Forum

powered winches for pusher tug.

I wanted to be able to attach a to the bow pusher posts of my Egrete Pusher tug. BUT did not want to simply use a couple of bits of elasticated rope, would not really look "right" or would be prone to failure. So after a bit of searching around I found a nice little geared motor set/kit In Maplins, think It was only A£9.99 or less, I know Is wasn't much. Anyway, It was possible to swap teh gears about a bit till I got the speed of the winch drum to a nice slow pace, so not to grab at the winch cables too quickly and cause problems. The motor assembly comes with Its own mounting plate, so nice and easy to mount Inside the winch house of the pusher tug, the cables ran through the actual cable pipes through the forward bulkhead. All I had to do was make sure that the actual "tow posts" on the were bonded deep In to the hull of the , to take the load, especially when turning. The motor operates on 3v so I just used a maplins twin AA battery pack, and wired up a couple of micro switches on top of a normal servo. So by using one channel of the transmitter, I now had "in/out" control over the winch via one of the joysticks.

12 years ago by Gregg

Blog

Ketch ''Pearl of Ipswich''

Hello, As I have mentioned before, I like the workboats from the age of sailing. The sailing s caught my interest some time ago on one of my stays in the UK and I recently purchased a number of books on them. interesting history, more to it than I realized. Finally decided to build a Ketch that is categorized as a Boomie as well. Several reasons; I wanted to model one of the larger ones, this one is 85', and I like gaff rigged boats with booms. Topsails a must as well and I like ketches. This one fits the bill and who could resist the chance to set 7 to 8 sails! Frank Carr's book tells the story of the Pearl and included plan, elevation, lines and sail plans. Nice bit of information, I can build with that. See attached photos. This will probably be a lengthy build, my Falmouth Gaff-rigged Cutter took me two years. I built that one while on assignment in Grand Cayman using only my small kit OD hand tools. More to come, hope to start this week. Cheers, Joe

5 years ago by Joe727

Blog

PS Enterprise

This model is intended to be used to carry camera such as a go pro. my current camera vessel is a and I can't turn the without it looking bad on video so I wanted a vessel that can move under its own power but not too fast. The model is 1/20 and will have 2 paddles wheels, one on each side. This particular vessel is currently in Canberra NSW but it used to operate in Uchuka NSW.

5 years ago by rcmodelboats

Forum

Vale of Glamorgan Model Boat Club

I know the Herne Bay lake as I lived in Whitstable at one time, but in those days was sailing real boats. Models hadn't entered my life. Herne Bay in common with our lake is lucky in having concrete all round and at a height that makes launching and retrieval easy. Some wonderful models at the regatta, that's what comes of living in the rich South East. Good model, I couldn't decide if it was Sara or Veronica. The Association of Model Owners hold a race day at Herne Bay each year. Thank you for showing us the video.

5 years ago by Nerys

Response

Re: find

Hi Ken, I've just found in a post on another website dated 2014 that Speedline were marketing an updated version of the HFM kit. Named Annie. I have seen on their website a kit stated to be an improved version of the Annie. Sounds about the same size as your kit. I have heard that Speedline are difficult to contact. Might help, All the best, Nerys.

5 years ago by Nerys

Forum

looking for plans

Hello, I am a new boy. I used to make radio controlled a/c when I was a teen and early 20's but that was a hundred years ago.!!! I was in Holland this year and saw a dutch fishing model so fancy having a go at building same. Has any one got plans or advice as to how to go about this. I think I will need some words from seasoned builders if i am to be able to do this. Thank you.

5 years ago by frederick

Forum

Re: Build manual/ instructions

Hi, try this > https://docplayer.net/44439682-Building-a-model-thames-sailing-.html I can reccommend Model thames sailing s at facebook https://www.facebook.com/groups/1036890286476399/ Tom

5 years ago by tomarack

Forum

Build manual/ instructions

Hi all I have been asked to renovate a Thames sailing , after some research I have discovered that it is this one https://www.modeljetdrives.com/thames-.html Does anyone know where or have the build manual/ instructions that they could copy and email for me Thanks Ron

6 years ago by kmbcsecretary

Forum

Rigging a model

Hi, here I put rope diameters (above mentioned) . Kathleen ropes - in attachment

5 years ago by tomarack

Forum

Rigging a model

I am building a model Thames sailing and have reached the stage of spars and rigging. I am wondering what to use to make the main shrouds and forestay. Pictures that I have seen look as if it is a model rope product rather than a wire. Can anyone tell me what they have used please.

