Eezebilt Triton

Just started my latest model now Autumn /Winter is fast approaching.

It's an Eezebilt Triton, the plans were printed from the Eezebilt website it but I redrew them to give a model of 21" instead of 17".

I built one of the original kits, in the early 60's. I hope my modelling skills have improved, as I remember it stopping in the middle of the pond a few times.

Tim

I do like seeing these reminders of my childhood built to the standard that my imagination fools me into believing that I might have achieved.

Chris

Trial fitting of the front of the cabin brought back to me that I had lot of trouble with this 60 years ago! How did we build these on a kitchen table with a Swann Morton knife 'borrowed' from my big brother and a tube of balsa cement.

Of course I have also enlarged the design slightly so any errors in the original will be greater.

The prop shaft arrived this morning so I can fit the motor now before the sides are fixed.

Tim

That is proper fun modeling, from a great web site. I've still got one of the originals, lord knows how it's survived all these years. I'm going to enjoy watching. Your build.

I am just hoping that I don't overdo the weight. It's only 4 inches longer than the original. I don't think the motor, prop shaft, and rudder weighed very much. The other Eezebilt models I have built are 28 and 32 inches long, so weight wasn't much of a problem.

Tim

A little more progress.

Would have been more but the prop shaft was off centre once it was glued in and a cabin side had a material failure when filing a window.

Just started to glue the bottom panels on. Motor mount is fixed and the rudder tube is ready to be fitted.

The cabin sides and the main Deck have to be fitted before the hull sides can be fitted and glued.

Tim

Have now glued on the bottom and side panels. Just need to get some filler on to cover the pin holes and a few small gaps.

The tight curve on the bow was achieved by soaking the liteply in warm water for a few minutes then pre bending whilst it dried.

Have just started the tricky front windows but will make the apertures smaller to add a little bit more strength. Then need to think about how to secure the cabin roofs.

Tim

The front windows are in and the roofs have been made and fitted.

I have started the small rowing boat but I may have another go at a better one.

Two members of the crew have been found but one may need surgery to remove his crash helmet.

Tim

Been spending time with some detailing but have filled in the grain on the hull, but not sure when it will be warm enough to put some glass cloth on it.

I have a mast made from old paint brush handles and have nav lights, radar, horn, anchor and winch being painted.

Also had couple of attempts at the small boat.

Tim

Nothing to say much, Tim...coming on well.

yes the cold certainly stops play. A few of my models were built inside over the winter months. Rush outside, cut and sand the wood...rush inside to glue and paint. Acrylics helpful here!

Hot air gun useful for curving ply, being careful.

Ashley