Aero-Naut Victoria

Subject: Aero-Naut Victoria Sat Nov 23, 2013 6:10 pm

OK, after completing the Fireboat I am ready to start my next model. This is a kit from the Aero-Naut range. This is of a Cabin Cruiser with a length of approx 70 cms.

It is a hard chine model, using mahogany faced ply for the hull. All the sheets are laser cut and appear to be of good quality - I've only closely examined the bulkhead sheets so far. To aid construction of a true and square hull, a building template is supplied. This is about 3mm Depron with slots cut for the bulkheads.

The bulkheads were removed from the sheet - they are held with very small tabs, but the laser lines are very fine so cutting them was not easy. After removal, the tabs and laser burns were removed with fine abrasive paper. They were then temporarily assembled - the fourth rib is angled for the motor.

The instructions call for an Aero-Naut 650 motor which is not listed on their web site. I plan to use a brushless set-up.

Barrie

OK, having problems with server image - I will load the other photo later.

Subject: Re: Aero-Naut Victoria Mon Nov 25, 2013 12:57 pm

Today I fixed my brushless motor to the bulkhead - I don't think I will be able to remove it easily so hope I've got the spec right Wink

I have tacked the joints with super glue, will add aliphatic resin later.

Aero-Naut Victoria Imgp2723

The next stage is to fix the hull sides. These are mahogany faced ply and as they will be varnished I have given them a coat of sanding sealer to hopefully make it easier to remove any glue that gets where it shouldn't Very Happy

I think that this is going to be a quick build - the instructions say 12 hours build time. I will try to make it last longer than that though Razz

Barrie

Subject: Re: Aero-Naut Victoria Mon Nov 25, 2013 7:56 pm

I do like the idea of the Depron Jig for aligning the frames during build. I quite fancy one of these Aeronaut builds - have looked at the Diva once or twice which seems a nice price and a handy little size so will look in on this to watch how the build goes. Might tempt me.

Subject: Re: Aero-Naut Victoria Mon Nov 25, 2013 8:14 pm

intrepid75 wrote:: I do like the idea of the Depron Jig for aligning the frames during build. I quite fancy one of these Aeronaut builds - have looked at the Diva once or twice which seems a nice price and a handy little size so will look in on this to watch how the build goes. Might tempt me.

I had planned to build the Diva until A Model World reduced their prices for Aero-Naut kits. They are reduced until mid-December. I think the Diva is £59.95 over £20 saving. I am very pleased with the quality so far and the Depron is easier than making a building board from scratch Smile

Barrie

Subject: Re: Aero-Naut Victoria Mon Nov 25, 2013 8:48 pm

I knew there was an offer on but didn't realise how much were knocked off some kits. Just looked at the site - £59 for the diva is very very decent price. So tempted to get one to put by into the next years retirement stash!!

Subject: Re: Aero-Naut Victoria Thu Nov 28, 2013 6:02 pm

Started skinning the hull today. Its not quite as easy as I thought Crying or Very sad

Trying to make sure the sides line up correctly was tricky, and the superglue didn't want to hold Mad

One side is fixed, the other is almost there.

Barrie

Aero-Naut Victoria Imgp2724

Subject: Re: Aero-Naut Victoria Fri Nov 29, 2013 11:26 pm

hi barrie,

(back in the land of living had 6 weeks of stomach virus hope I never see it again)

sorry I mist this new build Surprised

I like the idea of the depron base is it as good as it looks sturdy or is it flimsey. I have done nothing now for ages.
glad you are getting better hope the hospital visit past you fit 2thumbsup

.

david

Subject: Re: Aero-Naut Victoria Sat Nov 30, 2013 7:10 am

David,

Sorry to hear you have been unwell - hope you are over it now. I have been signed off by the Consultant, but have put myself on the list to have the other knee done next year. Surprised

The Depron sheet is quite flimsy, but it does hold the bulkheads in place. I stuck it to the board with double sided tape. It is not as solid as the traditional method of wooden battens screwed to the bulkheads and building board, but seems adequate for this build.

Barrie

Guest

Sorry to hear you were unwell David.

This will be another fine build Barrie. 2thumbsup

Subject: Re: Aero-Naut Victoria Sun Dec 01, 2013 12:02 pm

Both Hull sides now fitted. I gave up on Super Glue and used polyurethane glue on the inside. It does't look very neat, but it wont show when the deck is on. lol!

