Dear all,
Please forgive the ramblings of a pensioner if l have overstepped the mark and the following should have been completed by someone such as Jarvo or Akelatheleader!

However, here goes. Upon my arrival l was directed to the parking area by members of the local Air Training Corps. The entry fee was a very reasonable £5.00. The venue, a spacious exhibition hall was well laid out, thought having been given to wheelchair users such as myself. Access was made easy and uninhibited. First stall to greet you as you entered was Deans Marine. Well adorned with kits, including their very latest offerings not as yet in full production. Opposite was the display of club vessels owned by members of the hosts, CADMA. Excellent examples of the model builders art festooned the display, two l noted in particular were an open steam launch, complete with live steam propulsion and a Herring Drifter WY17 which paid respectful homage, to our beleaguered fishermen.

Then on the rear wall a stand which sold all manner of modelling paraphernalia from mini compressors through modelling knives and table top vices to glues for every purpose.

On the next aisle the Goole model boat club had set out their models for general perusal. As with CADMA the quality of exhibits was astonishing! A Police launch was the first to catch my eye not least by the splendid, illuminated array of spot lamps which were very bright and flashing blue beacons to the rear of the cabin. Bedecked in the national Police livery of lime and blue Battenberg the vessel looked very handsome.

Then l met "Keith". He had 2 models with him, a "Castle" class Corvette and a 1939 S-Boat. Both models looked to be in the region of 30" in length but the detailing was breathtaking! He said his true passion in boats were the convoy escorts known as Corvettes. He had plagued the staff of "The Corvette Association" and their archives to such a degree they made him an honorary member of the association.

A table toward the rear of the room displayed a cluster of large scale submarines. Awesome by their scale and sinister by association.

Then came a stall with all manner of live steam associated parts and fittings. Boat fittings in resin, white metal and plastic formed a broad array of scale parts.

The last stall sported all manner of scale mouldings and some incredibly detailed hydraulic lifting arms and cranes, everything for the docks and cargo masters stores.

One table held a small group of true sailing vessels, propelled only by the world's fourth element. Where skippers of equal skill may win or lose, dependent upon the suit his/her charge is wearing on the day!

The bring and buy sale upstairs went briskly and the open bar allowed for sorrows to be drowned when more had been spent than had been intended at the bring and buy.

On the same floor the kitchens provided warm meals and hot drinks all at very sensible prices.

All in all an excellent, well laid out venue where all levels of mobility were catered for. The models on display were all of the very highest quality, testimony to the diligence and expertise of the modellers themselves.

Future shows are definitely worth a visit.

Hello Haverlock,

Thank you very much for the info on the eazibuilt website. Brilliant, who would have thought? its the first time I'v been onto that website and there is info on all sorts of stuff.

Thanks again.
Cheers

Thanks Derek, much obliged.

Cheers

Hello Mark,

Thank you very much for your reply but unfortunately, you will have to pardon my ignorance, with regard to the identity of Ron Dean. Would I be right in thinking, that in actual fact he is, " Mr. Deans Marine?"

Cheers

Thanks for your speedy reply Alan. I'll give him a call n see if he can help. Cheers

Dear All,

For some time now I have been looking for some very small, brass propellers for my plastic model MTB. The props l need are only about 9mm, or if "push comes to shove" 12mm max. I have not been able to find anything less than 20mm which is twice the size I need. There is a web page showing an MTB like mine with 3 tiny out-runner motors in it and 3 brass props about the right size. Unfortunately, it is by a German chap. Does anyone know, where l could possibly purchase such a small propeller(s) as the one l need. Cheers

Hi,

I really do not have any advice for you re propulsion units etc. but it sounds to me like you are pretty much sorted with the PT-109. I am in the middle or building an italerI MTB no. 77 which as you said in your blog should be close to show standard when completed. I am not gifted with the engineering/modelling expertise which allows me to complete a fantastic model from a pile of wood, string and metal. Sooo. . . . . . I, like you, build plastic kits which gives me the pleasure of sailing something which resembles a boat, rather than an upturned plank!!!

Skilled builders do sometimes pour scorn on plastic boats as do aero modellers who see ARTF aeroplanes on the patch. We are all different and I make no apologies for sailing a plastic boat. Very lucky is the man/woman who is able to construct such masterpieces as those seen at shows or even on the local pond. Plastic or wood you still follow the hobby and surely that is the most important thing!

Sorry for "going on" and being boring but there it is!

Cheers

Hello Nichola,

My email is (Email Removed - PM Only) Hope you have got settled now and I look forward to seeing the yacht photos.

Cheers

Dear Nicola,

There is no rush for the photos, given your present circumstances. I know from my own experiences, moving house is a pretty mental time for most people. I am quite happy for you to sort out your move, then get back to me. Priorities and all that!

Cheers

Dear All,

Thank you again, to all the people who have responded to my request for assistance re brushed motors and 2.4 and who have provided an empathic ear. it is good to know there is so much support out there for us "lesser mortals!"

Cheers

Hello nichola,

I would certainly be interested in a look at the boat you have for sale. Please excuse the tardiness of my reply as we have been away for the bank holiday. if you could upload a picture(s) of the boat, that would be fantastic. Thank you for your response.

