Blog
36'' Thames River Police Launch by Robbob
After the successful build of the βVintage Model Worksβ RAF Crash Rescue Tender I was asked by Mike Cummings of VMW if I would undertake to build a prototype of their new model with the aim of checking the construction method and the assembly instructions for accuracy before the kit is put into production.
The model is a βThames River Police Launchβ and is based on the original design by Phil Smith for the Veron company, this was a very popular model kit in the late 50βs and 60βs and sold for the princely sum of 43 shillings and tuppence, approximately Β£2.15 in todayβs money but an equivalent cost of Β£48.50 in 1960.
This design has been updated to accommodate electric propulsion and radio control by Colin Smith, the son of the original designer and it has been re-scaled to be 36β in length where the original was 24β which gives much more scope for detailing and provides more βhiding roomβ for the drive, control systems and all the associated wiring.
The kit produced by VMW uses the same construction techniques as the original and the materials are a combination of balsa and plywood both of which a laser and CNC cut for precision.
The ply and balsa materials supplied are of very high quality as one would expect from VMW and all the stripwood for the chines, rubbing strakes and deck detailing is included, even the dowel required for the mast is in the box, very comprehensive!
The kit also includes white metal fittings such as the fairleads and stanchions, and the searchlight and horns. The glazing for the windows comes in the kit too.
The instruction sheet supplied is in need of revision as it is largely taken directly from the original as written by Phil Smith and some of the terminology needs updating, for instance the ply bottom and side skins are referred to as βstrakesβ but I understand that a re-write of the instructions is in hand along with an updated plan showing the best positioning for the motor, prop-shaft, battery, ESC, receiver, rudder and servo.
During construction I have added a few additional pieces of ply or balsa as reinforcement or supports and substituted some balsa parts for ply where I thought a stronger material would be better. I also added some hatches to give access to the wiring at the bow and the rudder & servo at the stern but largely I have not gone βoff planβ to any extent.
The pictures show the model in itβs present state (Nov 2018) and is ready for painting and finishing.
5 years ago by robbob
Event
Model boat shows
Model boats
5 years ago by GeoffA
Event
2 day model boat show
we're having a 2day model boat show at the hooton park trust site ellemere port on may 18th &19th all model boat clubs welcome. this is our first show at our new venue
5 years ago by nutrunner
Directory
(Other) Searcher 2
First model ever made.. My ignorance of RC shows as I used a donor hull using 27MHz (To be changed at a later date)
1:32 scale Delta 7.5mtr RHIB used by Her Majesty's Customs, eventually to be sailed in conjunction with my next model, a 1:32 scale model of Damen Stan 4207 HMC Searcher. (8/10)
5 years ago by RayA
Place
2 day model boat show
hi the ellesmere port model boat club are having a 2 day model boat show on the 18th & 9th of may 2019 thought u might be interested , our club lake is in the hooton park trust site ellesmere port regards len
5 years ago by nutrunner
Place
OLD STAMPING GROUND?
the ellesmere port model boat club are having a 2 day model boat show on the 18th & 19th of may 2019 thought u might be interested in attending
5 years ago by nutrunner
Forum
2 day model boat show
hi email our chairman ministeve72@aol.com he will give u all the info hope this helps regards len
5 years ago by nutrunner
Forum
Bollards
hi Toby
on most drawings depicting hidden diameters is normally done, as you say, in dotted lines and 10 inch diameter can indicate the bollards width at its middle section which, in this case, it does. Yours on the model you are building from the 1930s will not be prefabricated steel i.e. welded, they will be cast. The British shipyards were rather slow on the uptaking of welding steel and it wasnt until after the 2nd world war that we really got into the swing of things - long after the Americans, the Germans and the Japanese had been doing welding ships before the war. Three photographs which show you the type of bollards and the top of a bollard and also can show you the physical size of them.
As far as the mushroom vents go, according to British Steam Coasters by C.V.Waine, there is a small drawing which shows a true mushroom shaped ventilator on a ship - also in the book from Norman Ough he has a set of drawings of them, although they were mainly aimed at Royal Naval ships, they would also be found on a merchant ships.
John
5 years ago by JOHN
Forum
2 day model boat show
How do I go about to put some rc trucks in your show
As I have three trucks one coach and five nice trailers
All in 1:14 scale. can you please let me know . Thanks.
