Installment #1
Preface:
This is a build log for a model that was just completed to about 95% status. It will become final after another test run in the water and some high resolution images can be acquired.
BlueJacket Kit Impressions:
The kit build was very enjoyable and the final product is very appealing.
KIT CONTENTS:
1. WOOD MATERIALS: The quality of the wood provided is probably some of the best materials I have seen in recent history of building. The wood is nearly 100% free of defects, has excellent grain, and shows none of the telltale signs of being cheaply produced. The laser cut items are well shaped and cleanly cut.
2. METAL ITEMS (BRITANNIA FITTINGS): The castings were fairly clean of and free of defects. The metallurgy employed, they claim, is resistant to deterioration. That is a pleasant surprise since some kits contain casting that display corrosion even after being on the shelf for a short time.
3. CLEAR WINDOW PLASTIC: Outstanding quality and easy to form.
4. DRIVE LINE: The Stuffing box is a high quality MACK industries assembly. The propeller shaft is 14” in length and was the correct length (if you want to mount the drive motor in the suggested location outlined in the plans). A nice universal joint was provided. A very nice nylon control arm was provided with brass ring and set screw where the control arm mounts to the rudder shaft. The propeller is a good 1.5” brass casting. Some deburring and polishing was required to clean it up.
5. TUBING and ROD: More than enough tubing and rod material was provided. No issues.
6. LOBSTER TRAP KIT: Enough materials to construct three (3) nice traps. No materials are provided for the netting that goes into the trap construction.
7. FIBERGLASS ITEMS: The hull and cabin fiberglass displayed few pin holes to be filled. The gal coat is thick enough to allow considerable sanding or finishing without the glass being revealed.
8. INSTRUCTIONS: This is probably the most contentious item in the kit. I will discuss my personal experiences with the instructions later in the log.
Installment #1 Preface: This is a build log for a model that was just completed to about 95% status. It will become final after another test run in the water and some high resolution images can be acquired. BlueJacket Kit Impressions: The kit build was very enjoyable and the final product is very appealing. KIT CONTENTS: 1. WOOD MATERIALS: The quality of the wood provided is probably some of the best materials I have seen in recent history of building. The wood is nearly 100% free of defects, has excellent grain, and shows none of the telltale signs of being cheaply produced. The laser cut items are well shaped and cleanly cut. 2. METAL ITEMS (BRITANNIA FITTINGS): The castings were fairly clean of and free of defects. The metallurgy employed, they claim, is resistant to deterioration. That is a pleasant surprise since some kits contain casting that display corrosion even after being on the shelf for a short time. 3. CLEAR WINDOW PLASTIC: Outstanding quality and easy to form. 4. DRIVE LINE: The Stuffing box is a high quality MACK industries assembly. The propeller shaft is 14” in length and was the correct length (if you want to mount the drive motor in the suggested location outlined in the plans). A nice universal joint was provided. A very nice nylon control arm was provided with brass ring and set screw where the control arm mounts to the rudder shaft. The propeller is a good 1.5” brass casting. Some deburring and polishing was required to clean it up. 5. TUBING and ROD: More than enough tubing and rod material was provided. No issues. 6. LOBSTER TRAP KIT: Enough materials to construct three (3) nice traps. No materials are provided for the netting that goes into the trap construction. 7. FIBERGLASS ITEMS: The hull and cabin fiberglass displayed few pin holes to be filled. The gal coat is thick enough to allow considerable sanding or finishing without the glass being revealed. 8. INSTRUCTIONS: This is probably the most contentious item in the kit. I will discuss my personal experiences with the instructions later in the log.