Very large model boats

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duncan

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Nice to have a UK Forum :smiling3: I own and operated a large (manned) model of H.M.S. Invincible (RO5) the modern aircraft carrier.It is to 1/24th scale and is 31ft long. I would like to know of other similar type models , anywhere world-wide. There was a large 30ft model of the cruise liner Oriana in Australia. Anybody know of it`s current location? The famous Scarborough battle fleet I know of. What happened to the late Bill Wilkinson`s wonderful paddle tug "Cracker"? Check www.warshipmodelsunderway.com pages 6 and 13 in the Gallery to see the type of thing I mean. Thanks and happy sailing, Duncan

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john

john

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duncan can't find the url, I would like to look at this :smiling3:
 
john

john

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That is an awsome model, I think the wife would have something to say if I brought that home :D
 
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duncan

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She said it was probably some kind of Fruedian compensation thing....dont know what she meant Duncan
 
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adzam

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i do seem to remember an item about bill wilkinson and his boats , cracker was also shown. alas i was unaware that he had passed on. but his dedication and the models he produced in the limited space he had where nothing short of stunning. if i am correct , either his son or son in law

9or possibly a neighbour) also aidded in the building and maouvering of these vast models.
 
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Fubar

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Those are amazing. Never seen models that big. I am impressed :smiling3:
 
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duncan

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Glad you liked it Fubar. Go to www.modelboatmayhem.co.uk and look in the "Show Reports" for Beale Park,click on "boats" . These are ,I believe, the latest additions to the Portsmouth Model Boat Display Team`s fleet, both are crewed. Dont know any other details. If you hear of anything similar in Canada or US let me know. regards Duncan
 
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duncan

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Thanks Riggers, Its good to know Cracker is in good hands. Hopefully she will sail again. I enjoyed the crack with Bill when we met.
 
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helimetric

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Hi Duncan,

Any more pix of this amazing ship model.

John
 
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tag

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I enjoyed the crack with Bill when we met.
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Yes we both share some special memories and he is sadly missed last time I spoke to him he was making it live steam maybe some day it will be back on the water where it belongs
 
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helimetric

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Duncan,

Thank you...the scale is certainly evident! I'm brooding on a large 'model' of a modern RN vessel. It's embryonic but 1/32 is a good scale until you want to 'man' it! Escorts are by their nature fine hulled vessels and I was quite surprised how fine a Leander actually was. Scaling up gains you beam but the length becomes an issue! I'm away for a week but josmond@mac.com is a good point of contact. John
 
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Bunkerbarge

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Duncan, it makes you realise just what a size this model is. I'd love to have a go at piloting her, it must be very interesting to manoeuvre a model boat from an on board perspective
 
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duncan

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Fine by me Bunkie, shall we say Nassau , Bahamas or Florida ? It is more of a canoe experience, lots of weight shifting. Depends on wind strength whether it is a " one buttock or both" on the windward side of the centre-line. I carry a 56lb weight for fine trimming.Walking the deck to moor for example means right down the thin red centre-line. When caught-out in a rising wind the funnels and centre mast get stowed under the deck. She is only 4ft wide and torpedoes big waves if the bow is down when the next one comes along. I`ve had my fair share of lap fulls of green water. Dont forget she was built as a stage-prop so sea-keeping qualities were the last thing on the builders mind.

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duncan

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John, there is a build sequence of pics ( 6 pages) http://groups.msn.com/MannedModelShips which might interest you. If your project isn`t going to be on static display a flat bottomed ship like the Portsmouth Model Boat Display team`s might be the route to go. Have a look in www.pmbdt.co.uk under manned models. Helimetric ? Care to explain your tag?
 
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Averof

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I also remember I found this one on the Web. It's a very lage scale Graff, from a US Modeler, William Terra. He doesen't need any radio to run it, he just climbs in!

The model is scratch build like a canoe using 2,54 - 10,16 cm (1 - 4 in) bass wood strips and then covered with fiberglass.

Estimated weight 318 kg (700 lbs).

The beam is 1,32 meter (52 in).

The length is about 9,1 meter (30 foot).

It can carry 2 persons.

The model is powered by a 15 hp (11,2 kw) outboard engine under rear gun turret.

It can sail 24 kilometer per hour (15 mph).

Furthermore the model has a music system build in.

While William Terra cruise the lakes of Maine he enjoy listen to Wagner.

The Commander-in-Chief in the photographs below is William Terra.

William Terra would like to see more models build in this scale.

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duncan

Guest
Averof: yes Bill Terra`s "Graf Spee" is well known as is Francois Zanella`s "Soveriegn of the Seas" masterpiece. Try www.warshipmodelsunderway.com There is also a very nice supertanker in the USA (Florida I think). Another one which you can buy as a cruiser is a mini replica of the Clyde Puffer. Another live aboard Puffer is the home-built "Wee Spark" at 1/3rd scale.

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Bunkerbarge

Guest
Duncan, the Invincible actually looks capable of travelling across the Atlantic!
 
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