Response

Re: HMS Bluebell.

Weathering... Really looks good! I wonder why we modelers neglect to do this to our models. Just about every ship has varying degrees of Rust, stains, chipping, and dirt, some more than others. So, I pose this question to others on this forum... Do we forget to do this, don't want to mess up a beautiful model, or it just takes guts to "run with it"? I would like to hear your opinions. Lew Florida ⛱️, USA 🇺🇸

46 minutes ago by LewZ

Response

Re: Ballast Question

When I use ballast I keep it simple. I have never used calculations as to density. Common sense will tell you what to do, depending on what is available, cost and effectiveness. I add ballast to have the boat float evenly at or slightly above the waterline. This is done in a tub, usually outdoors. when there is no wind blowing. As a boat will not usually float evenly (fore-aft and/or port-starboard) when completed, several locations for ballast might be warranted. Floating unevenly might be caused by either the details on the boat or perhaps some off center internal components. One can use fixed ballast or removable ballast, or both. My preference is removable as who knows what changes might be added or removed in the future. The type of ballast I use is usually metal. What kind depends on the amount I need and the size of the boat, and of course how much volume is available. Again, here is where common sense into play. We all know that the ballast should be added at the lowest point(s) available. That could define the overall shape of the ballast. So, here are some examples: SMALL BOATS (45 kg). I brought some empty plastic soda bottles and filled them at the pond. One of the buys has a "whaleback freighter" and uses a pump to add ballast after launching. Pumps it back out before lifting it out of the water when done. - Velcro is a handy way of holding a ballast box in place. Note that these are just suggestions and can vary depending on the type of boat you have. Hope this helps. Lew Florida 😎, USA

3 hours ago by LewZ

Forum

Question of the Day?

Morning Boat friends! Yet another new word! Cool! I'm learning and learning . . . Perfect as a landlubber! When building my stern wheel steamer I need an altimeter rather than a log! As always, three steps forward, one step back. I think I've set myself a real first-class challenge here. Like this word search . . 🤣🤣🤣🤣 Michel-C.

2 hours ago by Mike Stoney

Forum

Question of the Day?

Hi All, Given that it's always popular in December (and I've now figured out a way to get multiple-choice quiz questions very easily), how many of you would enjoy a non-competition based fun question of the day, each day? In a similar way to December's one, it'll be on the home screen each day, with four possible answers to choose from. Maybe a rolling leader board and linked forum thread to discuss questions (but not reveal answers until the following day). I know we're talking about at least 365 nautical/shipping/maritime/sailing/boating quiz questions here! But I now believe its possible to put together with little effort 😉 perhaps useful to onboard a volunteer researcher mind, to double check questions and answers before they're made live. So if anyone would like to do that, let me know too. Thoughts on having a Question of the Day? Stephen

1 year ago by fireboat

Response

Re: Lulonga River Tug

Don't feel alone with winds causing havoc with a boat having a large superstructure compared to the hull depth. Just something you have to live with. My towboat and the "Bill E. Bonze" Springer do the same thing. In the case of the later, the performance is quite different from my other Springers (same hulls) on even mild breeze days. Depending on the day's wind conditions, I might not put one of those boats in the water. Lew Florida 😎, USA

3 hours ago by LewZ

Forum

Vertical boiler identification

Yea really sorry i missed this one. I have a Midwest fantail launch that I lengthened by 8 inches amidships and this would have been perfect for it. This body of this one was 3" diameter and 7" tall. Hoping someone here has an idea who made this one or possibly has one or one similar they might be interested in selling.

4 hours ago by algon

Forum

Vertical boiler identification

Looking for help identifying this vertical boiler. It was listed on ebay over the weekend and I missed bidding on it. Is this an early PM Research vertical boiler? If anyone knows or maybe has one like it for sale I am interested.

