Watch my son Jim Thrasher go up the 95' mast of Persevere, the Nanse 54', with a helmet camera

Persevere finished second to Rambler, a 59' but was beaten by several smaller boats on corrected time due to blowing out the spinnaker in a line squall. It caused a knock down that put the spreaders in the water!

Meet Elizabeth Meyer, Queen of the J-Boats and learn of her many accomplishments

1. Classic Boat - The original article featured in Classic Boat: September 2011 - Details how she restored Endeavour
2. J-Class Management Association - She has many projects and has written books and many articles
3. Int'l Yacht Restoration School (IYRS) - A private nonprofit school on Thames Street in Newport, Rhode Island
   IYRS | 449 Thames St. Newport, RI 02840 | P. 401.848.5777 F. 401.842.0669 | EMAIL: info@iyrs.edu
   She has seen to the restoration of more than 80 classic yachts
4. Involved - An article in Yachting magazine details many of her activities and interests
   For instance - She shreded the NYYC Cruise Rules and wrote a parody of "Yaahting!" that sold 40,000 copies!
   She has written many articles for the highly regarded Nautical Quarterly.
   Yes; the renaissance of the Js. Would it have happened without her?
   

   Matthias Gawriloff provided two great J-Boat videos with modern J-Boat replicas

   Two videos were made by a radio/TV station in northern Germany. Wolter Huisman, Werftchef (German for shipyard boss) is shown at beginning of J-Boat PhotoShow 2. He arrainged for both videos to be made with Bekens' photos of the replicas that are interspersed with the vintage footage. One was made ten years after the first.

   The photos are in the same sequence from the DVD for the first J-Boat PhotoShow 1. I rearrainged them for continuity in the second J-Boat PhotoShow 2 . The 74' Aphrodite that I offer frames for at 48" and 74" is seen in J-Boat PhotoShow 2.

   The longest of the two videos provided over 150 photos included in my second J-Boat PhotoShow 2. I will continue to add more captions and resequence it for better understanding of the J-Boat differences.

   I saw no Copyright Notices so I can include the entire Quick Video of over 739,142 Kb on the Model Boat Memory Stick offered lower on this web site for $35 including shipping.

   Endeavour I Frames from "The Book" Are Available

   I provide J-Boat frames based on the lines drawing from "The Book". The layouts are easier to build and with the t-rails that makes the set up and planking much easier. The J-Class 104", 60" and 48" sizes are available. The 104" hull is deepened 2" below the scale design per AMYA J-Class rules. The 60" is deepened 2.5" and the 48" is deepened 3" to improve stability. The keels can be widened to allow internal ballast to be concentrated much lower in the hull. The maximum allowed for the J-Class is 1 7/8" outside dimentsion. The 60" J-Boat maximum is 1 1/4".

   The 48" Endeavour I frames with 3" deeper keel are $175. I also offer Endeavour II frames with t-rails like the Endeavour I frames. I have one set of 48" 'to scale' of Endeavour I frames that match the lines from "The Book" for display models for $135. I have accepted an order for a 30" Endeavour I set of frames and deck houses using the same frames.
   

   J-Class Lionheart laser cut deck houses designed in 3 sizes: 106", 60" and 48"

   The Lionheart deckhouses parts are based on the Lionheart photos. The .dxf files for laser cutting have not been done. If someone wants to pay the estimated $200 for the .dxf files, I will provide a set of the Lionheart deck houses in exchange.

   Ralph Perkins, former Revell plastic model designer has provided the AutoCad files for laser cutting the Lionheart and Ranger deck houses. He used the photos found on-line to establish the dimensions for the deck houses.

   I will provide the deck house parts in 1/16th scale in 4m Okoume plywood from Aircraft Software and 1/16th" mahogany plywood for the 60" and 48" models. Prices will be determined after prototypes have been made in each size.

   Herb Miller, the man with the “golden hands” per my neighbor will make finished 32" J-Boat Lionheart half models using frames and deck house parts that I provide. His finished half models of the J-Boat Lionheart on mahogany plaques with the colors as shown in the attached photo with laser cut deck houses but without hardware are $1200 plus shipping. Some options are available.

