Intro and first RC Boat completion

Intro and first RC Boat completion

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  • #127947
    suzanner
    Participant
      @suzanner

      Hi All,

      I’m a newcomer to the forum, Suzanne, a married, late-50s woman, I work in education, am based in the NW of England, and have just finished my first RC Boat model, a 1/72nd scale Revell HMCS Snowbery RC conversion.

      It’s the basic Revell kit, bought about 20 years ago from a shop in York – wasn’t planned, but a wet day out turned into the chance to buy the kit and the running gear needed to do the RC conversion. I started it, got the RC working, decks fitted and the wheelhouse in place, then it had a fall from the top of a wardrobe and some parts got lost, so it was put aside for many years, until hubby decided he wanted to build wooden scale sailing ships, and after getting him a kit for Xmas, I decided the time was right to resurrect Snowberry…

      Suffice to say, there was more missing than I thought, the hedgehog, the gun baffles, one of the bridge supports, bridge gangways, bridge deck, funnel superstructure and a few other bits and pieces, so time helping my Dad and Brother build their OO gauge model railway came in handy in terms of scratchbuilding things from plasticard, and I enjoyed the challenge.

      She was finished about 8 weeks ago, maiden sea-trials were at New Brighton Model Boating Lake 6 weeks ago, and she visited the very welcoming Bury Model Boating Club this weekend, where she was well received…

      Hubby is now looking or his first RC Boat project, and I am looking at what to make next, I am thinking either a tug or a Clyde Puffer, although I also ancy a Vosper MTB and perhaps in the future a Castle Class Corvette to go with Snowberry…

      Anyhows, pics o the model below, and I have a short video of here here – https://youtu.be/4TlPLa1Bs3c?si=vzJsIzJ_h967JpW0

       

      672284391_4334588643451328_623594126993255177_n

      652151926_10236969636852259_2079094932271177237_nf6b4a5f2-140a-4bed-9967-6c6e258bf6ce c672675288_4334588783451314_6468842147703772295_nf45d9115-98f8-4074-aab6-743bcfe88f18

      #127957
      Richard Simpson
      Moderator
        @richardsimpson88330

        Hi Suzanne and a very warm welcome to the forum.  The Corvette is a lovely job and she handles on the water perfectly.  I’m really impressed in particular with a newcomer taking on the twin challenges of weathering and figures, items that some experienced modellers tend to shy away from.

        The magazine editor would particularly like to make contact with you so could you please send a PM to either myself or to Colin Bishop, or even directly to the magazine editor, Lindsey Amrani, on:

        [email protected]

        We look forward to seeing more of yours and your husbands models.

        #127958
        suzanner
        Participant
          @suzanner

          Hello Richard,

           

          Thanks for the welcome, Snowberry was an enjoyable build, I almost didn’t want to finish her, I was having that much fun… Will send a PM as requested…

          #127959
          Colin Bishop
          Moderator
            @colinbishop34627

            Yes, welcome to the Forum. That is a superb model of Snowberry as Richard says.

            Back in 2016 my Wife and I were touring Nova Scotia and took the opportunity of visiting HMCS Sackville a preserved  Flower class corvette in Halifax. I took a lot of onboard photos of the ship. A very enjoyable visit.

            Colin

            IMG_4083

            #127962
            suzanner
            Participant
              @suzanner

              Thanks Colin, appreciate the kind words on the Snowberry, tbh I was worried I wouldnt be able to scratchbuild the deck and other bits, but after some headscratching and a bit of thought I managed ok – thehardest part was the Hedgehog – which had gone missing, so I thought about what I culd use to make the mortar charges, and hit upon some wooden paint brush ends, which work well enough – as long as you dont look too closely!

