Blog

H.M.S BRAVE BORDERER

Thinking of a future project and decided upon another launch type vessel. My earlier Daman 4207 project gave an interesting model with good performance. The Brave class of FPBs (Fast Patrol Boats) caught my attention. Can remember the incredible performance they offered when entering service. Only two of the class were used by the RN, although variants were used by other navies. Have decided to use proprietary Glass fibre hulls in future as they probably cost little more than building from using wood and resin. They give a robust and watertight hull, but one which still requires thought to complete properly. There are several companies that offer a “Perkasa” hull, a Brave class derivative with an almost identical hull. From previous experience have decided to limit my models to 40” long, larger vessels become difficult to transport and handle. After much research considered the hull offered by MTB Hulls in Gibraltar met my requirements best. The inquiry to MTBHulls was well handled; the quotation acceptable, so placed an order. Was pleasantly surprised at the shipping costs. From the UK these often approach the cost of the hull, but from Gibraltar they are much more reasonable. Delivery only took 7 days.

1 year ago by RHBaker

Response

Basic hull construction completed

Hi Stuart - I'm building a Swordsman, albeit larger than your Huntsman as I'm building at 1:12, so 33" long. I haven't worked on it for a few weeks but am at a similar stage with the hull in that I'm just about to sand the concave into the bow to form the flare. This is a stressful part and I might delay it and start on the superstructure! From the photos it's difficult to tell if you have overdone it or not due to the different materials breaking up the lines. it looks OK head on and from the side but when looking down towards the keel it does look a little excessve. I'm going to be building a Huntsman 31 as well soon but again at 1:12 so will be from plans, either existing or my own. I've got three Fairey builds on the go at the moment and another on the drawing board, well PC. Chris

4 months ago by ChrisF

Media

MV DUBURG

MV DUBURG on sea trials at the pond to day , built from plans by Jim Pottinger john

4 months ago by JOHN

Blog

Emily P III

This is another build fishing boat. The hull is a models by design Cygnus GM33. 16th scale. This one will be a pure trawler. I am going for an aft wheelhouse this time! The prop shaft and rudder have been purchased but all other running gear will be shared with Emily P III.

1 year ago by GrahamP74

Media

105 PBR PIBBER.

U.S. Navy PBR 31Mkll. Patrol Boat River. This is a vessel that I'm building from . To achieve accuracy I will be using a Tamiha 1/35 scale kit and scaling that kit up to 1/9th scale for the vessel I am building. it will measure up to almost 1 metre in length.

5 months ago by sandkb

Forum

Painting white metal

Hi Rogal, Whatever it is (wood, fibre glass, plastic, white or any other colour metal) PRIME IT! Primers are designed to give the top coat paints something to stick to. Otherwise they will easily and flake off especially from smooth plastic or metallic surfaces etc. Enamel or acrylic? Your choice, just make sure both are the same basis otherwise you may get a nasty reaction when you apply the top coat😲 Acrylics are usually easier to use, don't pong, and the brushes can be cleaned in warm water😊 Happy painting, cheers, Doug 😎

5 months ago by RNinMunich

Directory

(Tug Boat) Cervia

My other nearly complete project, I have hundreds of photos of the full size boat berthed in ramsgate harbour. Built entirely from , made my own hull plug and mold, fibre glass hull and part teak planked deck will complete this soon to sail in summer (Motor: Decaperm x) (10/10)

5 months ago by Rogal118

Forum

Being Sociable.

"Why go to all that trouble of adding artificial engine sounds and smokers, when you can have it all and more, by installing a gas boiler and steam engine. When I think of the problems involved to find plans and build a boat, why not go for the authentic look and fit a steam engine." 1. Cost. 2. Space available in the model. 3. Complexity of the engine and difficulty of control. 4. Fire risk, and not just to the model.😲 5. Shorter run times, longer 'steam up' times. 6. Unsuitabilty for many types of ships / boats. I.e. originals weren't steamers. If I read above posts correctly I thought you had already found at least two kindred spirits here. I'm sure that if you take the time to cull throught the hundreds Build Blogs and technical Posts here you will find others. Try using the Search function. See the panel on the left of the Home page. Good luck,😎 BTW: Nobody likes a fanatic! Don't get steamed up 😁

5 months ago by RNinMunich

Forum

Being Sociable.

