Forum

sprite wanted

Looking for the Sprite kit or built if anyone has one sitting around.

5 years ago by Boat660

Forum

Sea Queen Frames

The seller doesn't care about that. And Ebay doesn't care about that. I have had this battle. Ebay deals in volume sales with some simple rules. So long as the seller is willing to refund unhappy customers they can continue trading. Ebay are not competent to determine what counts as 'not well drawn' for a set of model plans, and won't get into that argument. Ebay will go through a standard procedure if copyright breach is alleged. From their site: "EeBay has created the VeRO program to protect intellectual property owners from trademark, patent or copyright infringement. Property right owners register with the VeRO program by sending eBay legal documentation and proof that they own the specified intellectual property. Having registered with eBay’s VeRO program, these property right owners monitor listings on eBay, or they use third-party web monitoring agents that help warn them of infringement threats. When their rights are violated, the owner or a representative can file a complaint by filling out the NOCI (Notice of Claimed infringement) form, complete with proof of the violation, and sending it to eBay by email or fax. eBay then investigates the issue and notifies the seller via email that a VeRO participant requested that their listing be removed. The listing will remain suspended unless and until a settlement is reached between the seller and the property rights owner." Unless the Aerokits copyright holder takes VeRO action there is nothing you can do to stop copyright breach. This makes me quite unhappy, because I would like to put the full set of Aerokits plans up on my Old Boat Plans website, but I will only do it with copyright holder approval. If you want to do anything about it you would be best advised to contact and encourage them to do something about it - http://models.co.uk/contact/

5 years ago by DodgyGeezer

Forum

Cheap motor for a quick fit, but what prop gents?...

Mornin' (😲) Martin., First off; the Hornet ain't mine, wish it was 🤔 I had a look on the Models site to get an idea of what the prop would have to shove! Was surprised to see it is my hull with a different lid! The current kit is 80 quid BTW. To the motor / ESC; Yeah, you could use an 11.1V LiPo on that motor. BUT your ESCs probably are not LiPo SAFE! Which means that they won't have an automatic shut off or slow down function for when the battery is getting near it's Suicide voltage; roughly anything below 3.0V. Some say 2.7 but I don't risk that. So you would have to be cautious on the first runs and frequently check the remaining volts to learn how long you can run before you risk damaging the LiPo. If you can squash it in how about a 12V 10 cell NiMh? That should give you a good turn of speed with the 35mil prop. Bit heavy though🤔 I use an 11.1V LiPo in my Sea Scout with a 1000kV brushless. i.e. ca 11.100 rpm full bore, and that lifts her snout quite well as you have seen. Hope you find the motor, you seem to make a habit of 'mislaying' motors! Have you found the Supermarine yet? Apropos Supermarine; I've just been asked to renovate one 😉 Looking forward to that so I can see it's coil construction first hand. Will help me refine the mod instructions for you.😉 ESCs; mail me any printing on them and photos and maybe I can identify them and their capabilities. The switch makes me think maybe they do have BEC! The leads don't go nowhere cos it's only there to switch on the ESC / BEC. in my experience only ESCs with BEC have such a switch. Easy way to find out; set up an RX with a servo, plug the ESC lead into the RX, stick a battery on the ESC WITHOUT motor, switch on the TX and the ESC (move the switch to the end where two wires are connected) and see if the servo responds to the TX or any LEDs flash on the RX. Or just measure the volts across the red and black wires on the RX plug! If the ESC has a heat sink I don't think you need worry too much about current capability. Use your natty new Wattmeter to measure the current drawn by the motor as you run it slowly up to full speed. 😉 Don't think you need worry about volts either; all but the teeny weeny ones (like the fingernail size 3.7V ESCs I just bought for my Plastic Magic ships with only a 1S LiPo supply) can normally handle at least 12V, it's current that usually kills 'em😡 Sorry; Your electro-boards are still here, haven't been too mobile lately🤔 So I ordered some prepaid DHL labels (arriving Thursday) and will then get them to collect your parcel from me. Will email when they're finally underway. Cheers, Doug 😎

