New kid on the block

[brian freegard]

My introductory post. Boat modeller for 15 years. Current project(s)- Blockade Runner paddler!!! Marcher Steam engine from stock materials. Trent Lifeboat for the Wife. Rescue Launch with the Grandson. Secretary of the Swindon MB& EClub.

Brian Freegard in Purton Wiltshire UK

[Walter Snowdon]

Hello Brian, a great welcome to you. You will find this a very easy site to get along with. 15 years model boat building? your just a bairn! Try 60 years (me!).
Which blockade runner are you building?. Remember amongst us we have a wealth of reference knowledge and as far as blockade runners go i know our American members will be more than willing to advise. Regards, Walter.

[brian freegard]

It is the free plan from Model Boats. Balsa and plasticard. By coincidence I bought the Osprey book on Blockade Runners and thought of a model then the plan appeared in the magazine so how could I not have a go?

Three of my previous boats are steamers. A 1:12 Picket boat (Marcher engine, 3 pass boiler), An Admiral's Barge to match(another Marcher built from stock bar, no castings) and a 16mm-1 ft Simpson Strickland Steam Yacht "Bluebell" (Arnot Vtwin, vertical fire tube boiler).

The rest of the fleet are powered by "Galvanic Trickery" but the steamers are the favourites.

Regards,
BCF

[brian freegard]

The Confederate paddler is nearing completion. Needs a LOT of lead.

[Eddy Matthews]

The Confederate paddler is nearing completion. Needs a LOT of lead.

Care to share a few photos of it with us Brian?

Regards
Eddy

[kiwimodeller]

HI Brian, would you mind giving some more details of your Pickett Boat? I am about to order the 50" hull from Models by Design and am debating which of my steam engines to use. What is the Marcher (single, twin, bore and stroke, single/double acting etc) and what do you mean by a three pass boiler? Is it a horizontal with triple flues or do you mean a verticle with three fire tubes? Also the dimensions of the boiler if you would. Thanks, Ian.