Hi Colin,
I still have a few airplanes, mostly FF, but agree with Dr John an airplane half-life is about one tenth that of a boat.
Here is my Clyde Puffer it's only 2D, a marquetry project.
And yes, there is great information on the internet.
Good Enjoyment with your build,
George

Good luck with your new build, whatever your choice. As a first model I would tend to keep it simple, and not too large, maybe no more than 30". If the size or build is too large you might find it daunting, or even be put off altogether. If you enjoy making your first model you will have learnt a lot and be motivated to try something a bit more ambitious. So, easy does it !
😉

Well folks, I’m in agreement with Garylc…. 30 - 36 “ boats are a reasonable size to work on.
I’m in the process of building a variance of puffer. M.V Raylight from scratch, she’s not steam…… but just as ugly !
Personally, when spending over a certain amount of money, I do my homework on reviews. Nothing more frustrating then spending an amount on a project and it’s all headaches along the way.

My dad laughs at me now….. some 40 years since school and now I’m doing my home🤓work

Hi Colin, as in your first post you asked for advice with regard to purchasing and building a Clyde Puffer, I am now in a position to offer some, advice that is having spent a few hours trawling the internet and looking for Clyde Puffers. I am hoping that at this stage of your search, you still have your money safe and still in your pocket or where ever. First off I must mention that on seeing the prices of Mountfleets offerings, I very nearly had a heart attack when I saw the cost, as the boat kits do leave an awful lot to be desired, with regard to quality and instructions. The Caldercraft puffer is cheaper at £409, but a little on the small side at only 26," I personally prefer around 30" to 36" a safer and more sensible size. Orion Mouldings do a very nice fiber-glass hull of a 36" puffer, plus a plan for £100. I also think that eBay is worth looking at as I found numerous puffers in various stages of completion at very reasonable prices, which I think might be worth considering. Best of luck with your search and let me know how you got on. Regards, Gary.

Collin:

If you haven’t done so already, I would do an internet search on Clyde Puffers and cClyde Puffer images.

I gathered a pretty good library of images that way. Also a couple of The Tales of Para Handy videos, taken on a puffer. I also have a few plans, now available through Sarik Hobbies.

(That is one of my problems. I have had a career of doing research, and have researched more ships, planes and other projects than I will have time to build.) At least I will be re-locating soon, so I will have room to at least restart some of my current ones.

As for steam - there are sound units simulating steam that can be wired to your motor to simulate engine speed. Less expensive and complicated than a steam engine.

Well, that’s my 2 cents. Welcome to the ship and boat modeling community! 😊

Hi Colin,

You are certainly not alone as very many members on this wonderful site built (and inevitably crashed!) countless aircraft in the past.

About 10 years back I wrongly thought that model boats would prove less of a challenge. However, I quickly found they are even more fun to build and sail than fragile aircraft - - with a far superior life expectancy! As a further bonus, I stopped losing my hair as soon as I made the switch.

As others have said, a puffer is an excellent first model; and like the real thing can be built with all kinds of atmospheric bits and pieces on it's deck.

I would, however, suggest not building one much over 24 inches long. This is as the beamy hull will lead to an extremely heavy model (without removable ballast) in a larger size.

Welcome and with very best wishes.

Dr John F. Leeds and Bradford. MBC. 😊😊😊

Colin T2
You are a very wice man! Moving from rc airplanes to rc boats. With boats it’s more difficult to crash. Enjoy thé building if thé pouffer
Regards
Herman lifeboatlover

Hi Dave - thanks for your reply, every comment or piece of advice is greatly appreciated
Regards - Colin

Hi ColinT2
I helped my friend build a puffer from a fibreglass hull from Martins Models ( no longer trading) several years ago, and now own the model. That was 48" but other than the size a typical puffer.
They make into very authentic replicas and apart from the rear cabin there is little superstructure and easy access to to the internals either via the large hatch or lift off cabin.
It may seem appealing to fit a working steam engine but not I suggest for a novice. Electric power with a large SLA will work well as it is a slow speed chugger. Ballast is a real feature as the hull is basically a small floating bath and will require lots of ballast to bring to the waterline.
We used water ballast flooding a fibreglass tank covering the bottom inside the hull with holes drilled in the bottom of the hull to allow entry and exit. I use a fish tank air tap to allow the air to escape out of the top of the sealed tank. Putting the 12v12Ahr SLA in the model cause it to sink and I close the tap when the correct waterline is reached. Removing the battery and opening the tap allows the water to drain out the bottom.
I believe both models from Mountfleet will be suitable for your purpose but size/weight and suitability for your car will probably define your final choice.
Good luck and enjoy the build. Any questions just ask.
dave 976

Hi Colin, well my friend if I was you which I am not but if I was, I would go for the Mountfleet Highlander which is a little bigger at 34" length and 8" width. This is my ongoing project although I have made very little progress in the last year. If you want to go for a real challenge you could try fitting a steam engine for the authentic just like the real thing look. Check out my short building blog on here by typing in search "Highlander Clyde Puffer,"Regards, Gary.