Blog

105ft Motor Minesweeper

I am currently fiddling about with 3D printers and as it is high time I another boat I am going to combine the two hobbies and make the decks superstructure and some fittings on my 3D printers, a Prusa i3 Mk2S and a Tronxy X5S. So far the results are encouraging. The model is based on a 105ft Motor Minesweeper, a wooden harbour/coastal sweeper. About 300 were and saw service throughout WW2. My example carries the LL magnetic influence sweep but proved under powered for the task and many were converted to carry an acoustic 'kango' hammer for dealing with acoustic mines.

5 years ago by Nickthesteam

Place

Redcar Model Boat Club

Has anyone the Stingray Hovercraft that Is produced In Australia and available through eBay. Wondering how It handles on water.

11 years ago by RobRedcarMBC

Forum

MV VELARDE

Have decided to build this ship as my next project, using a Deans Marine GF hull. Will scratch build from there on. The are very few details of this ship available on the net, probably because the vessel was in Germany. Has anybody else a model of this ship and have any advise or suggestions before I start to do the planning? Thanks

7 years ago by Rowen

Blog

Krick Police Launch

I have just started to build the Police Launch that I have had for a while. Work commitments have left me with little time lately but hopefully I can get a good run on this one for a while. I hope to finish it by late July which just leaves me enough time to send it to Hungary so that I can test it. The kit is said to be good for a beginner. This would be good as many years ago I a Patrol Torpedo Boat which took me five years. I am currently restoring this one as well but I think that will take most of this year to complete.😁 I have started by buying the speed controller. The motor is a 400 brushed. Probably not going to be too difficult to keep up with this one. The kit itself is not too bad considering the price, but I do feel that the ABS vacuum formed hull could be of a slightly better quality. Also I am finding the ply wood to be rather brittle. Does anybody have an idea for a good filler to use to fill the chips which will take to acrylic paint. I have prepared the hull and added the propeller shaft and rudder holes. Care taken here to avoid splits in the plastic. Cellotape on both sides before drilling helps.🤓 I have assembled the internal parts which hold the motor, battery and rudder and also fitted the prop shaft.😲 I will start on the deck and superstructure next. An additional note about the kit. The instructions are reasonable but they are in black and white which is not helpful considering they are photograph based with text. I found a PDF on the web which is in full colour. Why don`t Krick supply this. Surely not that expensive.🤔

6 years ago by MouldBuilder

Forum

Norstar Wave Princess original box

Thought I'd post a photo of the original box as it shows the Wave Princess in her best 'dress'. I almost got it right. I have the original build plans and instructions, remembering that she was a kit and not from scratch. If anyone would like copies please let me know.

7 years ago by AllenA

Forum

Norstar Crash Tender

HI all fellow boaters, Have just been given a Norstar 34" Crash Tender, Part In early 1970's then left. seems to be all here In the box except for plans, so I'm asking If anyone has a copy they could let me have either on paper or emailed to me. Will cover any postage and copy charges you Incur. PM me with any offers. thanks Colin.

9 years ago by Colin H

Blog

Ketch Barge ''Pearl of Ipswich''

Hello, As I have mentioned before, I like the workboats from the age of sailing. The sailing barges 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 Barge 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 barge 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 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

Forum

SEA COMANDER RE-FURB.

Just started this re-furb 😭, I forgot about this boat, it was in 1966 by my dad👍. Been in my sisters loft since 1975 and was only found a few weeks ago when she moved house. so hope to add to my harbour as soon as its seaworthy.👍 Biggest problem is the amount of fiberglass on the outside of the joints, old heavy duty stuff but seems to be coming away okay, will be coating hull in Ezicote and fine glass cloth. At least it makes up for the loss of dads old Sea Queen.😊

6 years ago by Colin H

Forum

Sailing Ship Peking

Does anyone know the present state of the sailing ship Peking? 1911 by Blohm and Voss for F. Laeisz of Hamburg, she was one of the last great Cape Horners. Peking became the training ship Arethusa, moored on the River Medway at Upnor in 1933 but was sold to the South Street Museum in New York in 1975. She was returned to Hamburg in 2017 to be completely restored. Does anyone know what progress has been made. I have seen photos of her arrival in Hamburg, but nothing beyond that. Nerys

