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196 messages

LewZ

Admiral 4 years ago

Ah, you young guys bragging about being 74, etc.

I mention age because I find it very relaxing working on my boats, from research to finally in the water and all that good stuff in between. Yeah, there can be some frustrating times but overall I think this is a good hobby for "staying young" - we have a few members well into their 80's. (This is Florida where a lot of people move to when they retire.)

I've been living here for 59 years and 50 of those years have passed since I scratch built my first RC sale model boat, a 42 inch long tug boat.

I am happy to be a part of this forum and read just about every post. So, 😉WELCOME ABOARD😉!

Lew

Like 14

Liked by ARL58 and Scratchbuilder and
1. roycv Bronze
  
  Fleet Admiral 4 years ago
  
  Hi, yes it is a thinking hobby, solving problems and assembling the drive train has many options and I include sails here as well and then deciding what is a reasonable spend and also to utilise what you have to hand.
  
  Much of the thinking that goes into models is unnoticed by others but is the main reason for the building.
  When I start a new model I start with a new page in my 'Notes on Boats' diary. Dates are important as well. I do a fanciful list of what I would like to have in the model, some things look impossible but then a few weeks later a possible solution pops into your head.
  Everything gets listed including the build order and ticked off or crossed out as it all progresses.
  
  Over the Covid period I often wonder if the now woke term BC could now be repurposed as Before Covid and 'the now' can be PC as in Post Covid.
  Sorry side tracked. I believe sales of kits increased during lockdown but from here it is difficult to detect many new members coming into our area of interest.
  Model railway sales increased by 20% in UK did the same happen in USA?
  
  Anyway age was mentioned. On Friday afternoons I go over to see a long term friend he is mostly blind but otherwise active looking after himself with a little help. He is working on a Gauge 1 simple electric loco using his engineering workshop.
  
  He should make his next birthday in June 2023 when he will be 104 years old. At my age of 84 going on 85 I feel a mere stripling!
  regards
  Roy
  
  Like 7
  
  Liked by robbob and Mike Stoney and
2. LewZ
  
  Admiral 4 years ago
  
  Roy, et al.,
  I don't know much about the model railroad sales here in the US. Here in Florida most homes do not have basements. Also with mild winters (tee short and shorts today) there's no need to go into hibernation and work on a hobby in a warm area of one's home.
  Last year another hobby shop locally bit the dust. We now have two hobby shops serving about one million people in Pinellas County.
  Lew
  
  Like 3
  
  Liked by pressonreguardless and RNinMunich and
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johnf

Midshipman 4 years ago

Over recent months this Website has proved a real boon at a rather difficult phase of my life. Now well into retirement from UK Forces and then academia, I have since tried a number of model aircraft and boat clubs with far from perfect results.

It really seems that less and less air and boats enthusiasts no longer build models at all - but are merely content to sail new (almost ready-to-run new boats or even "toys") or past-on and used models from former (or even deceased) members.

This forum shows that many of us still build from scratch and not just assemble far-from-perfect kits. They have thus gained far more satisfaction from completing and sailing their own creations that from running someone else's efforts.

It is also great to see such participation from overseas members who are countless miles from clubs or even other enhusiasts. This forum is great and these "lone wolves" are an inspiration to all of us in a better position to join with others in the love of our hobby.

In short we must remember that model boating is a mighty wide church - from static to tugs, from scale-sail to fast electric racing and even to complex "plastic magic" sailing conversions of display kits, -- there is room for us all.

Please make the very best of it and make full use of this invaluable resource.

Happy New Year and with best wishes John. 😁😁😁

Like 21

Liked by ARL58 and algon and
1. TonyAsh Silver
  
  Chief Petty Officer 1st Class 4 years ago
  
  Well said John, ownership of ready to sail models is never the same as ownership of something you have made yourself, whether that be scratch built from plans, put together from your own design, or built from kits. And if you are a scratch builder, like myself, it's a much cheaper hobby!
  For Christmas (and birthday) my sons and daughter gave me some plastic display boats to make. Some are so small I have to use a lighted magnifying glass to see and fit some parts! Apart from the continual pleasure of seeing them, the building of them not only informs of their construction, it develops the power of patience and keeps you away from brain stultifying TV!
  Tony A..........
  
  Like 10
  
  Liked by Mike Stoney and GaryLC and
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firefighter

Lieutenant 4 years ago

Hello everybody and thank you all for the welcomes and kind comments. It is reassuring to see that I'm not on my own when it comes to my age. I am a retired firefighter who for many years was very active. I now have Arthritis and have had two lots of corrective surgery with more to come. My wife, Denise read somewhere a quote that said "Getting Old Ain't For Wimps". I totally agree. 😁

I look forward to asking questions and sharing your knowledge on my journey to building and sailing my first RC boat.

