Very nice Colin. Love the twin cylinder steam with the green cylinders.
Cash

Hi Bassman, my plans are for the 24” version, and reading through the trail, yours might be the larger versions. Let me know your size 🤣 and I’ll send through email if you PM it to me. 👍

Thank you Chris and Stuart.

The plans would be very handy 👍

From the photos I'm assuming it's the bigger 47" version at 1:8 scale (which as said you can get fittings for) rather than the oddly scaled 1:11 version at 34". They were available with timber or fibreglass hulls.

As well as the drawings offered by Stuart I have some you might find useful - I've PMed you so that you can give me your email.

Chris

As mentioned before SLEC sell all the huntsman deck fittings.
Good luck and don’t forget if you need full size plans, I have them.

Good morning Cash, we only display as statics, as insurance costs very restrictive.
Although the motors I have are all runners, mostly after major rebuilds.
Pictures of just a sample few.
Cheers Colin.

Colin, do your display engines run? Not trying to pry just curious if they’re static or if you and others run them at displays.
Cash

I’m with Colin. If this were mine, I’d pull the Taplin Twin and restore the boat with electric power. Then I’d get that Taplin Twin unstuck, cleaned up, set her up for an aircraft prop if possible, mount her ona bench and listen to her sing!!
When I used to fly I was one of 3 people in a fairly large rc club that knew how to run and tune diesels. My wife doesn’t like the smell of them but I think the scent is just great!!
Anyway, very very nice find, I hope you enjoy getting her up and running!
Cash

Hi Chris, not knowing the manufacturer of the kit I just went for the closest sizewise. It will be for reference mainly, and I do plan on deconstructing the superstructure and using it as a pattern.


I have been gathering lots of pics from the Internet for a reference too, and am keen to have a go scratch building some bits n Bob's too.

Have only really built one boat from plan (about 30 odd years ago) with my dad doing most of the "tricky" bits. I did swap out the old diesel engine and put in an Enya 40 when I was about 14, on the old crash tender, then installed the radio gear too.

My job is quite technical and involves lots of problem solving and fabrication work, so (maybe naively) am hoping some of those skills will help here too.

Have plenty of experience assembly plastic models but don't mind admitting I am a bit green when it comes to this stuff.

However that said, I'm not adverse to listening to and taking advice from seasoned modellers, and am looking forward to the journey.

Pretty sure I will make one or forty mistakes along the way, but thats the best way to learn 🙂.

So please feel free to offer advice and tell me that I am making a pigs ear if that's the case - I won't be offended 👍

And any pointers for the best places for deck fittings etc would be great fully recieved.

I really do want to try to get the twin diesel running, as i think it would really suit the period feel of the boat. So that's the first area I will be tackling.

If anyone has any reference on needle settings from factory for one, that would be awesome👍

Cheers for now

I don't know what building experience you've got so apologies if I'm teaching granny to suck eggs. I'm a bit of a Fairey enthusiast!

As you probably know those plans are for the much smaller and simpler build e.g. flat deck so the cabin/cockpit sides will be a different shape. They are useful as reference but you will be better off taking the superstructure apart and using the pieces as templates. As well as those drawings Dave produced those for the Modav/Precedent kits and the Fairey SLEC kits though not the big 47" Huntsman 31 as that was done in-house.

Chris

What a buy👍👍👍👍👍Good luck with the rebuild.
Rick

Super find, don't worry if you can't get the engine to go, I'll buy it for my vintage display that I take to vintage shows.
Can't wait for your next instalment on the refurb.
Cheers Colin.

I've ordered a set from Cornwall model boat Co. I took a punt as they were only £12.00.

I have toyed with a gearbox and twin props.... its not a firm no yet 🤣

Good idea with the deck, planking makes all the difference. Not done it myself but if you are going for a scale model it should really have twin props and rudders - only joking!

Out of interest which drawings have you gone for as that will be an early Modav/Precedent model.

Chris

Thank you Stuart, I have ordered a set of plans as I want to rebuild the superstructure.

I think there is a pool in Maldon, for me I am more looking forward to the build.

I plan on removing the veneer from the deck and planking it, I have a goal of an accurate scale model, so fingers crossed. 🙂

Good find there. The hull is where all the work is with the Huntsman 31 so having one already built gets you off to a flying start.

A bit far off now but do you have somewhere you can run it with the IC engine?

