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The Fairey Fleet
I got interested in the hobby getting on for 5 years ago as something to keep me occupied during the winter months.
Soon after I bought a 47" Fairey Huntsman 31 off Ebay. It was a lovely model but I found it a bit cumbersome and so eventually sold it to a fellow club member. Before I sold it though I bought one of Dave Milbourn's prototypes off him that he'd used for producing the plans for his 1:12 scale Huntress. I found this to be a nice scale for the Fairey range of boats and set off on a mission to build a number of them all to the same scale. As well as scratch building them I produced my own drawings because they either weren't available at that scale or I wanted to modify them. A case in point being the Huntsman 28 where I wanted the whole superstructure to be removeable.
As well as the classic Faireys; Huntsman 28, Huntsman 31 and Swordsman 33 I wanted to build the more unusual ones and those, as far as I'm aware have never been built. These are the River Cruiser 23 (using a modified Huntress hull) from a black and white photograph, a Huntress Long Cabin fitted with a stern-drive, a Fisherman 27 motor sailer and a 17 foot Faun lake and river cruiser. The first five are being built and the last two I've produced drawings for. Instead of concentrating on the first builds I kept starting others!
ChrisF
1 year ago
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Fairey Faun
Not quite ready to start building yet as I must progress my other builds a bit more first but I'm chomping on the bit to get going on it so thought I'd kick off anyway.
Not the most exciting of boats but it is one that I've been planning to add to my Fairey fleet after seeing a small photo of it in a book I have which also provided the inspiration for some of my other builds.
Anyway, it is a small river and lake cruiser, 16' 6" long and is based on the hull of the Falcon daysailer which is of hot moulded construction, like many other Faireys.
Like my other builds I'm building at 1:12. The only drawings I could find were from a brochure showing the top and side views and it is those that I've used to start my drawings. The hull lines have been arrived at by trial and error and I hope they work out!
Most Fauns were fitted with an outboard, which was my original intention, but I've decided to do an inboard version first. Maybe an outboard later?
Because of the hull shape I've decided to do plank on frame which will be a first for me, so fingers crossed!
Hopefully it won't be too long before I can post progress of the actual build.
Chris
ChrisF
2 years ago
Recent Posts
๐ Propeller Rotation (common propellers)
6 days ago by
๐ฌ๐ง ChrisF (
Lieutenant Commander)
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And they don't actually screw their way through the water, but let's not go there! ๐
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๐ Propeller Rotation (common propellers)
8 days ago by
๐ฌ๐ง ChrisF (
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Very useful Lew. Thanks.
Chris
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๐ Sea rover cabin cruiser
8 days ago by
๐ฌ๐ง ChrisF (
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Hi Lew
Unloaded refers to the rpm of the motor that it is designed to achieve when it is running in fresh air. The manufacturer for instance may state 10k. rpm on 12 volts.
Loaded refers to when the motor is actually being used in a boat etc. The resistance of the water and to a lesser extent losses due to the coupling and bearings mean that less than 10k. rpm will be achieved. 80% is usually used, so that may drop to 8k. rpm.
Obviously using a too big a diameter prop, or one that is very coarse will reduce this further. Hence why I'm thinking that a 40mm prop should be Ok. Better to have a motor spinning freely near its max. design speed than one labouring at a lower rpm and producing heat.
As Boatshed says, trying different props is the way to choose the best one for this boat, but unlike for a race boat, a number of sizes, within reason should work.
I still want to be convinced by the battery being used and until sufficient rpm is achieved you are never going to get decent performance. The basics of the battery and particularly the motor have got to be sorted.
Chris
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๐ Sea rover cabin cruiser
8 days ago by
๐ฌ๐ง ChrisF (
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I see what you mean. I seem to remember reading somewhere that confusion arises because some prop manufacturers describe props using one convention but others state the opposite!
From the Prop Shop web-site: "Please note that propeller rotation is based on theย British and American standard (viewing the boat from the stern) whichย is the opposite to that in Germany."
As Graupner are German then that probably explains it?
Chris
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๐ Sea rover cabin cruiser
9 days ago by
๐ฌ๐ง ChrisF (
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Rotation a droite is to the right, so as you say clockwise.
CCW would be counter-clockwise.
Chris
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๐ Kits for Fairey Marine Models.
