Model Boat Mayhem
Mess Deck: General Section => Beginners start here...! => Topic started by: Darts26 on March 03, 2018, 05:46:34 pm
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Hello fellow boat modellers I wonder how many of you are like myself individuals building and trying to sail all alone with no local club. I live in the Highlands on the coast but unlike some of my friends further North I have never put a boat into the sea. Almost all the freshwater around me is for fishing or private use only so I struggle to sail my boats in safe waters. Later this year I am trying to organise an event in a town 30 + miles away as there is a boating pond there no longer being used.
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Hello Shipmate! How many boats do you have then?
I cant help thinking you may have chosen a tricky hobby with no water nearby!
What is Failtie?
Good luck with your planned event anyway
Nord/
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Hello Darts, welcome. We have a fellow local in RST, he will probably chime in soon. Is it Tarlair you were thinking about ? A bit further south is Loch Insh where the aeromodellers have an annual splash-in (second week-end in September) The Tarlair Club came down one year to introduce the boating side of modelling,in a full-size touring coach with wags, children and dozens of model boats. That venue is a bit handier for those from the central belt that might fancy a hielan` weekend. Full restaurant and bar, accommodation etc There a nice sheltered lagoon plus the loch. rescue boats etc. If you have any Springers we could arrange a fun competition {-)
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Failte, I added an extra i when I should not have, means Welcome in Gaelic. I have been building model boats for 20 years but my main passion is radio-controlled aircraft which I have modelled even longer. I not so long ago rejoined the Cairngorm Model Flying club so I know all about Loch Insch and have flown off its water myself. Sorry I digress from matters marine. In my fleet at present I have a steam drifter which I built and named "INS 612 Solemn Promise," 4 other drifters, 2 semi-kit, 1 extra long hull and plan and the last scratch built, all in different states of build and each different to the others. A puffer, a Chris Craft Barrel-Back and a small grp yacht.
Hopefully the attachment will come through ok.
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Hi & Welcome
There is some (limited) interest is starting a group in area, (http://www.modelboatmayhem.co.uk/forum/index.php/topic,59813.0.html (http://www.modelboatmayhem.co.uk/forum/index.php/topic,59813.0.html)) however getting enough to make it viable is proving difficult.
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Hi SJG001 I have replied to the link you posted here. I was given your contact details the other week by Andy in the Sports and Model shop.
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Am just 10 milesway in Culloden. Yes theres nothing around here club-wise, we know there's modellers in the area but (like everything in the area) it's a bit frustrating sometimes.
I found the "paddling pool" in Nairn a cpl of months ago -shamefull as I've been walking there for 10 years + but always 100yds the other way so never saw it there before! Any reason why that can't be used? It's just like the boating ponds from my 'yoof on holidays in England. Theres another pool in Inverness aside from Whinn Park.
I must admit I am a bit ignorant of places to sail a bit "down south". I find the A9 south of Inverness an abhorrent road to drive on, sometimes worse since the cameras went in so I pretty much only drive it for work, or to see family in the central belt now.
Rich
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Hi Rich, just a quick reply to both your postings as I am away from home. Would it be an idea if say you, SJG001 and myself met up at Whin park then together investigated all possibilities we have jointly mentioned here for boats on to water? So that rather than have a disjointed discussion on here we can acknowledge the good and bad points that each site raises there and then. That way we could then make a conscious decision to informally have a sail meeting at a particular site and see where it leads.
Darts26
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I've suggested a meet / chat before -even in a pub for a beer or Diet Coke one evening or Sunday afternoon. It's not that disjointed to be honest -I think there's only four of us in the area! I reckon facebook has a wider audience (I'm told everything / everyone in the world is on there now) but I'd rather give up a limb than register on there again so I don't know. Meet-up sounds a sensible suggestion at some point if we can aggree -even if it's somewhere like Brodie or Simpsons etc?.
Rich
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Hi Rich, sorry I had to attend a course at the end of last week and it has affected my medical condition. I am all for meeting up as long as the others are in agreement, as I feel the quicker we make a move the better. We need to agree to a usual water and set up meeting times too.
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Hi people, the canal has a very low pontoon where the rowing club hang out, take a look on google street view, cross the Tomnahurich bridge and turn immediately left where the cruisers tie up, go along the path about 500 yds and you will see the building..
Years ago I used to dabble about with fast noisy boats and now that I have more time to myself I have decided to have another go but more slow stuff this time. Recently we moved to the fastest town in the north and at present I am at the planking on a Bluenose 2 but I would like to have a go at something bigger and motorised, either a cal mac ferry or battleship.
