ML Boatworks Lauterbach laser cut kit done. See Post #31 for kit pics!!!! 5-2-13

[Roxyflash]

I really like the way the sponsons are added on after the center is built.Makes for a easier way to build the center as you can build it on a flat surface with having to deal with the sponsons hanging below.The tunnel on the rear is also nice like making it have a 4 point ride surface to help get it on plane.Im going to get one of these kits next winter to build.

 

[Dasboatman]

Bruce,

Hull is a three point. Henry Lauterbach had this "cut up" on many of his limited hulls, but not on any of the three Unlimiteds - MHR 5736, 6677, or 7505.

CHEERS !!! Bob

 

[Mike Luszcz]

Bob, I will end up doing the narrow transom, non channel style hull soon. That will closer fit what everyone that wants an unlimited Lauterbach may need. For now, I am gonna call this the GP hull, and after talking to Dick Loeb Sunday morning, he felt I needed to do cowling plugs from scratch as the stuff I wanted to use just wasn't going to work...so by sunday evening, I had these done...however, I was informed this morning the front cowling needs to be more rounded on the outside edges...so, I will be sanding that on the disk sander this evening and see if I can get it right! It is looking good tho! I never thought I had it in me to make these plugs from scratch, but man, this is going to be one cool kit! Just so everyone knows, as I have had some questions about this kit, it will include all interior frames, basswood sticks, exterior sheeting, ladder hatch frame, and cowlings once the plugs are done. I am going to go ahead and do two front molds, the first, will be the front cowling without the blister running down the top, as the unlimited cowling didn't use that, and then I will do one with the blister. Once the tail cowling mold is done based on the GP hull, I will then modify the plug, and do an unlimited tail cowling. So...lots to come! Mike

 

[Mike Luszcz]

Now that these hulls are painted, I will be progressing more on the Lauterbach, and some tunnel boats I have had sitting around for a while that need to be done!

 

[FloridaScaleBoater]

Now that these hulls are painted, I will be progressing more on the Lauterbach, and some tunnel boats I have had sitting around for a while that need to be done!

Dang Mike,,,, Do you ever sleep????

 

[Mike Luszcz]

What is sleep?

 

[Dasboatman]

Hey Mike,

New plug looks much better for a GP hull. Looked to me that your hull with the wide transom was modeled more after the Edilweiss than any of the three Unlimiteds, so I was glad you clarified what the hull was more accurately designed as.

I wanted to dispel the Four Point hydro thought right up front so there would be no stumbling down that path.

I met Dick and Carol in at the Spring Nats. Tell Dick to make his own cowl - Har, Har !!! Dick and I talked about the ODMBA some - I had a lot of history with them in the 70s. Too bad Frank Blanchard is no longer with us - he knew more about model Lauterbach hulls than anyone I've ever know. He and Henry were Friends for years.Here's what I have for pics for Edilweiss (Mahogany ply deck) & Too (Light colored deck). Larry built a replica hull (Last pic) that looks much like The Edilweiss Too. CHEERS !!! Bob

 

[dave weagel]

mike,

here's the 5736 miss u.s. IV U36 for unlimited hull reference, original and restored.

the best looking of the three lauterbach unlimiteds, the cowls are more proportional on the 5736.

perfect for gas scale, imo.

dave w.

 

[Mike Luszcz]

After a little mishap a couple days ago with the gel coat (not the first time this has happened to me), I got things figured out, and resprayed the gel this morning. Hopefully this will do right. I have sanded and reshaped the front cowling since the last time I posted pics. Hopefully everyone will agree this looks more correct! Mike

 

[mercguy]

mike,

here's the 5736 miss u.s. IV U36 for unlimited hull reference, original and restored.

the best looking of the three lauterbach unlimiteds, the cowls are more proportional on the 5736.

perfect for gas scale, imo.

dave w.View attachment 48514View attachment 48515View attachment 48516View attachment 48517

This particular hull Miss US IV was 32' long and the only one built this length. The other Lauterbach unlimiteds ( Miss Lauterbach and Gemini (same boat) which was Allison powered and later was converted to 2 blown Chevy's such as Candy Man etc. etc. was 29 feet long. The Chysler Crew was also 29' but had different sponson designs.

Bill Hoch

 

[Mike Luszcz]

OK, got a little further last night. Sanded the front cowling, and prepped the rear for another gel coating. Ended up modifying the rear cowling some, widening the fin behind the drivers head as it was too narrow. Then made some parting boards, and for the first time ever, I will attempt a two part mold..any advise on doing that properly would be much appriciated! The front cowling will be re gel coated one final time, then I will pull a mold. After that mold is done, I will add the scoop to the front cowl down the rib, and prep for a mold of that. I am doing that as some of the unlimiteds didn't use that rib, so I want to have both cowls available. Mike

 

[Mike Luszcz]

Well, got the front cowling mold made. This is the first of two front molds. The other will have the intake blister. I wanted to do both versions since some of the boats did not have a scoop, esp. on the unlimited hulls. The rear cowling, well, that has become more intense. I tried doing a single plug, split mold last weekend, and had heat issues and in turn, trashed that mold. I spoke with Dick Loeb, he said why doing I go ahead, and cut the rear cowling in half, and made a solid board, and take more time between layers to ensure the temps stay down...so, here is where I am at now. Been working on the kneeler hydro this week, so I will probably pick back up on these this weekend since the wife has to work all weekend. Mike

 

[Mike Luszcz]

I will be back on this build soon. I received my decals from brockmansigns.com. He has a bunch of Lauterbach sets as he is Brian Blazers cousin I think, and Brian told me about him, and was a real pleasure to work with! I got the GP200 Lauterbach Special decals, and will be working with him in the future on the Desourty Special decals. More soon, Mike

 

[Roxyflash]

I love the Lauterbach special Great choice!!!

 

[Mike Luszcz]

Got more done yesterday. Got the tail cowling molds done, polished those and the front cowl mold, and pulled my first parts! Here they are:

 

[ron upton]

darn mike is there anything u cant make? i wouldnt even know where to start to make my own molds...good job!

 

[brad nichols]

With everything he is doing he's going to need a bigger shop with storage for all the molds!! He is a one stop shop!! What a great build!!

Brad

 

[Mike Luszcz]

Thanks guys. This was my first split mold. I am new to mold making, but learning more each time. I have learned on thing...there is no such thing as just trying to make a quick, temporary mold..You either spend some money for the right materials, or don't waste your time. Tooling Gel changed my life! Mike

 

[FloridaScaleBoater]

Thanks guys. This was my first split mold. I am new to mold making, but learning more each time. I have learned on thing...there is no such thing as just trying to make a quick, temporary mold..You either spend some money for the right materials, or don't waste your time. Tooling Gel changed my life! Mike

Mike please share your thoughts/findings,,, what have you found you like so much with tooling gel???

I have been putting off getting some to try,,, sell me on it!!

 

[Mike Luszcz]

Thats easy! Its much more durable than regular gel, it polishes up better, the parts pull out with a simple ease, its orange, so its easier to see your surface during layup..Not sure what else to say, except TRY SOME! You will not regret it!