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Hi what is the best solution for freeing a steam engine that has been left a long time without cleaning and lightly oiling, I have used turps previously can you suggest anything better ,kind regards

Looking through the ships built by Smiths Dock I came across HMS Rowan.


It was rebuilt as a motor cargo ship in 1947.


So if you have a spare Flower Class hull, here's something to do with it..

Or on a similar vien,


Well thats the wifes bikini dry, all hands on deck to reel it in 

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Oh No,... I am such a hack ... LoL 

 
I suppose, if I elaborate on that, I stuff everything I can find into a folder on my computer.
Then print out what I need, re-scale the prints for a measurable clarity, then work out a factor of
enlargement for laying out material and cuts. During construction I work around the model using
different photos and views, on the computer, to work out proportions and layout of details.(all the cross referencing here).
 At some point it looks like this... 
 .

Thanks look forward to seeing everyone

Yes it is. This is my version of making this plastic wonder more reliable and realistic.
I bought this one locally in a rather beaten up state so set about completely stripping it down. Most of the electrics and electronics were stuffed so were discarded.
The prop and shaft were OK so were refitted with plenty of grease, and it was repowered with a 550 size motor from a broken rechargeable drill.
The top of the ballast tank was chopped off to provide a perfect housing for the 6volt gell cell battery.
The deck had openings cut into it and then was screwed and glued back in place. The large hatch on the rear deck provides access to the motor and steering servo.
The wheelhouse was moved forward and the exhaust stacks mounted to the rear in a more common position.
The heavier 550 motor, gell cell battery and the original weight up front proved just the right amount of ballast to sit in the water and the right height.
It sails very well and the motor and standard prop provide plenty of pulling power.

Camping will be confirmed in due course, we’re still waiting for the park management to confirm what rates we can have.


What I can say for sure is that the show is free and you can arrive and leave whenever you want to

Lifebuoys are another thing that would be ideal for 3D printing. Every boat has lots of them and they all look the same.

These are old school ply with a loth of sanding. I used a simple jig to attach the grab lines. The lines will get a trim and then a coat of diluted PVA to stop any fraying or loose threads. The 'Whangarei' text is about as small and fine as you can get with rubdowns. Applying it to a curved surface was tricky too, luckily I had a few spares.

The lifebuoys must be the originals as they have Busby's initial home port: Whanagei, while the stern hull markings have the current home port – Auckland. In real life they are quite faded, but I'm keeping this as it looked on the day I visited in 2020, not long after it had been surveyed and painted.

Thanks both for your help, how can something so simple be so complicated. lol

ANYthing to do with 'aircraft' and 'grey' is complicated!

Seals Direct.  Take your pick.
https://www.sealsdirect.co.uk/shop/category/sponge-seals-expanded-neoprene-1-2-round-cord-446