The Shipyard ( Dry Dock ): Builds & Questions => Pleasure boats, Sports, Race, Power and Leisure Boats: => Topic started by: Martin (Admin) on June 01, 2021, 09:56:27 am
Title: Martin's Latest Projects .... fads, whimsy and distractions!
Post by: Martin (Admin) on June 01, 2021, 09:56:27 am
Title: Re: New Project ....
Post by: frogman3 on June 01, 2021, 11:29:21 am
OH come on Martin give us a better shot than that so we can see it properly :-)) chris
Title: Re: New Project ....
Post by: Klunk on June 01, 2021, 02:00:33 pm
Its made out of lego isn't it.
Title: Re: New Projects ....
Post by: Martin (Admin) on June 02, 2021, 02:17:14 pm
Another wishful project ....
Title: Re: New Projects ....
Post by: Martin (Admin) on June 03, 2021, 03:29:38 pm
Needed to do a very quick build!
Liked it, quite Interesting .... very cathartic!
.... but quite sore Lego finger now. {-)
Brixtoys Bay navy battleship anti aircraft destroyer / 633pcs box set construction toy #AX5711 - On Amazon UK - https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B08JZ9Y41L/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o07_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
Title: Re: New Projects ....
Post by: SteamboatPhil on June 03, 2021, 10:17:56 pm
Brilliant, next video I hope is the motor and battery , all lego of course O0 O0 O0
Title: Re: New Projects ....
Post by: Klunk on June 03, 2021, 11:26:05 pm
I was right!!@@ For once
Title: Re: New Projects ....
Post by: TheLongBuild on June 04, 2021, 05:27:18 pm
Brilliant, next video I hope is the motor and battery , all lego of course O0 O0 O0
Great video Martin, although it is not actually Lego as they will not produce that type of kit due to their Ethos.
Did not do a video but I got this a few month's back..
Title: Re: New Projects ....
Post by: Martin (Admin) on June 05, 2021, 05:46:59 pm
That's not bad at all TLB! :-))
Title: Re: New Projects ....
Post by: Martin (Admin) on June 05, 2021, 05:49:47 pm
Another project!
Old school stuff .... cut, cut, cut, cut ...... you have to make your own kit!
Title: Re: New Projects ....
Post by: Martin (Admin) on June 06, 2021, 11:35:47 pm
I wanted to start a 'real' build again ( after a long medical hiatus ) and wanted to start small, I settled on a Matchstick kit?! I ordered the Matchmodeller Cabin Cruiser Matchstick Kit MM24 from Always Hobbies.
It arrived today, 2 days early..... but they sent the wrong kit. >>:-(
I rang them up, a very politely explained the situation, there was a pause.... a sigh ... and he said:
"Please turn the box over sir, it's double sided."
(https://i.ibb.co/Z1xqPq6/20210526-144436.jpg)
(https://i.ibb.co/XZtmD2W/20210526-154602.jpg)
(https://i.redd.it/q3o5mswuuc061.gif)
Title: Re: New Projects ....
Post by: Martin (Admin) on June 07, 2021, 02:41:41 am
Matchstick Cabin Cruiser - Part 1: What's in the Box
Title: Re: New Projects ....
Post by: Martin (Admin) on June 07, 2021, 02:42:29 am
Matchstick Cabin Cruiser - Part 2: Laying the Keel
Title: Re: New Projects ....
Post by: tonyH on June 07, 2021, 09:39:18 am
I wanted to start a 'real' build again ( after a long medical hiatus ) and wanted to start small, I settled on a Matchstick kit?! I ordered the Matchmodeller Cabin Cruiser Matchstick Kit MM24 from Always Hobbies.
It arrived today, 2 days early..... but they sent the wrong kit. >>:-(
I rang them up, a very politely explained the situation, there was a pause.... a sigh ... and he said:
"Please turn the box over sir, it's double sided."
If you've already been, you'll know that there is a sort of world-weary niceness to the people at Hobbies. If you haven't been, there's a very nice cafe with very nice cake! Oh, if you need to take the boss, there's a decent garden centre a few yards away! A very satisfied customer, especially of the cakes :-))
Title: Re: New Projects ....
Post by: Martin (Admin) on June 07, 2021, 09:52:16 pm
2nd keel piece all glued up.
.... not found my rhythm & the cling film keeps tearing.....
Title: Re: New Projects ....
Post by: warspite on June 12, 2021, 10:04:20 am
Purist - read as (rivet)matchstick counters :embarrassed:
Title: Re: New Projects ....
Post by: Andy M on June 16, 2021, 10:32:29 am
Is it just me, or does anyone else think the windscreen looks upside down on the box top photo? I am interested to see how this turns out, I have a big bag of matchsticks I bought years ago, just waiting for a suitable project.
Title: Re: New Projects ....
Post by: Martin (Admin) on June 16, 2021, 11:39:31 am
No, it's not just you! ok2
Title: Re: New Projects ....
Post by: Martin (Admin) on June 16, 2021, 11:53:19 am
Keel has come out, er, slightly bent! Not much 2-3 mm
I've dampened it and put a wight on it to persuade it the other way.
Title: Re: New Projects ....
Post by: Martin (Admin) on June 18, 2021, 06:12:49 pm
OK, something went weird happened with the bulkheads during drying / curing(?) Although they where pressed flat between the tiles whilst drying, they still came out bent?!?