9 days ago by
๐ฌ๐ง ChrisF (
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Yes, I was wondering if I should add all the plans as well as I have many of them including kit drawings. But apart from myself, and you previously Bob, I haven't heard of anyone building a Fairey from scratch for a long, long time. Most builds are from the current SLEC kits or refurbs of 1:11 and 1:8 scale Precedent kit builds.
For interest, a chap on another forum wanted to build a 60" Huntsman 31 with an IC engine (he has access to a lake) and so I've modified my drawings by adding some additional frames and stringers etc. I think these would be of benefit even if building smaller, particularly for producing the distinctive flared bow. If I build another one I will use these drawings.
Photos show relative sizes of the Huntsman 31 and Swordsman 33. The former is like a racehorse compared to the Swordsman 33.
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๐ Sea rover cabin cruiser
10 days ago by
๐ฌ๐ง ChrisF (
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What battery are you using to give you 16.8v as that is pretty high and I reckon you should get on the plane with 11.1v/12v or even less as jbkiwi says.
I think you should be alright with a 40mm prop and I think your problem is a lack of revs. 7000rpm is too low and how are you measuring? If unloaded then definitely too low. You don't want to go too big with the prop as you will probably have overheating problems.
To plane you want around 9000 - 10000rpm loaded, so around 12000rpm unloaded.
Can't find the rpm for your Traxxas motor but I did find one on 24v that only revved to 10000rpm so I'm thinking the 16.8v doesn't rev very high either being as it is a high torque motor for off-road vehicles. Nice motor but I don't think it's suitable for your use.
I can't advise on a motor as I use brushless.
Chris
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๐ Kits for Fairey Marine Models.
11 days ago by
๐ฌ๐ง ChrisF (
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As requested here is a list of all the kits that have been produced for Fairey Marine boats. Only SLEC and Sarik Hobbies currently produce models. I think I've listed them all.
Chris
Huntsman 28
Kit produced by Veron for a 42โ, scale 1:8 model. No longer available but may come up for sale rarely.
Swordsman 33
Kit produced by Aerokits for a 33 ยผโ, scale 1:12 model. This is for the aft cabin version where the roof is around deck level. No longer available but do sometimes come up.
SLEC now produce a kit at 25โ where the aft cabin roof is slightly higher but still within the coamings.
Huntsman 31
The first Huntsman 31 kit was produced by Modav (Model Avionics) in the 1970s and was for a 34โ long model at the rather odd scale of 1:11. The business then morphed into Precedent Kits (Balsacraft) and they continued with the all wood kits but also added fibreglass hulled ones in both 34โ/scale 1:11 and 47 ยฝ โ/scale 1:8. Iโve never actually seen a big fibreglass hulled one.
The rights to manufacture the kits were then bought by Anglian Model Products but not many were sold and the company has ceased trading.
Unbuilt kits and built models come up on EBay quite often and are usually the Precedent kits as more of those were sold, though I donโt think the kit design changed much, if at all through itโs various incarnations.
SLEC now produce kits at 23 ยฝ " and 47โ with the latter being a development of the Precedent kit and incorporating some changes to the construction and laser printed planked deck etc.
Huntress 23
Sarik Hobbies do a plan and laser cut wood kit for a 23โ, scale 1:12 model.
SLEC do a kit for a 34โ, scale 1:8 model.
Miscellaneous
There was also a range of kits for a number of Fairey models but they are too small for practical use and therefore were not popular.
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๐ Convention for displaying a model Boat
11 days ago by
๐ฌ๐ง ChrisF (
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Thanks. There was a kit of the Huntsman 28 by Veron many years ago and drawings, but you rarely see the kits nowadays. Infact you rarely see Huntsman 28 models at all as they became overshadowed by the Huntsman 31 kits, originally by Modav/Precedent and now by SLEC in the UK.
The Veron kit and the drawings was too big for me at 42", scale 1:8, and I'm on a mission to scratch build all my Faireys at a scale of 1:12 as I'd already got a Huntress at that scale built by Dave Milbourn. Five underway and two more planned!
As well as being too big for what I wanted I also wanted the superstructure to lift off as one to gain access to the motor and RC installation etc. So, I did my own drawings as per my other builds. The superstructure was fiddly as I wanted to keep the coamings thin, but I managed it.
I'll post a list of all the Fairey kits on a separate thread.
