Forum

New Smoke Generators

HI to all, I hope everyone had a good ... I have started a new line of smoke generators here In Australia, At the moment I have 2 sizes available and more on the drawing board. These new units will run on 12 volts and draw about 1 amp using oil based fluid. Two Sizes SG-1 80 x 45 x 50mm outlet 1/2" This unit Is design for the smaller craft or small spaces a neat little unit that performs great runs for 25mins on 1 fill of the tank (25mls) $65.00 SG-2 100 x 65 x 60mm outlet 1/2" Designed for the larger boats with a bigger tank and more powerful fan unit runs for 40min on 1 fill of the tank (35mls) $75.00 Both smoke generators can be connected directly to your power supply or to your motor for control of the fan speed ( Just need to make sure your speed controller can handle the extra power) you can set It up for 1 stack or 2 with 1/2" copper pipe fittings from your local Hardware shop.. Kit Includes : 1 x Smoke generator 1 x Smoke fluid (100mls) 1 x wire (300mm) 1 x nuts & washers Check out the short clip of the smoke generator SG-1 at youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g3vpE0-ovlA or on my website www.modelboatsandfittings.com email: *Removed, PM Only - Admin*

13 years ago by shane

Forum

CNC boat kits...?

Anyone into CNC, or perhaps looking to get into it? I am wondering about putting my plans out as G Code, and it would be useful to have a discussion about the practicalities. For instance, what bed size do people use? Model boat plans are a bit specialist for most CNC boards. They worry about cutting hard materials - we mainly use balsa and ply. Their machines are usually square - ours would need to be long and thin. They use big commercial routers and spindles - we could get away with smaller motors and dental burrs. I picked up one of these over , and am currently going through the learning curve. But it doesn't seem to be all that difficult.... https://amberspyglass.co.uk/store/index.php?seo_path=eshapeoko-cnc-milling-machine-mechanical-kit

5 years ago by DodgyGeezer

Forum

New Website Sneak Peak

Hi Stephen. I was beginning to wonder what was happening with the new site after you 'teased' us just before 🤔. I'm looking forward to the launch 👍😁. Best. Robbob.

5 years ago by robbob

Forum

RC steam lever

Thanks Gary I look foreword to . Rick

5 years ago by Newby7

Forum

RC steam lever

Hi Rick, yes Clevedon Steam is where I get a lot of fittings and stuff from, and another one is Macmodels, plus they sell the TVR1 BB steam engine which I use. if you don't manage to post a few photo's soon, I am sending you a camera for . Regards, Gary.

5 years ago by GaryLC

Forum

Burns night /

As I was in hospital over the festive season we decided to combine Burns night and , so haggis for dinner better than turkey anyway, and presents this morning wife gave me a ceramic picture by a talented artist who just happens to be my younger brother .Lang may yer lums reek. Cheers Marky

5 years ago by marky

Response

Motor, mount & prop-shaft.

That’s great, thanks for the link. I will go on there now and have a read. My Father will be looking to add a decent motor to his Crash tender from Slec. We purchased it for him for . Good luck with the rest of the build. Simon

5 years ago by Sifi70

Forum

Done it.

Hi Ken Can be like every day ,,oh the waiting.😂Marky

5 years ago by marky

Response

Motor, mount & prop-shaft.

I agree with Rob, Mike Cummings is such a nice guy he has been so supportive with my build sending me copies of drawings I may need without even asking, he even sent me a card. Keep up the good work Rob

5 years ago by mturpin013

Forum

HMS Campbeltown 1941, 1/96 scale

He he! Got some new glasses just before Octman🤓😁 PS 'Sorry Captain Mainwairing' 😲

5 years ago by RNinMunich

Response

Sea Trials and mods.

