New Member from New Zealand

[kiwi tug]

Hi

Just started model making after dabbling a bit when I was a teenager.
I live in Wellington New Zealand and have been interested in boats and sailing for 25 years building a few dinghies and yachts.
I have just started building the Paddle Tug "Chieftain" from plans drawn by P.N. Thomas Model # 1168. Up to now I have built the frames and outer skin of the hull using the planking method. Originally I was going to build a static model, but I am now contemplating building a working model.
What would I have to factor into my building at this stage if I was going one way or the other ?

Also the only other information I have got is 2 copies of Model Boats July 1973 & December 1977. Looking at the information on the way the paddle wheels are driven, is this still standard or as new technology and methods superceded this ?.

If I go to a working model what should I know about setting up the radio controlled side of the building ( I am a complete novice on RC issues) batteries and other functional bits to operate of the model ?.

Also I am looking at getting the fine detail as accurate as possible, which is the best way to do this, I have got a couple of photos but from long distance.

Look forward to interacting with other members

Cheers Alan

[kiwimodeller]

Allan, I am in Waihi on the southern end of the Coromandel. Until a couple of years ago I had not done any modelling for over 40 years. I now have several boats including a steam powered paddler but would not have been able to do much of it if it had not been for help from members of this and other forums so do not be afraid to ask. The only silly question is the one you do not ask, that always leads to the biggest mistake. Put heaps of questions in the appropriate sections and you will get heaps of answers. I believe there is a good model boat club in Wellington, if not join the Scale Marine Modellers Club of Auckland as an associate member which is only $15. We (the club) are going to Hawera at Labour Weekend to visit some associate members there for two days sailing and last time I went there were quite a few Wellington visitors too so it might be worth planning a long weekend away. Hawera has a nice boating pond in the domain right in town. Look forward to meeting up at a lakeside some time. Regards, Ian.

[kiwi tug]

Hi Ian

Thanks for the advice and information.
I found it a bit hard tracking down a model boat club in Wellington, asked last year at a hobby shop in the middle of the city but did not get a lot of suggestions. I know a couple of guys that are in a model radio yachting club, but they seem to buy the yachts complete out of the box and just race them.
I do have another model club near me who I have got in touch with but they only do trains !!
However if you have had contact with modellers from Wellington I shall make more enquiries and see if I can seek them out.
Yes might see you by the lake side, I shall have to get cracking on my tug.
Thanks again
Cheers Alan