              Weathering and detailing was fun, I took a lot of inspiration from other builds and the PE kits that are no longer available, and just made what I could from plasticard, fuse wire and brass rods – the hose reels were tricky, about 4mm with 2 supports and some rolled masking tape 0.8mm wide for the hoses themselves. The lockers near the side depth charge winches, with their triangular supporting brackets, were also fun, but worthwhile. Adding the Above and Beyond Scale Graphics from Canada really added to the model, and weathering is just fun – although it can be difficult to know where to stop…

              The model came with about a dozen figures, 4 types, 3 of each, and I supplemented these woth some excellent scale 3d prints form ebay, painted as best I could…

              There are a few things I would change if I were to build another, and some details I now know are not 100% accurate, but she looks right, and I am very happy with how she looks on the water – and I have had lots of lovely comments from folks seeing her in the flesh…

               

              Oooh, HMCS Sackville is awesome, wish I had the chance to visit her – or that we had a Corvette in the UK, I would love to get a closer up look at one… We visited the excellent Arctic Convoy museum in Aultbea a few years ago, who have some amazing models, hoping to revisit this summer on our holidays…

              #127963
              Colin Bishop
              Moderator
                @colinbishop34627

                Here is a photo of Sackville’s Hedgehog!

                Colin

                IMG_4057

                #127964
                suzanner
                Participant
                  @suzanner

                  Thanks Colin, thats useful… Its a part I may remake at sme point, but tbh it looks ok for now 🙂

                  #127965
                  Tim Cooper
                  Participant
                    @timcooper90034

                    Suzanne

                    Lovely looking model.

                    I built one a few years ago now but didn’t like to risk the weathering. You made a much better job of it than I would have.

                    I still have mine and it is a pleasure to sail. Think mine was based on the original Airfix moulds as the hull came in four parts which was fun to put together.

                    Tim

                     

                     

                     

                    #127966
                    Philip Oxley
                    Participant
                      @inonowt

                      <p style=”text-align: left;”>Hello Suzanne.</p>
                      Congratulations on your model.  It does look right and the weathering detail is spot on imo.

                      I’ve not been on here that long but it’s a great place to ask questions and I’ve had a lot of support, as you will too no doubt.

                      I know how you feel about not wanting to finish.  It almost a bit deflating that there’s nothing left to do, while at the same time exhilarating to see it finished.   There’s also a lot of satisfaction in coming up with idea for making something and working it through to a finished article.

                      Best wishes

                      Philip.   In Essex JSYK.

                       

                      #127967
                      Chris Fellows
                      Participant
                        @chrisfellows72943

                        Like the other members I wish you a warm welcome to the forum.

                        As for your model, just wow! You have made a fantastic job of it and your weathering is very skilful.

                        I can’t see any model being too much of a challenge for you and look forward to your next one.

                        Chris

                        #127970
                        Ray Wood 3
                        Participant
                          @raywood3

                          Hi All,

                          The original kit was produced by Matchbox quite a bold move by them at the time  for such a large model 🙂

                          I think I have built 2 🙂

                          Regards  Ray

                           

                          #127973
                          suzanner
                          Participant
                            @suzanner
                            On Tim Cooper Said:

                            Suzanne

                            Lovely looking model.

                            I built one a few years ago now but didn’t like to risk the weathering. You made a much better job of it than I would have.

                            I still have mine and it is a pleasure to sail. Think mine was based on the original Airfix moulds as the hull came in four parts which was fun to put together.

                            Tim

                             

                             

                             

                            Thanks Tim, yeah, it was the Revell reissue of an old Matchbox kit IIRC, and the 4-part hull was challenging, the mid section bowed slightly on mine, so I had to shim the front deck at the end of the forecastle…

                            Weathering is something I enjoy; this was all done with enamel paints and brushes, a lot of different shades used in succession, and a lot of dry brushing to get the right effects. My Dad started me off with making buildings for his model railway, and it sort of grew from there – I just like creating things…

                            #127980
                            suzanner
                            Participant
                              @suzanner
                              On Philip Oxley Said:

                              <p style=”text-align: left;”>Hello Suzanne.</p>
                              Congratulations on your model.  It does look right and the weathering detail is spot on imo.