Go to Amazon, there are several different types if you search for 'matchstick cutter'. The safety cutter is not in stock but someone might have one. Failing this, a razor saw with mini miter box.
Title: Re: New Projects ....
Post by: TheLongBuild on June 18, 2021, 07:32:34 pm
if already glued on then Sandpaper.
Title: Re: New Projects ....
Post by: mrlownotes on June 18, 2021, 10:33:31 pm
I guess it depends on what tooling you have available. Personally, if the matchwood is soft enough to cut well I would remove the bulk of the straight sides with a Stanley knife along a steel ruler (several multiple cuts in the same place, if necessary). For trickier curves and cut-outs I'd use a combination of a handheld fretsaw with a V-plate in a vice for support, followed by files and sandpaper to get down to the outer black lines. Good Luck Martin, I hope you find a method that works for you with the tooling you have at hand.
Title: Re: New Projects ....
Post by: Martin (Admin) on June 18, 2021, 10:53:48 pm
:-))
Title: Re: New Projects ....
Post by: TheLongBuild on June 19, 2021, 12:05:08 am
This should sort it..
Title: Re: New Projects ....
Post by: Martin (Admin) on June 19, 2021, 02:53:24 am
{-) .... but that does remind me, I bought one of those 'toy grade' disk sanders from Lidl a couple of years back..... let me see if I can find it!
Title: Re: New Projects ....
Post by: Stuw on June 19, 2021, 11:22:43 am
Wow. This is frustrating me and I’m not even building it! Very fiddly...
Title: Re: New Projects ....
Post by: Martin (Admin) on June 19, 2021, 11:25:17 am
O0 ..... one hour building .... 45 minutes peeling PVA off me fingers! {-)
... actually loving it! I like the single material idea, just wood .... and gallons of glue! :}
Title: Re: New Projects ....
Post by: Andy M on June 19, 2021, 11:43:59 pm
I like the single material idea too, having done the rubbing strips on my boat from stirrers, I was looking about for things to use them for, I wondered if I could manage to build a small tender for the boat, planked with stirrers. Thats another project though. Enjoying watching your cabin cruiser progressing, I was wondering if you were going for any motorisation or rc? I had a couple of Hobbies outboards years ago, they really benefitted from having the prop blades whittled/sanded to a better profile and the bracing bits mostly removed.
Title: Re: New Projects ....
Post by: Andy M on June 20, 2021, 12:39:09 pm
My wife made this matchstick furniture for my Vivacity (Mary Jane), I thought it was good for a first ever attempt at making something out of wood.
Title: Re: New Projects ....
Post by: Martin (Admin) on June 20, 2021, 12:49:05 pm
:o
Title: Re: New Projects ....
Post by: Martin (Admin) on June 21, 2021, 11:09:16 pm
Trials of Trimming
So far, I've tried: Multi Angle Miter Shears (Amazon) - Only good for loose matches & short cuts.
Title: Re: New Projects ....
Post by: Martin (Admin) on June 21, 2021, 11:19:28 pm
Matchstick Cabin Cruiser - Part 3 - Doubling the keel... then doubling that!
Title: Re: New Projects ....
Post by: tigertiger on June 22, 2021, 03:31:10 am
If you are cutting panels of pre glued matches, I would suggest a razor saw (or even a small Japanese style cross cut saw) and a final trim with a sanding block. The razor saw would be my choice as it is a back saw (the back of the blade is braced), and they are cheap as chips. I would also make myself a mini bench block out of scrap wood.
Title: Re: New Projects ....
Post by: Martin (Admin) on June 22, 2021, 04:02:22 pm
Ordered one of these... "hobby" grade but should do the job.
Title: Re: New Projects ....
Post by: Martin (Admin) on June 29, 2021, 08:24:50 pm
The next stage is fixing the bulkhead to the keel, which I haven't started yet, I've still not got the disk sander sorted out as yet.
So press on, the next stage is the Chines. Now am I right, the chines are the longitudinal beams that hold the hull shape ? ( red arrows ) If so, the boat is about 400mm long, the instruction say 300mm ..... what have I got wrong?
Title: Re: New Projects ....
Post by: Martin (Admin) on July 02, 2021, 04:57:58 pm
Part 4 ....... Uploaded it, forgot to make it Live! {:-{
Title: Re: New Projects ....
Post by: Andy M on July 03, 2021, 12:00:10 am
A fretsaw with a fine toothed blade would be good for cutting them out. I have the motorised version but I think just hand operated for the controllability factor, mine cuts a bit too fast in thin or soft wood. I noticed Hobbies stocks a good range of blades.
Title: Re: New Projects ....
Post by: BrianB6 on July 03, 2021, 03:05:56 am
Try a Jewellery suppliers for very fine blades but buy them in quantity as they break easily. >>:-(
Title: Re: New Projects ....
Post by: tonyH on July 03, 2021, 10:08:45 am
Frazer Heslop recommended Cousins https://www.cousinsuk.com/category/cutting-saws-hack-piercing-scroll and he's very right! I used their piercing saws for some ali and I've no doubt about their quality. No commercial connection!!
Title: Re: New Projects ....
Post by: Martin (Admin) on July 03, 2021, 09:53:45 pm
Matchstick Cabin Cruiser - Part 5 - Bent Keel & Bulkheads!
Title: Re: New Projects ....
