View Full Version : Robbe Paula III
...Oops! already posted in 'beginners'. Sorry 'boout that.
- 'Doc
Got it yesterday. Got started! Ooo, nice way of aligning the motor/drive shaft, easy! Think I like working with plastic more than working with wood, but my fingers are cramped. Wonder if I can find an 'industrial' sized cutting laser? Having more fun than when the pigs ate my little brother! Wonder what 'normal' people do to have this much fun? Later...
- 'Doc
Got it wet today. No leaks! Need to do some ballasting, but runs fine as is. Still need to finish the crane and a few other things, but it works!
- 'Doc
I think I'm finished! (As if any boat is ~ever~ finished!) If you're into scale boats, this is one kit that you should try! Absolutely the easiest thing I've ever put together, as complete as one can be, and just lots of fun on the water (gives them ducks misery!!). Sorry about the 'commercial', but I really like it...
- 'Doc
Hey Doc. I just got the same boat as my first ever build.
Seems a nice little kit to me.
Did you have any problems with the kit or any little niggles?
DMcD,
As far as the construction goes, there were no major pronblems at all. I had my usual 'problems', not really seeing what I was looking at, or over-looking something, or "I just had that, what the @#$% did I do with it?", sort of thing. The only problem that amounted to anything was when painting the hull. Didn't get all the mold-release stuff off before painting. Ever seen the 'crinkle' finish on some older government electronics gear? Now I know how they do that!
I decided to use a gellcell battery instead of the one recomended, and shifted the battery tray forward slightly (just didn't glue it down until I did the ballasting). Only a very slight difference in position, not really a problem just different.
The one area I would say to take extra care is fitting the rear hatch. Make sure it fits very well! When the 'Paula' is run in reverse water comes up over the transom. If the hatch isn't a tight fit (or you don't seal it) it ~will~ fill the hull with water. I used some wide tape under the deck/hatch seam, no problem. [Looks like a submarine diving when run in reverse - lol.]
I also used the metal mast as part of the reciever's antenna, and put a longer than normal radio 'whip' on the mast for the 'rest' of the antenna. The overall length worked out almost as long as the radio's usual antenna (put a connector inside the deck house so you can remove it).
I had some extra rubber 'bumper' strip left over from another build and used it on the deck edge. Not exactly 'scale' looking, but it prevents scarring (pond where I sail has a rock wall around it that loves to 'eat' boats). Painted it the same color as the hull, can't really see it.
I didn't make the crane 'working'. I didn't (don't) think it was worth the time and trouble. Not that you should do it that way, just my own opinion!
The 'Paula III' is a fun boat. On 6 volts the motor makes for more than 'scale' speed, it's maneuverable except in reverse (nothing unusual there), and is one of the boats I enjoy running as much as building. 'Robbe' did a very fine job with their instructions which is not the 'norm' in model building (I like "Building for Dummys" kinda instructions!). I think you'll enjoy it...
- 'Doc
Thanks Doc. A nicely detailed idea. I had thought the rear hatched looked like it could be an issue. As for the deck crane i am going to do it as i ave the parts and want to do something interesting. I am also thinking about going for a full lighting system. I am aiming to take a bit of time building this one up.
DMcD,
There used to be a site that had a build of the 'Paula III' but it's no longer around. The builder did the crane and lighting. Also did built the cabin enterior with control console, wheel, etc, along with lighting. He used some small 'grain of wheat' bulbs and a wiring loom made from computer cable (flat). The spot light on the cabin too, and added a sound board. Wish the site was still around...
- 'Doc
I think i saw a bit of that site. It had pictures of the boat all lit up and it looked fantastic but it had not details of the build. Computer cable? Now i had not thought of that but it is a very good idea. A good way to keep eveything neat and small. Thanks for that Doc.