   Alan Horne of the UK provided this deck layout for his 48" Canterbury J-Boat which is based on the J-Boat Ranger hull shape. I can provide this layout in any length and width to fit my many model boat designs shown on this web site or to your requirements. 48" laser etched decks made of 4mm Okoume plywood from Aircraft Spruce are $175 plus shipping. I will provide quotes of other sizes upon request.

   Alan Horne offers excellent fiberglass hulls with different top sides and bottom colors. This is the first supplier that I have seen that can do that! Contact Alan Horne by e-mail which is provided on his web site listed above.

   Click for the new J-Boat Ranger YouTube showing her sailing with new mylar sails.
   

   J-Class Lionheart Revison 1 Laser Cut Frames Are Now Available in three sizes

   
   Revision 1 of the 106" J-Boat Lionheart.
   The partially planked model is by Dan Roth using the Version 1 frames.
   Dan Roth planks his models in a matter of a few days with a Hot Melt Gun.

   Mast Heights for J-Class Models per John Hanks, AMYA J-Class Sec'y

   I am using Ranger because Lionheart was one of the designs that were in the Ranger family so I am thinking that all of the designs used very similar rig designs and sail plans. The differences in the designs were subtle changes in the hull shapes and overhangs. To begin with the max allowed water line in the J class rule is 87' and all of the last Js built used that max in their design. That calculates to 65.25" on a 1/16 scale hull. The rules allow a 2" variance over the 65.25" length giving a max LWL of 67.25".

   All of the Js from Shamrock V to Ranger use a scaled sail plan max of 4200" plus a few inches that vary with the specific design. All of the main booms are between 45" and 50" again depending on the design chosen for a scale rig. With that said the 1/16th scale Js do not sail well with a full scale rig due to the fact that the water and wind do not scale down at the same rate, you loose stability in the hull faster than the power of the wind decreases with the scale sail plan. The model Js sail best with a sail plan of around 2900 inches for the smaller boats, Shamrock V and Enterprise and about 3400 to 3500 inches for the larger models, both Endeavours and Ranger. All of the J models built with a full scale rig are very tender in all but the lightest of air.

   The mast calculation that I am working with is Ranger's. She had a 165' total length mast but remember the mast was stepped on the keel. The J class rule measures the mast from the deck to the top of the mast. Ranger's mast at 165' scales to 123.75" but we need to remove about 8' to get to the deck level and that gives you a mast height of 157' and a scale mast height of 117.75" which is under the 120" allowed in the class rules. Again to help compensate for the effect of scale and accommodate the reduced sail plan a mast in the 110" range or less, works best for the models.

   PhotoShows of laser cut framed models:

   My PhotoShow Collection includes one for most of the boats I offer frames or models for. I add new things as members of the Model Sailboat Academy and others provide photos and other bits of knowledge for each of them. There are more than 35 model boat designs shown on these pages.

   The Bluenose Schooner web site by John Dowd of the UK is especially good for planning your next model. Click Bluenose to see his fabulouse web site for a fin and bulb keel radio controlled model.

   See Sail Classics web site for photos of their Bluenose schooner made in China that is sometimes seen on E-Bay.

   I especially liked the 18' Hampton Sloop by Odonovan and Dole that won "Best professionally built model" selected by Judges and Attendees at a 2011 boat show. See the step by step procedure they followed to build this boat. It is a good tutorial for those who are planning to build their first model the same way but from my laser cut frames.

   Click for my first YouTube where I showed America's Cup boats from "The Book". I created it with "One True Media's" easy method. It is not as easy to use as Roxio's PhotoShow but is FREE. You simply upload the photos you want to show, add some text and select the music. Uploading is by the click of a button once you are registered with Youtube.

   The America's Cup 1903 Reliance and Shamrock III will be match raced in an Americas Cup Re-enactment

   

   Click for the ReliancePhotoShow
   9' Reliance and Shamrock II Laser Cut Frames are available at 1/16th scale, 60" and 48".
   Sets of 1/16th scale sets of frames for Reliance and Shamrock II were been delivered to Dean Derusha. They will be built for America's Cup re-enactments on the pond that is under construction on his 10 acre lot in Freeland, MI. These are 9' triple head sail, gaff rigged models that have a great appeal to those who admire the vintage classics.

