Members Harbour
1 Photo
8 Likes
Alice
Built this model from a MB plan using one of my friend Bill Lucys tug hulls for use with our public sailing boats at Shows we attended. The plan is for a RFA tug and the colour scheme is appealing. Fitted with 2.4Ghz radio and Mtronic 10amp Esc. Was a popular model with the young sailors.
dave976
6 months ago
12 Attributes
1 Photo
8 Likes
Pilot Tender
Another recent acquisition from a club member. This model has been in our club for many years and has had several owners. Sails very well and certainly looks the part. The model brings back many happy memories whenever I sail, not just for me but other club members,
dave976
6 months ago
12 Attributes
1 Photo
4 Likes
Progress Trawler
This is a model built from a Billings Junior kit. Has Plastic hull and wooden cabin. I managed to fit a small 40Mhz Rx and 10amp Mtronic Esc in the hull and sailed the model at Reasheath with my club. Its a small model but in calm conditions sails in a very realistic fashion. As a beginners kit it ticks all the correct boxes. Not in a good state at present so I may restore at some time.
dave976
6 months ago
12 Attributes
1 Photo
6 Likes
Libbeccio
I found this model in a Birkenhead model shop when I first started in model boats. It was a free running toy but appealed to me as it looked similar to tugs sailing on the Mersey at the time. Easily converted to R/c using my self built Esc and an Acoms set. Was correct scale for my Mercantic so had fun sailing them at New Brighton.
dave976
6 months ago
12 Attributes
1 Photo
1 Like
Tarpon Type Pleasure Cruiser
Acquired this model a few years ago from the local family of a deceased relative. Was in a different format but the hull shape was similar to the Tarpon so I reworked the cabin and sealed the hull with glass cloth and layup resin. Fitted a 550 brushed motor an Mtronik 15 amp Esc and sails well. I am still struggling with getting a good mount for the front windows.
dave976
6 months ago
12 Attributes
6 Photos
9 Likes
Hjejlen Paddler
This is another of my early builds from the Billing kit. I did start to make into a sailable model but the radio/Esc and batteries were not available in a small enough size so the project stalled. I do believe it would now be possible and I have some very nice ex computer geared brushed motors that would work well. It would definitely be a fine weather sailor but paddlers have that look. Long way down the list of projects but not forgotten.
dave976
6 months ago
4 Attributes
1 Photo
3 Likes
RG65
I saw this in my local hobby shop several years ago and had one of the early versions that required a few mods ably supported by the designers and vendors. Very exciting to sail in a stiff breeze and likes to porpoise. Acceleration is impressive and you really need to keep your eye on the model at all times.
dave976
6 months ago
2 Attributes
1 Photo
10 Likes
Mercantic
My first kit built model from the Billings range. Plank on frame and all the fittings scratch built. Seen here at New Brighton's original pool circa 1970's. Now needs a rebuild as all the planks either side of the cascamite joints have split so will need a glass cloth cover.
dave976
7 months ago
12 Attributes
1 Photo
7 Likes
HMS Wolverton
My first scratch built model using bread and butter wooden hull using the Glazebrook plan. Seen here moored at New Brighton's original pond circa 1970's. Used two brushed motors (ex WD per Bert Ault) driving my own gearbox to drive the four props. The radio (27Mhz) and ESC were all home made and it used a small motorcycle wet cell lead acid battery.
dave976
7 months ago
12 Attributes
1 Photo
6 Likes
Schnell Boat
Recently acquired and needing some tlc. Typical of its type.
dave976
8 months ago
12 Attributes
1 Photo
4 Likes
Liberty Ship
A nice scratch built example of this WWII emergency freighter. Recently acquired from a fellow club member and ready to sail.
dave976
1 year ago
9 Attributes
1 Photo
4 Likes
Pleasure Cruiser
This model has sailed with our club for many years and evokes many memories from the 1950/60's when this type of speed boat was raced round the bays in the UK and elsewhere. Cindy and friends seem to be immune to the risks both from the water and the sun. I intend to replace the motor with a small brushless and use a LiPo to reduce the overall weight and improve the performance.
dave976
1 year ago
8 Attributes
1 Photo
6 Likes
Three Bros of Rye
A recent acquistion from a club member, that I sailed and sank and is now restored. Still a few details to add to the deck but ready to sail. Does have a 550 type motor and 35 mm brass prop to get me out of the weeds.
dave976
1 year ago
1 Attribute
1 Photo
3 Likes
Esk Belle
Another model acquired from a former club member. Modelled on the Whitby Bay pleasure cruiser and populated with scale holidaymakers. A delightful small model that always attracts attention. The prop is a racing type two blade which I will replace with brass 3 blade and replace the motor with a 555 type as speed is not a feature of this model. The rudder is also too deep and gets damaged in transit so I will replace or modify to a smaller size.
dave976
1 year ago
9 Attributes
1 Photo
6 Likes
Sea Commander
Recently acquired from a fellow club member. I had restored the model some years ago to display on our club stand but it's in need of some more tlc and I believe I will put a small brushless motor and replace the prop. My Sea Queen sails much better with a brushless.
dave976
1 year ago
9 Attributes
1 Photo
1 Like
Hovercraft
Semi scale that uses a lift and drive motor. Not used too often as it's too noisy.
dave976
2 years ago
11 Attributes
1 Photo
2 Likes
DUKW
Slightly different but it does float
dave976
2 years ago
11 Attributes
1 Photo
4 Likes
Coast Guard Cutter
My second model of this type of vessel.
dave976
2 years ago
11 Attributes
1 Photo
6 Likes
Lady Jan
Built from a Mobile Marine kit. Very scale appearance and sails realistically. Tows barges and other vessels very well and runs forever. Working lights and Technobots sound unit (ESC: Electronize) (5/10) Brushed car fan motor with 2:1 belt drive
dave976
2 years ago
11 Attributes
1 Photo
1 Like
Al Khubar
Built from the Model Slipway Kit. Built from the instructions without modification. Used two 550 motors using two belt drive reduction units. Two Action 20 amp escs and two 6v 4.5Ahr SLA's. Originally used the Action mixer unit which worked but changed to two stick operation, my preference. Used to take on water on our lake so I added a coaming round the large flat opening on the rear deck.
dave976
2 years ago
12 Attributes
Recent Posts
๐ Dragon Force 65 waterproofing
2 days ago by
๐ฌ๐ง dave976 (