Chris
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๐ Convention for displaying a model Boat
11 days ago by
๐ฌ๐ง ChrisF (
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I've got the book of the 1969 Round Britain Powerboat Race as it featured a number of Faireys. And the story of Peter Twiss's world record - it was amazing it ever happened given the problems.
On YouTube there is a video of the race called Ride the white horses 1969 which is worth a watch along with a number of others featuring Faireys.
One of my first Fairey builds was a Huntress 28 and whilst the stained deck looks quite nice I didn't plank it like my later builds so I think I'm going to finish it as a race boat - got to have one in the fleet! The decks on those were usually painted.
Chris
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๐ New Zealand Trip
11 days ago by
๐ฌ๐ง ChrisF (
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Thanks for the info. and photos. I did do a quick Google but it wasn't clear to me whether the train had run since 2021.
Pity about the hydrofoil being left to rot.
Chris
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๐ฌ Re: Aucklands' classic wooden boat festival ,1,2,3 March
12 days ago by
๐ฌ๐ง ChrisF (
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Some wonderful workmanship in those boats and canoes etc. Good to see.
Chris
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๐ New Zealand Trip
12 days ago by
๐ฌ๐ง ChrisF (
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Thanks JB, hopefully there's a cheque in the post from the tourist board! ๐
Thanks for the information on the boat.
It's a pity that the Kingston Flyer doesn't run anymore, especially where the track used to be from Queenstown towards Southland. But I suppose fire is an issue nowadays.
Chris
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๐ Large lipo
13 days ago by
๐ฌ๐ง ChrisF (
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Is there any need to install fuses in all three motor wires for a brushless motor? Given the speed at which power is switched between each, wouldn't one fuse be sufficient?
Only one is used in a brushed motor circuit.
Chris
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๐ New Zealand Trip
13 days ago by
๐ฌ๐ง ChrisF (
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๐ Large lipo
13 days ago by
๐ฌ๐ง ChrisF (
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Thanks Alessandro. I'll post my thoughts on one of my build installations so I can work my way through what is required and get my head around the subject better.
Chris
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๐ Large lipo
13 days ago by
๐ฌ๐ง ChrisF (
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I dont currently ๐ fit fuses in my builds but may well do so in the future. I've read a number of threads on different forums previously about the subject and as said some do fit fuses and others don't, including very experienced modellers.
In my case the risks are very low as I use good quality ESCs and motors, I don't run my boats hard and our lake is on private land (no rubbish) and the weed is kept well under control, but again as said, why take any risk if for a few ยฃs protection can be easily added?
My only real concern is fire and if I fit a fuse it will be to combat that. I'm glad the wiring has been mentioned as I also think that is the weak link and the fuse should be based on that rather than the motor or other component. The problem for me is sizing the fuse. I use silicone cable from Component Shop and err on the side of safety sizewise but it is the cable fitted by the motor manufacturer that concerns me. If fitted with bullet connecters already and braided as are my Overlander motors it isn't easy to determine the size of the cable but one would hope they are sufficient for the max. current draw of the motor!
I will use car type blade fuses but one thought I do have is that the cable entries use chocolate box type connecters which goes against my use of good quality connectors i.e. XT60 and bullet and is a reason I only want to use the minimum number of fuses.
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๐ New Zealand Trip
15 days ago by
๐ฌ๐ง ChrisF (
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Thanks JB.
Another photo of the Shotover jet showing the launch tractors on the gentler part of the run i.e. not through the narrow canyon!
Also the other major operator, KJet with the yellow boats that start from the lake in Queenstown. This is a gentler ride, though the lake can get very choppy and then goes down the river for some distance. The inlaws said going through the bridge supports and dropping down into the river was a bit hairy though! There is also a third operator, Realnz - I didn't see many of their boats so I think they are quite small.
Lastly, a photo of a nice motor sailer moored on the lake, which would make a nice model.
I won't bore you with any more! I've got hundreds of photos to go through now and sort out of the stunning scenery etc. to give copies to the inlaws.
Chris
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๐ New Zealand Trip
16 days ago by
๐ฌ๐ง ChrisF (
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Unfortunately not Bob! Have another niece there but she got married in the UK before emigrating. Likewise with a nephew in Oz.
To be honest I don't really fancy the long flights again, unless I went business class, which is unlikely. Especially as we had problems at Dubai, for the second time due to weather conditions, which had a knock on effect with other connections and an additional flight. We were shattered by the time we got there. No problems on the way back but very tired due to little sleep. It's a long old haul but probably one of the reasons it remains unspoiled.
