Fireboat II

A slight change of plan! I was intending to build another Huntsman 31 from Richard Webb plans. I have one, but the deck was coming away from the sides and it needed new motor etc. However, after looking at it I decided a bit of P38 would solve the deck problems, and a new motor installation soon had it running again. With a brushless motor (1100KV on 7.4 volts and 35mm prop) it now performs beautifully so no need to build another  

Looking around for another subject I came across the plans for Richard Webb's Fireboat II on eBay and with davidjt's help I acquired the original MB article. I have a good stock of 1.5mm plasticard so it should be a reasonably cheap build - but I always think that before I start   

This it what it should look like when finished. 



I got the plan copied yesterday so can start cutting the templates out today.

Barrie

I'm sure you'll do it proud as usual Barrie.

I have made a start and cut out the main hull pieces. I have started putting it together. The method used by Richard Webb was to dry assemble all the hull components with lots of tape, then start gluing. However, I have found on other models of his this actually requires about six hands, so I am trying my own method   I started by laying out the pieces and taping them together, then I stuck the bulkheads to the bottom pieces - one to each side.



When this had dried, I stuck them to the opposite hull bottom piece, and applied some glue to the straight part of the join between the bottom pieces.



Once that had dried, I started to attach the sides to the bulkheads, starting with one side at the rear.



Next step is to continue fixing the sides to the forward bulkhead, and the sides to the bottom - all on the straight parts of the hull. Once that is rigid I can start to form the bows.

Barrie

I'm making progress, but need to go slowly so that the joints are properly set before moving on. There is a lot of tension in the panels as I move to the bows. 

 

The port side is glued right up to the bows, the starboard only to the forward bulkhead. I have fitted the transom, and the deck is cut out ready, but I want to get the hull rigid and the joints sealed. There will be reasonable access when the lid deck is on, but I may try to install the rudder tube and propshaft before fitting it. I have made the rudder and the shaft is on order. I will be using a '500' motor on 6 volts with a 15A Mtroniks ESC. That will save having to install an Rx battery.

Final two photos for now.

 

Just two joints to go - but the most difficult I think    

Barrie

When I removed all the tape holding the bows, this is what I found  


It could have been worse, and I don't think I could have got  as good as that if I had put it all together and then glued.  A little P40 filler soon covered the hole, and some filler on the outside will be sanded to shape.

 

The forward bulkhead seems to be at a strange angle, so that needs attention, and I want to strengthen all the joints with a mixture of plastic card dissolved in glue, but I'm out of glue! I do have the propshaft now so could fix that and the rudder before attaching the deck. 

I must also make a stand for it, so that will keep me busy until I get some glue.

Barrie

Sanded down all the filler and the shape is now reasonable   I cut the slot for the prop shaft and also drilled for the rudder then spent ages trying to make a mount for the motor. At the moment its an old 500, but it looks a bit big for the boat, and is proving a little difficult to fit. I think that I might have to go for a brushless.

I did make and paint a stand, so some progress was made.

 

Barrie

With a fresh start, the motor was finally fitted. I decided to stick with the 500 for now. The rudder is in and that and the propshaft fixed with P38. I have also mounted the steering servo and made a tiller. The linkages are made after breaking two of the plastic clips on the way. I next need to decide where to put the batteries - a 6 volt NiMh pack - the receiver, an ESC, which will be an Mtroniks, and the main switch. 
I plan to have working lights, including blue flashers, and a water pump. so quite a bit to fit in. There is very good access so it shouldn't be too difficult.  

Barrie

 

barrie........I am amazed how easily you have bent that plastic around the bow and got it to stick.........well done...superb

neil.

Neil,

So was I    I think it was only possible doing it bit by bit. It is 1.5 mm and quite firm. I find plasticard varies from quite soft and pliable to firm and almost brittle. This was towards the brittle end.

The line of the bows at deck level is not correct and I hope I can ease it out when I come to fit the deck - after my holiday  

In hindsight, I should have worked a curve into the side panels before starting to glue  

Barrie

I have now fitted a battery box - for a 6 volt NiMh pack, and made a shelf to take the remainder of the equipment. I also fitted some strips to the sides to take the deck. These are not on the original because I think the deck was supposed to sit on the sides, but I plan to fit it inside.

On the outside, I have fitted the chine rails. Again these were intended to be crafted from 2 x 1.5 mm strips chamfered, but I bought some 60 degree triangular strips and have used those.

