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[Kev]

Hello all

After a 12 year break from model boating (scale model trucks) I have decided to return to model boats, not wanting to spend a great amount until I saw if I still got the same enjoyment from the hobby a search of the attic was carried out and YES there in the corner was the last of my model boats in a dusty battered box.

The model was a Graunper Krabbie Ton 12 it had been striped for a rebuild 12 years ago and forgot about, from my memories of sailing it on Oglethorpe's boating lake it was always very unstable even in the mildest of winds and often became water logged and tipped over.

This would be my starting point to get back into the hobby but with a difference. I have always liked the Liverpool class life boats and after several days of research and calculations the idea came to me to convert the Krabbie hull and make my own lifeboat. The boat will be 1/24th scale..

[Kev]

The krabbie hull was very blunt, the hull needed lengthening by around 3 inches to fit everything on anyway so out came the glue filler and some plastic card.
A new extended front section of keel was cut out and glued and screwed to the original, then card templates were cut to fit, before plastic card was cut and glued to reshape the front of the hull..





more to follow soon.

[Kev]

Some bilge keels were added with shaped ply and the sides of the hull were increased in height by 1/2 inch, then plenty of sanding and a shot of red oxide.


While the hull was drying attention was turned to the wooden cabin, a frame work was built from balsa and then skinned with thin balsa before the planking was steamed and bent to shape to cover the whole thing.

[Kev]

Front and rear deck covers were constructed from balsa then the first shots of final colour added..

[Kev]

A new rudder was made from thin sheet aluminium and detail added to it.


More hull detail was added then the final coat of paint was sprayed.


The deck was given a new covering.

[Kev]

A row of seats and storage boxes were added to each side and stained to match the deck.




36 holes were drilled around the hull to hold safety rope, and eyes were attached.

[Kev]

Ropes were added.


Front and rear masts were constructed from aluminiun tube, with both being hinged to fold down.



front hand rails and brass supports for the tow bollard were added.

[Kev]

Here is the finished ship, let me know your thoughts, she is fitted with a 540 motor and old controler from my car days, flat out is a bit fast she looks more like a power boat. lol
At half speed and slower she preforms great with a very good turning circle, reverse is a bit hit and miss but enough steering to get out of most things.

I have really enjoyed my first step back into boat modeling and my next project is on order already(1/12th trent lifeboat). hull and plan set so much construction to complete.
Hope you like my little ship and all comments will be welcome..

[Corposant]

What a transformation! Well done Kev. Here's looking forward to your next build.

Mike

[Mad_Mike]

well done give yourself a pat on the back