Vigilant

KenP · 17-08-2005

Been over to Westbourne Models today and had a good look at the Martin, Howes & Baylis kit of Vigilant. it's a 1:24 scale of a early 1900s HM Customs Cruiser. very expensive kit, and I do mean very.

Having said that you do get what you paid for. No white metal fittings, all brass . The gears for the winches aren't cast; they are machined!!

very, very tempted

adzam · 17-08-2005

she looks a bueaty ken, i`ve seen pics on the web and she`s different from the usual kits of day boats etc, a very nice project indeed, good luck if you go for it .

KenP · 07-09-2005

Well, I've gone and done it. Bought the Vigilant kit.

Looks a great kit, everything to a high standard and detailed.

First bit is the slow stuff. Wash the hull thoroughly, check gunwale top line matches the drawings and sand down if nesc. Also sand down the inside to decklevel.

This stuff I do at the back of the garage, small workshop area. Also spray paint the hull here. But winter is coming on, and if it gets too cold then it will be back indoors , working with styrene on the superstructure of USS Missouri.

BigJBB · 10-09-2005

Well done Ken, what a fantastic project to be tackling. I can only but imagine the sheer pleasure that you will get with this build. Stasing the obvious here but at least you've got a milder climate than up here so at least you might get the primer onto the hull before the Autumnal chill sets in. I've probably lost the painting window for this year unless I heat the shed for a week.
Please post lots of pics as the build progresses I for one will be waiting with baited breath. I love the look of this boat, just wish I could afford one too.

cheers

Jim

KenP · 27-09-2005

Portholes drilled and insert sleves fitted, same with the scupper ports.

Rudder Assemly fitted ( Photo Attached ) . Gudgeons on the stern frame are brass and the pintles steel with a brass screw on the top.
The stern tube is also resined in position, the brass end is just showing in the photo. I still need to put an additional support to the tube inside the boat to make sure the tube is absolutly regid.

Any filling round the rudder bracket has been done with good old car filler plus airfix model filler.

The screw is 80mm dia, a big prop !! so for a motor I am using a Como Drills 919D Series , 12volt, with 11:1 reduction gearing incorporated in the motor.
Cost £18.99 from Westbourne Models.

Next phase is the deck beams and shelves: also to mount the motor battery cage and rudder servo before any decks are in place.

Ken

KenP · 05-10-2005

The "Internals" photo shows the beams in place and the motor amd rudder servo mounted. The stern tube is supported between entrance and the motor coupling . the motor has been aligned and run up OK.
I made a cut out in the rearmost beam to take the rudder/servo rod.

The false deck fits inside the hull OK and is now mounted on a baseboard for planking. The sides are pined down but the rear centre is raised 3mm to take into account the deck camber.
The two foremost margin planks are fitted, and are cut slightly oversize. To be later sanded for a snug fit in the hull.
Six planks have so far been fitted with black "caulking" paper between the planks. The foremost point of each plank is fitted into the margin planks.

All this "caulking" and fitting is a time consuming businness: there is the rear deck to do as well, and a large part of the centre deck.

Will post again when this is done and the decks fitted into the hull ( About Easter time , I expect !!!!!!!!)

adzam · 05-10-2005

looks to be a labour of love ken, looking nice tho

KenP · 21-11-2005

Decks fitted.
Photo1 and 2 show boat with removable centre section in and out.
Photo3 shows the caulking between planks and the insetting of the planks into the margin boards.
Next job is to fit the capping rail.
Angle brass is glued on the top inside of the bulwark ( gaps where needed for davits etc) The capping cut oversize from 1mm thick pear wood and then glued to the top of the angled brass. After fitting the capping can then be sanded to size .

adzam · 21-11-2005

deck looks lovely keen, and it`s not even easter !!

KenP · 24-12-2005

A little more progress.
The hull is brush painted then varnished using satin varnish, the bow fairlead
fairings are in place.
The bulwarks are painted and the bulwark supports installed, a plate on the deck, one on the bulwark, connected by a brass rod.
The capping is shaped pear, which I varnished with a mahogany varnish to give it a slightly darker colour.
The third picture shows thew capping and one of the freeing ports. The entry port can also be seen.

Next stage is the chain plates and staunchions as it will be more difficult to fix these when the superstructure is in place