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    Model Boats Website
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    20th May 2024
    Last Online
    25th Sep 2025
    IanL1
    Member Stats
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    Member No.#8709
    Registered📅20th May 2024
    Last Online📅25th Sep 2025
    City📍Auckland
    Country🇳🇿New Zealand
    Gender♂️Male
    Age👶78
    Posts💬162
    Followers📣1
    Likes Received👍574
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    🇮🇹 AlessandroSPQR ( Fleet Admiral)
    1 Follower
    Recent Activity
    Liked Latest Addition To My Harbour 2 days ago
    Liked Are there any kits of this Scottish fishing vessel? 4 days ago
    Liked Re: Construction report "Pilot Cutter Britannia" 1 : 24 8 days ago
    Liked Re: Construction report "Pilot Cutter Britannia" 1 : 24 10 days ago
    Liked The Countess - By Hemmens 12 days ago
    Liked Lesro Javelin/Streaker 38 1/2" #2 12 days ago
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    Ian Langley
    About
    I am a time served fitter and turner with ship marine back ground. I enjoy making RC models with latest being the Venice water taxi which to date hasn't officially been launched.
    Members Blogs
    1 Post
    2 Followers
    15 Likes
    Venice water Taxi just about complete.
    Its been a while since I have updated you all on my Venice water taxi build. Over the last few months I have been working on the canopy and the hand rails, used to get on board. I am just about ready to give her her first sea trials in open water. The swimming pool here at the village I live in is not large enought to give her a good run, with out the fear of hitting the sides. It was really tricky machining the 0.75 mm pins for the canopy hinges but with a very sharp and pointed HSS tool it worked OK. Also I decided to glue the canopy top along the edges, where the frame goes through, as I dont have a machine to sew, so it all got very difficult. The end result was perfect as I used clear silicon sealant. The hand rail support flanges were turned from 5/16 dia brass with a 2 mm hole and soldered on the back face, which worked well. They are glued on with 5 minute araldite. My next update will cover the launch and hopefully a video of her steaming along. I am not sure if the notes for each photo is attached but if not I am sure you will all get the idea. Let me know if you have any questions. Cheers Ian
    IanL1
    5 months ago
    1 Post
    3 Followers
    17 Likes
    Model engineers lathe
    Good day to you all. You may recall a number of comments being made and asked about model engineering lathes, I think it was late last year 2024. I said when I get time I will put something together so here it is. I have a Myford Super 7 and I think it was built in 1952. Myford have the information, so if you know the serial number, you can easily trace it. It has been used and has a couple of dongs here and there but is still very accurate and parts off like a dream, using HSS. Due to its size it would struggle with carbide. These lathes have bronze split bearings in the headstock which makes them very rigid which reflect in the machining ability of the lathe. Lathes with roller bearings in the headstock tend to lack the same stability, hence the issues with part off. I machined 4 sets of bevel gears out of ali-bronze for the steering mechanism on the William C Daldy (old steam tug here in Auckland, google daldy.com) with a bore of 1-1/4 inches finished true and parallel. The OD of the gears was close to 3.5 inches. The lathe handled the job well and it took me 40 hours to machine all 8 pieces. I also made myself a fixed steady out of 6061 aluminiun, which you can see from the pictures. The OD was too large to fit over the saddle so I had to use a boring bar to turn and part off, from the ID and OD. I can highly recommend a Myford machine as they are excellent quality, but as anything which is good quality you pay for it. I had to make a 21 tooth gear for a special thread so I turned the blank up and hand cut the teeth. It did the job perfectly. If you have any questions please add to the conversation. Cheers Ian and happy modelling.
    IanL1
    8 months ago
    1 Post
    2 Followers
    13 Likes
    The build of one of Glen L's boats - a model of Thunderbolt
    As promised, attached are a series of photos showing the build of Thunderbolt. Its about a 1/10 scale size taken off the original plans used to build the full size which we did back in the sixties. I have included some photos of the full size version, but sadly over time, they have deteriorated slightly so the clarity is not 100%. I have a few issues getting the balance right so it will get up on the plane. Reluctantly I have removed the V drive with the electric motor now driving directly onto the shaft but as yet I haven't tested it. The dummy engine is close to the scale size of the boat so I was lucky to find it. If you go the Glen L's website and search under Gallery (I think it is) Thunderboat, you will find more photos I uploaded of the build etc. Anyway I hope you enjoy the photos as I got quite a kick out of building it. I notice the photos haven't come out in the order I wanted but they are all titled so I am sure you will follow OK. Cheers and keep modelling. Ian
    IanL1
    9 months ago
    1 Post
    14 Followers
    26 Likes
    1/10 scale model of Venice water taxi
    Hi all, I am new to this and not sure if I am doing it correctly but I am sure someone will speak up and advise me otherwise. After seeing the beautiful water taxis in Venice, after a trip there, I decided to build a RC model. I had difficulty in locating plans but finally managed and have now been 12 months into the build. I have attached a few shots from the start to where I am now. If anybody is interested make contact so I can answer questions etc. After much research I amanged to locate a stern leg that is scale size. I have used West epoxy system throughout and for the glue I mixed mahogany sanding dust to the epoxy to thicken and of course blends with the timber colour. It is fully coated with the same epoxy and sanded with 2000 grit wet and dry, then polished with brasso and finally car polish. I didn't want to introduce any oil based varnish etc. More shots to follow as I progress. Cheers and keep modelling. Ian - New Zealand
    IanL1
    1 year ago
    Recent Posts
    📝 Harbor Freight Tools
    21 days ago by 🇳🇿 IanL1 ( Midshipman)
    ✧ 19 Views · 2 Likes
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    In New Zealand we have other Big boys tools hardware chains, as you put it, but not Harbor Freight. NZ is actually lacking model boat stuff as most of it seems to be geared toward flying or cars. RC Supplies in Christchurch offer a good range but as I am in Auckland its not easy to access. Never mind I seem to get by. Cheers ian

