Members Harbour
12 Photos
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HMM Wavemaster 34"
Yet another classic, The Wavemaster was designed by Les Rowell, and marketed by HMM, Hammersmith Model Makers of London.
It was 34" in length by 11" width.
Retail price back in 1958, including purchase tax was 71/7 or ยฃ3.58.
Madwelshman
5 months ago
1 Attribute
7 Photos
8 Likes
Lesro Javelin/Streaker 38 1/2" #2
This is the 2nd Lesro Javelin/Streaker that I bought as part of a deal when buying the 1st (yes, I know, I can't help it!)
Will
Madwelshman
5 months ago
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6 Photos
3 Likes
Lesro Javelin/Streaker 38 1/2" #1
This is one of my Lesro Javelin/Streaker race type boats. Whilst buying one, the seller mentioned having another one, and a deal was done for the two
Will
Madwelshman
5 months ago
1 Attribute
7 Photos
13 Likes
34" Fairey Huntsman 31 #3
And another Presumably Precedent Huntsman 31 aft cabin.
Madwelshman
6 months ago
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5 Photos
5 Likes
34" Huntsman 31 #2
Due to my love of the Fairey brand, I got a little carried away, and now own three of these smaller 34" Huntsman 31.
I'm unsure of the manufacturer of the model, but presume it's a Precedent kit.
My 'eventual' plan, is to have one stock looking 31, like a Fairey factory boat, one race replica, and one converted to 'aft cockpit', rather than the common 'aft cabin'.
Yes, you guessed it, a project.
Madwelshman
6 months ago
1 Attribute
3 Photos
11 Likes
48" Aerokits Sea Queen
In my quest to own more 'Scale' model boats, this Sea Queen came along. The paint is flaking and peeling away in various places, so a rub down and repaint will be required, when I get around to it.
Yep, another project
Madwelshman
6 months ago
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10 Photos
3 Likes
34" Lesro Sportman mk1
The 2nd Lesro Sportsman mk1 that came my way.
In my opinion, the mk1 is prettier than the mk2 which had a flying bridge fitted.
Madwelshman
6 months ago
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5 Photos
2 Likes
34" Lesro Sportman mk1
Yet another of the Lesro range of boats, again one of the lesser seen ones, but being very 'scale', I had to try and add one to my fleet.
Madwelshman
6 months ago
1 Attribute
5 Photos
6 Likes
25 3/4" Lesro Stiletto
The Lesro brand of model boats caught my eye due to their Scale like appearance, but also in some cases, their rarity. I had heard of a few of the range, but definitely not all of them.
This Stiletto was another auction win, and yes, another 'project' boat.
Madwelshman
6 months ago
1 Attribute
8 Photos
13 Likes
16" Aerokits Sea Urchin
Model boats under about 24" were always in my opinion too small for me, because some of their use 'will be' on the river by my parents house.
When I saw the Sea Urchin, I instantly fell for it, thinking what a cute model boat, and because it's very 'scale' too, I had to bid on this one when I saw it.
So, yet another.....project
Madwelshman
6 months ago
1 Attribute
12 Photos
14 Likes
36" Veron Marlin
After my interest in model boats increased again, I started keeping an eye out for classic motor boats, ones that were more realistic and scale like, or slightly different.
this Veron marlin fell under those categories nicely, and is in quite decent condition.
Yet another 'project'
Are you sensing a theme yet?
Madwelshman
6 months ago
1 Attribute
5 Photos
13 Likes
36" Veron Thames Police Launch
Thames police launches are a boat that I really like the design of, so when this one appeared for auction I bid on it. Like so many others of my 'fleet', it came with an ic motor, but will be converted to brushless electric.
Madwelshman
6 months ago
1 Attribute
11 Photos
12 Likes
42" Veron Fairey Huntsman 28
Because of my love of the Fairey brand of boats, I had to get hold of a Veron Huntsman 28, and this is one of two that I now own.
The Huntsman 28 is in my opinion, about the prettiest of the Fairey range of boats, even though some of the others are better sea boats.
This is the one of my model boats that I want to get on the water first (eventually! )
Madwelshman
6 months ago
1 Attribute
6 Photos
2 Likes
Unknown 26" Pilot Boat
One of the latest projects I have bought, a 26" Pilot boat.
Initially i thought maybe a Lesro model, but the Lesro Pilot boat is bigger, at just over 33" in length.
Anyone got any ideas what make it may be?
Madwelshman
5 years ago
0 Attributes
6 Photos
5 Likes
Precedent Fairey Huntsman 46 1/2"
I bought this Huntsman 31 off a guy I used to work with.