5 years ago by scooterman
Forum
Being Sociable.
Not everybody can afford the investment in steam, I would love to build a model with steam power if only I could pick up a steam plant for around Β£40 -Β£50.The unit you show I think would come in at something more than that. so I suspect there are other admirers of steam but out of reach because of cost.
Just a quick search sees prices of a complete installations in the region of Β£1500 -Β£2000
5 years ago by mturpin013
Forum
Mtronics W-tail marine mixer connections.
Well spotted Dodgy, it's just one of a few old sets I have from my flying days that's an easy conversion to 2.4ghz with a plug in module, which I have, with matching recievers. I have a few 27mhz and 40mhz sets as well, it's just a matter of choosing one that's not in use with one of my other models. I have systems up to 40 years old and and still fully working, so I don't spend on new when I have so much good stuff to choose from, also my specialty is collecting and restoring (for use) vintage models. I also take them to display at vintage shows in the summer.
Cheers Colin.
5 years ago by Colin H
Forum
Mtronics W-tail marine mixer connections.
Thanks Doug,
So right for the job, but so expensive, I am trying to use what I have or can get cheaply. As you know I am rubbish with electronics. This is for my latest aquisition, a vintage model paddle Steamer with individual paddle motors and a rudder. The old system of a digimax 4 needs updating. How's the taycol coming on, my first big show is at Easter and I was hoping to include the Sea Commander.
Cheers Colin.
5 years ago by Colin H
Forum
Aeronaut Pilot Boat
Hi Ron.
I have just fitted the rudders and controls last weekend. I have built almost the complete model but held off from fitting the deck until I had time to consider this problem. The best I could come up with was to reverse the control arms so that their screws fixing them to the rudders were accessible from the front after the deck had been fitted. Doing the linkages this way means that you have to bend the control arms to miss the strength rib in front of the rear skin and also you might have to reverse the servo travel direction on the Tx. I had to do this.π
I have included a picture to show what I have done. it does not solve all of the problems but makes adjustment possible.
I have also included a picture of the dual speed controller. I know you have solved this problem but I have tested this unit and it works very well. I hope this helps in some way.
Peter.π
5 years ago by MouldBuilder
Forum
Motor Anti-Submarine Boat MA/SB
Steve, That is the right colour. For a model that size consider just buying three or four tinlets. For my Fairmile D I needed much more, so had it mixed up at a local paint store once I got a tinlet and painted the colour on a test board. if you have it mixed you end up with at least 500ml. This colour photo shows the deck on a Fairmile D.
5 years ago by reilly4
Place
Spring boat show
hi we are now at the Hooton park trust site in ellesmere port and we arre having a model boat show on the 18th & 19th of may 2019 any more info just msg me
5 years ago by nutrunner
Place
model boat show
we now have the dates for our 2 day model boat show at the HOOTON PARK TRUST ellesmere port they are 18th & 19th of May 2019 all model boat clubs welcome
5 years ago by nutrunner
Forum
The BIG St.Albans
model show
Thanks Michaelπ
Oops! Oh dear, another one for Jeremy's in Box π²
5 years ago by RNinMunich
Forum
The BIG St.Albans
model show
Nice one doug
5 years ago by mturpin013
Forum
The BIG St.Albans
model show
Dear Jeremy,
That will happen with ALL POSTS - UNLESS you go to your Profile and adjust your Notification settings, i.e. stop ALL Notifications except your own PMs. Simply uncheck the relevant boxes. it's the Notifications function which sends the e-mails. Most of us find it very useful.
A bit of banter is what makes this site live and less 'dry' than most others.
There's always the 'Delete All' button on your device!!π
Best regards, Dougπ
5 years ago by RNinMunich
Forum
The BIG St.Albans
model show
please stop this thread. Every post is coming through as an e mail. if you want to have general chat please PM as it is clogging up my inboxπ‘
5 years ago by jeremy
Forum
The BIG St.Albans
model show
AHA! Dass wΓ€re-
Alles klar! Du hast es kapiert / geschnallt!
I've noticed some very odd things come out that translator!
Zedenek has noticed the same problem with Czech to English and German!
