Forum

WaterProofing and Painting

To answer your question first, I would seal the wood inside and out with several coats of sanding sealer or primer - checking that the glue joints are sound first - and then use cellulose car spray for the final colour. Once decals are in place a final coal of car lacquer is a good idea. But you will find that everyone has their own approach to painting. Many people would advise covering with a fibreglass skin and epoxy, particularly as it's a racing boat... Is it this kit? http://www.products.com/product_info.php?products_id=391 I believe that that boat kit comes in different sizes, and has been around since the 1970s. It's a racing hydroplane, and not the first choice I would have made for a beginner to model boating! Here is a video of an electric one running: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mb0kYvPZOe4 You may just intend to build it as a display item, but if you are thinking of running it then you may find a bit more advice helpful? I suppose that the first point to make is that that old World Engines radio is quite out of date. If it's 27Mhz it's still legal, but, even if you have all the bits for it I would advise against running anything with a vintage radio which may be unreliable. Don't throw it away - it's worth good money to a vintage collector - but a modern 2.4Ghz set will be much more reliable. I see that the boat comes with an I/C motor. If you are not experienced with model boats I suspect that you have not used one of these? Again, these are becoming a bit of a specialist skill since so many lakes ban their use. Converting the boat to electric would bring it more into line with modern practice. Common advice is for beginners who have little experience to go and talk to the nearest club, and I think that applies in spades here! Racing boats run fast, need careful expert set-up, and are easy to crash - possibly damaging more than just your boat in the process. A club will have more experienced members who know where to run the boat safely, will help you set it up, and may let you practice with simpler boats to learn how to do things properly before taking your (and your uncle and grandfather's) pride and joy out on the lake... Here's someone else with a similar problem to yours... https://www.rcgroups.com/forums/showthread.php?1661638-1970-s-Pay-n-Pak-boat-NEED-HELP%21

5 years ago by DodgyGeezer

Forum

RC circuit

Am considering changing my pushboat San Pedro from single motor control to twin control to improve manueverability. I also plan on installing flanking rudders at the same time. I am going for a 6 channel transceiver setup. Have not been able to find any diagrams for what is needed or wiring involved. Any assistance would be gratefully appreciated!

5 years ago by Mariner85

Media

Pawtucket YTM 359

This is the US Army tug kit showing the two hull halves being glued together, I hope to modify the model to replicate the tug I was Petty Officer in Charge of while in the Navy!

5 years ago by Mariner85

Forum

kit

Wanted; Deep vee 60 kit

5 years ago by Fordtech

Forum

kit

Which country are you in? There are a few available on the US EBay site....

5 years ago by DodgyGeezer

Blog

Weight Too Much!

Captain's Log: After careful consideration. I have decided to use only one battery at a time! This being 6.5 lbs. is way too much weight. Her bow is too low to the waterline. She get's thrown off by the weight. So, one battery at a time will be used! Now, having lowered the volts. From 12 volts to 6 volts is a problem. See her main motor and smoker. Are 12 volts each! So, now I have to replace. The main motor and the smoker. To a 6 volt system! This is not so easy. If any of you are familiar. With and Harbor model products. You know this ain't cheap!😭 Luckily, I will be selling both parts. Together next month! As both parts are in new condition! I will then order a 6 volt main motor and Smoker! Oh, each battery will give me about 1.5 hours of run time! And that's not bad at all..... NOTE: I'm only losing $10.00 on the resale of her Motor and Smoker!

5 years ago by figtree7nts

Response

The bow blocks & outer keel

hello i'm trying to epoxy finish on my CC commander and having a hard time getting a smooth surface each time try to put on a coat. it comes out wavy and not even. have tried foam and reg brushes, auto body spreader, try a foam roller, better it was even but not smooth any hints would be helpfully... samc

5 years ago by samc

Response

Miss Doris

Hi Skipper, I believe she's the "San Pedro"! Nice Model BTW....

5 years ago by figtree7nts

Forum

Brooklyn Tug Build...Smoke?

Hi Joe, It's no problem, glad I could help! If you have any other questions. Please ask away! If you do decide to order from Harbor Models. They post their packages the same day! Trick is order early in the morning! I've ordered countless times from Harbor Models! they're a good company to order from. I've never had any problems ordering from them! Regards, Ed

5 years ago by figtree7nts

Forum

Brooklyn Tug Build...Smoke?

I just pulled this build out of storage and am back at it. Will post some pics soon. Any suggestion on a good smoke generator, heavy smoke? .....Joe

5 years ago by Joe727

Forum

Brooklyn Tug Build...Smoke?