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    📝 Epoxy over paint does it work?
    1 month ago by 🇳🇿 IanL1 ( Midshipman)
    ✧ 49 Views · 2 Likes
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    Hi Roy, I would go straight to West systwm epoxy. It is a 2 part product but easy to mix and has a good pot life. Your biggest problem will be painting over the enamel paint that is on the craft so maybe google West System and ask the question what you need to do to cover this. They may suggest priming first ?. The epoxy will give you a very hard and durable surface that will counter a lot of damage. You can actually add pigments to the epoxy to give you a color and that is what I did on my Venice water taxi model for a white bottom. Cheers and good luck Ian

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    📝 two of my other crayfishing model boats ..
    2 months ago by 🇳🇿 IanL1 ( Midshipman)
    ✧ 32 Views · 5 Likes
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    Wow it goes nicely and looks well balanced. 6 feet is a good size and one needs a serious vehicle to transport around. Well done. Cheers Ian

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    📝 Question for Pat and the others as an alternative to AI.
    2 months ago by 🇳🇿 IanL1 ( Midshipman)
    ✧ 17 Views · 4 Likes
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    My experience, in the marine industry, with sacrificial metal normally is Zinc and these are in the form of anodes found on the outside of ships and on smaller craft attached to the prop shaft. The idea any free current in the area will eat these away and leave the likes of expensive alli bronze props free. On ships they are stratically placed around the aft end where the props and rudders are. One will see them attached to the legs of out board motors and are easily identified as they are not painted. Hope this helps. Cheers Ian

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    📝 whale chaser
    2 months ago by 🇳🇿 IanL1 ( Midshipman)
    ✧ 30 Views · 3 Likes
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    Nicely crafted and love the firing of the harpoon. Cheers Ian

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    📝 Kopy Kommander (Sea Commander).
    2 months ago by 🇳🇿 IanL1 ( Midshipman)
    ✧ 35 Views · 4 Likes
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    Looks great and always good to see one running in the water. I am about to embark on another model and I would be interested to learn what motor etc you have used as it seems to push the craft along very well. Do you have reverse on it? Cheers Ian

