18" LOA
This model is Taylor 34 racer/cruiser. The boat is was designed by Jim Taylor, http://www.tayloryachtdesigns.com/, who provided a copy of the original lines drawings. The model is built to an overall length of 18" and is mounted on satin varnished mahogany. I custom tined the topsides paint to match Awl-Grip Americas Cup Blue. The custom vinyl "seagull" graphic is the first vinyl graphic I have done myself with my new vinyl cutter. I think it came out quite nicely.
March 18, 2007 - Last night I cut out and fiberglassed the backplane for this model. This afternoon I cut out the station frames and planked the hull down to the waterline. After I finished that planking I fiberglassed the transom. The model is not on its final mounting board. It is sitting on a piece of stained oak I had handy.
March 20, 07 - Yesterday and today I finished planking the model. I have also fiberglassed the transom. Tonight I will fiberglass the deck. When that is done I will glass the hull and keel. In this picture the model is sitting on a piece of the new cherry and maple cabin sole I am building for my real boat.
March 25, 07 - Today I finished fiberglassing the model. It took a bit longer than usual because there are some rather interesting curves on the counter under the transom. Consequently, I had to spot glass several spots where the hull curvature caused the primary fiberglass to leave a gap. Over the next few days I will be filling, fairing and primer painting the model. In this picture the model is sitting on a piece of cherry I had handy.
Apr. 3, 07 - Last night I finished primer painting the model. This morning after I took this picture I spot filled a few surface imperfections. I also reshaped the top of the rudder a bit. The model is shown sitting on the unvarnished mahogany mounting board. This afternoon I will sand the madel again and reprime it. I expect to start painting the model Thursday or Friday.
Apr. 8, 07 - I have now put the first coat of topsides paint on this model. The color I am shooting for is called America's Cup Blue. I couldn't get any paint in that color, so I will be tinting a base bolor to get as close to that color as I can. The blue in the picture above is the base color I am starting the tinting process with. The final color will be quite a bit lighter blue.
Apr. 18, 07 - Since my last update I have been working on the topsides paint and also varnishing the mounting board. The mounting board is now finished. I have also put the final coat of paint on the model, although I haven't buffed it out yet. Tomorrow I will buff the paint out and then paint the boot stripes onto the hull. After that only the vinyl hull graphic will remain.