Model Boat Building

The club has many competent and dedicated model builders.
They build their models using the following methods:

Please visit the  Photo Gallery  to view some pictures of the member's models

SCRATCH BUILT

RNLI lifeboat "City of Glasgow"
model totally scratch built by Mr James Mackay

Scratch built models are for the experienced modeller and are built from using scale plans, being able to interpret detailed plans is a must for scratch builders. The models can be built from many different materials, the first stage is the hull and this can be built in many ways.

1. Glassfibre (GRP), this involves building a plug from which you then make a mould from which you then make your hull from glassfibre.
2. Plank on frame hull involves cutting the keel and bulkheads, shaping, bending, pinning and gluing the planks in place and finally rubbing down the exterior of the hull, if this is to be a radio controlled model you are advised to fibreglass the interior of the hull.
3. Bread and butter hull, this type of hull is made up from layers of wood cut to shape and placed on top of each other vertically and then sanded down to the final hull shape.

SEMI-SCRATCH BUILT

Semi-scratch built models consist of a commercially bought hull whether it be glassfibre or wood and the superstructure built from scratch, many semi-scratch kits can be purchased from many suppliers and come with detailed plans, fittings, hull and running gear, the running gear consists of rudders, propellers, shafts and "A" frames for the shafts if fitted to the model.

KITS

Caldercraft kit "Imara" built by Mrs Elizabeth Gourlay
boat displayed with it's collection of "First" prizes

Model kits can be very simple to very complex depending on the kit purchased. Some people think that buying a kit only means sticking all the pieces together, not so. Even an "airfix" type kit has to have a lot preparation work done on it, before it can be made into a respectable model. Kits have varying ratings for modellers from beginner to very experienced, for example you can purchase a kit of a period ship that means you have to plank the hull, build all the superstructure from the wood supplied and build up the fittings, which can comprise of many parts to each fitting and in total you can have over a thousand fittings, you have to make the sails which involves staining the material and sewing the sail, on these kits you also have complex rigging to complete and being able to interpret detailed plans is a must but they also supply a comprehensive building guide and instructions.
Building kits is a modellers choice but the model can be detailed to a great extent by using special paint effects to additional "deck clutter" and interior fittings. The model can be fully detailed down to a cook frying the breakfast for the crew, fully working lights and sound units for engine noise, it is basically down to the modellers imagination and experience.

The only thing we can advise is that if, you are thinking of building a boat from scratch, semi-scratch or kit is to find out if anyone else has built the ship you are thinking of and ask them if they had any problems, find out if this is suitable for your model building experience before you make your decision. The members of the club are happy to answer any questions to help future model builders, just pop along to the club and someone will be happy to help.

Ring up Full Astern to the previous page.