Phantom by MikeB4 - Model Shipways - scale 1:96

[MikeB4]

I've purchased the phantom because it's suppose to be an entry level kit. Maybe I should have found something even easier but I own it so now I'm going to attempt to build it.

Edited October 6, 2013 by MikeB4

[MikeB4]

I've started to shape the hull. The stern is pretty close to matching the template.

Edited October 6, 2013 by MikeB4

[3sheets10]

Hello MikeB4,

 

I am a beginner as well and started with a pilot boat. Although it has been a learning experience, the build is fun and keeps me itching to work on it when I am away. Good luck with your build!

 

Tyler

[MikeB4]

Thanks,Tyler

[MikeB4]

I have discovered that the template is 1\8th of inch longer than it's suppose to be. assuming that the diagrams are at scale. You can see in the picture where I point out the difference.

[MikeB4]

One thing that I have learned if I should do another solid hull. Throw away the templates that they give you in the kit and make your own directly from the drawings. By using their templates I have spent a lot of time trying to fix the mistakes.I will say though not perfect my hull is almost at the point where I can move on to the next step.

[gulfmedic1]

Mike

I am having the same issues and it's taking a lot longer to get my hull completed only thing is I don't know how to make templates from the plans

[MikeB4]

Mike

I am having the same issues and it's taking a lot longer to get my hull completed only thing is I don't know how to make templates from the plans

the best way that I have found is to use tracing paper and carefully trace out each image you'll need from the plans. Then cut each traced image out and transfer it to poster board.Cut the Images from the poster board and you have your templates. It's a little time consuming because you want to take your time and cut the images slowly so that they come out correct but it works. Maybe someone out there has a better way to do it but until I find a better way this is the technique I'll use for any future builds if I go with a solid hull kit.

Edited November 5, 2013 by MikeB4

[MikeB4]

It's taken some time but I've finally shaped the outer hull. It's not perfect but I've got it to a point that I feel satisfied with it.This boat might not turn out to be a museum quality model but I'm pleased to have gotten this far. I also found the way Chuck has you cut the curve of the stem using pieces of 1/8" strip wood has its challenges. I found it next to impossible to get a good bond when you try joining the angled strip to the straight strip.The problem is that there's no way to clamp it. So even though I let the glue try for 24 hours when I attempted to cut the piece out it breaks. The way I ended up resolving it was to glue the two pieces back together again only this time I took a garment pin, stuck it into the stem and cut the pin flush,it worked. So this is my progress thus far.

[dragzz]

so far mike it look really good just take your time no need to rush the best thing is to have fun building it keep up the great work 

[gulfmedic1]

Mike

thanks for the input, ill have to try that, i am almost done with the hull, I think I am like you, its not perfect but it works for me.

silly question when you (or anyone else here) cut templets do you cut on the line inside or outside the black line. I ask because I think that may be part of my issue

[MikeB4]

For the tracing paper I cut on the outside of the lines. I don't use the piece I cut out but rather the sheet I cut it from, It's easier to handle the entire sheet rather than a small piece of tracing paper.I'm sure you could do it the opposite way if you prefer but then you'd want to cut on the inside. So now when I transfer the image to the poster board I cut that outside also.the drawings on the plans are measured from the outside lines.

[gulfmedic1]

thanks Mike

build looks great

[MikeB4]

I've shaped and fitted the rudder to the stern.I was a little nervous about this step because you have to drill a hole, but it was relatively easy. I do recommend creating the rudder before drilling so you can line things up with a physical object rather than guessing if you have it right. Another technique I find helpful is to put a piece of tape on the drill bit leaving only 1/8" exposed so you don't drill to deep.

[MikeB4]

I've found a method for cutting the copper hull plates that works for me. I tried a few different ways to do this and it was pretty frustrating. Finally I jury rigged (pun) this jig and used the cutters that Model Shipways provided, put something below the jig to catch the tiny buggers and now I'm on a mass production line.The greatest satisfaction I'm getting from this hobby is having to find a way to make things work. 

[MikeB4]

Started coppering the hull today. It's a very time consuming task. I've got about seven and a half hours into it today that includes cutting the copper.I haven't cut all the copper yet. I'll put the plates that I've cut so far on the hull and then finish the rest of them up later.I'm moving along slowly but surely or not so sure but definitely slow,The key is keep moving.

[gulfmedic1]

looking great

[gulfmedic1]

Mike

When you fared the hull did your templates centerline mark match center on the hull

[MikeB4]

 As I had mentioned, the templates weren't on the money to begin with so I got it as close as possible.It's not perfect that's for sure.

[gulfmedic1]

Great that's what I was looking for I was just curious after you had made the new ones if it became more exact

I'm about finished faring the hull and I'm pretty much in the same boat ( no pun intended) I'm looking at it and it looks pretty good for not exact and I'm ok with that lol

How's the copper plating coming

[MikeB4]

I'm almost finished, in fact I should be done with it tonight. One of the issues with a coppered hull is now when I'm handling it the copper wants to lift. So I've asked in one of the forums if there is some way to protect it from doing that. I got a few answers back. The one that I think will work is a Cellulose Lacquer. Its made to protect metals. But the link where the product is sold is an overseas company. I need to see if I can find it in the US. I don't really want to stop work on my ship while I wait for the product to be delivered.

[MikeB4]

I've finally finished coppering the hull. I've learned a few good lessons that will carry over to a future project.

[gulfmedic1]

Looks great

[craigb]

Just happened across your build, and like everyone else said, it is looking great!

 

I had some issues with the hull templates during the build too- the plans didn't match templates and I discovered it later. 

 

What is the small dingy looking boat in the background? That looks nice too!

 

cheers

-cb

[MikeB4]

Thank you, The life boat came off of a model ship I have on display in my home. One of my Uncles built it years ago. I was hoping it would be to scale and I could use it on the Phantom. I believe these pilot boats had at least one.on board, at least in the pictures I've seen of similar boats from that period. Unfortunately it isn't to scale so I can't use it. 

[russ]

Your hull looks great. Nice job on the coppering.

 

Russ

[MikeB4]

I've decided to install the rudder at this point in the build.It fit like a hand in a glove I have no glue holding this thing on I wish everything would fit like that. My method was to insert a pin near the bottom of the rudder.The hard part is creating and mounting the gudgeons and pintles. that was a test of my patience that I'm glade is done.

[MikeB4]

got my deck planking and waterway just about done.

[russ]

Looks very clean. Nice work.

 

Russ

[MikeB4]

I cut out my scuppers very carefully and I managed not to collapse anything. I feel this is a turning point for a beginner on this project because this is were I think the biggest disaster would have taken place. I know I'm a long way from being done but I'm feeling pretty good at this point.

Edited December 12, 2013 by MikeB4