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[returnee]

I am contemplating building either Speedline 1/16 Severn lifeboat or Model Slipway 1/16 Tamar. As only my second build ( my first being Slipways Yorkshireman) I would appreciate your help and knowledge to decide which you consider would be the best one to start with.

[tubby]

 value for money Model slipway every time,
I have just finished theTamar and I am very happy with the results,
I have been told that speedline instructions are not very informative,
Barry

[nhp651]

value for money Model slipway every time,
I have just finished theTamar and I am very happy with the results,
I have been told that speedline instructions are not very informative,
Barry

that's a very subjective view and statement to make, tubby, having not owned or built a speedline model yourself.

i have owned  4 speedline 1;12 scale boats over the past 6 or so years and have two of them are awaiting build at the mo...a trent and a severn.

true their instructions are sparce, and they are a "semi kit", and sometimes bits are missing, but that goes for any manufacturer, but they build into beautiful models, they are expensive, but give hours of pleasure AND frustration, whereas the model slipway is a full kit, good instructions and looks exceedingly well and at a good price with a good after sales service.
NOW, that being an objective view of the two different manufactures, returnee might be able to then make a creative decision as to which model they would like. but please give the whole story not just second hand snippets.
neil

[returnee]

Thanks to both Tubby and nhp651. I take both your comments to heart, but havingonly built one model prior to this I think that I may require more information on the build.

[john44]

As a owner/builder of the Speedline Trent which I have found both extremely frustrating and enjoyable to build, these Speedline semi-kits
are not for a beginner and do state that fact, as you say it will be your second model.
The very first model I built was a Model slipway Conserver which was a joy to build and a pleasure to sail. That was about 15 models ago.
Think hard and read the posts on this subject and also the lifeboat threads before you make a decision.

john

[CF-FZG]

true their instructions are sparce, and they are a "semi kit"

Neil,

When you say 'semi-kit', what do you mean??  I thought they were complete.

Like returnee, they are the two kits I'm looking at, (I'd prefer the Trent to the Tamar but it's listed as out of production)


Mark

[john44]

Hi Mark, I know you have asked Neil to explain about the semi-kit so I hope you dont mind me jumping in and trying to answer your question,Neil will correct me if I am wrong. The making up of a full model is done by purchasing various "sets"
1 Wheelhouse and hull set.
2 Detail set
3 castings set
4 Handrails, stanchions & kicking board set
5 Running set
6 Window set
7 Screw set
8 Miscellaneous
You purchase what sets as you require when you require when and if you require them to complete the model ( this is a semi-kit )
Speedline is such a kit.

Model Slipway is a complete kit apart from motors ESP etc

hope this helps

john

[Number 6]

Hi there, all points made so far are valid. Speedline are more difficult due to the more limited instructions, though I think the 1/16 Severn's are more comprehensive than their 1/12 one. You have to do a lot of research yourself and some builders have had difficulty sorting out any problems with the semi-kits, although I think this is being sorted out. Model Slipway are great for those with their clear instructions, great after sales service and the fact you can get pretty much everything you need off them.
The Trent WILL be back in production in around a years time, it's getting the CNC treatment, same as their Maggie M and Yorkshireman kits did. It should make building easier, cutting out most of the parts is made much simpler. There maybe a couple of the older kits out there for sale at some dealers. Another factor to consider is the price differences, 1/16 Severn £650, 1/16 Trent around £300, big difference there.
I've built a Model Slipway Trent and though frustrating at times (like any kit) it was a thoroughly enjoyable build. I've also got a 1/12 Speedline Severn sitting in the garage waiting to be built, I've had to do a lot of resarch for it and will hopefully be making a start on it before the end of the year.
There is a part built 1/16 Speedline Severn in the sales section that may be of interest? Dave.  

