This is a 1:100 scratch build of an (unnamed) Fort/Park class freighter, based on Jim Pottinger's drawings of a North Sands design. I'm building this as a DEMS ship. it has smoke and an overboard water discharge (if it works!).
These ships were built in many Canadian shipyards during WW2. Some went to British Admiralty - with Fort XXX names - and some went to Canadian government - named for Can. parks.
"Searcher" was a Graham Goodchild design offered as a free plan in "Model Boats" in December 1981. Here is my version , many years in the building and finally nearing completion. Access to the hull on the original design was via a hatch above the cockpit - I had no faith in my ability to make it water tight so went for removable grp. hatches. The model is activated by a reed switch just in front of the rear hatch, which saves me the hassle of doing/undoing all the nuts (this had not been fitted when I took the first picture). The rear hatch gives me easier access to the drive coupling. The name "Nimbus2" is in honour of one of Dan Dare's spaceships in the Eagle comic. The third picture shows the ship in its final state with added 'enhancements' and working lights.
This ship was a lightship tender named "Coeur de Lion" that was armed and drafted into the Union during the civil war to counter blockade runners. This model is scratch built and is inspired by a paper model designed by Magnus Mörck. A sidewheel steamer equipped with the typical walking beam machinery, it was rebuilt to carry three guns. A line of iron plates along the gun wales added a measure of armoured protection. After the war it was returned to lightship service. On my model the paddles are independently driven, mainly because I have a Robbe Navy F14 transmitter with twin sticks. The walking beam is operated by a servo modified for continuous rotation. The original ship towed a barge that flew an observation balloon and could be described as the first 'aircraft carrier' the fifth picture shows the barge I have made - I hope one day to emulate the real thing by raising and lowering a suitable balloon. I have included some pictures of the rest of my paddle fleet.The 'Rachel Erin' is a freelance sternwheeler 'quarter wheeler' tug that uses a worm drive to the paddles. She does not steer well. The last ship is an enlarged version of Graham Goodchild's Santa Anna.
I’ve always wanted to build a WW11 oil tanker of the type my father skippered during the war. it’s named after a tanker he left to go on leave. The crew didn't want him to leave as he would take their luck. it lies off the west coast of Scotland, the captain, a friend of the family, going down with her. it's not the actual Cadillac as it was an older ship, artistic license!
Boat is Scratch built 36" British Power Boat 64ft High Speed ASR Launch which belonged to the RNZAF. The launch was one of the 22 built and was shipped to NZ in 1940. it was the only one of its type in the Southern Hemisphere. Model has twin motors, ESCs, sound units etc. Has remotely switched water pump for water cooled brushless 2000kv in runner motors and remotely switched lighting. Uses 2x 2200mah 2s LiPos for drive and 1 1800mah LiPo for the pump (also a separate battery for the LED lights. Boat is built with strip planked balsa on ply frame and fiber glassed. Deck is ply, wheelhouse is varnished balsa. The colour is as it was for most of its time in the RNZAF . Took about 5 years on and off to build and finished it last year. (please ignore the time date - can't get rid of it .
this model was built1959 by my brother its based on a thames cruiser similer to the dunkirk little ships built from plans and is planked over frame consruction ive just completely refurbished after it fell into disrepair due to damp storagefound some pics of boat prior to recent refit you csn model is down inthe bows due to an intake of water hence the the refit ken0191
Two models seen at the Plymouth Gin Factory in the Barbican. Whilst there I had to sample the product and chose the Plymouth Navy Gin, which is gunpowder proof at over 57% and like drinking a single malt compared to a blend. Recommended. We were in Plymouth for the IMASS shipwreck conference the next day, which ranged from Byzantine to WW1 Naval shipwrecks, including HMS Hampshire and HMS Vanguard.
Just fresh off the shipyard, this is my version of an American made Uniflite (firm died several years ago) "Salty Dog" 28. its name is a Puerto Rican slang for escapade. From the same firm who designed and made the legendary Vietnam War Patrol River Boat (PBR), this boat was part of Uniflite's recreational boats line. For this one, I utilized a fibreglass hull I found on Ebay and did the rest with Ethylene 2mm plastic sheets. it runs a 9.6v NiHm battery, a 30A Mtroniks controller, a 3-bladed 35mm M4 bronze propeller.
e Hector Read was built in Hull in the 60s for the Gt Yarmout port and Haven as their new Harbour tug to be moored at the pilot station in Gorleston. Giving many years service, was finally sold on when most working ships were fitted with bow/stern thrusters. Much missed as part of the river scene. A scratch built model I made 18 years ago from photo’s and drawings from the Port Authority. Anyone know her ultimate fate?
A very fine scratch built scale model and the pics show lots of fine detail.
Typical of the period and sadly missing from our river scenes.
Does the model sail?
Thanks Dave, Hector Read model powered by a speed 600 brushed electric motor with an electric speed controller. This gives plenty of oomph when it comes to rescuing stranded craft large or small on the pond, which is always a challenge I can never resist.
Westbourne is a Port of London Authority steam Tug from the Caldercraft Mini-Fleet Range - it is 1:48 scale. This model was discontinued a few years ago but I did manage to purchase a brand new boxed one via ebay a couple of years ago.
During her time Westbourne was hired by the Royal Navy as a rescue tug. She saw service with them between October 1916 and July 1919 in the HM Dockyard. Prior to that she was on general towing service duties on the Thames.
She can be found mentioned in “SHIPS OF THE ROYAL NAVY, 1914-1919 - by TYPE & CLASS
Section 3. SUPPORT and HARBOUR VESSELS”
Following the first world war ‘Westbourne’ was one of three tugs attached to the Port of London Authority (PLA) Dredging Service, they were the "Westbourne", "Thorney" and "Brent", they were all fitted with a drag and under running gear.In 1940 during the Battle of Britain. ‘Westbourne’ and many other tugs were used in assisting the berthing of these large ships that entered the Thames.
The photos show from box to construction plus her on the water.
Nicely finished model of this now discontinued kit.
I like the details about the tug and her career, sadly our river scenes no longer feature the tugs that were an essential part of the docks and shipping of the time.