Members Harbour
0 Photos
5 Likes
Chris Craft Corvette
I rescued this badly damaged fuel soaked rotten wreck from the skip at the start of lockdown...and I am still working on it......now and again!
Every time I try to upload any pictures of my Corvette I get the message "invalid file".............but I will keep trying!
zooma
1 year ago
0 Attributes
3 Photos
6 Likes
Thunder Tiger AVANTI
This ARTR model has kept me โactiveโ at the lake when my restoration and rebuild projects have not been ready for me to sail.
I bought my orange coloured AVANTI (new) not long before lockdown and I was fortunate enough to pick up a nice used blue one very recently.
Spare parts donโt exist for these super little models so I am always looking for any discarded AVANTI models or spares to cannibalise so I can keep at least one of them running for as long as possible!
I added a couple of extra stickers to them to brighten them up a little and to identify them from other AVANTI models that are running locally.
zooma
2 years ago
0 Attributes
3 Photos
6 Likes
LesRo Javelin p
This is an ex eBay purchase that I have restored to the level shown here.
It is a bit โredโ at the moment, but I was hoping to find someone who can laser cut some white lettering to run down the hull sides, the name on the transom and possibly a racing number on the deck to make it look a bit more like an off-shore racer.
zooma
2 years ago
0 Attributes
9 Photos
20 Likes
Aerokits Patrol Launch
When we got married and moved to live in Exmouth in 1971, our first โwinter lettingโ was just a few yards away from Exmouth Models!
I bought this new kit then, but moved house several times since then and have still not finished it
zooma
2 years ago
0 Attributes
11 Photos
8 Likes
TID Tug
My first scratch built model was a TID Tug.
I made the main superstructure from plastic card grafted onto a second-hand glass fibre hull that I had bought previously.
zooma
2 years ago
0 Attributes
5 Photos
5 Likes
Vic Smeed REMORA
I built my first REMORA from the free plans that came with my December 1964 Model Maker magazine.
That first model was given away over 20 years later in 1985 when we moved up to Lancashire from Devon.
At the same time I also gave away another Vic Smeed design that I built from plan - โSuzie Qโ.
The model shown here is the second Remora that I built more than 45 years later during the Covid lock-down !
I have yet to build another Suzie Q - but I do still have the original plans........so hopefully that will follow along later.
zooma
2 years ago
0 Attributes
2 Photos
8 Likes
Sea Commander from a pair of old cabin sides
A friend sent me some plywood shapes that he hoped were from a LesRo Stiletto so that I could work out what else was needed to make two sets of parts for us to build a new Stiletto each.
The delaminated cabin sides he included looked "familiar" (definitely not from a Stiletto!), so I cut some more wood and I am making them into a complete Sea Commander "look alike" !
zooma
2 years ago
0 Attributes
2 Photos
18 Likes
LESRO Rapier
Here is my Lesro Rapier that was built in the 1960's by its original owner and was recovered (by myself) from a skip at the start of the Covid lock-down and restored.
zooma
2 years ago
0 Attributes
Members Blogs
3 Posts
1 Follower
13 Likes
How many model boats are symmetrical.
Having built, restored, and bought quite a few old model boat kits over the years, I have always been surprised to find how non-symmetrical the bulkhead shapes are when checked.
Most of these old kits are โsaw cutโ and so some variation has to be expected - and I suspect that very few of us actually check the symmetry of the bulkheads before gluing them to the keel before assembling our latest projects?
zooma
2 years ago
2 Posts
7 Followers
15 Likes
LesRo Rapier.
When the first lock-down came along I dug out a couple of old wrecks that had been thrown away and had been saved from a skip some years previously, and this looked like a good time to see if they could be rescued. The first was a badly built and abandoned LesRo Rapier (shown here after the rebuild as my photos showing the full rebuilding sequence will not load).
The LiPo tray carries two large 2C 5600Mah LiPo cells, but only one is connected up at a time - the unused LiPo acts as ballast to keep the hull running straight, but makes for a nice quick change when the first one runs down
Any basic tools that I may need when I am "pond side" to change a prop or brushless motor are carried on small magnets in the rear compartment to save me forgetting to take them with me and this has proven to be very helpful!
zooma
2 years ago
Recent Posts
๐ฌ Re: The VMW Marlin Cabin Cruiser by Robbob
12 days ago by
๐ฌ๐ง zooma (

