Tourist by MrBlueJacket - FINISHED - The Laughing Whale - scale 5/8" = 1' - Steam Launch

MrBlueJacket · August 22, 2018

Let me start by saying the scale listed is just a guess - nowhere on the plans, box, or instructions is a scale given. The pilot house is 4" from the deck to the roof, so at 5/8" scale it would be 6"5". I'm calling it a reasonable guess!

This kit is from the 1980's, and the owner wants to see it finished. This should be a fun build. I can see some extra detailing, especially the interior. Although designed to be R/C, it will be a static model. The balsa wood hull side will be replaced with basswood for starters. Here's the kit contents:

Edited November 19, 2018 by MrBlueJacket
FInished

MrBlueJacket · August 22, 2018

First order of business is to assemble the keel. The brass tubes for rudder and propeller are roughed up with sandpaper, and CA'd to the lite ply pre-cut pieces.

bob porter · August 22, 2018

Hi Nic, I built this model many yaers ago, mid 80s i believe. I epoxyed the hull and installed a midwest steam engine.

I will be following your progress.

Bob Porter

MrBlueJacket · August 28, 2018

Installed the bulkheads and deck. This old kit has no provisions for planking the deck, but I can be creative ;-)

MrBlueJacket · September 4, 2018

The kit had 1/16 balsa for the undersides, I substituted 1/16 plywood. I could have used 1/32, it would have been a little easier to bend around the bow.

MrBlueJacket · September 4, 2018

So for the decking planks, I chose 1/32 x 1/4 basswood, and stained it using MinWax cherry. To get the lighter color, I only used the top liquid in the can, and did not stir up the bottom material. I'm pleased with the color.

MrBlueJacket · September 6, 2018

I made a diamond non-skid pattern by spraying black through a stretched screen over a gray base. I am happy with the look.

MrBlueJacket · September 19, 2018

The solid railing is on, and mis-matches of the seam are covered with Bondo. The false machinery well is installed and painted, along with two steps down from the pilot house area.

MrBlueJacket · September 24, 2018

Bulwark is trimmed, hull is primed, and the bulwark is painted flat white.

MrBlueJacket · October 1, 2018

So while I'm filling, sanding, priming (repeat several times) on the hull, I decided to start on the deckhouse/pilot house. Here are the two sides being assembled. Back in the day the parts were band-sawed, so at least one side of the windows had to be open.

MrBlueJacket · October 1, 2018

After three coats of primer and filler, the hull is painted. Next comes the waterline and dark green paint.

jbelwood · October 1, 2018

Hi Nick,

This appears to be the kit of the "Rangeley" put out by Freedom Song Boatworks in Edgecomb, Maine.

I built their "Nelly G" back in the early 90's. Construction very similar.

John Elwood

MrBlueJacket · October 2, 2018

Under hull paint as promised.........

MrBlueJacket · October 5, 2018

I'm going to put windows in, since it won't be burning the boiler. I decided on inner frames to make a lip for the acetate to sit up against. Here's a shot of the inside and outside.

And of course, more putty and filling.

MrBlueJacket · October 10, 2018

So with the pilot house sides filled and primed, I decided to add door outlines. Using .010" x .100" styrene, I think they look pretty good. I left space at the bottom for a 1/4" step

Edited October 11, 2018 by MrBlueJacket
correct styrene dimensions

MrBlueJacket · October 10, 2018

Moving to the stern, it is time to add the mahogany bench seats that ring the aft end. Next will be adding the bulwarks to them.

MrBlueJacket · October 16, 2018

Played around with the pilot house sides. I like the result, don't you?

MrBlueJacket · October 24, 2018

Rear bulwarks added and painted, and also the aft section of the caprail and a 1/8" half-round rub-rail as well.

MrBlueJacket · October 24, 2018

To finish the cap-rail, some 3/32 x 3/16 mahogany needs to be pre-bent. I soaked them in water overnight, then made a bending fence out of 1/8 square basswood. Looking at the first batch, they sprung back, so this will be a multi-bending process.