   The 9' Reliance laser cut frames went together in less than an hour, ready for strip planking! The smaller model frames shown in one photo are for the 48" Ranger. Solid blocks of wood are used on the bow and stern.

   Watch this site for updates as we follow developments of this large model and others like the J-Boats Linheart and Ranger that are nearing completion by several new builders.

   Classic Boats Magazine has a spread of photos of America's Cup Yacht Races in the UK

   Photos of 12 Meter ahd other historic America's Cup Yachts racing in the UK are accessable online for viewing. I find the Classic Boats monthlies at Barnes and Noble and Books-a-Million. I usually buy a copy on impulse when I see a classic yacht that needs to be modeled!

   Design Services for Models, Deck Houses and other Nautical Objects

   I provide quotes from well known naval architects on new layouts and 3D renderings for laser cut frames and parts for model boats of all types. Imagine any boat you are thinking of and it will magically appearing out of thin air. That is what Larry Ludwwig claims that I provide on his web site for the AMYA J-Class.

   Where plans do not exist but there are photos or sketches of what you want, we can provide all that is routinely done by professional naval architects. A variety of CadCam programs are used to produce the work like that done by Pietro Bastiani has shown on this web site. Send me the photos of boats or other objects you are interested in building for a quote.

   J-Boat Cheveyo, the Newest J-Boat Designed by S&S for an American Syndicate

   
   
   See the Sparkman and Stephens announcement .

   Orders for laser cut frames for J-Boat Cheveyo are now being accepted at $375 for 1/16th scale plus shipping.

   
   This rendering was provided by Pietro Bastiani of Liguria, Italy. He made it using DELFTship software. He is finalizing the lines drawing so that I can provide laser cut frames in the three standard sizes I offer the other j-Class models in. That is 104.25" at 1/16th scale, 60" and 48".

   Half models at 30" will also be available for each of the J-Boats that I provide laser cut frames for. They are to be made by Herb Miller who has been described by my master model builder neighbor, Dick Sherman, as being the man with "goldend hands".

   I sell the 1/16th scale frames for $375 plus shipping. Like the J-Class Lionheart, they require 18 panels for the frames alone. Deck houses will also be made available.

   JH7 is another Hoek Design J-Boat abuilding per the latest news on the new JH7. It wiill have the longest water line J-Boat of all those designed in the 1930s.

   Click for the Spirit Yachts Limited"s announcement of their building of the Cheveyo J-Boat |

   The 25th Anniversary of the 1987 Americas Cup Victory by Dennis Connors

   Watch this YouTube video of how Dennis Connors in the gunsmoke blue Stars and Stripes beat Ian Murray in Kukubura 3 at Perth, Austrailia

   "THE BOOK" book has lines, plans and articles for each America's Cup Boat from 1851 to 1986.

   I provide laser cut frames in 3 sizes for any boat that there are plans for! My AMYA J-Class 1/16th scale are now $350, 60" are now $275 and 48" are $250 . Endeavour I deck houses made of 3mm Okume are $135 if ordered at the same time as the hull frames. If ordered later, they are $175. As other deck house layouts become available they will replace Endeavour deck houses to match the other J-Boat hulls.

   This book is a God Send for model boat builders of Americas Cup models. I scan the lines to make files for laser cutting.

   Click for the "Book" PhotoShow. I add new lines drawings as I receive orders for Cup Boats. The Lionheart is my flagship model. It was designed for the 1937 Cup Races but not built until 2010. Pietro Bastiani of Italy has provided the lines for making the laser cutting files. He is building a 60" Lionheart model and improving the lines as he goes. I show my own models of the IOD Class, my first laser cut frames set. Be sure to see John Hanks' model building steps and his finished Ranger model with deck houses and hardware. They are the best we have seen! He wrote a series of 6 build articles, beginning with the Spring 2000 AMYA quarterly: Volumes 119, 121, 122, 123, 124 and one on building a planked deck in Volume 149.

   The new J-Boats Lionheart and Svea were built in aluminum in Holland as well others of the 1930 and 1937 era J-Boat Class.

   Many 8' 6" plank-on-frames models are being built to race in the AMYA J-Class. They conform to the original designs except for 2" added to the keels ahead of the rudder to improve stability.

   60" and 48" are provided with 2.5" and 3" deepened keels to make them more stable.