Chris
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๐ New Zealand Trip
17 days ago by
๐ฌ๐ง ChrisF (
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As mentioned on another thread we've recently returned from another trip to NZ for another family wedding and holiday, the last being 7 years ago. Those that have been there and are lucky enough to live there know what a lovely place it is with stunning scenery.
We toured all around NZ the first time, including spending time in Queenstown, but this time spent all the time in the area in different places, so was able to do all the boat things I wasn't able to do last time.
First was a ride on a Shotover Jet fitted with twin Mercruiser V8s providing 700hp and driving Hamilton water-jets which sounded great. I enjoyed it but it was a bit of a white knuckle ride in places! The drivers are very skilled and miss the rocks by inches in the canyons! Should have done it last time when I was a more spritely 63! Or done the other one my in-laws did as well that started on the lake at Queenstown which they said was less frenetic.
At the other end of the scale and much more sedate we did a couple of lake cruises. One a smaller boat taking us to one end of the lake and the other TSS Earnslaw, a steamer built in 1912, which took us part way towards the other end of the lake for lunch, it's a big lake!
We had a great time, including meeting up with younger family members who have made their home there.
Chris
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๐ Convention for displaying a model Boat
17 days ago by
๐ฌ๐ง ChrisF (
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Someone had to do it! Great memories.
Chris
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๐ Convention for displaying a model Boat
17 days ago by
๐ฌ๐ง ChrisF (
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I know you were just testing me Colin!
That photo from the born again Fairey Marine site is the the only Swordsman with aft cabin that I've seen with the traditional rounded air-intakes. The original Fairey Marine with aft cabin was called the Super Swordsman and had the much larger, squarer intakes.
Said I'd got the anorak! ๐
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๐ Lipo battery life
17 days ago by
๐ฌ๐ง ChrisF (
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You're a braver man than me!
Mine are relatively new but I was still anxious before going away on a recent 4 week holiday. But after a careful inspection, checking the internal resistance and recharging to the storage voltage I was happy.
Do bear in mind that even if OK, over time and number of charges their performance does decrease.
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๐ Convention for displaying a model Boat
17 days ago by
๐ฌ๐ง ChrisF (
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Colin - I hope you don't mind me mentioning this, but amongst your lovely display you have a Huntsman 31 labelled as a Swordsman.
For my sins I have the Fairey anorak, tee-shirt and hat!
Chris
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๐ Sea rover cabin cruiser
21 days ago by
๐ฌ๐ง ChrisF (
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I agree about the CD cases, far too brittle. Some food packaging etc. provides a good source though I buy A4 sheets off EBay.
Chris
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๐ YouTube Hobby Raum
21 days ago by
๐ฌ๐ง ChrisF (
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Very nice but too much for me. I have various hobbies and interests and model boats is only one of them so can only get limited time. Will probably increase when I can no longer ride my motorbikes!
Chris
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๐ Tinkering
21 days ago by
๐ฌ๐ง ChrisF (
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Just got back from a second trip to New Zealand having been there 7 years ago. It's like a breathe of fresh air with being a similar size to the UK but a tenth of the population!
Driving is a joy with great roads and little traffic once away from the few towns and cities. Didn't tour this time but stayed in the stunning Queenstown area in various locations which we visited last time. Did some boat related things I will mention elsewhere later.
Chris
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๐ Lipo battery life
21 days ago by
๐ฌ๐ง ChrisF (
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Lipos have to be stored at no less than 3.8v per cell otherwise as stated they are scrap.
Chris
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๐ Lesro models
21 days ago by
๐ฌ๐ง ChrisF (
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Les Rowell was founder of Lesro Models and chief designer at Aerokits and died in 1992.
A number of well known kits were produced by Lesro including the Stiletto/Rapier and Arrow/Javelin, Sprite and Sportsman with the latter reintroduced in Mk 2 form by SLEC.
The business was sold and you could obtain copies of the kit plans but but you can't do that anymore.
Chris
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๐ How do I get to all the back issues?
27 days ago by
๐ฌ๐ง ChrisF (
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He must have got embarrassed and deleted his post! ๐
Unfortunately the Model Boats Magazine forum is only a shadow of it's former self. โน๏ธ
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