Re-building the Juliana - 1974-2009 - FineScale Modeler - Essential magazine for scale model builders, model kit reviews, how-to scale modeling, and scale modeling products

fox

Member since
January 2007
From: Narvon, Pa.

Posted by fox on Sunday, July 5, 2009 10:17 PM

Hi Skonch. I used to build and race R/C sailboats up and down the East Coast for about 20 years. Also built and sailed Scale boats (Cabin cruisers and military boats and others ). If I can be of any help, just let me know. I'm having trouble getting e-mail and PM through the forum at this time so send any mail to jimmc25@verizon.net. The R/C gear doesn't seem like it would be hard to repair or replace. Couldn't get the pics of the boat on my computer so can't tell how much work would be involved to bring back to original condition. As I said, let me know if I can help. You'll get great help from any of the guys on the forum.

Jim

Main WIP:

On the Bench: Artesania Latina (aka) Artists in the Latrine 1/75 Bluenose II

I keep hitting "escape", but I'm still here.

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tankerbuilder

Member since
August 2008

Posted by tankerbuilder on Sunday, July 5, 2009 3:41 PM

Hey SKONCH --- The pics didn,t come through on my computer . The vessel can be refurbished . Contact me at gjgeracci@satx.rr.com . That will get a reply from me . From your description it sounds like you,re dealing with the hobby shops around SAN ANTONIO . The only one I now do business with is KING,S in AUSTIN , TEXAS .I do buy supplies from hobby lobby though . If you can,t get me on e-mail try 830 515 3250 . after 8 pm . I do a lot of scratchbuilt R.C. boats . The scales I work in are 1/48 and 1/24 . Looking to hear from you ----TANKERBUILDER

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crackers

Member since
December 2006
From: Jerome, Idaho, U.S.A.

Posted by crackers on Friday, February 27, 2009 11:53 PM

In my opinion, you should make every effort to rebuild the Juliana and sail her again as a living memorial to your late father.

Montani semper liberi ! Happy modeling to all and every one of you.

Crackers

Anthony V. Santos

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Skonch

Member since
February 2009

Posted by Skonch on Friday, February 27, 2009 2:56 PM

What I really need to know, is if there is anywere I can buy the materials needed for the project. Preferrably somwhere on the internet.

All of the local model shops just sell kits and the fellas on the counter just look at me blankly when I ask them about building with wood.

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Skonch

Member since
February 2009

Posted by Skonch on Friday, February 27, 2009 12:20 PM

Thanks for your comments, she is rather pretty!

I see your point about the ageing, but her life boats are in the hold, there's a mast missing and the one that's left is not complete. I'd just love to get the parts back how they were and freshen her up.

I am determined to get this project up and running, so I'll be sure to post any updates (albeit at lengthy intervals) here.

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GeorgeW

Member since
February 2006
From: The green shires of England

Posted by GeorgeW on Friday, February 27, 2009 11:55 AM

Nice story Skonch.

Not sure I can help you with the workings, but from the pics she has a nice weathered look to her, born of her years, and I rather like it.

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Skonch

Member since
February 2009

Re-building the Juliana - 1974-2009

Posted by Skonch on Friday, February 27, 2009 8:54 AM

Hi,

First off a little background story!

Imagine you are a 7 year old boy and it's your Birthday. You wake up to find your Father's beaming smile as he proudly shows you what he has been working on (locked in his cold garage) for the last 6 months. A HUGE MODEL BOAT! what's more it's REMOTE CONTROLLED!

You then go down to the local lagoon, put the thing in the water, and smooth as a swan the wooden wonder glides slowly off.

That day was back in 1974, sadly my Father passed away over a year ago and the "Juliana" has moved with me from house to house sitting in dry-dock in my loft, until now.

"Juliana" stopped working years ago, and for as long as I can remember I've been saying "one day I'm gonna fix that boat and get it back on the water", but I really have'nt known where to start.

After seeing some the amazing work on this site, I have moved the boat into my office in the Garage!. I am hoping that someone will take me under their wing and help me revive the old girl.

I remember that it used to be powered by 2 batteries that resembled car batteries. The remote control unit is long gone, and I assume that I'll need to strip most of it out before I can start the process of re-building her.

The Boat is still watertight so that's probalby a good start. I was hoping to refurbish the outside, but I'm worried about stripping everything down only to find that similar parts are not available.

Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Here are some pictures: