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[grs]

I've often though about making a model boat of some sort and I recently got the urge to look into it. Mainly from a friend who made a model of RMS Leinster which he made for his daughter for a school project. I didn't get to ask him details of it but he makes it sound simple - balsa wood, 2 motors and a bit of lead for ballast. The only problem he has at the moment is that it leans as both motosr turn the same direction, which he will sort when he can get a prop with the opposite pitch.
What really caught me this time was a trip to Malahide in Dublin, Ireland. Living there at the moment is a 1936 RAF HSL 102, the last of it series. (currently for sale I think http://au.yachtworld.com/core/listing/boatFullDetails.jsp?boat_id=1324392&ybw=&units=Feet&currency=USD&access=Public) I did find this http://www.modelboatmayhem.co.uk/forum/index.php?topic=9758.0 on the forums, its slightly different to http://www.rania.co.uk/boat%20photos/ST/RAF-HSLAlbum/page19.html.
Any ideas where I might get better drawings of the hull profile, I'm sure it's well beyond me for a starter project but I'm interested in looking.

My questions are:

What are the common scales used by model makers?
    I realise how to reduce lengths but what about speed and wieght, how do you calculate these?
Of these common scales is thier a good selection of prefabricated parts - such as props, P/A brackets, stern glands and rudders? I was thinking of throwing something together from thin plywood to get going.
I'm not too interested in making a fully authentic reconstruction of an exsisting boat, at least not for my first project. If I wanted to make something quick, would you suggest a large or a small scale?
Where is a good stickest of parts? My local model shops seem to deal with trains and planes more.

Knowing me I will most likely never make a model, but it fun to do the research.

[barryfoote]

Welcome grs,

You ask a series on in depth questions which are going to take someone time and effort to answer and then tell us that you will probably never build a model!!

Sorry, but I don't think you will get much help here!!

[OMK]

GRS?? GRS???! Man, what ten-four handle!
I don't suppose you recall the scene where Eddie, Richie, Spudgun and Dave Hedgehog, as the Wise Men, each presented the baby with a gift? Recall the aftershave lotion called 'Grrrr!'? Dead funny!
You only need replace the 'S' for another 'R' and you're there.

[DickyD]

Welcome grs,

You ask a series on in depth questions which are going to take someone time and effort to answer and then tell us that you will probably never build a model!!

Sorry, but I don't think you will get much help here!!

Careful Barry you are getting to sound like another well known stroppy git on this forum.

[barryfoote]

Ah Richard, Now who do you mean??????Sorry my friend, I will try to bite my tongue..

[DickyD]

Hey Barry arent we supposed to be told when and why we have been moderated, because we have you know.

[barryfoote]

Yes, I just noticed.....I live in hope that we will get a message telling us!!!!!

[DickyD]

Dont hold your breath Barry 

[OMK]

Warning!... You have just received this warning. And it's a blue one. So watchit.

You know it was me and you know why   

[DickyD]

OK what we on tonight then Dude ?

[dougal99]

Answers

Scales vary depending on the type of boat starting around 1/12 for lifeboats and similar size vessels through to 1/96,1/128 for Warships etc

Parts are available for most scales. running gear and motors are fairly generic depending on what power you want

Start with something simple, have a look at plans from Traplet and Model Boats. The scale is not really relevant but depending on your skills bigger is usually somewhat easier. However, too big is difficult to transport and launch.

Building in wood means you can get your materials almost anywhere. Thin ply is sometimes difficult to get locally but a 'proper' model shop should have some.

Visit your library and get hold of some books on model boat building this will give you an idea of what you need to be doing.

HTH

Doug

PS throwing something together will probably end under the  water rather than on it

[grs]

I'll look up a few books. I also have a small amount of boating knowledge from working around them, but I'm not sure how much will be relevant to models.
I was hoping I could look through some of the ready made parts so that if/when I get to make the boat all the pieces will be of roughly the same scale.

Does anyone ever make models from steel or aluminium?

[craftysod]

Look up posts from xtian29 or vivaldi
some superb work there

[grs]

I'll keep an eye out for them.

[FullLeatherJacket]

To answer the question that wasn't asked:
Ref the motor which is running in the opposite way to the one he wants, your mate should simply reverse the two wires from the speed controller to the motor brush contacts.
Cheaper than changing the prop, innit?
FLJ

[DickyD]

To answer the question that wasn't asked:
Ref the motor which is running in the opposite way to the one he wants, your mate should simply reverse the two wires from the speed controller to the motor brush contacts.
Cheaper than changing the prop, innit?
FLJ

Dont know, but wont that make the motor reverse, thereby sending the boat in ever decreasing circles without the use of a mixer ? 

[grs]

To answer the question that wasn't asked:
Ref the motor which is running in the opposite way to the one he wants, your mate should simply reverse the two wires from the speed controller to the motor brush contacts.
Cheaper than changing the prop, innit?
FLJ

Dont know, but wont that make the motor reverse, thereby sending the boat in ever decreasing circles without the use of a mixer ? 

Yes it will. The motor will have to be rewired along with changing the prop.

[FullLeatherJacket]

OK - so half  the answer................ 

[DickyD]

OK - so half  the answer................ 

See, you have taught me something over the years Dave.

[Perkasaman2]

Hi GRS, Many thanks for the interesting links, you have a growing interest in sleek/fast coastal designs and it's important to get something built quickish and enjoy on your local park lake. These fast  uk navy designs were usually approx 60 - 70 feet and models are built at 1:32 or 1:24 scales producing models approx 36-40 inches in length - the 1:32 appears to be more popular - lots of ready to buy fittings/weapons. There's loads of plans/grp hulls and/or full kits to build plus fully built 'Ready To Run' boats to choose from- at a price. The modelling world is your oyster my friend   You can enjoy our hobby at any build/buy/effort  level/gradient you want - £300 or less gets you on the lake with a large variety of Chinese boats - take it out the box put in the batteries and go for it. (Check with other modellers sailing regarding radio frequency clashes - avoid boats with fixed frequency radio). Get down to your nearest model boat club/lake and check out the local second hand market for a starter boat. The  post war 'Perkasa' 100 foot is a good starter kit at these scales and gear (motors/batteries/radio and speed controllers) you will need to buy will be re-usable/transferrable to later boats. Surf the net and spend time on this site and follow your dream but start easy.  

[OMK]

OK what we on tonight then Dude ?

Nuttin'.
The bit that says: "Warning... You have just received this warning. And it's a blue one. So watchit.", was originally written in bold blue font. (Get it?). Put it this way, You, Footski and I, we all had our happy heads on that night - I was just having a wee leg-pull.
Then someone (Martin?) added the line underneath, removing my blue font at the same time.
A few minutes, later he put up a post stating that he was not too happy with how some folk are... well, basically arguing all the time. I *think* it might have been aimed at me for assuming the phoney role of moderator (with the bold blue text thing).

Bummer.... another of my brilliant attempts at humour which backfired.

[barryfoote]

Hey PMK, don't you worry, we still love you, don't we fellas...............................fellas................................fellas come on back me up..........