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Bristol pilot cutter - Three Daughters
Based on the Sarik Hobbies Katie by David Alderton. Built to be a working version rather than a pristine yacht like the real life 'Breeze', which the original plans were based on. Only recently completed and undergone sea trials, where the usual odd bits were found to need sorting. So far only has her 'core' sails fitted. The topsail has not yet been made, and depending on how things go and her sailing credentials, will see if it is necessary, as storage with a keel to mast cap of nearly 5 feet, the extra 18inches of top mast ,may not be practical.
luckyduck
2 years ago
3 Attributes
4 Photos
20 Likes
Billings Polar
My first radio control model built about 20 years ago. Only needs 2 channel radio. Built to a budget, so has only a single motor, driving the twin props through a home made gearbox, using Meccano gears and sheet brass for the frame. Alignment of gears and shafts was fairly straightforward, although it is showing its age now, and the gearbox can be a bit noisy, even when well greased. Added the crew to give it a bit of realism.
luckyduck
2 years ago
6 Attributes
8 Photos
22 Likes
Billings Zwarte Zee
One I built many years ago, and still use regularly. The fire jets all work, powered by a car windscreen washer pump in the bow with an intake through the side of the hull. Jets shoot water about 6 feet, so can have fun when youngsters are watching and get a quick shoot of water. Motor is 12v, so same battery can power pump, which means a small extra battery for the receiver. The big problem with this model is access to main hatch under superstructure, so battery access is very tight. Main stern hatch has easier access, but the weight of the 12 v battery is too much aft. The contacts on the rudder servo, energise the pump, by swinging the transmitter to maximum swing with trim tab maximum. This was built with only 2 channel radio, so had to dream up a switch solution for the pump.
Finally got a video of the firejets working.
luckyduck
2 years ago
7 Attributes
9 Photos
7 Likes
Coastal tanker
Model built in late 1950's by my uncle from scratch. Built of red cedar bread and butter. All fittings hand made. Originally radio controlled with a valve transmitter and reed receiver, see pictures, which I still have. I believe the radio only ever worked once as tuning the reeds was almost impossible, even for friendly friends at RAE Boscombe Down. Model was exhibited at the 6th International Boat Show, when the model stand was sponsored by Model Maker. Was awarded second prize and a pennant, see photo. The boat was given to me as a 21st birthday present, and a few years ago, I installed modern RC, and the model is now regularly seen at Chichester Canal Basin where it runs at scale speed, i.e. quite slowly.
luckyduck
2 years ago
9 Attributes
Members Blogs
8 Posts
11 Followers
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Katie, aka Three Daughters
Another version of Katie - kept the hull, but changed the deckhouse, to allow fuller access internally. The mast is fully removeable for car transport, using pelican hooks on the shrouds. All blocks are handmade from mahogany with fully working brass sheaves. Capping rails are single piece for strength, steam bent. The deadeyes are not fully setup yet, hence untidy ropework, all other ropework properly spliced. The white rope lines are testing the best sheet routing prior to home making the sails from cotton poplin. Sheeting will be winch line for foresails and direct drum for main. The large slot internally between the winch lines is for a large battery, resting on the keel to add ballast. Taken about 9 months so far, and might finish over the winter, but not rushing.
luckyduck
2 years ago
Recent Posts
๐ฌ Re: USS Juneau
3 days ago by
๐ฌ๐ง luckyduck (

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That is not just a beautiful model, it is a work of art. Quite awesome. Brilliant work.
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๐ฌ Re: NEW GLASS ON FOAM CATAMARAN PROJECT
6 days ago by
๐ฌ๐ง luckyduck (

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Hi JB, fully appreciate problems of adding a jib - just thought it might help in very light airs, but keeping to a model of the real thing produces the same headaches. You will just have to paddle her round with the rudders, as the full size dingies do in light airs.
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๐ฌ Re: NEW GLASS ON FOAM CATAMARAN PROJECT
6 days ago by
๐ฌ๐ง luckyduck (

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Picks up well off-wind, would a jib help with windward sailing in the lighter breezes?
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๐ Making an Emma Jr.
8 days ago by
๐ฌ๐ง luckyduck (

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The other option you have, which I have used in the past, if you have sufficient internal space at the keel level, is to use an oversize battery - the sealed lead acid batteries are a very effective extra weight set on the internal keel, when you also need battery power for winches. I sail my Bristol Pilot Cutter with no external fin/keel weight, as the water needs a smooth hull surface to avoid catching weed.
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๐ Calypso update
11 days ago by
๐ฌ๐ง luckyduck (

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Seems like a lot of todays youth across the world have issues Boatshed. Glad you have made it safe out the other side of working.
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๐ฌ Re: THUNDER initial sea trial
12 days ago by
๐ฌ๐ง luckyduck (

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Nice pool, and a beautiful view when lounging with the cocktails.๐๐๐
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๐ฌ Re: NEW GLASS ON FOAM CATAMARAN PROJECT
14 days ago by
๐ฌ๐ง luckyduck (

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JB, with that speed and such lightness of the boat, it would be awesome on foils?
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๐ Midhurst Model show
16 days ago by
๐ฌ๐ง luckyduck (

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Not just boats, but everything for modelling from planes, railways, cars, Meccano and trade stands, and even for those not driving a licenced bar!!!
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๐ Mutual model boat society Grand Bring and Buy
16 days ago by
๐ฌ๐ง luckyduck (

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so some of you seem to know where it is, but either my eyesight has failed again, or it has not been posted.
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๐ฌ Re: USS Juneau
28 days ago by
๐ฌ๐ง luckyduck (

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I thought with those cycle wheels on the trailer, you would pull the trailer along with your pedal cycle!!๐คฃ๐คฃ๐คฃ
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๐ฌ Re: Glade Runner - 3D printed Airboat
1 month ago by
๐ฌ๐ง luckyduck (

