In the past Charles has been involved in the model boat world. He has scratch built many scale models, some purely from scaled down original plans and some from photographs. His models have been shown and have featured in various magazines and at international model shows. His model boats vary from fishing trawlers through canal narrow boats right up to a working scale model of the sloop on which he served during the Second World War. During his model-making days Charles became proficient and experienced with the installation and maintenance of various types of radio control systems. The electrical side of things fascinated him and this is partly what brought him back to model railways.

This model was scratch built using plans obtained (of the prototype) from Jones Shipyard at Buckie. It is mainly constructed from various thicknesses of plywood, eg. the outer skin comprises two layers of individual planks 1/2mm x 4mm, 650 pieces in all. It is powered by a 6 volt electric motor which is powered by a lead acid battery. Radio control is Futaba.

This is the same boat under test on a

local pond.

Fishing boat:

This inshore fishing boat is typical of many varied types seen in harbours along the south coast of England. It was scratch built, almost entirely using two discarded wooden fruit boxes obtained from a greengrocer. Consequently, the total cost of the complete hull and superstructure including wood, adhesives etc. was under £5. It is powered by a 6 volt electric motor which is powered by a lead acid battery. Radio control is Futaba.

Another day on the pond!