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

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?

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.

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

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

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

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

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

Boatshed, as I'm not a speed freak, most of my boats run on 12v 7ah sla's, some have 2 of these giving me a good day out on the water. As LiFePO4 Battery is almost half the weight of sla's and the lifespan is greater the extra cost is well worth it for me. Cheers Colin.

Hi Mike, I dig the pile of paperwork, but I couldn't find it. Anyway I found the Clevedon and a piece of Stuart (I guess). Please find them in the attachment. Anyway, I have a Clevedon unit (I bought it during the weekend together with a Cheddar Puffin). I don't want it. If I need any type of steam electronic control I use Denes Design. Like the Gas Controller: https://www.denesdesign.co.uk/products/gcu-gas-control-unit Denes

Very nice. Who makes the drive shafts and pillow blocks, been looking for a source. Len

Lew nice video of your Springer tug. Thanks for making it and sharing it. Very enjoyable and gives me added momentum to finish my Springer twinster. Len

Hi all, On 28 April this year we have our baptisms at the club. "Aline" will be baptised on this Sunday. We are hoping for great weather. Keep your fingers crossed! By the way, my granddaughter Aline is the godmother. I named this boat after her, this is her favourite boat. Greetings Michel-C.

Hi Model Boaters Please help me out. I am looking for an International Association / Federation that represents RC Boating. I have all the Model Power Boat / Radio Sailing Associations and Naviga. I'm looking for something similar to the latter but with an actual contact person / number to contact for collaboration in Africa.