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Hi Sabre and others, what about the Sea Scout/ Cadet facility just over the Muirton swing bridge ? There are pontoons and rescue boats plus potential recruits. One senior member assisted with the loch Ness model lifeboat attempt. They must have an "in" with the canal people. The Scottish Federation held the National Championships at Tarlair some years ago, maybe they could be persuaded to come out of the Central Belt again. Whin Park would be ideal with perhaps some tourist or local government involvement. A nucleus of locals could work under their auspices, maybe even the Sea Scouts. Success of such an event would certainly bring model boaters out of the woods and form a Highland club. Maybe a RNLI Lifeboat fund raiser event or Naval charity if a visiting RN was visiting the city ? Local press would give some coverage and spread the word to lone modellers about forming a club instead of just running a small-ads etc.
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One problem with the Fed Nationals is that it is run by the local club who provide all of the facilities. This includes tables, shelter, food, docks and buoys for the events. Without an existing club you don't have this, smaller clubs tend not to put their names forward to run this event due to the work needed to organise it.
Jim
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Exactly why one would ask various "park" people "Tourist" people and local government , canal, Sea Scout/Cadet and sporting, educational sources to help establish a healthy/educational/outdoor attraction to their areas. The model boating interest has faded since Jackie Wilson`s model shop closed and the fast ic events that were such a feature in the area are no longer. If the few locals that might not know how to run a national event were assisted by people from other areas and told what to ask local authorities for lake space, tables, marquees, parking etc etc they (the locals) could offer local knowledge and scrounge facilities. Event public liability insurance I don't know about, if scale, slow electrics,sail and steam only then I don't think it would be too much to ask park authorities to chip in %) I`m thinking of course of the Inverness Whin Park with for those that dont know it. A showcase event for model boating, a public event for the park management funds and PR and a recruiting event for a local club. Do you think boaters would come up for a heila`n do Jim ?
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It is a pretty nice place Whin Park, Inverness Recent visit showed no weed, very clear water.
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That's a cracking looking location, bit of a pull for me though....
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465 miles one way :o says Google ! However we used to have model waterplane flyers come to Loch Insh highland Splash-in week-end from Dorset, London, Stoke-on-Trent, Birmingham , English Lake District etc as well as all over Scotland. One year there was three full-size seaplanes :-)) Just shows that if you get everything right " then they will come" , to quote a film title. Hasn't been like that for years now. Captain Fizz, cheap Ryanair/Easyjet flight or overnight Rail Sleeper or part of your annual hols to the Highland capital, loch Ness etc ? I could even arrange for world travelling Red Oktober springer to make the trip from Japan or wherever it might be. O0 Does anyone know if there ever any organized model boating on Whin Park pond ? Please note that Fudpucker Airlines no longer use the Whin International Airport. The miniature railway runs some weekends and and weekdays during school holidays.
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Where is the local airfield?
I know of one young man who needs to get another 160 hours towards his commercial licence!
We could probably make it in one hop from Coventry.
A springer fest. We could bring Radio Joe along with the new Gala Girl.
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Ah Gala Girl , puts my Springer efforts to shame :embarrassed: , a real beauty. Main commercial airfield is Dalcross (Inverness) 10 ish miles from city. If you can do grass strips Glen Feshie Gliding Club caters for visitors. It is 2 miles from Loch Insh 7 miles from me ( note spelling, there is an Insch in Aberdeen,miles away) Feshie strip is 38 miles from the city. Other airfields I`m not sure , there is one at Dingwall. I`m not sure if the former RAF WW11 Dallachy caters for full size but models fly there. Maybe our Nairn contact Darts26 could advise in his direction, Look-up Loch Insh Watersports if you want to come up in september for the seaplane event. I wonder if some of the other contributors to this thread would bang a Springer or two together as a bonding thing and entertain the public at some place , Duthy Park ??? O0
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Sabre , where are you ? Everybody else on this thread interested in a water polo event for Springers ? Darts, RST, et al. Picture is a Springer working as a rescue boat at Loch Insh Splash-in a few years ago. Aircraft is a Jiant Jabberwock by Don Stothers.
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We seem to have two threads on the same subject. Can we combine them under the other title as it is more explanatory ?
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For those waiting to hear about the possible boating event in late May/June time in Dingwall, due to miscommunication with other parties, I send word via a husband and it was most definitely not what I said Andy, and the fact that the booth at Dingwall park won't be ready till late on the summer I have been asked to delay until then. Further reasons for this are that there is possibility that it is to be incorporated into a Family Fun day with amusements for the children plus MAYBE some sort of local producer stalls in the grass area.
As regards flying tution apparently there is a club at Kinloss barrracks who teach people on a Cessna and the gliding club that was at Dallachy moved many moons ago to Easterton airfield, Birnie, Elgin.
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Guys is there much interest in Rich's idea of meeting up to meet each other and to possibly move things on to a more formal footing? The weather looking more favourable so maybe that's the impetus we need to charge batts and get on the water.
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As regards flying tution apparently there is a club at Kinloss barrracks who teach people on a Cessna and the gliding club that was at Dallachy moved many moons ago to Easterton airfield, Birnie, Elgin.
I dont think CaptFuzz`s friend needs instruction, just flying hours. Looks like he has his own aircraft, or hires one, and can take passengers so has a good number of hours already. Any thoughts about Springers for entertainment value at Dingwall ? A visit to Whin Park sounds like good place to meet, asking about date from all interested ?
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...Hi Guys...
If you were to get an event organised in Inverness or surrounding area I would certainly be interested in coming up from Glasgow for a wee Jaunt...
Maybe a wee camping trip with boats could be possible...
...Best Regards...Norry...
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That would be great Norry. Camp sites galore even one within walking distance of the Whin Park. Lots for kids to do, miniature railway etc, Loch Ness a short drive, Canal and Loch Ness boat trips on the door-step. Fishing and dolphins on Moray Firth, oil rigs and tugs another short drive, Cromarty Firth. Bring a boat or three, tugs and Springers of course. Spey Valley is 30 minutes up the A9, Polar bear cub is latest must have toy ! Your expertise as a member of one of the most illustrious model boat clubs in Scotland would be welcomed by an embryo Highland club.
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Not in the immediate area but perhaps a recruiting ground for a "West Coast Section" of a Highland model boat club is the model show at Fort William on 5th May at the Nevis Centre, An Aird. Ft. William Somebody should knock-out a couple of posters suggesting a get together.
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This message goes out to all those who would be willing to take part in a boating event I mentioned at the beginning. I have a firm date of Saturday July 14th and the word is that the Fire brigade are to be asked if they will clean up the pond prior to the event. This will be the last day of Dingwall Gala week hence the day and date.
I have to draw up H&S plans regarding event planned, car parking, pond safety and any other matters the council want considered.
So skippers in the local area if you would like to take part can I please have notes of intention on here so that I do not over estimate the numbers attending. I will have my drifter and a puffer and maybe an ARTS tug.
Hope to hear from you soon.
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I'll make a note of that date! I might have something to sail, maybe my Sangsetia or another very much smaller boat by then!
...Let me know if you need any help with HSE docs. I'm updating our companies docs for audits again so sure I could help put one or two others together if it helps.
Rich
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I will check dates ,if all is ok I will give it a go .
David
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Sorry been off grid doing a lot of voluntary and other work. I thank you for your offer of of writing the H & S paperwork and I see that you are over in Aberdeen way, that being said would you not require a site visit to satisfy that all relevant local areas, which may raise a concern, are covered in the plan?
Still waiting to hear back from Debbie at Sports and Model shop what the other stalls that day are providing and that they will be able to have an open booth in the park.
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RST is the person that said about the HSE paper work not me in Aberdeen ,I am having trouble typing this . Not sure where RST bides.
David48
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Ok thanks for clarifying this. Sorry folks been dealing with too much again lately to keep you all up to date.
Firstly, RST can I re-ask the question if you were to go ahead and do the H & S report would it entail a site visit to fully appreciate the pond issues?
Secondly, can I ask that those who would be interested in coming to please let me know through this page as I have been asked for possible boat numbers?
Thirdly, I passed a loch on the Dores road to Fort Augustus which comes up to the road side would trying to get permission to sail on there be a possible site for us?
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Some of Lochs along that road(I am thinking you mean Loch Mhor) have a number of sensitivities which would make it difficult for permission to be gained. (RST can probably guess)
Loch Tarff may be an option though
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SJG, thanks for your quick reply I am not sure which one it was as I was driving and my nav has no sense of direction or places and had to go along that road as A82 blocked. I keep my eyes open as I drive past possible water but no sat nav so no running map to refer to.
