Hi,
I have started drawing my fittings and 3D printing them. The absence of a lathe and milling machine these days, means this is the way I have to address things. I have modelled a 20mm Oerlikon on its mount and printed the mount. It hasn't been cleaned up yet but I hope you get the idea from my hasty photography also. It is in 1/24 scale. If you would like a drawing I can whistle you up one.
I draw in metric to avoid weird imperial dimensions

You're welcome, Trev, just have fun with whatever you try, Paul

Excellent, Don't sell yourself short when it comes to learning something new. You might be surprised how quickly you pick this up.
Just my opinion, but I believe it does us good no matter what our ages are, to try and experience new things in our lives, and what you are doing is a prime example. Well done.
I personally have not used Fusion 360, but know of chaps that run the full-blown version to design,draw and run 5 Axis Machining centres, they love it. Obtaining things for free is great and I am onboard with doing the very same thing, I don't know what features are missing from the free version, I will be interested to hear how you are progressing in the coming weeks.
I mentioned in my previous post on the software I currently use and have been since 2009.
I went on to the Alibre website and had a poke around, which is something I don't normally do, however I did find a version for personal use called Atom3D. Had I been starting out in 3D modelling, I think it would have been worth considering. As well as free, I do like cheap also
(who doesn't) At $149 US and $50 US yearly support it isn't breaking the bank. The onsite video does provide a good demo. Have fun😊
Paul

Hi Ron,
I use a 3D modelling software called Alibre. It is similar to Solidworks, but considerably cheaper.
The are a couple of options to choose from, which reflect in the price. There might be a version that works or you.
There is a yearly maintenance fee, or if you do the 3 yr option, there is a price break and 10 months interest free plan to pay it off.They do allow you to download a trial version. Sorry if I sound like a salesman for the company. I'm not, just happy to have something I can use.
I was in a similar situation to yourself. Retirement meant I also lost my home license to Solidworks.

Dave,Jon & Ron, all good advise thank you for your input. I will as you say Dave experiment a little. The places you mentioned Ron close by me and are in fact lumber mills and do not sell directly to the general public.
Regards
Paul

Being a newcomer to the hobby, I would like some help from members please as to the type of wood to use, for the stringers on my model. I am unable to source the type of wood being suggested.
The plans call for spruce stringers and other bits and pieces, my readings leads me to think Douglas fir might do fine, and ripping down some trial 1/4×1/8 pieces, the results looked favourable. However the local lumber yard suggest hemlock or possibly pine as woods with similar properties to spruce. Can anyone advise please.
Thank you

Thank you, a good idea for next time. Its a learning curve, now I know there are possible errors on plans, I will better prepare myself.

I would like some advise please. I have returned to model boat building after many years. I am scratch building the Sangsetia police launch that first appeared in 1986.
I have cut out the bulkheads and now I am in the process of finishing their outside profiles. I am using the plans to gauge size. So far so good. As I started to finish the concave/convex radiI from the sides to the keel I am finding these lower profiles differ from side to side. Naturally if I continue to use the plans as drawn as a gauge, I don't think the end result will be too pleasing.
I am thinking a better way to address the problem would be to select the same lower profile on each bulkhead and use it as my gauge to ensure symmetry is achieved. I will then have to apply the same method of finishing when I notch each bulkhead. I hope this is making some sense. I would like to hear from anyone who has come across this same issue. Thank you in advance.