By a rough and possibly less than accurate calculation, I reckon that this is the 188th vintage and collectors column I have written and photographed for Model Boats magazine. I was minded to aim for a round 200, but after 16.5 years of pumping out 12 and sometimes even 18 columns per annum, my resolve…
I decided in January 2002 to build a model of H.M.S. Victory. I started off by reading the manual and looking at the drawings in the kit I’d purchased to see what was involved in the construction. I then purchased and read a book ‘The Anatomy of Nelson’s Ships’ by C Nepean Longridge which I…
Whilst most steam enthusiasts will be familiar with steam plants in general and associated items such as hand pumps, clack valves, etc., electronically controlled motor driven boiler pumps, although desirable, remain a mystery. The intention of this article is to encourage the building of a simple control unit and also the production of a suitable…
I was looking to find a kit for my next project but could not find a suitable subject. My club runs a tug towing event each year and I always miss out as I do not own a tug. This prompted me to consider a tug kit. I looked at the kits on the market…
Pic 1. The main parts of the superstructure completed with some of the fittings placed in position. Pic 2. A simple and useful method of identifying the structural detail against the drawing. Pic 3. The laptop allows images to be enlarged and highlighted. Pic 4. The digital card viewer is also a useful tool that…
The London Boat Show, Excel Centre, January 2007 It is always worthwhile, if the opportunity presents, to visit shows or events where full-size leisure craft are on display, if only to see how the mega-rich and not so rich live, but also to understand how technology is advancing and why motor yachts and other craft…
Model Motors Direct This business, run by Alistair Graham, specialises in supplying motors for model use. He is a regular stallholder at model exhibitions and his business is primarily mail order. As a result of the building and plan feature for HMS M15 written by Paul, Alistair wrote and sent a couple of his 555…
Engines and radio featured here at Collectors are almost invariably the end result of a long and difficult restoration process. For a change, I thought that readers might like to see a collectable classic (and the E.D. engine featured this time is certainly that), in exactly as found (af is antique trade shorthand for buyer…
During 1942, less than 11 months into WWII, the United States Navy had lost four front line carriers due to enemy engagements. A further two aircraft carriers were damaged, but were repaired at Pearl Harbor and returned to service. These early engagements and losses emphasized that carriers would be the backbone of the war in…
A Hampshire Farmer’s Hidden Collection By ANGELA WALKER At first sight, John Lovell’s farm in the quiet countryside near Petersfield in Hampshire gives no clue to his enthusiasm for collecting model boats. Hidden from public view for 364 days of the year, his impressive collection is opened to the public just one day each May…