Wow Robbob, I have just seen the video of your Crash Tender. She is amazing. Looks great on the water. I just love the way these hulls sit on the water. Virtually no roll at all, it's as if they are glued to the waters surface. The Aerokits Crash Tender was my very first boat back int 1959, it was my 9th birthday present and my father and I started to a build. But he wasn't happy about building the original kit straight outright. As our first ever build, he brought home broken down tea chests and orange boxes and he got me to draw round all the parts and he went on to cut each piece out with a nice new fretsaw. So as the first one went together and it seemed to go well then the Aerokits one followed on. He then bought me a ED Hunter 3.46cc Diesel engine for my present that year. I say he I should say my parents both bought them for me. Sadly I never got to have radio control in it. I was weird as we went on to build another five in all. One was given to my younger brother, his had a Taycol Standard in it, and I had the job of taking the accumulator to the local model shop to have it charged up as we never had a charger for it. I think they used to charge something like a shilling each time it was done. The other five that we built he actually gave away to friends and one even went to the milkman. I still have a 34 and a 46 inch still new in boxes. The 34" is an original that Was Released in 1994 by Aerokits on the 50th Anniversary and the 46" is a VMW kit. I have a 46" to refurbish and have scaled one down and built a 28" in Balsa wood. As well as a 46" PT 109 with a 26cc in her that also sits on the water the same way. Sorry to waffle on it just brings back old memories. I'll leave it there. I just love your Build such detail.

5 years ago by BOATSHED

Blog

Cabin detail part 3 (instrument panels)

After the break its back to the cabin to finish some of the instrument detail. You may recall I detailed the cockpit with some ply constructions to represent the general layout; I also intend to detail the compass, throttle controls, steering wheel, panel lighting, and instrument panel. The instrument panel was copied and scaled from various drawing and pictures and I came up with a three-panel unit where panels 1 & 3 are identical as they are for the two-engine managements system the centre panel deals with electrical things. I intend to make the panel out of 1.5 mm aluminium cut to size on the guillotine I then attached this to a hardwood block with some strong double sided tape this will be more than strong enough to hold the piece for the drilling/light milling operation. I worked out the hole positions using an absolute datum (same as CNC work, if only I was still working) This does take some time using my rather old milling machine making sure any backlash is taken out during the 28 linear movements. I used various sizes of centre drills to produce the holes as they give not only accurate size but also perfectly round holes on thin material and the only ones that needed to be a particular size (6mm dial holes) the others are for switches and LEDs which can all be a 3 mm location hole. Each hole was drilled and then chamfered to simulate a bezel on the dials. Finally, I milled a shallow groove (2mm x 0.3 deep) to simulate the separate panels. I have copied a number of different marine dials from the internet and using PowerPoint I aligned in a complete group and then printed and laminated them, this will be placed behind the aluminium plate using double-sided tape. Having fixed the dials in place I drilled through the holes where LEDSs will fit. The LEDs will be shortened and polished so they are flat to the face; these are then stuck in place. Next, I made all the switches from brass bar with a fine brass pin glued across its face to simulate the lever. These were painted gloss black and the centre pin picked out in red, they were then glued into the 3 mm location hole. The black knobs/pull switches were turned out of black Perspex and polished; they were then glued into the location holes. The whole instrument panel is then pinned on to the wooden framework which has been left in natural wood finish (ply) as it looks like the original boat was just a varnished ply finish.

5 years ago by mturpin013

Forum

Merry and a Happy New year.

Merry to all of M.B.W. And to all Happy New Year! 👍👍👍

5 years ago by jacko

Forum

Merry and a Happy New year.

Have a great and a happy new year to everyone wherever you are in the world, happy boating for the coming year. Best wishes to you all, cheers Colin.

5 years ago by Colin H

Forum

Merry and a Happy New year.

Cheers Doug and to all on the forum👍

5 years ago by onetenor

Forum

Chieftian build

hey everyone I hope you all had a great . Im just starting a new build and its the chieftian tug paddle steamer and I was wondering if anyone had any information about her or any where to get parts for her. Seems most model boat sites don't seem to have much to do with paddle steamers. Cheers guys

5 years ago by gazza131420

Forum

All hooked up, nowt happens...

Thanks for the reply. I think I did all of those steps. Will have another go in a couple of days. For now the white wine and beeping motor will not be a good combination. 'Merry' and all that. Steve

5 years ago by steve-d

Forum

Merry and a Happy New year.

Thankyou Peter. Now you've been an gorn an 'embrassed' me 😲 I was glad to help and I'm pleased you found it useful. All the best to all Boaties for 2019, cheers. Doug 😎

5 years ago by RNinMunich

Forum

Merry and a Happy New year.

Merry to you and your family Stephen, and thank you for a GREAT website. Seasons Greetings to all other members and their family's, and a special one for Doug and his partner for all he has done for me in the past year. Looking forward to 2019 and a new year full of boating.......👍 Cneers to All😊 Peter

5 years ago by Rookysailor

Forum

Merry and a Happy New year.