14 hours ago by algon

Blog

Ballast Question

Alessandro, if I will sail the model how have I intended it remains to be seen. Definitely I'll start in Ballast condition, then try loaded as planned. If everything goes as hoped I will subject it to water dousing. If it proves to keep the water out I will go further. One tiny step at a time

7 hours ago by JockScott

Blog

Scratchbuilt Esso Deutschland 1:150

When I first posted a thread under ... a dreamproject.. I didn't realize it was the wrong forum category. So here is my built blog. I will spare you the original introduction as I have made progress which and most of you are already familiar with my project. The hull was built merging 2 methods on a simple keel plate from plywood, bow and stern structure bread and butter and hull in between 3mm planks on frame. The entire main deck is intended to be removable with a drainage irrigation system of plastic corner moulding (from a building supplier) along top of hull and flush at poop and back deck structure. The deck is made of 1/4" plywood skeletal structure incorporating midship deckhouse. Hull glassed with lightest cloth available after 2 coats 2-epoxy sealer and paint primer followed by final coat except top (above waterline) grey will be applied once I have finished doing any necessary adjustments. There have been a lot of them since I realized many inaccuracies in dims etc. I wasn't happy with. Here are photos in the progress (some may have already been posted in the original post. More a bit later next week.

3 months ago by JockScott

Forum

Wordle of the Day?

Learned the art of warfare on 4 with a clue

8 hours ago by Cashrc

Forum

Wordle of the Day?

No need to reply to this one. Just creating a placeholder thread. I'll update everyone in time 👍 Stephen

10 months ago by fireboat

Forum

Vertical boiler identification

It looks beautiful. I sold last year a boiler made here in Massachusetts. It worked on AC power. I thought I could convert it to using stereo to heat it. I decided to just sell it off. It was made in early 1900. It worked n had a piston motor n flywheel.

11 hours ago by Hhager2

Response

Re: HMS Bluebell.

In my opinion you are one of the best at coloring naval models. I really like how you make them very realistic.

12 hours ago by AlessandroSPQR

Forum

Looking for help identifying....

Looking for help identifying this vertical boiler. It was listed on ebay over the weekend and I missed bidding on it. Is this an early PM Research vertical boiler? If anyone knows or maybe has one like it for sale I am interested.

12 hours ago by algon

Forum

Aerokits pt boat bulkhead plans wanted

Glad you got sorted then and it's always good if folks post about their builds, even if just when completed.

12 hours ago by ChrisF

Forum

Aerokits pt boat bulkhead plans wanted

Hi has anyone got the bulkhead plans in pdf please

4 days ago by andrewandrachelh

Response

Re: Ballast Question

Hi Jock, I see you are very determined about the choice of concrete and the construction phases. You have already weighed the pros and cons of using concrete so yours is a wise choice. The only doubt I have is on the specific weight of 3.16 kg/dm3. It could be different and it could be less. However, since you have decided to proceed with an empirical method (very effective in this case in my opinion): "Once I get to the point of putting my model to water, I will do some testing how much weight I really need" then establish precisely the specific gravity no longer matters. However, even using concrete (and therefore occupying a much larger volume than a heavy metal) you may still have a lot of space available to create the buoyancy reserve. You only need 34-36 dm3 and I think you could find them anyway. Since it is very easy to create, it costs nothing and since you want to sail the Esso Deutchland on the ocean, I would seriously think about making it unsinkable. I invite you to also consider (but you have certainly already done so) batteries as ballast. Don't limit yourself. In such a large RC model you can easily obtain truly exceptional performance in terms of autonomy. What a great advantage not having to look for light but expensive batteries and instead being able to use heavy and cheap batteries without problems. Even with the empiric method, it is better to immediately achieve the correct longitudinal trim with the two extreme quarters (bow and stern). In this way the addition of weights in the central quarters will have very little influence on the inclination and you will be able to regulate the sinking with greater serenity. "I surely let you know once I get there." Of course I'm counting on it, Jock. As I already told you, your work is one of those that attracts my attention and interest the most. I don't want to spoil too much but I'm curious about the electrical setup. It's not wrong to think about it now. I hope you will put side lights, fog sirens, fog lights and more. One question: How will you navigate your tanker, fully loaded, empty or somewhere in between?

13 hours ago by AlessandroSPQR

Blog

Ballast Question

I agree with everything you brought up. I have to, however, consider practicality. While lead may be the best medium for its weight/volume density, not having any foundry facility, it also imposes inherent difficulties to achieve maximum space utilization. Cement has specific weight of 3.16 to water, I could enhance this by adding gravel but with limited benefit. Once I get to the point of putting my model to water, I will do some testing how much weight I really need. I can do some quick calculations how much I will need and have the option with the smaller compartments to achieve ideal balance. When running 'in ballast' I will have a small acid/lead battery (those for motor bikes) in the aft section to get proper draft (I hope). I surely let you know once I get there.

