1978 U-64 The Squire Shop- Build Thread- ML Boatworks Kit

[Mike Luszcz]

I am working on building the '78 U-64 Squire Shop and need some good photos up close. Anyone have any??? Thanks, Mike

PS- Build thread now a couple posts below!!!

 

[68Bud]

Here are a few I have. I think these first two are from '77.

These may be '78.

They look to be identical, but I'm sure others will be able to tell you more.

 

[Mike Luszcz]

Thanks for the pics. I found another thread with even more! When i get back from tricities i will get the build thread pics up, i just ran out of time! Mike

 

[Mike Luszcz]

Ok, So here we go with the build. This kit actually started life as a 108 7474 kit that a friend was building for himself. He had me put the ride surfaces on the hull, and a couple days before delivering it back to him, he ended up deciding on building another hull, so I inherited this one. I was going to do the Technicolor, but just wasn't sure myself and the million colors to paint were a fun idea! So, I searched the 108 hulls of the day, and just could not find anything that was appealing, so I began searching and found the 125 Newton/ MHR 7664 hull is what I really wanted to do. After reviewing the MHR, I realized the hulls were extremely similar, but the afterplane, overall length, andnosing location were different. Since I had this hull already pretty far along, and I did not have the 125 plans done yet, I said what the heck, chop chop...Now in between this time and now...a few weeks...I have acquired the decal set, and the Allison V-12 turbo, and the hull is now build and getting very close! I have a feeling I am going to hang on to this hull for quite a while as it now has some sentimental value beyond my normal builds. You see, in between starting this one, and now, I went to Tri Cities, WA and picked up the decals from Mike Mcknight, and the Allison from Larry Kraemer in person...and met some of the RCU crew, including David Newton. Yeah, I think I will hold on to this one! Well, here are some pics:

Here is right after I did the sponson ride surfaces and non trips while it was still a 108 hull:

 

[Mike Luszcz]

Now it was time to start the mods. First thing was to remove the original laser cut transom, and hand cut a new transom plate and extension frames. I do not miss hand cutting parts, that is for sure! another thing I noticed is the deck roll off at the transom was no where near as extreme as the 108 kit, so I had to build the back half of the hull up as well:

Before modifying the nosing, I decided since extra weight was being added to the kit, I should remove some of that weight by opening up the engine well completely. This is the first time I have fully opened up the center section framing, and I kinda like it. This along saved around 8 ounces of weight:

 

[Mike Luszcz]

Now the nosing relocation. This was shifted around 1.25" back:

And here is the weight before the top decks go on:

 

[Mike Luszcz]

Now, at this point I am back from Tri Cities, and armed my new parts and pretty motivated. Something I have not been in months due to the 70+ hulls I had to build last year and early this year for survival. Now its back to fun, not just a job! As you can see, I made up templates, and went from there:

Cut out and fit pretty nice!

Doing some last minute fitment, and hatch planning:

 

[Mike Luszcz]

Time to get one side of the decks installed:

Don't forget the foam:

Mid Hatch supports and decking before left side top deck goes on. These were done at the front, middle and transom before the left deck went on:

 

[Mike Luszcz]

Now the left deck is ready for installation:

Dry, edges already sanded and ready for pin removal:

 

[Mike Luszcz]

Now due to all the mods, I wanted to have the exterior epoxy extra strong, so I mixed in thickened up west systems, and used a spreader..wow did this make coating the hull a lot easier. It did a nice self leveling coat, then before that cured, I added an modified west systems coating all over. The final finish was super slick and will be so easy to sand! First time I spread thickened west up as a skim coat. I also added 3/4 oz cloth around the nosing area for extra strength and to hide any seam lines. But first, here are some decal pics and the cowling plug:

And as stated, the epoxied, seam sealed hull:

And Larry's artwork!

 

[Mike Luszcz]

So that is where we are right now. I am awaiting the finished cowling (decided I would make molds from the plug at another time due to the good deal a friend offered up who had a velasco epoxy cowl laying around. I will work on the hatches this week and finish up a customers Gas Tunnel hull. I am also working on a 99 Appian Jeronimo, and a 90 Budweiser T2 for a friend, and some sport hydros and small tunnels..So its pretty busy!

 

[hugh hargett]

Beautiful Mike.

 

[dave weagel]

mike,

another beautiful build. the original 108 hull looked perfect but modified version is even better, great work.

thank you for posting photos,

dave

 

[RobertWurster]

Nice build,Man those guys were crazy,I remember as A kid they use to race on our lake Foster in Sweet Home Or.

 

[SayMikey]

If you like a challenge try this one its a bute well I think it is. And a odd ball boat really stands out

u-96 rear.bmp

 

[Mike Luszcz]

Thanks everyone.

Dave, I hope you have been doing well! Haven't talked to you in a while!

Mike, That looks like a pickle forked Van's PX...Is that what it is?

 

[Dasboatman]

Hey Mike,

It is actually the MHR 7495 1996 U-96 Barney Armstrong's Machine. Mikey saw how ornate the paint scheme was and chickened out - Har, Har !!! CHEERS !!! Bob

 

[Mike Luszcz]

Ahh, so thats the Barney Armstrong hull! Good deal. Hope you have been doing well, Mike

 

[SayMikey]

I have a Velasco that with a little work could make it when I get to that point....

 

[Mike Luszcz]

Well, I got this work done last weekend, but kept forgetting to post pics. Cowling mold is done, and got the hull in its first prime coat. Both turned out well! I might pull a part tonight or tomorrow night:

This was a "quick mold" as I just wanted to be able to pull a couple parts: