I joined the forum last week and just wanted to introduce myself and say hello to all. My names Stephen, i'm an electro-mechanical engineer by trade but in my spare time like to restore just about any item that takes my liking. In the past I've restored Raleigh bicycles, 70's Honda twins, 50's kitchen cabinets, Ford Consuls, VW Beatles, Mini's and MG Midgets. As a boy some 45 years ago now I grew up in the area of Etherow and often watched the model boats and yachts on the lake there, I've really admired the model boat hobby since those days. As a younger man I spent 10 years in the Royal Navy completing an engineering apprenticeship then serving on HMS Manchester & HMS Resolution as a weapons engineering artificer. I'm still a sailor at heart and still get excited by anything that floats (or dives) and moves. I finally decided to clear out the garage and start my hobby, my shelves are already stocked with several boats for restoration, two of which are well under way, I also have several plans for vintage boats which I hope to build from scratch, I guess my main interest going forward will be vintage boats and yachts but I also have a keen eye for surface warships, especially of my own era. No doubt I will need plenty of help and advice in the future, but I think I am in good hands on this forum. Regards to all, Stephen.