Blog

Ketch Barge ''Pearl of Ipswich''

Hello, As I have mentioned before, I like the workboats from the age of . The barges caught my interest some time ago on one of my stays in the UK and I recently purchased a number of books on them. interesting history, more to it than I realized. Finally decided to build a Ketch Barge that is categorized as a Boomie as well. Several reasons; I wanted to model one of the larger ones, this one is 85', and I like gaff rigged boats with booms. Topsails a must as well and I like ketches. This one fits the bill and who could resist the chance to set 7 to 8 sails! Frank Carr's book tells the story of the barge Pearl and included plan, elevation, lines and sail plans. Nice bit of information, I can build with that. See attached photos. This will probably be a lengthy build, my Falmouth Gaff-rigged Cutter took me two years. I built that one while on assignment in Grand Cayman using only my small kit OD hand tools. More to come, hope to start this week. Cheers, Joe

4 months ago by Joe727

Response

Re: Build manual/ instructions

Hi, try this > https://docplayer.net/44439682-Building-a-model-thames--barge.html I can reccommend Model thames barges at facebook https://www.facebook.com/groups/1036890286476399/ Tom

2 months ago by tomarack

Forum

Rigging a model barge

I am building a model Thames barge and have reached the stage of spars and rigging. I am wondering what to use to make the main shrouds and forestay. Pictures that I have seen look as if it is a model rope product rather than a wire. Can anyone tell me what they have used please.

2 months ago by Nerys

Forum

Rigging a model barge

Question, is this intended to be a scale static model or are you building a RC model? Joe

2 months ago by Joe727

Response

Servo Mount

Robbob, This was my first venture into using brushless motors so I was a bit uncertain on cooling. I made the fans from aluminium and bolted them on at the existing 2mm bolt locations. Someone told me they wouldn't rev fast enough but I think every bit helps. I also have water cooling at the front plate of the motors. The end result is that the motors never get warm, even after an hour of around the lake at good speed.

2 months ago by reilly4

Response

Friday's Child Fairey Huntsman 31

Hi Stuart, At 23" your Huntsman is only a tad smaller than my 24" Sea Scout which I refurbished last year, look for the build blog 'Jessica - A Sea Scout restoration' on this site. I fitted a 1000kV 28mm Propdrive motor and Quicrun 16BL30 30A ESC from Hobbywing. including the ESC programming card the whole kit an' caboodle was just under 40 dollars from Hobbyking.com. With a 2S LiPo (7.4V) performance was sedate to adequate. With a 3S LiPo performance is 'twinkling' and a lot of fun to drive. Check out attached video links. Pt1: https://youtu.be/zPgYicA0yGw First run with a 3S LiPo. Pt2: https://youtu.be/oMUlSOaAREM 'The competition'! Pt3: https://youtu.be/b0BWJ3duzDw 'Final run', the Bier was getting warm Prop is a brass 30mm 3 blade from Raboesch. Hope this helps, Happy . Cheers, Doug 😎 PS Video is in HD 1080p, taken at the Ostpark Lake in Munich (adjacent to the Biergarten😉😁) May 2018.

2 months ago by RNinMunich

Directory

(Working Vessel) Mowe 2

I hadn't build a RC model for over 45 years, so as a 60th Birthday present my wife bought me this Aeronaut Mowe 2 kit, complete with all the RC equipment; motor, servo, transmitter and receiver, ESC unit etc. It was a great kit to build and took me about 3 months from start to finish. The hull was a bit tricky, but a tube of P38 and lots of sanding, re-filling with light balsa filler, re-sanding, finishing and painting and patience won through! Not a brilliant finish, but an ideal boat to get my hand back-in to modelling. When , the boat needed a bit of ballast in the form of 2 old AA batteries in the bow to keep it stable and level in the water at speed! (ESC: Aeronaut) (8/10)

3 months ago by StuartE

Blog

Auxiliary motor, rudder servo, bowsprit bitts

Back to posting again....I decided to added an auxiliary motor since I had several laying around and it will come in handy when I am tweaking the setup in case I get stuck in the middle of the pond. Made a stuffing tube just like I did on my rescue tug build. Made a shaft from some 3/16" steel rod, threaded it and polished it up, works great. Photo of the aft section shows continued hull framing and upside down mount of the rudder servo. I will enclose the servo with the small pilot house as is typical on the barge. This will make maintenance and adjustment access easy. Yes, the build is wandering away from the true "Pearl" which I used the hull plans from. it will maintain the same sail plan, but I will modify some items for ease of RC use. Bowsprit will be retractable, bitts are shown in progress. The bowsprit will be made from a carbon fiber "arrow shaft". Mast will be wood and I am shaping out of maple that I have. Staring to plank the hull as well. More to come shortly, Joe

3 months ago by Joe727

Media

japanese torpedo boat

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

3 months ago by nutrunner

Media

PS Waverley

Nice day down the pool today with my Model of PS Waverley

3 months ago by davidhgreatbatch

Forum

Mtronics W-tail marine mixer connections.

