progress report on my scratch building of the African Queen:
The project stems from a gift of a radio controlled speed-boat. I had been commenting one day about the pond across the street and that it seemed to have been created especially for me by the city. My son found that an ideal idea for a a gift and on my birthday I received a model speedboat. Now the pond is no more than 120 feet from end to end with weed beds in the middle like a chicane. By the time you get the boat on the step, it's time to make a 180! I started thinking...(never a good idea)...Thids pond isn't suited for speedboats....Hm...A steam launch...African Queen!!! Another project!!!
I immediately re-read the book by C.S.Forester and found the movie on You-Tube:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MHTNgcSsxF0
the plans were from a hull drawing for a 30 foot steam pinnace found on-line:
blown up on a photocopier to scale to aprox. !:9
August 15, 2009
Loft and cut the keel and ribs
The gunnel goes on August 17
The last plank Sept 4, 2009
Sept 5, 2009 the engine and boiler kit finally arrive:
Much sanding, filling and sanding and a coat of fibreglass and were ready for some more sanding and filling and sanding etc.
Sept 17, 2009
More coming...