Lieutenant)
Flag
I have an original Veron Marlin that has been on a shelf in my workshop for a few years now - looking good - but not getting wet.
The Marlin was a classic model power boat from the era that I recall when I was younger and just getting started with r/c model boats and I am pleased to have it in my classic model power boat fleet.
Maybe this year I will find the time to fit a new brushless motor and radio gear and put it back onto the water, but I lost my model boating mojo a little over the last year of so and have not run any of my boats as often as used to.
Hopefully this year will see me revert back to type and get my Marlin on the water and in regular use on our Southport Club water.....and maybe even a visit to my even more local club in Bury too.........
▲
โฉโฉ
No likes yet
This member will receive 1 point
for every like received
๐ Location of Barry Model Boat Club
1 month ago by
๐ฌ๐ง zooma (

Lieutenant)
Flag
Thanks for identifying where the Barry Model Boat Club actually is - it looks like a great location !
The Marine Lake in Cold Knap Gardens, Barry.
▲
โฉโฉ
No likes yet
This member will receive 1 point
for every like received
๐ Riษble club show..
1 month ago by
๐ฌ๐ง zooma (

Lieutenant)
Flag
The 1/16 scale landing craft looks very good - as do the trucks on the bridge - were they radio controlled as well?
▲
โฉโฉ
No likes yet
This member will receive 1 point
for every like received
๐ Flight Link Control Launch Link 2 channel radio control set
2 months ago by
๐ฌ๐ง zooma (

Lieutenant)
Flag
That brings back some memories!
The Launch Link was the first radio control outfit that I ever had, and I bought it brand new with cash saved from my first job as an apprentice.
My apprentice wage was only 7 pounds 17 shillings and 6 pence a week and the Launch Link was a very expensive purchase that took weeks to save up for (and a loan from Mum so I could get it sooner!).
It was a two channel radio designed for use in model boats from Flight Link Control. I was impressed that anyone would make a dedicated radio system for r/c model boats and was part of the reason why I bought it
........the other reason was that it was in the window of one of the two model shops we had in Bath at that time - Cyril Howes (that was better known as a camera shop). The other model shop was The Modellers Den - but they didn't stock Flight Link or Launch Link.
I fitted the radio in the first ever model boat that I build from an Aerokits Swordsman and used if for a year or so, but the radio was quickly outclassed by a series of radios from Japan including the new OS Cougar and the Futaba 4 channel outfit.
Both cost less than my Flight Link and both were much better (sadly!).
▲
โฉโฉ
No likes yet
This member will receive 1 point
for every like received
๐ฌ Re: SHG Shadow
2 months ago by
๐ฌ๐ง zooma (

Lieutenant)
Flag
My SHG Shadow run very well with an OS 21 Marine engine fitted, and at that time my Aerokits Swordsman started running with an OS 40 Marine engine but was later "upgraded"(?) to a Merco 61 Twin Plug engine.
Both would now have problems finding a place to run them with their ic engines........sadly.
▲
โฉโฉ
No likes yet
This member will receive 1 point
for every like received
๐ฌ Re: SHG Shadow
2 months ago by
๐ฌ๐ง zooma (

Lieutenant)
Flag
I also had an SHG Shadow kit when they first came out and I thought it was very "futuristic looking" when compared to my Aerokits Swordsman that I was running at the time.
Mine was also moulded in orange GRP - I think it was the only colour at the time, but I seem to remember seeing one moulded in white GRP some years later?
▲
โฉโฉ
No likes yet
This member will receive 1 point
for every like received
๐ฌ Re: SHG Shadow
2 months ago by
๐ฌ๐ง zooma (

