Tarpon from Model Boats Plans Service, plan No: MM494.
I saw a model of this boat freshly constructed in the early 1960's, with Valve radio gear, Tx and Rx.. Mesmerized is probably the correct word, because of the hull lines, hull dimensions and the radio control, "Bang Bang" rudder control and a Diesel engine for it's power. Perhaps the fact that it covered our small pond in a very small time, was also a contributory factor, But it did and has lovely lines. The Tarpon was started as an "in between build", whilst waiting for either glue or paint to dry, but it did take over, and is now waiting for paint.. Regards Muddy

Build progress, Keel is 5.5mm ply sandwiched between 3mm ply either side, the bulkheads are 5.5mm ply, Planking is 6mm x 3mm Obechi strip glued to adjacent plank and pinned on each bulkhead. The planks are a continuous lay side by side, so a curvature in the planks is apparent at deck level. When the planks are at waterline thereabouts, checked out the fitting of the propshaft, and called into action the old trusty propshaft drill, a modified scrap propshaft tube with a bush removed, two cuts made at 90 degs: across it's face and then filled up as cutting teeth, bending two opposite teeth outward and two opposite teeth very slightly inward, this is to give the tube plenty of cutting room, Being brass it blunt's pretty quick, but is resharpened just as quick.

Once the furniture (drive motor rudder and radio gear ) had a first fix/located, the hull was planked, started on the deck with .8mm ply, this did not look right, so decided to plank over the ply and as suitable timber was " in stock ". I think the planks are Lime, and the caulking is .5mm Mahogany.

Once the deck's were planked, time to clean up and start on the superstructure. Have never had a boat with a drop in superstructure. They all appear to be fitted as "drop on" type siting on/over a deck combing. This was one big ( foo-parrr ).. So blindly crashed on, building a drop on top..
This mistake didn't really come to light until i drew out the cabin sides , but by this time the combing was well glued and pinned, knowing from past whoopsies or non conforming to drawings it just gets worse as you go along. The deed was done and decided to crack on, if in the finish i don't like it, then i will rebuild the top and dispose of the deck combing. Fitted a Mahogany stem and veneered the transom. Gave the deck's a couple of coats of varnish, 20/80 thinners-varnish.

Hello, after a winter recess, started the inners furniture, Motor mount, Battery Box and Rudder servo box, plus a dab of paint here and there inside, i have found that a dab of paint inside does help with maintenance, especially when you loose something inside the hull, it tends to be more visible and things are easier to locate. One of the pics shows the Basset Lowke deck ventilators, these were a gift some years ago found in an auction house. Purchased at the time for a few coppers..
The hull has a coat of paint now, and can be Tank Tested..
Many Thanks Muddy.

Hello, Painting the "Furniture", Hull, Battery Box, Motor mount and rudder servo box, which includes the all important radio setup, Set-up of throttle and rudder servo, direction and throw.
Muddy....

Hello, Started the upper works, and it looks something alike, this is because of the early mishap with the deck opening and making the removable cabin a Drop on unit whereas the original Tarpon cabin was a Drop in unit.. Things had to be altered which made it awkward as a build as you go thingy which takes time.. I should have paid attention in the first place to the drawings. The construction is finished and paint applied, ( I hate painting ) .
She is now at the stage of testing time, or as i used to say "a chuck it in the bag time".. in the 60's I used a duffle bag slung over my shoulder for transportation to the local Cut, by push bike of course, even worse later on when we acquired a Motor cycle, more damage was done in transit than actually sailing. So most models finished up with very little in decorative things, as in cleats , bollards and masts.
Muddy....

Hello, All sorted ready for the water, but forgot to have a test tank run..Urghhhh !

Hello, Not so good at the pond, with the drive motor a 386, only managed walking speed, even at 12 volts, but must say there were very clean lines and little to no water disturbance.. Back in the workshop, a 777 motor was found and fitted, with a new motor mount plate and a rewire.. Fingers crossed.
Muddy ....

Hello, with a motor and prop refit, Tarpon went for a float test.
Speed was suitable, she attempted to get on the "Plane", but it
just aint cricket for a bilge hull.. As the man said " That'ul do ".
Good cruising/walking pace and running time.. She is now relegated to an Infill or between builds boat..
The 777 motor did the trick, with a 3 blade 35mm prop running on 7.2 volt Nimh 3500 ma battery pack.
No, where's the bag o'plans and/or the plans handbook..
Happy sailing Muddy....