Engel U177 IX D2

ATB: roger, i did not know that english abbreviation.
Any progress? No questions??
Martin

Hi

Conning tower decking is in place, all holes drilled, Railings & stanchions fitted today. Periscopes & guns & hatches tomorrow.

I will get some pictures taken then! Also have time to reflect on pitfalls.

ATB
ROb

You might give it some thoughts whether you attach the conning tower permanently or detachable to the upper deck.......
ATB
Martin

Hi

I had thought of that & was going to make it attached to the hull.

ATB
Rob

As you please but bear in mind that the periscoops are very vulnerable during transport when you are going to sail the boat.
I have my periscoops detachable from the coning tower and the tower detachable from the upper deck.
also handy for possible repairs and (possible) alterations in a later stadium
Cheers,
Martin

Well - guns are on stanchions in & periscopes fitted. Just needs a coat of paint now.

It is suggested the periscopes are soldered to brass tubing but the metal they are made of has a relatively low melting point so this need to be done with great care. . In the end I epoxied mine in place I did not want to risk loosing any more length!

ATB
Rob

https://servimg.com/view/17255696/6]

https://servimg.com/view/17255696/7]

just started on hull holes- burble

Excuse the mess on desk

rob

that looks very good! and done in a very short time!
keep up the good work
Martin

How many hull holes to go Rob??
ATB,
Martin

Hi Martin

About 40 or so. A few to tidy up but so far so good, no huge disasters. I have photos & will upload.

For a change I drilled the WTC lid but cannot face the middle deck holes - the metal in this seems very solid. Also my bench drill plate is too small to take the deck so need to make a bigger plate to bolt to the plate.

The good news is I am enjoying it - just hoover up the dust in the conservatory & my wife is happy.

Watch this space.

ATB
ROb

are you using "metal cutting lubricant" when drilling??
Martin

Hi

Not for the aluminium plate - I used a titanium coated drill - did not even get warm. I did not attempt to drill the middle deck. Lubricant lined up for middle deck, this is a different metal judging from the weight.

Next job is to bolt a wooden plate onto the plate of my bench drill which is too small, this will make things easier

ATB
ROb

Roger roger, alu no problem of course. with such a drill AND the lubricant you will easely drill the holes in the middledeck (after the conversion of your bench drill).
regarding the holes do you choose for option 1 or 2 in the building instructions?
martin

Hi

I am going for the threaded bolts- looking forward to the blisters :-).

I live very close to Fast Gaskets, who I have been in touch with. Once I can drive again I will pop there & they can manufacture a neoprene gasket which I believe is better than the seal supplied- very helpful & interested on the phone.

Link to them is:

http://www.fastgaskets.co.uk/2.html

ATB
rob

Sit rep - no blisters!!!

The hole tapping went smoothly, one broken drill.

All vent holes finished.

I am working on WTC/ middle deck/ rear bulkhead now

I must say I am enjoying this project - new set of skills being developd

Photos to follow.

ATB
Rob

So far so good!
Standing by for the photo's.
Martin.

https://servimg.com/view/17255696/10]


Some holes done & some to do

Rob

And the middle deck in place with spacer.

https://servimg.com/view/17255696/11]

Just started on prop shaftes & rudders & rear planes. No particular problems so far - take it slow - measure 3 times double check & then fix in place

Rob

Thanks Richard.

I pre drill with Dremmel, then mark top & bottom with masking tape & then hand finish. Oddly diamond file better on upper hull & standard file on lower.

I did not count how many but not more than 200.

Just giving some thought to storage bins on upper deck which are outboard- the plans say draw them in pen - not happy with this idea.

ATB
Rob

Thanks Rob!
Getting along nicely.
Martin