Its really quite simple modern radio systems are computerised so you can do all the mixing you want from the transmitter. No need to buy mixers for the receiver end. Setting things up the first time you do it is confusing I agree but once you have a grip on things it becomes more simple. The good thing about using a modern system is that you can change things on the fly and even have different mixes selectable on the same model and change while your . https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yq_H9vzCz8g there is a video so you can see what I am talking about.

3 months ago by Haverlock

Forum

Precedent Fairey Huntsman

I have for sale an unfinished Fairey Huntsman 31, I started it approx 9 months ago as a project with my grandson but his attention has now turned to model railways, subsequently I have now lost interest in completing and it, the boat is approx 90% complete and comes with new RC equipment battery motor etc, I am looking for £250 just to recoup the costs and to put to his new model railway. I live inStoke-on-Trent if anybody would like to have a look,

3 months ago by bthart

Forum

Mtronics W-tail marine mixer connections.

Hi Colin I use 1 motor to power both paddle wheels on my paddler like Roy but as the steering is a little challenging I have a clear plastic rudder extension that I fix onto the rudder with elastic bands only when the craft. This assists steering and when the model is on display at home or whatever the extra bit of rudder is easily removed. Not a technical solution but it works and is almost invisible. Regards Chris G

3 months ago by ChrisG

Directory

(Yacht) Sea-Lite

Acquired this Sea-Lite yacht as a project. Everything works after a fashion but based on mixed reviews the intention is to replace the radio gear, winch and rudder servos and increase the keel weight (5/10)

3 months ago by Mids-Phil

Forum

Help with vintage rc.

I wouldn't want to stop people running old kit - far from it! I have a single-channel 1962 Macgregor with a Kinematic which I use occasionally - when there's no other 27Mhz around. But you need to be aware of the issues. With this sort of kit (and even worse for valve systems) you will find that summer is for , and winter is for repairing. Here is the start of a thread on RC Groups with myself and Taurus Flyer sorting out a capacitor problem on the TX - which meant reverse engineering both the Rx and TX.... https://www.rcgroups.com/forums/showthread.php?2609824-Reverse-engineering-and-repair-of-a-vintage-Metz-Mecatron-single-channel-radio/page32 One example of problems you may encounter is that the caps in old kit tend to die, particularly if the equipment has not been used for many years. Electrolytics, in particular, suffer. See https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Electrolytic_capacitor#Failure_modes,_self-healing_mechanism_and_application_rules You can sometimes reform the electrolytics by turning the TX and Rx on and leaving them powered up for a day or so. it's tricks like this that you need to be aware of if you are going to run vintage equipment....

3 months ago by DodgyGeezer

Place

SOUTH SHIELDS MODEL YACHT CLUB

mainly yachts and very enthusiastic straight running group - small selection of scale sailors and the club was founded in 1886 - reputedly being one of oldest model clubs in the UK.

3 months ago by JOHN

Response

HMS EXETER

Ron?? Dat wuz me Haig! 😎 John, great shame you didn't do a Build Blog 🤔 A vid of her would compensate a little 😉 BTW: I have a Deans Marine 1:96 kit of HMS Manxman, Do you need an escort? 😉 Cheers, Doug 😎

3 months ago by RNinMunich

Forum

Emma C. Berry

I know more about full size vessels than I do models but Steve-D is quite correct in saying you need momentum in order to come about. The usual practice with a vessel with a long straight keel would be to let her pay off a little to get a bit more weigh on her, then sail her round slowly rather than putting the helm hard down. if she still got into irons, backing the foresails would help to bring her round. it wasn't unknown for a hard headed ship to let her pay right off, gybe her round, then come back on the wind on the other tack. I hope you won't have to resort to that.

3 months ago by Nerys

Blog

Determine Scale / Ribs / HELP with building board ideas?