5 years ago by Nerys

Forum

Rigging a model

Many thanks for your advice. I think you have confirmed what I had worked out from looking at pictures of model s and other craft, however the very comprehensive dimensions you have given on facebook are very welcome and will help me a lot.

5 years ago by Nerys

Forum

Rigging a model

Hi, on Facebook I have added for you to the dimensions of the rigging corresponding rope diameters for the 1:24 model. I think the wires are more suitable for a static model. On my models I used black waxed cotton(?) string with a diameter of 1 mm for shrouds and fore stay. For other ropes I use cotton strings and cords produced by ropewalk . For main sheet , vangs and jibsheets I use braided fishing lines. Ivor Bittle reccommended black leather strings for main shrouds please look here > ( https://www.ivorbittle.com/ ) - very usable pages !!! Tom

5 years ago by tomarack

Forum

Rigging a model

Hull is a 30" generic Mastman hull. Will be RC. I have all but finished the hull, now making spars. Photos I have seen all look like rigging rope, available from various sources, Mastman etc. but I was wondering if it would be better if I used a wire. if so, what do I use. Cornwall model boats don't seem to list a wire. Bear in mind, difference in thickness for mainmast rigging to topmast. Any ideas?

5 years ago by Nerys

Forum

Rigging a model

Question, is this intended to be a scale static model or are you building a sailing RC model? Joe

5 years ago by Joe727

Blog

Auxiliary motor, rudder servo, bowsprit bitts

Back to posting again....I decided to added an auxiliary motor since I had several laying around and it will come in handy when I am tweaking the sailing setup in case I get stuck in the middle of the pond. Made a stuffing tube just like I did on my rescue tug build. Made a shaft from some 3/16" steel rod, threaded it and polished it up, works great. Photo of the aft section shows continued hull framing and upside down mount of the rudder servo. I will enclose the servo with the small pilot house as is typical on the . This will make maintenance and adjustment access easy. Yes, the build is wandering away from the true "Pearl" which I used the hull plans from. it will maintain the same sail plan, but I will modify some items for ease of RC use. Bowsprit will be retractable, bitts are shown in progress. The bowsprit will be made from a carbon fiber "arrow shaft". Mast will be wood and I am shaping out of maple that I have. Staring to plank the hull as well. More to come shortly, Joe

5 years ago by Joe727

Media

MV Ionia and Ray IX whaler

From Hubertus onboard the Camera . There was the Rau IX whaler which was the best model at the club that day

5 years ago by rcmodelboats

Media

MV Ionia

A video from Hubertus taken onboard the Camera

5 years ago by rcmodelboats

Media

DS 30

Took time out from my new build to test float the I am building for my push boat to give it a long awaited float test for leaks and to mark the waterline. First decent day this winter!

5 years ago by Mariner85

Response

San Pedro by Harbor Models!

Thanks Joe, I have thought of building a sail boat. Or even a sail . like what your currently working on. But, I don't have the tools or the space required! As a matter of fact. My next build will have to be my last! As I only have space in my hobby room. For one last model! Maybe two if I squeeze thing's! And I have elected the Tug San Pedro to be the last build! I'm also interested to see how she works. Using a Z Drive at her bow. Should prove to be very maneuverable! When I worked on tugs in New York harbor. I never got the chance to use a Z Drive! It should be a lot of fun! Cheers, Ed

5 years ago by figtree7nts

Place

Rigging

Gary try looking on amazon i bought some last year for my Thames good luck 👍 Bob

5 years ago by Northumbrian

Blog

Planning Ahead

Spent the last two days studying the design and planning the build. First I scanned the small book-page size images, then with my laptop I cropped them into separate smaller images to my chosen scale. I cut, align and tape them, assemble an image that is to the size of the build. in the past I would use the local print shop and just enlarged on their large roll printer. it added up to a lot of money as they are about $7 a shot, with mistakes made it cost too much. Now that I am retired I pinch those pennies much tighter. This was more time consuming but is very accurate. Next I sketched out the keel board shape, colored up as seen in the photos. Sketch out an idea to accommodate the bulb keel that I intend to add. This one is to sail on Sunday's at the pond, so I will do my best to engineer to sail well. Cheers Joe