Post by: Martin (Admin) on July 10, 2021, 10:06:40 pm
Title: Re: New Projects ....
Post by: Martin (Admin) on July 12, 2021, 08:52:43 pm
OK .... so I did purchase the mini disk & Belt sander from Amazon in the end. There was a bit of messing around with delivery dates, cancelations & customer services ( service!?! ) but it arrived in the end.
1. Fitted with a Euro plug on it! >:-o ( had to buy an adaptor ) >>:-( 2. Surprisingly heavy, 3. No Speed control 4. Washers missing for the disk table lock screws, 5. The fixing / screw lock for the belt table couldn't be more awkward if it tried! 6. You can't sand into right angle corners
But...
7. Worked straight out of the box with no adjustments, 8. Low vibration, 9. Very quiet.
The next stage is fixing the bulkhead to the keel, which I haven't started yet, I've still not got the disk sander sorted out as yet.
So press on, the next stage is the Chines. Now am I right, the chines are the longitudinal beams that hold the hull shape ? ( red arrows ) If so, the boat is about 400mm long, the instruction say 300mm ..... what have I got wrong?
Title: Re: New Projects ....
Post by: Martin (Admin) on August 01, 2021, 08:16:25 pm
Seems I'm as awkward as you can get when it comes to even the most basic carpentry skills..... {:-{ The instructions left me with LOTS more questions than answers, so a lot more close up pictures would have been really helpful ! >:-o
As there is no common datum surface and the keel is curved, glueing on the bulkheads to the right angle proved very tricky. All the bulkheads are parallel to each other, not perpendicular to the keel, so holding them square was not easy at all! If you are thinking of building this 'kit', I would recommend building a jig to hold the keel upright and square to the first bulkhead and working onward from there. Anyway, I persisted and got all the bulkheads on the keel.... .... not to sure of the accuracy of placement, but there they are.
Something I wish I had done is, cut out the keel slots in all the bulkheads and centre aligned them all up as the bulkheads as the chine cutouts seem to be all over the place.
I trial fitted the chines today, so far I've snapped or damaged ..... all of them, sigh! I should have used epoxy instead of PVA.
I'm enjoying the build, but not at all happy with my results so far. I'll continue on as I want to see what else I could have done better before I 'Viking Funeral' the whole thing! ..... and start again.
Title: Re: New Projects ....
Post by: warspite on August 02, 2021, 11:17:49 am
You probably could have made a Lego build board, the big flat plates with the towers on one edge and the keel along the bottom, with your clamps connecting to the towers
Title: Re: New Projects ....
Post by: Martin (Admin) on August 02, 2021, 01:31:38 pm
Good idea! ..... so far, Lego bits have cost 3 times as much as the kit! %%
Title: Re: New Projects ....
Post by: Martin (Admin) on August 17, 2021, 06:27:30 pm
Evening all !
I haven't progressed in recent weeks... life.... one thing and another ... etc.
Quote
I trial fitted the chines today, so far I've snapped or damaged ..... all of them, sigh! I should have used epoxy instead of PVA.
OK I've been experiment with these 'chin' rail for a while now, so far I've tried: ( chines are 2x2 matches )
1. Tried dampening them down again and gentle 'reforming' them around a 'jig', the curvature was too great, and they cracked / snapped.
2. Dampening new matchsticks, using a lot more PVA and adding them to the end of the broken chines & bending round a former.... .... it fell apart, poof jigging on my part methinks. This might work if I cut two proper formers and clamping around them, I guess....
3. Dampening new matchsticks, used 2 part Epoxy and added them to the end of the broken chines. Matchstick encased in Epoxy: a. Do Not like to be bent, b. Bend straight back once released!
4. Tied dampening matches, ( left overnight in a bottle of water ), placed them on an upright ( 4 coffee stirers ), put a flexible 'bag' over them with wights on them, Lead Acid batteries.... - Results: Pathetic! ( Red matches )
5. Tied dampening matches, clamped them with 2 bulldog clips with 2 match spacer.... - Results: Slightly less than pathetic! ( Black matches , middle )
6. Dampening more matches, clamped them down to my mini glass surface plate ( glass place mat! ) over a disposable paint brush handle, ( about 6mm ). - Results: Best so far but not uniformly curved. ( Blue matches, left )
Title: Re: New Projects ....
Post by: RST on August 17, 2021, 07:07:32 pm
Hi Martin, can't help much. I bought one of these kits in my 'youth, if I recall from a model shop in York. I would be early teens. From memory back then (An Arun lifeboat) was entirely built "skeleton" on brown card, onto which all the matchsticks were glued on the outside faces. The card skeleton was quite comprehensive and went together OK. I couldn't get the matchsticks to work after! But I was quite young and impatient and the matchsticks were used plenty over the years elsewhere after I gave up. My parents probably balked as it probably wasn't a cheap kit at the time, far out with pocket money and on a promise I would be good and build it!
...looking back though and with a bit more knowledge I'm not sure how matchsticks would work when laid flat then bent into place. That's asking allot of the adhesive.
Your kit looks a bit different though. I can remember mine and it was as much card formers as it probably was matchsticks in the end, yours is much less.
I don't know how they're done when I see them exhibited. They always seem a work of art in itself!
...sorry, that's not much use!
Rich
Title: Re: New Projects ....
