Scratch built 1/48 scale Mersey ferry Snowdrop in current use on the Mersey (ex Woodchurch)
Model interiors fitted out with tables chairs people etc and 72 leds light to Illuminate the interior saloons.
Just completed and maiden voyage on Hoylake Lake on the Wirral.
2.4Ghz radio and a bilge pump just in case. Sails a treat with 100 passengers. Extensive use of plasticard on superstructure. Fibreglass hull from own mould.
See sailing location at www.hoylakemodelboatclub.co.uk
Our club can supply the hull if you want to have a go at building one.

My latest scratch build a junk cedar plank on frame /draft film mast cranked controlled,
crew ex footballers , wearing masking tape clothes , false keel fitted when sailed ,
cheers Larry..

J. R. MORE - LAST OF THE LARGEST STEAM TUGS BUILT ON THE CLYDE. The best looking tugs ever built!

This model is scratch build at 1:48 scale of the SAR&H Durban tug J. R. More, which was the last large steam tug built on the Clyde in 1962.
It took over 2 years to complete this model, which was my first scratch build from the modified plans of a sister tug called the F.C Sturrock, which was also stationed at Durban as the shift tug for that harbour. Other tugs of the class were also stationed at Port Elizabeth and Cape Town.

The J. R. More was the newer day tug in Durban, most often used to service the Union Castle ships and others in, out of Durban and remembered by so many visitors to South Africa of that time.

This model tug on the water has differential motor control, software linked with the rudder, can go about on the spot and a delight to sail as a model, capable of 6 or more hours on the water. Working Rotating Radar, lights and woop-woop sounder as per the original tug. I would also like to install the Telegraph bells, however these would drive fellow modellers to distraction, as they were a very distinctive sound and very regular, Implanted and well remembered by the crews and those in and around the harbour, even today. The engines on the other hand were almost quiet and by all accounts very reliable.

This model is ballasted mainly by two 7 Ah 12 Volt SLA Batteries for the main drive motors and a 2 Ah 12 Volt SLA (Aft ballast) for the Lights, Radar and Sound unit. All up weight is 14Kgs and capable of above scale speed from the two MFA 6:1 ratio Geared Motors driving two 4 bladed 70mm screws.

This model has onboard charge regulator circuit, built-in minature dual volt meter to allow quick on-board voltage inspection and single plug-in charge and regulator socket for charging all 3 Batteries together.

The actual full size J. R. More tug still survives and can be visited at the Durban Maritime Museum in Durban, South Africa. Local supporters are undergoing essential repairs, restoration and preservation with private and company financial support.

J R More is the only surviving large steam tug left of this class and as Important to the skills of the Scottish shipbuilders of the Clyde.

Well, it took 24 years of "on again-off again" building but now its finished. I started the model the day we put the CAMPBELL in commission(I'm a plankowner) in 1988.The model measures 6 feet in length and is scaled at 1:48. The entire model is scratchbuilt from wood (hull, superstructure, deck) and few commercial parts were used. it's powered by two Dumas 12 volt motors as a direct drive system. I had hopes of adding working features such as lights, rotating radar antennas, articulating gun, working anchor but I was just happy to get it finished! it will probably make at least one run at the lake come springtime but the models ultimate "homeport" will be a museum, at 6 feet in length(and 40 pounds of ballast) it's a bear to handle just to get it into the car for transport. Still, I'm happy with the results, it was a model of a lifetime(but I'd never build another one like it)! 😉

Finally finished the project. This boat was built from scratch. I took pictures and measurements from a real fireboat that I operate. I built it on a 1/12 scale using wood that I had left over from scrap. This was my first project boat. I was able to get a lot of technical information from this forum. So thanks guys. I have really fallen in love with boat model building. I have wired the boat and am waiting on two model electric outboards to mount on the transom. it took almost 6 months to complete. 🕊

Finally finished the project. This boat was built from scratch. I took pictures and measurements from a real fireboat that I operate. I built it on a 1/12 scale using wood that I had left over from scrap. This was my first project boat. I was able to get a lot of technical information from this forum. So thanks guys. I have really fallen in love with boat model building. I have wired the boat and am waiting on two model electric outboards to mount on the transom. it took almost 6 months to complete.

This boat was built from scratch. I took pictures and measurements from a real fireboat that I operate. I built it on a 1/12 scale using wood that I had left over from scrap. This was my first project boat. I was able to get a lot of technical information from this forum. So thanks guys. I have really fallen in love with boat model building. I have wired the boat and am waiting on two model electric outboards to mount on the transom.

Based on the US Coast Guard 36' motor lifeboat, the Canadian Coast Guard operated a number of these boats modified for cold weather operation. The model is a fiberglass hull, the reat is scratchbuilt using baltic birch wood, brass, and plastic. The model measures 28" based on the scale 3/4 inch equals a foot. it's powered by a 6 volt Dumas motor and operated with a 2 channel radio. A fun build!

Believed to be scratch built, evidence of old 1 gallon REDEX oil container forming main deck, bits of Mecano used as stiffening and support.
It has a Basset Lowke model 1461/u (motor, stern tube, prop shaft and prop) Set.This dates from the mid 1930's and would have cost 7/- Shillings for those old enough to remember, that would have been abut a day and a half's wages. The photo's show what the motor looked like as it came out and then after cleaning and testing, and yes it runs very smoothly in forward and reverse, from 3 volts up to 12 volts, seems to be quite good at 6, so will probably use when rebuild complete.
As you will see from photo's there is a lot of restoration to do before sailing again.
Now you've stopped laughing, can you identify the type of ship it's meant to be, I thought a Coaster.

Hi" to all model boat builders. I thought I would add my new project to this fireboat website for all to see ! I bought this from fleabay as a total wreck. She is a rare Scratch built from a plan of a Walton Thames RAF ASRL launch at 36 inch long & 8 inch wide.took me approx 6 months to do the rebuild. Brush painted with 5 assorted colours with decals working lights ect.
Walton Thames is now running on a new Johnston speed 600 electric motor. 50 amp speed controller 45mm pitched propeller.A 6 volt at4.ah which gives good running time & good scale speed. Photos are taken at Eaton park Norwich England. Enjoy. 😊
My next project will be a 1950s Aerokits/Keilcraft Sea hornet. " So watch this space "

scratch build sea queen now on the water in jubilee paint job went well , but speed controller played up
so no action pictures yet but will follow on later when sorted,,,, Larry....
ps my jubilee duck jack.....

scratch build sea queen now on the water in jubilee paint job went well , but speed controller played up
so no action pictures yet but will follow on later when sorted,,,, Larry....
ps my jubilee duck jack.....