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HMCS Sackville - WWII Corvette

I haven't made a lot of progress in the past year but the funnel is ready for painting and I'm pleased with how the 4-inch gun has turned out. Sea trials did not go well last summer. I had no success with the boiler - the burner still gave me trouble. I tried different sized jets but it still took over 30 minutes to get up and by then the fuel tank was empty. I'll build a larger tank before next summer.

6 years ago by gordc

Forum

Age of

I have a simple single speed, single cylinder, In a Launch. Does anyone have an economical approach for controling the speed via R/C? Well, just short of letting It run out of fuel ;-)

11 years ago by CaptLarry

Forum

Work with Balsa wood

"I have repurposed a cheap Argos cleaner works admirably " Now why didn't I think of that!?🙄 Somewhere in the cellar I have what was called here a "Dampf Ente" Duck! Must dig it out and have a quack at it 😁 OK OK I was just leaving anyway! (Slopes off to the cellar to go duck hunting😉) Cheers, Doug 😎

5 years ago by RNinMunich

Forum

Work with Balsa wood

I have repurposed a cheap Argos cleaner works admirably

5 years ago by GSNMeyer

Forum

Work with Balsa wood

I haven't tried it, but even I, who am not very mechanically minded think it must be possible to devise a simple miniature bending device. I remember seeing in a boatbuilding yard a very long time ago, a boiler fired by the sweeping's of shavings and chippings from all round the yard (Apprentice's job) the going up into a long square 'pipe' into which the boat builders put the planks or whatever they were ing. The heat of the was intense enough that after half hour or so, the wood was cooked enough to bend around whatever. A miniature electric or calor gas version of this must be easily designed and built. No doubt someone will tell me that this has been done and is sold by X.

5 years ago by Nerys

Forum

Movies.

Off hand, I can think of two movies where small boats are much in evidence. 'Riddle of the Sands' and 'Swallows and Amazons'. If looking for inspiration for models based on these books, the ers still to be found on the lakes would be lovely models or even the dinghies, 'Swallow' or 'Amazon' themselves. There must be pictures around of the yacht 'Dulcibella', heroine of 'Riddle', but how about the naval craft led by the Kaiser himself who pursued 'Dulcibella' and 'Medusa'. Must admit I can't really remember them, but I expect there are pictures extant. Nerys

5 years ago by Nerys

Forum

Martin Westquay's Piper Cub ;-)

And I've just had a notification from DHL that I'll get it tomorrow, so thanks for the quick service, Doug. I did well enough at the club today to be told I need to get myself a trainer for "stick time", so I'd better get my finger out when it arrives. I thought I had sapace for it until an old friend/customer came to see me today and gave me a birthday present a bit early... a 62" long, 15" wide model of the Paddle er Waverley! I knew he had bought it a while back and we'd identified it, but never thought he'd present it to me! I have no idea where to put it! Martin

5 years ago by Westquay

Response

Re: Wee Nip, Ruf Red

Hi Phil, Certainly fun to sail, especially in a stiff breeze. Are there any models in your videos? Cheers, Stephen.

5 years ago by stevedownunder

Forum

Direction finder aerials /water pumps

Need some advice do direction finder aerials turn all the time when a trawler is at sea. Second do Trawlers have water spurting out the side same as small fishing boats.

5 years ago by Elsrickle

Forum

Being Sociable.

Hi Gary, My apologies for not seeing your post earlier, I don't log on very regularly, preferring to spend as much of my spare time in the work shop. I am interested in marine as well and currently I am building a model of Formidable, LT 100 from John Pottinger plans enlarged to 1:24th scale. I have built a double acting, twin cylinder oscillator, is to be supplied using a generator otherwise known as a mono-tube boiler. Control being done using a Taranis 9xd programmable radio, quite untested at this stage. I have added a couple of photo's. Cheers, Stephen.

5 years ago by stevedownunder

Forum

Mystery Boat

In the 1950s I went to the IoW on a paddle er which I think was called SS Princess Elizabeth. That was the only one I can remember and she sailed from Portsmouth to Ryde pier..

