Testing the mini boat

A few days ago we took out the Mini Boat to float it. 

Quite a simple plan, put a person in it, if it doesn't sink and they can paddle it about then everything is good. 

So on a late but still sunny evening we floated the boat. A boat that we still haven't named. 

We were able to steer it, keep it reasonably straight when paddling, and didn't fall in. 

These are all great things when paddling a boat. 

Launching

Paddling

After getting used to paddling it, and before it went dark on us, we tried a small electric outboard. 

The battery helped as ballast for the front. 

Motoring

Couple of short videos too:

The next plans are:

•  to try and get it to sail with a simple rig. 
• to make another version of this kit with the changes we made as we went along
• to build the other kit we have cut out in the meantime
• to finish the other boat that has been a long project. 

Railway Carriage inside painting

The partition wall is in, separating an area off for a walk in cupboard which will be fitted with shelves.

We've also put in most of the light fittings and switches. There are still wall lights to fit.

We are playing with the idea to put a sliding door on the partition wall as this should suit the space and the theme better.

The upper parts of the walls and ceiling, all of the Tongue and Grooving, has been painted in Cream, the lower sections of the walls have been scumbled.

The white space is approximately where a multi-fuel stove will be going. 

Window in the cupboard area, still to be framed out. 

The space in the corner will be fitted out with a kitchenette and then a bench-bed (couchette) will be under the nearest window on the left. 

View from the cupboard door. 

Getting close to the flooring stage, we try to avoid this while still painting as the floor comes pre-lacquered and thus pretty much ready to go.

Railway Carriage outside panelling.

More detailing and panelling has been added to the outside of the Railway Carriage.

It seems that the ends are staying cream,

A second layer of relief has been added to the wooden strips. We've also put bolts into the runner to add more detail.

We are waiting on more materials to be able to get on with the outside now. A decorative connecting door will be added to the other end we think. 

We've also confirmed on the paint that will be going on the inside so we will be able to get onto that next week. 

Once the internal walls are painted the rest of the fitting out will speed along, if we have no more delays due to material shortages anyway. 

Mini Boat 11th post

The seat is in.

It still needs a couple of coats of varnish.

We think it is set to the right height, but until it is in the water who knows?

Next is to make the oar locks, a set of oars and to start thinking about a sail...

The original plan that this is now loosely based on can be found here:

http://flo-mo.weebly.com/one-sheet-boats.html

Railway carriage outside painted.

Progress is being made.

The sides are mid Brunswick Green, and for now the ends are cream. 

The reddish wood will have at least another coat and will not be as orange.

We are now waiting on more paint. Another issue that we are coming across again and again due to the social distancing rules and other measures is that many places are not able to produce as much, and those able to supply it are selling out quickly. 

Everyone needs paint. And when the colour bought doesn't match expectation it can get quite frustrating. It will be a simple fix once the wood stain arrives though. 

Yet to panel out the other side. 

Stared to line out the inside. the Plywood lower sections will be done in scumble. The rest of the wood is yet to be decided upon. 

 

Mini Boat - tenth post.

The floors and other pieces are now in. 

Still playing with the idea of being able to sail this boat.

Much of the woodwork has now had several coats. 

 Oar locks and rowing seat are next.

The original plan that this is now loosely based on can be found here:

http://flo-mo.weebly.com/one-sheet-boats.html

The railway carriage primed.

With the weather still on our side we have had a chance to get the undercoat on the railway hut.

it is looking huge again. 

The railway wagon will be finished in green and detailed in cream.