Cheers

A massive "THANK YOU" to all the boaters who responded to my cry for help with 2.4 and brushed motors. Clearly, you guys know much more than those who I thought, were 'in the know'!!! it is brilliant to be able to seek advice without first having to have the 'proverbial' taken and then to be given the 'wrong' advice!!!

Thanks again.

Cheers

Dear All,

As a stalwart of the dinosaur era, I have always used 27meg but recently I unexpectedly found myself making a purchase of some 2.4gig radio gear. Having read in many publications how good 2.4 is; not having to worry about peg boards, interference and the like, it seemed to be the answer. Glowing with the joy of my new purchase I spoke to 'some chaps' who are far more knowledgeable than I. I was not expecting the stifled sniggers and cries of 'Muppet!!!' As the embarrassment and mickey taking died away I was informed that 2.4gig radio is, it would seem, incompatible with brushed electric motors. Having 2 new ones of this type in my latest marine creation I am somewhat reticent to replace them. Whilst the chaps informed me of my ill-conceived purchase none of them could actually tell me 'why' the 2 were incompatible!!!

I would appreciate any help on this subject, if anyone has the information. So far as I am aware, model aeroplane flyers use this set up, so why the difference??? I have to admit my knowledge of such things, on a scale of 1-10, is hovering around the 1.5 mark. Will 2.4 work with brush-less motors? Is there a way of protecting the radio gear from the interference from the motors? If indeed that is the case.

Please reply in Layman's terms, as it does not take a great deal of technical know-how to flummox me!!!

Cheers

Thanks again Dodgygeezer; now you have jogged my memory, I remember the EezeBilt Kits although I never bought any at the time they were on the go. I shall definately look up the web site.

Cheers

Hello DodgyGeezer, (like your style)

How absolutely brilliant of you to find out all this information for me. The black hulled model shown from the port side is 'exactly' like the one I had. Just to see a picture of the boat is brilliant. For me, there is absolutely no problem with the scan!!! Thank you also for the web site info; I shall definitely pay that a visit.

Thank you again.

Cheers

Many Thanks Mark.

Dear All. . . . .

I have heard tell, there Is a Model Boat Show In Leeds this weekend (8-9 May). I have checked the Web Site Calendar but there Is nothing shown. Does anyone have knowledge of this show and/or Its location?

Cheers

Dear All,

As a child of tender years, way back In the early 1960's, I used to spend hours sailing my model yachts In a pond at "The Lake Grounds", Portishead nr Bristol. I had a number of solid wooden hulled yatchs but my very favourite was an ocean going yacht, made by Scalex and named "Sea Hawk". The yacht was made from plastic, had a black hull and brown upperworks. The cabin roof was painted white and there were 2 crew, both In yellow oilskins and sowesters. One was seated at the helm, the other amidships on the cabin roof. A feature which made this yacht stand out on the pond, was Its bright red suit of sails.

The rudder was moveable and so a very rudamentry heading could be set, which would sometimes, slightly lengthen "the voyage!!!" The sheets could be lengthened/shortened on the jib and main, according to wind speeds on the day.

Scalex was a subsidiary of Tri-ang and they made several different model boats, using clock work, battery and sails for propulsion. In the late 60's or very early 1970's, Scalex turned all their production over to making model racing cars, adopting the name "Scalextric."

Do any of you chaps/ladies know of any photographs of these yachts or do you have any more Information about them? I have trawled the Internet for photos and Information without success. There Is plenty to find about other Scalex boats but nothing on the "Sea Hawk". I have even found vintage toy sites which have other scalex boats for sale but not a Sea Hawk.

The yacht was only between 12" and 16" long but Its shape and detail placed It towards the top end of the, small pond yacht scale. If anyone has any Information It would be greatly appreciated.

Cheers

Hello Rob,
I have looked at the photographs you have posted on line and I am guessing, "I have missed the boat" pardon the pun, on the sale of your Crash Tenders. As Colin J appears to have e-mailed you first, obviously he has to deliberate. However, If by any chance there happens to be one left, It would be greatly appreciated If you would contact me, with a view to a prospective purchase. If you still wish to keep them and attend the Leicester Fireboat Funday then obviously that Is fine and please disregard my enquiry.

Cheers

I asked what had happened to Kitshack Models and a number of you, very kindly, told me they had essentially "gone to the wall." Shame that but I was pointed In the direction of other people who may still be able to supply the kit I want. I would just like to say a huge THANK YOU to those people who answered.

Cheers

To anyone who be able to help!
After Injuries sustained In a road traffic accident my mobility has suffered greatly and as a long lost passtime, I am returning to model boating. As a youngster I purchased the Veron Kit, of the Vosper RAF RTTL. Hopelessly overpowered with an Ic engine It was damaged! Repaired, then damaged again until finally It was converted to electric power and all was well.

A couple of years ago I was online and found the company, Kitshack Models and I saw they had made a couple of sizes of the Vosper RTTL. I was not In a position to buy It then so left It. When I came to look for It recently all I was able to find was a Facebook page which referresd to the company, nothing about sales or current contact details!!!

When I click on the web address of WWW.kitshackmodels.co.uk It just throws me out with a 403 message saying that my attempted contact Is unlawful blah! Blah!

Could any of you boaters please let me know how to get In touch with Kitshack Models OR worst case scenario, let me know what has happeded to them I.e. they have stopped trading!!!

Your help would be very gratefully appreciated.
Thank you.