Can highly recommend this dictionary to at least get the verbs right. it also gives some colloquialism applications.
https://dict.leo.org/englisch-deutsch/geschnallt
Weiter machen Herr KapitΓ€n,π
TschΓΌss, Doug
5 years ago by RNinMunich
Forum
The BIG St.Albans
model show
LOL π
Google translate....Grrrrrr
I meant to say "All is clear, I think you've twigged!"
Rob.
5 years ago by robbob
Forum
The BIG St.Albans
model show
Du meinst ich bin saw-toothed or serrated!?π²
Maybe I'm just vertippt?π
5 years ago by RNinMunich
Forum
The BIG St.Albans
model show
Alles klar, ich denke du hast gezackt!
5 years ago by robbob
Forum
The BIG St.Albans
model show
Orl kleer Rob! π
5 years ago by RNinMunich
Forum
The BIG St.Albans
model show
Hi Doug.
Neuralgia is exactly wot I rote π
5 years ago by robbob
Forum
The BIG St.Albans
model show
Nostalgia - neuralgia?
Oedipus - schmedipus.
What's it matter so long you love your mother π
You may have 'struck a nerve' there Robbob π
Pesky Auto-typer!!
5 years ago by RNinMunich
Forum
The BIG St.Albans
model show
Hello hmsneuralgia
Welcome to the forum.
Even close family members wouldn't recognise me π΅
Neither do I when I look in the mirror sometimes....and some old fella looks back at me.
PS.
St.AlbansMES do far more than just model boats as you will find out at the show.
5 years ago by robbob
Forum
The BIG St.Albans
model show
Will def. like to be there, especially to see who this 'robbob' is, who appears to be a 'made man' at the St. Albans model boat club.!! π
5 years ago by hmsnostalgia
Forum
The BIG St.Albans
model show
Hi BillD203
Here's the CONTACT US page of our website.
http://stalbansmes.com/contact/
eMail our club secretary Roy Verden:
secretary@stalbansmes.com
to discuss this.
5 years ago by robbob
Event
Bournville Illuminated Regatta
Bournville MBC Invite all RC model boaters to show off their models lights, if it floats and has lights on it we want to see it.
Free to enter
Light Refreshments
Free Parking
Disabled Access
Contact
Rob Fowler 07714517445
5 years ago by Aquaflite
Event
Model engineering
Model engineering & Modelling show
www.thedoncastershow.com
5 years ago by mturpin013
Forum
Fairmile D 1/24 Scale Build
Sakibian,
My friend Graham built his E-boat with a fibreglass hull but scratch-built everything else. He does magnificent detail work.
For you to build this hull you first need to get the plans to the scale you want to build. 1/24 is good for these models. The cross sections are essential. You need to determine how many bulkhead frames you will require. You won't require as many as shown on their plan and photos - maybe less than half - as many as will enable you to support the stringers to give you a shape of the hull on to which you can fix the planking or skin.
The frames you choose need to be at or very close to cross sections, so you can use them to mark and cut your frames. I use 5mm plywood. There is a photo of my Fairmile D frame earlier in this series of posts.
One of my earliest posts on this website was a Youtube video with the E-boat and my Fairmile D in action with sound effects.
5 years ago by reilly4
Forum
LONDON MODEL ENGINEERING EXHIBITION
A good show and as the title suggested it was for model engineers rather than model boat builders, however this suited me and I was pleased to see Robbobs Crash Tender and his latest police boat, both of immaculate quality.
If anybody wants a more model focussed show then try Doncaster
5 years ago by mturpin013
Event
LONDON MODEL ENGINEERING EXHIBITION
LONDON MODEL ENGINEERING EXHIBITION
Friday 18th January to Sunday 20th January 2019
The South's Major Showcase Of Modelling...Not To Be Missed!
Please see the dedicated website at:
https://www.londonmodelengineering.co.uk/
Opening Times
Friday 10am - 5pm Last Entry 4pm
Saturday 10am - 5pm Last Entry 4pm
Sunday 10am - 4.30pm. Last Entry 3pm.
5 years ago by robbob
Response
Motor, mount & prop-shaft.
