Bristol Pilot Cutter by michael mott - 1/8 scale - POF

[aviaamator]

That's our scale!!! Cool!

[michael mott]

The thing that I do like about this scale is the many options for experimenting with processes. Today I made a small form for making the dorade vents and used some .003" brass shim stock to see how easy the shape would be to replicate. here are the results.

The first annealing

 

second annealing

 

 

After 4 more annealing s

 

 

it was looking promising

 

 

A bit more trimming with some small scissors and a dab of paints

 

 

 

So now I know that they are possible I think some heavier shim-stock say 006 or 008 might be better then some proper patina.

 

Michael

[cog]

The advantage we have with this scale ... you experiment a lot! I love this build log, from start to finish it has been one big lurning curve for me, thanks for that.

 

Back to business at hand, doesn't the brass get rather weak when annealing? Wouldn't "tapping" it into shape keep it stronger? It turned out real good though!

[michael mott]

Carl the process of annealing allows the metal to stretch as it stretches it work hardens and so each time it is annealed it allows for a bit more stretching. I would not be able to form the brass or copper into such an intricate shape without the annealing.

 

Michael

[cog]

But there is a distinct difference between iron and brass annealing, I suddenly realise that iron hardens when cooled down, whilst brass doesn't. My mistake

[Bedford]

Beautiful work as always Michael

[druxey]

When forming brass - or silver, for that matter - one cannot anneal too often. If you don't, the metal will tear. Beautifully done, Michael. That is a tough shape to achieve.

[michael mott]

Thanks for all the likes and fine comments. A bit more work today first order was to make a couple of left and right Dorade vent forms first a 3/4 diameter end mill then into the side with a 5/16 these were then cut to create the right and left sides.

 

 

Switching gears to the companionway the side panels needed to join with the front and rear cross panels, for this i chose dovetails the same as the skylight.

The initial cuts for the pins were done with the small back saw and the jewelers saw.

 

 

Next they were clamped in the vice with some tool steel guides

 

 

and cleaned up with a few files.

 

 

Then the pins were transferred to the sides and the dovetails marked and cut with the jewelers saw and cleaned up with the files. the front panel required the most dovetails. you can see the primary vent forms in the background I worked on the starboard form first using some .008" brass and also made a domed plug from maple to assist with forming the main bowl section.

 

 

 

Here is a shot of the companionway dry assembled with a scrap panel to see how the new vent looks.

 

 

It is much more durable in the thicker brass, but I think I need to work the form a bit more, the tube section down to the box will need to be opened up a bit to form a better flow it looks a bit restricted. I will also keep it polished.

 

Michael

 

 

[Bedford]

There's always a master class in your builds Michael, never get tired of learning from you.

[michael mott]

Thanks Bedford.

 

Here is a shot of the progression of the vent.

 

 

I have been working on the structure of the companionway it is basically dry assembled at the moment.

 

 

 

 

I keep leaving the card on the top, because I actually like the contrast between it and the sides.

 

Michael

 

[Mark Pearse]

Hi Michael,

 

the result on the vents is very good, & I've learned something new from this.

 

On the companionway top colour: I feel that having a different colour to the top (from the sides colour) lowers the apparent height of the overall structure, which in most cases looks better on a boat as it elongates the overall lines. I also feel that a paler colour makes it look a bit wider than with a darker colour, so again I feel that it looks better.

 

Mark

[michael mott]

Hi Mark I am firming up my thoughts and a white top will likely be the final choice, with a canvas type texture.

 

Here are a couple of views of the companionway glued up with the solid panels that will be installed closer to the finish.

 

 

I am now shaping the cross members to get ready for the fixed portion of the top. I still need to cut the channels for the slide on the hatch.

I have been out sailing for the past few days, with Maria.

 

Michael

[Mark Pearse]

sailing photos from your new home?

[michael mott]

Mark I am not quite sure what you mean, but here is a recent shot taken by one of the club members.

 

 

Also I made a new set of Dacron sails from some old sails that were given to me. What a difference in light airs The ten oz canvas ones are good for strong winds but are not good in light air.

 

Michael

[cog]

Cheating on Judy taking a damsel out "boating"

 

There is time enough this winter to continue on your build, Michael. When I see the weather at your side, I would be doing the same if I had the oportunity. Enjoy while it lasts!

 

Cheers

[Mark Pearse]

sorry that wasn't clear; yes, photos of your lovely boat Maria sailing in her new home waters. 

[BANYAN]

Maria looks a handy little craft Michael.

 

cheers

 

Pat

[popeye the sailor]

catching up on your progress Michael...........the parts you create always amazes me.   such wonderful work!      

[michael mott]

Back to the build. Thanks for all the fine comments.

 

I have done a little more work on the companionway adding the slide track and rough fitted the solid roof section.

 

 

 

Once the companionway is basically assembled, only three more dorade vents to form. The next step will be to cut the openings in the removable deck section then it will be ready for the structure and decking.

 

Michael

 

[Omega1234]

Lovely work there, Michael!!!

 

Cheers. 

 

Patrick

[michael mott]

Oh Brian you have outed me, I have known this all along and the personal name for this cutter in all my files is Kingfisher The Model Maker plans also call this boat Kingfisher There are a few other pictures of CK482 which I have in my files but I am unable to share them because I do not have the source.

 

There is another model on this forum with this name so I did not want to put up this name, also I only used the basic bulkhead lines from the MM plans and then developed my own, and drew upon the general fleet for other details. I have copies of the Stone plans that are available for download on the "smackdock" here is another one that would make a great model it is called "pioneer" and another one from the register "Maria"

I really like these boats. I am glad that there is a resurgence in restoring and preserving these vessels.

 

Michael 

[Bedford]

Pioneer is just about the perfect looking sail boat!

 

[michael mott]

A small update, I have started to reinforce the opening in the deck for the new removable companionway and skylight section.

 

and while waiting for the glue to dry I made a few more studs for the cradle structure these are 2x56 threads and steel nuts with brass studs.

 

Michael

 

[Bedford]

Keep it coming Michael

[michael mott]

Well now I have a bit more room

Kingfisher is back to center stage at last.

 

 

Today I will finish off the bolts in the proper cradle, I had to lower the topmast because the long table that Albertic was occupying is about 5 inches higher, but that is OK for the moment. And I fixed my chiming mantle clock, I had missed it's sweet sound.

 

Michael

 

[Gaetan Bordeleau]

Michael, very nice; the model and the working room!

[Jim Lad]

She looks as good as ever, Michael!  Keep those updates coming.

 

John

[michael mott]

Thank you all for the wonderful support.

Today I finished the pivoting cradle supports for the bow, it seemed like a lot of time to just make a few studs, bolts, and the pads.

 

 

I used a thinner foam pad for the bow pads

 

 

 

I just need to add a couple of chocks each side of the keel now to lock it in place from moving side to side.

 

Michael

PS it is snowing again!!!

[Mark Pearse]

Hi Michael

 

is that a model motor boat lurking below? Looks a bit like a Fairey?

 

Sounds like the sailing season ended very suddenly.

 

Mark

[michael mott]

Hello Mark,

The cabin cruiser on the lower level is this one

I was warned about not starting another project until I had finished some that are still being worked on. But you know how that works 😀

 

Michael