I have the same issue...cost / budget. I enjoy mechanical devices and have though about steam for years. But cost is high and I do not have machinist quality tools to build. Are there low cost solutions out there! Joe

5 months ago by Joe727

Forum

Being Sociable.

I really can't believe that considering all the members that use this website, that no one is interested in steam engines and what steam has to offer. Why go to all that trouble of adding artificial engine sounds and smokers, when you can have it all and more, by installing a gas boiler and steam engine. When I think of the problems involved to find plans and build a boat, why not go for the authentic look and fit a steam engine. in the fifty years or so I have been involved in this hobby I have NEVER ever installed an electric motor in a boat. if anyone out there in the ether shares my passion for steam, kindly get in touch, I would appreciate not being completely on my OWN.

5 months ago by GaryLC

Directory

(Working Vessel) MV DUBURG

built model from Jim Pottinger plans - I made this several years ago - plank on frame and the hull is double planked. 1:96 scale/ (Motor: MFA 550) (5/10)

5 months ago by JOHN

Directory

(Other) PS Iona

It has paddles not propellors! -built from plan. 2 paddle motors provide independent operation, hence can turn 360 degrees on the spot. Built from wood, brass, 3D printed parts. (Motor: Heng Long) (ESC: Viper 15) (7/10)

5 months ago by Harvey Kitten

Blog

Paddle Tug Iona - the hull

So... here is a compressed build blog of my paddle tug Iona... and I'm playing catch-up as the vessel is 95% complete and has been sailed already, but there may be some interest in what I've done. Iona was -built off plan and has turned out to be the cheapest build so far out of 3 I've made, mainly because I was able to source materials from the leftovers box! it's a 'mixed-media' boat 😜using traditional methods of plank on frame hull, with paddles made on my 3D printer, and other parts turned on the lathe. So starting with the hull, frames were drawn out, transferred to some scrap 9mm ply and cut out on my bandsaw, along with the keel. These were assembled on a build board with some right angle brackets / measuring tools and test fitted before being stuck in place with epoxy. This was quite difficult as the shape of the hull is critical and comes right at the start of the build. I did remake 1 frame to correct alignment. The deck stringers need to bend in 2 directions, so some steaming with a carpet steam cleaner attached to some tubes worked and the wood clamped in place to dry. Outboard sponsons (?) were fitted to make a frame for the paddle boxes to fit on. Then a large sheet of ply forms the bottom of the hull, and the only job left to complete was the (tedious) planking. This was my 1st plank on frame ship... and it took ages. I think it came out reasonably OK but I'm not a perfectionist and I know if I'd spent more time it could be better... but I didn't! Next blog will feature building the paddle boxes and superstructure.🤓

5 months ago by Harvey Kitten

Blog

PS Iona - paddles

I decided to build the paddles on my 3D printer, working off the plan rather than building in brass as this should be much quicker... should be! Feeling confident I designed ver 1 & printed it out... and ed my head a lot to see how this was going to fit together. So ver 2 was much better and almost looked like it would work. Ver 3... same etc. Ver 4 👍 This would assemble looking like paddles. I decided against feathering paddles having talked to a few paddle steamer builders - it seemed more complicated, used slightly more battery power and in 1:36 scale would make little difference to performance. Having built one now I would probably make a few changes but it looks and performs ok. The assembled paddle is attached to a 4mm stainless steel drive shaft with brass bushes. I have recently added some pins to ensure they don't come loose on the lake.🤓

5 months ago by Harvey Kitten

Response

Build Finalized

Very nice, good details!👍 Great build!👍👍

5 months ago by figtree7nts

Media

Thames cruise barge

total built on fibreglass hull 127cm x24 cm,11 months to build 6volt system brushed motor,3blade 35mm brass prop.

6 months ago by markiee

Response

Vintage Model Works 46'' RAF Crash Tender

Hi Russell I assume that you are referring to bending the stringers and skins? There's no need to be worried, the ply skins respond very well to heating with a hot air gun (electric paint stripper) and the obeche stringers, if well steamed, bend fairly easily too. that itch and buy the kit, you won't regret it. Robbob.😁

6 months ago by robbob

Forum

Fairmile D 1/24 Scale Build

Sakibian, My friend Graham built his E-boat with a fibreglass hull but -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.

