgSNC-XL.jpg)


Tomorrow I drive to Bourne to collect my first stationary engine a Petter A1 1951/52 and I'll be making a trolley for it.
Title: Re: Billing Boats Nr 424 Mercantic cargo vessel.
Post by: chipchase on September 19, 2021, 11:56:08 am
Are you fitting it into one of your tugs  {-)
Title: Re: Billing Boats Nr 424 Mercantic cargo vessel.
Post by: Taranis on September 21, 2021, 08:52:45 am
It might make good ballast for your new bigger than big one at aprox 85kg  {-)
Title: Re: Billing Boats Nr 424 Mercantic cargo vessel.
Post by: magnetono59 on October 13, 2021, 08:10:50 pm
Hi. I am building the Mercantic model. I bought this kit in 1964 and it is only now that I have time to build. I have finished  the hull and am working on the bridge. The photographs of your build which I have only recently discovered, will be of great help to me from now on. There is an item in the extras kit for the Mercantic that I am puzzled about. Is part number 115 and consists of a brass strip with two holes. It has been suggested to me that they may be the base of the bollards (part no 135) but the bollards do not fit the holes. I cannot find any reference to part no 115 in the drawings. Any help appreciated.
Title: Re: Billing Boats Nr 424 Mercantic cargo vessel.
Post by: Taranis on October 13, 2021, 08:23:29 pm
Hi
If the number of brass strips is half the number of bollards then yes they are the bollard bases. Some of mine were missing so I bought a full set of replacements from Cornwall model boats but without their bases because even today they are poorly made and ill fitting,
so I made my own.
Should be 8 strips and 16 bollards
Title: Re: Billing Boats Nr 424 Mercantic cargo vessel.
Post by: Taranis on October 13, 2021, 08:27:13 pm
115 it is
From experience I know the early bollards have larger diameter peg than todays. Todays bases are so badly made and the holes are too close together hence making them myself.
(https://photos.smugmug.com/Billing-Boats-Nr-424-Mercantic/i-zqVrQKd/0/fe536721/4K/3645A9D5-0049-41F2-A0F0-25360597ABE4-4K.jpg)
Title: Re: Billing Boats Nr 424 Mercantic cargo vessel.
Post by: Dave_S. on October 21, 2021, 11:17:15 am
just read this entire thread - very informative and inspirational. I will be joining the queue waiting for the kit to be reissued.


I liked your references to Wyre Piddle. When my family was moving from Oxford to Manchester about 50 years ago, we would pass through there on the way north while house hunting. My dad would always say 'Wyre Piddle? Why not?'. Made me & my sister laugh, anyway.
Title: Re: Billing Boats Nr 424 Mercantic cargo vessel.
Post by: Taranis on October 21, 2021, 12:38:32 pm
Thank you Dave. Wyre Piddle and Pershore are to blame for me buying a stationary engine.
The rest from boats will be more rewarding when I re start.


Enjoy your Boulogne kit  O0
Title: Re: Billing Boats Nr 424 Mercantic cargo vessel.
Post by: Dave_S. on October 21, 2021, 03:51:13 pm
Thanks - the Boulogne E is on its way down south from Scotland as I type. Won't be able to jump straight into the build as I need to get my room sorted out and get the bench back in - had to take it all to the garage (no attached to the house, in a separate block, no electricity) while I got the room upstairs sorted out. At least the the pending arrival of the kit is giving me the motivation required to get everything ready again.



Title: Re: Billing Boats Nr 424 Mercantic cargo vessel.
Post by: Martin (Admin) on November 15, 2021, 01:47:27 pm
Hi. I am building the Mercantic model. I bought this kit in 1964 and it is only now that I have time to build. I have finished  the hull and am working on the bridge. The photographs of your build which I have only recently discovered, will be of great help to me from now on. There is an item in the extras kit for the Mercantic that I am puzzled about. Is part number 115 and consists of a brass strip with two holes. It has been suggested to me that they may be the base of the bollards (part no 135) but the bollards do not fit the holes. I cannot find any reference to part no 115 in the drawings. Any help appreciated.

(https://www.modelboatmayhemimages.co.uk/images/2021/11/15/IMG_5777.jpg) (https://www.modelboatmayhemimages.co.uk/image/f3qZZ)


(https://www.modelboatmayhemimages.co.uk/images/2021/11/15/IMG_5774.jpg) (https://www.modelboatmayhemimages.co.uk/image/f3Vnl)

(https://www.modelboatmayhemimages.co.uk/images/2021/11/15/IMG_20211104_162524.jpg) (https://www.modelboatmayhemimages.co.uk/image/f3kFn)


(https://www.modelboatmayhemimages.co.uk/images/2021/11/15/IMG_20211104_162459.jpg) (https://www.modelboatmayhemimages.co.uk/image/f62V2)


Title: Re: Billing Boats Nr 424 Mercantic cargo vessel.
Post by: RST on November 18, 2021, 10:38:59 pm
Hi Andy,


Any news on the Mercantic?  Knowing your enviable and stalwart approach on other builds it might be finished now?


Hope all else is well or good enough,


Rich
Title: Re: Billing Boats Nr 424 Mercantic cargo vessel.
Post by: Taranis on November 18, 2021, 10:42:26 pm
Hi Rich
No modelling at all lately other than preparing another model for sale.
Any other spare time after my mothers needs is spent on my new hobby



Title: Re: Billing Boats Nr 424 Mercantic cargo vessel.
Post by: Taranis on November 21, 2022, 02:23:05 pm
It's official
Billing have a man working on the re release
Title: Re: Billing Boats Nr 424 Mercantic cargo vessel.
Post by: hama on November 21, 2022, 05:40:31 pm
Cool! :-))
Hama
Title: Re: Billing Boats Nr 424 Mercantic cargo vessel.
Post by: HenkJ on December 26, 2022, 04:07:30 pm
really like the Mercantic's anchor wich for my Mercantic, is this a kit?
Regards, Henk
Title: Re: Billing Boats Nr 424 Mercantic cargo vessel.
Post by: nemesis on December 29, 2022, 02:38:10 pm
HI, the winch is a Graupner, sorry I do not have the catalogue details. The idea for using the winch came about from two Mercantic "nuts" in Sydney Aus because they were not happy with the kit one as it did not look right. Maybe if the "new" one ever surfaces they might update the fittings, good luck with your model. nemesis