   Herb Miller built the first 60" Lionheart hull for me to finish with the deck and riggind. The deck layout was provided by "Paco" Labrador of Madrid,Spain. My many PhotoShows are updated frequently to show decks, deck houses, hardware and rigging provided by Dean Derusha and sails by Rod Carr. Rod Carr made the orginal sails for my Vanja 72" A Class model. Go to 60" Lionheart for updates. Pietro Bastiani's steps for building his 60" Lionheart are included. I have built the 48" Lionheart and will add it to this PhotoShow. Herb used hard balsa covered with several coats of thinned West Epoxy to the consistency of water.

   Many model boats have been provided in several sizes as shown on the following pages. The Lionheart is my most popular model. Deck and deckhouse laser cutting files have been developed by Ralph Perkins of Chamra, New Mexico and by Franciso "Paco" Labrador of Spain. Pietro Bastiani of Italy has provided many lines drawings. Bill Bicshel has provided drawings of fittings and stands. This site has become a community project with many contributors.

   See the Harken Miniature hardware that Dean Derusha offers as seen on www.photobucket.com/modelyachtworld. He provided the aluminum parts as shown on the 48" Lionheart deck layout. It is only a partial set that he offers for $150 for the 48" Lionheart. The full set includes the track and fittings for the mast, more blocks, bits and chocks. Dean offers $450 worth of the Harken Miniatures for the 1/16th scale J-Boats in exchange for a set of 1/16th scale J-Boat frames I offer which are typically $375. Contact Dean by phone at 989 980-9423 in Freeland, Michigan.

   See the PhotoShow of Dean's Harken Miniatures on the J-Boat Lionheart deck plans.
   

   Five J-Boats Racing at St. Barths shown on this outstanding video

   Five J-Boats in close racing is quite a sight. If Endeavour I was present, it would be even more dramatic.

   Ranger, the white one, being 20 tons heavier than the others, benefitted from the high winds of 25 mph on some days. Click for St. Barths Bucket video found on Yachting's website.

   When five J Class yachts raced head-to-head for the first time in decades, Onne van der Wal was there to capture it in this must-see video. Published: May 15, 2013

   See how they stacked up at the end of the video. I had thought Lionheart would top the leader board but it was not to be! She came in second to Hanuaman which is a replica of Endeavour II which had 4 points to Lionheart's 10 after 4 races.

   Order an A. J. Fisher catalog for some hard to find model boat hardware fittings

   Order the A. J. Fisher catalog for several pages of hard to find model boat hardware fittings in lead and other metals, some in several sizes, that will work well on classic model boats. It does not include the original more popular brass fittings as I show below under the 3D Printing heading. Several other companies said they would offer the brass fittings but I have not found such a vialble source. SAILSetc.com shows a number of comparable products such as goose necks, travelers and spreaders in their on-line catalog. Check their "fittings" section for "vintage" parts. They also provide the e-mail address for Russell Potts, head of the UK Vintage Model Yacht Group.
   

   Laser Cut Frames method shown in "Classic Boating" May/June 2013 Issue 173

   
   Contact Jamie Johnston of Digital Design for model boat or full size boat frames (602) 463-4182)
   301 West Deer Valley Road, Phoenix, AZ 85027
   He provides laser cut frames and CNC routed frames.

   Baby Bootlegger frames made from the John-Tom layout are $175 for 36", $250 for 48" and $350 for 60", all plus S&H. Other sizes available upon request for price.

   The Baby Bootlegger finished model and frames layout are from earlier copies of John Tom's web site .

   See the Baby Bootlegger PhotoShow for models by John Tom of Bangkok, Thailand. He seems to have deleted the Baby Bootlegger and 48" Aphrodite.

   IPhones can transmit images of your heart to a remote monitor
   to show its condition and your chances of a stroke!

   Having had my fifth TIA recently, I searched for a better way to evaluate my risks. I found a web site where Dr Eric Topol tells how health care and the medical profession will be changed by Smart Phones and digital technology! If you put a substance smaller than a grain of sand into your blood stream, an app in the IPhone and presumably the IPad will detect if plaque embeded in the walls of your blood vessels has been released that can cause a stroke or TIA. There are 5 major apps will continuously monitor urine, saliva, sweat, heart rate and pressure, EKG, et al! There are already 5 major apps that work with body sensors and receptors that attach to the doctors smart phones allowing for constant remote monitoring. They can save $800 ultra sound sonograms times the 20 million done each year and $100 for each EKG! This can amount to many $ Billions of savings in tests and office visits!.

