Billings 'Phantom' scale 1:15

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Oct 17, 2019
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This arrived today and I'll start it in the next week or so.
I wanted something radio controlled with a nice retro feel. It's described as 'advanced beginner' and doesn't have too many parts although it's a combo of plank on frame and veneer. I wanted something that I could concentrate on the finish - accurate planking, varnishing, etc - because my models usually end up looking weathered by default. This time I'm going to try for a showroom finish!
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the laser cut parts aren't fully cut through but no great problem
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frames assembled - long thin keel. The instructions suggest running a line of cotton down the centre and it does help in lining up
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waiting for things to dry I assembled the cockpit, cover frame and seat support
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bow sanding - the stern is straight so not needed there. Minimal plank bending required which is a joy
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planking finished, filler plus sanding next. The bottom will be painted white and the sides covered with a mahogany veneer so the colour of the filler doesn't matter.
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Next I'm going to put a thin layer of fibreglass cloth on for strength and to help waterproofing and then insert the prop, rudder and running gear
 

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This arrived today and I'll start it in the next week or so.
I wanted something radio controlled with a nice retro feel. It's described as 'advanced beginner' and doesn't have too many parts although it's a combo of plank on frame and veneer. I wanted something that I could concentrate on the finish - accurate planking, varnishing, etc - because my models usually end up looking weathered by default. This time I'm going to try for a showroom finish!
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Hallo @Sulaire
we wish you all the Best and a HAPPY BIRTHDAY
Birthday-Cake
Are you still working on your Phantom?
 
I thank you.
The phantom is finished after a series of Basil Faulty type disasters. I fibreglassed the hull, put the resin on but got my quantities mixed up - result 2 days later still not set. I checked the internet to see what could be done and someone suggested heating it. I wafted a heat gun at it and of course the fibreglass bubbled up! Eventually it set, looking horrendous so hours of sanding to try and get a smooth finish.
Disaster number 2 - got it smooth (ish) painted white and applied yacht varnish - the white turned yellow, I hadn't thinned the varnish!
so, stripper, more sanding, extensive swearing more white paint and thinned varnish.
It's finished to an acceptable standard but not the level I was aiming for. Oh well. I'll post some photos later
 
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