Started on a ‘refit’ of a Lützow that I picked up on the forum several months ago. An old swampy hull, paper thin but price was good. Plan is to remove and rebuild all insides, maybe replace deck, specifically new drive train, water channel, pump mount, maybe reinforce ribs, maybe subdeck, some new deck pieces. I will be able to swap my control box and CO2 system from the Fiji with minimal effort since both are/will be configured with triple sterns. Here are some before shots First step was to strip out what remained on the inside to start fresh. Motor mounts were right under the aft turret, and I’ll need that room for the guns, so shafts will come out as well. Planning to use some shafts I bought a while ago but haven’t been able to work into a build yet. Have to decide on 380 or 550 motors, 380s in the Fiji seem to do quite well. Planning to use dogbones. Also will need to decide where to use 540 pump or 380 pump, not planning to take much damage. Sides came off easy, boat has way less hard area than allowed. I will probably add to bow and stern, probably will forgo adding ribs. Last few windows were not cut to the 45 point so I took those down quickly Then shaft ectomy New shafts, longer to clear turret
Yes, the resin that was in there didn’t adhere well so it came out with minimal persuasion. There is about 1/4” of resin that was poured throughout the entire bottom but that was a better job and will stay
Shafts came out good Props Next will be rudder post and servo mount or hull rehab. Starting to lean towards ripping out ‘subdeck’ and adding the correct amount of ribs. Boat has about half of what’s allowed. I’ll sheet the boat in painters tape then add them halfway between existing ribs, then trim them down
Did hull rehab today. removed old 'subdeck,' cleaned up ribs, then added correct amount of ribs/hard area and reinforced existing ribs. Also did rough cut of subdeck paper thin, an extra layer of glass doesn't cost that much haha taped up to serve as form for ribs marked out subdeck, looks like deck step was in wrong place so moved that as well side 2 need to move deck step back about 1.5," the two existing ribs back there will be removed, figured it was easy enough to get the spacing equal peeled some back, looks like it came out alright
Pulled the tape off sort of New rib contours came out good, a few special ones will need some external work New bow area Sides again Deck step area, a few ribs to cut out Next step will be to tape it up and then cut it out, after about two hours of Dremel work it will be a nice, clean, strong hull. Tape removal was probably the worst part, overall the method worked out well
Marked hull and cut out aft most ribs cut top and stern good thickness on the ribs, I'm used to building boats that take more punishment subdeck will need to go on a diet, needs to lose about 1/16 on each side, then contour for ribs/fiberglass thickness
Back to work after the Memorial Day battle Home early enough to get some dremel time in, cleaned up ribs on port side, area above stringer will require chopping up into little pieces to remove. Also worked on subdeck fit, need to take about 1/16" off each side Printed up some simple motor mounts last night. Going with 12V 380 motors, they had Fiji moving well so they should work here. Going to use dogbones from vacuboat, 1/8" to 4mm holes in the side to accept wire ties to allow quick change out pondside if needed. Mounts are e6000-ed to the hull, will add a thin coat on top to give more friction for motor 2.75" barbettes weren't in stock so I decided to print them. First print with glass on the bed and wolfbite adhesive, very pleased with the results. Once I decided to print the barb, I figured it would be easy enough to add cradles for the elbows and a hole for the turret-mount tube Here's the general idea. The swag on the hole to cradle measurements look like they will work, might need a touch of dremel to increase the cradle diameter a smidge This will serve as one end of the barrel anchor, I will add an aluminum angle piece towards the barrel ends and mounted to deck before it steps down Hoping for a productive weekend. I drew up a rudder servo and post mount on the computer tonight, will print and install. Also hope to finish up ribs and get the subdeck installed maybe tomorrow night, but no later than Saturday night. Those two steps are the major ones to accomplish, once they are done it will be a bunch of smaller jobs that should flow quickly
Nice looking barbette there. I've been thinking about doing that myself to various ships in the dockyard. Probably not just yet, though.
Wow! What a total rebuild. And nicely done as per usual, Kevin. I need to see about doing printed barbettes like that. Looks to be the way of the future. Again, great job and a lot of work.
I print my barbs but havent had the foresight to put the gun mounts right in the print. I am going to have to start doing that.
Thanks guys. Printed rudder servo mount, worked on subdeck Finally beam within spec Printing servo mount and rudder post
So, did that last four hours, and did you call your doctor? (You're making us jealous here) Or maybe not... At some point, I should stop fiddling with doodads and actually start getting the boat together...
I see that you are going all-in on the allied battle philosophy Good day today. cut the shafts down Finished cutting the hull Rudder post hole drilled through hull, Decided to just cut out new deck pieces since the breaks are different printed the bow barbette, cut holes for both aft deck will be 1/16" fiberglass with magnetic tape for a good seal cut slot for pump outlet tube , similar to other builds, horizontal to prevent rolling Prep for glassing in the subdeck. I use a layer of mat between the hull and wood, prep clamps and 1/8" spacers, covered in wax paper for removal. Extra prep makes the job go a lot smoother Mandatory clamp picture, I think it will come out pretty good Aft deck, use 3/16" spacers for an offset, clamps hold it at the proper location forward deck glued in, I use strips of wood above and below deck rim clamped down to keep the deck flush some clamps on side in the midships area to make sure the beam stays scale next step will be to clean up this epoxy job, put in deck magnets, glue in rudder post/servo mount
Nah, she's in good shape, all I really 'need' to do is re-sheet and replace a bad gun board. Everything else is frivolity, and I'm having fun being frivolous with my new toy.
Cleaned up deck, filled in the few gaps, attached rudder jig. Before pic After I think Next I’ll clean this up, then add magnets and coat rim completely
