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| kusuchi |
VI Elliot Bay Steam Launch ProjectWell, it arrived today.
'Some assembly required".  But I still have to convince Andrew he will not be steaming the launch this weekend.  Despite what it says on the box even the engine requires a lot of work.
Here's the finished item: 
Very happy with the quality of what I've seen so far , but somewhat shocked at the amount of work, (with an anxious 8 year old boy watching over you.  )
Still, if I can infuse him with a little patience it should be a lot of fun
Here are steps 1 to 17 (of 262 total), GULP! 
Will acquire tools tomorrow and start this weekend. I can see I may need a little assistance from time to time.      
PS: I'll have to change the flag of course. |
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| Nick |
I considered buying one, but I wouldn't use it enough. I didn't realize it was that much work
to build it!  Good Luck!
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| johnreid |
But it has an AUTHENTIC Flag. | ||||||
| Nick |
At least the engine says it only takes an hour to build. Runs for a half hour too. | ||||||
| mogogear |
Yay!! Good going Kuschi!!
- Andrew is the Admiral!!
Good luck |
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| kusuchi |
You're right John, for it's original location. But to be a true native Virgin Islander: 
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| Nick |
It's your's, so put it on there! 
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| johnreid |
I read that on the box you pictures, the pennant is authentic too
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| kusuchi |
Nick, The Virgin Islands is one of the world's top Meccas for Sailing. With millpond bays and hundreds of invisible edge swimming pools set against spectacular backdrops, the steam launch is a natural for here. Like you, I had not realized they were quite so much work. Poor old Moose is pobably going to get harassed rather more than he woulld like
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| Nick |
We have plenty of lakes here, but they're all frozen. 
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| mogogear |
Well get to your ice fishin' Man- Time's awaste in | ||||||
| Nick |
Already have, but I prefer fishing in the summer. Hey Richard, when I come to help you build this, can we hook a little fishing pole up to the back, drive it around and try to catch a fish.
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| steamyman |
nice boat. 
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| mogogear |
I heard you have to fish for a long time in the VI... weeks and weeks Sometimes you have to drink beer just to keep yourself from going made from the pure joy of the hunt!!!
Better pack a big bag and lots of bait... |
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| Reid |
What a distinguished, complicated yet easy kit.
Compliments to Andrew for his good taste and great skill in purchasing just the right kind of father.
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| Les Marsh |
Look forwards to progress reports, and have fun building it.
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| kusuchi |
Nick we have a lot of sport fishing here, swordfish, marlin,etc. 26" steam launch...........600lb Blue Marlin............ We're qoing to need a bigger engine
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| Les Marsh |
Just get a second launch and use them as skis.
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| H2o vapour |
Eye Eye Capt'n,
Looks a real nice kit and good looking boat. Our local shop has had one in for years which has not sold and I have been tempted but the hull got damaged, so left it alone. Looks real nice , the radio will be a bit tight, I have allot of r/c boats but no steamers - Good luck and I look forward to your reports. H20 |
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| kusuchi |
Started the launch today. 
You know how some things can look extremely daunting, but when you actually start doing them.......... ......they're worse 
I'm on step 26 (of 262). Hoping to reach step 36 tonight and apply my first coat of polyurethane to the strip floor and bench sides. I'll post a photo if I get there. What did you say, Nick, 4 days?
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| Les Marsh |
Well thats 26 steps in the right direction, only 236 to go.
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| kusuchi |
OK, I got to stage 38, first of 3 polyurethane gloss coats. Here's where we stand.
The hammer is not listed as part of the required tool kit, but I have it on hand for when my frustration level says the project is over.
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| johnreid |
That isnt nearly a big enough hammer for that purpose
I think I am going to enjoy this thread, are you at step 50 yet? Get working, it isnt going to be easy to have this one complete by the morning. PS, has Andrew run the 25 yet? |
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| kusuchi |
Oh yes, see the 'Spot The Difference' thread in Collections and Pics. I, unforunately have not had much time to observe.
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| Nick |
I said four days if you were working 24 hrs. a day!
You'll have to bring it up to Minnesota and we can catch some pan fish. |
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| Les Marsh |
Looking good so far, but that isn't the dining table you have taken over is it??? | ||||||
| tmuir |
I love that boat!