Lieutenant)
Flag
When I was a small boy I used to spend some time with my relatives who lived at 165 Noel Road in Acton. Your comments have brought back fond memories of the area for me.
Much appreciated.
▲
โฉโฉ
No likes yet
This member will receive 1 point
for every like received
๐ฌ Re: Planet
3 months ago by
๐ฌ๐ง zooma (

Lieutenant)
Flag
We have not been to West Shore for many years - but when we went last time we were lucky to see a gentleman drive up towing a trailer with two very large boats on it!
One was a pleasure steamer and the other was an aircraft carrier.
Both were very large and nicely made........and he sailed them both before getting them back onto his trailer and driving away again.
▲
โฉโฉ
No likes yet
This member will receive 1 point
for every like received
๐ฌ Re: currently "ENDEAVOUR", but under Refurb
3 months ago by
๐ฌ๐ง zooma (

Lieutenant)
Flag
When we first moved to Exmouth I started an Aerokits kit of a Fast Patrol Launch in 1971.
Several house moves and three sons later, I have still not finished it! โน๏ธ
▲
โฉโฉ
No likes yet
This member will receive 1 point
for every like received
๐ฌ Re: Model engineers lathe
3 months ago by
๐ฌ๐ง zooma (

Lieutenant)
Flag
You can't beat a Myford lathe for use in a home workshop (in my opinion), and you have certainly made good use of yours.
Nice work - well done ๐
▲
โฉโฉ
No likes yet
This member will receive 1 point
for every like received
๐ Bob's Boards
4 months ago by
๐ฌ๐ง zooma (

Lieutenant)
Flag
Bobs Boards - Tamiya used the same wiper-board principle for many years for the type of speed controller they included in all their 1/10 scale radio control cars kits.
They did work quite well in these very popular models, and the printed boards themselves were seldom the first part that failed!
Tamiya later offered their own brand electronic speed controller (ESC) as a "hop-up" part that could be bought separately to replace the standard kit supplied wiper board system.
It wasn't that long ago that Tamiya finally stopped including these wiper-board speed controllers and replaced them with an ESC in their kits as the standard part.
▲
โฉโฉ
No likes yet
This member will receive 1 point
for every like received
๐ฌ Re: Glen-L Marine 28' "Gung Ho"
4 months ago by
๐ฌ๐ง zooma (

Lieutenant)
Flag
That is a nice looking powerboat - at first glance the cabin has some lines that look a little like those of a Fairly Marine design - very nice!๐
▲
โฉโฉ
No likes yet
This member will receive 1 point
for every like received
๐ Prop shaft lubricant
4 months ago by
๐ฌ๐ง zooma (

Lieutenant)
Flag
If you happen to use modelboatbits as a supplier for your prop shafts he can also make a new bearing for you to fit the tube that is already in your boat. Other suppliers may also offer this service ?
Alternatively, you could get a replacement bearing custom made locally if you know anyone that owns a small lathe.
A model engineer would find this a simple job and may well have some phosphor bronze bar stock to turn it from.
▲
โฉโฉ
No likes yet
This member will receive 1 point
for every like received
๐ Prop shaft lubricant
4 months ago by
๐ฌ๐ง zooma (

Lieutenant)
Flag
Drilling out the old worn bush and pushing in a new replacement is by far the best bet and will save you having to remove and replace the prop shaft - as well as stopping any "oil slick" pollution in your local sailing waters.
▲
โฉโฉ
No likes yet
This member will receive 1 point
for every like received
๐ Christmas lunch
4 months ago by
๐ฌ๐ง zooma (

Lieutenant)
Flag
That was a nice festive touch Doogle ๐คฃ
▲
โฉโฉ
No likes yet
This member will receive 1 point
for every like received
๐ Merry Christmas Everyone!
4 months ago by
๐ฌ๐ง zooma (

Lieutenant)
Flag
Merry Christmas - lets smash it ๐
▲
โฉโฉ
No likes yet
This member will receive 1 point
for every like received
๐ Merry Christmas!
4 months ago by
๐ฌ๐ง zooma (

Lieutenant)
Flag
Nope - he's got a tank
▲
โฉโฉ
No likes yet
This member will receive 1 point
for every like received
๐ MYFORD ML10
4 months ago by
๐ฌ๐ง zooma (