Post by: Andy M on August 19, 2021, 04:33:11 pm
Hi Martin, I was wondering if you might get better results by making an oversized flat plate out of the matches then sanding/cutting it to the curved shape you need, rather than trying to bend it.
Title: Re: New Projects ....
Post by: warspite on August 19, 2021, 05:07:49 pm
I was just about to suggest a profile based on sculpturing a block of matches - starting with the inside and sanding it to hull profile, the basic curve created with cut match ends to produce a curve, as long as it painted over later you would'nt notice the construction.
or even take a match cut part way through and then glue when the curve is bent in - like that laminate with machined grooves in it to form around curves in kitchens, water - did you try steaming the individual matches to form a curve restrained shape and then construct the chine ?
Title: Re: New Projects ....
Post by: Martin (Admin) on August 19, 2021, 05:55:41 pm
Good ideas! Hmmmm......
(https://i.ibb.co/WDW8GHf/Hmmm-2.jpg)
Title: Re: New Projects ....
Post by: redpmg on August 20, 2021, 01:54:58 pm
Use one of those Italian plank bending tools on the individual matches Martin - cant remember whether its Mantua or Mamoli who make them . That kit is much more sophisticated than the others which are quite simplistic - will be a nice looking boat in the end .
Title: Re: New Projects ....
Post by: RST on August 20, 2021, 07:57:11 pm
....any use for inspiration? Alternatively, if you're struggling with the chine and sheer rails is it acceptable to just use stringers from whetever you can get from local model shop or the likes of hobbycraft -or is that defecting the point?
Rich
Title: Re: New Projects ....
Post by: Martin (Admin) on August 20, 2021, 11:50:09 pm
Use one of those Italian plank bending tools on the individual matches Martin - cant remember whether its Mantua or Mamoli who make them . That kit is much more sophisticated than the others which are quite simplistic - will be a nice looking boat in the end .
Title: Re: New Projects ....
Post by: Andy M on August 21, 2021, 02:16:05 am
I had one of them but never had much success with it. I dont think it would work on a match length? I thought it was for long strips.
I was wondering if controlled cracking might work better, cracked in the middle between two other matches on a flat surface, the sort of hinged pieces can be set at correct curve/angle, then glued and sanded to a nice curve later. The angles involved mean no one match is going to be at an extreme angle and look jaggy.
Title: Re: New Projects ....
Post by: Martin (Admin) on August 21, 2021, 03:43:15 am
OK so today's attempt.... soaked new matches in water & ammonia ( suggestion from Facebook ), but I didn't have any ammonia ( that I know about ), so I used Mouthwash, gargle stuff! {-) .... it smells strong enough, don't think it has ammonia in it though... hope not anyway!
Put the matches in some old McDonald straws I found in the glass cupboard ( really old plastic straws too! ), 5 x 2 seemed to fit just right per straw. Then wrapped straws around a small bottle of wine & a smaller can of superglue accelerator.
Securely taped down with lots of 'Sellotape', I also rolled them on a hard surface to help them conform while they are still damp. I've left the to cook in the airing cupboard overnight, we'll see how they come out tomorrow.
I didn't go with the 'cut-out the curve from a plate of matches' idea, although probably the most pragmatic idea... seemed like cheating to me! %)
Title: Re: New Projects ....
Post by: redpmg on August 21, 2021, 04:16:21 pm
Don't see why the planking tool wont work - same as using finger and thumbnail to dent one side - but with less chance of breaking the match - can remember doing that a few times when building a match kit
Title: Re: New Projects ....
Post by: Martin (Admin) on August 21, 2021, 04:58:50 pm
Thanks redpmg, window cleaner..... well I was sort of right, mouthwash! {-)
Will better results as you can see & probably good enough to carry on. Surprisingly, even after 24 hours in the airing cupboard, the matches are warm but still damp when removed from the straws! We'll see what they look like once they dry out.
Title: Re: New Projects ....
Post by: Martin (Admin) on August 22, 2021, 02:10:46 am
OK, Saturday, so a bit of time and energy on hand...
I need more curved matches, so let's make some more. Matches are surprisingly resistant to bending, so this next batch are again damped and put in straws, but this time clamped down .... ( round? )... with hose clamps!
Another attempt was made around the mini wine bottle, keeping matches straight in this fashion is like herding cats! After three more tries at this, the effort turned out to be taping them down with masking tape ( and they still slipped a bit ), cover over with a sheet of plastic, ( bottom of a takeaway container ), and then loads and loads of rubber bands.
Title: Re: New Projects ....
Post by: Martin (Admin) on August 22, 2021, 06:55:30 pm
Mucking about again today, bending matches, no, not a euphemism for anything! Interestingly, well maybe only to me, the matches take 10 times longer to dry out when clamped than when released! They stay damp for days when clamped but dry out in minutes when released ... who knew! This is what the hose clamped sticks look like once dried out, below...
Anyway, they came out just about right and but as PVA doesn't glue to well to damp wood, I used Superglue & accelerator, the stuff that I got off SteamBoatPhil at Wicksteed a couple of years ago.... ( got any more Phil, it's great stuff, the accelerator really works well? ). I'm using a glass coaster again, as the work can be easily separated once I get bored with waiting.... Yes, I've glued myself to the sticks at least eight times today! >:-o
Title: Re: New Projects ....