5 years ago by Salar

Response

Anteno 2 tug

I feel I have to comment on your Anteo Tug, that has to be one of the neatest planked hulls I have seen in a while, and the paint job on the hull is quite incredible, wow. I built this kit back in the 1970s and it definitely is and was really good value for money, none of your white metal rubbish, near enough everything was brass and good quality. I opted for the authentic look and fitted a plant into the hull, not an easy job to cut down and strengthen all those ribs, but worth it in the end. Enjoy your hobby.Regards.Gary.

5 years ago by GaryLC

Blog

funnel mounts and deck hatches

Fitted the "legs" to the wheel house so now at correct height when on the deck. Funnel mounts done (just need to finish the funnels, workout what holes to drill and then mount the funnels to the mounts) so we added 2 hatches to each mount, painted white with brass hinges. the one placed between the Cowl vents is open, the one at the back is closed. as we only had "closed" hatches put a triangle shaped bit of plastic under the "open" hatch to prop open. When dry mounting the Cowl Vents found an issue with the rear vents as they are suppose to be higher than the wheelhouse and the ones i got where not, so found 2 wooden cotton reels the right height and turned then down to the correct width using the pillar drill as a lathe, painted them up and then placed the Cowl vents on those. also painted the "flat" vents chrome and stuck those to the mounts as well. to finish off these all we have to do is fit the breather pipes and ladder to funnels and fix the funnels to the mounts (allowing for the front funnel to have the hole for the smoke generator. Started work on the 2 deck hatches using 1mm plastic sheet. Made the 2 housings up and the planked and varnished them ready for the hatches. found out i had only enough hatches to do 1 housing, so drilled a 7mm hole in the hatch for a 10mm brass porthole, painted white with brass hinges. once dry stuck them on the housing ready to go. (ordered some more hatches to i can complete the other housing lol) one last thing was to start on the wheel box. Found in "The Works" in town a heart shaped box which was almost perfect for a mold for the thin wood that was ed to shape and then held on the heart to fix the curve in place. next to do is to make up the front and back of the wheel boxes and stick the "curved" wood to that

5 years ago by barryskeates

Blog

end of week report LOL

good week this week, i should of said that there are 2 of us working on this Tug, myself and my father. this means that we are splitting the work up and as he is retired he can spend some more time on the boat than i can. so, (and i forgot to take the "before" photos) we have the wheelhouse and the platform it sits on (as the platform is held above the deck on a number of legs. plasticard and wood veneer outer cladding with a (removable) roof. going to put lighting in the table, telegraph, binnacle, map table and ships wheel. painted the 4 Cowl vents then we dry fitted (placed no glue) the various parts( wheel house, funnels, mounts) into place on the deck to see how it looks. finally painted the funnels yellow to match the Cowl vents still to do on the Funnel mounts is to paint and place the vents (flat vents), fit the Cowl vents, paint and fit the hatch covers (white hatches with bronze hinges) fit the pipework to the exterior of the funnels drill holes in the front mount for the generator funnel and finally mount the funnels to the mounts (so not too much just for those 2 bits)

5 years ago by barryskeates

Response

Hull progressing nicely!

I hate the idea of having to shape the balsa front ends. I have in the past re cut the bottom skins on 1/16th marine ply and ed and pinned with small brass nails. But if that model is all balsa you couldn't do that but if the bulkheads are ply and chine stringers then it is possible.

5 years ago by BOATSHED

Blog

Deck Parts

good weekend Made up, painted and planked up the engine cover and the 2 funnel stands. Funnel stands need to have the Cowl vents, funnels, hatches and tow mounts fitted to them. Need top make up, create, paint all of those first of course😁 also looking at a generator to go into the front Funnel so a hole will be drilled into the mount for that as well

5 years ago by barryskeates

Forum

Bollards

Hello John The Waine book, Coaster and Short Sea Traders arrived today but have yet to find the image of the mushroom. Toby

5 years ago by Toby

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 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

Being Sociable.

I have two boats, an Alexandra and a Tug which was destined for the bin, until my friend suggested that he may know someone who wanted it. I refurbished the boat and the plant went to Clevedon who stripped it, reset the burner etc and added a few new bits, glass water gauge etc. The rudder is controlled by an electric motor, NOT a servo, so you have to return the motor to central after a manouevre, so you have to think well ahead of where you are, and where you want to be!!