To clarify this build, it will be a RC Boat with full functioning rudder and sails. I say this as I am using the PEARL for its design overall, but as to detailed historical details it will have some, but be simplified. Boat's Dimnsions were shown in Imperial, 21' width x 85'-6" length. The bowsprit adds about another 25% in length. To determine what scale I wanted to build in I thought most about storage, weight to lift and how to transport to the pond. I like to keep things simple, I prefer to rig it and transport while assembled, with the topsail mast dropping and the bowsprit retracted. Have done this before and it has worked well for me. Looking at potential scales and finished sizes. * 3/4" or 1/18 scale would be 16" x 64" * 1/2" or 1/24 scale equals 10.5" x 42.75" * 3/8" equals 8" x 32" I prefer a larger bout in length as it is easier to get to sail correctly, at least in my experience. Anything under 32" get tricky. I like the 64" size, but with bowsprit will be about 88" LOA. This will be a little too large for my vehicle. I decided to go with 1/2" scale as it will still be a good length hull. Ribs - I took the hull line drawings from the book, which were very small, just about an inch wide. I scanned the image and using the app "paint" on my laptop. I cropped it close around the hull rib drawing, I then enlarged it to 1/2" scale. Then I printed on standard letter sized paper, then mirrored the image cut them in two, pasted up as seen in the photos to show the completed rib sections. Next I will put together a building board / hull jig. I want to build bottom up for planking. DO any of you have any good ideas for the best one to build? I have never done this except for tiny boats. Ideas, Help would be appreciated. Joe

4 months ago by Joe727

Media

smaragd

a compilation of a nice afternoon in west kapelle (the netherlands) with a view underwater

4 months ago by Smaragd

Directory

(Yacht) DMI 'Pirat''

Classic modell, in the 70's sold under the name DMI pirat. a full wooden sailboat without RC controls. the keel was extended to improve stability. In the 90's the wooden strips from the hull were so dried out, that I had to fill it complete with epoxy and sprayed the uniform 'baby blue'color. After a long period in the attic , it saw daylight again and the sails needed to be replaced. Now it is a static model with capacities. (7/10)

4 months ago by Smaragd

Response

Holy SMOKE !! Video, Tin Can Madness

Doug, Yes, thanks for clarifying the Vision, sound good. I think I will add a monoammonium phosphate fire extinguisher system to mine so I can just keep on . Regards, Joe

4 months ago by Joe727

Forum

Bournville Illuminated Regatta

HI ROB does Bournville cover insurance for on open days or whats the arrangements

4 months ago by Captain-Steve

Place

Sound module

Hi I’m now on with hms Brinton , coastal mine hunter my last ship in RN. Does anyone have a sound module that’s is programmable so I can put on the Napier Deltic , or does anyone know how to build in the sound please. They’re too expensive on line and the Deltic one they’re selling sounds nothing like the real thing. Happy New Year all by the way. Back soon as stitches healed and I can bend. Nobby

4 months ago by Nobby-Clark

Forum

Book on Barges

I have an aged bedraggled copy of Edgar March's book, I acquired it about sixty years ago and whilst I think the text is one of the best on the subject and what illustrations there are, are very good, I am of the opinion that the illustrations in the Cooper/Chancellor book are more extensive. The barge plans in March are very good and I imagine can be blown up but I am referring to the depth of useful illustrations of construction and gear in Cooper/Chancellor that I consider so useful.

4 months ago by Nerys

Forum

Book on Barges

I have always like the English workboats and have built some fishing boats. Now my interest turned to Barges, found this nice book - Barges by Frank Carr. It's full of etchings, photos and some line drawings. Think this will be helpful in scratch building a barge. Over 450 pages and found a lightly used copy for $18.00 USD, on eBay. Regards, Joe

5 months ago by Joe727

Forum

Book on Barges

Interesting, Nice to see it gets around to other countries.

4 months ago by Joe727

Forum

Book on Barges

I have it in German Language ,great Work 😉

4 months ago by Dampfgerd

Forum

Book on Barges

Don't forget Mersey Nobbys https://www.google.com/search?q=River+Mersey+working+sailboats&tbm=isch&source=iu&ictx=1&fir=fEOcJLd1Lxt5CM%253A%252CBPsj5bxGmE8CFM%252C_&usg=AI4_-kTWKzKjXGx4NwUO8KuLfZiPlmqi2g&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwjkiuvBjvbfAhV8WhUIHXiCBskQ9QEwDHoECAMQDA#imgrc=fEOcJLd1Lxt5CM:👍

4 months ago by onetenor

Forum

Book on Barges

Chris, Don't think I ever thanked you for the information on books. I am ordering the Edgar March book today. Joe

4 months ago by Joe727

Forum

Done it.