Hello Ed, Thank you for the suggestion and the detail. I really appreciate the video and your time, very kind. Thank you for the support. Regards Joe

5 years ago by Joe727

Forum

Brooklyn Tug Build...Smoke?

Hi Joe, Here is my Tug Brooklyn. Smoke Test! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FtVIb7IZJiw

5 years ago by figtree7nts

Forum

Brooklyn Tug Build...Smoke?

Hi Joe, I have the small smoke generator! But, from what I saw on the Harbor Models website. You should pick the second one. As there are now three choices! That's the one I have. and it works like a champ! I use the 12 volt smoker. Definitely read the paper work. That come with it! PS. I know it's pricey. But, well wealth it! Regards, Ed Click here to see 6 volt smoker: https://www.harbormodels.com/har350-6.html

5 years ago by figtree7nts

Forum

Brooklyn Tug Build...Smoke?

Ed, Thank you for the information, This is good to know that it works well. Last question, which size large or small? Joe

5 years ago by Joe727

Forum

Brooklyn Tug Build...Smoke?

Hi Joe727, I use the Harbor Models Steam Generator. On my tugboat Brooklyn. It works well and last 3 hours on one fill! https://www.harbormodels.com/smokegenerator.html Cheers, Ed

5 years ago by figtree7nts

Forum

Brooklyn Tug Build...Smoke?

One for you Ed 😉

5 years ago by RNinMunich

Response

Cobra

Hi, I'm in the process of building the same Cobra. How do you keep the motor cool? is there any way I could get pictures of the motor, wiring set up and how you placed the batteries in the boat. I retired in 2004 and started the model at that time. I've been working on it since I retired.

6 years ago by JBRCfloats

Response

USS Crockett

Videos in Landscape mode are much easier to watch. Videos resize to suit the screen so Portrait mode show the items smaller than they would appear in Landscape mode.

6 years ago by reilly4

Response

Exspress Crusier

Nice model.

6 years ago by jbkiwi

Media

Cobra

Cobra 28” long weighs 5 1/2 pounds

6 years ago by Mikep

Media

USS Crockett

model 51” long weighs 22pounds. Desiel sound, whooper, Movable turrets, twin screw.

6 years ago by Mikep

Media

Cobra

Cobra 28” long weighs 5 1/2 pounds

6 years ago by Mikep

Media

Exspress Crusier

Exspress Crusier 36” long twin drive.

6 years ago by Mikep

Media

Exspress Crusier

Exspress Crusier 36” long

6 years ago by Mikep

Media

Crockett

Crockett 51” long 22lbs.

6 years ago by Mikep

Directory

(Pleasure Craft) 4 C's

just finished the 1930 CC runabout, bought 18 years ago, bought this model cause i thought the instructions would be similar, which they are not. wrong Numbers for parts, wrong instructions, or non for a piece. i guess they want you to buy there DVD for $20. also building the hull the wood split, and did all kinds of things. had to come up with my own way to cover the hull. (Motor: still thinking about it.) (ESC: HobbyWing for two motors) (7/10)

6 years ago by samc

Forum

PT 109 upgrade?

Hello everyone. I have recently completed a lovely PT109 which I began almost 30 years ago. I finally had time to complete the superstrucure! I really enjoyed the finished boat! The problem is that the old motors (3) make much too much noise and draw too much power. I would appreciate advice on installing the most prototypical, and quiet "engine room" as I have also installed a very nice modelsoundsinc 3 diesel engine sound! Cheers!!

6 years ago by masterfixer

Blog

1203 Coast Guard Lifeboat (RNLI Waveney conversion)

So here we go again! I have decided to give other projects a rest for a time in favour of this little gem. Pick up off eBay for less than £100 NIB posted, couldnt resist! Its the (kit no:1203) 44' Coast Guard Lifeboat. I dont know if this kit is still produced by and having looked at the Die cutting of the parts, certainly seems like an old kit? However, I love my building and the challenges, so I am sure it will turn out nice at the end. Finished length 33". I shall be converting this to a RNLI Waveney Class Lifeboat and will possibly go with 44-003 named "Khami" which was based in Great Yarmouth and Gorleston, which is local to me here in Suffolk. Sadly very little turns up on this boat via Google, but at some stage may pop out to the Great Yarmouth Lifeboat station and see if I can hunt anymore info on her. I shall not be using the recommended running gear for 2 reasons, 1st its a geared set-up (I am going with MFA540 brushed direct drive) and the cost of over £150! Photos show the box artwork, plans and the included wood. Last photo shows my electrics less propshafts and props that are on order. Note the Star Wars 3.75" figures that with poetic licence could be painted to represent crew. However, at this point the model is approx 1;16 scale and the figures would be 1:18 scale so maybe too small. There are 1:16 scale lifeboat figures available but pricey? My one issue at this point is going to battery choice? do I go with a small 6v lead acid or perhaps 2 Tamiya type 7.2v NIMH in series. anyone who has built anything like this may want to advise. LIPO not an option as the Mtroniks ESC do not support LIPO. Space inside the hull may also be an issue? Another issue is going to be fabricating some propshaft struts for the rear next to the props. There is quite a bit of prop shaft exposed outside the hull, so these would be integral to support and strength of the propshafts. is there anything available off the shelf (they are included in the running gear set, but dont seem to be available on there own) of do I need to fabricate from brass tube and sheet/strip brass?