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Can anyone remember which loch that Jackie Wilson sponsored the model powerboat championships on ? It was on that side (south) of Loch Ness , fast and furious i/c racing on an isolated venue that disturbed nobody plus a great meal laid on by the ladies of the club. I think that a more public venue would be better for recruiting and as a showpiece for the public. Whin Park would be the logical place as it is the capital of the Highlands and central to everyone. However as Dingwall has an event that has centred `round a pond and a local model shop plus a nucleus of past modellers and the public that may be a better first event. If a Highland club evolves then a list of "local"model sailing venues could be listed to suit other events,a rota of venues could evolve. Loch Insh Watersports is familiar with the needs of modellers and would welcome model sailors for instance.
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Sabre are you still with us ? You were one of the fast and furious i.c. racing brigade. What loch did you race on ?
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Ok guys here is the latest as regards sailing event on Pefferside Park pond Dingwall on Saturday 14th July from 2pm. Today I was in the Sports and Model shop and spoke with both Andy and Debs and if I understand things correctly the pond will be drained, cleaned and then refilled prior to the event. This hopefully will get rid of much of the weeds and also a lot of the undesirable underwater debris. If numbers appear indicated coming appear low then Debbie has suggested getting the r/c car club, who apparently run on 2.4 systems to put on a display near the pond.
Whilst I was in the shop Debbie handed me the Dingwall Gala week of events calendar and the boating event is clearly mentioned. So all I need to do now is hopefully get hold of RST and that all important H & S report, start mopping down boats, making sure everything works correctly and hoping that sufficient numbers do turn up to sail. Oh and also been asked to design a poster to let the model boaters in the Dingwall area not on this site aware that they would be welcome to join us providing they adhere to safety matters.
As an aside I have also been made aware that the option to run the booth/kiosk as a shop will not be taken up so that means that effectively the pond will be free for this year to sail on. Unless someone is prepared to invest a small fortune in the building structure.
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What kind of event is the boating going to be? Docking, course with markers etc ? Is there a launching jetty or non-sloping area for access to the water for launching? Any frequency control for those not on 2.4ghz ? Will there be tables and maybe a gazebo for static display ? Will the event cover modellers for Public liability insurance, any need to be affiliated to a model organisation ? What clashes with the date ? Will model boating be allowed on the pond before and after the event ? I wonder if something like Springer Polo, or something similar, would be entertaining for the public ? How close can vehicles get to the water for unloading models ?
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This was to be a casual, no set rules or anything that meant those taking part couldn't be relaxed and enjoy the chance to sail again and strike up new friendships. The only table will be for tx control, nothing else and definitely no gazebo. There is a small island accessible by a bridge from the footpath surrounding the pond and my idea was that a helper would lower boats into the pond side and those skippers sailing would be out there, on the island, in peace and quiet away from distractions. Earlier though in the 1 hour before the 2 hour slot, 1pm onwards, I was going to let everyone have a chance to sail and check out their boats before the actual start time of 2pm. As we are only slotted in the programme till 4 pm it will mean further discussions with those organising the Gala event if more time is wanted. Insurance is down to the individual modeller as we are not the organisers nor are in charge. I was hoping to allocate some part of the car park, 75 yards from the pool side, to those bringing boats. Nearer than we have to walk with all our equipment from the car park to flying area at Loch Insh.
But before any boat goes near the water a H & S study and report needs completing and once that is done I have to then go to the local councillor with the proposal to ensure that they, the council, are happy with what has been put together.
So nothing is to regimented just relaxed sailing at a safe water area that is being cleaned for those taking part and possibly a few more sailing days after.
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You will need some sort of control. Advertising for entrants is dicey, what if a novice with a fast electric RTR turns up and ends up in the spectators, pond edge is the right angle for child`s head-height strike. Maybe someone wades out to retrieve his flat battery lump of plastic ? Will there be a rescue boat ? Pilots on island ? Boats launched elsewhere does not seem right, A static display gives possible recruits to modelling and a chance for public to see what it is all about, a simple rope off area if no tables. Why not an all day or display sail ? Is the pond being used outwith the 2-4pm slot ? Any battery charging facilities on site ?
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...Hi Guys...
Sods Law is in Full Force as usual...I notice the date for your event is Saturday 14th of July 2018...This is one weekend I can,t make it as we are holding an event at our club in Glasgow on the Sunday (15th July)...This would rule out a camping trip and therefore too much to travel up & down from Glasgow in one day...
I, however wish you luck with your event and hope to attend another event in your area at another time...
[size=78%]...Best Regards...Norry...[/size]
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Too bad Norry, you would like Dingwall, nice area, lots of interesting attractions in the area. Only 20 minutes from Inverness. Hope you get nice weather for your event. Did you see our wee freen Red is in Japan Now ?