14 hours ago by JockScott

Response

Re: Ballst question

Hi Jock, this answer reassures me somewhat. Being able to remove ballast is better especially for ships of this size. In fact, I would first put the model in the water (empty or only partially ballasted) and then insert the various ballast modules in the pre-established and previously tested points. What I will tell you is absolutely not a criticism but another point of view. Even though concrete is very cheap, I would never choose it as ballast. I don't feel like giving you advice, because you are very prepared, you know your stuff, but I want to tell you my opinion anyway. First of all, I would choose for the ballast the material that has the highest specific weight but at an affordable price (certainly not gold or platinum). Therefore I would prefer lead, brass, steel, iron, copper, zinc, etc. to concrete. These materials are not as expensive as gold or platinum but they do have a certain cost it is true. They certainly cost more than concrete, but you can always get them for free among waste materials. Even if you have a lot of space available in your huge ship model, I wouldn't waste it unnecessarily. If you have set yourself the goal of reaching a certain ballast weight, it is always better to reach that specific weight while taking up as little space as possible. For example, if to reach a certain weight you need to have a certain volume of cement, with lead you will get the same result with much less volume and therefore taking up much less space for ballast. Cement has a density that varies depending on the types of cement (there are more than one hundred types). The specific weight of cement varies from a minimum of 1400 kg/m3 to a maximum of 3200 kg/m3. The reference weight that is often used is that of Portland cement 3150 kg/m3. Now taking into account the case most favorable to you and comparing concrete with lead, for example it turns out that the latter is almost four times heavier. In other words, with lead instead of cement you will take up a quarter of the space intended for ballast. Using iron or steel you will be about a third of the way there. Why is it better not to waste space? All the volume recovered using ballast with the highest specific weight can be used to add or move mechanical or electronic equipment that you want to put on board. If you already have enough space for every type of electronic device imaginable then fill these spaces with very light, non-impregnable floating material. If you insert more than 34 dm3 of floating material your ship will be unsinkable. If I'm not mistaken, our estimates ranged from 32.16 dm3 (Rhinoceros calculation) to 32.2 dm3 (geometric/mathematical calculation). The largest estimate with the prismatic coefficient method gave us 33.8 dm3. (for those who are interested in this topic but have not understood what we are referring to, they can follow the link at the end of the text). With 36 dm3 I would feel safe. Logically, inside your hull (undersides plus topsides) you have much more than 36 dm3 available. To this you can add the volumes of the superstructures if necessary. The main question (sorry if you already wrote it and I missed it) is: how much weight do you want to dedicate to the ballast? Regarding this point, I remind you that oil tankers have a maximum immersion (full load of oil) and a minimum (completely empty). I wouldn't put all the ballast on immediately but I would keep at least five kg for subsequent adjustments. The transport and launching of this fantastic model is an operation that must be treated separately and which I will truly enjoy. It's not easy but the more difficult things are, the more interesting they are. It is certainly an operation that must be done by at least two people. https://model-boats.com/forum/131081

17 hours ago by AlessandroSPQR

Forum

Aerokits pt boat bulkhead plans wanted

Yes it is me on both forums. I have now found the plans .I do not do much with boats many rc gliders so do not post much

16 hours ago by andrewandrachelh

Forum

Calling it a day.

Bill, so sorry to hear the sad news. I am not a very wordy guy so I just want to echo the words and thoughts that have already been expressed. Len

17 hours ago by Len1

Forum

Calling it a day.