[typhoon]

speedline do excellent models but you have to be a experience model maker to do them justice otherwise it be a complete waste of money. the trent retails around 850 but with glues, spray cans , extras and all rc gear your talking serious money. if your confident you can build to a good standard you wont be disappointed with the end results. that goes with any kit i suppose ! built both slipways and speedline trent and theres no comparison if im truthful the speedline one when completed looks the dogs "xxxxx" but treble the price . model slipway do good kits at reasonable prices. the tamar ? you either love em or hate em. for me its bloody horrible, no character. i know we got to change with the times but for me i like my lifeboats to be traditional.
built  metcalfs rother, ann letitia russell  also, both suburb, pretty models full of character and great value for money.  end of the day the choice is yours we all have our own opinions but unfortunately it usually comes down to money  and capabilities what you take on. take your time choosing and good luck.

[nhp651]

i think all those points above are correct and very constructive critisism of both kits.
i would just like to add to john's explanation in that a full kit , as john and others say, contains everything for building except glues paints and motors, whereas in a semi kit, you usually have to buy in such things as wood for decking[not the lifeboats though] and materials such as brass for rails and such, thread plastics in some ircumstances etc.also with speedline, there are usually no plans for the boat, and you have to contact the RNLI in poole for these things, which all add to the price, but also to the research..then there are the photos of the exact boat you want to build, more expense if you can't find a friendly hon sec[ DLA, as they are now called] or a nice crewman to take hundreds of photos for you.

so there you are.....a full picture for you to think about.
neil.

[HS93 (RIP)]

no contest Speedline 1/16 Severn lifeboat , there boats  have always been well made so my opinion of what I have seen of speedline kits is go for one of them, they have been very innovative with there choice of materials.
I have not built a kit of my own but helped someone  build a speedline kit.
Peter

[horatio123]

I have just completed the Slipway Trent , a very enjoyable 14 months work and some frustrations buit she  looks great on the water , (Photos and Video on the Solent RCMBC website ). Not for a inexperienced builder , I used speedline windows and figures which were excellent . I had to carry out some modifications using RNLI plans to alter the rear of teh wheelhouse to accomodate the outboard motor , modified dinghy box , modified engine room hatch area , improved detail to inside of cabin, seats ,seat bases etc etc.

Speaking to Jackie at Slipway she telld me it will possibly be TWO years  before the Trent is available again . We have a club member building the Speedline Trent and he is having a difficult time of it with the perspex superstructure and lots of frustration , this one is definitely not for a beginner to build .

I usually scratchbuild or use Semi Kits as my speciality is scale warships and apart from Deans Marine you have to work from the plans upwards  and have no instructions .

[DickyD]

Link to horatio's Slipway's Trent, it is excellent.

Photos           http://www.srcmbc.org.uk/photo_galleries/gallery_albums/RNLB_Maurice_and_Joyce_Hardy_2/index.html

Film               http://www.srcmbc.org.uk/photo_galleries/gallery_albums/RNLB_Maurice_and_Joyce_Hardy_2/movie.php

[pugwash]

Just had a look at the film - what a cracking model - a read credit to the builder.

Geoff

[Number 6]

I agree Speedline kits built to their full potential are fabulous BUT treble the price of others? I think the superstructure for the 1/16 Severn is over complex, why not just do the same as the 1/12 scale and do it as mouldings? That's why I went for 1/12, easier construction of the superstructure. I thought the Model Slipway Trent would take longer than a year to reappear, but I'm sure it will worth the wait. I'm glad Metcalf Mouldings have been mentioned, their current 1/12 lifeboats 37ft Rother Class, 41ft Watson and Waveney Class are all great models and very good value for money I think. They have a new lifeboat kit on the way soon.
As for the Tamar, the styling isn't to everyones taste. More form following function, but having seen them in the flesh so to speak they're a very impressive piece of kit, as are all the modern lifeboats. I don't know which kit you'll choose to do, but the Trent will be out if unavailable and nobody has an older kit in stock, also if you want to build it as they are currently in service you will have to modify the kit slightly as there are differences, but nothing too major (this maybe done by Model Slipway before they reintroduce it?). I think with one Model Slipway build already the Tamar would be a good choice, but the Speedline 1/16 Severn is equally achievable if you take your time and do the research on the particular boat you want to build. I've loads of photos of Holyheads Severn 'Christopher Pearce' taken in January if that's any use to anyone. Hope this is of some use and hope you keep us posted whatever you decide to do, Dave. 

