Many years ago (please don't ask exactly HOW many!
) I built a small tugboat, The Arcady, from a free plan which was, I think, in Model Boats magazine, to try and get my two sons interested in modelling. At the time, they enjoyed sailing it and we had many happy sailing sessions at the local lake. However, times move on and so do childrens' interests and the Arcady was put to one side and almost forgotten in a corner of my attic workshop. I'd totally ignored it for many years, but something prompted me recently to dig it out and take a look. The first photo shows the state of it, covered in much dust and looking very sorry for itself. I stripped out all the 'works' and gave the whole lot a good bath in some warm soapy water - worked wonders! I then went about repainting some parts of it and generally fixing all that needed fixing. I fitted a modern day ESC and a new steering servo and receiver. By some sort of miracle, the original eight large Nicad cells cycled OK, so I decided to try them before replacing them. Well, today was the first chance I had to get to the lake for a while and I had a good hour of cruising round with her. Her top speed is just about right and she turns on a sixpence - a testament to her original design by GG. After an hour's sailing, there was just the tiniest drop of water in the rear compartment, so I'll have to try and track down the source of that. Otherwise, I just need to cut out some new windows from black self-adhesive vinyl, as the originals are just starting to show signs of peeling off. So thanks Glynn for a lovely design which is still giving pleasure after almost 30 years! (oops!) Before and after pics below.
