Yoda's Ark by mtdoramike - mainly because I like the word Ark

[mtdoramike]

A fellow model building sophisticate Pat Tritle developed this build years ago and since he is a model building hero of mine, I thought I might give the Yoda's Ark a go. But I have a few other things in the works at the moment, I hope to start on it soon. The model is based on an artists rendering of a 1930's Great Gatsby era line of an excursion boat. Another modelling sophisticate of mine also built this model and gave me the plans and building templates from his Yoda build.    

[bruce d]

Well, that's different. Looks so cool I can see the attraction. Keep us posted?

[mtdoramike]

I like the different and unusual that way if I screw up on something, no body really knows because there are fewer examples out there to judge it by hahahahaha.

[mtdoramike]

I think I may do some modifications on it, by shortening the cabin structure and enclosing it a bit with glass and put in a door to the rear of the cabin, which would give enough room to mount a couple of swivel post fishing seats. But all is up to speculation at this point.  

[mtdoramike]

I also would like to do mahogany planking (unpainted) from the bottom of the side port holes to the waterline, which I think would give it a bit more class than painting the entire hull.  

[mtdoramike]

The plans show to make the keel and bulkheads out of 1/8" balsa. Well, that ain't going to work for me, I'm going to use 1/8" light plywood for both. I have learned from building R/C boats that building light only means you will have to use more dead weight as ballast. I would rather use stronger building materials than add useless dead weight. Also, anything protruding above deck level means more ballast weight to compensate. 

[mtdoramike]

I have all the pieces cut out, keel and bulkheads or frames. It took me a while because I use a coping saw. I'm not good with a scroll saw and find I have more control going the old fashioned route with the coping saw. It takes more time and a bit more effort, but I get a better result.  

[AON]

you should start a build log for this!

[mtaylor]

4 hours ago, AON said:

you should start a build log for this!

If you don't want to start a new log, I can move this topic to appropriate area in the Scratch area since it appears to be a scratch build. 

[mtdoramike]

Thank Mark, that would be great. Yep I guess you can call it a scratcher.

[mtaylor]

Done and retitled.   

[mtdoramike]

I have all the frames cut out, installed on the keel and starting to put on the sheer planks. The box in the front of th deck is the battery box.

[mtdoramike]

I have to cut the balsa 1/8" X 1/2" planking out of some solid planks that I have laying around, so it will take a bit to do this using a guide and a razor knife. 

[mtdoramike]

I will also beef up the edges of the frames to give the planking more of a platform to attach to and give more of a structural support. I usually do this for all plank on frame models I build because most frames are not thick enough. I have built both R/C planes and boats and although planes need to be built lite to make them more air worthy, boats are totally different in that aspect. I would rather build the boat stronger and heavier rather than having to add dead weight to balance it and keep it from being top heavy. The deck cabins and super structures can use the trimming of weight.   

[mtdoramike]

I also have another Chris Craft 1930 mahogany runabout that was an orphaned kit that I was offered that I will be starting on shortly. I usually don't like building the same thing twice (I built this same boat last year) but I hated to see it get kicked from pillar to post so I accepted it.  This will be the name of the 1930 Chris Craft when finished. It will be affixed to the stern of the boat. 

Edited December 21, 2020 by mtdoramike

[mtdoramike]

I have a fair start on the Yoda.

[mtdoramike]

I have been able to do a little bit of work to the Yoda and figured I would post some updated pictures. Most of the materials I'm using are scraps that I have laying around from previous projects.

[mtdoramike]

Wouldn't you know. The best two days to lay fiberglass was yesterday and today, the only two days in the past week and a half that I have other pressing things to do.

 

Humidity is below 50%. I don't like to fiberglass when humidity is above 60 and living in central Florida this time of year is rare.

[mtdoramike]

I was able to spend a little time on the Yoda yesterday.

[mtdoramike]

I hope this isn't too resque for the forums, if so let me know and I'll delete it hahahaha.

 

 

I deleted the pic of the art work that is going on the transom of the Ark because on another forum my post got flagged for showing nudity, so as not to offend anyone's sense of morality I will delete it and make sure and not post pictures of that area of the boat when finished. But it is my creative freedom to build what I want and finish it the way I want, it's not my right to offend others whether or not it offends me. I choose not to put the mods in this position, so I decided to edit this post.    

Edited May 4, 2021 by mtdoramike

[mtdoramike]

I was able to get a little work done on the cabin as well as lay down the 2oz fiber glass cloth and two coats of resin on the hull.

[mtdoramike]

I tackled cutting out the portholes yesterday as well as installing the two motors and rudders.

[mtdoramike]

[popeye the sailor]

very nice looking model....really nice progress    the hull kinda reminds me of the Billing's kit Boulogne Etaples.......I cloned the hull a couple of times.  one of them became the Andrea Gail after a bit of modification.  really like how this one is coming out.   how long is the hull?

[mtdoramike]

Hi popeye, it's close to 27" long, which is a perfect size for R/C, display, transport and to ship. I was a bit skeptical when I first started the build of whether or not I would like it. But less than halfway into the build and I really started liking it. It is such a nice design and a very easy build for those trying to transition to scratch building. This is one of my top 5 favorite models and after over 75 models, that is a prestigeous honor hahahaha. I had to order the portholes from a company in England because unfortunately I couldn't find any in the States. It took 3 weeks to get them and about $20.00 shipped for the ten portholes, but I think it was well worth the effort.  

[mtdoramike]

She is coming together nicely I think. 

[mtdoramike]

I spent a little time on the Hard to get today. I made sure and put a piece of masking tape over the questionable parts of the stern graphic as not to offend anyone's sense and sensibility. 

[mtdoramike]

The Yoda's Ark/Hard to get is pretty much finished. I just have to do a little fine tuning. This has been a real pleasure to build and I might build another one in the future and extend it's length 3-4 inches. Either way, on to the next one what ever it might be. Enjoy