6 years ago by RNinMunich

Forum

Javelin restoration

My answer would always be if the engine starts easily, use it and the hell with jobswuffs who would tell you no. Just don't ask. Go when nobody else is around. if its a natural lake it maybe doesn't belong to anyone, so go ahead. if the owner can prove it can't be used, by proving he IS the owner, then desist and find another body of water. There are quite a few in Wales after all. Alas, if you join a local club they will be bound to say no IC engines. They nearly all tend to now, whether they have the right to or not. I'd say leave them alone and enjoy yourself on a river or natural lake. Only if you just cannot find anywhere to run IC should you give in to electric. Good luck. Martin The Anarchists Boat Club.

6 years ago by Westquay

Forum

46''Vosper Crash Tender

Have a query here busy with Vosper 46" I intend to put a twin drive in using aP94 electronic controller ex action electronics Some of the design says to use 2 Graupner 900 speed motor these are no longer available any suggestions as I need the gel cells for ballast I think MFA Come 850's might be overkill Thanks

6 years ago by Ianh

Forum

FIREFLOAT RTTL

HI WONDER IF ANYONE CAN HELP ME I AM LOOKING FOR THE VOSPER FIREFLOAT RTTL THAT KITSHACK USED TO SELL DOES ANYONE KNOW WHERE I CAN GET THIS KIT, I HAVE THE RAF CRASH TENDER BY , BUT I WANTED TO SEE IF I CAN GET THIS KIT RTTL, MANY THANKS, COLIN😎

7 years ago by jaffy012

Response

Sportsman mk1 restoration

Wow! We have a celebrity member😉 Welcome aboard. Lucky find in the junk shop, hull looks pretty much like the Sea Scout! Happy renovating, cheers Doug 😎

7 years ago by RNinMunich

Forum

sportsman

Hi Sven, try direct to models, through google search Mark

7 years ago by jarvo

Forum

sportsman

Hello, I am the sven from germany / herford and looking for a building plan of : "sportsman " from model boats to build this boat .. look directly the construction plans, I know there was as a complete kit to buy, but someone has or knows someone who still something drawings has for a replica .. my question, do you know someone who still has documents from the boat i'm looking for plans, drawings, bodyplan, scrive board or anything form the boat I'm glad about it, thank you who has something or knows can send me an e-mail

7 years ago by sven-te

Directory

(Working Vessel) Pilot Boat

SH bought Pilot boat kit, ply hull and uppers with detail. Originally ran on 2 x 2S 7.4v Lipos but just tried it on a single 11.1v 3S 5500mah Lipo to reduce weight with a significant improvement in performance (Motor: Turnigy 3536 1450kv) (5/10)

7 years ago by sigfortunata

Forum

How many is to Many

I have two sailing boats, two tugs, one trawler,one pilot boat, one speedboat all working. Restoring one robbe dusseldorf, building one tamar lifeboat,helping my son with a 48" perkasa and I have two fire tenders waiting to be restored and a steam launch to build and now I am wondering why I keep looking at other boats and dreaming. Good job my wife understands, I just can't help myself!

7 years ago by Helineil

Forum

vosper

hi has anyone got build pics of the 46" vosper RAF crash tender by models please i would really appreciate it. colin👍

7 years ago by jaffy012

Forum

Puffy lipos

HI all, I haven't posted on this site for ages but remember getting some very helpful advice in the past. I have been using lipos in my Rapier with success (thanks Dave M) but noticed that one battery was getting slightly puffy. I suspect that this is not good but have been advised that it isn't serious. What might cause this to happen and might it get worse? Should I scrap the battery and get a new one. I have two and only one of them is doing it. Ian

8 years ago by ianed57

Directory

(Other)

