I am not surprised that two primer coats won’t hide much of a 3D print’s issues. A heavier sandable automotive primer is next.
Oh brother!
🤨
[{"id":"175529042295","name":"175529042295","caption":"","url":"https:\/\/beta.model-boats.com\/media\/175529042295\/l","thumbUrl":"https:\/\/beta.model-boats.com\/media\/175529042295\/s","isImage":false,"ext":"file"}]
As per the notes from the Bluebird Supporters Club here is the first go at their chosen color. Well, she's coming along...bit by bit. It feels a bit dark, but it's certainly eye-catching!
😉
[{"id":"175564138679","name":"175564138679","caption":"","url":"https:\/\/beta.model-boats.com\/media\/175564138679\/l","thumbUrl":"https:\/\/beta.model-boats.com\/media\/175564138679\/s","isImage":false,"ext":"file"}]
As per the notes from the Bluebird Supporters Club here is the first go at their chosen color. Well, she's coming along...bit by bit. It feels a bit dark, but it's certainly eye-catching!
😉
Hi Stu! There is a gentleman in the UK that does very nice, but slightly heavy, 3D prints in 1/10 and 1/8th scale to order. They are a bit pricey.
The original idea was to propel it with a 90 mm ducted fan, but weight issues with the printing make that pretty much impossible. So I have opted to go with a water cooled Traxxas brushless prop system that may get it go plane, but suspect I will have to go very big with the motor and monster lipo batteries.
Ideally, the best solution would be a jet turbine, but the cost is way out of me league. Not to mention, my total lack of experience with that form of propulsion.
😉
Donald Campbell’s nephew Donald Wales and the Bluebird Supporters president David with the restored K7 painted in RAL 5009 Azure Blue. And my K7 for grins…again. I think David was trying to drive home his point.
👍😉
[{"id":"175583250098","name":"175583250098","caption":"","url":"https:\/\/beta.model-boats.com\/media\/175583250098\/l","thumbUrl":"https:\/\/beta.model-boats.com\/media\/175583250098\/s","isImage":false,"ext":"file"},{"id":"175583253075","name":"175583253075","caption":"","url":"https:\/\/beta.model-boats.com\/media\/175583253075\/l","thumbUrl":"https:\/\/beta.model-boats.com\/media\/175583253075\/s","isImage":false,"ext":"file"}]
Donald Campbell’s nephew Donald Wales and the Bluebird Supporters president David with the restored K7 painted in RAL 5009 Azure Blue. And my K7 for grins…again. I think David was trying to drive home his point.
👍😉
Hi Boatshed:
I am torn about the color, but like your suggestion. Here is my early color test chip. The Tamiya TS-10 was the color I used for my (lost in a house fire) Touchwood Models K7. I was a wonderful kit and perfectly cast, broke my heart to loose it. But, still loving the TS-10.
😉
That gas turbine powered Bluebird model is superb, very stable at speed and it turns well enough too.
Just about perfect, with the sound track to match.
The onboard shots show the Perspex side guards doing their job to keep the spray from being ingested into the turbine intakes, but they may not be needed depending on the propulsion method chosen for other Bluebird models.
Hello Me Hearties!!!
Well, after multiple tests, endless recriminations, bitching, sleepless nights, and too much booze I decided to paint my new K7 the same color I used on my lost Touchwood Models K7. I know the folks at Coniston Water won't approve, but the RAL coded paint they used was just too dark for my taste. I suspect there is a mixing mis-match between here and there...I hope you guys like it!
Then I powered up the Lipos and much to my horror found that the ESC that was in the drivetrain I pirated from a busted up Traxxas Spartan was toast. But the good folks at Traxxas tested and replaced the ESC and bench tested it too. It's due back today or tomorrow.
Then I had an absolute brawl properly vacuum-forming a scale canopy for the beast. The 3D printed canopy was opaque so I made a mold and made a plaster casting. A good idea for a while, but didn't use an adequate release agent and trashed the plaster casting. Fortunately, the mold was still good, so I used Hydrocal (dries like stone!) for my next casting and ordered a proper silicone release agent designed for high temperature vacuum-forming. Finding just the right temperature to soften the clear PETG plastic was not a walk in the park, but through trial and error I managed to get it done. I have to clean the oven now or it's a one way ticket to divorce court. Just kidding, Whew!
When the drivetrain goes back in with the new ESC and all that, I'll get this K7 back in the water for leak tests and ballast adjustments before a full maiden voyage. Which won't amount to much as fully loaded she's going to weigh over 8 pounds!!! That will mean a ton a performance parts to get her to plane.
