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.