Another one in need of some TLC (bit of a theme here isn't there ) Originally ic powered, then converted to brushed electric and once I get around to doing this one, it will be converted, like the others, to brushless lipo power.
Madwelshman
5 years ago
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24 Photos
12 Likes
Aerokits Sea Commander
Yet another boat in need of some TLC that I bought recently.
An Aerokits Sea Commander.
As you can see by the pictures. There are a few bits missing and some of the ply has delaminated (front half of the keel and a couple of bulkheads). My skills aren't such yet that I feel I could strip it down and replace those parts, so for now at least, my intension is to inject adhesive between the laminations, clamp them securely until the adhesive has cured. At least this will get some more strength back into them and help preserve it until I feel brave enough to do the job properly.
Like my other boats, this will also be brushless and lipo powered.
Madwelshman
5 years ago
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1 Photo
2 Likes
Precedent Perkasa 49 1/2"
This is my Perkasa MTB that I built with my Dad in the 80's. I sold it in the 90's and purely by chance, was able to buy it back again in the late 00s.
Originally we fitted it with a 22cc Kawasaki Strimmer engine, with a centrifugal clutch and pull start, it was much better than ic and needing to get it in the water asap so it didn't overheat. It also gave the option of being able to stop moving, purely by dropping the throttle, unlike ic.
With the air cooled Strimmer engine, I could start it, let it idle while i put the wheelhouse etc on and not need to rush to get it in the water.
Anyway, when I bought it back, it was looking pretty sorry. Lots of bits were either damaged or missing.
I have removed the 22cc petrol engine and will be converting it to brushless and lipo power. Before then though, I have lots of bits to either make or repair.
More pictures will follow, when I get it back down from the loft in the new year.
Madwelshman
5 years ago
0 Attributes
3 Photos
5 Likes
42 inch Veron (presumably) Fairey Huntsman 28
This is the latest model that I have purchased.
From it's dimensions, I believe it to be a Veron Huntsman, as it looks very much like the ones that I have seen whilst searching on the interweb and the length/beam both match.
It was advertised as an unfinished project. But, apart from a few bits that are missing, cabin roof, engine cover/deck floor, glazing, it's mostly there, just in need of some sort of power plant and radio gear.
Really looking forward to wetting her bottom
Madwelshman
5 years ago
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1 Photo
5 Likes
Aerokits Sea Rover, I think? 29 1/2 inch
This terribly unloved looking model was advertised on Facebook marketplace and wasn't too far from me.
I thought from the described dimensions it might be a Sea Rover, so took a chance on it.
There was only one picture with the advert, so i wasn't completely sure what I was actually going to be presented with on arrival.
The cabin sides have both had it and a few other bits are missing. So, like my smaller Huntsman, I have to get hold of a plan/parts diagram to make the relevant damaged/missing parts.
In the past, it had it's ic engine removed and converted to electric. I presume initially with just one motor and that I'm guessing wasn't enough so, they fitted an additional 2 propshafts and motors. I now have to remove the extra shafts and convert back to a single one instead. With brushless power, one prop will be more than enough to achieve the scale speed (and a little extra in reserve).
Madwelshman
5 years ago
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8 Photos
2 Likes
Pearla Malta - Precedent Fairey Huntsman 31 aft cabin 34 inch
A Fairey Huntsman that I recently won on a well known auction site.
There are a few things that need sorting, the superstructure is way too tall to be accurate and scale, so I fear a new one will have to be made, but that means 'TRYING' to find a set of plans or templates for the Precedent Huntsman.
Can anyone help with this? Pretty please
The extra skegs underneath? No idea why they have been added, certainly won't help anything other than straight line running.
Plans are, sort the above items, brushless conversion, then just enjoy using it.
Will
Madwelshman
5 years ago
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Recent Posts
๐ฌ Re: Classic Model Power Boats
2 days ago by
๐ฌ๐ง Madwelshman (

