New Lobster trap kit design by BlueJacket Shipcrafters

[MrBlueJacket]

We are upgrading our lobster trap kits that go in our r/c lobster boat, Maine lobster boat, and Red Baron. The old kit design had laser cut hoops and stick wood construction.

[MrBlueJacket]

The new kits have laser cut hoops, base and the slats are pre-done out of laserboard so they will be nice and even. As I build this prototype, I will post updates.

 

[mtdoramike]

That looks like a project all by it's self. I'm curious to see the finished product.

[MrBlueJacket]

I have decided to build both the old and new traps so people can compare the two. First step old way is to cut the bottom stringers from stripwood, champher the ends and drill holes. Then free the hoops and glue to the stringers.

 

The new way is to again free the hoops, but now you just glue them to the pre-cut holes in a lasered base.

Edited July 30, 2021 by MrBlueJacket

[MrBlueJacket]

Next step is to finish the bottom. Old way, add 4 cross braces (carefully fitted) and finally add the strip wood bottom pieces.

[MrBlueJacket]

New way, add 2 longitudinal pieces, then put down the sheet of strips. Nice and evenly spaced.

 

 

[MrBlueJacket]

Next step - old way:

 

individually attach the slats to the hoops. Tedious, and prone to misalignment.

[MrBlueJacket]

New way:

 

Attach the sheet of slats. Much easier, all slats are evenly spaced.

 

Once bent around the hoops and glued in place, it is a simple matter to trim off the edges.

[mtdoramike]

Now by George that is a trap!

[MrBlueJacket]

Next step is to add the end slats. Old way: glue them on individually

[MrBlueJacket]

New way: glue the sheet of slats. Much easier. Of course, either way, the slats have to be trimmed.

 

[MrBlueJacket]

 

After all the slats are on, the remaining steps are the same for either way. Add the netting and opening

 

 

 

[thibaultron]

Just a note: In the pictures of the Old Way, there were 4 cross slates on the bottom. In the New Way there are only 3.

[MrBlueJacket]

The final step is to paint the trap. I used some light gray, then dusted it with olive drab to make it look like algae scum.

 

 

And with that, this comparison is over. We will be phasing this new way in over the next few months.

[MrBlueJacket]

So while the traps are done, the package includes 3 buoy blanks (see post#2). Here's a photo of them finished.

 

[MrBlueJacket]

And here are all 3 finished traps.

 

[Chuck]

Very nice!!

[BobG]

These lobster traps are great!

[MrBlueJacket]

To go along with the traps, I made a lobster holding box and populated it.

 

[Canute]

Mmm. lobster.😁

[BobG]

3 hours ago, MrBlueJacket said:

To go along with the traps, I made a lobster holding box and populated it.

 

Those are some great looking lobsters. Where did you get them? Do you have a source for realistic fish as well?

[ccoyle]

18 minutes ago, BobG said:

Do you have a source for realistic fish as well?

 

Search for doll-house items, i.e. 1/12 scale.

[MrBlueJacket]

BlueJacket has the lobsters. They are Britannia castings, 1/2" scale. i painted them in Army Helo Drab, then dry-brushed flat red. Followed by gloss clear.

[MrBlueJacket]

And here they are in their final resting place.

 

[BobG]

Very cool model, MrBluejacket!