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Fine classic powerboat models for static
scale display and radio control operation.....wooden plank-on-frame and
plank-on-bulkhead models based on mahogany runabouts and raceboats
of the 1920's through the 1940's from the drawing boards of America's finest
naval architects.
Display models are built to accomodate retrofitting of drive motors and radio control equipment later if desired. Radio controlled models incorporate the finest of radio systems operating on 75 mhz and produce a realistic scale performance. All models incorporate rugged light weight framing, selected light red Honduras mahogany planking of scale scantling size, close attention to cockpit details, and custom cast deck hardware in Reyart brass. |
1/8 scale
(60" length) model of a 1908 Gold Cup raceboat designed by Clinton
Crane and built by B. Frank Wood. The prototype boat was equipped
with a 2,477 cubic inch 90-degree V8 engine designed by Henry Crane, Clinton's
brother. The model is framed in baltic birch, stringers are Sitka
spruce, and 1/32" 3-ply baltic birch plywood is bonded in diagonal strips
to the framework to provide an "inner skin" for the final bonded planking
of 3/32" light red Honduras mahogany. The cutwater is formed of sheet
brass; all other hardware is custom cast in Reyart brass using the "lost
wax" method of casting. The boat is finished with 6 coats of West System
marine epoxy followed by multiple coats of Epifanes marine spar varnish.
This is a static scale model.....no radio control or drive motor provided.
1/4 scale
(48" length) model of a Fred Wickens-designed 16-foot racing runabout named
"Hot Ice" that raced in the Crackerbox class in southern California in the
'50's and early '60's. Original Crackerbox boats were powered with Ford
flat-head V8's and later they used 283 Chevrolet V8. These boats raced with
2 people aboard.....driver and mechanic. Fred Wickens was considered the
best designer of this class of raceboat.
1/4 scale
(48" length) model of John L. Hacker's boat "Lorraine", a 1924 "Gentleman's
Runabout" and the subject of one of several "How to Build" articles in Motorboating
Magazine during the 1920's. The engine of choice during that
time was the F4 Scripps. The model is framed in Occume, stringers
are Sitka spruce, framework is covered with diagonal strips of 1/16" 3-ply
baltic birch plywood to stabilize and provide a bonding surface for the
final 3/32" Honduras mahogany planking. All deck hardware is custom
cast in silicon bronze using the "lost wax" process. This model is powered
with two 12-volt motors geared together at 3:1 ratio to a single shaft.
A 2-channel Futaba radio and MCD electronic speed control provide
digital proportional rudder and motor functions.
Four 1/5
scale (39" length X 11" beam) models of the 1924 John L. Hacker boat
"Lorraine", a 16-foot "Gentleman's Runabout" designed in 1924. The models
are constructed exactly the same as the 1/4 scale "Lorraine" shown
on this web site..... all planking will be light red Honduras mahogany except
we may decide to plank the decks of one boat in Zebrawood......a decision
to be made later. These boats will be equipped with dual MACK Products 12-volt
electric motors geared 2:1 to a single shaft, MACK Products running
hardware, 3-channel radio control, electronic speed control, and
remotely switchable running lights. All deck hardware will be custom
cast in Reyart brass. These models will be 100% complete, finished
to the highest levels of craftsmanship, and ready to run at the local pond.
They are intended to provide many hours of trouble-free enjoyment,
absolutely no environmental pollution, and quiet, reliable operation.
Expected completion date is November 1, 2001.