Make sure you take lots of photos as I would love one but now you've got me worried I would have to retire first to find the time to build it.
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| Mamodman123 |
Ahhhh don't know what all the fuss is about.......
You're nearly finished now
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| Nick |
Are you done yet?
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| kusuchi |
Nearly,
Just looking for a pond....... ....to drown myself in!
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| kusuchi |
It has some other use?
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| Les Marsh |
Not when it comes to model making.
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| Bogstandard |
Richard,
Now I hope you realise why I told you to get that one rather than the one we were talking about. Imagine building that one and multiplying the time taken by about 50. To an experienced model boat builder, your one would be done in less than a week. It is all a big learning curve, the next dozen will be easier. John |
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| kusuchi |
Thanks John, for some very sound advice. As I was applying the third coat of varnish I was starting to think I was getting the hang of it. It was then I noticed that on the full scale plan it says 'a Beginner's Boat'
Oh well.
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| Les Marsh |
We all have to start somewhere.
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| Bogstandard |
Everyone has to start somewhere Richard, it is nothing to be ashamed about. Just enjoy what you are doing, and if it doesn't work out, c'est la vie. Try something else.
Now where was that book on brain surgery. Book, drill, saw, axe, kitchen roll, check. Now, where's that damned dog. John |
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| johnreid |
Just as long as you are done before Easter I guess that all should be fine. |
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| kusuchi |
What are the dates for easter, John? It may be close.
If I've learned anything today, it's that the fairground accessories are going to the millwork shop next week, so the pros can build a realy nice base, perhaps with a miniature brass handrail?
Bad night with the launch. 
The varnished bottom deck/ structure assembly came out really well. Tonight I went to install it in the hull together with the rudder assembly. The instructions called for clear RTV silicone adhesive sealant. I could only find black. Almost impossible to make the joints look good. Although none of them are seen in the final model it offends my sense of professionalism. Looks like it was done by someone who'd never built one before.
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| tmuir |
Glad its coming along Richard but we nee more PICTURES.
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| kusuchi |
Did you read my post? :shock You think I'm going to send pictures?
Next step is all the RC and stuffing box installation. When that is done I can put on the top deck and it should look good again. I"ll post pictures then. Regards' |
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| johnreid |
LOL part of the reason to post pictures is to help others avoid making mistakes when they get the urge to copy what you have done.
If I didnt post my mistakes I would have nothing to post.
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| Nick |
John, your posts helped me take my 35 apart. | ||||||
| mogogear |
Your a braver man than me- I can take em apart - but that building takes me back to "issues" of me building a big plastic "Cutty Sark" with my Dad about 40 years ago.......
Didn't go well- lots of gluey fingers and not a lot of smiles under the task-master... I may sneek up on a Arrow like Mooses one day!! But we will see PICTURES ...... |
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| Les Marsh |
Good Friday is 21st March 2008 or are we talking 2009?
And by the way, PICTURES of the good, the bad and the ugly please. |
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| Les Marsh |
"If I've learned anything today, it's that the fairground accessories are going to the millwork shop next week, so the pros can build a realy nice base, perhaps with a miniature brass handrail? "
And a safety net for those poor mice please.
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| kusuchi |
We have a hamster!
What is it with you guys and your rodents??? |
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| Les Marsh |
Just looking after the animals welfare.
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| kusuchi |
OK. Spent a little time sanding off all the surplus nasty black RTV.
So here's a picture. Next is the stuffing box (6" brass propeller pipe) and a bunch more RTV. Then the RC.
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| tmuir |
Now it's starting to look like a boat.
I can feel a case of steam boat fever getting me soon.
Keep the pictures coming.
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| johnreid |
You are making a lot of progress, I bet it is steaming before Easter for sure. | ||||||
| Nick |
You'll be done in 2 more days!
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| kusuchi |
I'm only on step 62! 
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| mogogear |
Steps -schmeps
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| Les Marsh |
Looking goood, it will be finished long before Easter at this rate.
