Im building a plug for a surcouf I already built the frame, sprayed it with the expading foam and sanded it down to shape, but I'm not completely sure what to do next...help?
I don't know Bryan. I did the fine shaping work on the 3 component plugs (upper and lower hull plus hangar) but haven't had enough spare time to make the molding flanges. I hope someone else on the I-400 team can do it, after which I'll help make the molds. Unless another team member can make and install the flanges it 'll be several weeks before the molds are made. I've had very little time for the hobby in the last month - haven't been able to prep WWI armoured cruiser Black Prince for sale, work on the Ibuki, or fix Minotaur's guns for the next battle. Tonight I'm doing some plumbing work, then meeting an election candidate with some of my colleagues to discuss the government's appalling neglect of the mental health care system. Tomorrow evening there are more house and garden tasks. And so it goes! Bob.
Not to worry I have tons to keep me busy, just let me know when things get done and we will have a go at one over here also then (building one of your models)...
After a month of no activity the I-400 project has resumed. Last night I waxed the hull plugs again and Steve Hill picked them up. He and Dave started the molding flanges last night. As soon as they're done (hopefully by next week) we'll start the mold construction. I'll be in town for the next 3 weeks so we should be able to finish the molds and start hull production by early July. Bob
Can someone Elaborate on the type of sealant used? I am currently building a hull in this manner, and want to use the correct tools for it.
The sealant we use for the plaster plugs is a white sealer/primer shellac made by Zinsser. Re the status of the hull plugs, Steve Hill picked them up 2 1/2 weeks ago and he and Dave started to make the molding flanges. I saw Dave 2 weeks ago tomorrow and he reported considerable diffculty making the flanges. It was hoped they'd be done by now but I've heard nothing since June 20 . Once they're installed the molding process can be completed in 4-5 days. Bob
Hi Bob, hopefully we can resume getting together and working on the I-400. Does Dave have the plug now or Steve? J
Jay, Steve's had the hull plugs for >3 weeks and was to call when the molding flanges were installed. I haven't heard from him. I'm available to make the molds until July 24, but would have to start by July 18 to finish them before I go on vacation. Bob
Hi Bob, I was talking to Steve on Sunday and I think the plan is to get together with him at his cottage on the weekend-not sure which day, must firm that up. I will remind him to bring everything we need (you know what he always says "If I don't have, you don't need it!") I would like for us to get our collective s#@t together so we can start making hulls before the snow comes! I am going on leave at the same time you are, but would like to get the mold done. On a side note, I will bring the TONE plug too if you can make it, maybe we can formulate a plan. You let me know what needs to be done and I will give it a go. J
Jay, I share your disappointment about the delay in the I-400 project. I spent many hours correcting and fine sanding the hull plugs and prepping the surfaces for molding, so I thought other team members could make and install the molding flanges. I'd hoped to get the flanged plugs back in a week or so and start molding but here we are 4 weeks later with no molds made. I'm on call again starting Friday and Steve's cottage is beyond the required response time to the hospital. I hope the flanges can be finished and installed this weekend so the molds can be made next week. I want to be around when that's done. Bob
Well we got together on Sat. and have the flanges done, with the exception of having them waxed. Steve said he will do that this week, or I may get him to drop them off if he can't. Hopefully mold making is around the corner!!! J
One of the big-gunners brought up the idea of a pull-down motor on the subs. Sounds like the same theory as a bow-thruster, but mounted in the middle of the boat, and pointing up/down. You turn the motor on to dive, and when the motor is shut off, the subs comes back up. Sounds very interesting, and perhaps lighter, and simpler than ballast tanks. Mikey
That's good news Jay. The flanges have to be installed before waxing to fill any small gaps between them and the plugs with wax. Wednesday PM is the last time I'll be available to work on the molds until Aug.10. I have 1/2 gallon of gelcoat that has to be used this summer and can drop it off before I leave. Bob