5 years ago by Nerys

Blog

Command Boat 90

Scratch at 12th scale from pictures and profiles of the internet. The boat was originally in Sweden a class of fast military assault craft originally developed for the Swedish Navy by Dockstavarvet Speed: 40 knots (74 km/h) Draught: 0.8 m (2 ft 7 in) Length: 15.9 m (52 ft) Overall; 14.9 (48') Complement: 3 (two officers and one engineer); Up to 21 amphibious troops with full equipment Armament: 3 × Browning M2HB machine guns; 1 × Mk 19 grenade launcher; 4 naval mines or 6 depth charges . The Model I was attracted to this boat due to its great performance and maneuverability, this was mainly due to the use of twin water jets as the main propulsion, this is a trade off with efficiency. So my start point was to collect as much information as possible about the boat this involved collecting pictures and profiles of the craft from various sources. http://www.dockstavarvet.se/products/combat-and-patrol-boats/combat-boat-90-h/specification/ Eventually I found some plans of sort :- http://laurell.today/boats/combat/plans.html My Dad was a boat builder in the days of wooden yachts, and had showed me how to make plans and frames from a line drawing. I went about this first by creating a prototype about 24 in long out of light ply. I then created full size plans of the model to be made. Pictures of small prototype finally painted plain green. The Main model Used my computer to print out the frames onto paper, cut them out and used them as templates for the ply ribs. The construction was simple chine style, with 1.5 mm ply. I tried to build jet drives but failed to produce a effective unit. So reverted to propshafts which worked out well with better control and the boat can spin on it own axis by putting one engine in reverse the other in forward and adjusting the twin rudders. That it for now, hope it was of some interest

6 years ago by CB90

Forum

RAF Range Safety launch help.

Has anyone a 42" RAF Range Safety Launch? I am In the process of finishing off one but am stuck as to how to make the radar basket at the top of the foremast.If anyone has any suggestions I would be grateful. I have tried using brass rings and brass wire but have failed miserably.> 😟

12 years ago by overthesea

Blog

Elizabeth

After a long lay-off, not requested or wanted. The call of the sawdust was here again.. Looking back at the Gentlemans Cruiser, i decided to start afresh with its sister ship, Elizabeth. She is a hard chine construction so was hoping to get her to water in record time. But the gremlins set in when the hull had to be skinned.. The bottom skins did not want to play ball, or maybe it was me on a not so good day, but persevered and then planked the bottom in Obechie 6mm x 3mm, and then fitted the side skins vertical grained, and i must admit they fell on, no grunting and moaning with the hull frame in a half nelson trying to bash home a few pins, it was like hanging wallpaper.. The basic hiull is not as drawing with up bulkheads but the keel and bulkheads are 5mm ply. Chines are 3/8" x 1/8" spruce and Obechie, obechie to the outer edges, easier to work.

6 years ago by muddy

Forum

HMS Illustrious Model (Huge)

Hello everyone, My name is David Rogers, and I am the current Chairman of the HMS Illustrious Association and I am looking you your help. We were recently contacted by someone who had over some 10 years, a remote controlled model of the Aircraft carrier HMS Illustrious. (It's about 6 ft long) and they asked us if we would like to take possession of it. We Gladly accepted. After collecting the model (On a Trailer), we believe that it requires some TLC. This is to say, that there are many of the features that were installed, may not work anymore, and or they are all different voltages etc. We were just wondering if there was anyone on here that would be interested in assisting us with a project, of getting her 'Ship Shape'. If anyone could assist, please email us at: info@hmsillustriousassociation.com Thanks in advance for your assistance in this. David Rogers Chairman HMS Illustrious Association

6 years ago by HMS-Illustrious-Asso

Forum

WANTED Graupner Manhattan 74 *Please Read*

HI all first post on here, I am desperately trying to find an un Graupner Manhattan 74. Does anyone have one lying around they would be willing to sell to me? Or does anyone know anyone who has one or point me towards one? I love the design and have always wanted one since a child, only when I can afford one they stop making them!! Thanks, Reece

