This model was built with the occasional help of my grandson. It was constructed from plan

METROPOLITAN POLICE THAMES DIVISION RIVER POLICE LAUNCH circa 1950 MODEL BUILT BY MICHAEL P TURPIN 2021 TO 1:12 SCALE FROM VINTAGE MODEL WORKS KIT At this scale, the model represents a launch measuring 30ft in length and 8ft 9” in the beam. It is one of the standard types as built by Tough Brothers of Teddington, employing the partially diagonal planking system which produces a lightweight but strong hull. The engine was of sufficient power to provide an efficient speed of 12 knots in the tidal waters in which it operates. The cabin and seating has been designed such that it is possible to keep an all-around look out whilst on patrol, as well as an open stern area capable for carrying equipment and the recovery of bodies from the water. Operating from their headquarters at Wapping, London the River Police are responsible for law and order on the river. Previous to 1964, they patrolled the Thames from Erith to Teddington but subsequently this range was changed to cover from Dartford Creek to Staines. The model has some construction differences. The hull is ply-sheeted and not planked, and has a box construction for the main internal space. The deck is planked using walnut, as are all its wooden fittings. All metalwork and above-deck fittings are scratch built, the spotlight illuminates and the mast head carries flashing red & blue lights. Power - Turnigy 3548 840KV out-runner brushless motor. Electronic Speed Controller – Hobbywing Quicrun 16BL 30 water cooled. Brass propeller -55 mm 3 blades. Battery pack - Turnigy 2200mAh 3S 25C Lipo Pack. Radio –Flysky FS-I6X 10 channel. Main power switch is the steering wheel and has a dash board which is illuminated. The battery pack, which powers the main motor and the lights through a voltage reduction unit, is housed below the front panel Receiver, ESC and steering servo are all housed beneath the rear seat and back bulkhead.

The Freeman 22 was a luxurious cabin cruiser built for the holiday trade. It was moulded in glass fibre in a choice of colours and had an insulated superstructure, with a double berth and two single berths. It was powered by an in-board petrol engine. Length - 22ft Beam - 7ft 6ins Draft - 2ft Cruising speed - 8–9 knots Weight - 26cwt Engine - Ford 105 E watermota with a 2:1 reduction gear on a flexible drive The model of the Freeman 22 was a free plan given in the Model Boat magazine and was a project for my grandson who actively worked on all aspects of the build, the parts were all cut using a fret saw and trimmed with a sander and then built up on a building board. The hull is sheeted in ply as is the deck and superstructure. The hull was fibre glassed for additional strength and then painted using acrylic paints. Length – 23" Beam - 7" Power – MFA Como 457RE540/1 brushed motor Electronic Speed Controller – Viper Marine 15 Brass propeller 30 mm 3 blade Battery pack – NiMh 9.6 V 5000 mAH Radio - Turnigy Mini CH5 D/R

A 3 year build yet to have its maiden voyage a little more detail:- HobbyKing 90A Boat ESC Turnigy Aerodrive SK3 - 5045-660KV Brushless Outrunner Motor HobbyKing Boat ESC Programming Card 9.6v 50000 mah Nickel-Metal Hydride (NiMH) Battery Packs x 2 Later replaced for longer run time by Turnigy High Capacity 5200mAh 4S 12C LiHV Pack w/XT60 x 1

This little boat was done for my 5yr old grandson alongside doing my crash tender. Its from a free plan issued in Model Boat magazine.