[CF-FZG]

Hi Mark, I know you have asked Neil to explain about the semi-kit so I hope you dont mind me jumping in and trying to answer your question,Neil will correct me if I am wrong. The making up of a full model is done by purchasing various "sets"
1 Wheelhouse and hull set.
2 Detail set
3 castings set
4 Handrails, stanchions & kicking board set
5 Running set
6 Window set
7 Screw set
8 Miscellaneous

John, I've seen those packs mentioned for the 1/12 scale boats, but the following line is in the description for the 1/16 Severn

Every part required to complete the model is in the box and I am talking detail here!

Mark
I take it that's for a static model only though

[Number 6]

For an RC model you'll have to supply all the electrical components, motors, bow thruster etc. and I think brass props and rudders, think it comes with shafts. Im guessing a complete Speedline 1/16 Severn will end up costing at least £1000 easy when it's all added up, Dave.  :-(

[typhoon]

probably about right there number 6. ...... value for money my opinion no. i could buy meself a new lap top, a nice camera  plus a  petrol lawn mower or whatever for the price of a box of bits and bobs with no real instructions or plans , a bit harsh some may say , but true.
model slipway kits are fine if you like plastic ! very good instructions and if im honest probably the best out there but for me very plasticity !
for me , again my personal apinion metcalf mouldings offers the best value for money lifeboat kits if there was a such a thing !!  all at 1/12 scale, full kits, very authentic looking and if built well  would be worthy in any museum .
all kits have there faults , construction methods etc but  the lesser the faults the far less it will end in the bin or left on the bench 
a lifeboat needs to be built in pristine condition without any real blemishes. there are not tugs, fishing boats or trawlers where mistakes can be covered up or disguised. be honest with yourself what you take on,  could save yourself a few bob and one major headache . it should be a pleasure with many many enjoyable hours and  not a burden.  happy building fellas.

[Number 6]

Spot on Typhoon, I only got my 1/12 Severn as it was a bargain buy off a friend. I wouldn't have paid full price for one. Could get all three Metcalf Lifeboats for the price of one 1/12 Speedline. Most of the enjoyment I get from a boat is in the build and like you say it should be a pleasure not a burden, Dave. 

[17-21]

Very interesting comments chaps, but it all comes down to what the back pocket can afford, now I not defending Speedline but there is not a model lifeboat semi kit you can buy that comes anywhere near the finish you will get when built.

You only get what you pay for 


Phil.

[Number 6]

I agree, when a Speedline lifeboat is built to it's full potential they are superb, but still expensive. I know there's a limited market for them and that will drive up production costs, you've got to be dedicated and highly skilled to get your moneys worth out of one. The 1/12s aren't for a beginner I think. I'm looking forward to starting on my 1/12 Severn but I know it's going to be a challenge, but fun and rewarding. I'll be doing a build thread on here so keep a look out, just got to finish my Our Lass 2 and do a few other things. Dave. 

[17-21]

well Number 6 when its done you can enjoy like this 

[typhoon]

i think we all agree speedline models are superb but i disagree you only get what you pay for comment. a couple of glass fibre mouldings, some etched brass, a few fittings , detailed windows etc etc quality yes but sorry  cant see 1000 quid worth .i we have to agree to disagree there !!  yes we all got to make a living and end of the day its up to the customer to decide. dont get me wrong here i have built the trent about 5 yrs ago but only brought hull and superstructure and window kit then bought fittings from slipway and scratched built most items. at the time it was the best option for me and enjoyed the build very much and had no real problems . good thing about speedline is you can spread the cost over several yrs and buy parts when needed . top marks for that  .  i wish  other kit manufactures would do the same.
as for beginners kits there's not such a thing. all good models are built over a good period of time with lots and lots  of patience. most dont  need rocket science but you just cant buy experience regardless of kit.
all this talking about lifeboats as wet me old appetite yet again. now my next challenge Mmmmmm ! 

[Number 6]

well Number 6 when its done you can enjoy like this 

Looks great on the water, top marks, looking forward to starting mine, Dave.

[DickyD]

This looks OK to me.