Greg

Like 16

Liked by Fred and Mike Stoney and
1. bombero
  
  Warrant Officer 4 years ago
  
  Guestbook,
  I think you are a youngster, I was a fire fighter in uk for 30 years am now 78 and moved here 2007. I started boat building over here and found the help and encouragement on this website invaluable, good luck and do not be afraid to ask!
  Len (bombero)😁😁
  
  Like 12
  
  Liked by hermank and GaryLC and
2. RossM
  
  Captain 3 years ago
  
  GETTING OLD ISN'T FOR SISSIES
  
  Bette Davis
  
  Like 2
  
  Liked by firefighter and Mike Stoney
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firefighter

Lieutenant 4 years ago

Hello,

My name is Greg and I am 74 so no Spring Chicken more like a Dead Duck😁. As I recently joined this forum after it was recommended to me by your member Martin555 I thought I would introduce myself. Although I have been building period static display ships for a number of years I am new to RC boats. I started my first RC boat about three weeks ago. The boat I am building is Aeronaut's cabin cruiser Diva. I'm finding the build very enjoyable and when I got stuck on understanding one particular build instruction I received advice from a very helpful and friendly member Martin555.

I understand that sharing my building experience of the Diva in a Build Log is recommended so I will start that in due course.

Thank you for accepting my application to join the forum and I hope to be talking to many knowledgeable members, as I'm sure you all are, as the weeks progress into 2023.

For me a new year and a new adventure.

Like 19

Liked by Fred and Mike Stoney and
1. Newby7 Bronze
  
  Fleet Admiral 4 years ago
  
  Welcome Greg I'm sure most of us are not part of the spring chicken brigade not dead but a little less spry is a good way to view us.
  Having Martin advise you with the build 👍👍👍👍👍👍
  Rick
  
  Like 8
  
  Liked by hermank and RodC and
2. johnf
  
  Midshipman 4 years ago
  
  Hi Greg,
  
  Welcome indeed to this wonderful site. I am sure you will find the Diva mode a great challenge to build and very satisfying to sail.
  
  I note that you are based around Exeter, so please try to find Model Boat Club not too far away. As well as this site you may like to check the forums on modelboamayhem and Model boats (linked with Model Boats Magazine) which could lead you to local club s as well as host of useful info.
  
  With very best wishes and please ask if you get stuck - we all love our hobby and will do all we can to help.
  
  John F Leeds &Bradford MBC😁😁🤗
  
  Like 4
  
  Liked by hermank and firefighter and
3. Martin555
  
  Fleet Admiral 4 years ago
  
  Hi Greg,
  I am glad to see you have joined this great site.
  You will find the members here very helpful and friendly.
  There are lots of fantastic build log by many members and loads of information to be gained, So take your time and have a good look around.
  If you have any questions then all you have to do is shout and I am sure the members here will help.
  
  I am looking forward to seeing your build log.
  
  Martin.
  
  Like 4
  
  Liked by RodC and River Rat and
4. Len1
  
  Lieutenant Commander 4 years ago
  
  Welcome aboard. Can't wait to see your progress.
  
  Like 6
  
  Liked by hermank and RodC and
5. MouldBuilder
  
  Admiral 4 years ago
  
  Hi Greg.
  Welcome aboard.
  I am really looking forward to your Diva blog as I have one to start some day. I would ask if you would kindly take a picture of the items in the box when you start the blog as I am sure mine has wooden rods missing.
  Thanks,
  Peter.
  
  Like 6
  
  Liked by hermank and pressonreguardless and
6. Colin H Silver
  
  Fleet Admiral 4 years ago
  
  Welcome Greg, I'm 74 this year so also a dinosaur, been model boating since i was 5.
  Looking forward to seeing your blog.
  Cheers Colin.
  
  Like 7
  
  Liked by hermank and Nerys and
7. RodC
  
  Lieutenant Commander 4 years ago
  
  Welcome ! ... Rod ( 75, retired federal law enforcement, was a technical specialist in radio communications for the Canadian govt. The model RC channels were under my purview for 20yr. The migration to 2.4GHz was a Godsend for the modelling hobby ) 🚤🚤🚤🚤🚤⛵⛵⛵
  
  Like 8
  
  Liked by Ray and hermank and
8. Martin555
  
  Fleet Admiral 4 years ago
  
  Hi Rod,
  
  Welcome to the site.
  
  You have some nice boats there.
  
  I hope you do a build log with plenty of photos.
  
  Martin555.
  
  Like 3
  
  Liked by GaryLC and firefighter and
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jimdogge

Warrant Officer 4 years ago

Hi chaps, how has this website helped me. A little while back the question was posed, are their any stupid questions or problems asked.
Too a man l recall that everybody who replied to the question agreed no there is not. Everybody has to start somewhere non of us are born with a full set of wings ( sails) and are able to fly straight away, this community of very skilled and patient people enable the less exsperianced to produce a model that they can be proud of. And that is how this club of great people have helped me.👍

Like 12

Liked by Mike Stoney and hermank and
1. bombero
  
  Warrant Officer 4 years ago
  
  jim dog,
  regarding this club website NO questions are stupid,As I only started building my boats(I am on my third)since I moved here 15years ago I found the help fantastic and have actually helped the experts. so even the starters can be useful 👍😁
  Bombero (len)
  
