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Recent Posts
💬 Re: Club Rescue Boat ("Miss Amelia"; scratch built; Scale: ~1/18)
3 days ago by LewZ (
Petty Officer 2nd Class)
Petty Officer 2nd Class)
Our club (SSMBC) is working out well. With no leadership, structure and dues it leaves a gap so I handle it all, website, notifications, planning, etc. As far as no politics goes, that is a hard one to control. Especially during this time of wackiness.
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💬 Re: Club Rescue Boat ("Miss Amelia"; scratch built; Scale: ~1/18)
4 days ago by LewZ ( Petty Officer 2nd Class)
Petty Officer 2nd Class)
Our "club" is informal and has no structure like many other clubs. We have no funding, dues, rules and regulations. This concept is based on experience with a prior "formal" club that self destructed. Now it is all fun. Thanks for the comments. Lew
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1
📝 Club Rescue Boat ("Miss Amelia"; scratch built; Scale: ~1/18)
5 days ago by LewZ ( Petty Officer 2nd Class)
Petty Officer 2nd Class)
What do you do with a boat hull that nobody wants, not in good condition, and not realistic looking? Build something different!
This boat was the model for a "Balloon Boat". OK, this was a competitive one design boat where each boat had a balloon tied to the stern and a long prick on the front. The object was to puncture all the balloons and the last boat remaining with a balloon inflated was the winner.
This was the prototype from which a mold was made and fiberglass hulls were produced.
Now back to this boat... As you can see this hull has a weird shape and not built for speed. However it is very stable. By tearing out the guts and adding a Kort nozzle with a five blade prop yet trying to keep a "scale" appearance, this boat became the SSMBC's rescue boat. All it needed was a yoke to catch the disabled boat. Simple electronics, a stable platform, good power all makes for a good rescue boat. So far the record push for this boat is a 60 pound whaleback freighter.
This boat was the model for a "Balloon Boat". OK, this was a competitive one design boat where each boat had a balloon tied to the stern and a long prick on the front. The object was to puncture all the balloons and the last boat remaining with a balloon inflated was the winner.
This was the prototype from which a mold was made and fiberglass hulls were produced.
Now back to this boat... As you can see this hull has a weird shape and not built for speed. However it is very stable. By tearing out the guts and adding a Kort nozzle with a five blade prop yet trying to keep a "scale" appearance, this boat became the SSMBC's rescue boat. All it needed was a yoke to catch the disabled boat. Simple electronics, a stable platform, good power all makes for a good rescue boat. So far the record push for this boat is a 60 pound whaleback freighter.
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7
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💬 Re: Springer #2 (Zipp Kits; Scale: ~1/25)
5 days ago by LewZ ( Petty Officer 2nd Class)
Petty Officer 2nd Class)
It has been a few years so I don't remember where I got them. Probably eBay or Amazon. They are poseable and a lot of people use them for stop motion photography videos. You might try to search on that.
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👀 24 Views
💬 Re: M/V David Sizer (Scratch build towboat; Scale: 1/35)
5 days ago by LewZ ( Petty Officer 2nd Class)
Petty Officer 2nd Class)
Each ESC is corrected to their own channel. The left stick (up/down) controls the left motor and the stick... (port and starboard for you nautical nuts like me). This way I can make the boat twist by running the motors in opposite directions.
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💬 Re: PT61 Gunboat WWII (Frank's kit with major mods; Scale: 1/20)
5 days ago by LewZ ( Petty Officer 2nd Class)
Petty Officer 2nd Class)
Oh you are great the PT Boat forum is where I got a lot of information for this boat. I also do have posts out there on the Forum as well as pictures in the gallery. Thanks for your comment. Lew.
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💬 Re: PT61 Gunboat WWII (Frank's kit with major mods; Scale: 1/20)
5 days ago by LewZ ( Petty Officer 2nd Class)
Petty Officer 2nd Class)
1/20 scale and 47-1/4 inches long. The weight is about 20 pounds.