   Dr Topol tells how 1/3 of the $ billions of drugs dispensed each year are ineffective or worse with side effects. He now dispenses more apps than prescriptions! He forced VIOX off the market that caused many deaths that were hidden from the FDA by MERK! My friend had a 4-way bypass heart surgery caused needlessly by VIOX. He had excellent heart test results before taking VIOX as a pain killer for his knee.

   I had muscle cramps from 3 different Statins that were prescribed for alledgedly taking off sharp edges of plaque that cause turbulence that may loosen plaque and gave them up. Plaque can circulate until it finds a constriction in the brain causing bruising and a TIA or stroke. It could lodge in your lung and cause an embolism which may kill you! It can clog on sensory nerves such as for speech or eye sight. I have experienced these problems several times. I never know when the next one might strike! Otherwise, I am in excellent health.

   The RC Model Boat Video from Greece is Closing Down. See one of their last YouTubes

   Cataman is an excellent Greek video photographer of model boats who has produced a long line of videos that you can find on-line with Google searches. See one of his last ones entitled Testing my camera from a drift boat taken in a very large beautiful Greek swimming pool with other excellent models.

   iMakr is the largest 3D Printing Store in the world

   Watch the video of the UK 3D Printer Story for the latest news on 3D Printing. iMakr and the 3D Printing book.

   Click for the iMakr web site with their slide show of many printers.

   See the iMakr website .
   

   Staples Sells Cube 3D Printers by 3D Systems for $1299.99. The larger Cube X sells for $2500.

   Watch the video of the UK 3D Printer Story for the latest news on 3D Printing.

   The UK 3D Printer Store has almost every 3D Printer and demo them as well as make parts for you!

   See Staples announcement of the Cube 3D Printer that has a 5.5" x 5.5" x 5.5" size cube limitation. It uses recyclable ABS and PLA plastic from $49.95 cartridges with spools to create objects described by the "Cubify" software. 25 designs by artists are provided with the unit. To create more, you need to buy the software that is said to be very easy to use in making solid parts.

   It can be controlled by an IBM PC with Windows 7 Service Pack 3 or an OS X 1.8 MAC. It is wireless so there are no cable complications. You can find Product Info, Q&A's, Supplies and Accessories and Reviews when they get some. I did not find any reviews on their web site but you can find reviews of the 3D Systems' Cube 3D and Cube X from other suppliers. Watch the Cube 3D demo and commentary.

   The claims are "2nd generation Cube,‘Plug and Play’ - works out of the box, No user training required, Portable design for classroom, living room or office, Mac and Windows compatible, For designers, small businesses, students and kids, WiFi printing and Multiple design and performance awards. Call 3D Systems to ask for a free Cube 3D manual at 678 338-3480 and cubify@cubify.com. They have newsletters you can subscribe to from their web site at www.cubify.com. Their address is 3D Systems | 333 Three D Systems Circle | Rock Hill, SC 29732 .

   The YouTube "Explaining the 3D Printing Future and other developments" by Christopher Barnatt is excellent. Click for Christopher Barnatt's many links that will amaze you! His crystal clear presentation style will let enjoy it while you learn!

   Although I was going to jump in with both feet and buy one, I will first try the 3D Printing service provided by Red Eye on Demand and/or Incept 3D to produce some A. J. Fisher replica hardware such as goose necks, masthead cranes, jumper struts and other fittings which are in great demand.

   I recommend that you Google "3D Printer Trade Shows" to learn about the many other brands. 3D Printers makes several other models that can print multiple colors on the same object. See the Cube X in operation. It has an 11" x 11" x 10" bed. See the Cubify web site for more details. And, Google for "The ten best 3D Printers" for good comparison sites.

   GWHIZ Faulhaber Fab Lab has a Stratasys uPrint SE 3D Printer and scanner. The scanner creates the software in .stl format to make objects that can wanded. The output can be reversed for half models to produce the other half, creating a full model. I will try the GWHIZ Fab Lab's 3D Printer when it becomes available to the public. The Stratasys uPrint SE 3D printer and 3D scanner with wanding equipment are as shown in the YouTube.