5 years ago by CaptainFlack

Forum

Being Sociable.

Gary many thanks for your response, firstly may I congratulate you on your models, they are really to be admired. I have yet to check out your web suggestions but I am keen to look and hopefully find something of interest. I will share with you my only dealing with , As a boy of 13yrs I transformed a Mamod static engine (SE1) to fit in a 36" yacht hull, needless to say it wasn't a pretty sight but it did work, in a fashion. All the best Michael

5 years ago by mturpin013

Forum

Being Sociable.

Hallo Gary, Your curious response to my post prompted me to look back at your history. In your very first post on the site four years ago I ran across this about a tug project of yours - "My reason for trying to build this particular kit in the first place, is it is 39 inches in length with a beam of 10 inches, with a one piece large superstructure making it ideal for a engine." All very fine but it underlines the snag many of us have, especially naval modellers with 10to1 LoA / Beam ratio, that we simply don't have the beam and superstructure height necessary for power plants. Regards, Doug.

5 years ago by RNinMunich

Forum

Being Sociable.

My Dear Gary, If you wish to start a er thread then why not title it as such? In no way did I wish to be AntiSocial. I simply responded to your somewhat provocative question, which I quoted in my previous post, as did several others on the site in similar vein. Whilst I admire those who can build engines, and I have done that on this site, I simply listed in my response to your (perhaps rhetorical question?) the obstacles that most modellers are faced with when it comes to power in models. Perhaps I should have added number 7. - For most of us the SHIP is the main objective and not the power plant which in the vast majority of cases is hidden under deck. If is your THING - GREAT I have no problem with that. More power to your boiler 😊 It just won't work in my ships and boats. Esp. my subs 😉 And I don't have the patience for all the faffing about necessary to get going at the lake - one of my six points mentioned above. And I suspect that goes for many other contributors to this site. My post simply consolidated several similar responses from other members. You write; "I could correct all six points that you felt you had to share ..." I would be MOST interested to read your refuting of ALL my six points if you have some valid arguments. Throughout my professional engineering life I have always been open to alternative ideas and solutions. So prove me wrong and uncross my wires please. I look forward to your point by point refutation. BTW; as an experienced electronics engineer I always carefully double check my circuits before applying power - so crossed wires are not normally a problem with me. Similar principle also applies to my considered response to your posts. Regards, Doug 😎 PS: did you build your engines or buy them? There are some guys on this site whom I admire very much, but can not emulate, who build their own. PPS: Quote "In the fifty years or so I have been involved in this hobby I have NEVER ever installed an electric motor in a boat." Fine, if that's your THING, does come across as a little fanatical though.🤔

5 years ago by RNinMunich

Forum

Being Sociable.

Doug, the Thread Title on my post is Being Sociable, and not how to be AntiSocial. Thank you for retyping my words of wisdom, did that catch a nerve or rub you the wrong way or something. if you feel you must comment then kindly do a little research and get your facts right. I could correct all six points that you felt you had to share, but there would be no point as per water off a duck's back. I am a fan of but not a fanatic, and I won't get ed up and unlike you, I didn't get my wires crossed.

5 years ago by GaryLC

Response

Tug Brooklyn!

Except the smoker Ed? Looking forward to Nick's answer 😉 Like the whistle👍👍 How about a little release to go with it? Servo operated valve to let a little '' out from the smoker perhaps? (When you get the new one set up😉) Very nice build Ed Hat off 😎

5 years ago by RNinMunich

Media

Tug Brooklyn!

Tug Brooklyn Engine Sound along with Whistle Sound! Sorry about the shaky camera. Trying to do too much at one time!

5 years ago by figtree7nts

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 engine. When I think of the problems involved to find plans and scratch build a boat, why not go for the authentic look and fit a 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 ' up' times. 6. Unsuitabilty for many types of ships / boats. I.e. originals weren't ers. 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 ed up 😁

5 years ago by RNinMunich

Forum

Being Sociable.

