The Vicki Lou is named for our friend Vicki who lives in Nebraska. This model was started in the winter of 2002-2003. The Vicki Lou's maiden launch and first public appearance was on July 23, 2005, as part of the Wisconsin Scale Boating Association's annual boat run at The Shops in Woodlake, Kohler, Wisconsin. (www.wiscaleboat.org)
A Happy Vicki Lou
Maiden voyage
First public appearance
Bob and Vicki Lou admiring the model
The hull was constructed plank-on-frame. See the construction link. Once the hull was planked it was sanded in preparation for the finish. I use a two part clear polypoxy, water resistant coating similar to what they would use on a full sized wooden boat.
Sanded hull
Finished hull
A stand is made for the boat while it is still inverted. When completed, the boat is set on the stand and the frames are cut down to the shear line. The model is now ready for work to begin on the deck and cabin.
Deck beams
Deck beams and cabin frame
The mechanics of the boat are now incorporated into the bottom of the hull, the underside of the deck, the underside of the cabin roof, and anywhere else motors, batteries, wires, servos, gears, etc. are needed to make the model operational. Ballast is added and glued into place to make the model weigh scale and run at scale speed.
Ballast in the form of lead shot
Shift lever to engage the engine
Anchor winch and clutch
Engine engage lever
Worm gear under the deck for operating winch
Engine water cooling pump with check valves
The picture below shows what it looks like when all the mechanisms are in place.
Interior view of the hull
And then there is the engine. Modeled after a three cylinder engine, it starts with making the cylinders out of wood, painting them, and then making the brass parts so the engine will operate. The engine does not power the model, but the parts all work as in a real engine.
Unpainted cylinder with copper tubing and brass fittings
Unpainted cylinder with brass parts
Completed cylinder, ready to paint
Spray painted cylinders
Engine with parts ready to assemble
Cam shaft and push rods
Engine with rocker arms, valve lock, and flywheel, ready for work.
To wrap it up, let us take a little tour of the parts and compartments that give the Vicki Lou her own personality. Most of the parts and components of this boat were made in my shop with a few exceptions. The crew was purchased from an online auction and reworked with paint, glue, and cardboard hats and boot tops. The dog, galley items, hinges and sink faucets are doll house furniture items. Switches, servos, and electronics were purchased from various suppliers.
Any item made of brass, including anchors, oar locks, rails, ladders, are all fabricated using an old metal lathe once used in a school shop and a good scroll saw. The other major piece of equipment in my shop is a band saw which is used to cut planks and other wood parts of any length.
Enjoy the tour!
Horn
Time out to pet the dog
Pump toilet (head) with cover down
Pump toilet (head) with cover up
Pantry shelves and top of stove
Peek into the cabin
Stove with coffee pot
Galley sink
Unpainted exhaust housing on cabin roof
Oar locks for the tender sitting on the deck
Port hole peek
Sink and other items in 'head'
Sink cabinet
Muffler in closet
After the tour, join us for a coffee break
Time out for conversation and a peek at how the RPM Reduction gear works!
