I wanted to try the driveshaft brake I'd recently fitted and thought I might as well do it on an actual ramp. This ramp has around a 30deg slope so it was a good spot for a test. Tried it with just the trailer first, (don't want my boat model disappearing down the ramp at high speed) and it worked well. I've done another vid where I but a 3kg water bottle on the trailer to simulate the weight of the boat, and that also worked well (although it's a bit scary when 13lbs starts rolling down the ramp backwards.

Lost the trailer a few times going over a big join in the ramp ( forgot the tow ball lock nut) so had a few goes to get it right. I was surprised how well a piece of string round the driveshaft could hold that weight so easily. Only negative is that it's not as good in forward, (would need another wound the opposite hand on the shaft) but that's not as important as reverse control. Still waiting for the weather and tides so I can try another launch. This ramp's not bad, but a little rough !

This is the four foot Sterling model of the Chris Craft Corvette with sound module installed. I was able to reupload the video after using "Handbrake" software. Appears youtube doesnt like lower resolution videos.

First time in the water for my 1/48 scratch built model of MV Overchurch Mersey Ferry. No extra ballast required and she responded well to the transmitter.

More changes, (not again you say😐) this time the original nozzle was re fitted, as I found that the very clever improvement I made, (a flasher, smaller, better fitting brass one), wasn't so clever after all (can't be brilliant all the time😁) and was restricting the flow. The performance was quite a bit better today (still not startling) and it seems obvious now that MORE POWER will be the next step (have a higher KV, 35 sized brushless coming on the sampan to try).

Had a chat with a long time expat UKer (ex British army) at the pond today, and he mentioned that he has an Aerokits fireboat 'kit' still in the box he hasn't started, (you might be able to hear the conversation) and that he was modelling in the 60s in the UK, running diesels in his boats. He was sailing a Kyosho Seawind today (as was the other guy),- and they look like a nice little yacht, and sail well.

RC Stern Trawler - "Majestic" by Thunder Tiger. Model owned by Buxton Model Boat Club member Adrien.

For more photos, highlight and click the following link :-

https://model-boats.com/places/60518

Going fishing - through the Dire Straits with Mark & David . - Just for fun !.
Christmas greetings to all !

For more photos follow link :-

https://model-boats.com/places/60518

Just a couple of Submarines - from BMBC local Buxton Model Boat Club Submarine enthusiasts.

DONT FORGET - More photos can be viewed on the link for " BOATS CLUBS & LAKES "

( Highlight the link, then Right click go to > )

https://model-boats.com/places/60518

Second test was slightly better, using the aluminium spiral cut universal which came with the jet unit. As you can probably hear, it was horribly out of balance (even with cable ties to reduce it). It was not even drilled centrally and the spiral is right hand when it should be left hand, (like a spring twisted against the wind, it wants to deform). Slight improvement in speed on the first test (no slip this time) but the noise was horrendous.

Have pulled the jet apart and found that the 3 blade prop is around 1 mm too small for the hole, causing cavitation (see loads of bubbles in the jet stream) which is causing loss of thrust. The prop is the wrong type as well, with rounded blades, so I have modified a larger prop with more pitch to fit snugly in the unit to hopefully increase thrust. The shaft is also wrong, with a flat cut almost half the diam and carrying on through the bearing, allowing the grease to fly out.

I actually saw a Chinese site on Al Expr stating that "some dimensions on the product may be different due to the number of machines and operators involved in its' manufacture," SERIOUSLY!!??? their quality control must be utter crap and the operators not skilled enough to eat their lunch😐 Why bother having a dimension at all?? Little wonder nothing fits properly.

Unfortunately, most model shops sell the very same stuff, unless you want to shell out muchos dolleros for European stuff. I have just ordered some 4mm silver steel to make a new shaft, so a coupling or silicone tube will fit better. Also ordered some solid connectors to try. Vibration is wasted energy so it needs to be eliminated. Hopefully the mods will improve things and allow the motor to run on 4s rater than 3s. Worked out that the motor is only 1200KV, so it's only doing around 13,000 rpm under load. Probably will need around
18,000 rpm for proper performance. Onwards and upwards (or forwards as the case may be.😁)

Sorry about the blurry vid again, but my camera lens is knackered.

"Fairey Huntsman" - Following renewed recent interest from Model Boats Website members,
here are three variations from BMBC members of the popular "Huntsman".

(Ref from Wikipedia)
Fairey Huntsman / Fairey Huntsman 28 / Fairey Huntsman 31: The design of the Huntsman and its smaller sister, the Huntress were the inspiration of Ray Hunt and designed by Alan Burnard.

Some details of Thor. - by Dean Ratcliffe.

Thor is a freelance design of a multicat vessel. These rather unusual ships are real workhorses, designed as a work platform, often with a hiab crane. The square hull gives a large flat deck, with plenty of open space for a work area or for deck cargo. The design also enables the vessel to be used as a tugboat, either pushing or towing and are often equipped with large deck winches and strong points for this purpose. A true Swiss army knife of the sea, able to adapt to most roles, some even have additional internal fuel tanks for refuelling other vessels.
More info found on -
Model Boats Website - BoatClubs & Lakes - Buxton Model Boat Club

https://model-boats.com/places/60518

Just a short relaxing montage of memories.
Local model club members sailing at various locations in and around Derbyshire after first lockdown !.⛵⛵⛵⛵⛵

Haven' seen water in a while so off to the harbor . This was one of the first models I'd ever built in 1974 . I went with my girlfriend to a little creek at Confederation park just in front of the old Hutches fish & chip shack put it in and the rudder jammed full over and it corkscrewed and sank I jumped in without realizing water was only about a foot deep and two feet muck . Moral of the story is she's still my wife .