Complete Novice needs advice

[Michael ButlerParticipant @michaelbutler33792]

Hi,

I have an RC racing boat, and its cool – but I’d like to build my own. I fancy a tug boat, or a Gun boat, not sure which – I’d like it to be about 2′ long and RC – I have experience of static model building so don’t mind detail work, 

I’d like something powerful, with reverse, and something that doesn’t look like a toy. Budget all told is around £250 but preferably in instalments (i.e. – can buy the hull, then the superstructure, then the motors etc)

Alternatively, can anyone recommend a good intro book to RC Model boat building? I already have “Introducing RC Model Boats” by Vic Smeed – its good – but doesnt really cover build

[Michael ButlerParticipant @michaelbutler33792]

I need a kit to start with

[Colin BishopModerator @colinbishop34627]

Hi Michael,

 

You have a lot of potential options but I certainly agree it would be a good idea to buy a book first. There are several good general books but you could do a lot worse that to get John Cundell’s book which is available from this site: http://www.myhobbystore.com/4569/Book-Radio-Control-in-Model-Boats-(Fourth-Edition)-By-John-Cundell-.html

 

If you want to spread the cost then you are looking at buying a hull and basically scratchbuilding the superstructure and then maybe buying fittings. Obviously the more you buy, the more it will cost.. Have a look through the pages of Model Boats to see what is being advertised and visit the websites. If you would prefer to go down the kit route and your budget will stretch to it then something like Model Slipway’s Wyforce might be a suitable option. You can check out their range and prices here: http://www.modelslipway.com/

 

MyHobbyStore on this site also sells hulls and plans which might suit you.

 

It all comes down to how confident you are and to what extent you are happy to scratchbuild as opposed to buying a kit or a semi kit.. People on here will be happy to give you further suggestions and advice.

 

Colin

 

 

[neil hpParticipant @neilhp]

two models I found very easy to put together and suitable for most people especially as you have had modeling experience are:

 

the tug Active from Mountfleet models,

 

and Lady Laura from Metcalf Mouldings……………but the props need changing on the latter one, as those supplied in the kit are very finely pitched and give little control at all.

 

That was the only fault I could find in total in both models and both, at around the same size (about 20″ ) are great for putting on the back seat of the car.

[Tony HadleyParticipant @tonyhadley]

The Model Slipway Wyeforce which Colin refers was the subject of an in depth review item in Model Boats magazine of December 1996. The review was written by Paul Freshney.

Edited By Tony Hadley on 31/08/2009 10:33:34

[Andy BaileyParticipant @andybailey80218]

http://www.mobilemarinemodels.com ask for brian they do a budget build system whereby you buy the kit in sections as you can afford it he is very helpfull and knowledgable 

[mickParticipant @mick]

hiya micheal

when i started i bought a hull with the plans from  kingston moulding 

this way i could  pick the motors the batterys and fitting s as i went  along

i got some realy good advice from my local boat club members and model 

shop hope this helps  mick

[Colin BishopModerator @colinbishop34627]

Kingston Mouldings hulls and plans are first class and include tugs and gunboats. You can see their range here: http://www.kingstonmouldings.com/home.htm

 

Colin

[Michael ButlerParticipant @michaelbutler33792]

Guys, Thanks ever so much for your responses. As a result, I’ve purchased John Cundell’s book (and it IS excellent) and I’m enthused fully now.

I like Andy Bailey’s suggestion too – mobilemodelmarinemodel’s site looks tempting. Off to explore Kingston Mouldings.

 

Thanks once again everyone for the help and support

 

Cheers

Mick

 

[Andy BaileyParticipant @andybailey80218]

Keep us informed Mick !  theres lots of knowledge on here so dont be afraid to ask , we all had too lol Andy

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