Billings 1/50 Calypso kit

[Tooeleflyboy]

Hello Guys

Derek here! I am a customer service agent here at MotionRC and love my planes but have also been building model ships for about 18 years a real love of mine when I find the time. This was a fun build and the ship brings back so many wonderful memories of watching Jacque Cousteau on TV as a kid! Please feel free to ask any questions and enjoy the pics !!

[Tooeleflyboy]

First water test and the underwater LED lights.

[Tooeleflyboy]

Primer coat applied

[Tooeleflyboy]

I first installed some 500 size motors and they were way to big for this kit. Eventually installed X2 380's and much better for scale running.

[Tooeleflyboy]

Painting and starting the fittings

[Tooeleflyboy]

Starting to get an idea of what it takes to do a full kit yet? 18 months on this one boat.

[Tooeleflyboy]

Make sure you keep your ships covered! over the years it will keep them looking new. You can usually find a local plastic shop to help you out and even cut the pieces to the size you need.

[Tooeleflyboy]

More and More fittings! it like 100 model kits all in one.

[Tooeleflyboy]

Here are some overall good pictures of the ship from all around. Here is tip on doing flags to make them look like they are blowing in the wind, some water thinned elmers glue applied and then gently shape it as it dries.

[Tooeleflyboy]

I eventually used artist oil colors to apply a permanent water proof weathering look to the ship. In my opinion without weathering they can look rather toy-esh then scale.

[Tooeleflyboy]

At night on the pond.

[Prowler901]

WOW! That's outstanding! I'm looking to start building boats for RC. I've built wooden sailing ship models, and I'd like to transfer those skills to something that actually sees the water.

[CM_Aero]

Great looking ship! The details are amazing and I love the Hughes helicopter aboard. Thanks for sharing - I always enjoy seeing the projects out there

[Tooeleflyboy]

Thanks for looking and glad you enjoyed the pics!

[RustyJ]

Hi I'm currently building the billings calypso, where did you get all the info for the electrics ie lights
any help would be appreciated
Thankyou

[Tooeleflyboy]

All the lighting was my own custom setup.