5 years ago by Joe727

Response

Ketch ''Pearl of Ipswich''

Michael, Thanks for the interest, I hope I can keep up with your high quality of work. Joe

5 years ago by Joe727

Response

Ketch ''Pearl of Ipswich''

Chris, That's very interesting - your Pearl, I assume you meant the real, full scale one..? What kind of was it? Thank you for your interest, Joe

5 years ago by Joe727

Response

Ketch ''Pearl of Ipswich''

I look forward to seeing the build Joe

5 years ago by mturpin013

Response

Ketch ''Pearl of Ipswich''

Well done Joe will watch this build with interest and having owned yacht 'Pearl of Holyhead' for just short of 20 years a project close to my heart. Regards Chris G

5 years ago by ChrisG

Media

Thames cruise

total scratch built on fibreglass hull 127cm x24 cm,11 months to build 6volt system brushed motor,3blade 35mm brass prop.

5 years ago by markiee

Forum

Book on Sailing s

I have an aged bedraggled copy of Edgar March's book, I acquired it about sixty years ago and whilst I think the text is one of the best on the subject and what illustrations there are, are very good, I am of the opinion that the illustrations in the Cooper/Chancellor book are more extensive. The plans in March are very good and I imagine can be blown up but I am referring to the depth of useful illustrations of construction and gear in Cooper/Chancellor that I consider so useful.

5 years ago by Nerys

Forum

Book on Sailing s

I have always like the English sailing workboats and have built some fishing boats. Now my interest turned to Sailing s, found this nice book - Sailing s by Frank Carr. It's full of etchings, photos and some line drawings. Think this will be helpful in scratch building a . Over 450 pages and found a lightly used copy for $18.00 USD, on eBay. Regards, Joe

5 years ago by Joe727

Forum

Book on Sailing s

Interesting, Nice to see it gets around to other countries.

5 years ago by Joe727

Forum

Book on Sailing s

I have it in German Language ,great Work 😉

5 years ago by Dampfgerd

Forum

Book on Sailing s

Don't forget Mersey Nobbys https://www.google.com/search?q=River+Mersey+working+sailboats&tbm=isch&source=iu&ictx=1&fir=fEOcJLd1Lxt5CM%253A%252CBPsj5bxGmE8CFM%252C_&usg=AI4_-kTWKzKjXGx4NwUO8KuLfZiPlmqi2g&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwjkiuvBjvbfAhV8WhUIHXiCBskQ9QEwDHoECAMQDA#imgrc=fEOcJLd1Lxt5CM:👍

5 years ago by onetenor

Forum

Book on Sailing s

Chris, Don't think I ever thanked you for the information on books. I am ordering the Edgar March book today. Joe

5 years ago by Joe727

Forum

Done it.

Well done Ken. I foresee the day when we have Thames racing at Cold Knap.

5 years ago by Nerys

Forum

Done it.

Ken, That's great! A sailing is on my build list hope to get started on one in the next couple of months. What did you buy, is it the short kit? Cheers, Joe

5 years ago by Joe727

Forum

Mersey Mammoth / Lara 1

Has anyone built or is anyone, apart from me, building a model of the large crane, Mersey Mammoth; now named, Lara 1? I have a plan in 1:100 from the Dutch builders and various photographs but would be interested to hear from others tackling this project. Toby

5 years ago by Toby

Response

VB30

Thanks for posting the photo of the build, gives me some ideas.... I have some tugs in progress, but no s. I like the way you framed the hull. Joe

5 years ago by Joe727

Forum

Book on Sailing s

Hello Joe We seem to be of a similar mindset, my interest is mainly in sail although I have several tugs etc. I found a really useful reference book is 'Spritsail s Of Thames and Medway' which was published around 1948 and written and researched by Edgar J March. As well as being interesting and a good read has many illustrations and drawings of old gaffer rigs. May not be easy to find but well worth the effort. Another avenue for information is the Society for Sailing Boat Research I have contact details if required, it is possible to join and contribute to this organisation for £15 p.a. Best regards Chris G