Hi all, now I’ve done it, finally sent away for The Veronica Barge , been drooling over it for a while now, but yesterday was it. shall I,, no, shall I, no, shall I, upps done it, hehe. So now I’m sitting on the stairs waiting for the post man with my parcel. I’ll let you know how I get on when I start her. Model Loyal Moderator on the bench at the moment so she has to be finnished first, (orders from her who has to be obeyed).ohwell, back to the bottom stair for now, cheers all, let you know when I come off the stairs, hehe.

4 months ago by KenThompson

Forum

Done it.

Ken, That's great! A barge is on my build list hope to get started on one in the next couple of months. What did you buy, is it the short kit? Cheers, Joe

4 months ago by Joe727

Response

Broads River Cruiser Yachts

I have only just come across these build photos and must say I really do admire both yachts the one shown with the dinghy behind it particularly. I am not surprised that you were overwhelmed with request to buy the kits, to me they are simply lovely. I have a friend who purchased a real one some years ago and had it shipped to Leics and it was on the River Soar, lovely thing with a cabin roof that could be raised for headroom and canvas cabin sides. I am sure there would be lots of interest if you resumed production. Best regards Chris G

4 months ago by ChrisG

Blog

Slow going ...

After building the mine laying rails I then purchased scale German mines , only to find out that they are 4mm wider than the rails on the boat, ...what to do , cut the mines (8) down and rework the base and wheels to fit the boats rails or move the rails wider ..... moving the rails ... slow going , found that the motors I have are more aircraft/drone use per the esc, , no reverse .... Hobbyking does have esc that will work , still need a couple of servos and a radio , just not sure if a 6 Chanel land/ boat radio or get a large channel stick radio would be better ... as always $$$$ is an issue . Work on the messy table as I fit cut and replace fittings and supports ... Smooth to all... Bill G

4 months ago by BW3

Forum

Park lakes

"........PS I'm not sure if any other members are in the Leeds area who may be interested in at Roundhay Park, please contact me........." I have a son living close to there who might be interested in model boat opportunities...

4 months ago by DodgyGeezer

Forum

Park lakes

You may remember I was having a long running discussion with Leeds city council about on the two lakes at Roundhay Park and seemed to be getting knoware. Until a new councilor took up the challenge and it seems all systems could be "GO" I'm meeting him at the lake on Wednesday. Fingers crossed PS I'm not sure if any other members are in the Leeds area who may be interested in at Roundhay Park, please contact me

4 months ago by mturpin013

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 . We have a Facebook page with photos.👍

4 months ago by epmbcmember

Response

Sea Queen

Roger.com, I am not so sure about being less detail on a Norfolk Broads Cruiser. I have a small 21ft fibre glass hulled boat in Potter Heigham on the Broads. But when you see the older wooden Broads Cruisers they have lots of detail especially the ones that get cared for as they should being wooden built. Some of them are so beautiful and well varnished polished brass, Chrome fittings and well groomed. if I could afford a wooden cruiser and be able to keep her in the fashion she should be kept then I would. But if I win the lottery then I will have one. Even the old wooden yacht's are kept in wonderful condition and lots of detail brass etc.

4 months ago by BOATSHED

Event

Bournville Open Day

Bournville MBC Open Day. Bournville Radio and Model Boat Club invite all RC Skipper both wind and Power to join in their annual Open day. On the day racing for both sail and Power.along with informal and general chit chat with like minded modellers. Free to enter Light Refreshments Free Parking Disabled Access Contact Rob Fowler 07714517445

4 months ago by Aquaflite

Event

Military Boat Day

Bournville MBC Military Boat Day. Bournville MBC invite all RC Military Boat Skippers to join in their annual Military Boat day. Informal and general chit chat about everything RC Military Boat, from Submarines , Battleships to fleet Tankers. If it has a Military connection we want to see it. Free to enter Light Refreshments Free Parking Disabled Access Contact Rob Fowler 07714517445

4 months ago by Aquaflite

Event

Submarine Day

Bournville MBC Submarine Day. Bournville MBC invite all RC Submariners to join in their bi annual Submarine day. Informal and general chit chat about everything RC submarines. Free to enter Light Refreshments Free Parking Disabled Access Contact Rob Fowler 07714517445

4 months ago by Aquaflite

Media

Fast Patrol Boat

Just renovated this one not been used of several years, I need to get back into , was running on a 400 size motor now on a outrunner Mystery D2632-100 and it seems to go very well, will post it on the water later.

