Thames fireboat gamma,stationed in london cherry tree dock about WW2 used in blitz raids.
Fibreglass hull,wooden deck,twin 550 motors,single working fire monitor,twin working spot lights,and nav lights.
Was a older display model now fully working but steam generator is a bit temperamental.only used at shows has been at Twyford water works open day recently.
{"text":"Thames fireboat gamma,stationed in london cherry tree dock about WW2 used in blitz raids.\r\nFibreglass hull,wooden deck,twin 550 motors,single working fire monitor,twin working spot lights,and nav lights.\r\nWas a older display model now fully working but steam generator is a bit temperamental.only used at shows has been at Twyford water works open day recently.","subject":"1935 thames fireboat gamma","media":[{"id":"1284656116","name":"1284656116.jpg","caption":"","url":"https://beta.model-boats.com/media/1284656116/l","thumbUrl":"https://beta.model-boats.com/media/1284656116/s","isImage":true,"ext":"jpg"},{"id":"1284656117","name":"1284656117.jpg","caption":"","url":"https://beta.model-boats.com/media/1284656117/l","thumbUrl":"https://beta.model-boats.com/media/1284656117/s","isImage":true,"ext":"jpg"}],"youtubeUrl":""}
Thames fireboat gamma,stationed in london cherry tree dock about WW2 used in blitz raids.
Fibreglass hull,wooden deck,twin 550 motors,single working fire monitor,twin working spot lights,and nav lights.
Was a older display model now fully working but steam generator is a bit temperamental.only used at shows has been at Twyford water works open day recently.
took me a while to find one.... my Aerokits Sea Rover.. I have never actually seen another? so pretty rare compared to fire boats and sea commanders.
the camera lies.. its no where near as good as the camera makes it look. but it is all there.
will be getting the full restoration, hull is sound, superstructure is very fragile.
my Aerokits fleet now includes..
34" fireboat x 2 (1 restored)
fast patrol launch
sea scout (restored)
sea rover
sea commander
fairey swordsman
David
{"text":"took me a while to find one.... my Aerokits Sea Rover.. I have never actually seen another? so pretty rare compared to fire boats and sea commanders.\r\nthe camera lies.. its no where near as good as the camera makes it look. but it is all there.\r\nwill be getting the full restoration, hull is sound, superstructure is very fragile.\r\n\r\nmy Aerokits fleet now includes..\r\n34\" fireboat x 2 (1 restored)\r\nfast patrol launch\r\nsea scout (restored)\r\nsea rover\r\nsea commander\r\nfairey swordsman\r\n\r\nDavid","subject":"my Sea Rover project","media":[{"id":"1276886176","name":"1276886176.jpg","caption":"","url":"https://beta.model-boats.com/media/1276886176/l","thumbUrl":"https://beta.model-boats.com/media/1276886176/s","isImage":true,"ext":"jpg"},{"id":"1276886177","name":"1276886177.jpg","caption":"","url":"https://beta.model-boats.com/media/1276886177/l","thumbUrl":"https://beta.model-boats.com/media/1276886177/s","isImage":true,"ext":"jpg"},{"id":"1276886178","name":"1276886178.jpg","caption":"","url":"https://beta.model-boats.com/media/1276886178/l","thumbUrl":"https://beta.model-boats.com/media/1276886178/s","isImage":true,"ext":"jpg"}],"youtubeUrl":""}
took me a while to find one.... my Aerokits Sea Rover.. I have never actually seen another? so pretty rare compared to fire boats and sea commanders.
the camera lies.. its no where near as good as the camera makes it look. but it is all there.
will be getting the full restoration, hull is sound, superstructure is very fragile.
my Aerokits fleet now includes..
