The Ship Model Forum

mikasa wrote:This technique worked for me on a 1/700 G37 Flyhawk model. Thanks for the tip!.

MatthewB wrote:I still don't get why mine isn't hogged.

I was really dreading this, and then got my kit, and noticed "HEY! No Hogging!"

Relieved, to say the least.

MB

Steve wrote:As pointed out by Dan K in his excellent review of this kit the hull is warped (hogged). In the past I have eliminated this problem (or the opposite - sagged) on several 1/700 waterline hulls. The procedure I developed uses a hot water bath with the hull clamped to a rigid aluminum angle. First some cautions:

1. The water must be hot but not to full rapid boiling. I would start at 150 F then ramp up to no more than 180 F if no results at the lower temperature. I am concerned that full boiling and/or long soaking will produce a "pretzel"

2. The hull must be clamped to an aluminum angle. This gives a flat base and rapid heat transfer to the plastic hull.

3. The hull must be clamped as described WITHOUT the clamps or internal supports touching the hull sides. Use small hobby clamps and only enough pressure to hold the hull flat to the aluminum angle.

4. You must use the internal bracing described to spread the clamping pressure on the hull bottom which spreads the heat evenly to the hull bottom.

5. A long duration soak is not needed. Several minutes is all that is needed for the clamped assembly to get up to water temperature. (See pretzel comment above.)


The "tools" needed:

1 A 1/4" x 3 1/2" hull weight found in smaller 1/700 kits. A 3" long weight is ok but the longer length fits nicely between the main deck post mounting holes. 2. A 1/4" thick square or hex nut.

3. Three spring type hobby clamps.

4. an 8" long section of 1" x 1" x 1/16" thick aluminum angle stock. (Home Depot sells this)

5. A pyrex baking dish about 2" deep for full submersion. This can be placed on a low flame gas burner but NOT directly on an electric coil element.

The Set Up:

1 Clamp the hull to the aluminum angle between the two main deck posts using two clamps and the long weight. Make sure it is clear of the small deck supports inside the hull.

2. Clamp the bow section using the nut "on edge" for clearance to the hull sides. Be careful - contact with the hull sides will distort them.

3. heat the water to about the 150 level (first sign of vapor ?)

4. Lower heat a bit (to avoid cooling or heating the bath) and soak for about 5 min. Remove and air cool so you can pick up the aluminum angle. Un-clamp and check for results.

5. If no results try a little more soak time then move on to hotter soaks.

Plastic Memory:

No memory has ever been found. Once changed the plastic will not rebound to the original shape.

What Didn't Work:

1. Heating with a forced sag. I got that scary result very ugly but repeating with the flat clamping removed that!

2. Using a 1/4" brass bar got no results probably because it did not heat to water temperature.


Pictures:

If I can ever figure it out I will add pics. However, there are pics of at least one Maya out there that is proof of the results.

Questions and comments:

I will reply to all posted or PM'd questions about the procedure or possible other application for different kits.

Steve

Success- The hull for a fellow modeler was "fixed" (by me) using this procedure. The T&T used were at the high end of the values but if you follow this procedure please start at the lower ranges and work your way up.

Dan K wrote:Just as in science, when you can replicate the results, you have a valid proof. Excellent.

Dan K wrote:YEA!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!




Yes, Steve's method worked for the Maya and two other Aoshima Takao class hulls. All have held their shape for 5+ years.

Why not an electric coil stove top? Isn't heat the same once the water is heated up to 150*F?

Timmy C wrote:Steve which step in the photo-posting instructions are you getting stuck on?

Quaestor wrote:Wow! Thanks Steve. This is the treatment applied to Dan's Maya, eh?
Unfortunately we have an electric cooktop stove so I'm SOL.
No matter; if my wife saw me at the stove with a Pyrex pie plate full of water and a plastic hull she'd call the men in the white coats to take me away