Post by: Martin (Admin) on August 22, 2021, 07:07:10 pm
I quickly ran out of matchsticks today, and the ones around the mini wine bottle haven't finished conforming to my will as yet. So after a couple of weeks of faffing about, trying to bend matches, when I ran out today, I just started bending damp matches over my thumbnails, only took seconds!
So a productive afternoon in the end and I got all 4 chines completed.... all different shapes but damped down again and all clamped together. We'll see tomorrow how they come up....
Title: Re: New Projects ....
Post by: joppyuk1 on August 22, 2021, 07:54:32 pm
You seem to be having a lot of trouble with wet matches! Have you tried steaming them? A vegetable steamer on the hob could reproduce the effects of a full size steam box. Water boiling in the pan below, wood in the steam pan above. Mind you, this could get too hot without appropriate thought.
Title: Re: New Projects ....
Post by: Martin (Admin) on August 28, 2021, 12:45:27 am
OK, chines have dried out quite nicely, and I even managed to separated with breaking them... again!
They are not quite the right shape, and as they are more fragile than you would think and, as suggested below, I think I need a pin board to create the shape as per plan.
Title: Re: New Projects ....
Post by: Martin (Admin) on September 03, 2021, 03:02:56 pm
Well, these chines are proving to be ever more hassle than before! They retained their shape quite well after being pinned in place in wood board, over the plans, but on the frames, they take on a different shape entirely!
Title: Re: New Projects ....
Post by: Martin (Admin) on September 03, 2021, 03:14:11 pm
As you can see, in sections 2 & 3, the chines have taken on a very peculiar shape! With no datum line, I can think of any way to hold anything straight at this point. All the bulkheads measure exactly bother sides, from the bow point, but they still look twisted. And on top of that, the chines keep fracturing once damped down for reshaping. I must admit, I haven't checked the bulkheads against the plans {:-{ >:-o
Title: Re: New Projects ....
Post by: redpmg on September 03, 2021, 03:50:45 pm
Why is the boat in the Dustbin Martin ????????? It's really beginning to look the part . Inspired me to finish one while watching movies in the evening - started it in 2009 - had forgotten what a slow build they are........... Tried the finger & thumbnail trick here - it works so have ordered a plank nipper/bender ( Artesania supply one in SA) - think they are all the same make in any event . You need to let things dry out for days before glueing unless you use a quick grab waterproof type PVA (white glue) - cyano , balsa cement and contact types will let go with any damp. Some glues also might not like the residue left behind from the materials you have used to assist bending.
Title: Re: New Projects ....
Post by: Martin (Admin) on September 03, 2021, 05:15:37 pm
Quote
.... quick grab waterproof type PVA
Good idea :-))
Title: Re: New Projects ....
Post by: Martin (Admin) on September 05, 2021, 01:17:23 am
So double-checking the plans again.... they are not fully to scale!!! >>:-( Some bulkheads are 2mm under, some 2mm too wide! Great! Thanks! >:-o
Anyway, I decided, rather than continue to fight it, I've bonded on another row of matches, (using waterproof PVA this time)# and sand back to shape..... yes, I know some of you suggested similar earlier... but what do I know! %)
Title: Re: New Projects ....
Post by: Andy M on September 11, 2021, 11:17:12 pm
Hi Martin, it is looking like a test of your perseverance but also a lot more like a boat. I watched a video you linked to about planking clamps, I have now made a bundle for my next project, my sub £11 cnc laser cut plank on frame kit. My first one ever. Cheers for the link to the clamps, well handy.
Title: Re: New Projects ....
Post by: Martin (Admin) on September 13, 2021, 08:59:35 pm
Thanks Andy, forgot about those!
Now where was I ....??? OK, Sanded back the new Chine doublers, the overall shape looks OK, but your eye is easily deceived by the inner shape!
Title: Re: New Projects ....
Post by: Martin (Admin) on September 13, 2021, 09:46:11 pm
It was then bulkhead B6 decided to stir up trouble!
1. It first fractured, nearly in two, only being held together by the paper template. ( Remember, this was the only single layer bulkhead! )
2. The chine notches were nowhere near the chines!
3. I re-glued it, but it again dried with a curve in it. That too had to be corrected, the sides and top padded out to correct size, braced & re-glued back in place.
Title: Re: New Projects ....
Post by: Circlip on September 14, 2021, 09:26:58 am
Given the trials and tribulations exhibited by an experienced modeller, I wonder how many of these kits succumb to the original use of the material as a Viking ritual?
Regards Ian
Title: Re: New Projects ....
Post by: Andy M on September 14, 2021, 02:35:15 pm
Exactly, its easy to produce a kit like this, showing nicely curved matches, but I doubt a beginner could manage to build it. My friend is building his first boat, a Sea Rover, at the same time as I am building one, and I think he has managed it very well, it was a plans build with lots of cutting out and sanding. I dont see him having the patience to finish one like Martin's matchstick version.
Title: Re: New Projects ....
Post by: redpmg on September 14, 2021, 09:24:22 pm
Having been motivated by Martins build I re-started a matchstick kit of a River Boat (Stern Wheeler) from over ten years ago - will have to agree they are much more difficult than a novice could handle . Was going to give a Steam Launch kit on hand to my grandson but have decided not to do so as it would probably put him off for life . Way beyond a kids ability and the instructions are very skimpy to say the least . No mention anywhere as to how you can bend the matches either - ( took my own advice and bought a plank bender which works a treat on matches - would never use it on other model planking though ). Also fell into the trap of thinking a matchstick model would be easy........ and its very time consuming ! Its a pity that some of the designers don't build a model from their own plans before issuing a kit based on them - then the sort of problems Martin has faced would never occur - plus the instructions would probably be a little more detailed.
