Just a few pics of my latest completed build, the Billings African Queen.

[Jnewey]

Got this kit for Xmas and have just managed to finish it. Just waiting for the wife to sew up the canopy and then I hoist the Union Jack. The figure is just a temporary skipper till I find a Bogart and Hepburn crew!

 

[Jnewey]

Not an easy build. The instructions are a bit vague in places, often confusing. Not really for beginners. Luckily there were two builds on-line, with pics that sorted most of the confusion.

By the way, the boat has RC steering and motor control, and the steam engine does rotate by means of a geared motor buried inside the dummy engine housing.

The hull was glued to the deck using Gorilla clear glue and lots of clamping and taping to hold it while it dried. The steering is via tubing and fishing line linking the servo at the bow to the tiller. Not an easy job, and nerve-racking!


Still a bit of finishing to do. I sealed the paintwork and the weathering powders with a clear acrylic matt spray varnish. When the canopy is finally on, the flag hoisted, and the final accessories added, I'll post a final couple of pics.
Any questions on the build and finish are welcome. Even criticism! I finished the boat as close to the weathered tub in the film, bearing in mind the different finishes I have seen on other builds, which confused the issue a bit.

Whatever. I like it and it certainly is a conversation piece!

By the way it DOES float and sail. I tried it in my garden pond!

Thanks for looking. A great forum.

 

[Bill-R]

Beautiful looking work. You did a great job.

Bill

 

[Jnewey]

Beautiful looking work.

Bill

Thank you for your kind words. There is another build of the African Queen with a steam engine in it on the site. Food for thought..... By the way, I've hoisted her Union Jack at last!

 

[Swiftie]

Really nice. That model is on my radar also

 

[Danno71]

beautiful work!

 

[Jnewey]

Thank you for your kind words. There is another build of the African Queen with a steam engine in it on the site. Food for thought..... View attachment 442964By the way, I've hoisted her Union Jack at last!

Thank you. Look forward to seeing your build.

 

[Jnewey]

beautiful work!

Much appreciated.

 

[Jnewey]

ALMOST FINISHED! still got my stand-in sailor on board.....

 

[Montenegro]

Excelente trabajo, los colores se ven muy reales, saludos !!!

 

[Jnewey]

Excelente trabajo, los colores se ven muy reales, saludos !!!

Muchas gracias!

 

[Jnewey]

Two more pics with kettle, ciggies and lamp added. Still waiting for a tool box to fit...

 

[Pathfinder65]

That is a great looking model. Nicely done.

Jan

 

[Jnewey]

Thank you. Like your tug build. Looks like hard work!

 

[Jnewey]

Finally finished! Toolbox and gin bottle added!

Of course, these things are never quite finished. This will be the last ship model I will build. It was my dream to build her because I've always been a fan of Bogey and this film.

No more room for any more, and She Who Must be Obeyed has put her foot down!

Thank you for all your kind comments and good luck on all those builds. I'll be watching!

 

[Pathfinder65]

That issn incredible build, love all the detail.
The Admiral and I watched the African Queen movie last Sunday. What a great motion picture.

Jan

 

[Jnewey]

That issn incredible build, love all the detail.
The Admiral and I watched the African Queen movie last Sunday. What a great motion picture.

Jan

Thank you. It is a great film!

 

[Peso Pete]

I thought about building this boat. If I do, I hope I can come close your beautiful model! Bravo

 

[Jnewey]

I thought about building this boat. If I do, I hope I can come close your beautiful model! Bravo

Thank you. It's a great kit but not easy due to the vague instructions and the lack of spare timber or metal. Be careful not to waste any! The glue I found great for the deck to hull fixing was Gorilla clear glue and plenty of clamps!

If I can do it, anyone can!