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| Nick |
Have you seen Moose's thread on his Midwest engine?
http://modelsteam.myfreeforum.org/about4852.html&highlight=midwest The Moose Fleet: http://modelsteam.myfreeforum.org...mp;highlight=midwest&start=45 |
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| kusuchi |
Step 91 complete. Remote contol steering servo installed and tested.
Next.....the deck. Then it will need to dry overnight. Paint tomorrow. 
Apologies for Spongebob soundtrack.
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| Nick |
I say, skip the rest of the steps and let the water push it. You do have steering, so your set.
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| kusuchi |
Thanks Nick, I'd glanced at it before. It's the same as mine. It's on my 'must read' list when I get to that stage.
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| Les Marsh |
Step 91 already, mind you, you will need to reverse the servo on the steering as at the moment left is right and right is left.
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| kusuchi |
Sharp eyes, Les.
Easily reversed in the transmitter. Done already.
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| duncandumpertruck |
It's all looking good Richard! Well done on the speedy progress that you're making. This might spurn me on to eventually get started on one of my midwests! Regards, Ruairidh. | ||||||
| Les Marsh |
Didn't want your first sail to end up in disaster.
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| Les Marsh |
Mind you, you are nearly ready to try it the test tank.
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| duncandumpertruck |
Note the"might" and "eventually" in that last post!!!
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| Les Marsh |
Saying that, I have a Krick Borkum to build with a Cheddar Models Puffin steam plant to put in it. That's a 'might and eventually' build as well. |
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| kusuchi |
As they say over here "It ain't over 'til the fat lady sings"
Thanks for the thought though, Les.
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| kusuchi |
Have to, with engine, boiler, etc all installed, to calculate the required bow ballast. Decks now installed. Tape should be almost ready to be removed. Then I can sand and fill ready for paint tomorrow. If I get to it I'll post another photo. |
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| James |
Where do I buy me one of these? | ||||||
| kusuchi |
Good luck Ruaridh. Even the little Midwests are a lot of work. As for the Krick, with the Cheddar Puffin, this was my dream boat
But I have learned this week that it will have to wait for retirement.
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| Les Marsh |
Something to look forward to. |
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| bessytractor |
thats looking excellent
It looks like your rudder is set up correctly. I had a slight turning circle issue with my new tug lately (that I should have known would happen  ) but it looks like you've sussed it.
My friend is looking for a boat. I might suggest this to him. |
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| kusuchi |
Thanks Bessy, We end today at Step 115. Paint tomorrow.[
I was a little concerned about the rudder set up. The instructions insisted it be plumb in all directions and the interior assembly as far forward as possible. It is, but you can see how this puts the skeg further back than in the illustration on the box. This impacts the propeller location, although there is a lock nut which allows me to move it more to the rear. I have discovered errors in the instructions too. I was supposed to have put CA in the skeg screw holes by now. This would effectively seal and lock them. Not good considering the skeg has to be removed tomorrow for painting
Before you suggest anything to your friend let's see how this finally works out. The boat sure is pretty, but if you've been following my problems in this thread, one may want to have one's blood pressure checked before buying one
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| johnreid |
It sure is taking shape, I think you will complete it much sooner,
What are you going to do while the paint dries? Run the 25? Watch Sponge Bob? or start on the engine? So much to do and so little time
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| kusuchi |
As a fan of ultimate frustration, I may go to Mahogany Run Golf course and try to put a small white ball in a 4" diameter hole.
I must post a picture of the par 3, 14th hole sometime. It comprises a tee box, a green, 150 yards of 100 foot cliffs and a whole lot of ocean. No fairway at all. Very spectacular to look at, hell to play.
http://www.mahoganyrungolf.com/ |
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| Wallace |
Richard, this thread is great to follow.
Thanks for sharing the build with us. Really appreciated
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| Nick |
See Richard, it's easier to build than you thought.
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| mogogear |
You just keep knocking out those steps.... stay in bed tonight and rest up for the golf!! No sneaking down to get step #125 0r 6 done... | ||||||
| Les Marsh |
That is looking good so far, and while you are waiting for the paint to dry, you could get the engine assembled.
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| Les Marsh |
Is this the boiler and engine you are putting in?
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| kusuchi |
Yes Les,
But in polished brass.
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| Les Marsh |
That looks nice.
