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📝 Sprite
21 hours ago by 🇺🇸 LewZ (
Vice Admiral)
Vice Admiral)✧ 19 Views · 2 Likes
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Cost of most, if not all, hobby products has risen significantly. Weird thing is I was looking for another "dasmikro" sound unit (actually several) and the average price was about 4X as much as the same one I bought several years ago. These are cheap units and are massed produced where the price should be about that of a TV remote control. However I have seen them many times that in some places. The same unit price runs from $9(US) up to $60. Same photo, same info.
Lew
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📝 Lost Transmitter
2 days ago by 🇺🇸 LewZ ( Vice Admiral)
Vice Admiral)✧ 27 Views · 1 Like
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Transmitters are not universal and that is a very common problem to not being able to bind. The question should be what is the value of the boat you have this setup in. If you have a lot of work and/or expenses in it get something dependable. There are a variety of low cost systems that are dependable and have a better range. Don't put junk electronics in a good boat. Lew
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RodC
📝 Three Springers at the SSMBC meet.
4 days ago by 🇺🇸 LewZ ( Vice Admiral)
Vice Admiral)✧ 11 Views · 2 Likes
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Phil H, not really based on one particular boat that I noticed. There are so many designs out there for the real boats.
Examining on the size of the boat and human figures I derenmined that the best combination would be in the 1/16 to 1/18 range. They can be a smaller boat, say 20 feet at 1/12 scale, but the cabin would need to be taller. Also, I noted that the odd shape of the hulls seem to be for those in the mid 20 feet length range.
The actual original Springers (models) have a one design specification for the size, hull shape, propeller, motor, and battery. This is so they can be used in competition (racing, games). This is why my models based on real boats that have two motors/props and I have only one motor/prop.
Lew
Examining on the size of the boat and human figures I derenmined that the best combination would be in the 1/16 to 1/18 range. They can be a smaller boat, say 20 feet at 1/12 scale, but the cabin would need to be taller. Also, I noted that the odd shape of the hulls seem to be for those in the mid 20 feet length range.
The actual original Springers (models) have a one design specification for the size, hull shape, propeller, motor, and battery. This is so they can be used in competition (racing, games). This is why my models based on real boats that have two motors/props and I have only one motor/prop.
Lew
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RodC
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📝 Three Springers at the SSMBC meet.
5 days ago by 🇺🇸 LewZ ( Vice Admiral)
Vice Admiral)✧ 27 Views · 5 Likes
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Phil, the "Springers" are fictional model based on "truckable pushboats" being about 25 feet long. They are most often used in ponds, lakes, rivers where the boat is transported on a trailer. The pilot house can be removed so the load is not so high. The job they perform is usually moving work barges, but the can serve other needs.
The one Springer with the man holding a pole (back of the group) is based on a boat that moves floating debris away from the locks on the Little Goose Dam out in Washington State.
Lew
The one Springer with the man holding a pole (back of the group) is based on a boat that moves floating debris away from the locks on the Little Goose Dam out in Washington State.
Lew
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📝 Three Springers at the SSMBC meet.
5 days ago by 🇺🇸 LewZ ( Vice Admiral)
Vice Admiral)✧ 32 Views · 2 Likes
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Phil H, yes it is. Pretty hard to do with Springers. They are small and quirky. Lew
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📝 Three Springers at the SSMBC meet.
6 days ago by 🇺🇸 LewZ ( Vice Admiral)
Vice Admiral)✧ 52 Views · 8 Likes
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Finally, after quite a while (post hurricane Oct 2024) we are getting back to normal for our Suncoast Scale Model Boat Club meets. Good day today, not too hot and a mild breeze. No rain.
I didn't get a lot of photos as I did not have my camera with me. The zoom on the phone doesn't do justice with boats in the water.
However, I did get a photo of three of the four Springers (all based on real boats, one being local) together that I built. (Two are my son's.) We started to do a push off but my battery was running low and barely got back to the dock. Best model boat fun that I had in a year!
Lew
Sunday, September 21, 2025
I didn't get a lot of photos as I did not have my camera with me. The zoom on the phone doesn't do justice with boats in the water.
However, I did get a photo of three of the four Springers (all based on real boats, one being local) together that I built. (Two are my son's.) We started to do a push off but my battery was running low and barely got back to the dock. Best model boat fun that I had in a year!
Lew
Sunday, September 21, 2025
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📝 Disappointed
8 days ago by 🇺🇸 LewZ ( Vice Admiral)
Vice Admiral)✧ 30 Views · 1 Like
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Ronald, actually I would venture to say that we agree on many things. Occasionally we all "hit that little bump in the road". Life's not perfect.