6 months ago by reilly4

Forum

Fairmile D 1/24 Scale Build

Hey o Reilly! Yep saw the plans! Can you help me with something? Should I print the plans then cut the cross section by myself? Or any other ideas? How did your friend built that one? Did he buy the kit or built? Regards and thanks!

6 months ago by Sakibian

Media

March'71

Built patrol boat of BN. Cruises pretty smooth and nice. A bit heavy I guess, put a lot stuff there.

6 months ago by Sakibian

Forum

Book on Sailing Barges

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

6 months ago by Joe727

Response

Fitting the rubbing strakes.

Hi Boatshed. Yes, I am installing full r/c and running gear and it's all cleverly hidden away in various places which is a bit tricky on an open deck boat. Fortunately I do get to keep the model, and when it's finished, if it's up to , VMW want to use 'photos of the model for their website and publicity. Robbob.

6 months ago by robbob

Forum

HMS Campbeltown 1941, 1/96 scale

My next project, just started, is (apart from the hull), a build of HMS Campbeltown as she was in1941. I have very detailed drawings in the form of a book, Anatomy of the Ship. Unfortunately, these drawings are 1/256 scale. I have been told that if the percentage difference is calculated then the drawings can be upscaled to 1/96. I am completely incompetent at maths, but I have calculated that there needs to be an increase of 266 percent. (256 divided by 96 = 2.66). Am I anywhere close? Thank you Steve

11 months ago by cormorant

Forum

U49 mclaren clockwork submarines.

Ahoy Mateys, Just a little insight into constructing tin hulls from .Having spent the outrageous sum of 50p for the tin from a charity shop carefully de-construct,flatten and mark out the template. Cut out the elipse then work on a sandbag untill its sufficiently hollowed.Roll and smooth out the planishing marks then cut the bowl right down the center.Reverse the two pieces then solder together. All done by hand and takes a couple of hours Cheers Neil. mclaren clockwork submarines.

6 months ago by mactin

Response

Paint / epoxy work

Ed, yes, I plan to do a ships-ladder along with the railings. it will be my first built ships-ladder. Will photo the process. Joe

6 months ago by Joe727

Media

Electric Barbarella

Ahoy Maties! it's been a long time since my last posting. Happy 2019! I just completed my new -built boat "Electric Barbarella". I tried to recreate (with some liberties) one of my favorite boats of all time, the 30-footer Chris Craft Sportsman built during the 1970s. it measures 24 X 8.5 inches. it is powered with a 9.6 NiMH 4200 mAh battery "nunchuck" pack (like the one used for paintball guns), brushless motor attached to a 30A Mtroniks Hydra controller and a 30mm M4 3-bladed brass propeller. The hull (my own on-the-go design) was made out of Balsa wood which later I fiberglassed. For the superstructure I utilized 2mm ABS plastic sheet material. To my surprise the boat turned to be a very stable and forgiving platform. I really feel a very close connection to this vessel as it is my first own hull design.😁

7 months ago by Krampus

Forum

Mamoli Puritan yacht plans

What-ho chaps, hope you all had a merry one. I appear to have become the 'proud' owner of a Mamoli kit for the Americas Cup cup boat 'Puritan'. Everything is in the box with the exception of the plans, instructions and the keel and formers to build the hull. There is evidence the the owner had started to build the boat, some of the detail parts have been assembled, companion ways and the like, but all the hull planking appears to still be in its pack. I suspect he took the missing parts out to start the hull but got distracted. Sadly he died earlier this year but the kit is a few years old. Now this is where you come in, hopefully. Has anyone out there built this now out of production kit and still has the plans that came with it? If so can you send me a copy, I'll pay the copying and postage costs, or can you send scans of the plans?. The interweb has yielded a set of lines and I think I can get them into scale, having found the basic dimensions of the boat, but the actual plans might yield information to ease the build. Either way I hope to produce a build blog along the way - but I've set out to do that before and failed on a Type 21 frigate HMS Active built from , got carried away building the boat. Thanks in advance Graham 'smiggy'

7 months ago by smiggy

Blog

Hatch & Tow Bitts

Last night I started on the large hatch that will cover the entire deck opening rather than several hatches, this is to keep with simple approach. The pilot house and whatever else I decide to add will be attached to this for easy removal and access for battery charging and maintenance. it's not as easy as a flat deck hatch as I curved the deck and wanted to curve the hatch as well. See photos, I cut curved sides, then I clamped it to blocks on the bench to bend , glued and let dry for 24 hours. While that's setting up I started on building some tow bitts. These I am making from styrene that I had from my railroad building. See two small for aft and 1 larger at the bow that is in progress. In addition, I showed some shots of my Brooklyn Tug Bitts. These are heavy duty and were made of brass! Still enjoying this simple build..... Joe