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👀 24 Views
💬 Re: M/V David Sizer (Scratch build towboat; Scale: 1/35)
5 days ago by LewZ ( Petty Officer 2nd Class)
Petty Officer 2nd Class)
The operation of this towboat is pretty simple. Each motor is individually controlled by a speed controller. The rudders are all linked together so all you have to do is use the joystick to turn left or right. Nothing complicated at all. I'll try and update this page to show more of how this all works.
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👀 14 Views
💬 Re: M/V David Sizer (Scratch build towboat; Scale: 1/35)
5 days ago by LewZ ( Petty Officer 2nd Class)
Petty Officer 2nd Class)
There are several videos out there taking during meets of the Suncoast Scale Model Boat Club. They are on my YouTube channel: eymccauley.
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📝 PT61 Gunboat WWII (Frank's kit with major mods; Scale: 1/20)
6 days ago by LewZ ( Petty Officer 2nd Class)
Petty Officer 2nd Class)
This boat kit was started by buyer and passed though many hands until it finally reached me. Before starting I looked at the history of the PT-61. In the middle of WWII it was converted to a gunboat along with PT-59 & PT60.
Trying to gather information took a long time before being able to start construction (which involved de-construction by the original owner).
This is a heavy model but runs like the real one would because of all the armor, guns, and ammo on board. Yes, the real PT-61 did have two 40mm Bofors and sixteen 50 caliber BMGs.
All three motors work, the outer two run through ESCs and the center one has a servo driven switch running forward only on another channel
Trying to gather information took a long time before being able to start construction (which involved de-construction by the original owner).
This is a heavy model but runs like the real one would because of all the armor, guns, and ammo on board. Yes, the real PT-61 did have two 40mm Bofors and sixteen 50 caliber BMGs.
All three motors work, the outer two run through ESCs and the center one has a servo driven switch running forward only on another channel
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👀 2 Views
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5
📝 Springer #3 (Zip Kits; Scale: 1/18)
6 days ago by LewZ ( Petty Officer 2nd Class)
Petty Officer 2nd Class)
This Springer (Jo Ann) is my third Springer build, I made it for my son. It is based on a real truckable pushboat but one that I saw within about 1,000 feet from where we operate our model boats (Lake Seminole Park, Florida). To get the real one in the water it had to pass the pond within a 100 feet of the road. I took a lot of photos of it from the shore and planned out how to build the model.
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4
1
📝 Springer #2 (Zipp Kits; Scale: ~1/25)
6 days ago by LewZ ( Petty Officer 2nd Class)
Petty Officer 2nd Class)
Ah, the "Skeleton Crew" Bill E. Bones! This Springer obviously has a comical theme. Unfortunately it is kind of top heavy and wind is its enemy. I will probably make an alternate structure for it. Bad planning!
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4
5
📝 Springer #1 (Zipp kits - Scale: 1/18)
6 days ago by LewZ ( Petty Officer 2nd Class)
Petty Officer 2nd Class)
Looking for a fun boat? Take a look at the Springer type tugs. Zipp Kits is one manufacture that makes the Springer easy to build and inexpensive. You can easily scratch build on yourself. I bought four of these.
At 18 inches long they are small and "turn on a dime" and can be quite quirky like trying to ride a wild horse - a lot of fun. You can build them in almost any style (above the deck) from looking like a real truckable pushboat (like this model) to something completely zany. Let you imagination run its course.
If you follow the regulations/specifications, these boats are meant to be "one-design" that is from the deck down there as rules and dimensions that apply so the boats can compete in water sports and racing.
This one is base on a real pushboat that I found on the internet. The cabin can rise up thanks to some old inkjet printer parts I save a while back.
At 18 inches long they are small and "turn on a dime" and can be quite quirky like trying to ride a wild horse - a lot of fun. You can build them in almost any style (above the deck) from looking like a real truckable pushboat (like this model) to something completely zany. Let you imagination run its course.