   Stratasys has 107 different materials that can be used as shown in thie hardware items very quickly! See the animated views of how the different materials are used.

   Motely Fool has an extensive 3D Printing report and another by David Gardner and brother Tom. They tout a number of stocks for the 3D Printers and software makers including AutoDesk (ADSK),Dassault Systemes' Catia and Solid Works (DASTY), 3D Systems (DDD), Stratasys Ltd (SSYS) and Intuitive Surgical (ISRG), Organovo Holdings (ONVO). It is possible to make human bone replace parts in various densities that can be inserted in human bodies and not be rejected! Consider the advance of 3D Printing to be comparable to that of the Internet bubble!
   cep

   Objet does the impossible! A 3D ship in a glass bottle! See the amazing video

   Click for the Ship in a bottle YouTube . The also have a case study on-line of how Jaquar and Land Rover use their printers and services Incept's capabilities . They can mix different material types including wood, metals and rubber!
   

   19' Chris Craft at 3" to 1' scale = 57" loa

   

   Herb Miller will build a 57" from frames I provide for his 19' Chris Craft runabout at 3" to 1' scale. He likes to make 48" and larger boat models to use large Weed Whacker gas engines. See a number of other boats on this web site by Herb including the 36" Bonzo below, his 48" IOD, 48" Dragon and 48" Crandall Flyer

   Ralph Perkins made the .dxf files for it. I cut the frames at Sarasota's Faulhaber Fabrication Lab from eleven 1/8" x 12" x 24" lite ply panels. I bought the lite ply from BalsaUSA through my local hobby shop. The local hobby shop price for the same BalsaUSA product was less than ordering direct because they do not charge for shipping! Lite plywood is made of poplar, not birch and is preferred by model airplane builders because it is a little lighter, softer and a little more flexible.

   Herb will make this model as a single cockpit version with a minimum of hardware appointments on deck. When finished, he will offer it for sail for $3500.

   I will investigate making the windshield, steering wheel and navigtion lights and staffs using a 3D Printing service provider.

   Click for the 19' Chris Craft frames and cockpit styles to choose from. Watch for updates as Herb Miller builds his 57" Chris Craft model.

   
   

   The Bonzo Objet D'Art by Herb Miller

   
   The plural term "Objet D'Art covers a wide range of works, usually small and three-dimensional, of high quality and finish in areas of the decorative arts, not paintings or sculptures.

   Herb Miller has almost finished the 36" Bonzo for me with a strip planked deck and gunwhale. The left photo shows how he stained the mahogany which had three different hues requiring special treatment. He will power it with a conventional motor and drive shaft rether than the outboard motor mounted in a center well as shown in the plans. See the Bonzo PhotoShow with lazer cut frame layouts.Bonzo frames came about when a second DELFTship software expert form Italy offered to to do the .dxf files and learn how my laser cutter draws them for 12 x 24" plywood panels. Bonzo was a warm up project before he contracted to do the Yankee One Design shown lower on this page.. In addition to DELFTship.com, he uses TurboCAD 2D/3D to produce .dxf files and 3D renderings. He will do the files for any boat you want frames for! Email him at Eta Beta. See the list of plans that I have on-hand. I found the Bonzo story in the Uffa Fox "Sailing, Cruising and Design" in 1948 when making models at Penn State. It is one of his four classic books on boats of all types. Now there is the "Best of Uffa" book that has 50 of his best designs in one volume. You can buy it from Amazon.com.

   Herb Miller will install a conventional electric motor and drive shaft in the 36" Bonzo. Herb bought $200 worth of 1/16" mahogany for the 48" Bonzo I sent him in partial payment for his work.

   The frames for the Bonzo and all of my other models are now available directly from Martin Rousseau of www.mraerodesign.com. He will provide them in any size and ship directly to you. I am phasing out of the business of supplying model boat frames and looking into other ventures in addition to the 3D Printing.

   Watch the Bonzo PhotoShow for more about this interesting small runabout.