9 years ago by Jeanneau

Blog

HMS Bustler

HMS Bustler deep sea rescue tug , at Henry Robb Shipbuilders Leith where I served my time . Hull is 6mm ply with 2mm ply deck ,superstructure and bridge were constructed earlier from 18mm mdf . Ship will be a static model ,one day I will bite the bullet and attempt Rc

5 years ago by marky

Forum

Help identify

Greetings from Australia, Can anyone help identify this boat. It was from a plan and was listed as a Thames Fast Patrol Boat WW2.I am having difficulty finding any information about it. Any help would be most appreciated. Sid

5 years ago by sidley70

Response

Anteno 2 tug

I feel I have to comment on your Anteo Tug, that has to be one of the neatest planked hulls I have seen in a while, and the paint job on the hull is quite incredible, wow. I this kit back in the 1970s and it definitely is and was really good value for money, none of your white metal rubbish, near enough everything was brass and good quality. I opted for the authentic look and fitted a steam plant into the hull, not an easy job to cut down and strengthen all those ribs, but worth it in the end. Enjoy your hobby.Regards.Gary.

5 years ago by GaryLC

Response

Basic hull construction completed

Great work on the hull Stuart. I the same kit last year and really enjoyed the project, the Huntsman is an awesome looking craft too and super light weight. in mine I’ve experimented with a few different brushed motors, trying to get scale speed versus “play time” balance. I landed on a 35 turn which at half speed is pretty good for scale speed and at full noise it really gets up and moves for a bit of fun. The last few runs I’ve seen up to 25-30 mins from a 7.2v Ni-Mh pack which has been great. Look forward to seeing your progress, all the best and enjoy the build.

5 years ago by ChrisB

Response

Basic hull construction completed

Hi Stuart - I have a Huntress which is the same length as your Huntsman which was by Dave M. it will be a little lighter as it doesn't have an aft cabin. it is fitted with a Turnigy D2836/11 750kV so the one recommended to you is a good choice. Chris

5 years ago by ChrisF

Blog

Enclosing the controls.

The original boat had a wide and deep seat at the back of the well deck and this is an ideal place to conceal the fuse, ESC and receiver. I started by setting out the components and marking an area sufficiently big enough to accommodate them all with room for the associated wiring and plumbing (water cooling for the ESC). A framework of obeche strip was formed on the floor and sides in such a way that the top and front panels of the cover would be flush with the frame, the side frames were also out so that the cover would be narrow enough to clear the coamings on the sides of the well deck. The rear panels and floor of the enclosure are 1.5mm obeche panels, the rear one with cut-outs for the wiring to come through, both were given a coat of Teak stain before being glued in place. The cover ‘seat’ was made from a framework of obeche strip and panels with bracing pieces at each end to add rigidity and it fits neatly into the frame, some finishing detail was also added to this. This was also given a first coat of Teak stain. The cover will be held in place with small neodymium magnets.

5 years ago by robbob

Response

Ellesmere Port Model Boat Club

jn 6 just off m53 ch651bq we are right next to the m53 hooton park trust ,its a world war 1& 2 airbase that is being returned to as it was in the before vauxhall motors to it over and we have a field onsite where we have our own pool

5 years ago by nutrunner

Forum

Aziz, Westerriff, Assurance Envoy for sale

Thank you for your kind comments, and yes, all of the ships have been to a very fine standard. With the Aziz already fitted with two motors and rudder servo, there is little to do in order to set sail. They have all sailed previously, and I think that some of the RC components may have been transferred from one to the other, dependant upon the flavour of the month at the time. I can't sing the praises of these craft enough, they are impressive in every respect. They aren't in the way yet, but I am fearful that constant working around them could result in damage, so they sooner they sail off into the distance, the better. :-) Don't be afraid to make an offer, I do need to sell them all. Many thanks, Dave ( the site will also benefit from a sale, as a suitable donation will be made ).

