ClassicHydro Proto Kit-30" Finlay Shovel

[DCam]

I'm test building some laser cuts for a new 30" Kit-basically a 12th scale version of the Miss K kit Offshore sells. This will be for Aquacraft LSH etc. I will more than likely include a cowl, dummy engine fins etc with it. First pics show the cuts on the sheets and the laser cut jig that will be included assembled.

This hull has the tunnel rise starting at the back of the sponsons for less blowover issues. It's Garry's concept for a 27" Karelson shovel which I enlarged to 30.

[DCam]

Tunnel and Stringers

The tunnel has 3 pieces tack glued on the building jig over wax paper. Then the Front Stringers are glued on. So far so good.

[sailr]

Cool! Can't wait to see this one progress! Great size for LSH!

[DCam]

Bulkheads

Thanks! Now the Bulkheads go on. CA glued lined up with the marks on the tunnel pieces. The centers can be cut out after the hulll is built. The last pic is the 27" test build showing the top and Garry's tunnel concept.

[JimClark]

Looks great Doug

[Steven Vaccaro]

Cant wait to get ahold of this kit! This size will be a real winner.

[DCam]

Thanks! More to come later.

[DCam]

Shears and Deck Stringers

Here are the pieces added. Took about 15 minutes, Parts are fittting good.

[DCam]

Bevelling for Skins

To efectively bevel for fit, I removed the hull from the jig, bevelled the sponson bottoms. Added the sponson bottoms. Then I bevelled the sponson sides and non-trip area. The hull still remained true when I fit it back on the jig. Good deal.

[sailr]

What kind of glue are you using? I can't get CA to glue plywood worth a hoot. Gorilla glue is a mess, and titebond, etc. takes too long to dry. Epoxy ends up being hard to sand and it gums up the sandpaper.

[DCam]

What kind of glue are you using? I can't get CA to glue plywood worth a hoot. Gorilla glue is a mess, and titebond, etc. takes too long to dry. Epoxy ends up being hard to sand and it gums up the sandpaper.

On ply and most stuff, I find I have to spray the CA with accelerator to make it bond. On some of the skins, I hold the piece in place by hand, apply some thin CA in some critical areas to hold the part, then spray accelerator on it. I finish up the joints with thin or gap filling CA, depending on the fit, let the CA seep in, then spray again. This is one method of course. I always coat the inside when all done with a sealer like epoxy.

[Hydromaniac]

Something else you can do to increase the bond of CA to plywood is to sand the ply at the joint areas with 120 grit sand paper .

[sailr]

Mercury adhesives makes a CA specifically for plywood. Something about the Ph in the wood won't allow regular CA to work. I know Atlanta Hobby carries the stuff. Don't know much else. I have used it and it works as advertised.

[DCam]

Added sponson sides, non-trips

More wood added. Still fitting well. The hull came off the jig for the non-trips and sponson sides. Block sanded. Remained stright-good news. Back on the jig now for removal of the bulkhead insides and adding inner side pieces. Then some penetrating epoxy for sealing.

[DCam]

KIt to be released soon

Update on kit! Dubbed the "Miss K+"
Changed to conventional type tunnel, still the same size. 30". Steven should be releasing the kit soon. Kit has a cowl, driver, gauges, steering wheel, windshield, and Merlin engine kit. 3 tailfin choices make several hulls.