I was lucky to be given a kit for building a Thames Slipper Launch, the kit available from H.A. Kits who sell through Ebay designed is to be in 900mm length. The kit is basic and designed to be a static display model but with the option of it being motorised for R/C use.
The kit arrived very well packed and quite secure with a stand kit which he sells seperately and is available in several sizes.
I was very impressed with the laser cutting with pieces from the thicker sections taking some time to remove from the sheets but a little effort produced pieces which required little or no sanding of the edges. The thinner sections parted from the sheets with ease and again need little sanding.
Although the instructions are quite basic the pieces are all well marked and quickly the build becomes obvious.
At this stage I decided that I would build a working model but planned to finish it to as high spec as I was capable of and proceeded to consider options in the build process.

I apologise in advance if this goes on a bit.
Having finished sanding the hull I applied a couple of coats of sanding sealer. I then glued a 3mm square section of hardwood all around the inside of the gunwale right at the top edge this was to increase the glueing area from 2mm to 5mm when I finally get around to introducing the deck to the hull. Not long I hope now.
While waiting for all of this to dry and go off I designed and made the dashboard. I started by adding a veneer to the ply dashboard supplied and then added some pretty bits bought from a model supplier.
The last job before fitting the deck was to fit receiver, ESP, battery, rudder and servo, on the basis that once the deck is glued on then access to any of the above is to say the least limited. It is a bit of a `S` or bust situation so I just hope I have got it right. The motor fitted is a 500 as slipper launches were not designed for speed as it upset the ladies and their G&T`s.
I am now finally in the process of glueing the deck onto the hull and choosing to use Araldite as the sanding sealer will make normal wood glues useless. I have the rear half currently curing after which I will glue the front half, didn`t think it prudent to try to hold the whole lot together in one go.
Fingers etc. crossed in the hope that the next blog will be to report success.
Regards ChrisG

After a traumatic few days it was great to receive so many compliments on the build and the pictures of the slipper launch. Thank you all so very much.
I had a few days away in May and on my return logged onto MBW only to realise that I had a problem which got worse and worse and then terrible. Having 🤞missed the big `C` virus I had one on my laptop. I have a friend who looks after me regarding these things as I have no idea and his recommendations to cancel all cards etc. was taken.
To cut this story short I seem to have avoided the big defraud and it has only cost me a new laptop. Lucky eh!

Having finished The slipper launch except for 1/10 or 1/12 figures which I am struggling to find, any ideas?
I have started the new project although slowly due to the time of year, and that is to build a model of Bluebird of Chelsea Mr Campbells launch which in turn played a part in the evacuation of the Dunkirk beaches.
So this will appear as a new build blog in good time.
Thanks to you all ChrisG

Playing catch up and realised I had not posted pictures of finished launch, she is still lacking skipper and crew but has had her bottom wet and performed very much as expected i.e not very remarkable but like a serene old lady.

Thanks for all of the nice words, it is so lovely for someone who understands what goes into building a good model of whatever to admire your work, all too often at home the most usual comment will be, "so I suppose you will be spending more money building another, dont know where they will all go".
Saying that, now onto the next project and the subject of my next build blog.
Thanks and best regards from ChrisG