34" fireboat x 2 (1 restored)
fast patrol launch
sea scout (restored)
sea rover
sea commander
fairey swordsman
following a couple new modifications my sea rover has been re motored with a vision 600 without the two torque rings , now running a 7.2 or 9.6 battery pack fitted under the rear floor , Ive also reinstated the box at the stern which has my steering servo mounted underneath it , the "box is to full deck height with a removable top for servo acsess , Ive included a helm position c/w a period helmsman ( hes still got his teddy boy quiff ! ) although Ive not fitted the roof over the cockpit , Ive also cut a door into the front cabin , which will in time have a pair of opening barn doors & a small hinged top hatch over them . working 3mm led navigation and cabin lamps have also been fitted although Ive used a more modern cover for them , After looking through one of my magazines the sea rover bears a very close resembelance to a moody 27 gentlemans sports boat of the mid sixties !
following a couple new modifications my sea rover has been re motored with a vision 600 without the two torque rings , now running a 7.2 or 9.6 battery pack fitted under the rear floor , Ive also reinstated the box at the stern which has my steering servo mounted underneath it , the "box is to full deck height with a removable top for servo acsess , Ive included a helm position c/w a period helmsman ( hes still got his teddy boy quiff ! ) although Ive not fitted the roof over the cockpit , Ive also cut a door into the front cabin , which will in time have a pair of opening barn doors & a small hinged top hatch over them . working 3mm led navigation and cabin lamps have also been fitted although Ive used a more modern cover for them , After looking through one of my magazines the sea rover bears a very close resembelance to a moody 27 gentlemans sports boat of the mid sixties !
I have two sea rovers - both bought off e-bay. The first is in virtually original condition down to the original motor and speed controller although the speed controller now seems to have given up the ghost so will be replaced with a viper plug and play. I have added a small mast and wired in nav and masthead lights. it sails beautifully and creates a load of interest at the pond side
The second more recent acquisition is an abandoned project, but with most of the construction work done. I have had to rebuild the windscreen frame and I have done this by laminating plasticard. I have to say the finished affect is pretty good although purists are probably tearing their hair out at the very thought of using plasticard! Ah well everyone is entitled to their opinion.
I have two sea rovers - both bought off e-bay. The first is in virtually original condition down to the original motor and speed controller although the speed controller now seems to have given up the ghost so will be replaced with a viper plug and play. I have added a small mast and wired in nav and masthead lights. it sails beautifully and creates a load of interest at the pond side
The second more recent acquisition is an abandoned project, but with most of the construction work done. I have had to rebuild the windscreen frame and I have done this by laminating plasticard. I have to say the finished affect is pretty good although purists are probably tearing their hair out at the very thought of using plasticard! Ah well everyone is entitled to their opinion.
Photo's taken on sunday [6/4/10] weather was quite windy so water a bit choppy, but fireboat coped very well as you can see from the superb bow wave it creates! the twin prop and 4 rudder arrangement makes it a very maneouverable boat, even at high speed it handles all tight turns with ease and dont swamp the stern deck either!
{"text":"Photo's taken on sunday [6/4/10] weather was quite windy so water a bit choppy, but fireboat coped very well as you can see from the superb bow wave it creates! the twin prop and 4 rudder arrangement makes it a very maneouverable boat, even at high speed it handles all tight turns with ease and dont swamp the stern deck either!","subject":"Dusseldorf Fireboat at speed !","media":[{"id":"1275913492","name":"1275913492.jpg","caption":"","url":"https://beta.model-boats.com/media/1275913492/l","thumbUrl":"https://beta.model-boats.com/media/1275913492/s","isImage":true,"ext":"jpg"},{"id":"1275913493","name":"1275913493.jpg","caption":"","url":"https://beta.model-boats.com/media/1275913493/l","thumbUrl":"https://beta.model-boats.com/media/1275913493/s","isImage":true,"ext":"jpg"},{"id":"1275913494","name":"1275913494.jpg","caption":"","url":"https://beta.model-boats.com/media/1275913494/l","thumbUrl":"https://beta.model-boats.com/media/1275913494/s","isImage":true,"ext":"jpg"},{"id":"1275913495","name":"1275913495.jpg","caption":"","url":"https://beta.model-boats.com/media/1275913495/l","thumbUrl":"https://beta.model-boats.com/media/1275913495/s","isImage":true,"ext":"jpg"}],"youtubeUrl":""}
Photo's taken on sunday [6/4/10] weather was quite windy so water a bit choppy, but fireboat coped very well as you can see from the superb bow wave it creates! the twin prop and 4 rudder arrangement makes it a very maneouverable boat, even at high speed it handles all tight turns with ease and dont swamp the stern deck either!
