new starter, leicester

[ian mcloughlinParticipant @ianmcloughlin53178]

hi chaps, i'm new to model boats and after buying 2 in the last month i think i need a little help and advise on various matters but i'll ask about that later, first here's my 2 boats=

first is a 38inch blue and white cabin cruiser running on a 6v set up, the fella who runs the local model shop says its hand built using mahogony and probably built from plans in a magazine in the 1960's, its all very solid and goes great in the water

second is a 5ft long steam ship which has now been converted to battery power running on 12v, this to is also hand built with mahogony but not sure when it was built but it looks old, i put it in the water a few days ago and found a few problems

i will add photo's when i find out how to do it on this forum

[ian mcloughlinParticipant @ianmcloughlin53178]

[Bob Abell 2Participant @bobabell2]

Welcome to the forum, Ian

You will soon get the hang of posting pictures on the forum

Make your pictures, 1000 pixels wide and in the JPG format

Create an album and feel your way around from there

There is a FAQ section if you need specific help

Bob

[ian mcloughlinParticipant @ianmcloughlin53178]

Edited By ian mcloughlin on 11/12/2012 20:27:53

[ian mcloughlinParticipant @ianmcloughlin53178]

[ian mcloughlinParticipant @ianmcloughlin53178]

thats the 2 boats i have now i've worked out how post photo's, i know very little about the 5ft steamer so any info would be great, more photo's of it can be seen on my profile. i have the old steam engine and water tank/boiler plus all the fittings so not sure wether to keep it battery powered or go back to original

[Malcolm FraryParticipant @malcolmfrary95515]

The steam plant, boiler in particular, should really have a current certificate. You might need to speak to a club afilliated to one of the regional model engineering societies. Boiling water under pressure is not friendly. Properly set up and used, live steam is wonderful stuff, but can be dangerous to the unwary.

[LARRY WHETTONParticipant @larrywhetton68737]

Hello Ian,

And welcome , two nice boats to start with , stick with electric power for now,

steam plant requires boiler test, and safty test , before using, post a picture of plant,

there are some some info on site …..are going to have go at building a model ,?….

for that little sailor, or sticking with ready go road……….cheers Larry…..

[ian mcloughlinParticipant @ianmcloughlin53178]

[ian mcloughlinParticipant @ianmcloughlin53178]

thats the old steam power plant, more photo's in my profile,

i was told by the chap who sold me the model that this steam engine was hand built and not "off the shelf" its very well made and still turns over freely but if a safety cert is needed then its probably easier to stick with battery power

i would like to build my own one day if i can find plans for the ferry i worked on

[LARRY WHETTONParticipant @larrywhetton68737]

Ian Hello,

that looks like a big steam plant …….so the model was built round the plant…..Larry…

[ashley needhamParticipant @ashleyneedham69188]

I like the picture of the little lad. At that age they are so pleased to be helping Dad; they like to carry things and at the pond they find such great pleasure in looking at the models they have helped to carry, their little smiles beam out. They like to believe they are controlling the boat when in fact you are twiddling the sticks and they are just being told that they are controlling it. Such simple pleasures.

Where does it all go wrong?

Love the passenger steamer. What a model-of-its-time, you could not build the same today, it would just not be quite right. Electric the way to go, get a foggy "steam" generator and sound unit, no one will know the difference.

I am aware of at least two people on the pond who have steam powered boats, but have yet to see them out. I have a rubber band craft, surely the easiest of things to use and I hardly ever use it. Any sensible offer, it is yours (see album).

Ashley

[ian mcloughlinParticipant @ianmcloughlin53178]

yes trying to get my son into a hobby that doesnt involve sitting on a games console for 12 hours a day like some kids ashley, thought i'd get him doing something practical from an early age

the steamer has only been in the water once so far since i bought it and got lots of attention.

had trouble though as it keeps going off to one side, got the trim sorted with the rudder dead straight but keeps going of course

some nice vessels in your album but which one is the rubber band craft ?

[LARRY WHETTONParticipant @larrywhetton68737]

Hi Ian,

adjust the stearing arm on rudder servo, to solve turn problem , also check trim

that is sitting tidy on the water you may have to adjust ballest ,

hope this helps………Larry…

[ashley needhamParticipant @ashleyneedham69188]

This is it ! 4 feet long, 20m (I thinkl) of 1/4 inch rubber strip. 50mm 5 blade brass prop

Ashley

[ian mcloughlinParticipant @ianmcloughlin53178]

looks like a nice and unique model ashley but i'd much prefer the fantome, i think my next vessel will be my own build though, i'd love a replica of the dover-calais ro ro ferry i worked on but looking through old post's on this and the other forum building model ferries that stay upright in the water aint easy.

where does a man like me start ? i've never built a model boat before and there are no kits or plans for the one i want to build. dozons of photo's available on the net but thats all

[ashley needhamParticipant @ashleyneedham69188]

Ian.A lack of plans is really no obstacle. However, you need to have built SOMETHING first to get the hang of it.

I can think of nothing finer that a free-plan Glynn Guest boat of some description, and doing this in conjunction with the associated MB issue.

This will teach you the basics, and also build up a bit of experience..as experience is whats needed .You will see how all the bits fit together and work, get a feel for the radio stuff, see what is required for a good paint job etc etc.

AND THEN you can do things like this, built totally without plans. Not to everyones taste and nothing special in the way of quality, but shows what can be done without using a set of plans; or you could modfy some other (Glynn Guest) plans to enable you to build the boat you really want.

Build one first and then see. Ashley

[LARRY WHETTONParticipant @larrywhetton68737]

Hello Ian,

Very wise words from Ashley, decide where you want to start choose a model with beginners

build , as mentioned Glynn Guest. as some easy plans as book on the easy models,

i have built several of is models for the grandkids, also there some plans on line for beginners ,

you can join a local club for help…………and the model magazines are a great source

as for cross chanel ferry as starter build is a big chalenge for a beginner,

so start easy and gain experince ,…..and learn from others there is loads of help at hand on here and other model web sites,.. it at the moment this is the best…….hope this helps…Larry…

Here is nice ferry Glynn Guest plan easy build and a nice steady model

Here is another…

Another nice build

[Author]

Posts