As a newcomer to model boats and having chosen the Billings Nordkap kit as the place to start, I found the advice and experience in various build logs extremely helpful. With Nordkap now finished and wanting to remain with plank on frame kits, I decided to have a go at the Mantua Bruma. My hope in starting my own build log is that it will attract advice and comment along the way, not only helpful to me but also to others who may have chosen to invest in this elegant kit. So here goes:
Two weeks in and the hull framework is completed, the motors and RC trial installed and planking of the deck now underway.
Mantua provide a motor kit with one motor driving both props but it is very expensive and the gear drive is apparently noisy. For a lower cost, and based on recommendations, I have opted for two 385 motors and 35mm 3 bladed props, one RH and one LH.
I waterproofed the hull frame, deck underside and motor/RC mountings with diluted aliphatic glue. Remembering the amount of epoxy resin I coated the inside of Nordkap with, I hope this will be enough. It may depend on whether my planking skills have improved to the point that the hull does not leak.
Since Nordkap where I used model railway track pins to secure the planks whilst drying, I have come across the Miskin plank on frame clamps. Incredibly expensive though they are (£9.95 for 10), they may prove to be worth their weight in gold. When it comes to planking the hull, they should hold the plank firmly onto the frames much better than pins.
Looking ahead to planking the hull, I aleady have a question. Should I butt up the planks against the side of the keel at the prow end or run them over the keel to meet in front. If fitted against the side of the keel, do I have to leave space for the second planking to butt in front of the first or does this then over lap the keel? I haven't explained this very well but someone may understand me!
Well that's it for now. Back to planking the deck.