Just a short video of dbninja, stormin and myself (Fireboat) at Southport Model Boat Lake this Sunday.
{"text":"Just a short video of dbninja, stormin and myself (Fireboat) at Southport Model Boat Lake this Sunday.","subject":"Accidental Southport Fireboat Meet!!","media":[],"youtubeUrl":"https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sRSCZbQZJ6s"}
Appologies for camera inaccuracy, but when you are trying to control the boat and film, things get a wee bit erratic!, but nevertheless, finally got some moving footage of my build.
{"text":"Appologies for camera inaccuracy, but when you are trying to control the boat and film, things get a wee bit erratic!, but nevertheless, finally got some moving footage of my build.","subject":"Dusseldorf fireboat","media":[],"youtubeUrl":"https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8So0ab7kgF0"}
Appologies for camera inaccuracy, but when you are trying to control the boat and film, things get a wee bit erratic!, but nevertheless, finally got some moving footage of my build.
Here is my 1/8th scale Rc New York fireboat. it was converted from a static kit to RC opperation 2 channel 9 volt motor small scale but effective.
{"text":"Here is my 1/8th scale Rc New York fireboat. it was converted from a static kit to RC opperation 2 channel 9 volt motor small scale but effective.","subject":"New York Firefighter 1/8th scale","media":[{"id":"1272846761","name":"1272846761.jpg","caption":"","url":"https://beta.model-boats.com/media/1272846761/l","thumbUrl":"https://beta.model-boats.com/media/1272846761/s","isImage":true,"ext":"jpg"},{"id":"1272846762","name":"1272846762.jpg","caption":"","url":"https://beta.model-boats.com/media/1272846762/l","thumbUrl":"https://beta.model-boats.com/media/1272846762/s","isImage":true,"ext":"jpg"},{"id":"1272846763","name":"1272846763.jpg","caption":"","url":"https://beta.model-boats.com/media/1272846763/l","thumbUrl":"https://beta.model-boats.com/media/1272846763/s","isImage":true,"ext":"jpg"}],"youtubeUrl":""}
The Revell New York Firefighter kit is out of production perhaps some day Revell might reissue the kit like everything else they produce so many and go to something else. the best suggestion I can give you is to check ebaythese New york fireboats appear from time to time, I bought this kit in 1966. Had it all those years, she was originally a static display peice got the urge to RC her I followed up on the urge to do this. Now I take out to the metro pond.
The Revell New York Firefighter kit is out of production perhaps some day Revell might reissue the kit like everything else they produce so many and go to something else. the best suggestion I can give you is to check ebaythese New york fireboats appear from time to time, I bought this kit in 1966. Had it all those years, she was originally a static display peice got the urge to RC her I followed up on the urge to do this. Now I take out to the metro pond.
Second time in the water,and nearly finished. this build seems to have taken for ever, but thanks to info from the Fireboat site, I've got results.
{"text":"Second time in the water,and nearly finished. this build seems to have taken for ever, but thanks to info from the Fireboat site, I've got results.","subject":"Fireboat 94","media":[{"id":"1269366375","name":"1269366375.jpg","caption":"","url":"https://beta.model-boats.com/media/1269366375/l","thumbUrl":"https://beta.model-boats.com/media/1269366375/s","isImage":true,"ext":"jpg"},{"id":"1269366376","name":"1269366376.jpg","caption":"","url":"https://beta.model-boats.com/media/1269366376/l","thumbUrl":"https://beta.model-boats.com/media/1269366376/s","isImage":true,"ext":"jpg"},{"id":"1269366377","name":"1269366377.jpg","caption":"","url":"https://beta.model-boats.com/media/1269366377/l","thumbUrl":"https://beta.model-boats.com/media/1269366377/s","isImage":true,"ext":"jpg"},{"id":"1269366378","name":"1269366378.jpg","caption":"","url":"https://beta.model-boats.com/media/1269366378/l","thumbUrl":"https://beta.model-boats.com/media/1269366378/s","isImage":true,"ext":"jpg"}],"youtubeUrl":""}
well done, looks great! as for taking forever.. tell me about it! two boats not much further on than they were in November....
it will be forever that mine will be done at this rate! some nice weather for painting soon please
db
well done, looks great! as for taking forever.. tell me about it! two boats not much further on than they were in November....
it will be forever that mine will be done at this rate! some nice weather for painting soon please
db
Had a full refurb but still need the window frames making when I can get round to it . Goes really well with a Graupner 700BB Neodym on 14.4 volts. Still trying to find the right prop, but pretty close now to getting it right . Aim to getting it up to 19.2 volt
Should really fly then.