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Is this one of the original prototype Joysway models? It was a while ago but I suppose there may be a few about on the second hand market, mine is still sailing. I have one and was told to seal the flimsy plastic bow by pouring some resin inside the hull and standing the model on its bow until set. I also had to use epoxy all round the metal eyelets on the deck. The only other problem was the rudder crank (plastic) which was replaced with a metal crank. The small rudder servo also doesn't like more than 5 volts, mine burnt out (melted) with 6v. There are two opening on the deck. I put the battery in the smaller hole and use (sign writing) Vinyl tape to seal the hole. I have a plastic plate over the main opening where the winch and rx sit and cover this with another piece of Vinyl to cover and seal all over. The rudder servo enters the hull and should have a rubber expandable shoe covering the joint- it may have perished.
dave976
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๐ Union flag.
6 days ago by
๐ฌ๐ง dave976 (

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Hi Rogal
I have used silk or cloth like the real ones so the print shows through. As Colin says you can also buy on-line.
Dave976
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๐ Union flag.
6 days ago by
๐ฌ๐ง dave976 (

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Hi Rogal
On what type of material are you printing your flags?
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๐ Stainless front rail
10 days ago by
๐ฌ๐ง dave976 (

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What flux are you using?
dave976
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๐ฌ Re: RAF crash tender refurb
16 days ago by
๐ฌ๐ง dave976 (

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Hi Trident73
Here are a couple of pics of the Vosper original drawings showing the details you seek
dave976
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๐ฌ Re: Typhoon Blunder
16 days ago by
๐ฌ๐ง dave976 (

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The manufacturer had someone build their model for display and advertising. The builder either failed to research or was instructed by the manufacturer. Either way it does not replicate the actual boat. If it's true scale you want then you will have to replace with the correct layout. If it's just for your own use then as others have said leave as is and concoct a story to satisfy any rivet counters.
dave976
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๐ WEED PROBLEMS !!!!!!
20 days ago by
๐ฌ๐ง dave976 (

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Sunshine, low water levels, heat and an abundance of nutrients all combine to promote the growth of algae and water plants. In deeper water dyes can be used to restrict the growth and aeration by fountains etc help by introducing oxygen. Waterfowl can in large numbers also add to the problem, especially when fed excessive amounts of bread. Normally we see the situation start late June and continue until mid October but temperature, especially frost can kill and stop the spread of most of the plants.
It's an annual and costly problem to control. Possibly why councils are keen to close and fill any ponds and lakes under their control.
dave976
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๐ฌ Re: Typhoon
21 days ago by
๐ฌ๐ง dave976 (

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Far too big a motor. I suggest you view the comments at
https://www.rcgroups.com/forums/showthread.php?2601594-Motor-ESC-combo-for-Dumas |
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๐ New low-cost figures available
22 days ago by
๐ฌ๐ง dave976 (

