Building a Giant

MartinH-K · 03-03-2007

Hi folks...
The names Martin. I'm coming back to (particularly) boat modelling after about twenty years away. My last build was a 4ft 6in twin electric engined R/C fast mtb.
I plan to come back, much bigger with a (manned) HMS Hood. This will probably be either 1/72 or 1/24- still looking at the overall measurements before committing to it with a build time of about 18-12 months.
Any advice I can get will (believe me!) be appreciated.

**wonwinglo** · 03-03-2007

A warm welcome Martin to the forum,there has been quite a bit mentioned on here about manned boats in the past,I am sure that Duncan here will be of great assistance to you,the search facility at the top of the page could also prove interesting for you.

duncan · 03-03-2007

Indeed Barry, another BIG model. Martin; Hood, good choice. Have you seen the manned models of the Portsmouth model boat display team ? www.pmbdt.co.uk I also know of one for sale, not Hood, but could perhaps be modded to your taste,based in Wales. I can PM details. The current owner of a George V class battleship (semi-scale) may be producing plans for this, again I can PM you his address. He is the builder of some highly acclaimed classic wooden sailing boats so I reckon he knows a bit or two. The scale of my Invincible is approx. 1/24th and works out at 31ft, if you can get a copy of this months Model Boat magazine you will see a hull of a Bismark class(I think) which at 1/72 scale comes in at about 12ft. A bit small for a manned modeland very narrow. I think you should work from the overall length you can haul and then work out a scale to suit. Many of the manned models are very semi-scale when it comes to beam and draught, most are flat bottomed and unless you plan a lot of static exhibitions they look OK on the water. Remember problems with ballast, I use 25% in-built and 75% water. You dont want to haul a lot of weight on the road. I`ll post a web site soon with most of the known manned models worldwide..well UK and USA so far. Welcome the fantasy world of being an Admiral !

**Bluewavestudios** · 06-03-2007

Welcome to the Forums Martin,

As stated above, we have already had interest in these very type of Models, I am sure that we will be able to help out here, I think there are more weblinks to this subject on this site than the one posted above. I seem to remember some very nice websites having had a browse at them myself and some very nice models on there too.

I am sure they will be listed in the boats part of the Forums, so should not be too hard to find.

Regards......Mark

duncan · 06-03-2007

http://groups.msn.com/MannedModelShips is the best site of known big models. Note there is a Page 2 of photos, dont miss it, many pics. I suppose you have had a look at Anatomy of a Ship, HMS Hood.

MartinH-K · 07-03-2007

Thank you for the exceptionally warm welcome. I'm planning on building this monster in my converted garage so I have to be concious of how it will need to be backed out through the kitchen window when its finished! That will limit the hull depth to about 20 inches (Based on my fitting superstructure outside). I'm also looking at doing a LOT of fine superstructure detail. I was rather hoping to do it 1/12th scale but will have to see what that means in real dimension terms before I decide. Still very much in the planning stage (as it has been for 2-3 years now...).
I really got grabbed by the idea of having an outboard engine let into the hull- on a US website. Anyone else done that? My original thoughts were toward twin electric marine engines powered by car batteries- the engines would have probably been windscreen wiper motors... any thoughts, anyone?

new to trains · 07-03-2007

i have a 1; 12th scale ARUN lifeboat- powered by a non scale set up......

ie rather than having twin drive, it has a single motor and drive, it is powered by a smiths car radiator fan motor, directly connected to the propshaft, no gearboxes or belt drive....

i have done plenty of daft things with it, such as tow myself in an inflatable dinghy behind it and also a canoe, , it was more than capable of moving itself and the towed weight ( me) at a good walking speed.....
but for a manned vessel like this surely a seagull type electric outboard would be the way to go ?

MartinH-K · 07-03-2007

Good idea. Keep 'em coming.

duncan · 07-03-2007

No need for twin motors for propulsion , dummy shafts ,props and rudders for display ashore. A Minkota electric trawling outboard run off a 12v battery, a deep discharge type as used for caravans and boats is better than a standard car battery but only for inland waterways and limited duration. My Invincible has a 5 hp Mercury petrol outboard ( gives 7 knots)in a well beside the driving position which is the aft aircraft hangar lift. This is similar to the Graf Spee model shown in one the photos in previous post except he sits amidships and has remote control cables to the engine. Remember you are building a real boat that looks like a battleship not a bigger model. Forget modelling techniques, keep that for the cosmetics. Build a "Easy Out" (see Roger`s Easy-out on sub and KG V in pics)if you are under the deck. Hope you start cutting wood soon !

duncan · 07-03-2007

Mr Moderator, how about a change of title to this thread ? How about "Martin`s HMS Hood" or "Building a giant" ? It could develope into a build thread, from planning through building to launch. Better ask Martin.