Lieutenant)
Flag
Another major advantage or running any Myford lathe is that most of the tooling can be used on any of the ML7, Super7 and ML10 models, and these can be easily found both new and used.
Only the "throw" needs to be checked when buying things such as chucks and faceplates to fit the smaller ML10 to make sure that they are not too big to clear the lathe bed.
▲
โฉโฉ
No likes yet
This member will receive 1 point
for every like received
๐ฌ Re: Superglue!!
4 months ago by
๐ฌ๐ง zooma (

Lieutenant)
Flag
Some build-up of dried super-glue around the nozzle is to be expected with extended use, but any spilling (or dripping) of any excess amounts around the screw threads should be wiped-off with a kitchen towel before putting the cap back on to make it easier to get the top off next time the glue is needed.
I also use a pin or suitable size nail etc to fit the hole size in the nozzle underneath the cap to help make an air-tight seal.
Most super-glue bottles are made of a plastic that does not bond that well to its contents and I use a modelling knife to slice away any dried coating before I start using it on my next job. It usually comes away in shards and so it is not difficult to remove.
Only using one bottle at a time also helps and makes it easy to stay on top of the bottle cleaning. ๐
▲
โฉโฉ
No likes yet
This member will receive 1 point
for every like received
๐ฌ Re: Landing Craft
5 months ago by
๐ฌ๐ง zooma (

Lieutenant)
Flag
I have often thought that I should research tank landing craft designs to see if I can combine my interest with 1/16 scale r/c model tanks
▲
โฉโฉ
No likes yet
This member will receive 1 point
for every like received
๐ TAIG (Peatol) Micro Lathe
5 months ago by
๐ฌ๐ง zooma (

Lieutenant)
Flag
"The Taig Lathe" book is a highly recommended reference for anyone that owns (or is even thinking about owning) a Taig or Peatol desktop lathe.
Writen by Tony Jeffree, the book explains how to get the maximum use out of the lathe and includes several design projects that can be made to fit or improve and modify the lathe....including making your own power feed for screw cutting etc.
▲
โฉโฉ
No likes yet
This member will receive 1 point
for every like received
๐ฌ Re: JIF 65 (RG65)
5 months ago by
๐ฌ๐ง zooma (

Lieutenant)
Flag
That's interesting Nick,
The Dragon Force 65 has been on my "to buy" list for some time now and I hadn't considered anything else (apart from the bigger size Dragon Flight 95).
If it makes the Dragon Force 65 feel like it is "sailing in treacle" (by comparison) maybe I should take a look at this design instead?
Please let me know what the yacht is called (Jif 65?) and advise if I would need to build it from plans or if it is available as a kit.
Many thanks,
Bob.
▲
โฉโฉ
No likes yet
This member will receive 1 point
for every like received
๐ High Impact Styrene
5 months ago by
๐ฌ๐ง zooma (

Lieutenant)
Flag
I have a new Club 500 boat kit ready to build and have the same questions about what would be the best adhesive to use to glue it together with.
As far as I know the Club 500 kit is also moulded in High Impact Styrene (?)
There are a lot of Club 500 boats in use and so I have been given a lot of different options to consider from owners who prefer one type of adhesive against the another.
A strong liquid poly would appear to be the most universally used option, but whatever type of glue is used it is important to check it on a scrap piece of the actual plastic used to make sure that it does not attack the plastic in a detrimental way.
▲
โฉโฉ
No likes yet
This member will receive 1 point
for every like received
๐ฌ Re: Kathryn - a Thames Bawley - 13
5 months ago by
๐ฌ๐ง zooma (

Lieutenant)
Flag
Sadly it also becomes harder for me to keep large sized model power boats than it did when I was younger - not only to transport and carry them to the lake - but also to move them around inside the workshop (shed).
I recently passed-on my part restored Chris Craft Corvette to a friend as I just couldn't manage lifting and moving it around in my workshop (shed) any longer.
My LesRo Rapier is probably the biggest model that I can comfortably live with, although I still have a Sea Queen that is quite a bulky model - but it is not a heavy model - so I am keeping it for as long as I am able to handle it.
▲
โฉโฉ
No likes yet
This member will receive 1 point
for every like received
๐ TAIG (Peatol) Micro Lathe
5 months ago by
๐ฌ๐ง zooma (