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    💬 Re: July 16 2025
    2 months ago by 🇳🇿 IanL1 ( Midshipman)
    ✧ 22 Views · 3 Likes
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    Hi, Just looked at Cornwall Model Boats site and thanks, I have finally found a source of flags. Will be ordering a couple. Cheers and thanks again. Ian

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    💬 Re: July 16 2025
    2 months ago by 🇳🇿 IanL1 ( Midshipman)
    ✧ 32 Views · 3 Likes
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    It looks really nice and well built, congrats on a well done model. Question, where did you get you small Canadian flag from? I am looking for an Italian flag for my Venice water taxi. Cheers Ian

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    💬 Re: 1938 Chris craft barrel back
    3 months ago by 🇳🇿 IanL1 ( Midshipman)
    ✧ 148 Views · 4 Likes
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    Just beautiful, well done. I notice you are flying small flags, where did you source them from as I am looking for a small Italian flag to suit my Venice water taxi.👍👍

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    📝 Steam Engine information
    3 months ago by 🇳🇿 IanL1 ( Midshipman)
    ✧ 29 Views · 2 Likes
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    Hi. It looks complete to me. Try connecting some compressed air through the port on the top of the cylinder as that is where the ports are on the slide valve and this should tell you something. You may need to spin the flywheel to get it moving. Cheers Ian

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    💬 Re: Coat of paint
    3 months ago by 🇳🇿 IanL1 ( Midshipman)
    ✧ 57 Views · 2 Likes
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    Looks great. Is it going to be powered or as a towed barge? Cheers Ian

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    💬 Re: All glued up.
    3 months ago by 🇳🇿 IanL1 ( Midshipman)
    ✧ 60 Views · 2 Likes
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    Looks really good and well matched parts. Cheers Ian

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    💬 Re: Update on Hybrid Hull
    4 months ago by 🇳🇿 IanL1 ( Midshipman)
    ✧ 75 Views · 0 Likes
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    That looks good. I recently bought a 3D printer to make some deck fittings for my Venice Water taxi. I may look at suitable boat project to print now. Cheers Ian

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    💬 Re: Construction report "Pilot Cutter Britannia" 1 : 24
    4 months ago by 🇳🇿 IanL1 ( Midshipman)
    ✧ 70 Views · 5 Likes
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    I hope you are back to boat building again soon, so get well. Cheers Ia

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    💬 Re: Venice water taxi
    4 months ago by 🇳🇿 IanL1 ( Midshipman)
    ✧ 10 Views · 1 Like
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    Hi Willem, Coincidentally that's who I ended up getting plans from as well. My plans are different to yours as he sent me 4 full size sheets that covered the 1/10 scale so I was able to trace the frames etc directly. However to of the sheets were not of the same plans so I had a fair bit of off line design to do myself. Thankfully the internet helped and I am pleased with the outcome. I have yet to put the name on her and more on this subject once I have it so watch this space, as they say. I am sure other modellers will be interested as well. Cheers Ian

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    💬 Re: some progress with the taxiboat
    4 months ago by 🇳🇿 IanL1 ( Midshipman)
    ✧ 23 Views · 0 Likes
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    Wow, for a minute I thought it was my boat. Looks good, especially in the water. I have yet to give mine a good run in open waters as I have only tested in our pool but its' not large enough to open her up. Did you use a stern drive unit or prop shaft and where did you source your plans from as I had great difficulty in getting hold of some. Cheers Ian

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    💬 Re: Diesel sound module...
    4 months ago by 🇳🇿 IanL1 ( Midshipman)
    ✧ 42 Views · 3 Likes
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    Sounds authentic for the type of engine. I need a V8 sound so do you know if something is offered? Cheers Ian