{"text":"Had a full refurb but still need the window frames making when I can get round to it . Goes really well with a Graupner 700BB Neodym on 14.4 volts. Still trying to find the right prop, but pretty close now to getting it right . Aim to getting it up to 19.2 volt\r\nShould really fly then.","subject":"34in Aerokit Fireboat","media":[{"id":"1268861769","name":"1268861769.jpg","caption":"","url":"https://beta.model-boats.com/media/1268861769/l","thumbUrl":"https://beta.model-boats.com/media/1268861769/s","isImage":true,"ext":"jpg"},{"id":"1268861770","name":"1268861770.jpg","caption":"","url":"https://beta.model-boats.com/media/1268861770/l","thumbUrl":"https://beta.model-boats.com/media/1268861770/s","isImage":true,"ext":"jpg"}],"youtubeUrl":""}
Had a full refurb but still need the window frames making when I can get round to it . Goes really well with a Graupner 700BB Neodym on 14.4 volts. Still trying to find the right prop, but pretty close now to getting it right . Aim to getting it up to 19.2 volt
Should really fly then.
success !! I have done it " my photos of my two boats . the one on the water is the 94 fireboat fitted with a 500 torpedo electric motor and a spectrum rx/tx works very well !! . The other is crash tender 93 under going a rebuild after being rescued on ebay . from a new member A prestney.
{"text":"success !! I have done it \" my photos of my two boats . the one on the water is the 94 fireboat fitted with a 500 torpedo electric motor and a spectrum rx/tx works very well !! . The other is crash tender 93 under going a rebuild after being rescued on ebay . from a new member A prestney.","subject":"My two fireboats 93/94","media":[{"id":"1262542871","name":"1262542871.jpg","caption":"","url":"https://beta.model-boats.com/media/1262542871/l","thumbUrl":"https://beta.model-boats.com/media/1262542871/s","isImage":true,"ext":"jpg"},{"id":"1262542872","name":"1262542872.jpg","caption":"","url":"https://beta.model-boats.com/media/1262542872/l","thumbUrl":"https://beta.model-boats.com/media/1262542872/s","isImage":true,"ext":"jpg"},{"id":"1262542873","name":"1262542873.jpg","caption":"","url":"https://beta.model-boats.com/media/1262542873/l","thumbUrl":"https://beta.model-boats.com/media/1262542873/s","isImage":true,"ext":"jpg"},{"id":"1262542874","name":"1262542874.jpg","caption":"","url":"https://beta.model-boats.com/media/1262542874/l","thumbUrl":"https://beta.model-boats.com/media/1262542874/s","isImage":true,"ext":"jpg"}],"youtubeUrl":""}
success !! I have done it " my photos of my two boats . the one on the water is the 94 fireboat fitted with a 500 torpedo electric motor and a spectrum rx/tx works very well !! . The other is crash tender 93 under going a rebuild after being rescued on ebay . from a new member A prestney.
HI All,
This is an update,weather seemed ok so tried her out,very Impressed,got right up on the plane.Handling not that good think a bigger rudder is needed.
Running an 850 torpedo motor on 12volt battery.
Only problem was a leak,water running up prop tube so have removed and re-greased ready to try again.
Fire monitors missing hoping somebody can help.
