Dumas Wooden Hydroplane

[Sonorandog]

That Chris Craft is gorgeous.  Is that a Miss Circus in the lower picture.  When I had my RC armada one of my favorites was the Dumas 3.5 Hotshot.  That was a really fun boat.  I had several other boats but they were all electric.

This is my last update for a long while.  I just realized we are half way through November.  Every year I make a model for a friend of mine for Christmas and I have to start that now to ensure I get it done in time.  I typically start it in October to make sure I finish on time but I got distracted by my boat.  Thankfully it is a simple kit this year.

[Sonorandog]

Almost time to get back to work on the boat.  I finished the “Christmas” gift this weekend, just a little late.

Unfortunately two more projects came up that take priory over boat building.  Hopefully soon progress will resume.

[Bainford]

I am very interested in your Dumas project. I have been quite curious about these models for a few years, and I've wondered what they are all about. My interest is in the 1/24 scale kits. There are some nice looking ones, but quite pricey to take a chance on, so I'm watching your build with interest. I think I'd like to try one.

[Sonorandog]

This has been a lot of fun.  I would definitely encourage you to give a wooden boat a try. However, I will say I wish this was my second attempt and not my first. I have definitely learned a lot of lessons a little too late. If I was building this same boat again it would go much more smoothly.

I was able to sneak in a few minutes on this in between my other projects.

 

[Sonorandog]

A little more progress.  There is going to be a lot of sanding in my future.

[Oldriginal86]

Looking good. Your hard work will pay off when the paint goes on. I’ve headed down the rabbit hole again. Received the Chris Craft painted racer for Christmas. Hull framing done and the planking going on. Haven’t decided if I will start a build thread here. 

[Sonorandog]

Thanks.   Good luck on your new boat, hope you have a lot of fun with it.

[Sonorandog]

A lot and I mean a lot of sanding and touch up later I have put down a slurry coat of wood filler.  This will fill the pores for a better paint job and should smooth the transitions between putty and wood.  Next step will be a lot more sanding then primer.

 

[Sonorandog]

First coat of primer.  This will me see what is needed next.  Vey exciting step because it makes it look like a real boat.

[Oldriginal86]

Looks great. Will this be a replica build or go with another paint scheme?

[Sonorandog]

My plan is the 1958 Miss Bardahl

[Oldriginal86]

Sweet! That’s a pretty boat.

[MAGIC MUFFLER]

 

-->> Here is one at the boat museum in Seattle area.  Looking forward to seeing yours finished.

 

I have the Miss Bardahl hydroplane kit in the smaller scale still needing to be built with some misc memorabilia.

 

[Sonorandog]

Thanks for the cool pics.  I need to figure out a way to replicate that font so I can make some masks for the lettering.  I have no clever ideas at the moment for painting the scallops on the nose.

Today I was able to spend some time with high grit paper hand sanding everything in an effort to get it all smooth.  Another coat of primer and I think I have ID’d the last few spots needing some extra finishing.

[Sonorandog]

A little more progress.  I cut and mounted the tail fin today.  Also addressed what are hopefully the few spots needing attention.

[Oldriginal86]

Looking good. We are watching. Can I suggest to build a stand of some sort to hold the hull up off the ground. Mine was built out of cheap 1/2” pvc tubing. Works with the boat upside down too. Attached a pic for reference.

[Sonorandog]

A little more done.  I was hoping to move on to painting the base coat, but I may have to touch up a few more little spots.  Either that or learn to live with reality.  Thanks for the tip about the stand.  This one has no prop to worry about so an old piece of 4x4 works for painting.  I have not decided what the final display solution will be.

[Oldriginal86]

Looks smooth in the picture.

[Sonorandog]

Base colors are done.  A little polish and it will be all good.  Now the hardest part(for me) figure stencils and how to paint the final details.

[Oldriginal86]

Good looking colors.

[Sonorandog]

Thanks.  It has been fun but a challenge.  I am looking forward to finishing it.  I have sanded out the paint a little and it is now ready for the final details.  Still have to figure that part out.

[Oldriginal86]

Thin masking tape will allow the scallops to be masked off. Tamiya tape should bend tight enough.

[Sonorandog]

I attempted that very technique this afternoon. It did not go well for me.  I am now debating if I can live with it or should I sand it down and repaint the green and scallops. 

[MAGIC MUFFLER]

Here's a picture I took when I was up in Kirkland Washington when we were displaying a classic car at their Concours event in 2009.  Several of the Hydroplanes were brought out and I took a few photos of the Bardahl.  

Note: I also showed other pics in this thread of the model in the museum.

 

[Sonorandog]

Difficult decision has been reached.  I am going to call the boat done for now.  Technically it is complete.  I just would like to get some detail painting done.  But I am growing frustrated with it and trying to rush wrapping it up because it is in the way of other projects I want to work on.  So instead of pushing through with a less than sunny disposition I am going to stop and revisit the final painting when I actually want to work on it again instead of feeling obligated to.  For now it is hanging on the wall in my workshop.