Building a canal boat

[Michael milneParticipant @michaelmilne49620]

[Michael milneParticipant @michaelmilne49620]

hi looking for recommendations for an easy to use build but decent size canal boat. Thank you. Mike

[David Marks 2Participant @davidmarks2]

In the August edition of MB (due out 15 July) there is to be an article on "a simple to build Canal Boat". The plan for the boat called Invictus of Allington is apparently already available from My Hobby Store. Alternatively there are kits available – see Riverside Models. The building of one of these kits was featured in MB magazine and the article is available on the Riverside website.

[Bob Abell 2Participant @bobabell2]

Just passing by…….

Why don't canal boats have Bow Thrusters?

They must be crying out for one!

Would be a nice feature to play with

Bob

[Dave MilbournParticipant @davemilbourn48782]

Weed?

[Malcolm FraryParticipant @malcolmfrary95515]

I suspect that bow thrusters were science fiction when powered canal boats were developed, and not really needed because the bank was nearby and a line with somebody on the other end would do the job. Added to which, extra machinery would impinge on cargo space.

Some new canal boats do have a thruster on each corner to make single handed operation easier, providing both drive and maneuvering.

[Ray Wood 3Participant @raywood3]

Hi Mike

Thanks for the info I wondered when my narrow boat design was being published

Regards Ray

[Michael milneParticipant @michaelmilne49620]

Hi we'll glad it's appearing soon. I will have a look at invictus thanks all

[Gareth JonesParticipant @garethjones79649]

Michael,

Deans Marine do a fibreglass narrowboat hull, about 1100 mm long which is effectively 1:12 scale. There are lots of dolls house accessories available at that scale if you decide to design your own layout. I built a model using this hull about 5 years ago and there was an article covering the model published in Model Boats magazine in August 2012. There is a link to some photographs of it here **LINK** and a picture of the model below.

The model was fitted with a bow thruster which was quite effective but since the model was quite manoeuvrable anyway it was not really needed. It had the disadvantage of making a very loud high pitched whine every time it was used which was quite out of character and drowned out the gentle put-put of the Action Electronics sound unit.

Am I forgiven yet Dave?

Gareth

[David Marks 2Participant @davidmarks2]

Ray – Invictus looks a very interesting project and a well built model. One of my current projects is a 1:16 scale narrowboat tug i.e. depicting a narrowboat which gained a second life being used for canal maintenance purposes. These were typically shortened by cutting into three sections and then re-joining the bow and stern. I used a set of original boatbuilders drawings which are available for purchase. Model is of all ply construction. I thought the construction of the bow would be a problem but it has turned out very well.

[Michael milneParticipant @michaelmilne49620]

Ohh that's nice got a dilemma now

[Ray Wood 3Participant @raywood3]

Hi Mike

Much more rewarding to scratch build the complete model I think, Invictus is cheap to build all ply construction to copy the correct bow & stern swim shapes is a challenge.

Regards Ray

[Martin Field 1Participant @martinfield1]

The bow and stern shapes are no more difficult than a modern steel boat would require, being made from flat steel sheet. On an old wooden boat the planks are an essential part of the lovely shape and have to be copied on a model.

Anyone who knows how to steer a narrowboat needs no bow thruster. I never hit anyone I didn't want to in our 1937 wooden full length historic boat.

The front well is way too high on that boat above!

Martin

[Kevin BranchParticipant @kevinbranch12946]

Have you looked at Orion Mouldings ? They have 2 sizes.

**LINK**

[Michael milneParticipant @michaelmilne49620]

Hi ordered the plans for the invictus in the end .. If I feel confident I may start a build log

[Michael milneParticipant @michaelmilne49620]

Seems my plans have gone missing awaiting an email from customer services

[Michael milneParticipant @michaelmilne49620]

Disappointed I can't speak to a person plans dispatched last Monday. Email to customer services sent Monday messages left on voice mail and still no reply anyone have an idea on what number to ring to speak to a person?

[david taylorParticipant @davidtaylor]

this is the number I have to contact my hobby stores 0844 848 8822

david

[Michael milneParticipant @michaelmilne49620]

Still awaiting getting no where with this. When they say posted 3 weeks ago and nothing turns up who is liable.

[Ray Wood 3Participant @raywood3]

Hi Micheal

Have they taken payment on a card ? could you stop the cheque or its too late ?

Regards Ray

[Beth Ashby MyTimeMediaParticipant @bethashbymytimemedia]

Hi all,

I'm sorry to hear that your plans have gone missing. I monitor the customer services emails everyday, but perhaps yours slipped through the net and for that, I do apologise.

My direct email is [email protected], if you email me there, I can pick it up straight away.

The 0844 number above is unfortunately not in operation anymore. Since around November last year we have been an online only site. I'll look into your order now Michael and PM you on here so that you definitely receive it.

Again, apologies for the delay and any inconvenience caused.

Kind regards

Beth

[Michael milneParticipant @michaelmilne49620]

Thank you ray I paid by debit

I have emailed Beth .

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