4 months ago by jelley_baby

Forum

Looking for North East Coble boat

I am afraid this does not answer your enquiry but is I think of general interest for anyone interested in Cobles. I was walking around Bridlington harbour yesterday and came across a mini museum devoted to cobles. it was only three small rooms but they were full of coble memorabilia. Several model cobles as well as other local fishing vessels and a local grab dredger. Numerous photos and other ephemera as well as various bits and pieces all to do with cobles. it's run by volunteers from the Bridlington Coble Preservation Society. Entry is free, but donations are welcome. They also run an event called the Bridlington Coble Festival which is in July this year. There were a number of working cobles in the harbour as well as two beautifully preserved cobles. As somebody interested in all traditional /working craft, I found this little museum well worth visiting and thoroughly recommend a visit if you are in the area.

4 months ago by Nerys

Response

Cabin detail part 3 (instrument panels)

Hello, I think I read in one of your posts that you said you were a better builder than skipper, I always say that about myself. I enjoy at the pond but then look forward getting back home to continue building. Your work is exceptional and I enjoy seeing you make everything. Wish I had a lathe like yours but have done without for years as they are beyond my budget. Keep the good work! Joe

4 months ago by Joe727

Response

Pilot House Structure

Coming along nicely.That's the thing with Springer hulls.The superstructure is not confined to one style.One of our members in the club had one hull but three different superstructures.He was able to change them throughout the days .

4 months ago by Donnieboy

Place

Youngs Park, Goodrington.

What an absolute travesty, the wild life fraternity seen always to have the councils support, although I am in support of wildlife issues I sometimes think it is taken to extremes to the detriment of other equally important issues. I am currently having wildlife V model boats issues in Leeds, we can only keep battling on, don't give up.

4 months ago by mturpin013

Place

Youngs Park, Goodrington.

The Torbay club no longer exists, the club had trouble with a rogue swan who had made its home on the small pond and was rather aggressive towards members of the public and damaged models being sailed on the water. Council were not interested in removing the problem and members started to disappear, some joined the Exeter club who sail up in the Teign valley at Canonteign Falls. on the larger pond at Youngs park is possible out of season or after 6pm during the season because of the pedal boats not operating. I don't think the council can ban the use of models on the ponds as it is a public park and signage would have to be in place. it was purpose built for the use of model yachts in the 1930's.

5 months ago by VFR800

Directory

(Working Vessel) Doris

Doris is built plank on frame and is a copy of the Thames Bawley by the same name, number LO284. The original which is still afloat in Gillingham Kent was built in 1909 in Harwich by J & H Cann for Leigh on Sea publican Mr Choppin who named the ship after his favourite daughter. Dimensions of the original 40ft length 14ft beam 5ft 6in draft, weight not known. The model is a dream and looks really good, she sails well and the motor is only to help her 'about' when she is feeling challenging and to bring her ashore if and when the wind dies. I have no r/c control of the sails which is something I am still considering as a consequence she goes everywhere on a broad reach her best position anyway. I do hope you like her thanks for looking Chris G (8/10)

5 months ago by ChrisG

Forum

Book on Barges

Hello Joe We seem to be of a similar mindset, my interest is mainly in sail although I have several tugs etc. I found a really useful reference book is 'Spritsail Barges Of Thames and Medway' which was published around 1948 and written and researched by Edgar J March. As well as being interesting and a good read has many illustrations and drawings of old gaffer rigs. May not be easy to find but well worth the effort. Another avenue for information is the Society for Boat Research I have contact details if required, it is possible to join and contribute to this organisation for £15 p.a. Best regards Chris G

5 months ago by ChrisG

Forum

HMS Campbeltown 1941, 1/96 scale

Hi Doug, Very sorry, no photos, I was a teenager dinghies in the Medway in the late forties when I saw Manxman and I don't think I even had a camera in those days. My father was on the staff of T.S. Arethusa ex "Peking" at Lower Upnor and we lived in a flat over the ship's swimming pool, right alongside the river. I had a wonderful view of Chatham Reach from my bedroom window. There were so many ships laid up in the Medway and adjoining creeks at that time., taking the wind from us as we raced our dinghies from the Medway Yacht Club. There were long trots of the wooden hulled inshore sweepers, numerous destroyera and all sorts of support craft, there was even an old coaling hulk in Sheerness Harbour, but I'm afraid the passage of time means I don't remember names. Manxman stuck in my mind though, being a little different. Those were the days when we had a navy!

5 months ago by Nerys