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    💬 Re: Ulises Tug (Occre kit) : Aged 66¼ 🙂
    4 months ago by 🇳🇿 IanL1 ( Midshipman)
    ✧ 42 Views · 5 Likes
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    If you haven't glued them then I would take off and refit with the correct faring. It will pay off in the long run and the finished shape of the hull will be a lot better with less filling and sanding etc. When faring the frames, lay a typical plank over the area you are faring to see where the high spots are. I am sure there will be examples of how to do this on the net. Good Luck. Ian

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    💬 Re: Ulises Tug (Occre kit) : Aged 66¼ 🙂
    4 months ago by 🇳🇿 IanL1 ( Midshipman)
    ✧ 56 Views · 3 Likes
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    Hi, its looking good but my feeling is you need to do some faring of the frames to get the planks to lay properly and follow the correct shape. The top one is not fitting due to the width at the bend area compared to the narrow planks. I think kits come with the basics and its the builder who does the final fitting. Suggest you check out Dan Lees youtube of faring etc on a full size to see what I mean. Cheers and good luck. Ian

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    📝 Calling Lew Z- Free Christ Craft project
    4 months ago by 🇳🇿 IanL1 ( Midshipman)
    ✧ 30 Views · 1 Like
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    Hi Isaac, is this carft still available? If so please make contact via my email i.langley.mustang@gmail.com to discuss.

    Cheers

    Ian

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    📝 Making a servo rotation 180°
    4 months ago by 🇳🇿 IanL1 ( Midshipman)
    ✧ 88 Views · 4 Likes
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    If you google how to do it I am sure it something will come up. Alternatively go into Youtube and ask a similar question. There is so much assistance for all sorts of things on the net. Cheers Ian

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    💬 Re: Update May 19 2025
    4 months ago by 🇳🇿 IanL1 ( Midshipman)
    ✧ 88 Views · 3 Likes
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    Your craft has nice clean lines and very sharp. Well done, Ian

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    📝 Lovely morning for a sail....
    4 months ago by 🇳🇿 IanL1 ( Midshipman)
    ✧ 41 Views · 5 Likes
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    How cool is that. Can you smell the coal burning? Cheers Ian

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    💬 Re: Construction report "Pilot Cutter Britannia" 1 : 24
    4 months ago by 🇳🇿 IanL1 ( Midshipman)
    ✧ 98 Views · 5 Likes
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    Great looking craft and it will be interesting to follow the build. Are you going to RC it? Cheers Ian

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    💬 Re: CHICHESTER CANAL MODEL BOAT GROUP VE 80
    5 months ago by 🇳🇿 IanL1 ( Midshipman)
    ✧ 140 Views · 3 Likes
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    What a lot of fun. The poor Spitfire pilot watched it all unfold in front of him. Cheers and well done all. Ian 👍👍👍

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    💬 Re: Silver aluminum tape
    5 months ago by 🇳🇿 IanL1 ( Midshipman)
    ✧ 102 Views · 3 Likes
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    I used chrome plated looking pin stripe tape used on cars that I bought from an auto shop. It is about 3 mm wide and easy to apply. Cheers Ian

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    📝 new ship models for sale
    5 months ago by 🇳🇿 IanL1 ( Midshipman)
    ✧ 62 Views · 2 Likes
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    Thanks Shawn. Yes if it doesn't sit nice in the water it could a wasted exercise. Cheers Ian

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    📝 new ship models for sale
    5 months ago by 🇳🇿 IanL1 ( Midshipman)
    ✧ 81 Views · 2 Likes
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    I could be interested in the Sanson tug. Is it RC or just a static model? Also I am in New Zealand so getting it here could be an issue. Please email me on i.langley.mustang@gmail.com to discuss details to save taking up space on this blog. Cheers Ian

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    📝 trawler Toirette
    5 months ago by 🇳🇿 IanL1 ( Midshipman)
    ✧ 32 Views · 3 Likes
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    Just beautiful. Well done and really looks the part. Cheers Ian

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    💬 Re: Sangsetia
    5 months ago by 🇳🇿 IanL1 ( Midshipman)
    ✧ 54 Views · 2 Likes
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    Looks like you have some good solutions to follow up on. Nice looking craft. Cheers Ian

    ▲


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