I bought this boat second hand about 15 months ago, built and supposedly ready for the water, but although the exterior looked good, the shafts were rusted into the shaft tubes.
The model came with a transport/storage box and a display stand. I have discussed the model with Dave Metcalf (formerly of Model Slipway) and sent him some pictures and he has told me that it is one that he built - so this model is definitely worth returning to the water.
Other than minor cosmetic issues, the prop shafts and tubes are the only issue. I have removed one without any collateral damage (not easy as DM had installed them very thoroughly!) and have made a start on the second.
I now have to decide what to replace the shaft tubes with - the underwater fittings and the hole in the hull are for 8mm tubes, so my choice is limited. The de-luxe option is a pair of Raboesch prop shafts & tubes - but at a price - £120 for the pair, or I can use the simpler but equally sturdy tubes from Model Boat Bits, who have supplied the majority of the prop shaft assemblies in my other boats and all function well. The cost for a pair of these complete with oilers is £32.00 - quite a difference.
As this is not a high powered or fast vessel, I am inclined to go for the latter option and save myself nearly £90 in the process. As a pensioner, I do not have unlimited funds available.
Does anyone have any other opinions on my choice? It is a lovely model with an interesting provenance, but I suspect that the MBB shafts will be good enough - the model was originally fitted with similar shafts.