Rethinking original plan

[CaptJack]

After reading a lot of info here and in the links that were supplied to me. I do believe the battleship will have to wait. Its a little too ambitious for a first build project.

So, While I am not new to using RC equipment I am new to building the models and installing the gear to run them. I think its time to bow to the experts on here and get some more help.

Can I please have recommendations for a first build ship, prefer something that comes as a kit so I have everything I need to make the thing go without buying anything else and the minimum of fabrication necessary, I don't mind painting it, I don't think a pre-painted model could look that good.

I don't care what type of ship it is, anything from a little runabout speed boat to a tug to a aircraft carrier.
Just whatever you guys think is best to start with.

Links to actual sites where I can buy the kit you suggest would be very helpful also.

Cheers

[CG Bob]

Midwest (http://www.midwestproducts.com/catalog_sa1.asp?srch_grp_id=12&sa1_id=34&sa2_id=21) has some excellent kits to start with; the directions are clear and well written. Some peole recommend the Vac-u-boat (http://www.vac-u-boat.com/) line of models.

[CaptJack]

Midwest (http://www.midwestproducts.com/catalog_sa1.asp?srch_grp_id=12&sa1_id=34&sa2_id=21) has some excellent kits to start with; the directions are clear and well written. Some peole recommend the Vac-u-boat (http://www.vac-u-boat.com/) line of models.

Sent a email about the coastguard boat on midwest link, looks interesting.

Can anyone add to this?

[LtDoc]

CaptJack,
It depends a lot on personal preference. Which kit do you like the most? If it's strictly a matter of easy, and getting your feet wet (pun intended), The 'Vac-U-Boat' line of kits are very, very difficult to screw up, literally! If money is no object (gasp!), and you don't mind taking more time for the build (only cuz it's different than what you're accustomed to) 'Model Slipway' makes the best kits going (sit down before looking at prices :)). Also nothing wrong with 'Midwest', 'Graupner', and a bunch of other manufacturors.
Don't waste a lot of unnecessary worry about not being able to put a kit together. Pick the one you like and go with it. Everyone learns something with every kit they build, on going process, also a P.I.T.A., but gotta live with it. The idea is to have fun.
So have fun.
- 'Doc

[CG Bob]

Here's a build thread on the Midwest USCG 47' MLB (http://www.rcgroups.com/forums/showthread.php?t=296632&highlight=life+boat), it'll give you an idea of what is involved.

[Massey]

A great fun kit to build and to run I would choose a Vac-U-tug (or another of Phils boats) www.vac-u-boat.com is the address. I bought a Vac-u-tug and I love the little boat. It is a fun and quick kit to build but it teaches you alot about how boats are built. You will need some BBs or lead shot for the ballast and a radio with ESC for power and control but Phil supplies you with the rest. You can detail it like Old 1841(I hope I got the # right) modernize it like the one on the site or just leave it plain like I did. Either way you go it is a fun kit to build and sail. I actually use mine as a tug to bring my hydroplane back when I run out of gas.

Massey

PS the pics are of my tug Kate Massey

[retoabcr]

No comment!

[ropanach]

I built the Jim Wilder tug, it was great good plans, great parts, I also built the MidWest cranbery lobster yauth, this would be a great starter boat, great plans & parts, the thread is named Winter project, hope this helps, If I knew how to post the thread I would.

[CaptJack]

I looked at the Jim Wilder tug and the Coastguard boat from Midwest, both of them have a wood structure that you pretty much have to build from scratch (the hull that is) how hard is that to do? It looks pretty involved in the build posts I looked at.

The Vac U Tug looks like a easier boat to start building with so I sent a email to them to see if they are willing to send it this far.

Cheers for the ongoing help guys.

[LtDoc]

CaptJack,
About the wooden hulls. They are 'involved' but certainly not all that impossible. Just takes time and thought. Good luck!
- 'Doc