 

I just hope the propshaft and rudder are not aligned like the picture - I am sure they were straight  

I go on holiday on Monday so have almost done all I can until I return and order some supplies.

Barrie

Back from my holidays now and some of the parts have arrived. I intend to have a working fire monitor and sound and lights. Today I have been creating a switcher from a min-servo and two micro switches to operate these. First position will be the lights and siren and second will produce water - I hope. I managed to find a circuit board which produces one of four siren sounds together with up to 8 flashing LEDs. I'm still waiting for this to arrive and for an auction for a water pump to end next week. 

Here is the switcher ready to mount on the equipment shelf when I have all the bits so I can work out the best layout. I only have a couple of weeks before I go into hospital for a new knee so things will come to a halt again soon    

Barrie

that's very interesting Barrie...has given me ideas on how to limit the throw to 4mm on my servos for the voiths on my build..........save me 200 quid buying a digital system like an F14 rutaba jobby.
build coming on great too. ( yours I mean........mine's been static for weeks, lol)

I still haven't received the sound and light board, but have decided to fit that into the superstructure with just a switch wire connecting it (it runs on 9v). Therefore today, after two sessions in the surgery, I tackled the wiring.



Apologies for out of focus picture.  

Its not as tidy as I would like, but that is the price for using Mtroniks ESCs. Without removing the connectors and thus invalidating the warranty, there is not much scope for tidy cable runs  

The pair of wires heading for the stern are to power the pump when I get it and decide where its going   The connector bottom left is for the sound/lights. The switch is two stages - First stage lights and siren, second stage - pump.

I started sticking down the deck now I've finished the wiring so can start on the superstructure soon. My Op has been delayed a week so I might get it near completion before then.

Barrie

Dispite the focus it's looking good Barrie.

tidier than minewill ever be, lol.........mine reminds me of a birds nest on a multiplyer reel when I forgot to put the drag on, lol.......usually stick mine all down with blutack

The deck fixed today and I put a toe rail round it to disguise a join.  

Barrie

looking great!!!

Have you retired from building models Neil?    I haven't seen any posts since before I went on holiday.  

Barrie

OK, back to the model after a couple of days off with the first cold of winter  
I managed to spray a primer coat before the cold hit me and I have now almost completed the superstructure - just a roof to fit. I have all the bits and pieces except a Fire Monitor. I was going to try and build one, but as I don't have the correct diameter of brass pipes, its almost as cheap to buy one, so I'll order one later today.
I still have to work out where to put the water pump - its quite bulky.

Barrie

Looking good Barrie.  

Thanks Damien,

Today I ordered what I hope are the last few items - thanks Mark - and completed the sound and light unit ready for installation. Although it doesn't show very well, I sprayed the underwater area Red and also the superstructure White. I need to buy a blue spray for the hull topsides. I do have some D section rubber which I will stick around the top as a rubbing strip. The deck has had one coat of grey humbrol. The roof is cut, but I'm leaving it off until I have glazed the windows. The window plastic was sprayed with a black tint today as I will not be fitting out the interior.

Barrie

This good weather is wonderful. Managed to finish all the spraying today, and gave the deck another coat of Humbrol. I also painted a red stripe round the superstructure, and painted the roof ready to fit the various items. It will have 4 flashing blue lights as well as the Nav lights. The fittings came from Mark and also Mobile Marine Models so I built the Fire Monitor and the radar - I cut down the arm as it was a bit too long. The lifebelts have had one side painted, but I ordered the wrong size bollards so they will have to wait. I also tested the pump and found it quite happily picks up the water even when its above the water line, so that will make installation easier. The marks at the top of the hull will be covered by the rubbing strip.



Barrie

A little more progress today, but not very visible. More paint on fittings etc. I did stick the fendering on one side of the hull. I used Rc Modellers glue and it seemed to go on OK. The working Fire Monitor is fixed and the two dummy ones also. I have started on the roof - 4 LEDs fixed. Some of the lettering is also in place. I did cut a bold red FIRE for the front, but it was too big. I'll have to set up the laptop again to make a new one. I actually ran out of release tape so couldn't finish the lettering.
Main job tomorrow is the glazing. I cut one window today - just another 8 to go  

Barrie

I've spent a little time in the workshop over the last few days, but not a lot to show for it  
I have started fitting the windows to the wheelhouse, only the front right and the doors are actually glued. I used thick super glue which seems to have worked. The protective film is still on the front ones  



Barrie

OK Damien, the results of several short sessions this week. All the windows are now glazed and have their frames fitted. It gets more tricky now. The next job is to wire up all the lights and sounds, and I'm not certain that I can face that at the moment. The other job I may be able to do is fit the water pump for the hydrant - the two in the photos are dummies.

