"Just for fun" - we aim to share pics/clips from other clubs / activities.
Many thanks to Website "Webmasters" Graham and Rob at both our featured clubs - Links below.
https://buxtonmodelboatclub.co.uk/
https://himbc.co.uk/
https://model-boats.com/

This "RAF Crash Tender" was built by Graham93 who is a member and contributor to Model Boats Website.
Listen to video summary for more information from Graham93 on the video commentary.

Inspired by jbkiwi's experiments on a smoker, and interested in developing one for my Crash Tender I have built an experimental rig based on using an e-cig for the smoke generator and an air pump. The air pump is driven by an electronic lash-up which pulses the pump at a rate depending on the throttle setting. The video shows two tests, first with the water off, then with it on.

I recently bought this boat as a part built project. it was started by the previous owner in 1973 but then put in the attic in 1974 and stayed there till this year. Sadly many of the plastic parts have become very brittle or are missing so having to source replacements plus the fittings were made to british standards and are now made in metric sizes, but getting there slowly

Vosper Fire Boat (Crash Tender) a Vintage Aerokits Model 1:16 scale and is 34 inches long, produced from 1950's to 1970's.
This model uses a Vintage Ripmax Bullet 30 DC motor that can run on 24v here it is only on 14.4v it becomes lively on 16.8v.

Brought this vintage Aero Kits RAF Crash Tender for £50 from Newcastle area, it is the 34in version.
To my surprise at home I found that it had a Bullet 30 motor installed these motors were the top drawer motor of early fast electrics in the early 1980's and its the only one I've ever seen, it can run on 24v and pull around 15A giving 300w not bad for a brushed motor.
due to the power of this motor I have modified the hull under the water line with turn fins and trim tabs to reduce torque roll and improve turning stability, the underside is incorrect already as it only has one propshaft, where the original had two and I believe that both props turned in the same direction.

The Pictures here show some of the work in progress I have remounted the motor and added a speed controller rated at 24v
I have remade the stern compartment and rudder gear under it.
I have blocked windows and foamed the front half of the boat.
made missing parts and repaired delaminating ply.

Note old ply is not as good as modern, the glue is not as water resistant.

Have painted the hull and have just ordered the decals from Cornwall model Boats :-https://www.cornwallmodelboats.co.uk/cgi-bin/sh000001.pl?WD=hose%20fire&PN=becc_fire_tender%2ehtml#aB_2dFTS1_2e32

The 34in is 1/16 scale

Fitting can be brought but many are cast white metal and can add weight to the boat, I have made two water cannons and plan to buy plastic fittings from this site.

This has turned out to be a task that is difficult to assess how much effort and money to spend on a hull that has been built by someone else (say no more).
Have just finished the steps for the stern compartment.
Painted and now for the test run.
the Bullet 30 motor ran well between 14 and 18v,

By way of a contrast I found some video from 2014 at the St Helens Open Day.
Beautiful scale model Crash tender operating at some speed.
Nostalgic or wot.
Great model Paul and well sailed
Dave

Nice sunny Sunday Sail at Boundary Park so took the Crash Tender for a spin
28XX brushless 11.1v 2200 Lipo 35mm three blade brass prop.
Uses 30 amp cars ESC with small fan.
Tx set to 55% on throttle otherwise it takes off. Rudder throw at 50% for same reason. Switchable to 100% for slow speed manouvers.
Great fun.
Dave

Running brushless with 11.1v lipo at Mary Stevens Park in Stourbridge, West Midlands

Started the boat when I was eleven, now I am sixty-nine.inspired by your site and want to complete it and sail it.

This poor boat has been in several attics over the last 40 years and I finally I decided last year that I would get to grips with it and do my best to have it's construction finished. This website has been very helpful and so a big thank you to all you talented chaps out there for being such an inspiration.
Although I now see mistakes dotted here and there, I was proud to raise the RAF ensign on the 3rd of March and then be able to say that the job was done. Granted it's only a static model and I'll need a lot of help and advice if ever I'm to install an engine but I thought it would be a good idea to share my efforts, mistakes included.

HI I done a lot of work on this fire boat with the paintwork it still need a lot of work to be to her she is 46" long .
I put in a new brushless motor and speed controller runs on 7.2 v batteries