This is a refurb / upgrade of a Sterling 21' Chris Craft Monterey model.

We don't have a category for refurbs, so its Here I'll be posting.

This little model was built in 1955 by distinguished RCG Member 42Corvette.

Below is the link to the Sterling Models post by A-37 where this model was first seen:

http://www.rcgroups.com/forums/showt...l+model&page=5

I am Very fortunate to have been granted curatorship of this well built and Very well cared for antique boat model.

The goal is to upgrade the model’s electronics to current day technology , make sure it’s structurally sound and that it stays dry inside.

I don’t want to change any of the model’s exterior, it’s in Great shape !

There was the possibility of pre-existing water leak, so all the aft decking was removed to expose the bare interior.

A larger diameter prop shaft will go in along with a new prop shop prop to go with the shaft.

The shaft that came our was worn and too small in diameter ( possibly a leak there ).

No evidence of water coming in was found anywhere , just three very old dead stowaway yellow jackets.

The original radio system was out of date so 2.4Mhz will go in along with a new micro servo.

The original servo was mounted in the cabin area and connected to the tiller by an exposed rod, that connection will be eliminated.

The new servo is small enough to be hidden under the rear seat that will be created and installed.

New paneling will go in over the inner walls in the aft passenger area after the heavy, out of scale frames are removed.

A rear seat for The Babes to sit on, and an engine cover over the motor and coupling where they protrude into the area next to the control station will be added.

Lookin' good!

The builer did a Fine job, she's still in great shape.

I continually checked hull strength as I reduced the frames in the back, those solid balsa sides are still very strong !

Here is a pic of a real boat, its the only pic I can find that looks alot this model.

Neat project.

Tim, here's a little info about your model, if you don't already have it ...

According to the "CC bible" on pg. 424 you will find the data on a Chris Craft Kit boat the 1952-1955 21' Monterey Express Cruiser which was also available with assembled hulls. Notice that it was designed for either outboard or inboard power also.

The Sterling kit is B-13, it is 21" in length with a 7 1/8" beam and as with all the other Sterling CC's seems to be mostly of balsa with mahogany cabin and flying bridge windshield, toe rail & catwalks.

I had acquired my kit some time ago and had originally purchased a used EP-1 outboard for it, but have since changed my mind and will make it an inboard.

Cheers, Barry

this will be a great upgrade.

Nice piece of history and a proper restoration,only what it needs I like that

Morning All....

Big fun to work on such a fine old model, 42Corvette did a GREAT job as a young modeler when he built it, it will be preserved "as is" as much as possible.

There must be hundreds and hundreds that were built that are long gone by now.

Thanks much for that picture and info barry, I have been searching the net and the image you show is the first "real" photo of the outboard I have seen.

I will google 21' Monterey Express and see what I find.

Looks like the inboards were 22', an extra foot at the transom for a fuel tank and then no longer called Monterey, just Express Cruiser ( see pic of that type above ).

I have an unbuilt kit as well, It's in Excellent condition, I would like to build it in greater detail but I NEED MORE PICS !

Making a rag top for it would be a fun challenge.

I wish I had a copy of that book, I think they are pretty spendy last I heard.

Might want to check your bowlight; green on starboard side, facing for'ard. Nice work.

Thanks Jeepers, we had noted your comment on that previously in Ed's Sterling Models post, in time we will try to correct that.

Tim

I have recently seen a picture of this kit, a Dumas 21 inch CC Express ?

Alot like the Sterling in many ways, didn't know Dumas made this kit.

Wonder how rare it is ...

Something new every day.

Hey Tim, whats up with the car with the South Carolina plates in the garage? I thought you said you were from Cali!

That pic was taken by Mr. 42Corvette at his home before the model was sent to me.

Great looking boat Tim. Nothing is cooler than something old in super good shape. I'll be watching the upgrade.

You have to get an outboard for this boat .Make it original.