I have just visited their site again and they do not show much to do with the boats they have for sale. All I see is the 46" RAF Crash Tender and the Police Launch that just has a picture and no other information. They show no prices, I was also under the impression that they had several models in their list for sale. I do have the 46" Crash Tender I purchased at Wings'n'Wheels about three years ago. I din't find their site that informative other than for the Crash Tender. My kit doesn't even have the windows and decals that is says and shows in the descriptions. I'm very disappointed really. I will get round to building it one day though. As I will the 34" I bout back in 1994 from Aerokits.
5 years ago by BOATSHED
Forum
Model Boat Show
The RNLI at Scarborough are holding a Model Boat Show at the Lifeboat Station on 27 April from 11am to 4pm. Any one willing to show their boats should contact Kay Jackson at the Boat House.
5 years ago by RobbieMcKennan
Response
Fitting the rubbing strakes.
Wow that's looking great. are you just building her as a static model or are you installing R/C ? I am asking as you say at the start of the build that VMW asked if you would build a prototype for them. Do you get to keep this or send it back to them. This is why I ask about R/C. it'll be a shame to give it back, after all your super work. Shame I wont be able to get to the show .
5 years ago by BOATSHED
Response
Cabin detail part 5 speed control & compass
Twigged you were going to view the model 'original', but had assumed at some
model show
.
Hadn't realised U2 were bruvs. Keep it in the family huh? π
Two very skilful guys, 'Stereo Hat Off' π
Luuuv the instrument panel.
Can you make me one for my USS Enterprise (The Big E) in 1:350 scale please π More power to your elbows guysπ Cheers, Doug π
5 years ago by RNinMunich
Forum
Model Boat Show.
Great news looking forward to it.
cheers
5 years ago by dragon
Forum
Model Boat Show.
Ellesmere Port Model Boat Club are having a Model Boat Show on the 18th. and 19th. May 2019 at Hooton Park Trust, an old RAF airfield adjacent to the Vauxhall factory in Ellesmere Port. There will be Traders, Model Boat Clubs and RC truckers there. Opening times are 10 am to 4 pm on the Saturday and 10 am to 3pm on the Sunday. There is a pool for sailing. We have a Facebook page with photos.π
5 years ago by epmbcmember
Forum
Model Boat Show.
I'd love to see what must be some interesting changes to the old Hooton Park. I was a works security policeman there '65/69 and the area around the old mansion house was a bit wild and there was no pond there then. There were two Hangars left from the days 610 squadron had the place.They were used as the service station for VM's transport fleet. I wonder if they are still there>Also the underground air raid shelters.ππ There's a legend of the cursed pillars attched to the site too.π
5 years ago by onetenor
Forum
Rx-tx confusion
Lordgord,
I understand the confusion as there is almost too much infor nation on the web, much of it is mis-leading. I have been using this technology for 12 years now and have owned and used at least 8 Spektrum receivers. Here's my take:
1. You need a DSM2 or DSMX Transmitter, that simple.
2. My first photo shows a Spektrum AR7000 RX in my tugboat. it's a nice RX, IS 7 channel with an addition satellite received. it's overkill for a boat that just needs a couple of channels and doesn't fall to earth in a failure. Originally purchased for an RC Airplane, it's pricey at $90 to $100 USD. OUCH.
3. Ti try the less expensive RX's available no, first I tried OrangeRX and bought 3, none of which ever worked, a problem with China's lack of quality control.
4. Recently p, I needed two more RXs for boat builds and read that LemonRX was doing pretty good. Last two photos are of the Lemon, model LM0034. They work great and bind very easy, best of all they are $16 USD ! www.lemon-rx.com
5. One caveat with the lemon, they come just as shown in photo....no documentation. You need to look up on the internet which port is which and how to bind. Took me about 10 minute, bu is something to consider if this is your first hookup. Knowing which set of prongs go to what channel is critical.
Personally, in the future, I am going to buy more Lemons...
Hope this helps, Ask any question that you may have, we are all hear to help each other.
Cheers,
Joe
5 years ago by Joe727
Forum
Model Boat Show.
Looking forward to it. I am coming up with the caravan, staying at Oakwood Farm Touring Park, and bringing 2, maybe 3 lifeboats with me to sail. it's in the diary, can't wait. Cheers, Dave W π
5 years ago by rolfman2000
Forum
Mersey Mammoth / Lara 1
Dave Morris is a member of the Ellesmere Port Model Boat Club and yes I think the model was at one of the shows there.
