A bit more work on the jib, very fiddly

Slipway provide a paper template in their instruction book which I guess you are meant to cut out and use to mark the prop shaft hole on the left side of the GRP hull, then turn over and mark out the right side.

I want to keep the instruction book intact, so a quick visit to Staples and two photocopies, (one mirror image), was the order of the day. 

IT'S A FACE!

After cutting out I've positioned and stuck the templates on the hull using a quick spurt of Photomount. I also made a few extra extended marks for reference on the prop shaft holes since these will be slightly larger to account for the prop shaft sleeve mentioned earlier.

I know what you're thinking, when is he actually going to start the 'TUG' build?

Well I make no apologies for taking time out to thoroughly read the excellent Slipway Build manual, 'twice', consult other builders blogs and then reflect upon my approach to the build before actually starting; must be a sign of age, never did this as a kid!

One area of concern is the prop shaft, what if it ever needs replacing and I had bonded it securely to the hull? It could be very messy to remove.

A quick trip to B&Q solved the problem, on the small sections rack they had some plastic tube that provided a nice snug push fit for the propshaft, I'll bond this to the hull. Problem solved and no risk of corrosion from incompatible metals, result!

  
The tug build will start this weekend....just building up, (Dutch) courage to cut into the GRP hull, ha, ha

Quick deviation....the ducklings are getting brave

A Chuck within a chuck, Chuck

Apologies but this is going to sound REALLY 'nerdy' 

On a 1/32 scale model a 1mm error will be 32mm in real life!

Hold that thought for awhile...................OK, let it go

Precision is everything, plus I get to play with the Axminster SX2 Mill.....Nice

Getting into the 'Zone'

Before leaping in and cutting the hull all about I think I'd better get into the 'zone' of fine model-making.

Looking at the Slipway website I really like the look of the Atlas 5 Ton Crane, love the web detailing around the base. I'm going to start making this model first and may ultimately substitute if for the Dutch Courage FK36 Crane. 

My thinking is if it all goes 'Pete Tong' it's not going to be the end of the world.

There's bucket loads of great visual reference on the internet. Some of the best is Volker Landwher's photographs of the Andre-B.

It's kinda given me a dilemma, all the different versions of the Dutch Courage have different bits and layouts I like.

I think I'm going to make my own version that will include details from different vessels, hope this isn't 'model-making heresy'!

Where to start???

Well I guess the sensible thing to do is first construct a cradle for the model.

The edge that will be in contact with the hull I'll cover with a strip of soft exercise mat

OK, I'll come clean, I haven't built a model for over 40 years, and never a RC model, but it's provided the motivation to clean my workshop!!

Here's the Kit, no injection moulded bits like in the Airfix days! What you get is a GRP hull, some cast metal bits, vacuum formed cabin bits, printed sheets of plastic to cut out and assemble parts, a comprehensive set of instructions and two large detail drawings.

Thought I'd create a Blog that charts the building journey of my Slipway Dutch Courage Tug model.

Thanks to Martin of www.westbourne-model.co.uk for supplying the kit and answering numerous questions.