Glad to see your model progressing Martin - think it might well have been easier for you to finish off the Cactus Tug...........
Title: Re: New Projects ....
Post by: Martin (Admin) on September 23, 2021, 09:12:22 pm
Done a little more to the matchstick model this week!
Actual Builder: https://www.facebook.com/groups/338423719627190/user/100001231028635
Title: Re: New Projects ....
Post by: warspite on September 24, 2021, 01:22:21 pm
I see you sort out the chines then %) O0 {-)
Title: Re: New Projects ....
Post by: Martin (Admin) on September 26, 2021, 10:17:05 pm
Really warm 'Indian Sumner' here in the UK.... lovely! :-))
OK, let's tackle the hull plates ....
No dramas this week, a very therapeutic two hours session gluing up sticks. I glued this time, over a plastic sheet, over the plans for the first round, a single layer, diagonal rake. I already know how weak a single layer is, so will probably glue on a copy of the plans once dry, and build the next hull plate on to the plan copy.
To try to make for a smoother finish / flatter plate, I used a battery to weigh down the newly laid sticks as I moved along. Once the plate was complete, I wetted the whole thing down again with diluted PVA, rubbed that in and overlaid with glass place mats.
NB 1: Yes I know I should have glued the other two chines in / on.... just realising that now! NB 2: Yes, snapped one of the unfixed chines again.... whilst looking for it! >:-o
Title: Re: New Projects ....
Post by: warspite on September 28, 2021, 12:17:47 pm
And if you were modelling a ravine it would look like an excellent rope bridge deck {-)
Title: Re: New Projects ....
Post by: fredd on September 30, 2021, 11:59:12 am
If you are not going to use card former when planking and are proposing using a second layer could I suggest you make mini planks two or three matches wide. You can then sand chines to best shape for planks
I am well on in building a working matchstick model based on Vic Smeeds "Mistral" details at :- http://www.lightkeepersjourney.com/hobbies.html#+ (http://www.lightkeepersjourney.com/hobbies.html#+) Which gives some of the ways I built my model
Fred
Title: Re: New Projects ....
Post by: Martin (Admin) on October 03, 2021, 06:04:35 pm
This is weird, This is the update from last week, as you can see, the plate completely covers the template, from end to end ....
(https://i.postimg.cc/RVM4bQM2/MCC-06.jpg)
Yet this week, when I inspected it, it's now 10mm short???
Title: Re: New Projects ....
Post by: Martin (Admin) on October 03, 2021, 06:39:23 pm
On to the other hull plate side .... don't know which is port or starboard sides as yet. I know my methodology and double, triple, quadruple checked I had a matching set, left and right, .... but if you think about, they ambidextrous! {-)
Title: Re: New Projects ....
Post by: Martin (Admin) on October 23, 2021, 07:07:49 pm
Carrying on ....
Fitted the lower chines last weekend.... not without snapping them again .... three times! Not sure, but it may be because I may have used superglue & not waterproof PVA, and it gave up when dampened.
Title: Re: New Projects ....
Post by: Martin (Admin) on October 23, 2021, 07:14:11 pm
Fitting the chines was a real tricky clamping job! I used 5 minute epoxy.... couldn't figure how to clamp it, so I just held the bow joints, by hand for 10 minutes.
Title: Re: New Projects ....
Post by: JimG on October 24, 2021, 05:51:38 pm
The shrinkage will be due to two factors. The PVA glue will shrink as it dries and it may take some time to fully dry out. The wood will tend to expand due to absorbing water from the glue, when it dries it will contract again to its original size, the amount is small for each match but over the number you use it all adds up. Jim
Title: Re: New Projects ....
Post by: Martin (Admin) on October 24, 2021, 05:53:24 pm
Hmmmm....
(https://i.ibb.co/WDW8GHf/Hmmm-2.jpg)
Title: Re: New Projects ....
Post by: TheLongBuild on October 24, 2021, 06:38:37 pm
Interesting Martin as have just watched yours and also a Vid of someone building the Oil Vessel, interesting to see that they built theirs gluing directly onto the templates ?. Looking at the Trawler myself..
Title: Re: New Projects ....
Post by: Martin (Admin) on October 24, 2021, 09:08:09 pm
Yes that the way it was 'designed', ( I use the term loosely! ) but I wanted my build to be all wood, or as much as possible.
I've hampered myself with a few problems,
1. I've never built a boat out of matchsticks before, 2. I've never built an all wood boat before, 3. I've never built a 'plank on frame' boat before (I'm excluding the Bismarck...), 4. I've never 'plans' built a model boat before, 5. I've not used this much wood for anything since building my garden shed 20+ years ago!
However.... I'm having great fun and loving it! {-)
Title: Re: New Projects ....
Post by: TheLongBuild on October 25, 2021, 09:04:27 pm
Title: Re: New Projects ....
Post by: mmartin1980 on November 14, 2021, 08:22:05 pm
looks fun, ive made 100s of matchstick models, and quite a few boats.... sadly where i did this you couldn't exactly use a camera so dont have any pics, looks good so far
Title: Re: New Projects ....