7 months ago by Joe727

Forum

My other hobbies

Hello, I've seen others post their other interests, so I guess it's okay for me to do so here. Never know if others have question or need help with these of hobbies. 1. Narrow Gauge Scale locomotives and rolling stock: Narrow gauge railroads were used in the US west for both lumber and mining companies. The narrow trains allowed them tighter radius to get through mountainous areas. See images of some of my examples, I model HOn3 and On30 scales. 2. Vacumm Tube Ampliffiers: In WWII, my dad was in the Navy and worked in the sonar labs and also taught electronics to the enlisted. When I was about 13, he taught me Tube electronics and I built my first amp, a stereo and guitar smp combo. This was back in about '64 when solid state was just starting to take over. Now I experiment, design and build guitar amps as musicians have discovered how much better they sound. I hard wire everything. More to come as I have more hobbies in addition to building boats. Regards, Joe

7 months ago by Joe727

Forum

Does anybody recognise this old boat

She looks to me like a built project on the lines of Fairey Huntsman/Swordfish although from some angles has the look of an early Broads cruiser. Whatever with some TLC I am sure she will both look and sail well. The Fairey designs were very popular craft in fact still are and the designs were copied a lot 'back in the day' Good luck and please post some pictures when you have completed her. Regards Chris G

7 months ago by ChrisG

Forum

Modern electrics

Hi all, Not been araound for awhile as I have been playing with aircraft as well, I have however found time to build a Fairy Huntsman which I now want to upgrade to modern electrics, a brushless motor and esc etc, should I avoid lipo's due to the heat issues or can I use them ok. The hull is 42 inches long any suggestions on motor size would be appreciated, also esc size, the boat seems a bi on the heavy side. Any thoughts would be appreciated.

7 months ago by deltaman

Response

Cooling coil

Good to see another Fairey. What size is your Huntsman? I'm busy building three different Faireys at the moment and the Huntsman 31 will be a future project. I've got one of the Precedent 46" but it's too big and heavy really. Chris

7 months ago by ChrisF

Forum

built yacht.

Hello Joe Many thanks for the reply and the offer of help. I have built several model boats of different styles and also a 'Bella' yacht kit from Aeronaut. I prefer building plank on frame and find it quite therapeutic especially as I love wood. My next step is to build a beautiful sailing boat hull and the 1mtr style would suit I think. I am not planning to race the boat and might even not rig it but just have the pleasure of the build. If you can help I would be obliged best regards Chris G

7 months ago by ChrisG

Forum

built yacht.

I am thinking of building a new sailing yacht from plans which I have yet to acquire. I have 8 A4 pages of drawings of a Goth-USOM from Frank Russell 2014, not sure where I got them from and if they are worthy of the time and effort. The size is about right at 1000mm length and about 1500mm deck to masthead. I have had dealings with Nylet in the past and am sure they would be helpful for rigging, sails etc. I plan to plank build the hull onto wooden bulkheads. Although I have built several model boat hulls using this method before I wonder if I could enlist some help or recommendations from any other members of this group ie choice of plans, how to do it books. Many thanks Chris G

8 months ago by ChrisG

Forum

built yacht.

Chris, Is your intent to build a US1Meter boat for competition racing? I am referring to the boats that are a popular class in the states. if so I can see what see what I have in my files. Joe

7 months ago by Joe727

Media

Sea Fox

This Swede Johnson and his yawl and its captain, Popeye. Swede pasted away several years back, I wanted to post this in his memory. He built all of his boats over the years and was well know for his leading edge designs like the US1 Meters and Marbleheads. He taught me to build boats and sails. Yes, Popeye's arm moves with the acting tiller.

