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[Terry]

Does anybody have experience or comments to make regarding Victor Model Products of the U.S.A. and their model the Ruby B. Living in Austria I have no problems to buy from Europe or the UK, USA I am not so sure about, but I have not found a kit like this anywhere else

Cheers, Terry.

http://www.victor-model.com/

[tigertiger]

Hi Terry
I have the sister boat Mary J Ward.
I had it shipped from US to China and it arrived no problems, apart from customs bursting the bag of lead shot (used for ballast). I contacted Victor Models and they shipped a replacement at no cost.

The only weak link in the design is the gooseneck arrangement. It will break under heavy use. It is a tube that is soldered to a flat arm (that slots into the boom). The solder breaks. I am not sure if it is silver solder, if not you could break the joint, clean it and then use silver solder.
I have modified my boat to use kicking straps these work fine and because of having some give, they probably take a lot of strain out of the mast in gusty winds.

The boat sails very well, even though I did modify it, and the hull (looks the same) is very strong and the design does not ship water.
I would imagine the same amount of care went into the balance of the Ruby B.

My build log here http://www.modelboatmayhem.co.uk/forum/index.php/topic,2716.msg26949.html#msg26949
Reply #84, #85, and #86 show here performing on rough water on a very blowy day.

[Terry]

Hi Tigertiger.
Many thanks for the reply, your build log was very informative. I have emailed Victor Models regarding shipping costs, still waiting for a reply.


Cheers, Terry.

[tigertiger]

Expect to get hit with import duties as well.

[Terry]

Terry, we can't send the kit by mail ,its would measure 120 inches and we can only ship 108 in. boxes. If you had some one of the Ports going to Australia , we could but it would be costly.

That was the answer I received, 12 foot long box and shipped to Australia, despite me clearly stating the destination to be Austria. Doesn't inspire confidence! So that idea is kicked into touch and the search continues for my winter project. Thanks again for the input.


Cheers, Terry