HMCS Snowberry

Revell "Snowberry" with GLS brass upgrade kit

Here’s a non-R/C job– Revell’s “HMCS Snowberry” Flower-class corvette, being constructed for static display. The model is heavily upgraded with GLS’s brass photo-etch kit.

A work-in-process, follow along at my build thread on RC Groups.

Tugboat “Shannon”

Shannon's pilothouse

I like old tugs- you didn’t notice?

I had a chance to go aboard Gaelic Tugboat Co.’s “Shannon” the other day. Shannon is a converted YTB from WW2, and has a long history of commercial service here on the Great Lakes.

A few pictures are posted at RC Groups, where there are plenty of other tug nuts.

Latest Models Completed

Just added a couple more completed models… see the MODELS tab.

One is the Foundation Franklin, a WWI British Navy sea tug which found fame working North Atlantic salvage for Foundation Marine of Canada.

Then as mentioned in a previous post some time ago, I had started a model of a Los Angeles County Fire Department rescue boat, a relatively modern 32 footer which works out of the Marina del Rey lifeguard station. It’s now done, hoorah!

LA County Rescue Boat No.12

Google, Scan Our Drawings!

I want Google to scan our country’s engineering drawings– not just books! Read about my quest (folly?) at Google, Scan the Drawings.

Mahogany in Scale: Model Chris-Craft Book

"Mahogany in Scale" by Patrick Matthews

Want to build a model Chris-Craft runabout? There are a number of kits available from the US model kit company, Dumas (as well as a few from out-of-production companies like Sterling Models). But these kits can be challenging, and there are a number of areas where they could really use some upgrades. My book, “Mahogany in Scale”, takes you through the steps of building and detailing one of these fun kits.

Available online through Amazon and Barnes & Noble.

Matthews’ Ship Vents

Ships’ cowl vents are just a pain to make. And they’re hard to find in larger sizes from the typical model ship suppliers. So, using the latest process of 3d printing, I’m offering some in these larger sizes. Some elbow grease is still required on your part, as the process leaves a stratified surface finish on the parts. Still, better than whittling half a dozen of the things from limewood!

Read all about them at Writings > Matthews’ Cowl Vents for Model Ships

3D CAD Model of Ventilator

2010 Scale R/C Boats Calendar

Like scale R/C model boats so much that you need to seem them all year long? On your wall? Then hey, get a calendar!

I offer this one through Cafe Press.

USS Nicholas DD-449: A Fletcher Destroyer by Fine Art Models

Mk. 37 gun director, USS Nicholas

We amateur model ship builders fumble along at our own speed and occasionally produce some pretty nice work. But at the other end of the spectrum lay the professional builders, those who supply museums, shipyards, and private collectors with works whose values would represent a sizable fraction of the amateur’s annual income. Along with fine manual craftsmanship, these model builders can utilize professional manufacturing tools and processes that are simply out of reach of most amateurs. Here is one such example from Fine Art Models in Birmingham, Michigan.

Read on for more of the story…

San Francisco MYC “Wood Boats on Parade”, 2006

Maggie A, one of the delightful Monterey Clippers at the show.

One of my favorite events, for great models, great people, and spectacular location, has to be the San Francisco Model Yacht Club’s “Wood Boats on Parade”, a season ender with no competitions, just an enjoyable day at the lake.

This article covers the 2006 event, but the beautiful models are timeless. Enjoy!

See it in Writings.

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Converting Aquacraft’s Bristol Bay Fishing Boat

A great way to for a beginner to dive into scale model boating is to start with one of the many available “Ready to Run” or “Almost RTR” models. These are usually mostly all built up models with either all R/C gear included and installed, or perhaps you’ll need to supply and install some of it. If the latter, clear instructions and mounting positions are usually provided.

Now, these “models” have a few caveats. First, many are barely more than toys, not quite true “scale” models. Secondly, the Asian producers often are clueless about packaging, so damaged goods are not unusual. These points can work to your advantage– Tower Hobbies often has a number of boats like this in their “Scratch & Dent” section… and once damaged, you’ll have no problem with tearing the boat apart for further improvements!

A few years ago, I took on an improvement project using Aquacraft’s Bristol Bay fishing boat. Since I did a build thread at RC Groups, I’ll just give you the link instead of repeating it all here:

http://www.rcgroups.com/forums/showthread.php?t=413023

Since then, I’ve learned a lot more about fishing boats, and would do some things differently… but take a look at my build and those of several others that added to the thread, and I think you’ll get a few ideas. And as always, have fun with it!