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Bob, I have to agree, it certainly isn't a particularly good looking model.
May be in real life and built up, rather than just as an image, it 'might' look a little more pleasing on the eye. Who knows.
It's definitely not one that I would actively look for to own.
Will
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๐ฌ Re: Classic Model Power Boats
2 days ago by
๐ฌ๐ง Madwelshman (

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The only reference that I have seen to the Starfish have been in adverts Bob. So as you say, maybe they didn't actually sell or make any, or maybe if they did, it just didn't sell very well.
I haven't had much of a search on the internet for any further info, maybe there isn't actually any more.
Will
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๐ KD Perkasa Class Drawings.
2 days ago by
๐ฌ๐ง Madwelshman (

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I still have my 49 1/2" Perkasa, that I built with my Dad in the 80s. I sold it in the 90's, but had the the chance to buy it back again in the 2000s.
I had since fallen out of love with the boat again, and did consider letting it go, but after losing Dad last year, I don't know if I could ever part with it now โน๏ธ
Will
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๐ฌ Re: Classic Model Power Boats
2 days ago by
๐ฌ๐ง Madwelshman (

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What about an Aerokits Star Fish, has anyone got one, or even actually seen one? I certainly haven't.
Will
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๐ฌ Re: Classic Model Power Boats
2 days ago by
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I definitely have a Sea Urchin Bob, and cannot remember if it's a Sea Scout, or Sea Nymph that I also have, Sea Scout I think.
I'll have a look next time I'm in the attick.
Will
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๐ Upcoming Projects
3 days ago by
๐ฌ๐ง Madwelshman (

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To me Chris, the Sprite Plus really suits the look of having an outboard motor.
The Scimitar with water jet propulsion will make a different, and interesting model, both to look at, and to enjoy using.
The Sports Fisherman, I'm not as keen on the look of with an outboard motor.
Having said that, we're all different, and have different tastes.
Two more interesting model boats that I look forward to seeing take shape, and seeing how each one performs.
Will
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๐ฌ Re: Classic Model Power Boats
3 days ago by
๐ฌ๐ง Madwelshman (

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Ahem, Sea Urchin owner here Bob (shock horror i know) ๐
I'll have to see if I've got some pictures of it.
Will
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๐ฌ Re: Rapier 1.
3 days ago by
๐ฌ๐ง Madwelshman (

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I haven't even looked to see if my Rapier rescue has any twist in it at all Bob.
I'm sure I'll be referring to your images and rebuild when I 'eventually' make a start on my Rapier.
Will
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๐ฌ Re: Fairey Fisherman 27
3 days ago by
๐ฌ๐ง Madwelshman (

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Fair play Chris, she's really starting to take shape now. That jump from just a hull, to having a superstructure and decking on has made such a huge difference ๐๐
Will
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๐ LesRo Javelin (2).
8 days ago by
๐ฌ๐ง Madwelshman (

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To be fair Bob, it would be good to see me get any of my boats on the water ๐
But yes, getting one of my Javelins on the water, and have a meet to run the two together would be good.
Running alongside your Rapier would also be good for comparison too.
Will
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๐ฌ Re: Classic Model Power Boats
9 days ago by
๐ฌ๐ง Madwelshman (

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I agree Chris, my 48" Perkasa used to handle a bit of chop on the river with ease, that was quite a heavy boat with a 22cc grass strimmer engine and fuel tank fitted.
Like the smaller Huntsman, the 27 (i think) inch Stiletto and Arrow will definitely be more suited to use on the likes of a lake, and with little to no swell, not just because of their dimensions, but their weight. As you say, the larger, and heavier boats do cope with rougher conditions more readily, but as you and Bob have said so often, they're so much more cumbersome not only to transport, but also to launch, and recover.
I was lucky with the Perkasa, I could just walk down to the beach, and with wellies on, just walk out into the water until deep enough to launch, no having to kneel or crouch at the side of a lake then.
Will
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๐ LesRo Javelin (2).
9 days ago by
๐ฌ๐ง Madwelshman (

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Fair play Bob, you're making great progress with the Javelin already.
Those are some pretty hefty plates, I'm not surprised it was so heavy.
Without those, the ic motor, and fuel tank etc, the conversion to brushless should make it a good bit lighter, even with the weight of a lipo battery.
The inside of the hull looks much better already, and a good bit cleaner, good progress in a short period.
I'll have to look at my Javelin, and Arrow, and see what the spray rails are like at the bow ends on those.
Will
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๐ฌ Re: Keilcraft ; Thornycroft Range Safety boat [SM Harriss]
11 days ago by
๐ฌ๐ง Madwelshman (

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That's a very nice looking classic model.
Will
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๐ฌ Re: Classic Model Power Boats
11 days ago by
๐ฌ๐ง Madwelshman (

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It will be interesting to see how its smaller sibling the Arrow performs too, when I eventually get my back side into gear and get one on the water.
Fingers crossed it's as good as your Rapier.
Will
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๐ Sprite
12 days ago by
๐ฌ๐ง Madwelshman (

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Bob, the Sprite Plus looks quite a lump of a boat sat there on your bench. It should have a bit of a presence on the water.
Good to see it really starting to take shape now.
Will
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๐ฌ Re: Classic Model Power Boats
12 days ago by
๐ฌ๐ง Madwelshman (

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I see you're really copying me Bob, owning duplicates of even more models.
Well done ๐
I will be interested to hear your thoughts on the Javelins performance, handling, and if it is as good as your Rapier.
Will
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๐ฌ Re: Fairey Fisherman 27
14 days ago by
๐ฌ๐ง Madwelshman (