A air boat kit designed some years ago for I believe, IC engines. Then also brushed electric. I started off brushed, then brushless, but always found it top heavy, moderate speed and difficult to control in a wind. Now fitted with 2 x 64mm EDF units, twin rudders. it is around 5" lower than previous. Not a fast electric by any means, but good enough for now. may upgrade to more blades at some point. (Motor: EDF Unit x 2) (ESC: Hobbywing x 2) (8/10)

8 years ago by Derek

Response

Side Pieces Cut

HI Roger Tried looking for kitshack and looks like they went under some time ago amazing what you can find on good old Google. Couldn't find anything for speedwell or variations thereof. But did come across an old favourite models and it would seem from their advert for the crash tender that windows are available separately so sent an email for further information - will let everyone know the outcome Cheers Neil

9 years ago by neilmc

Forum

fire boat Identification

Vintage Model Workshop make the kit of the Crash Tender and a very nice kit too. Found Michael Cummings to be very helpful on the couple of occasions I ran into problems (my own making) Shaun

9 years ago by Flack

Forum

fire boat Identification

I would think that there will be a difference in the make up of the kit. if I remember rightly my genuine Aerokits Solent came with all the parts ready cut whereas the clone of the 46 inch RAF crash tender came with the parts CNC cut in a piece of plywood and they had to be cut into individual sections. Shaun

9 years ago by Flack

Response

'Petrel', a Sportsman

Lovely looking boat , well done

10 years ago by CraigRobotham

Forum

Pilot Boat

Has anyone built a Pilot Boat ?. If so, any problems to look out for during building. Also any views regarding a suitable Brushless motor and ESC. With a length of 850mm and a beam of 260 mm , no details of weight. Any help or advise greatly appreciated. Roger - Fullsteamahead

10 years ago by Fullsteamahead

Response

rudder servo Installation

Hi I am very Impressed with your restoration of our beloved Sea Scout, would you consider sending Images via PM so I can use your boat in our advertising as it is a great example Many thanks from Sandra Models

10 years ago by sandra

Blog

Vosper 1/16th scale crash tender

I like building wooden boats which have a nice turn of speed and the 34.5" Vosper crash tender fits the bill. I am using their recommended hardware with a brushless motor driving a single 40mm screw. However, I also plan to install working fire monitors mounted on servos so they can rotate. The servos are from Aquacraft in the US which, whilst not to exactly the right design, are at least roughly to scale. I also plan to include a working searchlight and running lights. Build still in its early stages and should keep me busy during the dark winter months. Any thought or advice would always be welcomed 😊 .

10 years ago by JeremyBB

Response

VOSPER CRASH TENDER No.94

Looks great and beautifully finished 😊 . I am currently building the 34.5" model of this boat and would very much like to see some photos of your model. it would provide me with an excellent guide as to how it should look in detail. Would it be possible for you to send these to me by email or post them on the site? Cheers! Jeremy

10 years ago by JeremyBB

Forum

stilleto

HI Mate Are you aware that is still in business, they are in Poole some ware, have a look on the modelshop web site for the address or try www.models.co.uk Regards Mark

10 years ago by jarvo

Forum

stilleto

Morning all, Just posting this plee , does any one have a plan or photos of the stilleto I could borrow or buy, as I have decided to try and refurbish this model that my father built some years ago. many thanks In advance, Steve

10 years ago by A66GPL1000

Forum

Windows

Perhaps all the bad weather has made them go on holiday to Spain 😁 Mine is the kit and it also comes with nautical moments 😁 Alan

10 years ago by AlanP

Forum

fireboat update

Thanks Flack and Alan for the replies. I really have loved the Aerokits boats since my childhood (50 odd years ago...can it really be so long ?) and one of these has definitely been on the build programme for many years, hence purchase of the Sea Queen, which was a great disappointment and still languishes half built. I've always wondered why some enterprising sole hasn't redrawn the designs in CAD and produced accurate laser cut parts....as has been done with so many vintage aircraft (my other passion). Maybe in my pending retirement I'll CAD out the Fairey Swordsman design (as it shouldn't be copyright protected as probably the Aerokits are). Sounds as the people are going the right way....pity they don't do the Sea Commander though. But now I'm getting "picky" ! Interesting thread Alan, and I follow with interest as a newbie ! Chris