I use our sewing machine often. I used it on sails as well as Civil War tents and uniforms, as well as other clothing. My wife asks me to do sewing for her as well. Must be that mechanical instinct in me. I hope I don't get mislabeled because of this.
Lew
I use our sewing machine often. I used it on sails as well as Civil War tents and uniforms, as well as other clothing. My wife asks me to do sewing for her as well. Must be that mechanical instinct in me. I hope I don't get mislabeled because of this.
Lew
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hermank
📝 Disappointed
8 days ago by 🇺🇸 LewZ ( Vice Admiral)
Vice Admiral)✧ 34 Views · 3 Likes
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I agree with both you.
First, craftsmanship is the goal. Next is time and resources. You can't make everything with a carving knife so that is where a variety of tools comes in. These are the resources the builder has. More is better but there is a cutoff and that is cost, space, and ability.
My build used a variety build methods. So tools typically are hand tools, powered, and 3D printing. One other is purchased parts. Where I worked as an equipment designer it was "buy before make" (unless one can justify the cost.).
Lew
First, craftsmanship is the goal. Next is time and resources. You can't make everything with a carving knife so that is where a variety of tools comes in. These are the resources the builder has. More is better but there is a cutoff and that is cost, space, and ability.
My build used a variety build methods. So tools typically are hand tools, powered, and 3D printing. One other is purchased parts. Where I worked as an equipment designer it was "buy before make" (unless one can justify the cost.).
Lew
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Ronald
📝 Ammusement
10 days ago by 🇺🇸 LewZ ( Vice Admiral)
Vice Admiral)✧ 34 Views · 2 Likes
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Maybe you misunderstood her. Do you play the sax? Lew
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📝 Sprite
10 days ago by 🇺🇸 LewZ ( Vice Admiral)
Vice Admiral)✧ 40 Views · 3 Likes
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30 inches? I know that I am not the only one that uses a Springer tug as a rescue boat. The Springers are 18 inches long (very easy to transport) and with the two "tow knees" (vertical push bumpers) are very handy. With a short length they are highly maneuverable.
Lew
Lew
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📝 2nd voyage on Lake Paterno of the 1:60 scale model of a schooner-armed steam gunboat, assisted by a
11 days ago by 🇺🇸 LewZ ( Vice Admiral)
Vice Admiral)✧ 29 Views · 4 Likes
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A few of you got it right about history, especially on that of the model you have. Plastic kits might have a short paragraph on the history of the kit printed on the side of the box. Perhaps that instilled in me to do the same for those that I have, whether a kit, scratch built, etc.
I do this with my tanks, vehicles, and my boats: I have a log book for each model which contains build information, drawings, photos (model and real boat), as well as the history including the marine architect and build yard plus specs. (See photos.)
Maybe an overkill, but I usually include info on the model for future repairs such as paint brand and color, electronics, parts info and more, and even instructions on how to open the model if it is complicated.
Also, Ronald, I agree to put this subject to rest. Let those out in Washington State figure out what they want the mountain to be called.
Lew
I do this with my tanks, vehicles, and my boats: I have a log book for each model which contains build information, drawings, photos (model and real boat), as well as the history including the marine architect and build yard plus specs. (See photos.)
Maybe an overkill, but I usually include info on the model for future repairs such as paint brand and color, electronics, parts info and more, and even instructions on how to open the model if it is complicated.
Also, Ronald, I agree to put this subject to rest. Let those out in Washington State figure out what they want the mountain to be called.
Lew
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📝 2nd voyage on Lake Paterno of the 1:60 scale model of a schooner-armed steam gunboat, assisted by a
11 days ago by 🇺🇸 LewZ ( Vice Admiral)
Vice Admiral)✧ 31 Views · 1 Like
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And the point... ? Lew
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📝 Ammusement
11 days ago by 🇺🇸 LewZ ( Vice Admiral)
Vice Admiral)✧ 47 Views · 2 Likes
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Humor me some more. I am still trying to figure out why men get hernias and women get hysterectomies. - Lew
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📝 2nd voyage on Lake Paterno of the 1:60 scale model of a schooner-armed steam gunboat, assisted by a
11 days ago by 🇺🇸 LewZ ( Vice Admiral)
Vice Admiral)✧ 31 Views · 4 Likes
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This evening I was continuing my post storm clean-up (nearing the end) and found an article I had written in 'The Florida Frontier Gazette" (winter 2006). It was about Seahorse Key while in the hands of the Confederacy during the US CW. There is some information on the USS Tahoma which you might find interesting in association with the model in this forum topic.