I started on the bottom but I couldn't make it work according to the instructions, so I am doing it "my way" Razz

I have stuck each piece to the stern most five bulkheads, and will try to work my way forward. I am using aliphatic resin at the moment, I will see if this is strong enough. Smile

Once both pieces are on I will reinforce from the inside with polyurethane glue again.

Barrie

Picture Hosting is playing up again! Will post later.

Subject: Re: Aero-Naut Victoria Sun Dec 01, 2013 3:16 pm

hi barrie,

have you ever tried drilling 1mm holes about 2inches apart, then using copper wire feed through hole with wire then twist it round to pull into place then glue edges. I find this a life saver. then when set you cut copper wire of then just fill drill holes, you don't even no they where there when painted,

david

Subject: Re: Aero-Naut Victoria Sun Dec 01, 2013 7:29 pm

David - that might be the solution Thumbup

It wil b later in the week before I get to try as we have visitors until Wednesday.

This is the picture I tried to post.

Aero-Naut Victoria Imgp2725

Barrie

Subject: Re: Aero-Naut Victoria Sat Dec 07, 2013 1:47 pm

I did make an attempt to glue more of the bottom skins earlier in the week, but when I got into the workshop today, they all came apart Mad

I had used both superglue and aliphatic ( not in the same place Rolling Eyes

) but none of it had held. Today I tried again, this time with polyurethane glue. It doesn't look very neat, but most of it wont be seen once the decks are on Laughing

So, one side is stuck - I hope - still the final side to do.

I plan to seal the inside with resin - I hope it wont react with the polyurethane glue.

Once I get the other side stuck, the next job is to add the rails. These are made from triangular wood, but the two pieces are not the same profile Shocked

It means a lot of sanding. If I was near a decent model shop I would buy new wood, but that isn't practical. The other issue is that they are going to need steaming, but there is no mention of that in the instructions Surprised

Barrie

Subject: Re: Aero-Naut Victoria Sat Dec 07, 2013 7:39 pm

Am enjoying watching your build Barrie but I must admit the few problems you seem to be encountering are putting doubts in my mind about a Diva. Im not sure that would have got over the few issues as patiently as you seem to be taking things.

Subject: Re: Aero-Naut Victoria Sat Dec 07, 2013 8:37 pm

One of the surprising things is that there is no keel from the prop shaft exit to the stern, and no chine stringers, so you are joining two thin sheets edge on with no support. Deck stringers are added after the skins are fixed. I think that using the polyurethane glue will have provided sufficient strength, but I would have preferred something firmer. The glue also makes for an untidy finish as it expands slightly as it cures. I did contemplate adding some tissue and resin inside, but the glue makes that difficult. I still plan to coat the inside with resin.

I'll take some inside shots when I have the remaining skin completely fixed.

Barrie

Subject: Re: Aero-Naut Victoria Mon Dec 09, 2013 11:20 am

The hull is finally complete. It took some bits of wire as suggested by David, plus a screw to hold the final piece, but its now fixed. Thumbup

It will require some filling to make it look right. As you wil see, the inside is not pretty - polyurethane glue expands as it sets, but at least its holding Smile

Barrie

Subject: Re: Aero-Naut Victoria Mon Dec 09, 2013 3:42 pm

hi barrie,

another of my way's of filling in like that, is no more nails exterior, I have used loads of it with no problems. you can use mastic gun some times but find the old finger better and looks neat Idea

then wipe over with damp cloth to smooth off. and its hard when set.

david

Subject: Re: Aero-Naut Victoria Fri Dec 13, 2013 5:54 pm

I managed to spend a little more time in the workshop today. I think I have found out a reason for some of my problems with getting the hull skins to fit. It looks as though the side skins were not properly seated in the bulkheads, meaning they sat a little high. When I removed the tabs, some of the bulkheads were above the sides of the hull and have now been sanded down level.

I have fitted the propshaft and tacked it with superglue. I will mix up some P40 when I next get into the workshop. Today I coated the insides with a water based resin. I was a little wary of using a true resin in case it affected the polyurethane glue. The rails are waiting to be fitted. They need soaking in hot water to allow them to match the shape of the chine so again a job for the next session.

