Newbie Question

[Robert Hoffman]

Hello
I have spent most of my time in the Electric Aircraft area. I ventured over to this forum to check things out. My 7 year old son and I have just finished building a static Nantuckit Light Ship plastic model. It is far from a piece of artwork but, quite detailed. It did come out quite nice for a first try. I inherited it from my father.

I am toying with the idea of building another scale plastic ship. Maybe a Tug. I am very familiar with electic driven models. I have had electric cars and still am activly involved in electric aircraft.

Was thinking if I am going to build another static model. Why not make it RC Electric. Any suggestions on where to start?

Would like to keep it around 24"-36"long. Multi motors are fine. Wood or plastic is acceptable. Medium to major detail prefered.

How much for the Model Kit?

All help is greatly appreciated.
Bob

[George Pfeifer]

Bob;

Here are a few suggestions:

midwestproducts.com They rate their kits for various skill levels, and have several tug boat models. Kits are generally good quality. I usually recommend these to beginners. While their kits don't include a lot of detail, with a little imagination it is easy to add details.

harbourmodels.com Deal mainly in tug boats, lots of accessory items. I have never bought a kit from them but have heard good things from others. I think you have to buy a catalog to get a complete list.

Billing Boats Probably have the most extensive range of kits, lots of detail brass parts, excellent kits. Tend to be a little pricey, but quality is worth it. Many of their kits are listed as static models, but I have found that they are easily converted to R/C with a little planning before you start construction. Best source for these kits is Model Expo. Model Expo also carries a number of other European kits. European kits tend to be of a higher quality than American kits, and include lots of brass details. Instructions can sometimes be combersome, and often aren't in english, but they usually have enough pictures and diagrams to get you through the process.

Dumas Products has many kits, quality is so-so, I would recommend that you look at a Dumas kit in a local Hobby Shop before buying, and maybe talk to someone who has built a particular model. I have built 5-6 Dumas kits over the years and my satisfaction level varies widely. Retail prices listed on the Dumas web site are typically much higher than you can actually buy the kit for, strange way of marketing.

Kyosho are mainly box art toys.

For simple almost ready to run items, check out vac-u-boat.com and danvo.com. I have heard good things about both of these considering that they are plastic, simple models.

Good Luck;
George

[daisycutter]

George,
For inspiration you can try out microhydros.com, not exactly what you are looking for, under the hull plans section there is a link for a boat called 'Jake's Mini Mono' , I remember someone built it so he could take it down to the local pond with his daughters for a relaxed evening (as I remember,might be wrong).
The boat doesn't sound like a very fast one,you might want to give it a try.

-My two cents worth, BigD