Lieutenant)
Flag
I don't have a "proper" cover for my TAIG Micro Lathe, but is is important to keep the lathe bed covered and dust free when not in use, so I have used a couple of cheap tea towels to do the job over the last 25 years or so (not always the same ones!).
These simple "covers" have worked well and kept the lathe bed nice and clean for over a quarter of a century!
Two standard size tea towels are just the right size to cover the TAIG (Peatol) lathe with its motor etc
▲
โฉโฉ
No likes yet
This member will receive 1 point
for every like received
๐ MYFORD ML10
5 months ago by
๐ฌ๐ง zooma (

Lieutenant)
Flag
One of the small inconveniences of running a Myford ML10 (or a Myford ML7) is that the tailstock is not "self-ejecting" .
This means that the end of the taper that is inserted in the tailstock needs to be "knocked-out" with something inserted into the hollow tailstock shaft.
A little tool shaped like the ones that I have can be easily made on the lathe and only need a light (hand held) tap to loosen what ever tool is held in the tailstock at the time.
This tool is convenient to use and protects the tailstock from having "unsuitable" items being pushed into the tailstock, and the large turned handle never needs anything other than a hand held "tap" to loosen the taper grip. ๐
This idea can be used on any make of lathe that does not have a self-ejecting tailstock, and the size can be adjusted to suite the tailstock of the lathe being used.
▲
โฉโฉ
No likes yet
This member will receive 1 point
for every like received
๐ฌ Re: Vosper ASRL
5 months ago by
๐ฌ๐ง zooma (

Lieutenant)
Flag
I have a new plastic boat kit to assemble, so I will find the answers to your original questions quite helpful too.
▲
โฉโฉ
No likes yet
This member will receive 1 point
for every like received
๐ TAIG (Peatol) Micro Lathe
5 months ago by
๐ฌ๐ง zooma (

Lieutenant)
Flag
The smallest and least expensive mod that I made and fitted to my TAIG was an extended tailstock lever.
As supplied, the operating lever is a small flat metal arm that works very well - but by extending it, it gives a more sensitive "feel" that I find helpful when drilling with small size drill bits.
Adding a round knob on the end to the extension also adds to the "feel" when using it.
▲
โฉโฉ
No likes yet
This member will receive 1 point
for every like received
๐ TAIG (Peatol) Micro Lathe
5 months ago by
๐ฌ๐ง zooma (

Lieutenant)
Flag
Does anyone remember the Model Engineers Workshop magazine?
It used to be a brilliant source of ideas to help equip your own workshop - no matter how modest it might be - and they also carried a lot of advertisements for kit that I would never have seen or been aware of it I had not seen it in MEW.
One of the things that caught my eye was a very small variable speed control system that I could make fit onto my TAIG Micro Lathe.
The motor itself was the same size as the standard motor that Peatol were suggesting and selling with their TAIG lathes, but the digital control system that went with it was a very small and neat unit - so one was added to my lathe and the wooden enclosure was modified to accommodate it.
The lathe runs silently and very smoothly with this ESC (electronic speed control) fitted making it a joy to use.
▲
โฉโฉ
No likes yet
This member will receive 1 point
for every like received
๐ TAIG (Peatol) Micro Lathe
5 months ago by
๐ฌ๐ง zooma (

Lieutenant)
Flag
I always liked to use a quick change tool post on my Myford lathes, and one day when looking on an American site that sold TAIG lathes and spare parts, I noticed a link to the A2Z CNC site - and they had a quick release tool post to fit my TAIG lathe.
After counting some pennies, a A2Z CNC tool post was bought along with some spare tool holders and it has transformed my TAIG (Peatol) lathe for me making easy and quick tool changes possible.
▲
โฉโฉ
No likes yet
This member will receive 1 point
for every like received