Topic: HMS Bramble build

[radio joe]

Thanks Paul, As for the anchor hawsers I first drill a 3mm hole in the hull hawser mouldings and through the deck, then gradually open each hole with a burr in the dremel at the approximate angle till they are just under the size of the plastic straw, I then pass a small file through the hole in the hull and deck and file till I get a snug fit, this also lines up the holes nicely, then put the straw through leaving long both ends and glue in place with thin Cyrano and trim flush, I use a new blade for this as the straws quite thin.
The hawser holes in the deck will be finished off with a hawser rings or maybe chain scuttles.

[paul swainson]

Thanks for that Joe,  I had tried a practice on a mock up of the bow and found I kept on breaking my drill and found I could not get the angle correct.  This will help me a lot thanks.  Will need to take you out for a drink some time when I am down in your area.  I do visit my old man in Exeter so I could always make a trip to your area for a camping holiday some time.

[radio joe]

Hi Paul,  I don't drink myself but make it a cup of tea and your on, lol.
Did the wing bridge supports today very fiddly but got there eventually and when they are painted should blend in quite well, there was no parts in the kit to finish the tops of the anchor hawsers so had to improvise with a bit of styrene again when painted should look OK also did the gunwall rails and a few fittings aft.

[paul swainson]

She is looking good Joe, like the bridge support,  I bet that took a while to pit together.   Your on for the tea, and will throw in a jam donut as well. 

[radio joe]

A jam doughnut now your spoiling me! lol.

Did a bit more detailing to sweep deck and forepeak and then thought I'd tackle the main mast, I used a mini gas torch instead of an iron and found it much easier, I made a mock up of the bridge were the mast fits so I could solder without risk to boat and was quite pleased with result

[paul swainson]

Nice one Joe, Like the idea of the gas.   I did my two rear mast at the weekend and the rear one with the radio antenna was a sod to solder.   Once you hand one soldered in place and went to do the next it would become loose as the heat built up.   Trying to do a 10mm square for the radio antenna was a real headache.   But got there in the end.  Will post pictures some time this week.

[radio joe]

Yes I've been practicing with the mini torch and prefer it to a iron now, it has a tiny flame so you can concentrate the heat to a small area, an iron is probably better for electrical wiring, I did the mast with my helping hands gadget and the torch and found it fairly easy.
a bit more practice today with the aft radio mast,  I then turned my attention to the orepresa floats which I had noticed were rather badly moulded I thought I might be able to do something with them using my dremel but one shattered so that was that, I know Deans would have replaced them but I thought I'd have a go at making some using balsa and styrene, I think they will do.
 

[radio joe]

Today I've been pottering about with some detailing ideas, handrails,pipes electrical boxes, etc. then thought she must be close to sailing weight,although there are quite a few fittings to fit they are very light,  so it would be a good time to test the water line, I put a mark on the stem and stern as per plan, and then to the tub test, she floated right on the aft mark and only need 140grams added to the bow to bring her right on the water line, so yet again well done to Deans.
The rest of the fittings will be fitted after priming which will be the next job

[mikearace]

Looking very nice Joe.  Im down your neck of the woods next week for nice sea fishing weekend sailing from Whale Island followed by a few beers sort of a bonding trip with my future son in law number 2.  Shame time precludes bringing down a boat for a quick wee sail!!

[radio joe]

Thanks Mike, I hope the weather is better than it has been for your trip, I haven't been down the pond for months.

[radio joe]

The bulk of the priming is now done and have painted her bottom "Brambles that is", with the top coats on the hull I like to leave at least 24 hours to cure in case the masking tape damages it when painting the boot top, So have now turned my attention to preparing the rest of the fittings and will lay them all out on double sided tape and spray in a batch.

[paul swainson]

She is really looking good Joe, I see the brush stokes are as good as every.   When I have finished this boat show I am doing with my boat club will post my work so far.

[ship's doctor]

All looks great! Really like the new floats, and the use of the bridge mock up to do the mast- have been trying to work out how to approach a similar set up on Suffolk for a while...

[colin]

looking extremely good, nothing better than a good paint brush..     

I like to leave at least 24 hours to cure in case the masking tape damages it when painting the boot top

i use the Tamiya masking tape comes in three different widths, its the best masking tape that i have found for doing things like the boot top (masking tape on top of paint).

i could do a hints and tips on soldering... and keeping the heat away from the other parts... i use crocodile clips..

[radio joe]

The crocodile clips are a good idea Colin, I also place a pair of pliers or similar on the item to heat sink ,if it's big enough that is