If you follow the regulations/specifications, these boats are meant to be "one-design" that is from the deck down there as rules and dimensions that apply so the boats can compete in water sports and racing.
This one is base on a real pushboat that I found on the internet. The cabin can rise up thanks to some old inkjet printer parts I save a while back.
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👀 2 Views
1
1
📝 Modular Barge (Scratch build; Scale: ~1/16)
6 days ago by LewZ ( Petty Officer 2nd Class)
Petty Officer 2nd Class)
Want to build a barge to go with a Springer tug? Modular barges are truckable, that is they can be brought to a site, unloaded, fastened together to make a larger barge or bridge of almost any configuration. The real ones come in several sizes, 10 X 10, 10 X 20, and 10 X 40 (feet), X 5 feet high, are the most common sizes. A variety of accessories can be added.
Mine is actually one barge scored to look like four 10 X 20 barges tied together. It is made out of wood (34" sides, ends, X 1/4" top and bottom with some weight added internally.
Mine is actually one barge scored to look like four 10 X 20 barges tied together. It is made out of wood (34" sides, ends, X 1/4" top and bottom with some weight added internally.
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1
1
📝 M/V David Sizer (Scratch build towboat; Scale: 1/35)
7 days ago by LewZ ( Petty Officer 2nd Class)
Petty Officer 2nd Class)
This is a scratch build inland waterways (U.S.) towboat, often called a push boat. (Not based on any real boat.) It has two motors individually controlled turning props in Kort nozzles plus four flanking rudders and two regular "barn door" rudders which gives it exceptional control, just like the real ones.
It just loves to push barges!
It just loves to push barges!
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👀 4 Views
6
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📝 LC-3 (Trumpeter plastic model kit; Scale: 1/35)
7 days ago by LewZ ( Petty Officer 2nd Class)
Petty Officer 2nd Class)
Bought this little model (about 18 inches long) wanting to motorize it. It took some time figuring out all of the electronics and getting the components to fit in the little compartment. It runs great as long as it is not too windy.
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👀 4 Views
9
1
📝 Trawler (Helen kit by Artesnia Latina, modified; Scale: ~/20)
7 days ago by LewZ ( Petty Officer 2nd Class)
Petty Officer 2nd Class)
One model boat I would never thought of buying/building was this one. It was partially built and got a good deal on buying it.
With the double ended boat which gives great handling, and the multiple details of a fishing trawler, it is a boat that has a lot of appeal. I downloaded a number of photos of the type of trawler on England's east coast. Re-worked the hull a little as well as the rigging, added many details, lighting, etc. I like to run it when the wind is not too high.
With the double ended boat which gives great handling, and the multiple details of a fishing trawler, it is a boat that has a lot of appeal. I downloaded a number of photos of the type of trawler on England's east coast. Re-worked the hull a little as well as the rigging, added many details, lighting, etc. I like to run it when the wind is not too high.
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6
📝 Dusseldorf FLB 2 (Krick model kit - major modifications; Scale: 1/25)
7 days ago by LewZ ( Petty Officer 2nd Class)
Petty Officer 2nd Class)
This model was given to me by the original owner. It was about 80% complete but in "not so good" condition. It was partially working and I think the builder was frustrated with the multiple functions required.
After looking at the model I realized that the kit manufacturer (Robbe years ago) design the kit after the real boat back in 1965. In 1979 it was lengthened and otherwise modified and the model bears little resemblance to the real fire boat as it exists today.
This is my current project (September 2022).
After looking at the model I realized that the kit manufacturer (Robbe years ago) design the kit after the real boat back in 1965. In 1979 it was lengthened and otherwise modified and the model bears little resemblance to the real fire boat as it exists today.
This is my current project (September 2022).