Merry to all of M.B.W. And to all Happy New Year! Cheers, Ed & Jen

5 years ago by figtree7nts

Forum

Merry and a Happy New year.

Merry to all . Rick

5 years ago by Newby7

Forum

Merry and a Happy New year.

Merry Stephen. Thanks for all you hard work, this is a wonderful site as it is but I'm sure we're all looking forward to seeing what improvements you have made 👍👍. Have a Happy Crimbo and a fab New Year everyone 😁 Robbob.

5 years ago by robbob

Forum

Sailing Ship Peking

Hi Doug, That's exactly the sort of information I wanted, many thanks. As you know, my sister and I have a personal interest in Peking, having spent many years with her, as Arethusa, being a background to our home and our father his entire teaching career on board her. Merry , Nerys

5 years ago by Nerys

Forum

Merry and a Happy New year.

🎄🎄 Merry 🎄🎄 everyone! Thank you all too for another fantastic year. Thanks to everyone who's supported the website and donated. Soon you'll all see a brand new, faster and easier to use website. Development has been going on across the year, so fingers crossed there will be a launch soon 😉 It's all your continued support that makes upgrades possible 👍 Have a super day, hope Santa brings everything you wanted 🎅 and enjoy your times with family & friends. Stephen

5 years ago by fireboat

Forum

Merry and a Happy New year.

Hi sea queen frames and Aerokit plans Biro pens and popular ply aside A Very merry Xmas to you Forgive me it is the wine too much of Cheers Ian T

5 years ago by TOWN3810

Blog

Moving along

Merry to All! Yesterday I made a brass strap to secure the motor, then aligned the drive shaft and stuffing tube. Tacked tube in place with a gel superglue, will be covered with epoxy later. Used a short piece of aluminum tube to help align the motor and shaft. A coupler will be placed here. Cut some plywood pieces to create keel at the shaft tube. White stuff is marine epoxy by locktite, just enough to set everything. I will then coat and finish this assembly. Finished the day's work by constructing a rudder, no photo yet. Enjoy ! Joe

5 years ago by Joe727

Response

fuses

Thanks Doug and Donnie tried the 15 amp fuses all went well the boat is ready for the lake. and thank you all for the help and advise during this build over the past year I really don't think I could have managed it without your input. the next stage is going to be replacement of the brass rudders and some work on weight saving and some pic on the RC system. and making a suitable box for transportation. that will kept me occupied till the better weather. So thank you all and have a merry and happy new year and a good hangover cure and may your god be with you in all your sailing

5 years ago by teejay

Blog

HMS BRAVE BORDERER

After completing the cowl, turned to the rear structure covering the gas turbine and other engine spaces. This can readily be made from styrene sheet. The sides and top were cut out, reinforced with “L” shaped angle and fitted together with CA glue. No particular challenges, other than determining where the various section transitions occur. Luckily had two different sets of plans to compare, so the nuances could be established. It was not until the rear structure was fitted into the cowl, the assembly fitted to the removable deck and placed on the hull, realized just how important this milestone was. Once everything is firmly located the accuracy of build becomes readily apparent. Any inaccuracies show up as an obvious misalignment. Was able to check the alignments and squareness using eye, rules, squares and a spirit level and was pleased with the outcome. A subtle sanding of about .020” off the base of one side of the superstructure and everything became square, parallel and correctly aligned. Quite a relief! Have always stressed the importance of accuracy throughout a build. This supported that recommendation. Once the superstructure was completed realized my plan to lift the deck off to gain access to the electrical control switches was impractical. Have thus cut a small access hole in the rear deck to facilitate access. Still undecided how to best disguise the hole, but at least access is now relatively easy. From now on, until the test program can be continued on the water, will add detail to the model. Doubt there will be much to describe is that of interest, or that has not been covered by others. Will continue this blog once there is anything significant to report. In the meantime, best wishes for and 2019,

5 years ago by Rowen

Forum

Sea Queen Frames

Whatever floats your boat Don 😉 Merry , Doug 😎

5 years ago by RNinMunich

Response

Internal wiring & bottom skins

Hi Robbob, it's great to watch this coming along space, and the hull seems nearly there. But I notice no mention of the rudder post being fitted, and now the bottom skins are in place, the access has just gotten a whole lot harder. is this "as per the instructions" ? Or your own decision made from experience ? I'm afraid I would have at least fitted the rudder tube, as my rather large hands will have a hard time getting in later on. Kindest wishes to you and yours for the season, and a prosperous New Year, from UK family Weaver 😊

5 years ago by rolfman2000

Forum

Early present.