7 months ago by Joe727

Blog

Arctic Privateer H441 Deep Sea Freezer Stern Trawler

The Model That I am Planing to Build Is The Hull Freezer Stern Trawler The Arctic Privateer H441 My Problem is though I have never ed built a ships hull before I have tried looking for ships hulls online to no avail. Can any one give me any help or advice on where to start Building the hull would Plank on frame be the best way to go or glass fibre hull which is i think the harder as I do not have a mould in in which to start as I have very limited knowledge in mould making Scale: I am looking at is 1:48 any help would be gratefully appreciated many thanks John

7 months ago by Carpcruncher

Forum

steam water pump

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

7 months ago by GaryLC

Directory

(Other) SeaTurtle

built gaff rigged cutter sailboat. RC sails, rudder and auxially motor. (Motor: 550) (5/10)

7 months ago by Joe727

Response

Getting Close

Very interested in your experiences with this vessel - love to share more. I am currently building one from the original kit plans but have used plank on frame construction and incorporated a detachable keel. Currently fitting the standing rigging. Photo of my efforts attached

7 months ago by alan20

Media

VB30

building a barge for my tugboat Miss Doris to push. May deck it over to become a tank barge I used to push on the Delaware River. if i do deck it over, I'll hinge the deck to make use of the space for my RC gear.

8 months ago by Mariner85

Directory

(Naval Ship) HMS Cadiz

built other than a fibreglass hull, built by my father over about 5 years using a mix of balsa, plasticard, ply and wire. He never sailed it but when I inherited it I was determined to complete it ready for it's first "sea trials". I've completed the RC installation and adjusted the ballast and it's now had two successful outings at the local boating lake. (10/10)

8 months ago by landie

Forum

Being Sociable.

Hi Rick, I am going to try to post you a bit of video of the steam plant in my latest not completed as yet tug, the Lady Jane from Mobile Marine, I don't really rate the kit, it is more of a build using their hull. I don,t know what this websites M.byte limit is so maybe I'll be unlucky, mind a really nice steam plant using a TVR engine which is very efficient and runs well at 30PSI. Regards. (Sorry it won't allow me to upload it.)

8 months ago by GaryLC

Forum

Newby

Welcome John, I envy you youngsters, a built boat to any standard is always the best way to get what you want, and this site is full of members with the knowledge and skills to help, sadly I have never been able to build from , but I make lots of parts to repair or replace damaged or missing parts from the vintage models I have restored. Best advice is to ask specific questions to get the best help in the world at your fingertips. Happy modelling and cheers from me Colin.

8 months ago by Colin H

Directory

(Pleasure Craft) Sally forth

Pictures to follow. ply deck and cabin built on glass fibre hull from an anglers bait boat. As a novice I am unsure on amps and running times etc. (Motor: mtronics 700) (ESC: mtronics) (7/10)

8 months ago by bluebird2

Directory

(Tug Boat) Wilhelm G

built 'freelance' tug carved from a solid 12''x 12''x 45" block of driftwood in the 70s Wheelhouse was ply. Motor controlled by a set of car points for on/off. Had 2 different cabin styles and rails in its life. Had lights. Radio was Futaba 'brown box'on 27mhz. (Motor: 540) (5/10)

8 months ago by jbkiwi

Directory

(Tug Boat) Titan

Built this in the 80s. Carved from a block of foam and fiberglassed (hull and deck). Wheelhouse was ply, everything built to own design. Had 540 motor with a set of car points for on /off. had lights that could be switched on by deck switch. Radio was Futaba 'brown box' on 27mhz. (Motor: 540) (ESC: none) (5/10)

8 months ago by jbkiwi

Forum

Brixham trawler IBEX

I`m building a Brixham trawler IBEX Anyone know how much ballast is needed for a built hull would it be wise to use a bulb on a fin or along lead keel

2 years ago by bellman1942

Media

Carina

I am continuing to try to learn the way this forum is properly used. I want to publish here my photos of the construction of my sailboat Carina from that I am publishing here. I will limit myself to photos that are useful to get a general view of the topics I am publishing

8 months ago by Hellmut1956

Media

Carina

Trying to learn to use this forum properly I am publishing a video that shows an experiment I did to find out how fast the stepper motor could turn. I am using in my model of the sailboat Carina 2 stepper motors like the one shown in the video to work as a winch to control the position of the sails in a system solution where I am realizing this my own way to implement the sheets as shown on the original sailboat Endeavour. This requires my sheet control system to control the length of the sheet of the mainsail i.e. over a range of 8.3 meters. This requires the drum which is turned by the stepper motor to make 21 full turns. Details will be published in my report from of building my Carina.

8 months ago by Hellmut1956