6 years ago by Skydive130

Response

USS Crockett

Ooops, apologies USS Crockett, my video post ended up on yr site..should have been on SA Valour Class Frigate.

6 years ago by Joburg-sailor

Response

USS Crockett

Boat looked great.The boat ran just fine.Not too much over scale speed.It's good to have a little more speed to avert obstacles,especially oyher boats that don't know where they are.

6 years ago by Donnieboy

Response

USS Crockett

Hope this works as I can't figure out how to post a video! Click on the media file and then on the download button. The file should then appear at the bottom of your screen. Spioenkop is officially a MEKO 200SAN class Frigate. I duplicated the unusual drive used in these boats in that they have CODAG-WARP; COmbined Diesel And Gas turbine - Waterjet And Refined Propellers. I have the main props motors and the jet drive on separate channels. The video clip shows the first test of this layout with the jet drive coming in after about 4sec of video and is switched off just before the end of the video. I was just so delighted that my system worked that I unashamedly ran it madly over-scale speed on this first outing....sorry!!

6 years ago by Joburg-sailor

Forum

Mahogany in Scale

Hmmm, well a cursory look through over lunch shows me that the book is fine if you're a kit basher as it covers the kind of kit, but for the actual modelmaker it holds nothing but nice pics on indifferent paper. Some useful addresses in the back. That's about it. Nothing on deck fittings, etc. Martin

6 years ago by Westquay

Blog

Skylight Windows!

The Skylight windows are now painted and completed! should have done a better job. At designing the skylight on the Brooklyn! could have precut the windows. Which would have looked great! I would have cutout the Skylight windows. But was unable to! So, just painted the window frames!

6 years ago by figtree7nts

Media

Miss Thriftway 36”

Old kit. Model is 36” long 14” beam and weighs 7 lbs.is Motor is Astro Flite 25 power is 2 x 7.2 5000 mah batteries.

6 years ago by Mikep

Media

USS Crockett

Asheville Class gun boat model is 51” long weighs 22 lbs. hull covered with 2 layers of 2 oz. fiberglass cloth and resin. All plywood and balsa construction finished with fiberglass resin and Model Master paints. Working radar mast, turrets, desiel sound, whopper sound, general quarters sound, sierene. Power is MACK Drives 12 volt system 2 x 2 6volt 3000 nimh each drive. Very fast in the water.

6 years ago by Mikep

Response

Chris-Craft Cobra

Very nice job, luvly woodwork 👍👍 At first I thought that was a swan sitting on the hatch in the first pic😲😁 Cheers, Doug 😎

6 years ago by RNinMunich

Media

Chris-Craft Cobra

Model is 28” long weighs 7lbs. Hull covered with 2 oz. fiberglass cloth deck covered with 3/4 oz. fiberglass cloth and resin finished with spar varnish. Power is MACK 5045 motor and 2 6 volt x 3000 nimh packs.

6 years ago by Mikep

Directory

(Yacht) Adele

Model is from kit hull covered with 2 layers or 2 oz. fiberglass cloth and resin. Deck mahogany covered with 3/4 oz. cloth and resin, painted with klass Coat epoxy paints. Running lights and cabin light. Built with removable interchangeable bridge windscreen or windscreen with roof. (Motor: MACK 5045) (ESC: MACK 35) (8/10)

6 years ago by Mikep

Response

Express Crusier

Very nice tidy job Mike 👍👍👍 Lovely finish. Like the mahogany transom, might do that with my Sea Scout! Crew ain't bad either 😉 Cheers, Doug 😎

6 years ago by RNinMunich

Forum

RS 545 Motors

Greetings Skipper, Welcome about! Why not try these motors! I have them in my San Pedro. They work great! https://www.cornwallmodelboats.co.uk/acatalog/MFA-919D251.html#SID=2420 Regards' Ed

6 years ago by figtree7nts

Blog

Life Boat & Davit!