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That's a nice compact little unit Chris. Should do the job nicely tucking into the stern like that.
Will
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๐ฌ Re: Classic Model Power Boats
14 days ago by
๐ฌ๐ง Madwelshman (

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Very nice Harry. I'm sure that it will perform just as well as your Spearfish, and that's no slouch.
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๐ Sprite
15 days ago by
๐ฌ๐ง Madwelshman (

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Coming along nicely there Bob.
I wonder what Les Rowell would have made of a Sprite with modern running gear, brushless, lipo, etc, and presumably a fair bit more speed than he originally planned for the model.
I'm looking forward to seeing it on the water, and how it performs after being brought up to date propulsion wise. Fingers crossed it proves a good performer, and can handle the amount of 'white water' you will have it producing.
Will
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๐ฌ Re: Fairey Fisherman 27
15 days ago by
๐ฌ๐ง Madwelshman (

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You'll suss something I'm sure Chris.
I would think you will get away with using a smaller servo, as the rudder loading of a slower, less powerful model such as this, will be considerably lower than the likes of a H31, or Rapier for example won't they.
Will
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๐ฌ Re: Fairey Fisherman 27
16 days ago by
๐ฌ๐ง Madwelshman (

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I'm sure it has been a big build so far, especially as it's a scratch build, and having to figure things out along the way. You're doing a grand job of it though, and will be rewarded with a really nice, extremely rare model at the end of it.
I was going to say, how about a snake cable, as at least the servo could remain remote then. I know they don't give quite as precise operation as a directly acting rod (unless fitted as a pair), but on a slower model, it wouldn't be such an issue.
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๐ฌ Re: Fairey Fisherman 27
16 days ago by
๐ฌ๐ง Madwelshman (

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Steady progress there Chris, adding small details like that makes such a difference to the model, and it's realism ๐๐
Will
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๐ Sprite
16 days ago by
๐ฌ๐ง Madwelshman (

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Chris/Bob, sorry to hear you two are suffering with your hands.
Fingers crossed Chris, that the blood test shows something that they can treat quickly and easily. My wife has arthritis, and thankfully her medication keeps the pain at bay a majority of the time.
Will
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๐ฌ Re: Classic Model Power Boats
17 days ago by
๐ฌ๐ง Madwelshman (

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As you say Bob, that's a really nice looking Sportsman, it's been well finished.
I can't remember whether I saw this magazine article at the time or not.
Will
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๐ฌ Re: Classic Model Power Boats
17 days ago by
๐ฌ๐ง Madwelshman (

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Sorry to disappoint you Chris/Bob, but I don't have a Sea Vixen. I am pretty sure i have a copy of the plans though. I'll have a look next time I'm on my laptop.
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๐ How much is too much? (If it ain't free and I need to volunteer then I ain't joining.)
1 month ago by
๐ฌ๐ง Madwelshman (

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I saw a very similar issue when helping run a local 4x4 trials club for 3yrs.
The members were happy enough to turn up and compete, but very few of them were prepared to give up their time to set up a trial (we had one trial every month throughout the year), and usually ended up being the same faces setting up each event.
To be in with a chance of winning a cup for your class (6 classes, from standard to modified), each member had to either set up at least one trial, or marshal at at least one trial throughout the year, so we got around it like that.
This worked for us, but unfortunately with model boats, unless racing for points, this wouldn't be an option.
Will
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๐ Future Fairey Projects
1 month ago by
๐ฌ๐ง Madwelshman (

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The Rapier can definitely be described as an ugly duckling. It just so happens to be a well handling ugly duckling.
Swordsman 37, or Solent Spear. Hmmm, I don't know if I could decide on just one if I had too ๐คทโโ๏ธ
Whichever one though, I'm sure it would handle, and perform very well.
Will
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๐ฌ Re: Fairey Fisherman 27
2 months ago by
๐ฌ๐ง Madwelshman (

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Nice work Chris, it's suddenly taking shape/transforming into a recognisable vessel ๐๐
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๐ฌ Re: Non-Classic Fairey Builds
2 months ago by
๐ฌ๐ง Madwelshman (

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I have to say Bob, I haven't seen those two before.
I wonder if Chris has?
Will
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๐ฌ Re: Non-Classic Fairey Builds
2 months ago by
๐ฌ๐ง Madwelshman (

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I've thought for a fair while now, that the Bulldog would make quite a nice model.
Yes it's just a traditional motorboat/work boat, but I do quite like it's design.
Also, a Bruce Campbell Christina, or Dell Quay Ranger would be quite a nice addition to the fleet, but still maintaining the Fairey theme ๐ค
The Ranger being the favourite of those two for me.
Funnily enough, there has been a 1:1 Christina near me advertised on Fakebook marketplace recently. I'm not tempted by it though!
Will
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