@ChrisF ah, got it. Thanks Chris

I've just had a look at the web-site, without logging in, on my tablet and that blog is Ok as it only goes to Page 7. The blog on here basically picks up where that one finishes. The problems are where posts are only recently updated but don't reflect that on my tablet. Really annoying as I use it for most of my forum visits.

Unfortunately the Model Boats Magazine is going downhill and has lost lots of members. I rarely go on there due to issues now. Problems started when one of the magazine publishers changed the website design and then sold to another publisher who isn't really interested in forums.

Main problem is for Android users like myself with my tablet. Problems logging in, doesn't update etc. So I only access it using my PC. Not good for existing members and potential new members.

My blog on here started later in the build but I can always add earlier information.

@ChrisF Yes, I saw the reference to it but find this website really hard to navigate… useful as it is! When trying to access your build on the motorboats.com forum, i could only get as far as page 7 and then it asked me to register which I couldn’t and got a message in red saying ‘this is not allowed’ when trying to set a password, which matched the requirements of length/characters etc - slightly annoying. I’ll persevere though and see what I can find without bothering you with info you’ve already published - your model is absolutely stunning by the way - what I’m aspiring to in attention to detail and build quality!!

PermaGrit blocks are useful to have. I think I used the concave/convex one when shaping the bow. As said earlier P38 is good for that.

Hi Jim both, yes that is me. I've gone through the pain of doing the decks on three models now!

There's a few builds/renovations on the Mahem forum as well (not the Facebook group) which are worth looking at, particularly that of Radiojoe called Hunter's Moon in the pleasure boat section whose method I used for the deck, His model had the fibreglass hull but the superstructure is the same and he made a lovely job of it.

Looking back through that forum it was much more active and had quite a few Fairey and other builds going on but sadly they have declined now.

@ChrisF Hi Chris, just looking at details of a Fairey Huntsman on the modelboats.com forum - I’m guessing you are Chris Fellows?? I will study your build before asking too many more questions as it’s going to get quite tedious for you otherwise! Thanks for your help thus far though, it’s very much appreciated

@Jimbo09 and how do I get this filled and sanded???!

Getting ahead of myself here but one of the things I love about the Fairey boats is the deck. This model doesn’t come with any planking. What’s the best way to do this - with the borders and the planking following the hull profile? It will obvious raise the deck by the thickness of the planking I use. Where is the best place to get the planking, what type of wood, thickness etc. what’s the best way to template the planking patterns/shape? The model seems to be to be a functional RC boat without much detail, which mostly needs to be ‘self-fettled’ I’m guessing. I’m not too fussed about using it as an RC model and want to make it as detailed as possible - deck fittings, interior etc

Ok, so I’ve now purchased the model. As I say, the full is built but requires some sanding, especially at the bows where it’s been filled and an attempt made at sanding but a long way to go. Any recommendations on the best equipment for ensuring it follows the contours of the hull without removing the bare wood. I’ve seen people referring to Perma grit sanding blocks but they seem to have quite a variety! Thanks - (many) more questions coming I’m afraid!

@ChrisF thanks Chris

I get my canopy glue from Deluxe Materials but available from elsewhere and the options Bob gives may be as good if not better as I have found that the windows have sprung off slightly if on a curve and I've had to apply more glue. Cyano is the one to stay away from as it fogs the plastic glazing.

As for files I've accumulated a few sets over time, they are about 6 to 8 inches long. Nothing special, I think the orange ones came from B&Q? I have got a set of "diamond" needle files I bought for fettling the window frames and glazing but not essential.

@zooma great, thanks!

@Jimbo09 I have used UHU clear adhesive to stick the windows in my Sea Commander and I will be using it again for any other clear plastic windows that need glueing-in.

I did notice that the distinctive yellow boxes that these tubes of glue come in can often be found in some of the various “pound shops”, so it is also an inexpensive adhesive that works well.

It is very similar to Bostick clear impact adhesive, but I have not found any of that in the pound shops yet.

Bob,

@ChrisF Hi Chris, what brand/type do you use for the canopy glue or is that the Superphatic? I found a product called Microscale Krystal clear.

For the slow setting epoxy, any brands/products you’d recommend. Some of them are £70!

I’ve got files for my car modelling but they’re rubbish. What do you use?

Thanks
James

@ChrisF brilliant, thanks for this Chris, very useful. Better get my credit card out!

Morning Jimbo. Can only reply briefly now but for glues I use Aliphatic Resin (Deluxe Materials), thin and thick superglue (if like me you are affected by the fumes Bob Smith Industries do low odour), Canopy Glue for gluing window frames to glazing and then to the model. I sometimes use contact adhesive and Superphatic (another low odour from Deluxe Materials). Slow setting epoxy for gluing the prop and rudder tubes in.