5 years ago by Davecounty

Blog

Bridge

the canopy around the wheel house, it was a little bit fiddley and brought back some math and drawing skills I haven't used for a wee while 👍

5 years ago by marky

Blog

Hull progressing nicely!

OK, so the last 2 posts on the blog were from work undertaken three weeks ago. I am now up to the present day and have spent the whole week and weekend in getting the bottom and side skins on the skeleton of the hull and putting on the transom. Because the curves of the hull are quite specific on the Huntsman, only one piece of skin can be fitted at a time, and then trimmed into place before the next piece of skin will fit. In the previous post I mentioned all the laser cut pieces are cut oversize.....fitting the skins was a real challenge! Following the instructions at this stage went out the window and I fitted the skins in the reverse order, but feel it was the best option. The instructions say from the bow first and work back to the transom, but impossible to fit the pieces in this order, so I started with the aft and worked forwards. It also mentions to overlap the side skins with the bottom skins, but all I could manage was to butt the pieces together with a tight fit and fill with P38 afterwards. The pictures show the completed skins, trimmed, sanded and gaps filled with P38 and then sanded again. It now takes on a good shape, however the difficult pieces on the bow are still to be completed. These are formed of 4 pieces of solid balsa wood that need to be cut and sanded to multiple curves...… next weeks job! Once this is done then its on to filling again and re-sanding and finishing. Hopefully it would look more like a Huntsman Hull rather than a hammer head shark!

5 years ago by StuartE

Media

Mowe 2

I hadn't a model of any sort since I was 15 years old and that was a control line aeroplane with a glow worm engine. 45 years later and regressing nicely back to my teenage years, my wife bought me (reluctantly!) a RC Boat Kit - Mowe 2. I had been wanting to build again for many years, but children and family and home situation did not allow. So, over the cold Autumn and Winter Months I carefully put my spare nights to good use, rather than watching night after night TV box sets and re-watching the entire James Bond movies, not once but 2 or 3 times.... Anyhow after 3 months...the finished product. I should have started a blog but didn't know of this site until a few weeks ago. Not a brilliant finished job, but a satisfying one, and it sails nicely on Bushy Park boating lake in Kingston-upon-Thames. Now o nto bigger and more complicated things...a Fairey Huntsman 31. This time I'll do a blog....👍

5 years ago by StuartE

Forum

What type of antenna is this?

The wire aerial running between the masts is what radio hams call an inverted L, it is tuned against the hull of the boat and the seawater and unlike a half wave dipole it only needs to be a quarter wave long, or less with a loading coil and an aerial tuning unit, often into the transmitter. Common on many fishing boats in the days of the Trawler band, which is the frequency band a bit above medium wave. Trawler Band was also nicknamed FishFone.If you mean the loop aerial on the wheelhouse, that is a Radio Direction Finder Aerial which became very popular just after WW11. This information comes to you courtesy of my Radio Ham partner.

5 years ago by Nerys

Media

MV DUBURG

MV DUBURG on sea trials at the pond to day ,scratch from plans by Jim Pottinger john

5 years ago by JOHN

Forum

Bending balsa

Hello, I am having a problem with the final stages of planking on my Billing Boats St Canute!! I am very interested with your method, could you please let me know what you are using in your 50-50 mix? I normally have a huge amount of patience as I have a couple of plany on frame boats but some some reason I am really having a problem with this build... Thank you very much Regards Richard

5 years ago by Richard7

Media

japanese torpedo boat

my japanese torpedo boat from kit sailing on our pool at the hooton park trust site ellesmere port

5 years ago by nutrunner

Forum

RC circuit

Since your going to replace your Tx and Rx consider a computer radio like the taranis. Each of your rudder servos can be on its own dedicated channel as can the ESC for each motor. Using the in mixing functions you can "tune" the setup so as to get the effects your looking for plus you can do things like both rudders moving in opposite directions to give a brake effect. Setting up the mixing looks difficult but once your into it, it follows a logic. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yq_H9vzCz8g&t=21s

5 years ago by Haverlock

Blog

PS Enterprise

The stern section of the superstructure is .