   Mark Beatty will make a US Navy Gearing Class destroyer model from laser cut frames

   Having finished the 55" US Coast Guard Motor Lifeboat shown below, Mark will be making a US Navy Gearing Class destroyer model from laser cut frames. He has chosen this particular model because he found that there was one named the "Beatty"!. No suprise there!

   A total of 98 Gearing Class destroyers were built. They did not see much action in WW II and many were turned over to other navies where some may still remain in commission. This is from Wikipedia. All three destroyers I served on have either been scrapped or sunk from being target practice victims.

   See the many photos and plans found on internet.

   I am following this project closely having served on two Flectcher Class destroyers, USS Nicholas DDE 449 and USS Waller DD 466. I was on the USS Eugene A. Green DD 711, a a 2200 ton Sumner long hull which was an extended Gearing Class design.

   There are many excellent destroyer models to be found on-line. The Lindberg "Blue Devil Destroyer" kit is a 36" Fletcher Class model that can be made radio controlled. My son made and excellent one for me when he was only 10 years old. I have an unopened Blue Devil Destroyer kit for the time when I give up model boats and take on a number of kits I have accumulated over the years when I have some time on my hands.
   

   Victorian Motor Boat Twin Marine steam engine made by Martin Baylis

   Roy Burton of the UK who specializes in steam launches, some of which are shown below, will sell his small steam engine seen in these three photos. Roy says, "The Twin sells in the UK Shops for 1,000 pounds Sterling. He will sell it for 895 pounds Sterling with no vat as a private sale. Payment by bank transfer only. Margins are very tight at this price. Shipping will be 35 pounds with tracking. They are great engines."

   See the engine mounted in the clinker boat. The specs are: Bore 9mm, Stroke 12mm, Capacity 3.05cc, Working Pressure 45psi or 3bar, Length 77.75mm or 3-1/16” (excluding reversing handle),Width 52.50mm or 2-1/16” (excluding throttle handle),Height 89.87mm or 3-17/32” (excluding lubricator cap, Weight 321g or 11.33oz.

   It is a fantasic engine, "Made in England", the home of Victorian steam. A triple will be available in about 2 months. Also, I have plans for a clinker hull for a steam boat 30" long by 8.5" beam. I sent you the plans for it which you can add to your PhotoShows on steam launches. The Clinker photo is shown on the left. Click on it for a larger imsge.

   
   The Topaz Steam Launch Model was featured in the Model Boats April 2012. Roy Burton is building his 46" Steam Launch Bat as shown in an August 2012 YouTube. Model Boats' May 1984 issue had this complete write up of Keith Thompson's Steam Launch Bat model. Click for photos from that issue in my SL Bat PhotoShow.

   Be sure to Google for Topaz YouTube videos. There are about 10 good ones of this commerically available model.

   and see Roy's steam engine running on a YouTube video.

   Roy Burton's SL Bat on the left is a work in progress. His antique refurbished 32" steam launch model is on the right. See his 46" Steam Lauch Bat YouTube and another one found on-line.

   Click for Roy Burton's later YouTube of his working steam engine on his Steam Launch Bat. Roy's e-mail address is . Click on the Useful Addresses for web sites devoted to steam launches. Also, check out Model Boats subscription offer. This magazine purports to provide many articles on models such as the Topaz that are well written with good photo coverage. That and Traplet's Marine Modeling International should keep you up to date on what the UK modelers are up to.

   See Marten Howes and Bayliss steam launch suppliers of the UK. They provide all the things you will need to equip your steam launch models.

   Here are my four more PhotoShows you can view at Steam Launch Diane by Mike Kelley, Steam Launch Bat, Steam Launch Topaz, and Steam Launch Truscott.

   See the Lady Beatrice steam launch YouTube that has excellent wood working and installation of its steam engine.
   

   Five J-Boats Raced at the St. Barths Bucket Regatta in 28-31 March 2013

   Read about the J Class races at St. Barths' Bucket Regatta where Lionheart, Ranger, Velsheda, Hunaman (Endeavour 2 replica) and Rainbow had close races. They raced under a handicap system managed by Jim Teeters, head of a US Sailing Department. There is a animation of each race at TracTrac . You can see the close maneuvers and read the rounding times at each mark.