On the life boat, Had to order some black rope! uses black string. I didn’t like this so found a ship company in New Jersey. They have different size miniature rope. I had ordered some but didn’t know the size! Luckily was able to send back what they had sent me. And was able to send a sample of some tan rope back and a block that sent made of plastic! I want wooden blocks! And black miniature rope. it’ll look more realistic in the long run! Note: Replace the black string. For black rope it will look more scaled! I ordered from, www.syrenshipmodelcompany.com Order .025 this will be the right scale rope!

6 years ago by figtree7nts

Forum

Inspiration for beautiful boat builders ;-)

Not enough woodies in the model boat world. Just loads of kit built Chris Crafts and Amati Rivas with the Timossi Hydro (NOT Ferrari) thrown in. When you consider how many gorgeous woodies of every kind there are and have been that seems to say loud and clear that people won't/can't/don't make anything from scratch any more. Many woodies could be made by adapting the kits made by various companies or the plans sets sold by the Rowell family. Ditchburn, Minet-Shields, Peterborough, Hackercraft, Dodge, Chris Craft, Greavette, Gar Wood, Lyman, Century, Seabird, Richardson.....gentleman's racers, racers, runabouts, sedans, commuters, utilities. So many gorgeous chrome detailed varnished mahogany hot rods, yet so few are ever modelled. I have dozens of plans, so they are available. Very strange. Martin

6 years ago by Westquay

Media

Commission 44347

This is a kit for a USCG Life boat 44' built in Curtis Bay Maryland Coast Guard yard. I've been working off and on this model for a couple of years.

6 years ago by RedRider

Directory

(Tug Boat) seegull

was a brooklin but painted in Canadian Pacific colours of blue an yellow has pull a 250 pound bardge (Motor: decaperm) (8/10)

6 years ago by captaindoug1

Response

a bit more done

P.S.. yes I like the one you have, if I had seen the San Pedro during my search it would have been of interest to me.

6 years ago by Steve-Teresa

Response

Fun Run

The kit (Carol Moran) mine is named Michael after my grandson. it sailed at a scale speed today. The Bunker and Ellis "Lobster Yacht" a Midwest kit, seen here towing a harbour tender. Harbour tender and Tugboat built by me. Dannieboy built the Lobster Yacht with added touches by Ron.

6 years ago by Ronald

Response

a bit more done

I like the flat bottom design! But they do tend to take more weight. Than traditional hulls. I have the San Pedro. She weighs in at 21 pounds! Needless to say I don't take her out much!

6 years ago by figtree7nts

Forum

Brushless motor selection

MY #1 CHOICE WOULD BE A NEU MOTOR . NEU MOTORS ARE A BIT COSTLY BUT HOLD A LOT OF RECORDS . LEOPARD MOTORS ARE NICE TOO .BOTH MOTORS HAVE WATER JACKETS FOR THEM . I PUT A NEW 1515 IN A 27" CATAMARAN RUNNING 4S AND GOT 68 MPH ON THE GPS. ALSO I HAVE AN OLD SKI DADDLE 36" RUNNING A LEOPARD LBP3674 - 2650KV WITH 3S AND GET ABOUT 40 MPH . I AM NOW WORKING ON A 36" GENISIS CAT WITH TWO LEOPARDS . PERFORMANCE TO BE SEEN !!!! I HOPE THIS HELPS YOU OUT SOME .

6 years ago by ARTH

Blog

Taping of Windows!

The pilot house of the Brooklyn. Is made of clear lexan. Or some sort of clear plastic. Anyway you have to tapeup the windows. if you want clear windows to show! So, now i'm waiting for 10mm tape. To tapeup the forward windows on the brooklyn! Pacients is a virtue! In the plans wants you to neatly. cut the windows out. Just to put another piece of clear plastic in it's place! What? yes cut it out to replace it with another piece of plastic!!!! Caution: Put tape on the inside of the captain cabin. Where the windows are. It will keep the inside windows from being over spayed! When you take the tape off. The windows will be clear of any over spray!

6 years ago by figtree7nts

Forum

Boat Plans

Hi CaptBlight Has a bit of an Aerokits fan, these are workable kit !! I have a started 1949 Runabout with all the paper work. It's poorly written and the writers never built the boat !!! Mistakes in numbering etc !!! I can see why you are a little gun shy, but, you have work through it and finish the boat. I have a number of the Aerokits plans, but, not the Waveney. So, if you get a PDF copy kept me in mind. I will ask a few of my contacts for the plans!!! Canabus

6 years ago by canabus