Billing Boats Mercantic

Started by T33CNO

47 updates 163 likes 99 comments
T33CNO #11 of 48

On the Slipway

Because my bench is made from kitchen worktop I just CA some blocks along the keel line to keep it straight.
These will tap off sideways with a hammer and block and the CA residue will scrape off with a Stanley blade
Liked by Donkeygarage and Colin H and
3 comments
  1. RNinMunichBronze
    Fleet Admiral
    As-bol-ute-ly Mike 😉
    Wish I'd realised that 55 years ago when I scratched my 1:72 destroyer (1.35m), built from home made plans scaled up from micrometer measurements on an Airfix 1:600 model!!
    (Had just learned Tech Drawing at school!😊)
    The hull still has a slight twist in it, but ya can't see it when it's belting round on the wet stuff making all the expensive RTR plastic 'speed' boats look velly velly silly 😁😁😁
    😎
    Liked by Colin H and Martin555

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T33CNO #12 of 48

Mercantic first of probably many kit faults

Here the deck copied over from the original mahogany sheet was always going to be too narrow at frame 8
I will remake this with the correct shape and template the new part.
Liked by Martin555 and Colin H
8 comments
  1. RNinMunichBronze
    Fleet Admiral
    Not straight up either TC 😉
    I usually make a 'flattened' scan of such pics before I post 'em.
    Whatever, keep on buildin' an' bloggin' 👍
    Cheers, Doug 😎
    Liked by Martin555 and T33CNO

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T33CNO #13 of 48

Frame 6

The deck is the same at frame 6 so it’s worthwhile cutting a new deck skin. Also if I make another Mercantic I want all my parts to fit correctly hence making templates.
Liked by Martin555 and Colin H
4 comments
  1. T33CNO
    Sub-Lieutenant
    Over the years from 1964 that this kit was produced I’m sure every modeller dealt with anomalies in their own way.
    There are more issues to come yet but it will be a great model when finished 😊
    Liked by Martin555

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T33CNO #15 of 48

Graupner 330

An Internet forum friend donated this now equally rare winch. Among Mercantic builders this is the bees knees over the Billing kit fitting.
Thank you Bill if you’re reading 👍
Liked by Martin555 and RNinMunich and

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T33CNO #16 of 48

All the frames cut

No assembly today but I managed an hour to jigsaw the rest of the frames out.
Fettling and assembly tomorrow.
Liked by mturpin013 and Colin H and
3 comments
  1. T33CNO
    Sub-Lieutenant
    That’s only about 9 pieces there Gary not the whole hull 👍

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T33CNO #17 of 48

The propulsion

I’m getting close now to ordering my usual components that are so suitable for a wide range of models.
I won’t be using the very short prop shaft in the kit as per the drawing.
I will be using a much longer sealed unit, the extra length will allow more room for motor placement without overly affecting the angle of the shaft.
Overlander 2836 brushless will drive this ship perfectly in combination with hobbywing quicrun ESC.
Liked by mturpin013 and Martin555
1 comment
  1. T33CNO
    Sub-Lieutenant
    Last night I ordered....

    Raboesch Waterproof Propshaft 211mm M4

    Raboesch 35mm M4 Threaded 4 Blade R/H Brass A-Type Propeller
    Liked by mturpin013 and Martin555

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