Couldn't resist this, spotted this for £20 & picked up tonight for a winter project, as if I didn't have enough 😀. Came with a 600 brushed motor, additional tamya plugs and additional prop. Needs a bit of TLC and a makeover, possibly looking at the sea rescue version but no decision yet. Watch this space

Have taken a break from the Osprey for an evening or two and made a start on the "sea axe". Previous owner had certainly liked to use adhesive quite liberaly. Finally managed to remove figures, ancillary fire extinguishers etc, side rails had been reinforced with lollipop 🍭 sticks and took a bit to remove-managed to cut down the line where they had been joined. Motor was an interesting piece of work. This had already been secured into place, the two mounting screws were quite "mullered ", again managed to get these out and discovered that no wires present, so I gather that this was meant to run by the power of telepathy 🤣.
The question to ponder is wether or not I try to remove the wheelhouse and upper works or leave in place considering the amount of glue that I've already discovered. If I manage to, it will potentially give me more access, on the other hand, it could be opening up a can of worms 🪱. Decisions decisions 🤔

Managed to remove the last of the lollipop 🍭 sticks which formed part of the deck structure made by the previous owner. Tried unsuccessfully to remove the main wheelhouse/cabin, this has been well and truly stuck on & I believe that I'll only cause too much damage so I'm going to have to work with this as best I can. Still need to gain access internally at the bow as no ballast had been added, plus I need to try a float / leak test before I proceed any further. There is a square "hatch" cover which I can get the access required, albeit smaller than what I would have liked, but at least this is easily replaced. Updates on how I get on to follow.

Started on the stern this evening with a dry fit for what will be the stern deck. Had some "cordex" leftover from an earlier project and glued in place where the two access hatches are for the motor and rudder. Initial trial fit is good, to be fixed at a later date after the paint work has been rubbed down and resprayed.

A brief spell in the cold of the garage/workshop has resulted in "sea axe " being rubbed down for her new paint scheme. Work light's, horns and anything else removable, removed plus the remaining rails-will attempt to scratch build these again. The bow has been dismembered and again another rebuild more appropriate to take place working from photos I've seen. Plus side is that I managed to gain access to the interior of the hull forward via the hatch which had been well and truly glued into place by the previous owner. I can now start to ballast and trim when it's a bit warmer as my test tank is outside. Brrr, shiver 😂

Not much chance recently to carry out any more work due to workload and home life. A little bit more now completed, bow has been remodelled to as near photos I've been able to see from the "net". Safety rails for the stern made from scrap and masking areas of for spraying . Initial float tests are positive, no leaks and stable. Once the radio gear is fitted I can then see if I need to add additional ballast

Well as mentioned earlier in my gravy boat build, not a lot of time.
Getting nearer the end now, some scratch built railings and a dinghy/Avon inflatable made from a toy shop purchase. Motor to be reinstated plus servo for the rudder etc. Need to make a crane for lifting "said "inflatable into water 💧 but this will be a static build. A few more bit's and pieces but essentially I think she's ready for getting her bottom wet. Happy overall with my £20.00 find 😊