"On February 1, 1862, the U.S.S. Tahoma arrived off Seahorse Key, and at about 1,400 yards shelled the redoubt and the woods, and with no return fire, dispatched two armed boats to land and reconnoiter. The island was abandoned. He saw “two long 18-pounders, vents spiked, trunnions knocked off, carriages destroyed.” The lenses had been removed from the lighthouse, and “nothing portable of any value (the lumber excepted) remained on the key.” It was noted that there were many live-oak trees and palmettos on the key which “would last a long while for firewood.” Also, the light keeper's house would “provide comfortable quarters for officers, and there was lumber enough for extensive barracks.” The light-house itself would make a good lookout station."
and...
"The Tahoma’s Assistant Paymaster J. S. Turnbull died on February 6, 1862 and was buried on Sea Horse Key near the rebel redoubt. “His name, date of his death, name of ship, etc., were cut in the headboard of his grave."
On October 5, 2005, four of my friends and I visited the island (accessible only by boat) in uniforms of the period and held a small prayer service at the site of the graves (photo 1). (Photo 2) One of the guns spiked by the Tahoma's crew, now located at Cedar Key.
Lew
(For 20 years, an amazing period of my life researching and reenacting the nautical aspect of the American Civil War period.)
"On February 1, 1862, the U.S.S. Tahoma arrived off Seahorse Key, and at about 1,400 yards shelled the redoubt and the woods, and with no return fire, dispatched two armed boats to land and reconnoiter. The island was abandoned. He saw “two long 18-pounders, vents spiked, trunnions knocked off, carriages destroyed.” The lenses had been removed from the lighthouse, and “nothing portable of any value (the lumber excepted) remained on the key.” It was noted that there were many live-oak trees and palmettos on the key which “would last a long while for firewood.” Also, the light keeper's house would “provide comfortable quarters for officers, and there was lumber enough for extensive barracks.” The light-house itself would make a good lookout station."
and...
"The Tahoma’s Assistant Paymaster J. S. Turnbull died on February 6, 1862 and was buried on Sea Horse Key near the rebel redoubt. “His name, date of his death, name of ship, etc., were cut in the headboard of his grave."
On October 5, 2005, four of my friends and I visited the island (accessible only by boat) in uniforms of the period and held a small prayer service at the site of the graves (photo 1). (Photo 2) One of the guns spiked by the Tahoma's crew, now located at Cedar Key.
Lew
(For 20 years, an amazing period of my life researching and reenacting the nautical aspect of the American Civil War period.)
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📝 2nd voyage on Lake Paterno of the 1:60 scale model of a schooner-armed steam gunboat, assisted by a
12 days ago by 🇺🇸 LewZ ( Vice Admiral)
Vice Admiral)✧ 30 Views · 1 Like
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Ronald, I see that what you posted was from Wiki. It is listed that the naming convention for the 23 gunboarts was based on Native American Indian tribes. I guess that the US government didn't have Wiki back then to rely on accuracy.
Anyway, I plan on making a Video on an article I wrote about another 90 day gunboat about 20 years ago, the USS Ottawa, a name that you are probably very familiar with. (It was a historic first.)
Lew
Anyway, I plan on making a Video on an article I wrote about another 90 day gunboat about 20 years ago, the USS Ottawa, a name that you are probably very familiar with. (It was a historic first.)
Lew
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📝 2nd voyage on Lake Paterno of the 1:60 scale model of a schooner-armed steam gunboat, assisted by a
12 days ago by 🇺🇸 LewZ ( Vice Admiral)
Vice Admiral)✧ 27 Views · 6 Likes
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Ross, from what I gather from "The Official Records of the Union and Confederate Navies During the War of the Rebellion", sails were used infrequently back then. There are many instances (reports) that the ships were "coaling" at a port but more commonly from a tender.
The US east coast was broken up into two squadrons, another squadron for the Gulf of Mexico, and one on the Missippi. They were well supplied (coal, water, food, ammo, mail, reports, etc). Repair facilities were not too far apart.
Most ships, especially on blockading duty, kept their fires burning for immediate use for pursuing blockade runners. Often, they would not even anchor. No time to light the boilers and build up steam to chase a runner.
Giving this data, I can assume one would rarely see a sail/steamer under sail power. One instance could be an issue with the boilers, mostly scaling. But most of these boats could go on for weeks, even months before needing repairs, even boiling salt water.