5 years ago by rcmodelboats

Media

USS Chesty B Puller

USS Chesty B Puller, I was a marine, 63 inches long, pre by Aquacraft, engines installed, but no radio, batteries or speed control. Looks great in water. preforms like a real one, especially in still water, but we don't have much of that in Kansas.

5 years ago by blackheart

Forum

Slightly confused newbie

Hi just a thought the VIPER 25 AMP has a BEC (Battery Elimination Circuit ) into it and if you connect a power supply to your receiver as well to power from the motor battery all manner of thing can go wrong John

5 years ago by JOHN

Media

FREDERICK SPASHETT

Hi just to remind us of summer days during the cold spell we have. Sorry about the audio but this is the fishing trawler I a while ago - having a sail around the lake in South Shields. We didn't catch many fish that day :-)

5 years ago by JOHN

Forum

Shroud for Model Air Boat

Good Morning Chief Petty Officer. Glad to hear of some enquiry about air boats. I a few of these in the mid to late 1960s and they were great fun. I powered them with engines like the Cox Babe Bee up to a Frog 150R diesel. All were free running of course and it was either a keep fit excercise to try and catch them before they hit the bank across the lake or in most cases there was always a good person ready to perform the "save".. Due to political correctness and the environment. the I.C powered versions are consigned to history . Them days we didnt have shrouds over the airscrews. Best method of securing a shroud is to use ZAP Z-Poxy Resin. it is durable, water resistant and can be bought from good model shops and is a two pack. One bottle contains the resin and the other the hardner. its a 50/50 mix and you can purchase a range of them with various setting times. 😎Boaty

5 years ago by boaty

Forum

New to Forum

Hello fellow model boaters. I'm new here so forgive my posting mistakes. Just wanted to introduce myself, I've been building model boats (static) for about 5 years. I mostly build my concept of a boat, however I have from some plans. I build small models, 10" is my biggest and most are under that. I also have a fascination with air boats and have several. Does anyone deal with soldering metal components, having a problem with material. Usually I draw what I want to build, make templates, transfer to balsa, and build. Are any of the clubs focused on non RC models? Looking to learn and share!👍

5 years ago by retirement-hobby

Forum

Torben Tug boat

I haven't this boat/tug. But I am half way through building an Aeronaut Classic Sports Boat. I'm far from happy with the build of it. Bottom skins are just over an eighth of an inch too short and the side rails to fit the skins to are of one sixteenth thick, these are too thin in my thoughts. I would certainly never buy another Aeronaut model to build. it was a waste of £80. I have seen a build of the same model from about 4 years ago and since then they have skimped on wood for the build. Cheap wood to get a larger profit on the model. Steer clear of them in my mind.

5 years ago by BOATSHED

Forum

Torben Tug boat

Hello, has any one the Aeronaut Hamburg Harbour tug boat "Torben"? And if so any tips please. Regards

5 years ago by SpiderBruce

Forum

Being Sociable.

I have only static ships /boats so am probably not the best person to comment but one of the main factors that I can see are if you are young and just starting out saving pocket money or older and living on a limited budget. is the cost differential between a basic electric motor and a basic steam plant I may be wrong just my opinion. Cheers Marky👍

5 years ago by marky

Forum

New to Forum

"..., however I have from some plans. I build small models, 10" is my biggest and most are under that..Usually I draw what I want to build, make templates, transfer to balsa, and build.." Have you seen this site? Provides free templates for exactly the kind of models you make. See the illustrations.... http://eezebilt.tk While clean surfaces are the correct way to make solder flow and stick properly, you will find that plumber's Acid Flux will give you a successful solder joint on pretty much any surface, no matter how dirty...

5 years ago by DodgyGeezer

Media

Air Boats

These are under repair. They were a couple of years ago, but didnt survive some moves. Combination of hull repairs, rebuilding of shrouds, etc. Ongoing projects.

5 years ago by retirement-hobby

Directory

(Other) Lady Ayla and Elena.