Post by: Martin (Admin) on November 15, 2021, 08:33:25 am
looks fun, ive made 100s of matchstick models, and quite a few boats.... sadly where i did this you couldn't exactly use a camera so dont have any pics, looks good so far
What is your glue of choice Martin? :-)
Title: Re: New Projects ....
Post by: mmartin1980 on November 15, 2021, 11:50:18 am
Hobby's woodbond pva glue, then a few coats of acrylic clear varnish to seal it
when making long panels i would always double up the layers by doing them at 90 degrees to each other
Title: Re: New Projects ....
Post by: ChrisF on November 15, 2021, 05:23:59 pm
Martin - have you thought about turning the central heating off! :-)
Title: Re: New Projects ....
Post by: Martin (Admin) on November 15, 2021, 06:02:01 pm
All the time but wify would turn it on in July if the sun went in! {:-{
Title: Re: New Projects ....
Post by: Martin (Admin) on November 28, 2021, 10:26:20 pm
OK, must get past my growing apathy for this kit... 'must try harder'!
This is where we're at .... these hull plates were made to size shrunk when they dried out, spliced, add more matches to rebuild to size .... and same a second time!
Title: Re: New Projects ....
Post by: Martin (Admin) on January 04, 2022, 04:10:29 pm
Jan 4 - Had another go with a Multi-tool sander, oscillating type, a bit better because it speed controllable but was still taking ages.
Looked up 'sanders' on Utube, decided that a Random Orbit Sander was probably the next step.
That arrived yesterday via Amazon ... cheapest one I could find! ;D
Had a go with that today, not bad with 60 grit disk!
1. Snapped two sheets (again) through bad handling 2. Flipping FREEZING outside today (UK) in a thin polo shirt! 3. Just what wood are matchsticks made from... marble?
Jan 4 - Had another go with a Multi-tool sander, oscillating type, a bit better because it speed controllable but was still taking ages.
3. Just what wood are matchsticks made from... marble?
The amount of glue you soaked them with may be having an effect. Jim
Title: Re: New Projects ....
Post by: Martin (Admin) on January 05, 2022, 09:44:13 am
Saw this on eBay, this morning, seller says his is made from balsa .... It's a bit bigger than mine, 58.5cm. x Width 15cm. x Depth 18cm ( mine is 48 x 14cm ) but same shape and everything!
Title: Re: New Projects ....
Post by: Martin (Admin) on May 08, 2022, 11:35:06 pm
Well it been a .... 'a couple of days' .... since I've added to this build, but what with cellulitis, infections, hospital stays, reinfections, dermatitis, I've just not felt building stupid model boats! <:(
So those of you that know me, my aphorism seems to be, 'Cum depressus impetus emptio on eBay'
An easy & fast build is what I need .... not actually this ship .... but very similar in appearance!
Title: Re: New Projects ....
Post by: Martin (Admin) on May 09, 2022, 08:55:00 pm
Finished it ! - https://youtu.be/vcAqEmvkZME
Title: Re: New Projects ....
Post by: Corposant on May 09, 2022, 11:07:59 pm
Well done Martin! Looking forward to the pictures of her first sea trials!! Hopefully she's been suitably therapeutic and you're now fully recovered. Regards,Mike
Title: Re: New Projects .... MECCANO Pirate Ship
Post by: Martin (Admin) on May 20, 2022, 07:50:41 pm
MECCANO A1505604 Pirate Ship 'Special Edition.'
Mum bought me my first Meccano kit when i was about 8 I think... loved it straight away. ( Glad I was a boy before computers, smartphones, Internet were a thing! )
I first saw these Meccano 'Ships' at the Warwick model boat show a couple of years ago and thought, "Now that looks interesting! There were a lot of strange parts in this kit, but I suppose it's over 50 years since I touched Meccano.
Some thoughts... 1. Many of the parts, even the 'standard parts' seem paper thin .... 2. Instruction books have changed a lot over the years, they now seem to be drafted by graphic artist these days not engineers, they look great but, in many places, they are not practical construction drawings. 3. Several times I had to take sections apart because there are brown parts and slightly darker brown parts! 4. The rod coupler (tubes) are, literally, just heavy foil! 5. Some parts look exactly the same, but some are plastic, some are metal! 6. The golden rule as a kid was; "Never bend the parts!" ..... There are several parts to be bent in this kit. 7. I appreciate this is a 'visual' project, so not much (any!) engineering in this build at all. 8. I knew the 'sails' were going to be tedious... and they were .... very tedious! 9. Not any "clever" design aspects I could find at all in the whole build. 10. I did not enjoy this build at all. I found the whole thing a real chore in the end and glad to be done of it. {:-{
Marks out of Ten: 5/10 ..... But at least I now have a lot of spare nuts, bolts, metal bits and pieces for other projects! :}
Title: Re: New Projects ....
Post by: warspite on May 21, 2022, 01:10:54 pm
I still have the Plastic meccano - which you could bend a little, made a few off plan things like a Wessex like helicopter and strange caravells using the red bridge trapiziums
Title: Re: New Projects .... (Lego) De Havilland Mosquito
Post by: Martin (Admin) on May 21, 2022, 01:14:59 pm
Another home arrest project ...... COBI ( Lego ) - De Havilland Mosquito FB.VI
The De Havilland Mosquito is still one of my all-time favourite aircraft: https://www.modelboatmayhem.co.uk/forum/index.php/topic,10985.msg102839.html#msg102839 .... such a pleasing curves on the eye....
