Building scale model boats that can sail under their own power is a challenging and rewarding hobby requiring varied skills from woodworking to painting to wiring electrical components. This book details everything you need to know to get started: from the tools, materials and equipment required to motors, servos, propellers and remote controls. There are step-by-step guides to the more challenging procedures. There are details on the different types of kits available and how to choose one. Advice is given on glues, fillers, making silicon moulds, and finishes such as painting, decals and weathering. Finally, there is the building of an off-the-shelf kit for the steam yacht Komet and scratch-built RNLI Lifeboat The Torbay Severn class lifeboat.

Fast electric model power boats have long outclassed other boat types in terms of speed, and racing them is becoming an ever-more popular pastime. Success in this exciting hobby relies not just on the skill of the boat's handler, but on the design and build of the boat as well. Illustrated with numerous photographs and diagrams showing technical details, this book looks at all aspects of building a model electric power boat, including How to choose a model and spot design flaws, especially in moulded hulls, and how to repair many of those faults, Brushed and brushless motors, and their speed controllers, drive systems and propellers, Guidance on rechargeable cells and the correct chargers, and safety tips for lithium polymer cells, Tips on construction and how to set up a boat for racing, Detailed instructions for building a wooden three-point outrigger hydroplane and Radio systems, wiring and connectors. While the emphasis of this book is on performance for competition use, beginners and recreational boaters are well catered for as many of the chapters start from first principles, rather than assuming a high level of initial competence. It covers all aspects of fast electric boating, from hull design right through to racing at world championships and setting speed records. Therefore, whether you are looking to compete or operate fast electric power boats as a hobby, it is a must-have addition to your library.

Creating a diorama offers modellers a chance to display their figures and vehicles in a realistic setting, often providing a 'snapshot' of a moment in history. This book provides step-by-step instructions on how to plan, design and build a diorama and is suitable for new and more experienced modellers. With over 270 colour photographs, it considers all scales from 1/87 (H0) to 1/32 and their implications for the diorama builder. The importance of research to ensure historical accuracy is emphasized. Advice is given on the creation of dioramas in different scales and sizes. It demonstrates the techniques required to achieve effective results for landscapes, terrain and vegetation. Finally, examples are included from the Napoleonic Wars, American Civil War, World War I and World War II.

From the author of Yacht Designing and Planning and Boatbuilding: the definitive history and survey of the great classic American small sailing craft.

A comprehensive guide for modellers who wish to build tugs or fishing boats of the powered type. Illustrated throughout with photographs and sketches, the book covers the construction of models both from scratch and kits. Information is given on drive equipment and radio control for the working model, ballasting and testing before sailing. Tools and their uses are also describes with details of suitable materials, their care and painting. There are also lists of suppliers of materials and sources of kits, plans and similar services, plus appropriate radio control frequencies.