Stanley and craft knives, sets of small files, small pliers and side cutters, small screwdrivers, allen/hex drivers, small drills, vise drill holders are useful for very small holes, razor saws and other small saws. Soldering stuff if you haven't already got it.

Other things I'll think of later, unless other folks chime in and usually lots of clamps but as the hull is already built, not so much need!

As I found out when I was doing DIY there's always something you haven’t got and I was always going to the store when doing a job! Got most things now but still have to get the odd one. At least with Amazon you can get things quickly nowadays.

Worthwhile doing a search for the thread on tools, though it might frighten you!

Good morning, I’m prepping to start my build and want to start getting some basics together. I could do with some help putting a shopping list together. Am thinking of things like glue types, clamps, knives, files, sand paper etc. I don’t want to find myself not able to progress because I haven’t got the equipment. Assume I have nothing! Thanks

@zooma thanks Bob, good to know. Will no doubt be seeking more advice one I get started. Will keep you posted!

@AlessandroSPQR thanks Alessandro, yes, good to get some advice from experienced builders.

@ChrisF thanks so much Chris, you’ve given me some confidence to make the purchase! Hopefully I can make some progress with my limited experience. No doubt will be asking for more advice though!

Those pictures are really useful. One of the hardest parts is the hull, so good to see that has been largely done - some P38 car body filler will tidy up the bow - I had to resort to slitting the ply as well to get it to bend! So the roofs to make and fit with the fiddly/tricky bits at the end being the cockpit screen and the pulpit rail, though some folks leave the latter off!

And good to see you have the drawing and instructions as they are pretty rare now and it was only the Modav version that got the drawings. And the rest of the kit really as quite often you might only get the part built model and nothing else.

So good news is that you won't need a lot of tools to finish it off and obviously some glues and paint. Prop shaft and RC equipment also needs to go in of course.

I'm tied up for the next week so won't be able to help much until after then but there are plenty of experienced guys on here who will help.

Chris

@Jimbo09
You're welcome, Jimbo.
There's no need to worry about asking questions; personally, I don't believe there are any stupid questions.
Questions and inquiries are the lifeblood of the forum.
You're in luck, because both Chris and Bob have seen your query; when it comes to your ship model, I think they are among the most qualified and knowledgeable people to give you answers. In short, you're in good hands.
I don't think I can be of much help—at least for now—but I'll be following the progress with interest, as it will surely be useful to me as well. Good luck with the work and have fun with your ship model, Jimbo.

@Jimbo09 we have all been the newbie once.
Welcome

Hi Jimbo,

Welcome to the forum, I hope you enjoy your time here and find it as helpful as I have done since I joined it.

The 34” Precedent Huntsman 31 model that you are looking at is exactly the same kit that I have, with the same box lid etc, but mine is the one that came with a glass fibre hull.

Precedent made this kit in two sizes and both could be bought with a glass fibre hull or as a conventional wooden kit, but other than the hull material they are identical.

You will not need too many basic hand tools to finish the wooden kit, and most of them are the sort of tools that most households would have in any case.

My friend is currently building his first r/c model boat from an Aerokits Sea Commander kit, and he is doing it in his caravan with a very basic set of tool whilst suffering eye problems.

He is making good progress, but more importantly - he is enjoying the experience and looking forward to getting his boat on the water later this year.

Your experience with r/c model cars will be very helpful and the transition to working in wood is not anything to fear - but it is different, and sharing any problems that you should encounter on here will give you all the help you need to overcome them all.

Bob.

@AlessandroSPQR thanks Alessandro, so refreshing to join a forum with polite friendly people who don’t shoot you down for being a newbie asking stupid questions!

@Jimbo09
Hi Jimbo, a warm welcome from me too.

@ChrisF thanks for the quick reply Chris. It’s the 34” one. I’ve attached photos. Hard to say whether I’d build others, this is one of my favourite boats so it’s more about that than future products really. I’ve attached some photos from the listing. Many thanks!

Welcome to the forum Jimbo. Modav produced the original Fairey Huntsman 31 kits which later became Precedent etc. before manufacture of the kits ceased. These were available in 34" and 47" with the later size now being available from SLEC with some slight modifications - what length is yours?

Reason I mention this is that many of the kits, mainly Precedent, have been built over the years, so there is plenty of information available. I haven't actually built one myself as my version is slightly smaller at a scale of 1:12/31".

As regards tools that is a bit of a tricky one! Depends to some extent on how much and what work is still required and what you want to invest in the hobby? If only doing one model boat it can get a bit expensive buying a range of tools but if used on a number of different models then it becomes much more cost effective.

It would be a good idea if you could post some photos of the model and then we can help with tools and materials etc. There is a thread on here listing the tools etc. that are useful/essential in this hobby but it is a long list and as I said not cost effective for one build.

Chris