10 years ago by ChrisJ

Forum

fireboat update

Abuse, me, never, I am now upset 😭 😁 Mine is the 34" Crash Tender, just the kit for making the boat, no fittings at all, all the parts are laser cut, good quality wood and fit together well, the instructions are very poor, minimal might be the right word. If you follow the instructions at the start and fit the bulkheads according to the drawing, the cabin side pieces wont fit, fortunately I dry fitted the parts and found this out. Apart from that I am happy with it, I think I paid £120 for it at last years Haydock show Alan

10 years ago by AlanP

Forum

fireboat update

HI Chris, Apologies for hijacking your post but I am in the process of building the 46inch Crash Tender from . The kit is by Vintage Model Works which is a different entity than Vintage Model Boat Co. I found the kit to be fairly expensive but I have to say the components are fairly high quality containing most of what you need with the exception of prop shafts, motors etc. and quite comprehensive. The instructions at first glance seem to be very self explanatory but as I progressed with the kit I found them a little difficult to decipher, part of that will be my own lack of experience in model boat building. When I needed further advice I found Michael Cummings from the Vintage Model Works to be extremely helpful. Before I get a whole host of abuse from Alan, 😛 he , Dave M and pmdevlin were also a great help and inspiration. 😊

10 years ago by Flack

Forum

fireboat update

Alan, how do you find the quality of the kit ? is this a kit from the Vintage Model Boat Co ? I purchased a Sea Queen from Jokita, a couple of years ago, and frankly is was appalling .....fit up was terrible. Regards Chris

10 years ago by ChrisJ

Forum

Portholes

Happy New year misterbee. I am in the process of building the models version of the 46 inch crash tender and that came with a full set of white metal fittings so you could give the kit maker a try at: http://www.vintagemodelworks.co.uk/?page_id=39 Alternatively Kitshack do a full set of fittings for the 46 inch crash tender priced at around £60, their website is: http://kitshackmodels.com/index.php?route=product/product&product_id=197 Best of luck with the finishing.

10 years ago by Flack

Forum

twin brushless Aerokits 46'' video with 3 camera angles

Really nice paint job, you could have a shave in the mirror like finish. the performance looks quite good too. Just starting to build the Models 46 inch Crash Tender I'll be really pleased if mine turns out half as good as yours looks. Any particular reason for the twin screws as opposed to single? - does the additional expense for two motors and speed controllers and the reduction in running time give that much better performance? Shaun

11 years ago by Flack

Blog

46 Inch RAF Crash Tender

Decided to bite the bullet and purchase a new kit for the RAF Crash Tender. After a lot of research I opted for the 46 inch kit from Models which is a 1950's revival kit made by Vintage Model Workshop. I nearly had to take out a second mortgage to fund the kit but was pleasantly surprised on first opening at the quality of the mainly plywood parts all of which are CNC cut for relatively easy assembly, strip wood is obechi, the kit also has a full set of white metal cast deck fittings. Full size scale plans, comprehensive instructions and transfers complete the kit. Started with the construction of a suitable jig to ensure everything went together square and soon had the keel and bulkheads in position. Updates as time and the build progresses. Sorry folks having a bit of trouble uploading the pictures! Decided to bite the bullet and purchase a new kit for the RAF Crash Tender. After a lot of research I opted for the 46 inch kit from Models which is a 1950's revival kit made by Vintage Model Workshop. I nearly had to take out a second mortgage to fund the kit but was pleasantly surprised on first opening at the quality of the mainly plywood parts all of which are CNC cut for relatively easy assembly, strip wood is obechi, the kit also has a full set of white metal cast deck fittings. Full size scale plans, comprehensive instructions and transfers complete the kit. Started with the construction of a suitable jig to ensure everything went together square and soon had the keel and bulkheads in position. Updates as time and the build progresses.

