Search for the perfect rescue boat!

[bigdave]

Re: Search for the perfect rescue boat!

It was hard for me to believe too Jeff!!
I am still in shock!! BD.

[crazy ivan]

Re: Search for the perfect rescue boat!

Yep, should only take another decade to get the scopes and masts on her!

[bill harris]

Re: Search for the perfect rescue boat!

The hardest part is finding the correct grit of sandpaper and applied pressure. Too much and you will tear the foam. The correct paper holder is a must as well.

Your razor knife has to be new and sharp as well or obscenities will flow from your lips like water from Old Faithful.
Not that we would ever do anything like that.

That is a cute tug. I like it-- I'm getting ready to build a Duck Boat (a small electric boat under a standard duck decoy) and I might borrow your design.

Foam can be a joy to work with. I've found that the best sandpaper is a "drywall sandpaper" of 120-grit. Looks like windo screening coated with an abrasive. Use it with a "rubber sanding block" (the kind that you clip a 4" wide strip of sanpaper in) and loose, for hand-sanding. Round the corners for hand-sanding for sharp corners will dig in. Being an open screen it will not clog.

For carving and cutting foam I use an inexpensive fillet knife from the sporting goods department. Keep is sharp and it will slice foam neatly and precisely. Be careful, fingers it does the same way.

Have a great Holiday, all!

--Bill

[bigdave]

Re: Search for the perfect rescue boat!

Thanks Bill for the tips.
I will have to try them.
You have a great holiday as well. BD.

[bigdave]

Re: Search for the perfect rescue boat!

Well I have finally decided to build a wheelhouse on the Toot.
I am going with a fire monitor as well.
I have to have the Toot looking good while it drag's Kevin's tug around the bottom for a while.
I figured I can use the monitor to cool him off after his bitter defeat. BD.

[bigdave]

Re: Search for the perfect rescue boat!

Here is the start of the wheelhouse.
I decided to use balsa to keep it light and make it easier to make. BD.

[bigdave]

Re: Search for the perfect rescue boat!

I made a working fire monitor for the tug this morning.
It is almost done.
Love that K&S!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! BD.

[bigdave]

Re: Search for the perfect rescue boat!

I took the day off to work on my projects.
I decided I can't have a Toot tug without a TOOT!! TOOT!!
So I am installing an air driven steam whistle.
I bench tested it and it works good.
I am using a steam whistle off of a model steam engine and connecting it to a Robart air tank with a Clippard valve to make the Toot-Toot!!
I don't have a lot of room inside but I will install the largest air tank I can fit.
I will be limited to the number of toots and could use gas but air is cheaper. BD.

[Rogue Sub]

Re: Search for the perfect rescue boat!

Where is mine dave?

[bigdave]

Re: Search for the perfect rescue boat!

Where is mine dave?

Well thats a good question.
I am not sure where I put it. BD.

[bigdave]

Re: Search for the perfect rescue boat!

I finished the water pump and whistle system today.
I mounted it all to the tupperware cover.
I did have second thoughts and used a small gas tank instead of air. I could not get a tank to fit that would give me more than a few Toot's.
So gas it is. BD.
BTW- Mr Nuke Sir!
The other photo is the power plant of the Toot!!
Be afraid! Be very afraid!! Ha!!

[Larry Kuntz]

Re: Search for the perfect rescue boat!

Hey BD,
Just a reminder, change out those bullet connectors on the motor feed that were coming apart at our last FunRun.

[bigdave]

Re: Search for the perfect rescue boat!

I hate those bullet connectors. BD.

[bigdave]

Re: Search for the perfect rescue boat!

The Toot is basically done except for some markings.
I will add more scale detail as time goes by.
I went for a wood rustic look.
It is a working rescue boat and not a scale contest winner. BD.

[Rogue Sub]

Re: Search for the perfect rescue boat!

Hey dave I did some warm up laps in preparation for Sep. I did name this tug after thors hammer but toot killer may be more appropriate!