5 years ago by epmbcmember
Directory
(Other) Baltik
Not sure how long ago model was built . Take it to wood shows in Hamilton area . Just a static model not sure Manufacturer of model . Probably have print somewhere (5/10)
5 years ago by GARTH
Forum
HMS Campbeltown 1941, 1/96 scale
Thankyou Nerys for your very kind words ππ
'One does what one can!' π
HMS Manxman is one of my favourite ships and the subject of my next major project. I have the 1/96 scale Deans marine kit.
Her history has always fascinated me. Built my first 1/600 Airfix model of her many many moons ago!
Should you happen to have any photos of her in the Medway I would be most grateful if you could post them or mail them to meπ
Re 'the wealth of information'; comes from having spent over thirty years working in naval communication systems for navies and shipyards around the world. Many of the projects were refits of ships which were built towards the end of WW2. Such as the ex RN Colossus class carrier I worked on in Rio de Janeiro. Ex Vengeance then NAeL Minas Gerais. Pics show her as built as Vengeance and as rebuilt / reconfigured as Minas Gerais as I knew her in the nineties.
Through that work I developed a knack for research; if I didn't know something about a ship or a COMMS process that a customer wanted I damn soon found out. Was essential to stay ahead of the competition π
It also gave me an undying interest and insatiable curiosity about the history of the ships and the men who sailed and fought in them.
My first working model was a scratch build of the H class destroyer HMS Hotspur which I built at 1/72 from measurements taken from a 1/600 Airfix kit, when I was 15! 52 years ago now π€ See penultimate pic, shows her alongside my 1/72 Type IIA U-Boat. A contemporary of Hotspur, both commissioned in 1936. Last pics are of her maiden voyage in Radnor Park Folkestone in 1966. Sorry, only had a Brownie 127 camera back then π
Her history, from Narvik to Dominican Republic was also very chequered and eventful. Like Manxman, despite being severely damaged several times she survived until the early seventies.
Apart from the Manxman kit I have recently found a 1/350 kit of the Colossus class carriers. So I promptly bought two of 'em. One I will build as the original HMS Vengeance, the other I will try to reconfigure as NAeL Minas Gerais with an angled flight deck etc. Wish me luck π
Good luck with all your projects Nerys and All the very best for 2019.
Cheers, Doug π
BTW; footnote to SS Peking; German TV recently showed the old Miss Marple film 'Murder Ahoy' in which the Peking was used for the external scenes as the Training Ship Battledore. An amazing coincidence, following so soon after your enquiry!
5 years ago by RNinMunich
Forum
internet sales
Totally agree with all points mentionedπ, another way is to make a note of the things you need, now and in the future i.e. glue, fittings,paint etc, and then visit the model boat shows advertised around the UK, some are close, others not, for me I like Doncaster show, Haydock and Blackpool, going to shows allows you to choose from various traders and cherry pick the bits you want, it works for me along with the internet for items wanted NOW!
cheers Peterπ
5 years ago by Rookysailor
Response
aeronaut classic
Hi Doug, sorry for delay in replying. Iβve been trying to upload some video but it doesnβt seem to run so Iβm stuck to show everyone how she runs on the local Pond. it was a lovely day thanks and she ran ok but I think she needs a bit of extra weight in the rear.Iβll keep trying or I may need to record at a lower quality rate, maybe thatβs the problem.
Thatβs great that the sea scout was your Dads model, just shows you that if they are built well they will last forever. Just seen the Belfast on your home page, now that is a nice ship. Keep up the good work.
Simon π
5 years ago by Sifi70
Media
Searcher (Nimbus2)
"Searcher" was a Graham Goodchild design offered as a free plan in "Model Boats" in December 1981. Here is my version , many years in the building and finally nearing completion. Access to the hull on the original design was via a hatch above the cockpit - I had no faith in my ability to make it water tight so went for removable grp. hatches. The model is activated by a reed switch just in front of the rear hatch, which saves me the hassle of doing/undoing all the nuts (this had not been fitted when I took the first picture). The rear hatch gives me easier access to the drive coupling. The name "Nimbus2" is in honour of one of Dan Dare's spaceships in the Eagle comic. The third picture shows the ship in its final state with added 'enhancements' and working lights.
5 years ago by rpbidgood