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I agree Roy. My once thriving town is now almost empty of retail shops, replaced with Charity shops, takeaway or fish & chip shops and Pubs. The council some years ago transformed it into a one way system with no parking except for disabled. We no longer have any of the four Banks that used to serve the town.
The charity shops used to be a good source of figures depending on the scale required. More recently I have found B&M often have boxed sets of figures that are good for Sea Queen size vessels so I have Lieutenant Uhuru steering mine with a couple of Enterprise crew on board.
dave976
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๐ฌ Re: Towing equipment, more rails, monitors and such
26 days ago by
๐ฌ๐ง dave976 (

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Looking good. Copper is hard until annealed so I am not surprised you struggled to bend to shape. I have in similar situations stripped the covering off the wire and cut the wire into short lengths leaving a gap where there are bends. You can then slide the complete covering over the cut pieces.
Looking forward to seeing this on the water.
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๐ "Grace Darling" Liverpool Class Lifeboat
28 days ago by
๐ฌ๐ง dave976 (

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๐ 500+ models
29 days ago by
๐ฌ๐ง dave976 (

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Philip Warren was a regular at many model shows over the years and it was always a pleasure to stop and chat. His knowledge was as great as the number of models he made and researched. The collection really needs to find a permanent home where it can be viewed and enjoyed.
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๐ Navigation lights
30 days ago by
๐ฌ๐ง dave976 (

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Hi Nick
Please post some pics of your running (side) light fittings so we can advise how to fit the Leds
dave976
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๐ Navigation lights
30 days ago by
๐ฌ๐ง dave976 (

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Hi Nick
LEDS are long life and as Fred says they last a long time. Certainly my experience. They are however extremely intolerant to too high a voltage and current, even for a microsecond. Once blown they are toast. That is why a series resistor is placed in line between the power supply and one of the LED leads. The How to Pages have articles describing the details. You can use electronic devices that reduce the voltage to a safe level and remove the need for the resistor. However different coloured Leds require different voltages so resistors are sometimes the best option, especially for Red and Green types.
cheers
Dave
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๐ FB Marketplace bites again
30 days ago by
๐ฌ๐ง dave976 (

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Hi Redpopman
Go to FORUM
At the top of the screen below Create New Topic there is a list "Jump to"
Select the sixth item "For Sale/Wanted"
Cheers
dave976
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๐ Once in a blue moon
1 month ago by
๐ฌ๐ง dave976 (

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Hi Roy
Happy diamond wedding anniversary to you both. Enjoy you meal!
dave976
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๐ Fly sky FS T4b
1 month ago by
๐ฌ๐ง dave976 (

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Hi Stephen
Are you able to post some pics of both your Tx and Rx ( showing the type and pin connections)? I ask as it is possible your particular Tx and Rx are not compatible or possibly, faulty. If this was a recent purchase I would go back to the retailer for their advice.
As a matter of interest have the Tx and Rx worked and bound with other models?
dave976
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๐ Using 2 Mtronik ESCs
1 month ago by
๐ฌ๐ง dave976 (

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Hi Atreius Models, Good to hear you have isolated one of the power leads. If your ESC has an on off switch it should still be used as I have damaged an Mtronik Esc in a multi-prop model by failing to switch on both ESC's. I use three on my Olympic and have a panel with the three switches side by side so I can easily see all are on or off.
dave976
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๐ Help: Information needed
1 month ago by
๐ฌ๐ง dave976 (

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Hi Dan
Difficult to be sure but it is probably a wooden model of a schooner. Looks like the three masts are lying on the deck and I can't see any spars. I suspect the construction method was bread and butter with the boards laid horizontally. The second pic shows a joint that has split. Possibly made pre 1950's but could be much earlier. Clearly seen better days and in need of some major restoration work. Without any provenance it may have a limited market but there are modellers who like to restore such models, especially if they have a previously untouched model. Price will depend on whatever someone is prepared to pay and in its present form you might try asking ยฃ50+ to see if there is any interest. There are several Models for sale sites both National and local that offer free services.
dave976
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๐ Fly sky FS T4b
1 month ago by
๐ฌ๐ง dave976 (

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Hi Stephen
There is a manual on line for this Tx. (see pdf file attached)
Page 8 explains the process. Basically you use the binding plug in the battery slot of the rx and a rx battery in any of the other slots on the rx. The red led should be flashing on the rx (it's in bind mode). Press and HOLD the bind button on the TX and switch on. The red Led on the Rx should go solid (binding complete). Release the bind button on the tx. Remove the binding plug from the rx and reconnect the battery to the battery slot on the rx. If the Tx is switched on the rx red Led should be solid (bound to Tx). Connect a servo to each channel and check that all the controls work. If not disconnect and switch off. Repeat the above binding process.
dave976
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๐ Lighting
1 month ago by
๐ฌ๐ง dave976 (