Barrie

Aero-Naut Victoria Imgp2731

Subject: Re: Aero-Naut Victoria Mon Dec 16, 2013 6:07 pm

The propshaft has now been fixed with P40 fibreglass paste. The rudder tube is installed - a nice feature is a ready drilled piece of ply to hold the top, this slots into the hull frame so ensures a vertical rudder. I also filled some of the holes and gaps in the chines etc. The deck edge stiffeners were also installed, as were the deck supports in the bows. All this was done a couple of days ago.
Today I sanded down the filler and also the deck stiffeners to get the correct profile for the deck. The transom is now fitted and I have trial fitted the cabin sides. These will need to come out again so I can fit the rails, which I am putting off Rolling Eyes

I have been working on the layout for the battery, receiver, ESC, etc. The kit included a mounting plate for a servo, although it didn't fit a Hitec standard servo Sad

I have made a box for the battery and the ESC from plasticard - I just need to work out how to mount the switch. Its not too clear how much access there will be, so I want to get the electrics installed before I build the cabin etc.

Barrie

Aero-Naut Victoria Imgp2732

Subject: Re: Aero-Naut Victoria Tue Dec 17, 2013 1:01 pm

Today I bit the bullet and got around to fitting the rails. After a good soaking in boiling water I taped them to the hull hoping they would retain the shape when they dried - no Sad

So I had to fall back on Plan B, and used some brass pins to hold them in place until the glue dries. I have used aliphatic glue - I hope it will be strong enough Rolling Eyes

It looks as though quite a bit of filling and sanding will be required once they are firmly fixed as they don't appear to have taken quite the shape I expected.

Barrie

Aero-Naut Victoria Imgp2810

Subject: Re: Aero-Naut Victoria Thu Dec 19, 2013 11:14 am

The rails stuck quite well - just one short section required re-gluing. The gaps have been filled and the fronts tapered. I think they will do. Wink

(I forgot to take a picture!) I have now fitted the cabin sides and rear decks - its beginning to look like a cabin cruiser now. Thumbup

The front deck is next, then I think I may paint the hull bottom - this should be red, and extends just above the rails. I also need to paint the main cabin roof - white - before I come to assemble it. I would like to use spray cans for both of these, but the weather is a little cold for that - I'll have to see if I can set up my spray booth (old carton) and get the temperature up before I start spraying.
Thinking about it, I really need to varnish the hull sides first so that I can get a good adhesion from the masking tape.

Barrie

Aero-Naut Victoria Imgp2811

Subject: Re: Aero-Naut Victoria Thu Dec 19, 2013 3:20 pm

hi barrie,

really is looking good. 2thumbsup

are the window frames pre cut or have you cut them, as they are very cleanly cut.
painting this time of year is always a problem, unless you can maintain temperature, but good luck.
all the best for Christmas santa

and happy new year

david

Subject: Re: Aero-Naut Victoria Thu Dec 19, 2013 5:30 pm

David,

Its all laser cut - the windows just needed pushing out no cutting involved! The 'glass' is also pre-cut so should be a perfect fit Rolling Eyes

Best wishes to you and all my readers for Christmas and the New Year. I hope 2014 will bring some more build logs to entertain and enlighten us. Smile

Barrie

Subject: Re: Aero-Naut Victoria Fri Dec 20, 2013 5:48 pm

Today I added the Fore Deck. This planks are marked with a laser line, which shows up as quite a dark line. Should look good when its varnished. Smile

I bought some varnish today and will apply a coat to the the hull sides tomorrow.

Barrie

Aero-Naut Victoria Imgp2812

Subject: Re: Aero-Naut Victoria Fri Dec 20, 2013 5:56 pm

Loos very nice after some of your early issues, With varnish will be very classy.

Guest

I haven't commented on your build before barrie because I thought I'd let you get on with it and see how it develops..........what a superb job you are doing.......the woodworking is superb, and something I envy.....it will look beautiful when finished and I look forward to seeing more of it.
neil.

Subject: Re: Aero-Naut Victoria Sat Dec 21, 2013 7:17 am

Thanks Neil. I don't think I can claim much credit for the quality of the woodwork. Its all laser cut, even the 'planking' on the fore deck is laser inscribed. Apart from the problems I had with the hull skins, which I think I contributed to, everything fits together perfectly with almost zero trimming required. If I was cutting the parts myself it would not look as good as this - I much prefer plastic. Wink

Having got the hull skinned, its going together remarkably easily.

