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Hi guys. Here's 4 new pics of the never ending body
work. It took me about 1 1/2 days to make the steel frame for the front end (
still just tacked together. Another day or so to finish welding and adding the
gussets ) and then back to the foam. ( Ya, another month long gig.)
The tubes making up the front and rear structure will be filled with oil to
add weight, and prevent corrosion on the inside. I had a hair brained idea of
filling them with Li-ion batteries, but the cost would be many thousands !
The front fairing is starting to take shape, but it's a slow process
while I wait for the multiple coats of mud to dry. Still, I'm getting better at
it. What a pain getting the back fairing off the frame ! Guess I got a little
crazy with the glue.
As you can see, when it's done, glassed, and installed,
the back fairing will be attached with hinges at the front. That way I can
access the 120 cu. ft. air tank strapped under there, and inspect the
plumbing and paint and what ever else may need attention.
With a little wrenching, all the stuff attached to the hull comes right off
so if I want to add something or fix the paint or what ever, a couple hours and
I'm down to a bare hull.
I have a long range plan to replace the whole rear section/ballast assembly
with a modular section encompassing an on-board diesel, fuel tanks, gen set, and
more batteries. All in a pressure compensated tank. ( Damn, I'm gonna need a
bigger truck ! ) I'll need to put a hatch on that section as well, that's
large enough to get the equipment in and out.
Haven't spent any time yet on specifics, but I have a picture in my head of
how it might all come together.
The front end is similar in that it can be changed out with
a modular unit, but with the windows there, the options are some what
limited. ( I'm really not that keen on the shape of it right now, but I
didn't want to block the view.) Anyway, take a look and feel free to
comment. I love the input I get from you guys. Frank D.
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