11 years ago by Flack

Forum

fireboat vents

Can't promise you'll have any luck but I have just purchased a 46 inch version from Models and whilst researching it I noticed they also do a 34.5 inch version which you can buy the fittings set for separately, worth a try. Telephone no 01202 499354

11 years ago by Flack

Forum

RAF Crash Tender New Build

I have just bought The RAF Crash Tender at the Haydock show and was wondering If there Is anything I should know before I start the build. You know how It Is, you get halfway through the build and some helpful soul will say, "you should not have done that". Alan

11 years ago by AlanP

Forum

plans for sale

HI Steve, It's a while since you posted this but I thought I ought to mention that Models sell the plan for Sea Queen- at a price! You may also be aware that the plan will not have any frame shapes- unless these have been added latterly- but could be derived from the information on the plan. They also sell the plans for many of the other Aerokits boats. Hope this helps...Ian

11 years ago by ianed57

Directory

(Working Vessel) pilot boat

First wooden hull boat kit I built .kit was from models a bit basic but still goes well after 17 Years . (Motor: mfa) (ESC: mtronics) (7/10)

11 years ago by arbarrett123

Forum

Crash Tender from new.

HI all, Having finished my Rapier and making good progress on a Wavemaster refurb my thoughts are turning to what I want to do next.Unlike many, I think I prefer to build from new rather than refurbishing ebay rescues- just my choice. I'm beginning to be attracted to the Vosper Crash tender-I had two Victory Industries boats when a lad and still have them-but wondered what the options were for building from new. I can find a 46'' kit and a Kitshack 34'' kit plus the original Aerokits drawing.I'm not fired up by GRP hulls I'm afraid. Anybody tried the Kitshack kit-don't see many descriptions of It. Any help would be appreciated-as always! Ian

12 years ago by ianed57

Response

Two refurbished Yeoman Wavemasters

HI Graham, Glad you liked the video. They are smashing boats aren't they? I really fancy a new IP Engineering one but have too many other projects on the go to make it a sane decision! I have to say my WM is the best running of my faster boats, which include a Sportsman and a Rapier. She seems to hug the water in turns rather than bounce around, so a great design I think. I'd be interested to hear how you arranged you gearing on your WM. Did you make it up or but a ready made unit? Ian

11 years ago by ianed57

Response

Rapier- with Lipos

Those are the alarms I intend to use but they seem to be taking a while to come. They are so cheap I intend to install them in the boat with velcro and extension leads on the balance connectors. The lipos certainly give a weight saving too.

12 years ago by ianed57

Response

Rapier- with Lipos

I use a little "plug in" voltage alarm on my lipo's. it simply plugs in to the balance charge plug connector. so give you an initial volt test,usually with a few bleeps and a set of green lights, then as the batteries drain, the led's turn red and an alert buzzer goes of as they approach low volt limit, which is set on these alarms at 3.2v, so no damage done to the batteries. Its a quick search on ebay, loads of sellers, cost around £2.50 each. very useful bit of kit poolside as you can check all your lipo batteries, even after being used and left to stand, the batteries do recover a bit and possibly ready again for a further shortened run time too. Happy sailing with your boat, the setup's brill !

12 years ago by Gregg

Response

Rapier- with Lipos

HI Gregg- thanks. I'm pretty happy with the way she goes now and feel disinclined to change much. The motors run cool on the two 37.5 X props- and it's enough excitement for me! I could try 35's just for the experience if I could get handed props- haven't really looked. I just need to get my head round not over-discharging the Lipos- going to experiment with visible low voltage alarms in the cabin windows! Ian

12 years ago by ianed57

Response

Rapier- with Lipos

The video looks great. The boat certanly moves well. However, id be wary of going up a prop size, you may decrease the speed and increase the current draw, especially listening to the motor sound. Possibly a sghtly smaller prop would give you more rpm's and still keep the current draw down, plus the motor will run cooler.