Good afternoon fellow boat builders. I have been an active member of our site for many years and along with most of you enjoyed every moment of it.(Thank you Stephen (Fireboat) for all your hard work. The banter, characters and fantastic projects have been superb.I have enjoyed posting items and helping others where I can. For the past 18 months I have been plagued by ill health that has forced me to stop my hobbies and many other facets of my family life and seen me spend more and more time In hospital. I have now sadly been diagnosed with a terminal diagnosis,with quite a short time span (so I’m advised) It would be nice to think the Dr’s are wrong I am now pretty much unable to do anything and building/sailing is almost impossible. I will continue to read items where I can to follow the many fantastic things you all do,but will not be posting. Keep up the great work one an all and happy days on the pond bringing up grandchildren to continue our hobby. Great Regards Bill PS…The answer is Titanic.😂😂😂

2 days ago by Scratchbuilder

Forum

Aerokits pt boat bulkhead plans wanted

I assume he has via Mahem as someone with a different name asked for exactly the same which would be too much of a coincidence. Maybe he will update us on here, if that is the case, but after only 2 posts over 14 years, both asking for plans, I'm not holding my breath! 🤔

18 hours ago by ChrisF

Blog

Ballst question

Alessandro, thank you for your response and your welcoming comments. I think I will be ok without immersing you in lengthy time consuming work on the computer. The ballast has to be removable therefore I will make forms to fit exactly the space between the frames and I don't have to resort to complicated transport and retrieval systems as luckyduck has been suggesting. I will pour the concrete and once cured remove the forms.

18 hours ago by JockScott

Response

Re: Lulonga River Tug

Very nice model, indeed! I made the hull of my model about 1 cm deeper, mainly because of the weight of the homemade paddlewheels. I also have problems with the strong wind, the model behaves as if it were sliding on ice. I think it would help to glue several longitudinal strips to the bottom, which would serve as a keel. Hopefully it could help. Tom

18 hours ago by tomarack

Response

Re: Russian K100D waterjet work boat

Hi LD, re air horns, odd thing is, they seem to prefer sirens on Russian boats. Hydrofoils, ferries etc all seem to have them. Also the 'ears' above the nav lights on this boat house front and back strobe lights for signaling various activities. I wondered what they were for when building the model, and a guy in the comments on the Russian YT channel ( showing the restoration of one) who had owned that model of boat, told me what they were for. Added info,- boats are powered by a 165hp Yamz 238 V8 165hp diesel, set up as standard in a truck, ie radiator, fan etc, no connection to outside water. JB

19 hours ago by jbkiwi

Forum

THE MOST ORIGINAL, STRANGE AND FAILURE SHIPS EVER BUILT IN THE WORLD.

The fourth bizarre, strange and failed ship on this list is BAZIN'S ROLLER SHIP. Even though I put it last, this is, in my opinion, the most extravagant of all. Just look at the photo to understand it. A steamship designed by Ernesto Bazin that moved on six enormous wheels. Not paddle wheels, but floating wheels, incredible. Yet this ship managed to cross the English Channel. This 1896 ship was 36.5 meters long, 13.7 meters wide and was powered by a 550 hp steam engine, she could reach 7 knots. I have not found any news of particular flaws or inconveniences but this ship did not arouse any interest in builders and owners. It's easy to understand why. Even if she worked well, which captain would be thrilled to command her? In short, it actually seemed a little too ridiculous perhaps. Later I found other news and much more data on the internet, very interesting, about this ship. I attach the link at the end but I warn you that I have not checked their reliability and I have not done any checking with the sources as I usually do. https://it.topwar.ru/121363-eksperimentalnoe-skorostnoe-sudno-ernest-bazin-franciya.html

20 hours ago by AlessandroSPQR

Forum

THE MOST ORIGINAL, STRANGE AND FAILURE SHIPS EVER BUILT IN THE WORLD.