Sheesh, what have I gotten myself into?
👍😜😂🤣
[{"id":"175821172178","name":"175821172178","caption":"","url":"https:\/\/beta.model-boats.com\/media\/175821172178\/l","thumbUrl":"https:\/\/beta.model-boats.com\/media\/175821172178\/s","isImage":false,"ext":"file"}]
Well, after multiple tests, endless recriminations, bitching, sleepless nights, and too much booze I decided to paint my new K7 the same color I used on my lost Touchwood Models K7. I know the folks at Coniston Water won't approve, but the RAL coded paint they used was just too dark for my taste. I suspect there is a mixing mis-match between here and there...I hope you guys like it!
Then I powered up the Lipos and much to my horror found that the ESC that was in the drivetrain I pirated from a busted up Traxxas Spartan was toast. But the good folks at Traxxas tested and replaced the ESC and bench tested it too. It's due back today or tomorrow.
Then I had an absolute brawl properly vacuum-forming a scale canopy for the beast. The 3D printed canopy was opaque so I made a mold and made a plaster casting. A good idea for a while, but didn't use an adequate release agent and trashed the plaster casting. Fortunately, the mold was still good, so I used Hydrocal (dries like stone!) for my next casting and ordered a proper silicone release agent designed for high temperature vacuum-forming. Finding just the right temperature to soften the clear PETG plastic was not a walk in the park, but through trial and error I managed to get it done. I have to clean the oven now or it's a one way ticket to divorce court. Just kidding, Whew!
When the drivetrain goes back in with the new ESC and all that, I'll get this K7 back in the water for leak tests and ballast adjustments before a full maiden voyage. Which won't amount to much as fully loaded she's going to weigh over 8 pounds!!! That will mean a ton a performance parts to get her to plane.
I wish you every success with this exciting venture, running a K7 at speed is absolutely thrilling- I am fortunate enough to look after this one ( I didn’t build it) it’s about a metre long. The builder wanted it to look right on the water - I believe he achieved that very well. Here’s a link to a video of my K7 running fast.
Absolutely Outstanding David!!! And many thanks for the good wishes! What an inspiration!!! I only hope I can achieve just a portion of what you and the builder have here. This made my DAY!!!
👍😊
I believe at a meter she’s 1/8th scale, mine is 1/10 at 30.5 inches. When you have the time let us know your means of propulsion? Dying to know if it’s like Earnie Lazenby’s.
Again, many thanks for your posting!
😉
Happy New Year Gang!
Today I finally had some time and got back to work on the Bluebird project. Powertrain, linkage, and cooling lines were installed in a huge rush of enthusiasm. All is working as it should even though it's not a turbine 😔.
The next step is to get this monster into a tank again for final ballast and water adjustments. Donald and his cockpit are being actively planned. Thats the good news.
Now back to reality and the bad news
Fully laden she's coming in at 8 pounds 12 ounces with a standard Traxxas Spartan set up. As this is almost exactly double what a stock Spartan weighs I seriously doubt she'll plane let alone hit a scale speed of a shade over 80 miles per hour. No worries as I anticipated this and will look for motor, esc, and lipo upgrades down the road.
The grand experiment continues...👍😉
[{"id":"176783200518","name":"176783200518","caption":"","url":"https:\/\/beta.model-boats.com\/media\/176783200518\/l","thumbUrl":"https:\/\/beta.model-boats.com\/media\/176783200518\/s","isImage":false,"ext":"file"}]
Happy New Year Gang!
Today I finally had some time and got back to work on the Bluebird project. Powertrain, linkage, and cooling lines were installed in a huge rush of enthusiasm. All is working as it should even though it's not a turbine 😔.
The next step is to get this monster into a tank again for final ballast and water adjustments. Donald and his cockpit are being actively planned. Thats the good news.
Now back to reality and the bad news
Fully laden she's coming in at 8 pounds 12 ounces with a standard Traxxas Spartan set up. As this is almost exactly double what a stock Spartan weighs I seriously doubt she'll plane let alone hit a scale speed of a shade over 80 miles per hour. No worries as I anticipated this and will look for motor, esc, and lipo upgrades down the road.
The grand experiment continues...👍😉
Hi Jumpugly, good luck with your new work.
With the weight so much higher than expected, I'm curious to see how you'll resolve it, but I'm sure you'll find the right solution.
