"Katie the Kayaker" was the inspiration and result many hours of work and head scratching by designer/creator and modelmaker Graham Royle who is a member of the Buxton Model Boat Club.

Grahams full blog of his "RC Kayak" project can be found here -
https://model-boats.com/blogs/111166?...
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Here is Gaham`s latest account of the - "Maiden Voyage"

Before the maiden (!) voyage, a quick head 'transplant' !! I'd like to introduce 'Katie the Kayaker' 😂🤣

It was with some trepidation that Katie was carefully launched onto the Buxton lake. An ideal day last weekend with very little wind. I knew she would float, but would she move, and be controllable? Well the answer is yes - sort of 🤔

Thanks to Philcaretaker for the video clip.

She managed to paddle out, turn and paddle back, which was a great start. At least she didn't need rescuing. Shame she wouldn't keep hold of the paddle!

The paddle blades are not feathered at the right angle. The starboard blade is at the wrong angle and is hitting the water causing the kayak to rock excessively from side to side.

Once back on dry land, the kayak was checked inside for water. There was just a drop but nothing to worry about, which was also a relief.

So, overall it was reasonably successful, but several teething problems to be resolved before the next outing.👍

January 2023 - Weather being kind for now and the end of the month saw a great selection of models out on the lake _ but not without incedents !.
NOTE :- Look out for the collision !! (around 0.30 seconds into the video). - thankfully no major damage. And the rescue right at the end !.

A mild start to 2023 enticed a small number of Buxton Model Boat Club yachting enthusiasts down to the local boating lake.

My children are young sailors in the making 😁

Graham Royle is a member of the Buxton Model Boat Club, he is also the creator and proud owner of "Bill & Ben" who have provided much entertainment to young and old a like, as they "Skull" around our local lake here in Derbyshire.
Graham informs me that Bill & Ben also have a new mate is coming to visit them early next year ???? - so watch this space !!.

Just for fun thought I would revisit a " fan assisted " Wee Nip . Looking again at issues such as noise, focus, changes in light and the suitability for various camera platforms for close encounters!.
Tested here at our local lake with the Buxton Model Boat Club.

(Dont forget to select the"cog" icon to veiw in HD quality on youtube)

Little outing back in the summer on the local lake.

Managed to capture some video of Brian Clewes' live steam TID tug on the lake this Wednesday 19 October. First chance for a proper sail and a bit more ballast needed.

Using the camera boats, we have a montage of clips here which help to appreciate the many variables between cameras and conditions around the lake at different times of the year.

Nice sunny day yesterday and we had a good turnout of models on the lake.

Getting more experience with new camera boat seeing how the gopro handles the varying light changes. Filming at different locations, while circumnavigating the lake.
Live streaming via the phone, changes to exposure etc. were applied in the final edit.
Again , thanks to Bill & Ben - and of course Graham !.

Hello everyone, I hope things are absolutely great in your neck of the woods...A great tug like this one being constructed in the local Toluca Lake shipyards, needs a good radar. I have gone with the @indows 95 look. I am also fully committed to adding some wooden IKEA sliding doors, they will be well-balanced, with a "fingertip touch" when I am through. I am following through with similar swung doors on the captain's cabin.