Tunnel build

[Chris Dixon]

Hey guys I haven’t posted in a long time but I decided to maybe join a new club near me. I bought this wood tunnel kit on ebay a few yrs ago and started putting it together. I recently just pulled it out to possibly finish it. The framing appears to be balsa but the sheathing is alot harder and seems to be basswoodor similar. Will there be any problems running this boat built from balsa framing? I’m curious to what it will look like finished or should I just scrap it.

 

[Chris Dixon]

Here it is kinda mocked up. It’s an electric tunnel

 

[RobertDoak]

Good looking build Chris...whos kit is that...
Most kits are a birch plywood with the same for the decking and sheeting...and it should not be an issue..its the sheeting that give the frame the rigidity ....i built the center from foam and it works ok.
And yes...gitter done.....we need more electric tunnels...be sure to build it on a true flat board...everything depends on the flatness of the center area and the sponsons....keep us posted on your progress...

 

[Chris Dixon]

Good looking build Chris...whos kit is that...
Most kits are a birch plywood with the same for the decking and sheeting...and it should not be an issue..its the sheeting that give the frame the rigidity ....i built the center from foam and it works ok.
And yes...gitter done.....we need more electric tunnels...be sure to build it on a true flat board...everything depends on the flatness of the center area and the sponsons....keep us posted on your progress...

I believe it was designed by Joe Solinger. I’ve had it since 2018. The battery box seems kinda tall be I think I can cut down some.

 

[Chris Dixon]

I believe it was designed by Joe Solinger. I’ve had it since 2018. The battery box seems kinda tall be I thjnk I can cut down some.

The motor mount area is to narrow for an OS lower also

 

[Chris Dixon]

Here is a cad rendering from the seller on ebay.

 

[RobertDoak]

Well the high center sides are a plus and a negitive...they protect the battery on the plus side...but can make getting the battery out a little difficult without some planning....plus the high sides help keep water out

 

[Chris Dixon]

Well the high center sides are a plus and a negitive...they protect the battery on the plus side...but can make getting the battery out a little difficult without some planning....plus the high sides help keep water out

After further review the center tub is actually the cowl too. I’m going to cut it down and use regular tunnel cowl of some sort.