Barrie

Subject: Re: Aero-Naut Victoria Sat Dec 21, 2013 2:22 pm

Slight change of plan today Smile

I noticed that the picture of the model showed rubbing strips down the hull sides. These are not mentioned in the instructions, and there is no material in the box to make them. Shocked

However, I think that they improve the look of the model so set about making some. I didn't have any mahogany strip, but did have some square section wood so rouned the top of this then stained it. You would expect me to use mahogany stain, but I didn't. It looked far too red, so I used teak Very Happy

I think it will look good when the sides have been varnished. Smile

As I don't have any spray paint in the correct colour I will be brush painting the hull bottom and I decided to give it a coat of matt white today as an undercoat for the bright red final colour.
I have come across the first error in the instructions with two pieces incorrectly numbered. Sad

Barrie

Guest

Certainly a craftsman work Barrie well done. 2thumbsup

Subject: Re: Aero-Naut Victoria Sun Dec 22, 2013 1:27 pm

Still no varnish applied Shocked

The rubbing strips stuck pretty well - except for about an inch of one of them Sad

It always happens doesn't it. Rolling Eyes

So today I concentrated on the superstructure. The windows of the main cabin were installed, then it was on to the rear superstructure. All this removes, with the roof of the main cabin, so access will be very easy to all the electrics. As you will see, I had a little accident with a window frame. Several attempts to stick it with super glue failed, so now it is clamped with aliphatic resin. I think my super glue has expired Very Happy

Hopefully I will get some varnish on in my next session.

I must re-iterate that all this is not down to any great skill of mine. All the pieces just slot together. Its only areas like the front window frames that require any skill at all to assemble.

Barrie

Aero-Naut Victoria Imgp2815

Subject: Re: Aero-Naut Victoria Sun Dec 22, 2013 3:52 pm

hi barrie,

it sounds like you have bought a boat that a beginer could try Wink

, with the hint of the unexpected happening Smile

. that is how the beginner can learn from your build, and give some confidance and maybe get another boat builder going. they are watching but not commenting

david

Subject: Re: Aero-Naut Victoria Sun Dec 22, 2013 8:11 pm

The window frame has broken in the worst possible place. It will be
quite difficult to make a sturdy joint, whatever glue you use.

Is it possible to make another fame complete and fit this ?

Cheers and Merry Christmas .

Ken

Subject: Re: Aero-Naut Victoria Sun Dec 22, 2013 9:18 pm

Kenny

Its actually part of quite a large piece and I don't have the material. It will gain some strength when the window frames are added, and if necessary I will add a stiffener on the inside where it wont be too noticeable - I hope.

Barrie

Subject: Re: Aero-Naut Victoria Sun Dec 22, 2013 9:22 pm

davidjt wrote:: hi barrie,

it sounds like you have bought a boat that a beginer could try , with the hint of the unexpected happening . that is how the beginner can learn from your build, and give some confidance and maybe get another boat builder going. they are watching but not commenting
david

I agree David. The only really tricky bit is getting the hull sides correctly located before gluing to the bulkheads - which I didn't do Embarassed

. The rest is pretty straightforward until you get clumsy and break a piece Embarassed

I certainly think the Diva, which is smaller but a similar construction method, would be a good beginners model.

Barrie

Subject: Re: Aero-Naut Victoria Mon Dec 23, 2013 3:07 pm

I finally got some varnish onto the hull sides Very Happy

I think the rubbing strip is a pretty good colour match Thumbup

At the moment the broken window frame is holding Wink

not sure how long it will hold, but I think that when the windscreen is added it will help, as will the glazing.

Barrie

Aero-Naut Victoria Imgp2817

Subject: Re: Aero-Naut Victoria Mon Dec 23, 2013 3:37 pm

hi barrie

like the colour 2thumbsup

are you using gloss varnish to finish with our matt.

david

Subject: Re: Aero-Naut Victoria Mon Dec 23, 2013 6:06 pm

David

Its satin - I usually use that as I think a high gloss doesn't look right on a model. This first coat is really to give me a good surface for the masking tape so that I can paint the bottom. The water line appears to be just above the rails - there is no plan with this model, so I am going by the photos on the box Rolling Eyes

I don't think I will get any more done now until Friday at the earliest.

