build a life boat

[Graham Bell 1Participant @grahambell1]

i am interested in building a life boat.

where do you buy them from?

Are they full working models?

any help and web sites/shops would be appreciated

many thanks

Graham

[Graham Bell 1Participant @grahambell1]

[neil hpParticipant @neilhp]

there are quite a number available, in 1;16 scale from model slipway, 1;12 scale from metcalf mouldings and speedline models and hulls/plans from models by design…..depends on what type of lifeboat you fancy.

[Colin MillerParticipant @colinmiller68338]

there is differant manufacturers

I would recomend  model slipway this is because I

have built one of there models (not a lifeboat ) and enjoyed the build

and found it really good. They have bothe the Trent and the Tamar.

 

Speedline models have some big model lifeboats also but they are pretty pricey

I have only seen them at shows they look good but I have not had any dealings

so cannot be more specific of their kits

 

If it was myself I would get the Model Slipway Tamar and fit 2 brushless motors

 

Hope this helps

[Paul Millers 1Participant @paulmillers1]

 Graham, don’t dismiss Speedline on the matter of cost. The quality of the kits is top draw and you can buy them in modules as and when you need them. I chose their 1/12 Severn as a first ever build of a model boat having formally built 1/3 scale traction engines. Hard work yes, challenging yes, do your head in on a regular basis,yes, but as I get ready to take it to a local show as a build in progress then you remember only the good times. Gleaming paint work , miles of brass handrails (painted) and loads of brass etch, yes it’s worth the cost and effort.

 

I took the model built by Terry Small as a standard to aim for as I had no other guide lines, ok I admit it will be a very long time before i could ever hope to match his build quality, if ever, but she looks very good all the same.

 

I also met Phil Locke several times and received a lot of help from him and of course Adrian who designed and produced the kit, and is always at the end of the phone at almost any time of the day to set you straight when things go a little pear shaped.

 

Usual disclaimers

 

Paul

[Colin BishopModerator @colinbishop34627]

You will need to consider the size of your model. The very large scale ones could pose transportation difficulties.

 

Colin

[Paul Millers 1Participant @paulmillers1]

Hi Graham, Colin has raised a very important point, the size of the boat.

 

They are by nature a boat of two halves, The hull and the superstructure and if you planed to transport in two halves then provision to adequately support the superstructure would need to be built in, in the early stage of construction.

 

If you want to have a look at mine with a view to fitting it in your vehicle let me know, I’m in Northamptonshire.

 

Paul.

[Graham Bell 1Participant @grahambell1]

Many thanks for your answers.

I have had a look at a couple of the web sites you have mentioned, and i think i will start with a smaller one, perhaps the Tamar, but i didn’t realise thet their is so much choice.

I also like the look of one of the small tug boats.

 

Again many thanks

Graham

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