Finally got a good day, so raced down to the pond and threw the boat in. 2 problems, 1: battery had run down a bit with all the testing, and the new 18kg digital servo winch needed every bit of 4.8v, so functioned intermittently, meaning not much sail control, 2: jib boom needs a kicking strap to stop it 'skying' and tangling (knew it would happen but wasn't a worry). Apart from that, everything worked perfectly ( cheapo China Futaba knock -off rudder servo still worked fine on the low battery which is a bonus)

Sailed brilliantly like it did over 40 yrs ago, and as it's set will sail hands off on a reach, being nicely balanced, (even with the crappy jib,- which I had to make,- well actually my mother made for me,- back in 1980 after the original was stolen by a kid at the beach, while my back was turned😠) Funnily enough it was made on the same Bernina I used to sew (horrendously) the jib foot after trimming it for the boom a few days ago.

A few more things to improve and add, but pleased to have it back on the water. Another crap video, -seems to get blurry once it's been through the movie editor and You tube ) One day santa might bring me a Gopro, ("yeah right"!)

Managed to get a smoker fitted in the HSL and it works reasonably well. Would have used a small ESC to vary the smoke etc but have run out of channels on the 6ch TX (also room). Could use my 9X TX but would have to mod the elevator to a throttle (for twin set-up) I could use the TX to program smoke advance etc using the curve facility. Might do that later as I mainly use my Futaba 6ex and 9XR for my planes and hardly use the 9X, (even though it's a good radio).
JB

This is my latest build and first time at scratch building. Other than the hull I've done everything else so far and learned a great deal in scratch building. The hull was built for me by John Elsy of Newcastle as I had no experience of lifting details from the basic layout plan I had, but will learn this soon. Various stages in the build to date. it has a Graupner 500 ECKO motor pulley drive. Motor sits above the propshaft on special engine mount and the shaft has an oiler. 2 ch Futaba `T2ER 40 MHz radio which is all hidden under the false planked aft working deck. it will run on a 12v 7amp gell cell battery with a FR30HX Electronize ESC. Currently building one of the cranes.

H.Martin Stevenson

This is my model of the KG5. Futaba 2 ch, electronize ESC, 12v 7amp gell cell battery. The motor is from a Ford radiator fan and pulls 1 amp current. Scratch built in the 60.70s and revamped in the 90s by myself. it is 1/96 scale @ 72 inches long and a width of 14 inches.

Just built Krick RO-Marin Neptun. First tug I’ve built, she came out okay, I think. 6volt system, MFA 2.5 geared motor, Graupner SXM switch controlling the lights, older Pixie brushed esc controlling water monitor pump. Old Futaba MC210 for motor esc, Frysky QX7 radio. This video was shot at Towne Lake, McKinney Texas. She well on her maiden, needs about 2-4 ounces ballast in the stern though.

Just converted this 40yr old twin brushless model (scratch built from a Vic Smeed plan) to a proper independent twin system plus a sound unit. Started off with a 70s Futaba ESC on 27mhz, then on FM, then replaced with an Electronize unit on FM, then to 2.4 and now on 2.4 with twin ESCs and converted TGY S6 (twin throttles). Maneuvers a lot better and makes a better noise.

Sterling Yacht America 51 1/2” long 8 1/2” beam 41” high. Model was built from kit has auxiliary electric power and Futaba sail wench servo. Model weighs 11 lbs and has a removable 2 lb. keel weight.

Just about finished and soon to feel the water 'neath it's keel

Note the Futaba FG7 transmitter now converted to 2.4 ghz and has performed faultlessly since I acquired it in the 80s

Sorry about the mouthy woman on flog it and the noisy motor...greased it but still makes a lotta noise (the motor...not 'er)

Decided to sail the Solent so took some video to share. Uses 2 Bhuler 12v brushed motors with 4 bladed 45mm PropShop props and 12v 12AHr SLA. Twin Electronize ESCs. Radio is Futaba 6Ex but I will probably change to the Taranis so I can get better control using some bespoke Tx settings to co-ordinate the props and rudder.
Lifeboat crewe had been on a night out so not quite vertical. Aplogies for the shaky video, it's difficult to sail and video at the same time.

Scratch Built 1:32 scale Dover Harbour Board Tug, DHB Doughty.
The main hull is a standard Damen hull purchased from Mobile Marine Models, see their website for Portgarth.
the hull is fitted with 2 x T12 Motors for the main propulsion,2 x 60 degree kort nozzles for steering, with 2 x purpose made brass props.
Also fitted is a 12v Graupner water pump for the working fire monitor and Fwd spray bar, 2 x Mtronks 15 amp ESC's, Futaba steering servo and Futaba 40 MHz Receiver.
Approx Dimensions including fendering Loa 41" Beam 14"

37" tug, near completion, Futaba radio, single screw, fire monitor, bilge pump, deisel sound, for nephew.

Bought these two for £50! The smallest is HMS Manxman, a scratch build, 6v electric motor drive. it,s just shy of 3ft long. The second ship came to me as apparently HMS Tanganyika, however, on looking at photos of the ship bore no resemblance. it is almost definitely a colony class cruiser of ww2. Possibly HMS FIJI, Nigeria,Jamaica,or Trinidad. The two pillars amidships with the orbs are not what these ships had(?). So much work has yet to be done. The second ship is 5ft 6inches long, made entirely of wood, with a Marx Decaperm 6v Motor powered by a large 6v 10ah gel battery which doubles as ballast, along with 5 large lead weights. Transmitter is a Futaba t6exa, the receiver and servos are Futaba also. I would be interested in knowing some tips about building techniques, best materials and paints for waterproofing etc. And maybe some opinions on it,s identity as swear it looks like HMS Fiji. I have browsed some lovely builds on this site so far, and they really are a credit to you all. Thanks. Gordon