Yesterday at the lake. 22nd August 2013

Yesterday at the lake, there was a good turnout and the weather was kind to the sailors again.

Of note straight away to me was Alan Breeze's HMS Kite, the type of boat which I'd not seen before, there again I'm only a relatively new model boat builder so for all the other members in my category here are the details of Alan's build, which I was told by him is still an on going project  

The new model inspector!.

HMS Kite is an ANT Class Gunboat, with a Armstrong Whitworth gun

This is a Semi scratch build, says Alan.

Further research on the internet came up with these extra interesting facts on this unusual boat.

Click here

HMS Kite 1872 Royal Navy Flat Iron Gunboat
Our moulding for HMS Kite is for a 19th. Century Victorian Navy flat iron gunboat, commonly known as a "Rendel" Flat Iron. One of a class of 22 vessels of the "Ant" class, designed by Devonport Dockyard and built by 'Napiers' during 1890/1, she was commissioned in 1872 and sold out of service in 1920.

For more facts on these boats, click here

Whilst at the lake noticed that the damage done to the boathouse by vandals this month had been repaired and nicely done by Mike Hodgson to his usual high standard , I'm sure all the members will join me in a vote of thanks to Mike once again for his sterling service to the club!.

There will be a couple of visitors to the lake this weekend from the Colwyn Bay club both ex-members of Etherow so give them a good welcome, as we always get one at their club waters!.

Haydock Park show this weekend!!

Ps, Check out the "For sale" section.

Steering Sunday 18th August.

I'd forgotten this Sunday was the Steering Competition (though family commitments in the week) so the steering was well underway when I arrived.

There was the usual enthusiasm that this monthly event creates and here are a few of the contestants,

For the newer members and viewers, these boats are made for their maneuverability and size, rather than their looks, and there isn't much detail on most of them, but this month saw that a few had taken the time to make them more eye catching

This has a nice warship theme to it.

And another warship theme.

Under the table I noticed whilst editing these pix's  Alan Highams fast new boat waiting for his turn on the water.

 One of the contestants on the course, whilst this competition is in progress there are no other boats allowed on the water as you don't need great big waves washing over the course when you are navigating the tricky courses that Geoff comes up with every month.

Hope you oldies don't mind me going over this type of competition, but you have to remember there are always new members and those people that are thinking of becoming members.

One of the members waiting for the event to be over, so he could sail was Terry Burnett with his Fun boat, The Punt Gun boat, I've posted on this boat previously but as Bob Abell was there checking it out and opening all the little hatches I thought it deserved another mention.

Although its a fun boat Terry has not forgotten to add his usual attention and build expertise to this model as you can see, even has it's own carry case!.

You can see on a previous post the type of boat this was and it's use,

http://etherowmodelboats.blogspot.co.uk/2012/06/day-2-at-etherow-lifeboat-weekend2012.html

 in short a punt with a great big gun for shooting down wildfowl in the rushes, I know what some of you are thinking!, why didn't he make a real gun for on the boat.

The next club meeting this month 28th August is another of Phil's Kriss Kross Quizzes, so get your thinking caps on, I believe there is a prize for the winning team.

Hope someone let's me know how it goes as I will be on my holidays, thats the second one I've missed, but when you have to go on holiday it's tough but someone has to do it!. 

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That's all for now folks

Ps check out the "for sale" section couple of nice kits avail-abell.

Typical Fiesta Sunday

Fiesta Report 4/8/13

Hi to all

Weather OK this month, hot and had some wind for a change?

Seven came to race but Terry had problems with his fiesta, the sail servo packed up.

My thanks to Terry for being OOD he did a good job, hope to see him back racing next month.

Trevor Redford came  1^st, David Lee 2^nd, Bob Dunkerley 3^rd, Andy Glen 4^th , Richard Hemingway 5^th, Tom Walton 6^th.

 Thanks for coming had ten races in all.

See you all next month.

David Lee.

Thanks for the update David, a picture from on the day.

 A rest, a quick bite and drink before the next race, tense stuff this racing!.

A few weeks ago Norman here asked me if I had any idea's for the deck his scratch built coaster, as he had seen the pictures of my multi deck coaster. 

I'd found a Model Boats magazine with a Gas tanker on the front and a write up inside and thought it might do the job for him, also seen the polystyrene balls that could be used for it at Hobbycraft the day before, then someone mentioned cistern ball cocks to use, that's what clubs are all about, throwing in ideas. 

That's one of Norman's restoration project's on the bench in front of him, and there was also an article on this boat in the same magazine and to top it all off there was an interesting article on the Dremel fretsaw he found, so that was a very good result for him.

Don't forget it's the Haydock show this month 24th & 25th August!.

That's all for now folk's.