                              I’ve not been on here that long but it’s a great place to ask questions and I’ve had a lot of support, as you will too no doubt.

                              I know how you feel about not wanting to finish.  It almost a bit deflating that there’s nothing left to do, while at the same time exhilarating to see it finished.   There’s also a lot of satisfaction in coming up with idea for making something and working it through to a finished article.

                              Best wishes

                              Philip.   In Essex JSYK.

                               

                              Thanks, Philip…

                              Advice is always welcome, and tbh I am still learning the Electronic side of things – Snowberry was purchased with a full set of kit and instructions written by the model shop on how to wire it – things have changed since then!

                              I will definitely be seeking advice on the next build, not sure what it will be, but likely to get a digital transmitter and receiver with more channels, so I can add things like light, sound, smoking effects and perhaps other things too, but we shall see… There is a bring and buy sale at Bury Model Boat Club in a few weeks, so going to go and see if I can pick up something for me and something for hubby, and if not, well then we can choose a kit each and splash out a bit… I really fancy the Mountfleet 1/24th Puffer, been watching Para Handy on Amazon recently…

                              #127983
                              suzanner
                              Participant
                                @suzanner
                                On Chris Fellows Said:

                                Like the other members I wish you a warm welcome to the forum.

                                As for your model, just wow! You have made a fantastic job of it and your weathering is very skilful.

                                I can’t see any model being too much of a challenge for you and look forward to your next one.

                                Chris

                                Thanks, Chris, I appreciate the kind words and sentiments… Thing is ho, having done one I am happy with, have I set myself up for too high expectations!! Lol

                                ATM I think its going to be either a Clyde Puffer, an MTB or a Steam tug that comes next, and huby is looking at either a tug, trawler or an Orca (Jaws), ut we shall see what we find… Paying his car off this month, then off to Scotland next month for summer hols, so probably be July when we get the next kit – by which time the temperature may be a little more bearable in the loft room workshop – and hubby still has a Black Pearl and an Occre Endeavour to start yet…

                                This is the loft Workshop (not that tidy now)

                                471133851_10231230713142753_8505669709643766709_n

                                #127986
                                suzanner
                                Participant
                                  @suzanner
                                  On Ray Wood 3 Said:

                                  Hi All,

                                  The original kit was produced by Matchbox quite a bold move by them at the time  for such a large model 🙂

                                  I think I have built 2 🙂

                                  Regards  Ray

                                   

                                  Yup, Matchbox moulds, sold to Revell… And they did a second Tech version with some PE brass upgrades, and a third version with Brass upgrades and lights… Would love to do one of them, or to get the aftermarket PE kit, but sadly rare nowadays…

                                   

                                  #127989
                                  John W E
                                  Participant
                                    @johnwe

                                    hi there

                                    WELCOME TO THE FORUM – looking at the photographs of your model, this particular image of your Corvette, tells a story for me.  It reminds me of the Cruel Sea (film) when the engineers are repairing a tail shaft gland and the ship is drifting.   Also, it reminds me of a vessel which has done a lot of hard work and it is looking forward to its rest.  Well done, this model is a credit to you.

                                    John

                                    stop

                                     

                                    #127992
                                    suzanner
                                    Participant
                                      @suzanner
                                      On John W E Said:

                                      hi there

                                      WELCOME TO THE FORUM – looking at the photographs of your model, this particular image of your Corvette, tells a story for me.  It reminds me of the Cruel Sea (film) when the engineers are repairing a tail shaft gland and the ship is drifting.   Also, it reminds me of a vessel which has done a lot of hard work and it is looking forward to its rest.  Well done, this model is a credit to you.

                                      John

                                      stop

                                       

                                      Thanks John, appreciate the welcome and kind words…

                                      Cruel Sea is an awesome film, and an even better – more poignant and bleak – book, to have the model evoke memories of such a masterpiece is praise indeed, thank you…

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