There are some instances where towing would be preferred.
Lew
The US east coast was broken up into two squadrons, another squadron for the Gulf of Mexico, and one on the Missippi. They were well supplied (coal, water, food, ammo, mail, reports, etc). Repair facilities were not too far apart.
Most ships, especially on blockading duty, kept their fires burning for immediate use for pursuing blockade runners. Often, they would not even anchor. No time to light the boilers and build up steam to chase a runner.
Giving this data, I can assume one would rarely see a sail/steamer under sail power. One instance could be an issue with the boilers, mostly scaling. But most of these boats could go on for weeks, even months before needing repairs, even boiling salt water.
There are some instances where towing would be preferred.
Lew
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📝 2nd voyage on Lake Paterno of the 1:60 scale model of a schooner-armed steam gunboat, assisted by a
13 days ago by 🇺🇸 LewZ ( Vice Admiral)
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Ronald, yes, I misspelled "Tahoma". It was one of the 90 gunboats that the US had built in a hurry fir the Civil War. All of these boats were named after US Indian tribes. I am sure that you heard Tahoma, Washington State.
As I mentioned, the Tahoma fired several rounds from her 150 pounder gun into Fort Brooke (now Tampa) about 40 miles from where I live.
Lew
As I mentioned, the Tahoma fired several rounds from her 150 pounder gun into Fort Brooke (now Tampa) about 40 miles from where I live.
Lew
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📝 2nd voyage on Lake Paterno of the 1:60 scale model of a schooner-armed steam gunboat, assisted by a
13 days ago by 🇺🇸 LewZ ( Vice Admiral)
Vice Admiral)✧ 27 Views · 4 Likes
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The Overture music was way out of place. The original ship (USS Tomaha, Unadilla class) was built in the U.S. and used in the American Civil War. It was based only 30 miles from my home for part of the War.
The video, with the model sailing smoothly in calm water, probably should have "background" music, but something serene. I rarely agree with Alessandro, but he is putting a lot of detail into a ship I have known (and written) about for around 30 years. So, I give him credit for building this model and hope he finishes it soon.
A common problem with many many videos is "framing" the subject". I tend to loose interest in photos and videos taken from high up at a distance. Hunch down near the water and let the boat sail close and slowly by. Record multiple takes, but get close in. Even a partial build invites close-ups.
Lew
The video, with the model sailing smoothly in calm water, probably should have "background" music, but something serene. I rarely agree with Alessandro, but he is putting a lot of detail into a ship I have known (and written) about for around 30 years. So, I give him credit for building this model and hope he finishes it soon.
A common problem with many many videos is "framing" the subject". I tend to loose interest in photos and videos taken from high up at a distance. Hunch down near the water and let the boat sail close and slowly by. Record multiple takes, but get close in. Even a partial build invites close-ups.
Lew
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📝 Motors past and present
17 days ago by 🇺🇸 LewZ ( Vice Admiral)
Vice Admiral)✧ 16 Views · 1 Like
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Yeah, we are seperated by the big pond. Thanks anyway. It will go on my "to do list".
Lew
Lew
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hermank
📝 Cooling motors etc.
17 days ago by 🇺🇸 LewZ ( Vice Admiral)
Vice Admiral)✧ 28 Views · 3 Likes
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Could be a number of things. Mis-matched ESC, Motor, and Prop is a big culprit in scale model boats where speed isn't an issue. Example, a small motor driving a big prop will cause the motor to overload = overheat.
Other causes could be excess friction possibly caused be the drive system (u-joints, shaft bearings, etc). Lack of lubrication, alignment, clearance...).
One guy had that problem last Sunday at the SSMBC meet. I should have taken a photo of the motor and Prop. A standard type 540 motor driving what looks to be a 3 inch 3-blade prop with at least a 45 degree pitch. Looks like he fried his ESC.
Lew
Other causes could be excess friction possibly caused be the drive system (u-joints, shaft bearings, etc). Lack of lubrication, alignment, clearance...).
One guy had that problem last Sunday at the SSMBC meet. I should have taken a photo of the motor and Prop. A standard type 540 motor driving what looks to be a 3 inch 3-blade prop with at least a 45 degree pitch. Looks like he fried his ESC.
Lew
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📝 Motors past and present
17 days ago by 🇺🇸 LewZ ( Vice Admiral)
Vice Admiral)✧ 16 Views · 1 Like
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Motor doesn't work after all. Looks unusual, does anyone recognize what it is?
