Louise by Bobstrake - Constructo - Scale 1:26

[Bobstrake]

The Louise Victorian Steam Launch looks like a fun build for moments between my serious build of L'Hermione.  I find the steam engine fascinating, the cabin delightful, and the boat lines very pleasant.

When examining the parts, it is amazing that this model can be made from so few parts.  It should be fun!

 

The Unpacking

Box cover:

 

Instructions in multiple languages, color pictures of steps, and full size drawings:

 

Wood strips and dowels:

 

Small parts:

 

Stamped and laser cut parts, the base of the stand:

[GuntherMT]

Good looking boat Bob.  Someone else just recently completed a build here, and I look forward to seeing how yours comes out!

[Bobstrake]

Brian,

 

Good to hear from you. We'll see how it goes.

 

The build begins by veneering 3 frames with Sapelly planks. They are called frames, instead of bulkheads, on the instructions.

 

I guess it is good that I am discovering how brittle the Sapelly wood is, while chipping some inside pieces that won't show as much. The veneer chips both with cutting and filing. I have to be careful to file the veneer toward the base wood.

Edited November 7, 2015 by Bobstrake

[Bobstrake]

The stamped sheet with the deck surfaces is warped.  I would be alarmed if I was a first time builder, but I don't think this will effect the final build.

 

The false keel is more robust and very straight.

 

The first assembly is straightforward, with tight fitting pieces.  The pointed side of the floor needed to be filed wider.  This made for a nice snug fit.  The warped floor was easily overcome.

Edited November 11, 2015 by Bobstrake

[riverboat]

Looks like this will be a nice build.... why did they have you venner the frames? Doesn't look like they'll be seen.

 

Frank

[hamilton]

Hi Bob:

 

I've always been curious about this kit - followed the recent build mentioned by Brian above with great interest and will follow this one too. I have to say that's the worst warp I've ever seen in any kit supplied materials! When I saw it I immediately imagined one of those 16 ton weights I used to see falling on wile-e-coyote - hopefully you have some more practical solution to fixing it!

hamilton

[Bobstrake]

Hamilton, welcome aboard.  I will endeavor to tame the warp beast.

 

Frank, you are right about the veneering.  It will hardly show.

You can see the frames now, but they will be obscured by a cockpit frame and then severely upstaged by a big steam engine.

 

I got to this stage, in spite of the instructions.

I must be dense in the head, because I was just not able to understand the instructions and picture #5.  Placing the pin as shown in the picture, blocked the attachment of the deck.

I finally glued the deck on first, then pre-bent the wood strips and attached them to it.  If I build another one of these, I will even glue the deck before gluing the ribs, so I can get them to fit better.  My hat's off to Owend and Mike Dowling, who got past this point so beautifully.

Edited November 18, 2015 by Bobstrake

[Bobstrake]

Have begun planking the hull.  I have to be careful with the glue so it doesn't show on the inside.

 

 

[hamilton]

She's coming along nicely there Bob!

 

I have a (selfish) question about your gluing - I'm almost at the stage of bulwark planking on my America and face a similar challenge having to edge glue quite thin 1mm planks that will be exposed inboard. I'm kind of at a loss as to how to apply the glue and install the planks in a way that won't mar the inside faces of the bulwarks. In your case, was it just a question of lifting off glue as it squeezed out from between the planks? Was there a technique you used for applying the glue to the planks? Sorry to pester, and thanks for any advice!

hamilton

[Bobstrake]

Hamilton,

 

There may be better ways, but I use Elmer's Wood glue and apply it lightly, Invariably, small amounts leak through. I let it dry a little, until it gets rubbery, then peel it off with the tip of an exacto knife. I would have preffered wiping off the excess glue immediately, but couldn't get my fingers in the tight spaces. Thanks for your interest and your question. And about your America build, Wow!

Edited November 30, 2015 by Bobstrake

[hamilton]

Thanks Bob! I'm thinking I'll have to invest in a small paint brush to apply the glue on the thin edges....I use weldbond PVA as my main adhesive for planking and it dries quite firm....but I think if I use a #10 or chisel x-acto blade as a putty knife I might be able to get as clean a result as you've achieved here! Thanks again for the tip!

hamilton

[jmcsys]

Bob,

 

Thankyou for the Like. Being new to all this, things can get pretty discouraging, and a little encouragement (like the like) can mean more than you might guess.

 

Your like prompted me to find this log. What a fun project you seem to have and what a fine start of it you've made. I look forward to following you progress.

 

Joe

[Jparsley]

What??? Bob you mean to tell me it's not done yet Geeze what have you been doing Not like family job and life are that important Lol just can't wait to see your update

[Bobstrake]

Joe and Jparsley,

 

Thanks for the kind words. I hope to be back in action soon.

[Daniel Gauthier]

Hi 

did you still have the instruction sheet with you,,

the one i have it's only in chinese 

thanks for your time

[Daniel Gauthier]

Hi

maybe you can help me

i have only instructions  in chinese do you know were i can find the english or french one

tanks