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| MooseMan |
From my website, a little video of a Midwest setup on the water - this is the Fantail with the self assembly engine:
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| kusuchi |
It was this video that mostly inspired me to buy my launch, Moose. Without even watching it again I can still remember your daughter at the end. If mine runs half this well when finished I shall be extremely happy. |
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| johnreid |
Millie Moose is so adorable, the Moose is a lucky man. | ||||||
| duncandumpertruck |
Everybody's at it so here's a pic of my midwest engine When i was runing it in with a drill i was a little overzealous and broke the original brass crankshaft. It was replaced with a far more heavy duty 2.5mm (i forget now) welding rod! She runs like a dream.
Think this one cost me about $70 and that included the boat kit and the shafting too
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| James |
£35 WITH the boat kit?
Wow!!!
Want to sell?
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| MooseMan |
Don't I know it mate!
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| Sandman |
You may be a dab hand with steam engins Odilon, but Millie is a success story that well outshines them all mate. She's a credit to you.
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| kusuchi |
Step # 135. Paintwork completed. The instructions did not show the black plimsoll line visible on the box. I like it though, so may add it later.
Now working on the benches and mahogany stave seat backs. Mistake of the day: located the RC on/off switch too far aft.
I'll now have to modify the back of the forward access bench to allow for it.
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| Les Marsh |
That does look nice, and you next time you build one of these what not to do.
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| Sandman |
Coming on a treat mate.
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| tmuir |
Coming together nicely | ||||||
| kusuchi |
Les, I could write a book on what not to do assembling this launch.
On almost every step I seem to have managed to find the way to get it wrong they don't warn you about in the instructions.
I think I could do a better job on a second one in half the time.
Well, here we are, step 135 the mahogany stave seat backing. Trim to height, fit combing and trims tomorrow. 
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| johnreid |
Dang, it looks very near complete! | ||||||
| kusuchi |
262 steps, John. Believe it or not I'm only just over halfway.
There is a lot of intricate work in the trim, canopy, and of course the Engine. I have an audience almost all the hours I work on it, he has now come to the realization that this will take time, and I am gaining unprecedented powers of linguistic restraint.
We're both pleased with the way it's progressing but heaven help me if it doesn't work when it's finished.
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| johnreid |
Your audience is most probably enjoying it more than you, but remember this kind of time is the most valuable. Every mumble under your breath is accompanied by admiration and awe.
I have no family, but can honestly say that I envy the Father Son bonding that goes with a project like this. My Father was always too busy working to spend the time on a project like that. It took till we were both a lot older that I got to build things with him, like Condominiums, Nursing Homes and Apartment buildings. Not the same thing. When Andrew is my age and you are either a very old man or departed, these times are the ones he will remember the best. Like the MasterCard commercial, insert the word PRICELESS here |
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| IndianaRog |
John, for a guy with no family, you have hit the nail on the head about the value of projects like Richard and Andrew are undertaking together.
My son (now 24) and I bonded over two father-son activities...learning how to safely use firearms culminating in many pleasant hours at the practice range followed by more at the cleaning bench. Later we picked up RC airplane flying...literally learning together to build, fly and yes crash them. Today my son is a pilot...the real kind and I know those hours spent learning to fly the "Sturdy Birdie" paid off in him realizing a dream to fly. So Richard, you might be cursing under your breath at the bassackawards instructions etc., but you are indeed building memories for a lifetime...it doesn't get any better than that. Rog |
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| kusuchi |
Too true, John, all too true. Although Andrew travels with me to work on vacations and gets to see Condos, Houses, Stores and Offices get built, it's the home based projects he enjoys the most.
On the job sites he has a tendancy to upset the crews by telling them, (usually correctly), that their techniques are flawed!
There are some drawbacks to imitating your father.
But he learns fast, has an endless desire for information, and is the only eight year old I know who can drive a 3" deck screw straight, without stripping the head. Like most Father's though, I don't give him the recognition he deserves, and have an unwarranted tendancy to be a little short when answering a question, after discovering the RC switch is installed too far aft
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| kusuchi |
Just watched it again. Awesome Moose. |
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| Nick |
You do know that you'll want a second one, so both you and Andrew can use it.
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