Riva Aquarama

JohnHA · 10-11-2005

Hi, Can anyone help? I am building Amati's Riva kit & as you know the hull is a big resin lump! Before i get too far into the lovely bits of dashboard, planking & veneers etc,.i thought i would have a go at preparing the "engine room" & propeller shaft arrangement.A fair bit of "gouging" out is required to make sure the twin motors & other electric bits fit o.k. to say nothing of the rudder arms. Any way, i have made an alignment error & drilled the prop-shaft tunnels in the wrong place (i know, Measure twice & Drill once)!!

Does anyone have a foolproof method of filling the wrongly drilled tunnels & what would be the best material to use? All suggestions gratefully recieved.

Thanks everybody. JohnHA.

duncan · 10-11-2005

I`d try to find out the type of resin used to make the hull, probably polyester, and pour the same type down the wrong holes ( one end blocked of course ). This should bond to the hull,wrong type will just be a "glue joint" that might not be compatable and vibrate out or leak. Car filler paste ( hard type) might be worth a try. Alex Tiranti do small amounts of various resins for modellers www.tiranti.co.uk

**Bunkerbarge** · 10-11-2005

You can actually puchase the resin to mould yourself as a two part product. Ask at any model supply shop or look on line at model suppliers.

Seal off one end with masking tape and pour the resin into the drilled hole until it is full and leave to set. Exactly as if you were pouring any other resin mould.

When it has set dress the ends up and try again. It would make sense to seal the end you want to drill so the finish will require very little dressing up when the tape is removed.

duncan · 10-11-2005

We must have been typing at the same time Bunkie. Important that same type of resin is used, some dont stick to others.

**Bunkerbarge** · 10-11-2005

Good point Duncan, thanks.

Nigel.D · 10-11-2005

I built the Amati VII uboat the resin casting was pants!!! (it was warped to buggary) i found the best material to use with it was Isopon P38 Car |Body filer from halfords !! cures in 20 mins and is easily worked

duncan · 10-11-2005

Isopon is polyester.

JohnHA · 11-11-2005

Thanks Guys, I think the Scottish Highlands have it. Will try the web-site you suggested Duncan and will let you know the result.
Regards all, John.

duncan · 11-11-2005

Oh yeah, so I get all the blame if it goes wrong

.. Make sure you ask for resin WITHOUT wax added. If it is too pricey or too large a quantity, go with the Isopon from Halfords