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[tony52]

Couldn't help but notice this Plastic Magic item in the new MB magazine this month. Talk about 'Never Give Up'.
The author Dr Marcus Rooks built a Revell USS Kearsarge to a good standard (a feat in itself). He built No1 steam plant which was US, No 2 plant which was another failure and finally converted it to electric.
I don't know about you, but after building the first steam plant which failed, the thing would have ended up in the bin for me. Got to admire his determination.

Have you ever had an experience like this? i.e. numerous attempts before getting it right.

Tony.

[Colin Bishop]

Have you ever had an experience like this? i.e. numerous attempts before getting it right.

Seems to happen all the time to me! But then you can argue that that is the way we improve as modellers. I think trying to put a steam plant in Kearsage was a brave thing to attempt and all credit to Dr Rooks. Just putting an electric motor in was a challenge in itself. But if you don't try something new then progress is never made.

Colin

[tony52]

Colin,
Dr Rooks offers an excellent model as a very cost effective project and should be applauded. His previous plastic magic offering, converting an airfix Great Western paddle steamer to r/c was an excellent project. The kit in itself is not very accurate and paddlers are not the most stable craft even at larger scales.
Airfix, Revell and other plastic kits can vary from easy to difficult and for those of us who are past 21 years old, a large magnifying glass and small paint brushes are a must. They do however offer an excellent project to build (and obtain a degree of satisfaction) whilst that much needed break from a traditional r/c build.

My wife bought me a Revell Esso Glasgow. This was built static as I have not yet tackled plastic magic (It is in the pipeline).





Should you have contact details for Dr Rooks, please pass him a note of admiration of his models and his subsequent written magazine items.
Tony.

[Colin Bishop]

Yes, I agree that Dr Rooks should be applauded, I have a partially built Revell QM2 which I still haven't really got to grips with in terms of converting it to R/C (details on another thread).  I also have several other plastic liner kits unbuilt as well Dr. Rooks' article is published on the Model Boats website, (for subscribers only I'm afraid as it is a current issue) but you can log on to their Forum and leave your comments there.

Not so long ago there was an article on putting a steam plant into a cardboard model which seems to have worked successfully. People like Dr Rooks who attempt and publish these projects show the rest of us what can be done and get people thinking outside the usual constraints - more power to their elbow!

Colin

[tony52]

Colin
Will take a look. I am a subscriber and can access.
It will be pleasure to see you QM2 whwn finished.

Thanks again
Tony.