For over 60 years the "model boat" pond at Lake Seminole Park (Seminole, Florida) has been a popular place for R/C model boats. I know that is only a short time compared to our Euro friends, but keep in mind that Florida was not a well populated state 150 years ago.

Today, I was at our meet (not many ther, too hot) and I found Pinellas County Parks had moved the dock about 3 feet further away from the shore. They also added two safety rails on the corners of the floating dock (about 8' X 35') at my request. I must say they have been very responsive to my requests.

From my view I feel that this is one of the best natural facilities in the state, perhaps in the US for model boating.

Lew

Here's a short video to show the working features of the Pilot Boat.
Robbob.

Direct links for info:- ( see Grahams new fireboat !!! )
https://model-boats.com/places/60518#155196
https://buxtonmodelboatclub.co.uk/

After about 6yrs of the model being 'laid up', I thought it was about time to get it back in 'survey' again, and get some better videos with new camera. Checked it over, cleaned the smoke system (glycerin mixture had separated) oiled everything up and off to the pond. Ran as well as ever and everything still worked which was pleasing.

For those who missed the build blog way back, the model is 36", glass over strip planked balsa, has twin 28mm 2000kv inrunners with twin 60A car escs, twin GT Power sound units, a smoke and water exhaust system (developed by myself and Graham 96, -which he and Mike Turpin successfully fitted to their excellent fireboats) and lighting. Uses 2 -2s 2200mah LiPos for the motors, and an 1800mah 2s LiPo for the air and water pumps.

Boat was shipped to the RNZAF in 1940 and was eventually sold to a private owner in the late 50s. It is still around in Auckland after suffering 3 major modifications to the coamings, and is now fully airconditioned, and can be operated from an I Pad. Today powered with a Detroit 8V96 in place of twin Grey Marine (Detroit) 671s, which replaced the 3 original Napier sea lions. Did 38knts with the 3 Napiers, (1500hp) and does 22knots today with a single 500hp Detroit. It was the only one of the 22 built to be sold in the southern hemisphere. The only other one running is HSL 102 in the UK

I have been on board once in 1968 when it was still in original form, and then again 50yrs later in its' present form.

JB

List Of All The J Class Yachts Built

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General Sailings on the Pond 13 August 2025 at Southport - Part 2

General Sailings on the Pond 13 August 2025 at Southport - Part 1

Final Sea Trials of HMS Newcastle @ SMBC 120825

The two builds for my grands and my unfinished Yukon river tug.

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General Sailings on the Pond 10 August 2025 at Southport - Part 1