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LewZ
Admiral
1 / 13
SSMBC (Seminole, Florida, USA) Meet, May 17, 2026
We had a good meet and a nice variety of boats. Getting hot as the temperature rose just over 90F. Very light breeze allowed the boats to settle in the water nicely. One member brought his Costeau boat Calypso for its first and sounds like its last water adventure. Howard decided it was too fragile to handle. It features lots of lights and he has worked out a way of using house power to keep the lights running while on the shelf for display. No issues with the boats this time. I guess the storm troopers (Dave and Greg?) kept everything under control. They all came back under their own power. Hope you enjoy the photos.
Lew
Liked by Ronald and DWBrinkman and
chugalone100
Commodore
1 / 11
IMAI CHEBEC (Xebec) – 1/80 Scale Plastic Sailing Ship Model
IMAI CHEBEC (Xebec) – 1/80 Scale Plastic Sailing Ship Model
Rare Vintage Japanese Kit – Long Out of Production

This model was built from the highly regarded IMAI No. B-296 CHEBEC kit in 1/80 scale. Produced in Japan many years ago and now long out of production, this kit is considered one of IMAI's finest offerings and has become a rare collector's item.

IMAI was famous for the exceptional quality of its molds and engineering. Although this is a plastic kit, the parts were molded with such precision and detail that they convincingly reproduce the appearance of a finely crafted wooden ship model.

The Chebec (or Xebec) was a fast and elegant Mediterranean vessel used extensively by Barbary corsairs during the 17th and 18th centuries. Its sleek hull, pronounced overhangs, and distinctive lateen rig make it one of the most beautiful and exotic sailing ships ever designed.

This model is fully rigged and armed with:
• 20 deck-mounted cannons
• 20 swivel guns
• Detailed anchors, yards, spars, and standing and running rigging

One of the most striking features of the kit is the elaborate decorative carving along the port and starboard bulwarks and across the stern. To highlight these intricate ornaments, I carefully hand-painted every detail using my finest brushes.

The flags were custom made from the lead foil wrappers found around wine bottle corks. After flattening the material, I hand-painted the Algerian corsair designs and shaped them to appear as if they were fluttering in the wind, adding a dramatic and highly realistic touch to the finished model.

Additional features include:
• Ship's boat mounted amidships
• Ornamental stern gallery with gilded relief work
• Open deck grating and finely detailed deck furniture
• Hand-painted decorative motifs throughout

Even after many years, this remains one of my favorite builds. The combination of IMAI's superb engineering and the unique character of the historic Chebec resulted in a model that captures the grace, power, and mystery of the legendary Mediterranean corsair vessels.
Liked by Wolle and EdW and
EdW
Captain
1 / 2
Steam Launch
An outstanding steam launch built by one of our members.
The passenger is Lord Mountbatten.
Liked by AlessandroSPQR and Wolle and
EdW
Captain
1 / 3
Knightcote Model Boat Club open day
Last Sunday KMBC held an open day focused on lifeboats
There was a great turnout and numerous other clubs joined the event.
Here are a few pictures that I took with my phone, I will post more as soon as I have downloaded and sorted those on my camera.
Liked by AlessandroSPQR and DWBrinkman and
LewZ
Admiral
1 / 11
SSMBC meet on May 3, 2026.
Had a nice meet today, albeit a little cool. (Nice break.) Got some photos I am posting here. (The close-up photos of the American Scout are posted in the Media Gallery.)

Lew
Suncoast Scale Model Boat Club
Florida, USA
Liked by chugalone100 and Wolle and
1 comment
  • PhilHLieutenant Commander
    Lewz looks good meet lovely place to sail
    Philuk👍
    Liked by xtramaths
AlessandroSPQR
Fleet Admiral
1 / 24
Real images vs. AI-altered images
Just for fun, here are some real images and AI-altered images with real backgrounds.
Liked by Hsailer and Wolle and
15 comments
LewZ
Admiral
RC Florida (rcflorida.org) site is available
It is taking a lot of work (like building another medium size detailed RC scale model boat), but I am getting the new site running. It is not complete but the basics are in place.

The opening video is also on YouTube with the link below. Short and to the point, it has model boat videos in it if you are interested.

Lew
Liked by Wolle and Yabbie1 and
LewZ
Admiral
Suncoast Scale Model Boat Club meet on April 19, 2024
A light turn out and heavier that normal winds limited the number of boats in the water at this meet. Got some video and for the boats that did not "go for it" I have some video of them on the tables. On top of that we had to make two "rescues".

Lew
Liked by Wolle and MartyV and
BrianD3
Able Seaman
1 / 25
Making my Model Paddle Steamer
Hi all, I thought I would Sher with you a few photos of my paddle steamer I have just Made! it is not from any plans! it came from my head!!! I hope you Like? Brian.
Liked by Wolle and DWBrinkman and
1 comment

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