Model Dowty Turbocraft project

[BN]

Well it had to happen  .

I have purchased the fibreglass mold for a scale model boat hull. The plan is to modify it to make several replica model classic speed boats and guess what the first is the Dowty.

Pict 1 is the boat hull which is 1/5th scale of the original
Pict2 is the waterjet unit, which is also 1/5th scale of the real thing
Pict 3 is the hull and jet comparison
Pict 4 is the jet unit lose in the hull as it will fit eventually

It will be powered by a battery motor, but a model engine will cover the motor. The keel will not be on the Dowty unit, by the way.

Just good fun isnt it.

The boat hull I will be making for preople who would likeone, once I have sorted out the jet boat.

[BN]

A little personal injury has halted play on both the model and the full sized boats at the moment.

[BN]

OK, so a little injury reduces me to a little boat. The jet unit is now in, but the stern has been pulled in, so it has to be cut to a 90 degree angle to fit the unit. I will then make a mould from the first protoype of the boat.

Second shot shows the intake and where it has to be modified as the stern does. Also, I have ground off the keel, because the jet would not work with a keel. I will eventually take it all off for the final mould, but need the rigidity right now to work on the prototype.

Can you see just how similar it is to the real Hamilton/Dowty jet unit  

[BN]

A little more progress, real boat on hold for a while due to personal injury when moving boat about.

Pict01 empty hull, but with waterjet unit roughly installed
Pict02 framework for floor and engine, which will be fibreglassed in eventually
Pict03 flooring
Pict04 decking

These are all very rough at the moment and form the basis of the structure. I need to assemble the boat in very rough form to see if it works before I make the final model.

[BN]

[BN]

Now this is completely new territory for me, making a fibreglass 'plug' for the deck mold. I now have great respect for the full size makers, such as Fairline and Sunseeker for instance. How on earth they do it, I have no idea.

I have cut out the former roughly and I am now trying to get the shape of the deck to look like the Dowty. I think filler will be my biggest friend towards the next stage, but then I will have to cover it to make it smooth and shiny, but I have no idea whatsoever as to how I get to that stage as of yet. It is very therapeutic when I cannot get to my full size boats due to injury though.

[BN]

Slow progress, but sure. The plug is fashioned, but now to make it shine and put the shape into it ready to make produce the mold. How do you spell 'mold' or 'mould'?

[BN]

Do any fibreglass experts know how to coat the 'plug' in readiness for making the mold?

[Thumper]

I'm no expert BN, but I have made fibreglass panels before, for automotive applications. We coated the inside of the mould with a releasing wax, as well as plugging corners and cavities where necessary with a plasticine-type substance. All this was done before brushing in the first gel coat. I was only ever "helping", so can't offer more details.

I have found a company offering fibreglass materials on-line, and their site includes a range of waxes and releasing agents:

http://www.ecfibreglasssupplies.co.uk/c-819-release-agents.aspx

I hasten to add, I know nothing about the company, and I'm sure there are others selling similar materials, possibly cheaper.

[BN]

Hi Thumper, thank you for that. I have just found out yesterday that I have the largest manufacturer of fibreglass in Europe about 8 miles away, Scott Bader. They also supply Fairline Boats who are about 6 miles away, so there is hope. Additionally, I have located a supplier of materials called Trylon, less than 2 miles away, how bizare is that.

What I have learnt is that Mirror Glaze is used, but before that I need a coat to stop the mirro glaze from rubbing off the colour.

[BN]

The 'plug' is nearly finished, just have to let everything harden for a few days, then I can (hopefully) make the deck mould.

[BN]

Not good at this, wrecked the mould and the plug  . Start again time , there must be a knack with this messy stuff   and I sure do not have it.

[alastair_vns]

Like the jet drive looks great. Would be great to see some pics of it in the water once uv finished it

[BN]

Hi, just on hold at the moment  , due to my lack of prowess with the fibreglass  . Need an expert so chatting up Fairline, one of their guys is willing to help 

[Tatra Man]

How do you spell 'mold' or 'mould'?

You got it right:- 'mould' in English (but 'mold' in American).

Any recent progress?