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What a brilliant piece of kit, but you must have some 3d printer to manage them. Love the jeep driver - has he still got hos tail?
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๐ American Scout C-2 Freighter
1 month ago by
๐ฌ๐ง luckyduck (

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Jumpugly - with the size of that boat, don't bother buying from a store - just go and buy the manufacturers themselves - you are going to need a heck of a lot!!
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๐ฌ Re: Billing Boats Samson II
1 month ago by
๐ฌ๐ง luckyduck (

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These Billings plastic hulls are so common to many of their models - it looks exactlythe same as my Polar trawler. Is that right?
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๐ฌ Re: Ice Breaking in Oxford
2 months ago by
๐ฌ๐ง luckyduck (

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Now there's an idea - how about a model ice breaker? No doubt someone has already thought of it?
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๐ฌ Re: Bilge work
2 months ago by
๐ฌ๐ง luckyduck (

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Chum - why not just use a double linkage to and from the rudder - i.e.push/pull which would ensure the wire linkage is taught in both directions?
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๐ฌ Re: Submarine, type 1x c/40 U190
2 months ago by
๐ฌ๐ง luckyduck (

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Alessandro - while its always clever to have a submersible submarine - when it is underwater you can't see it - maybe just making it a watertight surface submarine is almost as good? Laso saves having to make diving planes work.
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๐ Question of the Day?
3 months ago by
๐ฌ๐ง luckyduck (

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Is this a nationalistic question then? Are sounders called sonars in different parts of the world?
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๐ Question of the Day?
3 months ago by
๐ฌ๐ง luckyduck (

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Oh dear - still the answer is Sonar - I've never been on a yacht with sonar, but plenty with sounders for ensuring sufficient depth of water. Maybe AI can make sounders find that hidden submarine?
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๐ฌ Re: part13
3 months ago by
๐ฌ๐ง luckyduck (

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A very beautiful model Tom - but even the beautiful models don't always behave themselves!!๐คฃ
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๐ฌ Re: Jetty for model boats
3 months ago by
๐ฌ๐ง luckyduck (

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One of the best 'harbours' I have seen, which was on a non-permanent pond, so was easily removable and adjustable was made from white plastic plumbing pipe, filled with foam pipe insulation for buoyancy, each end plugged and with hooks and eyes. Various lengths were used, and the pipes were connected to each other in any number of variations. Some pipes had hooks and eyes along their length. Using 2 " pipes, they provided a safe and soft harbour, for those whose boat control against a solid fitting might damage their pride and joy. For the experienced they could also be made complex, providing a real test to enter the inner part of the harbour. The 'pipes' were either anchored to the sandy shore, or sometimes had stakes into the pond floor.
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๐ Question of the Day?
3 months ago by
๐ฌ๐ง luckyduck (

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Irons are also what you are clapped in when you have been a naughty boy (or girl), and spent too much time in the shed building model boats!!
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๐ฌ Re: Thames barge Champion class model building report
3 months ago by
๐ฌ๐ง luckyduck (

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Looking forward to your progress Tom - I still haven't made my decision on which barge to go for.
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๐ Question of the Day?
4 months ago by
๐ฌ๐ง luckyduck (

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If these are the answers AI produces, what chance do we have in real life when AI takes over every decision - or is AI better than politicians at running a country?
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๐ Question of the Day?
4 months ago by
๐ฌ๐ง luckyduck (

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On the other hand, I used to sail an International Moth, had no transom at all, as it needed to get rid of so much water and spray - didn't need any form of pump or bucket. Just a very good wetsuit!!๐๐
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๐ฌ Re: 1/12th Scale Arun 52-24 RNLB Mabel Alice
4 months ago by
๐ฌ๐ง luckyduck (

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Beautiful model - do all other functions, such as radar and lights work?
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๐ Modello RC scala 1/60, di piroscafo armato a goletta, liberamente ispirato alle cannoniere classe US
4 months ago by
๐ฌ๐ง luckyduck (

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A short boat will be able to spin on its own axis - oars on one side row normally, the other side in reverse. The same principle can apply to a longer boat to help sharp turns, but it it very unlikely to ever spin on its own axis, unless the bow and stern are well clear of the water, thereby reducing drag. Imagine a little rowing boat with your kids on a public lake, these little boats are very manoeuverable, but a sculls four is designed for straight line speed, NOT easy turning. Most lifeboats do not need extreme manoeuverability, they just need great safety, stability, bouyancy, and ability to get away from danger.
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๐ Modello RC scala 1/60, di piroscafo armato a goletta, liberamente ispirato alle cannoniere classe US
4 months ago by
๐ฌ๐ง luckyduck (

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Beautifully made Alessandro - for most lifeboats launched from a ship, either sail or steam, they had their rudders inside the lifeboat, often with the tiller pre-attached, depending on whether it was being rowed, sailed or motor driven. If sailed, which was seldom, the tiller would be seperate, otherwise it was attached. The rudder was not 'shipped' until the lifeboat was in the water, as when the lifeboat was 'dropped' from its davits, the rudder would either have been unshipped with the force of hitting the water, or it would have snapped.
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๐ฌ Re: The end of the build
4 months ago by
๐ฌ๐ง luckyduck (

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A most incredible build Westwind - hope you have a good wiring diagram! Congratulations.
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๐ Fun at the lake
4 months ago by
๐ฌ๐ง luckyduck (

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Looks like those boats haven't been used for a while, or maintined with all those barnacles on the bottoms?
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๐ฌ Re: Model Fire boat Floriรกn 1:7
4 months ago by
๐ฌ๐ง luckyduck (

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and a crane to lauch it!
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