You've reminded me that I need to get back to work, too.
A bit of indolence and laziness have crept in; I need to overcome this post-holiday inertia.
I touched up the "business end" mechanicals with a matching paint that makes it seem less offensive to me. Water tests soon.😉
[{"id":"176792011793","name":"176792011793","caption":"","url":"https:\/\/beta.model-boats.com\/media\/176792011793\/l","thumbUrl":"https:\/\/beta.model-boats.com\/media\/176792011793\/s","isImage":false,"ext":"file"}]
Hi Alessandro:
Yes, I opted to go with a blue that is not exactly historically accurate to the final version of the craft, but pleasing to my eye as I used the same color decades ago on a smaller version.
As for the rudder and prop shaft I was lucky enough to find a similar colored paint that is specially formulated for exterior metals. The original color of the rudder and prop shaft were an anodized blue that tended towards purple and just wouldn't do with the overall look of the boat. In essence the colors clashed and upset my artistic sensibilities. I guess I am a slave to fashion!
😉😊
Follow your aesthetic taste, Jumpugly, you do very well.
I'm not a big fan of super-fast boats, but I have to say that your construction is fascinating and intriguing me precisely because of the way you describe it.
The construction phases are very interesting.
Not exactly RAF kit, but close enough. Early 1960's American gear will have to do. A more complete cockpit is still in the works, then have to add some additional flotation foam in the nose...just in case.
👍😉
p.s. still trying to sort his green eye (blast) shield glass, I've already failed a few times...but, we'll see.
[{"id":"176848352364","name":"176848352364","caption":"","url":"https:\/\/beta.model-boats.com\/media\/176848352364\/l","thumbUrl":"https:\/\/beta.model-boats.com\/media\/176848352364\/s","isImage":false,"ext":"file"}]
Not exactly RAF kit, but close enough. Early 1960's American gear will have to do. A more complete cockpit is still in the works, then have to add some additional flotation foam in the nose...just in case.
👍😉
p.s. still trying to sort his green eye (blast) shield glass, I've already failed a few times...but, we'll see.
The Crusader of mine 'mark II' comes in at just under 6 lb all up weight - that is including the fan and 2 batteries plus speed controller. The hull, itself, with nothing inside, comes in at just a tadge over 4 lb. About 4 lb 3 oz to be exact. (That is in Uk/English lbs ) She is built from 2mm lite ply, frames in the bottom of the hull with balsa wood framing; covered with Obechi planks. Just 3 coats of pure epoxy finishing resin over the top of the hull.
Mark I, which is, at this present time retired to the garage came in at 6 1/2 lbs - that is without any internal propulsion systems, e.g. power plant and batteries and it was way too heavy. When I was running this on 12 s batteries, it was liking running a house brick through the water - plenty of spray but nothing else.
My initial hopes on Mark I i.e. getting her to work on the water just dissipated and I was going to give up on the model. Until, just before Christmas I was clearing stuff out and I came across some of the drawings again of the Crusader and my mind began to work again....so, Mark II was put on the drawing board.
John:
Thank you for this information. My Bluebird experiment comes in at just a shade under 9 pounds. A scale top speed on the water would be a whopping 87 miles per hour! Would need a turbine to get close to that like Ernie Lazenby's build.
Please send along some pix of your Crusader. Super interested in the build including scale size etc. I am a Cobb fan as well!
Hey gang!
Always a huge part of the process, the dreaded "tub test" for ballast and leaks.
Thank fully no leaks! But the K-7 is a bit tail heavy so Lipos were moved as far forward as the could go (just behind the cockpit) and finally got a nice balance fore and aft.
As much as I love this process and this historical subject I don't think I'll ever go with a fully printed boat again. The weight is too much of a problem. Someday, I will get a pattern set so I can build super light K7 and run a ducted fan set-up.
However, the quest continues.
😉
[{"id":"176918916196","name":"176918916196","caption":"","url":"https:\/\/beta.model-boats.com\/media\/176918916196\/l","thumbUrl":"https:\/\/beta.model-boats.com\/media\/176918916196\/s","isImage":false,"ext":"file"},{"id":"176918977551","name":"176918977551","caption":"","url":"https:\/\/beta.model-boats.com\/media\/176918977551\/l","thumbUrl":"https:\/\/beta.model-boats.com\/media\/176918977551\/s","isImage":false,"ext":"file"}]
Hey gang!
Always a huge part of the process, the dreaded "tub test" for ballast and leaks.