Barrie

top notch, very crisp.

neil.

At last - some visible progress. I managed about 2 hours in the workshop today and fixed the water pump, and added tails to the LEDs ready for connecting up. I was then able to fix the roof to the wheelhouse. There are still the railings to make and all the LEDs to wire to the controller. I also have to work out how to power the nav lights and spotlight. Plenty to keep me going.  




Barrie

Wire up the flashing LEDs today, and found somewhere for the battery. I also worked out how to power the nav lights and spotlight, but didn't get round to actually doing it   I have decided to buy the stanchions - thought I had enough but was two short  . In my present state of health I don't think I could have made a reasonable job of soldering them up. I've also ordered some new bollards so that should be everything to complete the model. I should have it finished by the time I'm allowed to drive again  

Barrie

hi barrie ,
 
glad to see you managing to do a bit, will look good with flashing lights. take it easy dont do to much.
 
david
 
ps
haveing trouble with emoticons they dont appear when i click on them is it me or have you had same problem   

well they worked on this one:x     

davidjt wrote:

 
haveing trouble with emoticons they dont appear when i click on them is it me or have you had same problem   

well they worked on this one:x     

David, I found you have to leave space after the text before the emoticon.

Barrie

The lights are all wired now and the battery and speaker. Not my best effort at 'structured wiring', but there wasn't much room to get the soldering iron in      



I also finished the roof with its mast and radar. Just the bollards and railings, then some varnish before at test in the bath to see if the pump works.



Barrie

A very nice ''little' build there Barry.

Fitted the railings today, along with bollards and anchor winch. Hopefully I will paint the railings tomorrow. I also gave the hull a coat of Humbrol Satincote - it may need another tomorrow  

Barrie

        

hi barrie,

looking nice now,    like the lettering how do you print it of your lap top  .
have you been able to test the monitors yet , what power does it need. I have one from a car windscreen washer, works on 6 volts which is ok for me, but when grand kids come I have to use 12v. on, it really fires out  twice the distance good fun with kids have a good laugh when they don't expect it   

david

David.

I have a vinyl cutter which connects to my PC. Instead of printing it cuts the shape of the letters. I 'liberated' it when my office closed down   

I have tried the pump but not in the boat through the monitor. It is working of the 6 volt boat battery. It seemed OK for output. I was going to put it in the bath today to try the pump, but realised I am out of ballast so to avoid wasting water I will wait until I get some more lead.
The railings are now painted and I fixed a couple of life belts and a life raft canister - ready to go after the bath test   

Barrie

barriew wrote:

David.

I have a vinyl cutter which connects to my PC. Instead of printing it cuts the shape of the letters. I 'liberated' it when my office closed down   

I should have said that if you want any for your models I would be very happy to make them for you at zero cost - I have various colours available.

Barrie

hi barrie ,

thank you for your offer  , I will keep you in mind when I need some.

thanks david

Finally got it into the bath   It only required a very small amount of ballast at the stern. The water pump works very well - a good strong jet from the hydrant. I just hope the motor is going to push it through the water at a reasonable speed, otherwise I will have to change it for something better.

If the weather holds it will get an outing on Sunday.

Barrie

brilliant Barrie..........will look forward to seeing it on the lake spouting forth........it has been a real pleasure to watch it from sheets of plastic to fruition..........something I would never have attempted and it went together so well.

neil.

Neil,

I'll try to get some pictures, but I find holding transmitter and camera doesn't work too well   

Barrie

Worked out how to load a video onto Youtube, so lets see if I can include it here  

Barrie

hi barrie,

that has turned out brilliant      .

whats next    .

are you feeling better now hope so.

david

Great work Barrie.         

Thanks David & Damien.

Had it on the water this morning. Not an unqualified success   The flashing lights were barely visible and the sound inaudible  To cap it all, before I had chance to take a photo or video, I lost my prop    

David, feeling much better thanks. Off to see the consultant on Tuesday. I have already started my latest project. I know it seems quite soon after the Fireboat, but I have actually done very little modelling since I came out of hospital. The new boat is a cabin cruiser from the 50's or 60's - I've started a build log.

Barrie