I love the ethos of the "Mossie", 'The Spitfire is proving really successful ...... let's nail TWO of them together!' %)
Some thoughts... 1. Kit OK really, it as good as Lego. 2. No parts missing. 3. Few complaints about the kit / final product... only gripes from over expectation on my part! 4. Many parts hard to identify from build manual. 5. Didn't like the way fitted parts are greyed after each stage, difficult to cross-check fitted pieces. 6. Lots of bespoke parts just for this kit (guessing). 7. Some assemblies do not hold together well, eg. rear of the engine nacelles, canopy. 8. It's quite fragile once built, easy to knock parts off. 9. All smaller bags not numbered ... and no rhyme or reason why those parts are bagged together, ie. you HAVE to open all the bags at the same time! >:-o 10. Last and most important, the propellers do not resemble the original huge 'boat oar' props in any way! >>:-(
Marks out of Ten: 7/10 ..... Done & dusted, all bagged up, (properly!) ... make me a reasonable offer and it's yours :}
Title: Re: Martin's Latest Projects .... fads, whimsy and distractions!
Post by: Big Ada on June 15, 2023, 04:24:59 pm
We have not seen the finishing of the Club 500 Yet!!! >>:-( <*< <:(
Len.
Title: Re: Martin's Latest Projects .... fads, whimsy and distractions!
Post by: Martin (Admin) on June 15, 2023, 10:25:19 pm
.,.. I've emotionally ground to a halt, again .... sigh! :((
Title: Re: Martin's Latest Projects .... fads, whimsy and distractions!
Post by: TheLongBuild on June 16, 2023, 09:09:30 pm
Martin, Martin, Martin I know some will say to me about throwing stones in glass houses, but I am starting to see a bit of a trend.
The Bismarck The Match stick Boat and now the Club 500 !!
:} :} :} %)
Title: Re: Martin's Latest Projects .... fads, whimsy and distractions!
Post by: Martin (Admin) on June 16, 2023, 11:13:03 pm
Naaa, don't be like that! .... Besides, there's at least 10 other incomplete projects still on the go! {-)
Just taking a break due to fatigue ...
Title: Re: Martin's Latest Projects .... fads, whimsy and distractions!
Post by: Stuw on June 17, 2023, 08:23:52 am
It’s all about the journey, not the destination...some say! If we stop for a picnic or a refuel what’s the harm.
:-))
At least you started some projects. I feel a bit of a fraud as all I’m doing is enjoying the work of others on here.
Title: Re: Martin's Latest Projects .... fads, whimsy and distractions!
Post by: Andyn on June 17, 2023, 08:52:02 am
How’s that Akula going Martin? ;)
Title: Re: Martin's Latest Projects .... fads, whimsy and distractions!
Post by: Martin (Admin) on June 17, 2023, 09:14:00 am
It's still here if you want to take it on!
Title: Re: Martin's Latest Projects .... fads, whimsy and distractions!
Post by: tonyH on June 17, 2023, 10:10:06 am
If I may make a suggestion for the next Festive Period in the addition of the following party game, loosely based on Pass the Parcel.It goes as follows.A series of desks, each having one of the unfinished projects on board. Guests are seated, one to a desk and at zero hour the music starts. 2 hours later and having progressed the project, the music stops and the guests move round to the next desk, at which point the music restarts for another 2 hours and so on. As a project is completed, the guest at that table is eliminated until there is one project left which could be, hypothetically, made of matches. Personally, I'd name the game after galley slaves. <*<
Title: Re: Martin's Latest Projects .... fads, whimsy and distractions!
Post by: TheLongBuild on June 17, 2023, 11:04:46 pm
You put in a stupid low bid... forget you did ... get an email from eBay saying, 'You Won, pay now!.... and I don't even know what for!
Title: Re: Martin's Latest Projects .... fads, whimsy and distractions!
Post by: KitS on July 20, 2023, 08:47:34 pm
Hehehehehe LOVE it! :-))
Title: Re: Martin's Latest Projects .... fads, whimsy and distractions!
Post by: warspite on July 22, 2023, 01:27:58 pm
Yep - so quiet - that's because it wont even make it out of the storage area with the other 10+ items (was each face in that reply one for each 'PROJECT' martin has).
With the demise of the model shop, is martin trying to save all models in the UK or model shops stock?
Soon he will have to create more space for the 'collection' that he will have to get rid of some of his shirts - oops - to far?????? %)
Title: Re: Martin's Latest Projects .... fads, whimsy and distractions!
Post by: Martin (Admin) on July 22, 2023, 02:18:19 pm
... finger hovering over Delete Account button .... {-)
Title: My New Yacht!
Post by: Martin (Admin) on October 11, 2023, 03:32:08 pm
My New Yacht!
Had a great evening sail at Wicksteed a couple of weeks ago ( https://www.modelboatmayhem.co.uk/forum/index.php/topic,69589.msg755410.html#msg755410 )
... anyway, as a consequence, I thought a 'all lit up' yacht would look great for the next evening sail.
I've been cruising FleaBay and Facebook for a 2nd hand deal, A Victoria or Tamiya Fortune 613, something that looks sort of scale..... There are a couple of good deals around but they are all too far away. Anyway SWMBO was cutting the grass Sunday and the lawn mower went ...buzz, gronk, grindgrindgrind !