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👀 4 Views
3
1
📝 Wiesel (Graupner kit - major mods; Scale: 1/40)
7 days ago by LewZ ( Petty Officer 2nd Class)
Petty Officer 2nd Class)
I partially built this boat, set it aside for a few years, the restarted it after the internet was available. That prompted me to do some research which resulted in me back-tracking and making major changes through completion.
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👀 4 Views
8
2
📝 Working with ABS - Lengthening a Hull
11 days ago by LewZ ( Petty Officer 2nd Class)
Petty Officer 2nd Class)
The Dusseldorf (FLB 2) model fire boat kit was originally produced by Robbe and now sold under the name Krick. The kit is based on the original configuration as the fire boat was built in 1965. In 1979 (well over 40 years ago) the original Dusseldorf was significantly modified and one of the modifications was the hull being lengthened significantly. The increased length is about 200mm (8 inches) in the model's hull.
In order to increase the hull's length it had to be cut into two pieces (across the beam near the middle (lengthwise). In the video (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X5_Hh1uIlG4) of this process you will see the steps I used to modify the ABS hull.
Additional help, information, and updates are posted on my web site: https://lewsmodelboats.org/M-Fire-Boat-Dusseldorf-2-Index.ht...
This video may be helpful to others needing to modify ABS hulls as it deals with cementing and filling ABS including adhesion (weld type) with ABS 3D printed parts, and styrene, both extrusions and sheet.
In order to increase the hull's length it had to be cut into two pieces (across the beam near the middle (lengthwise). In the video (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X5_Hh1uIlG4) of this process you will see the steps I used to modify the ABS hull.
Additional help, information, and updates are posted on my web site: https://lewsmodelboats.org/M-Fire-Boat-Dusseldorf-2-Index.ht...
This video may be helpful to others needing to modify ABS hulls as it deals with cementing and filling ABS including adhesion (weld type) with ABS 3D printed parts, and styrene, both extrusions and sheet.
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👀 59 Views
4
📝 Suncoast Scale Model Boat Club (Florida USA)
2 months ago by LewZ ( Petty Officer 2nd Class)
Petty Officer 2nd Class)
Lake Seminole Park. HTTP://smbc-fl.org
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👀 27 Views
📝 Brass or plastic
2 months ago by LewZ ( Petty Officer 2nd Class)
Petty Officer 2nd Class)
The brass props are "pretty" if that is your concern, OK. I build scale boats so scale look is important. Brass props are expensive so I 3D print my own using ABS, the last one having five blades (modern style). Very cheap and they last!
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👀 41 Views
1
📝 Glue for ABS - Krick Paula Work Boat
3 months ago by LewZ ( Petty Officer 2nd Class)
Petty Officer 2nd Class)
I have been disassembling a Krick Dusseldorf fire boat including stripping the ABS hull down completely and pulling the deck off. I plan on extending the hull by 200mm by adding in a new section using styrene.
With all this I know what held tight and what did not.
Epoxies no. Super glue is too brittle.
My plans are to use a solvent cement which actually melts ("welds") the materials together. ABS cement is available in hardware stores (in the U.S is Home Depot). This even works on PVC pipe in many instances.
I also have success with hobby "weld" cement like Testors.
With all this I know what held tight and what did not.
Epoxies no. Super glue is too brittle.
My plans are to use a solvent cement which actually melts ("welds") the materials together. ABS cement is available in hardware stores (in the U.S is Home Depot). This even works on PVC pipe in many instances.
I also have success with hobby "weld" cement like Testors.
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👀 67 Views
2
💬 Re: Electrical installation Part 1.
4 months ago by LewZ ( Petty Officer 2nd Class)
Petty Officer 2nd Class)
Need more room in your hull? The Dusseldorf fire boat RC model is based on the original build and design of the boat. In 1979 the hull was extended. So, if you modify the model by the same amount as the real boat you would gain 8 inches (200mm) in the middle. (The superstructure was not changed although there are some other major modifications.)
This is what I am doing to mine which I got in January 2022. It was given to me as the previous owner probably got in too deep (above his head) with all the channels and trying to use an 8 channel Spektrum RC system.