Greetings to all naval modelers. After a while of browsing the internet, comparing texts and multimedia contents such as photos and videos, you realize that some ships or boats are much more "popular" for scale reproductions. Some are very frequent. The situation changes between static naval modeling and dynamic RC naval modeling. In RC modeling I have noticed a preponderance of tugboats, but other types are also frequent objects of choice. In static modeling, galleons and especially vessels are the favorites. I have seen many reproductions, for example, of the Amerigo Vespucci and Nelson's Victory. However, fortunately there is still a lot of variety. There are certainly periods less favored by modellers and there are many ships ignored but this is greatly influenced by the manufacturers. Logically, the most frequently made models are those made available in kit form. Yet there are ships that I have never seen in scale reproductions, let alone RC, and that no one would dream of making. They are extravagant, grotesque, unsuccessful and yet have not only been designed but have actually been built and used for some time. I am not referring to all ships with particular, original, out of the ordinary shapes or profiles (but still at the cutting edge in the technological field) such as, for example, stealth catamarans, war trimarans or the AC75 classes of the America's Cup, but of real flops. These are the ones I found. 1. The vessel CONNECTOR. This transport vessel was built for the Jointed Ship Company and was launched in 1863 at Blackwall on the Thames. She was a ship built in three independent segments. (first image attached). 2. The BESSMER ship. This passenger ship was launched in Hull in 1875. She was a ship with a passenger lounge capable of moving independently of the hull. (second, third and fourth images attached). 3. The battleship NOVGOROD. This warship of the Russian Navy represented the attempt in 1873 to obtain a more stable platform for artillery. She was a round ship. I think some modeller made this. (fifth, sixth, seventh, eighth and ninth images attached). 4. BAZIN'S ROLLER SHIP. This 1896 vessel was moved by six rollers that rotated above the surface of the water as the wheels of a car rotate on the road surface. (tenth, eleventh, twelfth and thirteenth images attached) Who knows if, one day, some modeller will ever have the courage to build one of these ships. I will insert a post in this topic for each of these ships mentioned. Do any of you know and have photos or information of other similar ships besides those already mentioned in the list)? Are these the only strange and grotesque ships ever to exist in the world?

9 days ago by AlessandroSPQR

Forum

Question of the Day?

Hmm... According to records Joshua Slocum did make stops, albeit only to resupply the Spray.

20 hours ago by TonyAsh

Response

Re: Ballast question

I hope the transport system to the place of sailing, and launch facility are strong - I see portable cranes coming into play - come to think of it what a cool way to pick up your boat from the back of the car/van on a crawler crane, with remote control, then that takes it to the launch site and carefully lowers the boat into the water, or even crawls into the water from a sloping beach!!🤔😂

21 hours ago by luckyduck

Response

Re: Ballast question

Hi Jock, you can ask me whatever you want, don't worry, it's a pleasure for me. If I don't know the answer or my knowledge isn't sufficient to answer you, I'll simply say: "sorry, I don't know". I was about to comment (doing some calculations without 3D drawing software, no need) on your post but before doing so I would like to know something else: Do you intend to place blocks of already solidified concrete in the hull and then fix them in some way or do you intend to make a casting inside the hold and then let it solidify in the hull itself?

21 hours ago by AlessandroSPQR

Response

Re: Lulonga River Tug

Hello Tim, I admit to using this boat on calmer days is best, as with any paddle steamer! I have opted for straight drive to the paddles with rudder control. I have added a clip on rudder extension that greatly improves steering. The 12 volt battery brings it down to just above waterline, the weight helps with wind drift. It is a calm weather boat though. Hope this helps !

22 hours ago by wmbc40

Response

Re: Lulonga River Tug

I was given this boat several years ago. It is a lovely boat but mine is uncontrollable. The slightest breeze blows it across the lake and the turning circle is non existent. Any suggestions welcome. Best wishes Tim

22 hours ago by tim morland

Forum

Question of the Day?

PhilH, one of the classics "are you being served". Made me chuckle 😃

1 day ago by Doogle

Forum

Question of the Day?

Cannot answer this one as I am sure the correct answer is not listed.🤔

1 day ago by MouldBuilder

Forum

Calling it a day.

Hi Bill, I am sorry to hear your news. But as others have said the doctors are not always right about these things. My late father in law was told he only had a few months to live but he decided to learn Tia Chi and lived another 30 years. Cheers, Stephen.

1 day ago by stevedownunder

Forum

I miss Graupner!!! And Robbe too.

Hi cashrc, I have a small line drawing of full size changes which I was going to do myself but happy to share. It looks like the update to the class I think it was Nos. 3, 8, and 11. A guess at mid 80s. The Graupner kit was issued in 1974 and maybe one of the longest continuous runs of the same kit ever. I can tell you a bit about Bugsier if you are interested as they are now the largest Towing company in the world, all done on English money! Roy

1 day ago by roycv

Forum

I miss Graupner!!! And Robbe too.

