Sturdy toy launch for 9 year old

[Brian MuirParticipant @brianmuir84327]

Plywood hull and superstructure, scaled to take LEGO or Playmobile figures, ports / windows open to allow figures to be placed inside easily. Finished, so far, in matt green, ready for 9 year old grandson to apply the camouflage paint final touches.

Simple lift off cabin

Recycled toy car innards, remote control, battery container and steering server, the motor had a fixed cog that couldn't be adapted so I had to buy a new one! Also invested in shaft and propellor.

I used hard wood to make the tiller arm, server arm and the rudder itself, on a brass rod.

Sea ( pond ) trials proved it well powered, a bit slow on steering response, but tough enough to take a knock or two. The final coat is an exterior primer with a matt finish.

I will also give him a few "taster" paint pots of suitable "camouflage colours" for him to apply the final finish.

I was thinking of gluing some LEGO base plates onto the decks, so that his figures will be secured when they go to sea.

[Brian MuirParticipant @brianmuir84327]

[LARRY WHETTONParticipant @larrywhetton68737]

Brian

Great little boat for a lad , will keep him going for a bit ,

but he will want something better later …. so what "s next..?…..

build a BOBBY………..Larry…..

[ashley needhamParticipant @ashleyneedham69188]

Obviously a LANDING CRAFT. SO the lad can put his lego figures and lego vehicles in. Very easy to build, and just wait for the Saturday thread I will be posting (see my pictures for something like wot I will announce).

Brian, nice to see encouragement of youngsters. LArry, the question is or should be not "something better", but more like "what does he fancy?" as it is the only way to get them hooked, build what they want. Better does not come into it, I think. (personal opinion as usual, feel free to dissagree)

Ashley

[LARRY WHETTONParticipant @larrywhetton68737]

Hello Ashley

I would not dare ,……..

why not give the lad a pile of wood and glue and see what comes up with,

i bet it will be a better build that we knock out……

have you seen my latest build loads of IKEA BLIND used…..….

cheers Larry…….grandad,……………………..

[ashley needhamParticipant @ashleyneedham69188]

Larry. I would not be building “top gear” vehicles if it wasnt for Berengar asking, or flying boats either. I would probably be building ordinary boats now. Ashley

[Brian MuirParticipant @brianmuir84327]

Hi there, I have looked at your models, I think he would love the flying boat, especially the "dazzle" design, and the landing craft. Do you know where I could get some plans?

Brian

[ashley needhamParticipant @ashleyneedham69188]

Brian. The landing craft will be available as a printable PDF file this Saturday, the flying boat I made up…i can make some sketches with details and measurements if you are up for a bit of scratch building….
Ashley

[Brian MuirParticipant @brianmuir84327]

Cheers Ashley, the landing craft info in eagerly awaited, that should keep me busy for a while

Brian

[Brian MuirParticipant @brianmuir84327]

Camouflage painting a great success (?)

[LARRY WHETTONParticipant @larrywhetton68737]

Hi Brian

Neat but not gordey paint job,, well done , but beware of the skipping rope at the rear ,

nothing worse than prop tangle , by the way where is your sailing venue ..?….

now whats next ..?…and can i help cheers Larry..

[Author]

Posts