Almost 3 months since the last update - unbelievable...
Anyway, finally knuckled down and got on with the top. A full sheet fitting was attempted but was never going to work so I opted for fitting in sections.
Also, decided to glue balsa strips to each bulkhead to provide larger gluing surfaces.
The first 2 sections of roof went on ok using Aliphatic on the balsa and cyano on the plastic where it meets the sides. These were left for a full day to harden off. Unfortunately when I released the clamps on the front edge, the joint parted where the Aliphatic and cyano met, so obviously the 2 glues don't like each other
The third section proved awkward to clamp but we got there in the end.
So, that just left the rear saloon to cover.
One section was giving me a hard time, the part just aft of the cockpit - I spent 5 evening sessions trying to get it glued on, using a number of different glues, and then it suddenly dawned on me - one of the basic 'rules' when applying adhesives - give the glue something to grip! i.e. roughen the surface. I had been trying to glue the piece, shiny side down, without first abrading the surface - no wonder it wouldn't stick
what a numpty....
Well, we got there eventually, the excess was removed, the joints were filled and smoothed off, then attention turned to the cockpit.
Using templates, the bottom, sides and ends were made in 1.5mm plastic, a bit of filling / filing done and it was ready to receive primer.
So, the coamings were taped off and the whole item given 3 coats of filler/primer, followed by 2 coats of grey primer.
...and that's as far as I've gotten to.
Now that the weather is changing I think I should turn my attention to the deck planking.
Photo 1 Making a start on the top sections.
Photo 2 clamps a-plenty and not very pretty.
Photo 3&4 Filler / primer applied.
Photo 5&6 Grey primer applied.
Regards,
Ray.