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Hi Nick, As the original had wooden masts I suspect any electric lights fitted would have had insulated cables running up the mast supported by some form of pin attached to the mast. I have used insulated copper wire used in transformers etc as this can be obtained in thin grades. As it's insulated you can run the wires together and just scape off the coating when soldering to the Led. If you use a bit of heatsink over the joint this will simulate the waterproof seals used. I did buy (from Component Shop) at one of the shows some very fine insulated wire. When I say fine I mean its not much thicker than a human hair. Worked fine for Leds but not sure it would be OK with grain of wheat bulbs due to the current drawn. I usually paint my wires white to simulate the fire retardant wiring used on naval ships. You can get 2mm Leds as well as surface mount types which work well in restricted spaces. You can solder your feed wire to the small tab at each side but test that you get the polarity correct.
hope tis helps but please let us know how you manage to proceed
dave976
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๐ Wordle of the Day?
1 month ago by
๐ฌ๐ง dave976 (

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My English master would be turning in his grave if he saw what this game does to our language.
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๐ led lights
1 month ago by
๐ฌ๐ง dave976 (

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Hi Stephen can you post a pic of the Leds you are using, please?
dave976
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๐ Model boat plans
1 month ago by
๐ฌ๐ง dave976 (

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Hi Model Mag
Found my plan but it is not for your American Scout and does not give details of the rigging, sorry.
I suggest you Google "American Scout Cargo Ship" as there are several good posts and video's of the model which may help you with the finer detail you require.
Cheers
Dave976
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๐ tug servo control
1 month ago by
๐ฌ๐ง dave976 (

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Hi Brian
I agree with Colin.
Just to make sure the Tx/Rx are both working on channel 1 & 2, I would connect the working ESC to both channel 1 and channel 2 and make sure it can be controlled on each channel. You do not need a separate Rx battery as power is supplied by the ESC.
As Colin says the problem is with the rudder servo. Hopefully following Colin's instructions will sort your problem.
cheers
dave976
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๐ Model boat plans
1 month ago by
๐ฌ๐ง dave976 (

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Hi Model Mag
I have a built copy of similar and A part complete Deans Kit for which I may have the plan. I will search my records to see what I have. Meanwhile here is a pic of the completed model.
Dave976
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๐ Back to Model Boat Building (replaced 3D printers)
1 month ago by
๐ฌ๐ง dave976 (

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Hi Lew, I have 3d printers and agree the early versions were test models. I only use to make bespoke fittings and then make silicon moulds and cast in finecast resin. Once the moulds are made I can cast as many as I require in about 30mins. Used for all the fittings on the Titanic and Olympic and there were hundreds.
I have used plank on frame and bread and butter construction and sometimes made a plug and mould and made a fibreglass hull. Thin ply and plasticard are my choice for superstructure and this keeps me occupied. 3D can and does produce some really detailed parts especially the resin/UV types but as you say it's a steep learning curve.
dave976
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๐ ESC and Rx Burning out, advice please.
2 months ago by
๐ฌ๐ง dave976 (

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Hi Neil that certainly looks like a MOSFET and to the right is possibly the BEC chip. The MOSFET to the left has also burnt on the same three pins(drain). The single pin to the right is the gate control with the four pins on the other side of the chip being the source. It is possible to add protection and some of the better chips have built in protection. You could use a simple high current Schotty diode across the supply with a fuse between the diode and battery. If you connect the wrong way the Schotty will provide a dead short and blow the fuse (needs to be a quick blow type). It will certainly disconnect the supply quickly but not sure it would always be quick enough to save the electronics.
I think you will however now always stop and look to check all is correct before connecting a battery, I know I do.
cheers
Dave976
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๐ ESC and Rx Burning out, advice please.
2 months ago by
๐ฌ๐ง dave976 (

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Hi Neil glad to have helped. Whilst the result was the same I think I should point out that Reversing the polarity even for a microsecond will cause a failure in the internal substrate that all Mosfets etc have. Basically they have a high resistance in one direction and low in the other. Control is via a low voltage applied to the substrate and if exceeded it either destroys (breaks) or fuses the substrate which is what I believe happened in your case as the Mosfet melted. So it may not have been the BEC that shorted but a MOSFET. Either way the result was the same.
Cheers
dave976
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๐ Question of the Day?
2 months ago by
๐ฌ๐ง dave976 (

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I am rapidly forming the opinion that the questions emanate from the USA and as a result are possibly weighted politically as seems to be the case with many of the news items we see reported. What's not surprising is that both Barry and Jones were both considered Fathers of the Navy and were both emigrants from the UK.
dave976
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