I'm so sorry to my build blog followers that I haven't updated on my progress for some time, but the build has taken a back seat for a few weeks due to changing jobs, but over the last week or so I've picked the build of the superstructure back up again.
Just following the instructions at the moment so as to get to the build level where I can start the paint job before adding all the detailing bits.
I have decided not to build the structure roof's with planks as the instructions show, but to use balsa sheet as it looks a lot easier..These were "bent" into shape over the skeleton with a little help from some steam from the kettle. It really does work well in forming the shape....but also burns your fingers if you're not careful. Another lesson learnt... wear some gloves!
So with basic build done I started on the paint job following the colours of the hull design.
I prepared it the same as the hull with light bals filler first then rubbed down so as to fill most of the wood grain imperfections, then a cout of filler primer, followed by primer, then paint and finally a couple of layers of clear laquer. All with a lot of sanding a smoothing inbetween.
Its not bad!
Now waiting for the weekend to prepare and install windows, pulpit rails and cabin floors with some left over mahogany. I can't wait!😎

So, superstructure is really taking shape now the windows are in and the top screen has been added. Next stage is to build and add the Pulpit on the bow and the rest of the handrails and seating.
I am not looking forward to the pulpit as have no welding equipment or skills here.
Another challenge then to see if solder will hold the brass rails in place. If not it will be constructed with expoxy resin and then painted over.
Onwards and upwards.

While Superstructure is moving on in leaps and bounds thought I'd let you look under the hood of the Huntsman - Rosalie.
There is lots of space here so you can put things where you like, but the limitations is that the Superstructure has a deep cabin which means in this part of the mid-ships, everything must be mounted low and off the sides and bulkheads.
I was also limited by cable length so although I build a "heath robinson" bridge over the battery to put the receiver, this had to be mounted on the side as the superstructure would'nt sit down on the deck!
I also bought far too big a servo so this is mounted upside down to fit!!

Almost there....... Handrails and seats and cabin almost completed.
Things are however, not going well with the pulpit rail.....All pieces are cut and bent to shape as per the instructions to the correct lengths, but using a jig made from ply I cant get the brass rail to hold with solder...its a real mess, so decided to try and use expoxy glue to hold the rail and connecting pieces together...It doesn't look good and I'm really upset that it will spoil the look of the boat.

At last the boat is finished to a point where I can take it out for its maiden voyage. It passed leak and floatation tests in the bath and all electric function as they should. Now to show it off in open water on the Boating Lake in Bushy Park, Kingston upon Thames.
I'm hoping for a bit of sun and not too much wind to create too many waves at first, until I get used to handling it.
I'll upload pictures of Rosalie in action in my next post!
I will probably do some tinkering and some detail additions later on, but for now ITS FINISHED!
Still not happy with the pulpit rail and I will most likely remove it and do it again taking into consideration all the great advice received from the fellow members of this site.
Thank you for following the build........now what's next!!!

With battery fully charged and with great anticipation, Rosalie had her first voyage on the Bushy Park Boating lake a couple of weekends ago. It went very well, but not as fast as I was expecting and at full speed, the battery started to run down and affect the speed after about 20 mins running. It looked good though and there were plenty of onlookers, the turns looked spectacular and mirrored exactly what would happen on the real thing!.

Next thing is to reduce the weight a bit to see if it can go faster or play with the prop size....... what fun!!

I'll upload a video once done on youtube....I thought you could upload directly here via pictures, but seems not