I would have loved to put a plant in Tug Brooklyn. But, one is cost the other would be. The Brooklyn is all Plastic! Now really have you looked at the prices! Talk about sticker shock! And for that reason. I use electric motors! But for those fortunate to be able to get engines. Enjoy!

5 years ago by figtree7nts

Media

Tug Brooklyn

Tug Brooklyn Engine Sound Generator Test! With her Running Lights on! I couldn't use her Whistle!😤 I only had one 9 volt battery!😭 Anyway here goes nothing!

5 years ago by figtree7nts

Blog

Ram48 Sound Generator - Cont!

Captain's Log: Today I installed the RAM48! It works OK for a Sound Generator! Take a look at the Video Gallery. For a Test of the Engine Sound Generator! Or take a look here! https://youtu.be/LHcmt44yMvI

5 years ago by figtree7nts

Forum

Being Sociable.

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

5 years ago by Joe727

Forum

Being Sociable.

Not everybody can afford the investment in , I would love to build a model with power if only I could pick up a plant for around £40 -£50.The unit you show I think would come in at something more than that. so I suspect there are other admirers of but out of reach because of cost. Just a quick search sees prices of a complete installations in the region of £1500 -£2000

5 years ago by mturpin013

Forum

Being Sociable.

I have only built static ships /boats so am probably not the best person to comment but one of the main factors that I can see are if you are young and just starting out saving pocket money or older and living on a limited budget. is the cost differential between a basic electric motor and a basic plant I may be wrong just my opinion. Cheers Marky👍

5 years ago by marky

Forum

Being Sociable.

I really can't believe that considering all the members that use this website, that no one is interested in engines and what 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 engine. When I think of the problems involved to find plans and scratch build a boat, why not go for the authentic look and fit a 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 , kindly get in touch, I would appreciate not being completely on my OWN.

5 years ago by GaryLC

Blog

RAM48 Sound Generator!

Captain's Log: Tug Brooklyn is a 1910 Tug. So, Why not have it sound like a Tugboat! I ordered the RAM48 engine sound generator. All I have to do is install it! The RAM48 doesn't go connected to the motor. Like other RAM sound Generators! The RAM48 uses a Magnet that is glued to the shaft! Or in my case the universal coupler! I didn't think it was right to glue the magnet to the shaft. What if the shaft has to be taken out for maintenance! Anyway the RAM48 works with a magnet and sensor chip! To make the Chuff and Hiss sound! OK, after you let the magnet dry over night! You then have to carefully. Place the sensor chip about 1/8". Away from the magnet! Since Tug Brooklyn is made of Plastic. I can use a scrap piece of Plastic. To hold the sensor chip in place! Well, that's it for now. I'll update this post. As I work on setting up the sensor chip connection!

5 years ago by figtree7nts

Directory

(Other) Lady Ayla and Elena.

Clinker built open launches built to show off the boiler, engine and complex plumbing. (Motor: The Caton piston valve) (ESC: servo controlled) (9/10)

5 years ago by GaryLC

Directory

(Tug Boat) Anteo Harbour Tug

My first ever Tug about fifty years ago, and my very first engine hence the super-structure looks a little hacked about, especially the engine housing with globe valves stuck out here and there. this was and still is an amazing kit from Panart, a plank on frame double skinned hull, and all the fittings were brass to a very high quality, (note the anchor winch all brass and it works. The engine and boiler was from Maxwell Hemmings one of the very few manufacturers at the time. (Motor: Piston Valve Twin Cylinder) (ESC: Servo controlled) (10/10)

5 years ago by GaryLC

Response

Paddle Tug Iona - the hull

Thanks Chris... yeah independent paddle control is very useful for navigating into 'dock'. Your "Loch Ranza" looks pretty good too. These Graupner kits are hard to come by. I like paddle ers as a project, and picked up a part built 'city of Bath' from my local club. Hull & decks complete otherwise I have to build powertrain / superstructure. Planned in for later in the year.