A few weeks ago my buddy Larry came over to do a trade with me, anto sweeten the deal he add 1 each of the old Graupner and Robbe catalogs. The Graupner is a 2003 catalog, the Robbe is 2004. Although they’re newer than the ones I had when stationed in Germany, they still brought back fond memories, as they both kept certain models in production for years, especially Graupner. I remember being stuck in a tent in Turkey with my well worn copy of the 90 Graupner catalog just waiting to get back to Germany to collect my per diem and spend a large amount of it at a hobby shop in Zweibrucken. Now, Graupner’s gone, except for the electronics, and Robbe is just a shadow of its former self. There are nice kits now…Dumas makes nice kits and the quality has gotten better, Krick is still around as is Aeronaut. Billings will be around forever. On the pricier side you have Deans Marine and Caldercraft, among others, who make kits with glass hulls and tons of fittings. But Graupner and Robbe were one stop shops. Kits! Radios! Hardware!! Etc!! The Asian models Graupner brought out were not bad, just the manuals were…almost useless. They got better after the Taucher Wulf but nowhere near as easy to understand as the older, German kits, and you got plans, not just a scale 3 view. But in their heyday they produced tons of aircraft, boats and some cars, even if the rc cars were rebodied Kyosho, Traxxas and PB. I need to stop reading these catalogs in bed…..🤣 Ok, I’m done waxing nostalgic, rant over. Cash

2 days ago by Cashrc

Forum

Question of the Day?

I'm surprised at the answer I would not have thought he would have sailed around the world, but then I saw his wife in "are you being served" so I think I might have sail around the world 🌎🤣🤣 PhilGB 👍

1 day ago by PhilH

Forum

Question of the Day?

Robin Knox Johnson was the first solo, 50 years ago, but he is not in the options!!! But now I cannot read my own post, this is daft! Roy

1 day ago by roycv

Forum

Calling it a day.

Bill, I turned 80 last month and my wife is right behind me. I don't have enough fingers and toes to count the surgeries I have had. I am very sorry to hear you diagnosis. As we go on there is less and less we can do, kind of like our limits are shaped like going down a funnel. You seem to have a sense of humor which helps distract some of the difficulties you and all of us will have to face. All I can say is try to hang in there as best you can, even if it is perusing these interesting discussions on model boats. I just looked at your "harbor" and you have an impressive fleet. Take care, and I do hope that you will get some better news along the way. Sincerely, Lew Florida, USA

1 day ago by LewZ

Forum

Question of the Day?

@Edw. yes. I spent the last hour looking for the "disable feature" button. I don't want to play this game anymore but its darn addictive 🤣

1 day ago by Rudy-M

Forum

Question of the Day?

Another one where the correct answer is none of the above. Robin Knox-Johnston Was the first solo non-stop circumnavigation of the world. Slocum stopped in many places in his three year voyage.

1 day ago by EdW

Forum

Wordle of the Day?

Eventually joined the cruiser in 5. Would have been four except for podgy fingers 👉 👈 👇 😂🤣

1 day ago by Doogle

Forum

Question of the Day?

Didn't know that, something new learned this morning 😊

1 day ago by Doogle

Forum

Calling it a day.

This branch of my life in a Senior community, I have.become too familiar with hearing a siren, and wondering if is an ambulance for one of us, or just a Sheriff on a chase. If is coming for one of us, we can only hope for a safe return. I can’t offer advice, as every situation is different. I do hope to spend time with my grandsons, so one may wish to help me with my projects.’ But I have found out here that you don’t have to pretend you are happy, as it is okay to have a crummy day. Wishing you strength in the days ahead.

1 day ago by Peejay

Forum

Question of the Day?

My internet is so slow by the time Jeantot did it someone else beat him to it. But as my history teacher always said, "Read the question!"

1 day ago by Rudy-M

Forum

I miss Graupner!!! And Robbe too.

Hi Roy. Any other pics of that boat? It’s interesting….

1 day ago by Cashrc

Forum

Calling it a day.

Bill, I really don’t know what to say. Along with the others here I truly hope and pray the diagnosis is wrong. Please, take care of yourself, get rest, and if you feel like it give us a holler here. One of the other posters regards this forum as a family….he’s right, and we’re pulling for you. Cash

1 day ago by Cashrc

Forum

Wordle of the Day?

Boarded the cruiser on two.😀

1 day ago by Cashrc