Matilda was born just after midnight of the day after Margaret died. I hope to see her over the holiday.👍

5 years ago by onetenor

Forum

Early present.

Hi there fellow boaters, I have just had the most amazing present in the world. My grandson Lynk is very happy as well. The new addition is 4 weeks early and her name is Xena. Merry and a happy new year to you and all your friends and family. Cheers Colin.

5 years ago by Colin H

Forum

Transmitter-Rain Cover

Hi all l bought what was called at the time a Trans mit must be nearly 25 years ago made by a mob called MM developments lovely piece of kit kept my pandies warm and dry and still acomodates the newer type of transmitter with screens and a tree of switches and twiddly knobs.

5 years ago by jimdogge

Response

Stern & keel formers

As Doug has said, thanks for some excellent tips and tricks. The hull is coming along nicely now, and I will assume that skinning is not far away now. Keeping my fingers crossed for one last update before . Thanks very much Robbob. Looking forward to the next chapter. Best wishes, Dave W 😊

5 years ago by rolfman2000

Forum

My apparent absence...

Oh Jeez 😲 after all that hard work. I hope you can claim redress from them at least. CU next year, Merry , Doug 😎

5 years ago by RNinMunich

Forum

My apparent absence...

Hi all, in case anyone bothered to wonder where I wuz, you may know I was making a master for a 1/6th scale model kit of a Vincent Black Shadow 'bike. I sent the engine casings to Griffin Moulds in the Midlands and they utterly destroyed the masters, sending me back a back of fragments! No phone call, no e-mail, no note in the late-delivered (DPD) parcel. Now they have the cheek to invoice me! So I have been busy catching up with other stuff kept waiting for a while, sucvh as a 1/43rd scale brass master of a Triumph Model H 1915 'bike and a 1/32nd scale Vanwall Transporter. So I haven't even looked a t a model boat since the weather turned. And likely shan't much before May. Everyone have a nice . Cheers, Martin

5 years ago by Westquay

Response

Anteno 2 tug

Lucky man to have access to a full size booth Dick👍 Your hull looks very good, even though it's a bit of a shame to cover up your super woodwork! I used 2pack on my Sea Scout as well😊 Then polished with fine (anti-hologram) cutting polish. The lacquer gave her a beautiful hard, smooth finish. And is UV resistant as well, which is good for the deck varnish😉 have a great , cheers, Doug 😎

5 years ago by RNinMunich

Response

Anteno 2 tug

Point take Doug,I will get around to venting it. in the meantime my son has a full size spray booth,car size, and is now spraying my hull in 2pack Merry Dick

5 years ago by Dick

Response

aeronaut classic

have you got ant pictures of the build of her or a picture of her finished> I bought one of these back in September from Hobbies in Raveningham. I have got 3/4's of the way through the build. I am very disappointed with the model. The side stringers are 1/16th thick and the bottom skin doesn't fit. That is 1/8th of an inch too short. I have had to buy more ply to make a new pair of bottom skins. I have decided to leave the finishing of the model now until after . I think it's a poorly made model, they cut corners on the thin wood they have supplied to build it with. I saw a picture of one that was built a few years back and the construction was far better. I feel it was a waste of money, I would have been better buying the Sea Hornet from the vintage model works for an extra £18. I personally wouldn't recommend the Aeronaut Classic to anyone to buy.

5 years ago by BOATSHED

Forum

Early present.

Congratulations Colin and to Xena's Parent's. Merry and a happy new year..... Cheers, Ed

5 years ago by figtree7nts

Forum

Early present.

Same as they said Colin.Not seen my latest addition yet. Great Granddaughter Matilda.👍

5 years ago by onetenor

Forum

Early present.

Congradulations to the parents and to you. All the best wishes to you and all. Merry and a Happy New Year.

5 years ago by Donnieboy

Forum

Early present.

