Unboxing the A plus plus 1980 Sterling Caltex Lumba Lumba
Hi friends, by the weight, it might have been a kite or a foam plane, but no it's Sterling scale from maybe 1980 or so that is something to behold.
I am certain the box also still had some rarefied 1980 air in the box I think...I recognized it. Such a pristine kit I am intimidated a bit, I hope you will appreciate it. Peace, my friends!
Here's a few pic's of the slightly modified 85 foot US Army tug...
Hi, guys. I am finishing the rails and hope to find a pond or swimming pool in this landlocked, god-forsaken city I live in. I have decided the Corgi one-man Yellow Submarine looked spiffy. I have lost me sea legs, lads! Jeebus save me!
Took the cruiser out today as well, to try the new coupling I made, and test the new downrated motor. Now using a 550 80T as opposed to the 550 45T previously. Runs very quietly now with almost 0 vibration and a more scale top speed.
Hi jbkiwi, you have done a wonderful job of restoring the model to running order. The plans from MAP originally, she is not a broads cruiser ,but i can see why it was thought to be, but a 40FT Starcraft built in the late 50's early 60's by W Bates and sons on the river Thames at Chertsey in surrey.
Fairacre is one of a range of boats built post war by company from 20 ft inc 25 ft, 29, 30, 33, two 35's 40ft narrow and wide transom models and 7or 8 45ft models some with flybridge some without, the last wooden boat they built only one of , the 47ft Sea star finished in 1976 i seem to remember. There is currently a Star Craft owners club with a good range of the boats in it and have regular meets on the Thames. I worked for the company first on hire fleet in 70's as Saturday lad whilst at school then after a year at Falmoth tech went to work for them full time until august 78 and worked on refurbishing in the paint shop and craning and sliping them to be worked on, sorry to ramble but very happy times for me
Hi DRM, thanks very much for the info, must have been an interesting job. Being at the other end of the world, I'm not sure how you classify your boats up there, - we mainly just have runabouts, launches or yachts/motor sailers, (and a few super yachts). Someone mentioned that's what it was, so I went with that. I previously found a photo of the original named boat (Fairacre II ) on the Bates owners site, and I didn't realise it was a genuine name, (thought it was just the model name) Took quite a bit of research to even find where the model originated, (I think the guy from vintage model boats UK pointed me in the right direction) but eventually found it was from the MM709 plan.(maybe originally MAP).
The original was supposedly built in 1957 and had 2 BMC Commodores fitted, and as you say, was a 40ft model. The boat was renamed 'Lady Nassau' but not sure if it still exists. Very nice looking boats, and a totally different look to our launches (we'd call them a 'bridge decker' here). Most of our earlier launches were Kauri planked, then to laminated ply/ply, some foam sandwich, glass and aluminium. They would be an interesting launch to own down here, and would attract a bit of attention from classic enthusiasts.
If you are interested, check out the Waitematawoodys.com site for everything on classic NZ launches.
Decided to drag the seaplane tender out, as I haven't run it for quite a while, and to test the new camera which is mounted on the TX back handle, rather than on my head. A lot quicker and easier to mount, and you can see what you are shooting. I have modified a backpack camera clamp, so it fits 3 different TXs in seconds.
Probably be making some better couplings for the ST, as the silicone tubes are starting to work up to the motor bearings and rub on the front housings.
Hi Phil, I missed the start-up with the sound/water/smoke bit as I was being distracted, but this was mainly to try the camera mounting. Still have to try my airboat which I've added a better camera mount to, for some 'on the water' videos. Have a way to go to catch up to your vids though😁
Another vintage classic here, originally kitted by Duplex Craft Co. then later by Lesro - this one belonging to Buxton Model Boat Club member Bob Armstrong.
(The others were mine from 50 years + - Happy Days !!!)⛵
Hello my one is still in the white I have not found a colour scheme and deck detail I would like to use. They do sail very well I remember talking to the designer before he re-kitted them for RC.
Which reminds me I have the Trimarran somewhere in the garage.
regards
Roy
Just had to try out R/C model Zwarte Zee at my favorite pond . Still need to make hand rails that I hate doing & maybe rename her Black Sea which is the English to Dutch translation.
Thats a nice video. Its been perfect weather for sailing here. I have a model of the sister ship Whitte Zee (White Sea) which I have not used in many years if anyone in the UK near the Midlands would be interested in making an offer for. I will try to put an entry with photos, in the for sale section after my family have gotten over the loss and funeral of a close family member.
Happy sailing, Dave Weaver (Kidderminster)
Wow Trev! Thanks a lot, your comments have made all that sanding I did to get the Hull contours right worth while. She planes perfectly which I hope to video soon and can't wait to see what she looks like lit up at a night sail. Hope you're coping with the heat😎
Hello again, here’s a picture of an M class destroyer which I built some years ago, she is of again balsa construction from Model Boat Magazine plans, I built over one winter about 9 years ago, she is sealed with dope and tissue which gives a smooth finish, the guns were constructed from plastic card, with brass rods for the barrels!
She was retired a couple of years ago, but recently she was brought out retirement and gifted to family friend was showing an interest in battle ships!
Back in May I was able to get my boats out on a the local boating lake, it went ok and it was magical to have them on the water again, although I did have battery issues, and my small type 24 frigate had a leak, well I live and learn, back to shed to discharge and recharge my NMHI batteries, and address the leak! More to follow soon!
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Good luck!