Build blogs
Long-form project journals — follow builds from first cut to maiden voyage.
Builds by LewZ
17 blogs"I'll Be Back" The Wiesel overhaul 2026
by LewZ
Well, I finally decided on my next project: *Overhaul the Schnellboot +Wiesel+*. _I bought this Graupner kit in 1975_ in London while we …
"F" Clamp - spring loaded
by LewZ
I just had a need to clamp some parts together in a tight space and none of my other clamps would work. I came up with the _spring loaded…
Converting a toy semi tractor trailer into a decent RC model Unit
by LewZ
Another RC hobby? I'm already into RC scale model boats (since the early 1970's) and RC armor (since 2015) I am branching out to RC scale…
Jim's Model Boat Launcher / Retriever
by LewZ
Finally tired of using my launcher (PVC pipe and fittings) and had SSMBC member build me a special one. (He has made a bunch of his versi…
"Port Seminole" a SSMBC portable dock system for R/C model boats
by LewZ
Episode: Introduction This is series of episodes will be about the features and updates of the SSMBC (Tampa Bay Area, Florida) Portable D…
Building a Scale Model "Springer" push boat
by LewZ
Many of us have seen or heard of the "Springer" push boat (a.k.a., tug, truckable boat, etc.). Most of them are not scale models but stil…
Modifying a Posable (jointed) Figure to Loo Realistic
by LewZ
I just posted a video on how to modify a Bruder figure to look more realistic on YouTube. This also can apply to other figures that have …
Star Wars Patrol Boat (1/6 scale)
by LewZ
This is a model I built several years ago. Someone gave me an old wood hull which I turned into an experimental boat, and wound up being …
Automatic Bilge Pump for RC Boats
by LewZ
I just finished putting together a circuit, testing it and creating a video for an automatic bilge pump. This circuit can also be used to…
Display Case for Model Boats
by LewZ
I thought you fellow model boaters might be interested in how I built a case for my Wiesel "Schnellboot". It certainly keeps the dust off…
Modular Barge - Model Construction
by LewZ
With the great responses to my recent posting on my "Modular Barge" I would like to share my construction information. The instructions a…
Springer #1 - Making an elevating pilot house
by LewZ
I thought I would put together a video on this title. It follows the concept of making something travel a linear distance with limit stop…
Atlantic "Tug" [sic] Restoration
by LewZ
Hi all... A while back I was given two Atlantic "Tugs" (by separate people). One was in very good condition (but with the old FM radio) w…
Beam Trawler Build (single drag net)
by LewZ
I have been asked by Mike (on this forum) on how I made the fish net for my trawler, so I decided to enter this in a build blog for anyon…
Airbrush Cleaning Solution
by LewZ
I found an excellent and inexpensive airbrush cleaning solution (for acrylic paints). The link is https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I7afdu2…
Mini Bar Clamps for Model Builders
by LewZ
I had a need for several sets of bar clamps with about 6 -6 inches capacity. The only ones I saw were too heavy or expensive so I designe…
Working with ABS - Lengthening a Hull
by LewZ
The Dusseldorf (FLB 2) model fire boat kit was originally produced by Robbe and now sold under the name Krick. The kit is based on the or…