Great news Colin👍 Welcome aboard Xena 😊 Seasons Greetings All Round. Doug 😎

5 years ago by RNinMunich

Forum

Smoke/steam output for models

Don't get addicted Colin!😲 I'll be Off Air for about a week, Gisela is dragging me down to Brixen (Bressanone) in South Tyrol for the Market etc etc. Back soon, Arrivederci, Ciao, Doug 😎

5 years ago by RNinMunich

Blog

Painting

Well it is nearly again and time to go to my testing river in Hungary. This boat will not be ready but I hope to complete the Police Launch this trip. I have started the painting process on the Pilot Boat. Very early on I had a dilemma. When is the correct time to paint. As I generally use rattle cans and an airbrush, I think it best to paint prior to major assembly. I am still not sure if this is the correct approach but I am concerned with masking an assembled unit. I hope that the glue does not ruin the paint finish when I put it together. It is a bit difficult spray painting this time of the year due to the fumes. I spray in the garage with the door open but I am always concerned about air temperature. The finish looks good so perhaps this is not of great concern yet.🤓 I will now leave the hull to dry prior to applying the lacquer. I have completed the insides of the bridge and rear room and will start to assemble this part next prior to masking and painting the outside walls. I have bought a roll of special low tack clear film to protect the windows and frames. I hope this works. I have used the same film to cover the instrument panel which so far seems to be staying on well. I think that these models by AeroNaut are really well designed. it still amazes me that the model looks so natural even though it is made generally from flat thin sheets.😉 I will attach the deck next and then start on the main structures. Happy to all.

5 years ago by MouldBuilder

Forum

steam water pump

Hi Rick, if you google TVR 1ABB steam engine, you will find a really neat and very good value for money steam engine. I'm afraid this is not cheap and around the £250 mark, mind it does have ball race bearings on the crankshaft. This comes as a kit of parts and you have to build it from scratch. when you have completed this task you will have a really good knowledge of exactly how a double acting slide valve engine works while putting this together, you can save up for a boiler to go with it, the instructions for building are very good almost idiot proof they must be as I have built several. Beautiful engine and powerful it will easily power a hull of one-meter length. Something to think about and is coming.

5 years ago by GaryLC

Forum

Are these any good

Hi Gerrity, you are suffering the lasting effects of Moya Green, she wrecked Canada Post, she has just left Royal Mail in almost as bad a position, we were told there was no post date for Canada back in September Regards Mark

5 years ago by jarvo

Forum

My other hobby

Go for it if you get a chance Ed 👍 I spent 40 years or so flying round the world on business. After a while Jumbos and co just become 'busses with wings' 🤔 Although I did have a few pleasant experiences as well like - being invited to the cockpit of a brand new Lufthansa 747-400 during a flight from Sao Paulo to Santiago de Chile. Sitting right behind the Captain I had a great view of the crossing of the Andes, as well as of the then novel digital flight displays. I those days we could still swap smokes while drinking coffee and watching the plane fly itself 😲 After take off no one touched the column until the wheels were almost on the ground at Santiago! The First Officer had a clip board on his right knee and now and again said something like 'About here we turn left', and sure enough the plane banked gently left to line up with the Santiago approach. No 1 made a tick on his clip board 😊 - The now defunct Lan Chile airline used to upgrade me to 1st class on flights from Madrid to Santiago de Chile. Not so pleasant was having to run across the pan to bag a seat on an overbooked plane at Entebbe Airport in Uganda! I made it, was younger and fitter back then 😁 Or arriving at the airport in Rio de Janeiro 4 days before to be told 'I'm sorry but you're not in the system'!😡 Oh well - on the Copacabana 😁😉 Nowadays I can't stand all the crap at the airports caused by the terrorists, so I'm not particularly sad that my globetrotting days are over. 😉

5 years ago by RNinMunich

Response

First Snow!

Thanks, Steve! I'm very happy with the Brooklyn! Also I'm optimistic but, I 'don't see any warm days coming around the corner!😤 But you never know! Doug, I hope you have a white ! Ron. Good to see your snow blower works!

6 years ago by figtree7nts

Response

First Snow!

Same here (Munich) Steve, When I first came to live here (Oct 1985) about half a metre of snow by mid November was the norm. For the last 15 years or so we mostly haven't had any snow in Autumn at all (no white es 😭), if any a little came around Feb. / March. Fingers crossed for a warm day for you Ed. 👍 Until this week we've had sun and day temps up to 20°C, in November! Nuts! Cheers All, Doug 😎

6 years ago by RNinMunich