Clinker open launches to show off the boiler, steam engine and complex plumbing. (Motor: The Caton piston valve) (ESC: servo controlled) (9/10)

5 years ago by GaryLC

Directory

(Naval Ship) HMS PENELOPE

This model was made by me from Glyn Guest plans - I made this a good few year ago. Of all the scale models I have I like this one. When you take a scale model to the lake you have to be so careful not to damage anything - with this one you just put the model in the back of the car and throw it in the water - well not literally (you have to drive down to the lake first)🤓🤓 - many hours of enjoyment. (Motor: MFA) (5/10)

5 years ago by JOHN

Forum

Mtronics W-tail marine mixer connections.

My boat was already with twin motor drive. So I will stick with what I have, may even keep the original rc gear and esc, servo if I locate a transmitter that will operate it successfully. But I thank you for your input, cheers Colin.

5 years ago by Colin H

Response

Paddle Tug Iona - the hull

Thanks Chris... yeah independent paddle control is very useful for navigating into 'dock'. Your "Loch Ranza" looks pretty good too. These Graupner kits are hard to come by. I like paddle steamers as a project, and picked up a part 'city of Bath' from my local club. Hull & decks complete otherwise I have to build powertrain / superstructure. Planned in for later in the year.

5 years ago by Harvey Kitten

Forum

Mtronics W-tail marine mixer connections.

hi ya Colin, sorry for the delay - but I am going to open up a can of worms here. Although a lot of people use the 'Y' tail or the 'W' tail mixer from MTroniks or other Companies to actually mix two speed controllers and a rudder movement in the marine environment, (personally) I don't think this is effective as a dedicated marine mixer. The reason for this, is, I the Forceful tug a little while ago and I incorporated the 'W' tail mixer in it for independent control of the 2 paddles and the rudder and when this model did 'sea trials' 😊 on the lake & in the test tank (the bath) 👍I was never 100% happy with this. it didn't seem to perform quite right, especially in reverse. The model seemed to go better in one direction than the other. One motor always seemed to lead the other motor so therefore the model would steer off course and you were always correcting it. When I eventually checked the speed of each motor individually with a tachometer I found that one motor was indeed increasing in revs so - I took out the 'W' mixer and went for tank steering (using 2 individual sticks on the transmitter). This was a lot better and saved the day at the lake. Then I wend and had a look at what mixers are available and yes there is the ACTion P94 which in my eyes is extremely expensive - but - there are one or two on Ebay market but also there is a guy called Alan Bond he runs a company called Forge Electronics and they make an independent mixer which I use myself. I find it extremely good. 👍 the name of the game though is for yourself to try setting up the 'W' tail mixer and playing around with it or you could look at individual mixers that do not have the speed controllers in with them i.e. there is one from ACTion as well, there is one from Forge and as I say there are 2 or 3 off the web market place. Have a look - here are a couple of pics of the Forceful and my set up. The speed controllers I am using in this tug are Electronize and it's Alan Bond's original mixer which used to be sold from Technobots - but he opened up business on his own and I will put a link on when I find it. http://www.forge-electronics.co.uk/ http://www.forge-electronics.co.uk/

5 years ago by JOHN

Directory

(Working Vessel) MV DUBURG

scratch model from Jim Pottinger plans - I made this several years ago - plank on frame and the hull is double planked. 1:96 scale/ (Motor: MFA 550) (5/10)

5 years ago by JOHN

Directory

(Other) RTTL 2751

model was originally by myself using a mixture of Vic Smeed plans and photographs/plans from a gent called Christian - my model is double-planked. Outer planking is scale sized; props both drive the same way as in the original boats. (ESC: ACTion) (8/10)

5 years ago by JOHN

Directory

(Other) Lady Ayla

I decided to build an open steam-boat to have the boiler and piston valve engine on show, all that polished copper and brass should be on show and not hidden away, this hull is clinker- to my own design. (Motor: Maxwell Hemmings Caton) (ESC: servo controlled) (9/10)

5 years ago by GaryLC

Directory

(Other) PS Iona

It has paddles not propellors! Scratch- from plan. 2 paddle motors provide independent operation, hence can turn 360 degrees on the spot. from wood, brass, 3D printed parts. (Motor: Heng Long) (ESC: Viper 15) (7/10)

5 years ago by Harvey Kitten