Chris

I built a Fairey Huntsman from a SLEC kit about 2 years ago and they have quite a few items for a huntsman if you need parts. I used an electric motor but all else looks the same.
Good luck and if you need plans or build instructions I can copy and send to you. 👍

Yes, Taplin's and Gannets are definitely worth a few bob, as is an OS 61 four-stroke fitted with a clutch and starter motor. Regards Gary.

With regard to IC engines and blasts from the past, a couple of my engines both of which are pleasantly clean. A 4 stroke OS 61, and a 2 stroke SC 75. Regards, Gary.

A beautiful Taplin Twin, a blast from the past, fit a really good silencer to the engine and try and convince the jobsworths it's an electric sound card and smoker. As a crying shame not to restore it as it was with its original power source. Regards, GARY. (Please post a photo or two when the engine is cleaned up and reassembled.) As a few more IC ENGINES would not go amiss on here.

Hi Colin,

It looks in very good condition, so am hopeful it will run well too.

I'm still 50/50 on keeping the engine in the boat, but I do also like the idea of running twin motors. Converting to brushless does appeal for the convenience and easy of running, but the nostalgia is also trying to win by keeping an ic in there.

I could always go twin glow?

From the little research I have done so far, these taplins seem to be worth good money, so maybe that can fund a twin engine conversion?😎

Now it's out get googling for the engine data, manufacturing dates etc.
Good clear numbers on crankcase.
It's looking good, which is a pity as it would have looked good on my vintage display.
Well done shipmate, cheers Colin.

Now all it needs is a good polish, new bearings and reassembly.
Great to see it coming back to life.
Cheers Colin.

That you so much Chris, very helpful.

I thought it was but not sure. Plenty of room!

Here's a couple of threads to get you started. Had a quick look on here but couldn't find anything.

The first one is the smaller 34" version and uses brushed motors but still has some useful info. and the second uses the 47" H31 hull (says 41" but it's a typo) and brushless. Many of us use simpler motor mounts, but again still useful. If it was me I'd go for bigger motors, something like Overlander Thumper V3 4250/06 800kv running on 4S LiPos. Brushless are great motors and very powerful but I like to have something in hand! If you want exposed prop shafts like the original then if you can't make them as shown then they are available.

https://www.modelboatmayhem.co.uk/forum/index.php/topic,64796.0.html

https://www.modelboatmayhem.co.uk/forum/index.php/topic,64836.0.html

Hi Chris, it's the 47" version.

👍

Will look nice when back together.

Whilst I've not done a twin motor set up I can point you in the direction of builds that have and can suggest motor sizes etc.

It will be better if contra-rotating, which is no problem with brushless motors and LH and RH props are available.

What length is your model?

Chris

Hi Colin,

I think I am going to sell it on to be honest. There is a non runner on ebay that seems to getting some good interest.

My thinking is that the funds raised from selling the taplin, will be enough to cover the conversion to electric, possibly even twin.

I suppose that means you're keeping it.
Well done shipmate that's a motor to be proud of, you've done a fine job resurrecting her.
Can't wait to see it running, cheers Colin.

Thank you Chris,

Very helpful.

Those are for the earlier Huntsman 28 which has the blunter bow like the Huntress. The cockpit coamings are similar though.

When I'm back home I'll email you the drawings I did for the Sport.

Chris

I ordered the plans from Cornwall model boats, in my hast it didn't even realise it wasn't the same model 🙃.

I think I am going to build it as a sport, you're right it does look better, and less bulky.

Will get ordering some ply today I think.

Thanks again for the advice.
👍

Interesting that you have some Sport plans. I think it look great and started building that version but I sold my big 47" one and as I have a number of full open cockpit Faireys, a Huntsman 28 and two Huntress 23s, I converted it to the more common aft cabin version.

I think the open cockpit shows off the sleek lines of the hull better and it would be nice if you built that version, but your call of course.

As for glues, many of us use aliphatic resin (I use Deluxe Materials) for general construction and cyano for smaller areas and rubbing strips etc. SLEC is a good source for ply.

Chris

Removing the old stuffing box/prop tube.I have successfully removed 5 so far using a slight twisting pressure while applying heat using a large soldering iron.
This has worked for me in hulls made of wood and ply, fibreglass, abs. It helps if you can have a second pair of hands, my wife helps me.
As for glue for the rebuild, my preference is aliphatic, but have also used waterproof wood glue of various makes. It's only my preference, others will give you more guidance.
Cheers Colin.