For a newcomer there are several ways to start building a scale
model;These are always of interest because they represent "The Real Thing" and their movement can be re-created on the model boat pool. Present club members have a large variety of scale models ranging in size from a 1/96th scale aircraft carrier to a 1/12th scale rowing boat complete with oarsman. Many of the clubs models are based on the real boats which serve the Island, especially lifeboats and the Steam Packet Vessels.
For a newcomer there are several ways to start building a scale
model;
1) Buying a complete kit (£50 - £150) and adding radio gear and motors.
2) Buying a fibreglass hull and a set of plans and completing the boat by buying or making the superstructure and individual fittings.
3) "Scratch" building a boat from a set of plans; some modellers even draw up their own plans and build the engines to power their models.
Scale modellers are well catered for during the sailing season with an increasing number of events being organised including steering competitions, tug towing, scale competition, lifeboat demonstrations and a "lit up" Venetian evening. Our Scale modellers also attend some of the events held on the mainland including the Southport Model Lifeboat Rally and the Ellesmere Port Scale Exhibition.
Model yachting developed as a sport on the Island in the late 19th century and between the two World Wars was a major pastime. Following a post-war decline, interest is now reviving in both vintage boats and the modern radio controlled yachts.
Following on from early gaff-rigged cutters and schooners,
two main classes evolved for the free-sailing vintage yachts,
these were the 36" restricted and the 50" Marblehead.
Racing for the free-sailing vintage yachts are still held on an
informal basis, but mos
t of
the popularity these days is with the radio controlled one metre
yacht class.
The modern radio controlled yachts have handicapped races at the Mooragh on three occasions during the year (New Years Day, Easter & Late September). There are also regular radio control yacht races run as a league during the Summer and Winter, usually one per month.
Modern 1 metre yachts cost around £150 without the radio or sail winch while the larger yachts cost progressively more. There are also some smaller 575 or 590 yachts which are available for around £60 without radio.
Speed fascinates most people at some time, although generally
in the younger age range in the first instance, but once bitten
you "Get the Bug". The club still has a small group
of "speed merchants" with fast electric and internal
combustion powered models. The boats themselves vary from hydroplanes
to offshore power boats with a number of informal races being
held during the season for each class of boat.
Boats can be bought as a complete packages or as hulls to which you add your own power systems either electric or I/C. The fast electrics are the easiest way to start in "speed" and several members of our club have purchased two piece "Avenger" hulls and fitted them with motors, batteries and radio gear "pinched" from radio control buggies.
Radio Control sets for model boats must operate on the 27MHz or 40MHz radio frequency bands. This allows up to 42 boats to operate on the water at any one time (12 using 27MHz and 30 using 40MHz). A basic two channel radio set (usually rudder & throttle control) will cost about £30, whilst the more sophisticated multi-channel sets will cost from £100 upwards. Electric motor speed control can be achieved using a resistor type "Bobs Board" which fits directly on top of a servo, or by using an electronic type which replaces the servo. Yachts will also require a sail winch with prices starting from £60.
The 27MHz frequencies are denoted by their colours, and the 40MHz by frequency number. All transmitters must fly the appropriate frequency flag (coloured flags for 27MHz and green flags with white frequency numbers for 40MHz). Click here to see our current list of Radio Frequencies which are being used by members.
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