Looking from the back, the two vertical metal plates go into the motor housing. There is a horizontal metal magnet block between the two vertical plates. It is removable and can be seen just inside the cowling (2nd pic).
Lew
Looking from the back, the two vertical metal plates go into the motor housing. There is a horizontal metal magnet block between the two vertical plates. It is removable and can be seen just inside the cowling (2nd pic).
Lew
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💬 Re: Springer #4 USACOE Stoplog
18 days ago by 🇺🇸 LewZ ( Vice Admiral)
Vice Admiral)✧ 10 Views · 3 Likes
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Liberty Captain, I happen to come across your post and noticed the question was posed to me. Sorry I missed it.
I built four Zippkits Springers and did the same hull finish for each. Sanded, coated with spar varnish (brushed on) filled voids with Testors model filler (JB Weld, or others should work), sanded, filled, varnished again until finish was acceptable. Sprayed on paint, usually Rustoleum (sometimes Walmart brand). For hulls and decks I go with the standard hardware store spray paints, no need to go expensive. Protects the hull just fine!
Hope this helps.
Lew 😮
I built four Zippkits Springers and did the same hull finish for each. Sanded, coated with spar varnish (brushed on) filled voids with Testors model filler (JB Weld, or others should work), sanded, filled, varnished again until finish was acceptable. Sprayed on paint, usually Rustoleum (sometimes Walmart brand). For hulls and decks I go with the standard hardware store spray paints, no need to go expensive. Protects the hull just fine!
Hope this helps.
Lew 😮
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hermank
📝 Motors past and present
18 days ago by 🇺🇸 LewZ ( Vice Admiral)
Vice Admiral)✧ 21 Views · 5 Likes
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Found this on a shelf in my utility room. I was moved around and sometimes forgotten. Maybe tomorrow I will see if it works. If it does I will look for the cover.
My best remberence is I got it in the early 1960's with an open hull speedboat.
Lew
My best remberence is I got it in the early 1960's with an open hull speedboat.
Lew
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📝 Motors past and present
19 days ago by 🇺🇸 LewZ ( Vice Admiral)
Vice Admiral)✧ 25 Views · 2 Likes
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Yep, those were the days! Connect the battery to get the glow plug heated, and if you were skilled enough like you guys, get a nice run, even though it was fast forward only until the fuel ran out or you grounded the boat.
Now it is just turn on everything, run until you have had enough fun, go slow, fast, stop, reverse, come slowly to shore all while not having to talk over a loud engine sound. Switch off the motor with no oily residue.
Yep, theses are the days!
Lew
Now it is just turn on everything, run until you have had enough fun, go slow, fast, stop, reverse, come slowly to shore all while not having to talk over a loud engine sound. Switch off the motor with no oily residue.
Yep, theses are the days!
Lew
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hermank
RodC
📝 Motors past and present
19 days ago by 🇺🇸 LewZ ( Vice Admiral)
Vice Admiral)✧ 25 Views · 1 Like
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Wolle, wise decision on getting rid of them. By going to ESCs you not only eliminate heat and power loss (battery waste) you should get more precise speed control.
Lew
Lew
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hermank
📝 Motors past and present
19 days ago by 🇺🇸 LewZ ( Vice Admiral)
Vice Admiral)✧ 26 Views · 1 Like
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Ed, looks like a flywheel/pulley start. Was the engine cantankerous? Lew
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hermank
📝 Motors past and present
19 days ago by 🇺🇸 LewZ ( Vice Admiral)
Vice Admiral)✧ 25 Views · 1 Like
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Ed, did the Bucaneeer use an air or water prop?
Lew
Lew
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hermank
📝 Building from plans
20 days ago by 🇺🇸 LewZ ( Vice Admiral)
Vice Admiral)✧ 25 Views · 1 Like
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Cheddarman, 87 - wow! Happy birthday, Lew
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hermank
📝 Motors past and present
20 days ago by 🇺🇸 LewZ ( Vice Admiral)
Vice Admiral)✧ 27 Views · 3 Likes
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I don't think that these small fueled engines were ever installed in model boats. They had no throttle control. Very high RPMs for their small size. Perhaps an airboat at most. The larger fueled motors did have a throttle control on the carb. They were mostly used for racing boats before the electrics took over.
Lew
Lew
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📝 Interesting Robbe kit from years back...
21 days ago by 🇺🇸 LewZ ( Vice Admiral)
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I had one as well, but in a control line plane. First one to whack my finger.
Lew
Lew
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