The Boys Book of Boats

[Colin BishopModerator @colinbishop34627]

How they built model boats in 1920!

[Colin BishopModerator @colinbishop34627]

While looking for something else I came across this little gem of a book about model boat building which dates back to 1920. You can read it all online. I found it quite fascinating. Some of the basic techniques haven’t changed much and the general constructional methods are those which I learned as a boy in the 1950s. Bob Abell will love it!

Colin

http://www.gutenberg.org/files/29064/29064-h/29064-h.htm

[Bob Abell 2Participant @bobabell2]

Yes, Colin, Bob Abell did enjoy the old world charm of the modelling world of yesteryore!

 

The rubber powered submarine was novel and the battleship with elastic bands hidden from view was interesting.

 

The Flash Steam boats were very complicated, they had a few of these at the Colwyn Bay regatta

 

I liked the serious yachts and the management required to get them across the lakes in a controlled manner

 

Thanks for posting, Colin, it must have taken you some considerable time, scanning all those pages

[Colin BishopModerator @colinbishop34627]

Wasn’t me Bob!

[Bob Abell 2Participant @bobabell2]

Here`s a few of my old books…….Lt Col Bowden`s book is about 1940

 

Bread and butter construction was the order of the day!…….Bob

[ashley needhamParticipant @ashleyneedham69188]

Colin.

 

Great book.  Its hard work though, those old old boats.

 

 Not the building of course, but the running around after them !  Especially if you build something that goes at a fair pace.

 

If we had a pond of the the traditional access all round variety, preferably round, then  I would indeed build more uncontrolled craft, in a vintage style.Great fun but probably difficult to get it looking right unless you forswore modern fillers and sealers etc etc, and used “satin” or even matte finishes to get that “old” look..?

 

I have never tried bread and butter construction….must be hard work as well….Hobbies magazines were full of BnB boats, all made with just a fretsaw and your trusty penknife.

 

Fellows knew how to have a jolly spiffing good time in those days!!   what

 

Ashley   (Has one rubber band boat too many, actually 2..)

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