{"text":"HI All,\r\nThis is an update,weather seemed ok so tried her out,very Impressed,got right up on the plane.Handling not that good think a bigger rudder is needed.\r\nRunning an 850 torpedo motor on 12volt battery.\r\nOnly problem was a leak,water running up prop tube so have removed and re-greased ready to try again.\r\nFire monitors missing hoping somebody can help.","subject":"46\" FIREBOAT","media":[{"id":"1258828593","name":"1258828593.jpg","caption":"","url":"https://beta.model-boats.com/media/1258828593/l","thumbUrl":"https://beta.model-boats.com/media/1258828593/s","isImage":true,"ext":"jpg"}],"youtubeUrl":""}
HI All,
This is an update,weather seemed ok so tried her out,very Impressed,got right up on the plane.Handling not that good think a bigger rudder is needed.
Running an 850 torpedo motor on 12volt battery.
Only problem was a leak,water running up prop tube so have removed and re-greased ready to try again.
Fire monitors missing hoping somebody can help.
very nice boat! I have two of these 93/94 thay are a very nice model.
I did try uploading photos of them to the site. Anyway fire monitors do some times come up on ebay for sale. if not try model dockyard or westbourne model ships web sites. Hope this helps from a new member Albert.
very nice boat! I have two of these 93/94 thay are a very nice model.
I did try uploading photos of them to the site. Anyway fire monitors do some times come up on ebay for sale. if not try model dockyard or westbourne model ships web sites. Hope this helps from a new member Albert.
HI Boat looking good. From your previous post I see that the model was built in the 1950's. is it possible that an I.c. motor was originally used as they were common during that period? it is possible that the shaft and/or bearings will be well worn. Grease will help but not cure the problem and will add drag and increase motor current (amps), thus reducing your sailing time. I suggest you remove the prop shaft and see if it is worn where the bearings are. if so you may be able to obtain a new complete prop shaft of the same size. if the inner shaft is is a nice fit in the original just substitute the shaft. if the original bearings are no good replace with the new bearings from the replacement shaft. They can be teased out with a blunt knife and gently use of pliers. if you hace access to a lathe or a friend with one, you could just lap the shaft and make new bearings. Good luck dave
HI Boat looking good. From your previous post I see that the model was built in the 1950's. is it possible that an I.c. motor was originally used as they were common during that period? it is possible that the shaft and/or bearings will be well worn. Grease will help but not cure the problem and will add drag and increase motor current (amps), thus reducing your sailing time. I suggest you remove the prop shaft and see if it is worn where the bearings are. if so you may be able to obtain a new complete prop shaft of the same size. if the inner shaft is is a nice fit in the original just substitute the shaft. if the original bearings are no good replace with the new bearings from the replacement shaft. They can be teased out with a blunt knife and gently use of pliers. if you hace access to a lathe or a friend with one, you could just lap the shaft and make new bearings. Good luck dave
HI All,
This was recently purchased through Ebay and undergoing restoration.
The previous owner built it with his father late 50's
This has been in storage for quite some time and lost most of the fittings.
The motor is a torpedo 850 and all is yet untried.
Will keep update on progress.
{"text":"HI All,\r\nThis was recently purchased through Ebay and undergoing restoration.\r\nThe previous owner built it with his father late 50's\r\nThis has been in storage for quite some time and lost most of the fittings.\r\nThe motor is a torpedo 850 and all is yet untried.\r\nWill keep update on progress.","subject":"46\" FIREBOAT","media":[{"id":"1257619833","name":"1257619833.jpg","caption":"","url":"https://beta.model-boats.com/media/1257619833/l","thumbUrl":"https://beta.model-boats.com/media/1257619833/s","isImage":true,"ext":"jpg"},{"id":"1257619834","name":"1257619834.jpg","caption":"","url":"https://beta.model-boats.com/media/1257619834/l","thumbUrl":"https://beta.model-boats.com/media/1257619834/s","isImage":true,"ext":"jpg"},{"id":"1257619835","name":"1257619835.jpg","caption":"","url":"https://beta.model-boats.com/media/1257619835/l","thumbUrl":"https://beta.model-boats.com/media/1257619835/s","isImage":true,"ext":"jpg"}],"youtubeUrl":""}
HI All,
This was recently purchased through Ebay and undergoing restoration.
The previous owner built it with his father late 50's
This has been in storage for quite some time and lost most of the fittings.
The motor is a torpedo 850 and all is yet untried.
Will keep update on progress.