Thank fully no leaks! But the K-7 is a bit tail heavy so Lipos were moved as far forward as the could go (just behind the cockpit) and finally got a nice balance fore and aft.
As much as I love this process and this historical subject I don't think I'll ever go with a fully printed boat again. The weight is too much of a problem. Someday, I will get a pattern set so I can build super light K7 and run a ducted fan set-up.
Hi Jumpugly, from these latest photos the blue tone seems much lighter to me. Have you changed the color again since last time, or is it just the light exposure that's different?
Good luck with your tests!
Hi Alessandro.
My tub test was in the garage in a low light, hence the shade change, but it's in the photos only.
Thanks for the well wishes. I'll need some luck moving forward!
😂
Finished up on Donald and his cockpit. Pretty satisfied with the result.
The gentleman who created this 3D printing has engaged a vacu-form maker to create a canopy. It should be here in a few days and I will compare it with my vacu-formed canopy. Should be interesting as we both used proper PETG sheet plastic. Will do a side by side soon. Stay tuned.
😉
ps: Harkening back to a couple of my earlier complaints of this whole "experiment"...
-- if you zoom in you can see the printer's registration marks on the K-7
-- the jet engine inlets on either side of the cockpit (now sealed with plywood) in no way came close to equaling the demands of a 90mm EDF. I estimated them to be barely 40mm combined in surface area.
C'est la guerre
[{"id":"176939259597","name":"176939259597","caption":"","url":"https:\/\/beta.model-boats.com\/media\/176939259597\/l","thumbUrl":"https:\/\/beta.model-boats.com\/media\/176939259597\/s","isImage":false,"ext":"file"}]
Finished up on Donald and his cockpit. Pretty satisfied with the result.
The gentleman who created this 3D printing has engaged a vacu-form maker to create a canopy. It should be here in a few days and I will compare it with my vacu-formed canopy. Should be interesting as we both used proper PETG sheet plastic. Will do a side by side soon. Stay tuned.
😉
ps: Harkening back to a couple of my earlier complaints of this whole "experiment"...
-- if you zoom in you can see the printer's registration marks on the K-7
-- the jet engine inlets on either side of the cockpit (now sealed with plywood) in no way came close to equaling the demands of a 90mm EDF. I estimated them to be barely 40mm combined in surface area.
Yessir Ed!
They are all going full bore for the K-7's run during the Coniston Week celebrations starting on Monday the 11th.
Ian Lazenby, the son of Ernie, who pulled together the first turbine powered K-7 has an excellent video on the Bluebird supporters page as well. I wish I could have managed a turbine for mine, but could not justify the cost, not to mention my total lack of experience with turbines.
Unfortunately I have run into a problem with the Traxxas ESC on the K-7 so I it's going back to Traxxas soon for replacement. This seems to be an issue with them. It's infuriating!
Bet getting back to Coniston Week, it is rumored that the K-7 will try a "speed run." What that means is anyone's guess. This is a touchy subject as the engineers that salvaged and rebuilt the K-7 and the Ruskin Museum folks who own it don't see eye-to-eye on anything. I am not sure if the engineering team are even involved these days.
It will be interesting!
While Donald waits for a new canopy as some of you know I jumped into an ancient Dumas Pay 'N Pak Hydroplane to keep my mind working amidst all the snow outside. It's an all plywood kit and a terrible hand full. But, after a 3 day slash and knife fight I managed to straighten all the old plywood (with the help of some bricks) and get this far...I am definitely a glutton for punishment, but it has a very sci-fi look to it.
👍😉
[{"id":"177034182454","name":"177034182454","caption":"","url":"https:\/\/beta.model-boats.com\/media\/177034182454\/l","thumbUrl":"https:\/\/beta.model-boats.com\/media\/177034182454\/s","isImage":false,"ext":"file"},{"id":"177034184270","name":"177034184270","caption":"","url":"https:\/\/beta.model-boats.com\/media\/177034184270\/l","thumbUrl":"https:\/\/beta.model-boats.com\/media\/177034184270\/s","isImage":false,"ext":"file"}]
While Donald waits for a new canopy as some of you know I jumped into an ancient Dumas Pay 'N Pak Hydroplane to keep my mind working amidst all the snow outside. It's an all plywood kit and a terrible hand full. But, after a 3 day slash and knife fight I managed to straighten all the old plywood (with the help of some bricks) and get this far...I am definitely a glutton for punishment, but it has a very sci-fi look to it.
👍😉
