U-31 MILLER HIGH LIFE 8th Scale build thread

[Beaux]

That wet box looks like a good idea.

[Shooter]

I agree. Awesome idea, and it will be hidden!

[K.R.Joye]

Started skinning the sponsons and non-trip. Decided to go with .06 styrene sheet because its light, durable and bends easy.

[eric113]

Interesting, I haven’t seen someone use styrene for sheeting. But it easy to work with.

[Shooter]

My entire vacu-pickle is made of this stuff! One of the most durable boats I own!

[K.R.Joye]

Styrene is tricky to bond,`Marine GOOP' works very well. Be advised use in a well ventilated area. Stinks real bad...
https://www.amazon.com/Amazing-GOOP-...EQ1WFN1FHC4HGQ

[K.R.Joye]

More sponson skin(styrene) and ride pad(G10) bonding

[RandyatBBY]

Great build Ken.

[K.R.Joye]

Great build Ken.

Thanks Buddy!

Last of the sponson skins bonding. Careful balance of aero, fluid dynamics and contact patch went into the right & left sponson designs. Overlaps still need to trimmed and fine sanded.

[Shooter]

Man, that looks great Ken!!!

[K.R.Joye]

THANKS!

More pics front canard wing structure, sponson floatation and through hull motor mount bases bonded in.

[K.R.Joye]

Finally G-10 top skins are bonded to sponsons. Used small wood screws to hold the edges down while overnight bonding. They will be removed, holes filled etc...

[Doug Smock]

Looks like you are fast approaching the down hill side of the build. Very nice work my friend!

[K.R.Joye]

The deck is put together in sections for ease of assembly (and repair). CF Ram Wing exterior skin bonding & deck joint are composite so you wont read joints if the boat gets really soaked.

[K.R.Joye]

Similar to sponson deck panels, these are glued and temporarily screwed.

[K.R.Joye]

Joints for rear center section

[K.R.Joye]

This completes the final exterior panel bondings.

[Tetefroid]

Wow! This is a very cool build thread.

[K.R.Joye]

Thankyou sir! Trimming edges and rough sanding comes next....

[Doug Smock]

Won't be long now!

[bozo586]

nice work KEN!

[K.R.Joye]

I'm working on the cockpit windshield and driver area along with the turbine/canopy exhaust fitment. Yes i'll be using a lightweight aluminum water bottle!

[Shooter]

Sweet! Any updates?? I'm hoping to be at the pond tomorrow.

[K.R.Joye]

U-31 Hull is ready for finish body work then paint. Just waiting for warmer weather to get started. I had to use 2 aluminum water bottles for the turbine exhaust, joint hidden under the rear support mount.

[K.R.Joye]

I wanted a quick way to attach/remove the canopy and cowling. Came up with idea of using wiring nuts for locating connections. Then 2 fasteners, one on each the side of the cowl holds the whole assembly down. BTW checkout the new motor!

[K.R.Joye]

After weeks of filling, spoting, blocking, priming repeat..... Basecoat White Gloss epoxy finish was applied last Friday. Were in the home stretch!

[Shooter]

Holy Crap!!! That thing is beautiful. Deserves the Plett motor for sure!!!!! :)

[Doug Smock]

Very nice Ken!

[K.R.Joye]

Thanks guys hope to finish up paint this weekend

[785boats]

Excellent.
Certainly an interesting build from start to finish.