  Like 7
  
  Liked by RodC and Martin555 and
2. RNinMunich Bronze
  
  Fleet Admiral 4 years ago
  
  Absolutely Len (Fireman😉)
  Have been following your builds with great interest and have been pleased to witness an exponential rise in your skill sets in just 3 years and resultant assistance to other members.
  Well done that man👍
  I, and likely many other members, would very much like to see some vid clips of your creations in action.
  Saludos, Doug 😎
  
  Like 4
  
  Liked by Mike Stoney and RodC and
3. RNinMunich Bronze
  
  Fleet Admiral 4 years ago
  
  Dead right Jim👍
  Often the newbies to our hobby also discover a neat trick that works for them.
  As my fellow German modellers would say-
  'Even a blind hen sometimes finds a grain of corn.'
  So don't be shy folks, pass on your tips and tricks for everyone's benefit😀
  Cheers, Doug 😎
  "non of us are born with a full set of wings ( sails) and are able to fly straight away"
  Straighten up and fly right!😁
  
  Like 5
  
  Liked by RodC and pressonreguardless and
4. Len1
  
  Lieutenant Commander 4 years ago
  
  that's what sharing is all about
  
  Like 2
  
  Liked by RNinMunich and Martin555
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pressonreguardless Silver

Rear Admiral 4 years ago

Guess book Up Date
I have been a member for a little over one year.
What I have found I have more in common with you Mates that with my neighbors.
The Talent of you Mates absolutely Blows Me Away, gives me something to Strive for👍👍👍👍
Many Thanks Mates!!
Trev

Like 15

Liked by RodC and jbkiwi and
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MotoPilot

Chief Petty Officer 2nd Class 4 years ago

I’ve only been a member of this elite community for a few months now but I just have to say, that in all my years in real and virtual communities for various of my hobbies that this one is populated by the friendliest, most helpful, kind and caring bunch of guys I’ve ever had the pleasure to meet up with.

God bless you all and keep up the good work you all do for our hobby and colleagues.

Brian

Like 17

Liked by hermank and Newby7 and
1. LewZ
  
  Admiral 4 years ago
  
  I agree. Wonderful members, professionals, good sense of humor, and proud of their work! Very helpful as well.
  
  Best model boat site out there by a mile... er... a knot.
  
  Lew
  
  Like 8
  
  Liked by Mike Stoney and Newby7 and
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CB90

Captain 4 years ago

Hi Shipmates,

I have been a member of the web site for a few years and I like many of you, are little worried about the future of the Hobby, with that said.

This site is a God send for many of us who live in remote areas and have to travel a great distance to a club or water to meet other mad people, like myself who spend their time building and sometimes actually sailing model boats.

Thanks to all of the members who contibute and ask questions, give advice, provide enthusiasm and make people welcome to this little family.

Kind regards
Roy

Like 11

Liked by Mike Stoney and johnf and
1. Ronald
  
  Fleet Admiral 4 years ago
  
  Nice array of vessels in your collection. Where in this world do you live?
  Ron in 🇨🇦
  
  Like
2. CB90
  
  Captain 4 years ago
  
  Hi Ron,
  I live in Cumbria, in a area of sparse population.
  
  I belong to Darlington model boat club, but it is a 90 mile roundtrip away.
  
  Carlisle model boat club is about 100mile round trip.
  
  Lakes of the Lake District National Park are unsuitable for model boats.
  
  There are no model shops selling boats /fittings etc in Cumbria, buy most stuff online.
  
  Regards Roy
  
  Like 7
  
  Liked by Mike Stoney and pressonreguardless and
3. Skippydrew
  
  Chief Petty Officer 2nd Class 4 years ago
  
  Wow! Stunning location you live in! I would love to live in such a place.
  
  Like 2
  
  Liked by pressonreguardless and fireboat
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jimdogge

Warrant Officer 4 years ago

I was introduced to model boating and sailing yachts around a decade ago The calming influence of watching your model glide through water should be on prescription from your doctor.
I cannot recall any questions or problems that fellow members have posed, have been dismissed as stupid or unworthy of an answer, terrific membership great community.
Jim.

Like 7

Liked by MouldBuilder and RNinMunich and
1. hermank
  
  Rear Admiral 4 years ago
  
  A good afternoon modelboat builders,modelboat yacht men and model yacht skippers
  Indeed is this à fantastic site for ant one who wants à solution or a question answered regarding building. Personnaly i joined thé royal model yacht club when i was 16 years old. We do have à fantastic maken espacially build for us. Thé complet pond is vuiltje in concrete and had à depth of one meter on top of that thé pond is about 2 meters deep with thé actual ground level si even when it is windy it doesn’t affect out sailing. Having Saïd this we struggle as Many hobby clubs with finding or welcoming new and preferably young members. We know that we are not thé only club with this problem. Si if any one of you got Some good ideas they are more than welcome.
  Looking forward to the suggestions
  Regards
  Herman Lifeboat lover
  
  Like 3
  
  Liked by Colin H and RNinMunich and
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Stephen T Gold

Captain 4 years ago

Its been brilliant for helping me I thought things was stacked against me and the spell checker is brilliant for a dyslectic person some can understand what i say rather the criticise due my dodgy spelling i have ages trolling though past blogs and the helps been great many thanks

Like 8

Liked by johnf and MouldBuilder and
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