5 years ago by ChrisG

Forum

Book on Sailing s

Chris, Thank for the information, I will look into that book. I started in RC Boating but building and racing several classes of sailboats, including several US1Meter class. Being a much better builder than skipper, I was drawn to schooners that many club members had. Got interested in working sailcraft due to the history and the slower, power of these craft. The Gaff Rigged Handbook by Jihn Leather is one of my favorite build guides. Yes, I really like Gaff Rigging. This book was great for lots of rigging details and sails... See photo example. Joe

5 years ago by Joe727

Forum

Book on Sailing s

Hello Joe Like you my interest turned a few years to sailing s and East Coast sailing vessels in general, I was then given a first edition of 'Sailing s' signed by the author Frank G.G. Carr and was then even more 'hooked'. For beautiful drawings and a marvellous book try to get hold of a copy of 'Vanishing Craft' by the same author but illustrated by Frank Mason who in my opinion captures the essence of all things maritime in the 18 and 19 hundreds. They sometimes come up on Amazon but aren't cheap. As Nerys states there is lots of stuff out there, best of luck researching this most interesting subject. Regards Chris G

5 years ago by ChrisG

Forum

Book on Sailing s

Nerys, Thank you for the information, I will take a look at that book. Joe

5 years ago by Joe727

Forum

Book on Sailing s

There are many excellent books on Thames Sailing s, but for the modeller, I think 'Handbook of Sailing s' by F.S.Cooper and John Chancellor is one of the best. Fred Cooper was a well known Skipper, John Chancellor, a former Merchant Navy Officer, lived with his family on the sailing Viper for many years. An accomplished artist, he illustrated this book with excellent line drawings of every aspect of the rig, deck fittings and construction details. There are usually copies for sale on Amazon and Abe Books. Nerys

5 years ago by Nerys

Media

VB 30

Just finished adding a crews quarters and pump engine house to the stern of my , then added the necessary bitts for stern pushing.

5 years ago by Mariner85

Forum

Sailing plans help

Lemmerhengst, Thank you for the reply, I saw that site and couldn't reach it, thank you for pointing out that they are rebuilding. I'll keep an eye out, looks good. Joe

5 years ago by Joe727

Forum

Sailing plans help

I have been intrigued with British sailing work craft and built a 45" Gaff Rigged Falmouth Cutter. Now, I want to build a Thames Sailing , are there any free plans out there (tight budget as I am retired), even just the hull plans would be great. Regards, Joe👍

5 years ago by Joe727

Forum

Sailing plans help

Hello Joe, Try AMBO (google) They are the association of model owners and I believe they are based around Maldon, Essex. A great site that is currently under rebuild (like many 12'' to the foot s!) Good luck with your research. Cheers Lemmerhengst

5 years ago by Lemmerhengst

Forum

Sailing plans help

Hi Joe, Just happened to be trolling by the computer when it honked! 😁 Glad it was useful, don't forget the Build Blog 😉 Have fun, Doug 😎

5 years ago by RNinMunich

Forum

Sailing plans help

Hello Doug, Thank you for the quick response! I will probably take the hull lines drawing and create the ribs, etc. Cheers Joe

5 years ago by Joe727

Forum

Sailing plans help

Hi Joe, You should be able to find something here. https://www.google.com/search?client=firefox-b&q=thames+sailing++plans&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwic8szWkYnfAhVDZVAKHXeMDvAQ1QIoAHoECAQQAQ&biw=1922&bih=953 You might have to do some scaling up though. Happy Hunting, cheers, Doug 😎

5 years ago by RNinMunich

Media

VB 30 and Miss Doris

Checking for size comparison and scale! The is 50 inches long by 12 inches beam, will draw 2 inches light and 6 inches loaded. I plan on making it an oil tank with a swiveling boom and two deck houses aft for the pump engine and housing for crew.

5 years ago by Mariner85

Media

VB30

Scratch building a for my tugboat Miss Doris to push. May deck it over to become a tank I used to push on the Delaware River. if i do deck it over, I'll hinge the deck to make use of the space for my RC gear.

5 years ago by Mariner85