I completely unassembled everything (fortunately he had not cemented the main deck in place) and pulled all of the wiring out. It was kind of a mess, something one would not expect with such a great model kit.
I know of at least one other person that has lengthened his boat with all of the gear inside it.
Lew
This is what I am doing to mine which I got in January 2022. It was given to me as the previous owner probably got in too deep (above his head) with all the channels and trying to use an 8 channel Spektrum RC system.
I completely unassembled everything (fortunately he had not cemented the main deck in place) and pulled all of the wiring out. It was kind of a mess, something one would not expect with such a great model kit.
I know of at least one other person that has lengthened his boat with all of the gear inside it.
Lew
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👀 51 Views
1
💬 Re: Exterior of the Hull
5 months ago by LewZ ( Petty Officer 2nd Class)
Petty Officer 2nd Class)
Dave, too bad you're going through all this trouble on that boat.
I have a wood hull on one of my boats, tow boat, and it developed a split in one of the joints. It doesn't take much for water to creep in once the wood gets wet and swells up.
You might want to go beyond where you see the cracks. Check for soft wood all over.
As for painting if I had an option I would stick with an aluminum color paint. Just about all the boats were made with aluminum. Also know you might think about some black oxide sandpaper cut to the shapes that you need for the deck anti-slip pads. I thought about repainting mine silver but that would be an awful lot of work. Almost everything on the boat is made of aluminum.
Lew
LewsModelBoats.org
I have a wood hull on one of my boats, tow boat, and it developed a split in one of the joints. It doesn't take much for water to creep in once the wood gets wet and swells up.
You might want to go beyond where you see the cracks. Check for soft wood all over.
As for painting if I had an option I would stick with an aluminum color paint. Just about all the boats were made with aluminum. Also know you might think about some black oxide sandpaper cut to the shapes that you need for the deck anti-slip pads. I thought about repainting mine silver but that would be an awful lot of work. Almost everything on the boat is made of aluminum.
Lew
LewsModelBoats.org
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👀 49 Views
📝 ProBoat USCG 47 ft Motor Life Boat (Pro-Boat RTR, modified; Scale: ~1/18)
5 months ago by LewZ ( Petty Officer 2nd Class)
Petty Officer 2nd Class)
Overhauled/modified and a lot of details added. Upgraded to an 8 channel RC Spektrum radio and two ESCs.
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👀 6 Views
💬 Re: 47' USCG Lifeboat - Rebuild
5 months ago by LewZ ( Petty Officer 2nd Class)
Petty Officer 2nd Class)
I am still working on the boat. Last night I added some gasket material underneath the superstructure to help seal it off. Don't know whether I will get to test it tomorrow at our bi-weekly model boat meet as it is raining quite heavily today. I will post an update in a few days.
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👀 57 Views
1
💬 Re: 47' USCG Lifeboat - Rebuild
5 months ago by LewZ ( Petty Officer 2nd Class)
Petty Officer 2nd Class)
This boat, has a rounded bilge to it and a big superstructure. It heels quite a bit on hard turns while going somewhat fast. The problem with just every one of them is that they have a step down on the sides which acts as a scoop to push the water up over the deck which then seeps through any openings.
I know because I have one and I've done some research on it. Mine is the Pro boat with a fiberglass hull and the last time I had it out in the water is sank because of this. I am currently. rebuilding it with a lot of flotation and adding seals and some of the information I have my own website might be of help to you.
Link: http://lewsmodelboats.org the click on the photo of the US G 47 ft MLB.
Lew
I know because I have one and I've done some research on it. Mine is the Pro boat with a fiberglass hull and the last time I had it out in the water is sank because of this. I am currently. rebuilding it with a lot of flotation and adding seals and some of the information I have my own website might be of help to you.
Link: http://lewsmodelboats.org the click on the photo of the US G 47 ft MLB.
Lew
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👀 61 Views
1