5 years ago by Harvey Kitten

Response

PS Iona - misc fittings

Thanks for the compliments! it's been a good project, just adding the final touches a couple of days ago. One bonus about paddle ers is they don't usually take on water as the paddle shafts are above the water line👍

5 years ago by Harvey Kitten

Forum

tvr engine

Hi Gary my e-mail is rgroff7@cogeco.ca you can e-mail me and we can figure out . Rick

5 years ago by Newby7

Forum

tvr engine

Hello all and to Gary I' m looking for the tread size for the ports of the TVR engine are they 1/4 32 or 1/4 40 as I want to order fittings in advance of my building the engine . Rick

5 years ago by Newby7

Forum

tvr engine

Hi Rick I am having a few problems here trying to manipulate this website, I have read your message asking about an engine flywheel, and I will make one for you as I have the necessary diameter brass bar. your problem is figuring out how I get it to you, let me know how we can accomplish this problem. Regards, Gary.

5 years ago by GaryLC

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 er 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

tvr engine

Inspiration, a beautiful thing almost a work of art.

5 years ago by GaryLC

Forum

tvr engine

Hi Rick, and I am hoping this helps, the inlet and exhaust manifolds on the engine have no fittings included for you to screw onto, the connecting end is just a plain 1/8" brass pipe, so you need to silver-solder your fitting to suit. I have included a photo which hopefully will help. you are going to need some elbows (90* bends) and maybe a Tee piece or two, globe valves and the pipe fittings to put it all together, plus a condenser to collect and separate the exhaust waste . My condenser is simply a piece of 2" brass pipe, I can do you some piping diagrams for you if this helps, or send me a plan of how you are going to connect it all together. The end result will be worth it I promise. Regards, Gary. Hang on in there I have every confidence.

5 years ago by GaryLC

Forum

Being Sociable.

Hi Gary It is snowing here and I'm hold up thinking of what I will need for my engine assembly. Pipe sizes and fittings and thread sizes and the one thing I forgot to order was the fly wheel so I'm going to order from the site I got the engine from do you know of another spot I might look to get a fly wheel . Rick

5 years ago by Newby7

Forum

RC lever

Hi Gary I just should have ask you from here what thread size are the ports for the tvr engine are they 1/4 32 or 1/4 40 thread I want to order fittings in advance of the build. Rick

5 years ago by Newby7

Forum

RC lever

Hello I have a plant to operate my new build but it has a shut off valve I will not be able to control the . The company I purchased the plant from doesn't have an RC valve . Ideas on shops I can search for the RC valve. Rick

5 years ago by Newby7

Forum

Folding Bulwark????!

HELLO Toby well, I have done a drawing, but, I forgot to label it before I scanned it in - (if you can call it a drawing). You will see I have drawn the hinges in and also the pin that would go through the hinge, you will notice that I have drawn an oblong hole in the end of the pin and this is where a tapered wedge would be driven in to lock it into place when the pin is through the hinge. There is also a chain (the scribbled thing on the top of the tapered wedge) which would be secured to the other end of the bolt to prevent it from being lost. The pins would only be removed from the hinges when the bulwark would need to be removed completed - and - this would be lifted out of place with a ships derrick. As far as handrails go, as far as I can find out, they are located in sockets which are rivetted to the deck and a pin / bolt placed through the bottom of the railing stanchion to secure it into place. Give me a couple of days (I am expecting a couple of books in the post) which are about tramp ers - and - it may give us some more information of what we are looking for. Another book which I find extremely helpful (and you may have it already) is Merchant Ship Construction by H.J. Pursey it doesn't seem to have an ISBN number on this one - it was first published in 1942 :-) good book though - and sometimes it comes up for sale on u know where :-)

5 years ago by JOHN

Forum

RC lever

Hi Gary I looked at your harbour post pictures your boats look great. Yes after I ordered the parts I thought of a lever oiler combo will order that in the future when I can figure out the piping I will need and yes I can silver solder. Rick

5 years ago by Newby7

Forum

RC lever

Hi Rick, would you believe it is me yet again, I just thought you might like to check out my Harbour, as I have just put three boats in there, all with engines. Plus I was thinking if I where you which I am not but if I was. you will need to buy an oil lubricator for your engine, and Clevedon has a lubricator with a throttle lever control valve attached to it, this would make a lot of sense. Question, can you silver solder as you will need to fabricate some pipe work? Regards Gary.

5 years ago by GaryLC