Barrie

Subject: Re: Aero-Naut Victoria Mon Dec 23, 2013 9:01 pm

Looks very nice Barrie. At least your making progress, I am on hold for the last 10 days due to trips to Northumberland to pick up my elderly father in law for xmas, work day pressures and being on call. Maybe Boxing Day might get me back in the workshop - I hope!!

Subject: Re: Aero-Naut Victoria Thu Dec 26, 2013 11:57 am

Well that came came out alright.

She certainly looks the 'Biz' now. Well done so far.

Cheers

Ken

Subject: Re: Aero-Naut Victoria Fri Dec 27, 2013 3:18 pm

Thanks guys Thumbup

I managed get one coat of paint on the hull today - it went on quite well but will require at least one more. I can't do anymore to the cabin until I can turn it over onto its stand. I have been making up one or two small items including 'upholstering' the seats.

Aero-Naut Victoria Imgp2818

Barrie

Guest

Looking really good Barrie. 2thumbsup

Subject: Re: Aero-Naut Victoria Sat Dec 28, 2013 5:37 pm

Rather than putting on a second coat, I did a little more on the removable cabin structure. This entailed fixing the roof without sticking it to the permanent cabin sides Rolling Eyes

I managed to do this, and the superstructure is now basically complete, just windows and a few finishing touches to add.

Aero-Naut Victoria Imgp2820

Having done as much as I could I applied the second coat - here is the hull with its second coat of red paint. Next its the boot topping then lots of varnish Very Happy

Barrie

Subject: Re: Aero-Naut Victoria Tue Dec 31, 2013 1:45 pm

I have been making progress - but on small items. the whole model has now had one coat of satin varnish. It will require one or two more - I don't want too high a gloss finish. I will probably rub it down with wire wool when I get the final coat on and dry.
Whilst waiting for varnish to dry, I have been working on fitting out the flying bridge. This is now almost complete except for some rails and a horn to go on the roof - called a Fanfare in the parts list Very Happy

The window frame that I broke is now quite rigid without any extra supports.
Just as I was finishing for the day I found some items on the etched parts that I realised were the treads for the rear steps - not mentioned on the instructions Crying or Very sad

I think I will still be able to add them.

Barrie

Aero-Naut Victoria Imgp2822

Guest

thatis one very nice model..true classic stuff.
neil

Subject: Re: Aero-Naut Victoria Tue Dec 31, 2013 8:44 pm

Very elegant indeed!! Lovely build Barrie.

Guest

Ripper job Barrie. 2thumbsup

Subject: Re: Aero-Naut Victoria Wed Jan 01, 2014 11:43 am

Now that does look nice. cheers

Very smart piece of engineering.

Ken

Subject: Re: Aero-Naut Victoria Wed Jan 01, 2014 1:15 pm

Thanks guys - its largely down to the quality of the kit. The only tricky bit is getting the hull sides set accurately in the formers (which I didn't Mad

) then the rest follows.

I gave most of it another coat of varnish this morning. The hull bottom will require a couple more at least as our lake has a sloping gravel bottom, so there is a tendency to scrape the paint off if you come in a little hard Shocked

Barrie

Subject: Re: Aero-Naut Victoria Sat Jan 04, 2014 2:44 pm

The final items have been completed over the last few days. The bottom of the hull has had three coats of varnish, the remainder two coats. I used an exterior varnish which has a slight yellow tinge which is not a problem for the mahogany or the red, but I didn't want to tint the white roof, so that was finished with Humbrol Satin Cote.

The windows all went in smoothly. They are laser cut and have protective film on both sides, so I glued the edges with RC Modellers Glue and when dry removed the films leaving almost perfect windows. Very Happy

Actually they are rather too good as there are a lot of them so all the insides are clearly visible - it would have been better if they were tinted.

Despite having plenty of room, I still haven't achieved the tidy wiring I always hope I will achieve Sad

I am considering adding names to the bows and stern - not quite decided yet - the etched name plates don't really show very well.

Barrie

Aero-Naut Victoria Imgp2823

Subject: Re: Aero-Naut Victoria Sat Jan 04, 2014 4:32 pm

hi barrie,

looks very nice now you have finished painting. are the name plates brass finish, if so they would stand out better painted with aluminium so as to look brighter, just a thought as the wood finish is clashing, so you don't notice name. I to never seem to make the wireing neat.

david

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