12 years ago by Gregg

Media

Rapier- with Lipos

I finally got round to trying the Rapier with the lipos I bought recently. My good friend 'Kalamunda' was on hand to drive whilst I took the video. We noticed a marked Improvement in performance- a much greater 'urgency' with the lipos delivering what the motors asked. Short of going up a prop size I think this will be about it with this boat. Thanks to the chaps on here who have encouraged me into Lipos and given help with various matters- not sure what all the worry was now- famous last words! This will be one of our last days at Crealy in Exeter as the management have decided to terminate our use of the water- so we will be looking for alternatives from January.

12 years ago by ianed57

Response

veron fast patrol boat

Brian, Ouch! Sounds a bit expensive.On the advice of Dave M on this forum I bought myself a wattmeter and it certainly takes the guesswork out. I went through three esc's on my Sportsman before I got it right- hopefully! Also spent a good deal of time anxiously waiting for my Rapier to drift back to shore after it popped a fuse- twice. Now I know what the limits are and I just didn't have a big enough fuse in. I'm having just what you describe with batteries being too far astern- I'm going out Monday to try them in the middle of the boat. Also hoping to get some LiPos when I have decided on a make. Hope the new motors and fans work out and that you get some good shots on the water eventually. All the best...Ian

12 years ago by ianed57

Response

Rapier

Dave, I found that the Nimh batteries were dropping off to around 9v at full power when measured with the wattmeter and this is why I want to go for Lipos, one on each motor. At the moment I'm taking everything from one pack and I think this is the limiting factor. When I get my Lipos I will stick them in the middle and try larger props, probably 40mmS types to begin with, having measured what's going on with the wattmeter first. it may be that the existing props will do better if the batteries are delivering up what the motors want. You're right, there is still plenty of headroom with this setup. Just got to rake up the cash for two largish capacity Lipos! The wattmeter is a splendid purchase- I'd say essential for this type of thing. Anyway, glad you liked the video- she still looks quite good toodling around at that speed. All the best...Ian

12 years ago by ianed57

Response

Rapier

HI Ian See you are making good use of the wattmeter 😀 Like the video and agree the balance could benefit with a bit more weight amidships. Listening to the video sound suggests your motors are not developing full power so I suspect the NiMh's are not capable of delivering the amps required. You could try smaller props with the NiMh's to see if the performance Improves, could be your motors are working just below the optimum.

12 years ago by Dave M

Media

Rapier

Second decent run with this boat- rather sedate I think. At the moment it's drawing 33amps (stationary, 16.5 amps each motor) with both motors running from a 12v Nimh pack. I want to get each motor running off a separate LiPo and then I could probably increase the prop size- still well within the esc rating and the motors are very cool after a run at the moment. it seems a bit back heavy and I'd like to get it running flatter- so will try moving the batteries more amidships.

12 years ago by ianed57

Response

Rapier

Thanks. I suppose it's obvious when you think about it. The motor mounts do have slots in the front face.

12 years ago by ianed57

Response

Rapier

I would try and leave the cooling slots fully open, to allow air to circulate through the motor internals. Same goes for any air slots in the front face of the motor, always try and make a hole on the motor mount [if none in], to aid airflow through the motor. if you cover the slots up, you are only adding to the internal temperature of the motor you are trying to cool.

12 years ago by Gregg

Response

Rapier

I have decided to re-make the cooling coils on both my Sportsman and the Rapier as the Graupner aluminium ones don't seem to fit very closely and when I try to bend them in a bit they just go out of concentricity (?) and don't make contact with the motor casing very well. So,off to Halfords for a length of copper brake pipe and will make up a former slightly smaller than the motor diameter.Question is.. how much of the motor casing to cover, and is it OK to cover the slots where the brushes are as that's the bit that gets hottest of course? Any help would be welcome. Ian

12 years ago by ianed57