   The handicaps are set by the US Sailing Offshore Racing Department headed by Jim Teeters, Committee Advisor.im Jim Teeters serves as an advisor to the USPHRF Comittee. He is US SAILING’s Associate Offshore Director and member of the ORR and IMS Committee. I worked with Jim in the 1991 Partnership of Americas Cup Technology activities. I was the IBM contact for providing financial support, computers and programming support as my last assignment before retiring. Jim was working for Sparkman and Stephens and provided a generic AC Class design for evaluation of the new larger boats with deep fin keels. It was a great experience, as ssociating with Brit Chance, Bruce Rosen, John Marshall and other AC notables.

   Read about Jim Teeters' Bucket Handiapping success. See the J Class Yacht schedule at J-Class Owners Association that arranges their very active campaigns.ti

   Laser Cut Frames and Decks for Any Boat Model You Want to Build!

   Rose Styles sells plans on E-Bay from the old "Model Maker and Model Boats" magazine which morphed into the current "Model Boats" magazine. I imagine they still hold the copyright to these plans which they sell for a much higher price than Rose does.

   Check out these two links for other model boat plans:

   Bluebird of Chelsea plans and Lorraine model plans. Laser cut frames include the inherent research, planning, scaling and other preparations that can save 6 months time to start planking your next model in minutes from the time you open your laser cut frames package! Per Carl Brossius, Master Model Maker of Finesterre at 57.75".

   To obtain a quote on any boat frames or things you want cut by laser, Send me .pdf, .jpg, or .gif files of your plans to save the shipping expense. Have your plans scanned by Staples, Office Depot or other copy center and put on a memory stick or CD-Rom to forward by e-mail from your computer. That saves the cost of a mailing tube and postage.

   Having had a string of TIA's recently, I am shutting down this web site and passing all my materials and files on to other organizations that can benefit from my many years of working on model boats. The GWIZ Fabrication Lab has agreed to accept the many model boat plans and laser cutting files. They plan to promote model boat building as one of their educational programs. See the write up of their operation below.

   I list a number of sets of frames I have on hand. I will accept any reasonable offer for them as I finish up this business. It has been a fun hobby that looked a lot like a business!

   New Interest in the Sound Interclub Class Models

   

   The Caprice and Bandit are now at the Tumblehome Boatshop for additional work.

   Do a Google search for Reuben Smith's Tumblehome Boatshop which provides Historic Craftsmanship at www.tumblehomeboats.com .
   Ruben is focused on high‐end restorations and difficult work that you can't see when the boats are back together.

   
   Eric Romanski plans to make a pair of Sound Interclub models for the couple who are new owners of Caprice and Ghost. They are being restored at Ruben Smith's Tumblehome yacht restoration yard near Lake George, NY. I updated my Photo Show with some additional photos. It is at Sound Interclub Caprice Restoration.

   The frames are now available from www.mraerodesign.com where Martin Rousseau provides them in any size. He shows many other models he has done for me over the last 2 years.

   Herb Miller of Marathon, FL did the deck house and cockpit work on the two models shown in my PhotoShow. I built the two hulls from the laser cut frames that are shown at 21.15" LOA. I recomment making these models a 1" to 1' or 28" loa or 36".
   I recommend Ken Bauser's sails for this size boat. Contact him at Ken Bauser www.KBSails@aol.com 203 575-9882, 32 Woodstock Street, Waterbury, CT 06704
   

   A 22" Powerboat Model that you can build in any size

   This very detailed and clean looking 22" model was made by EtaBeta, an Italian model maker, who modified the French plan's inconsistencies using CadCam software.

   Contact the author to buy or obtain his permission to use his plans which are copyrighted. He is Philippe Hof. His web site is http://www.plansbateaux.net/home/

   See the step by step Flying Bridge WT 35 PhotoShow.
   

   Yachting magazine featured the 74' Aphrodite commuter launch just as my 74" models are delivered !

   It is an ironic coincidence that Yachting and RC Boat both featured the 74' Aphrodite at the same time I started delivering the 74" and 48" Aphrodite laser cut frames and parts.

   Yachting Magazine for January 2013 features the Aphrodite at the same time as our 74" and 48" laser cut frames have become available. This is the "Look of Love" as they call her and she has had many lives in her 76 years already.

   She has been modeled by many over the years and now, for the first time laser cut frames are available to make this a very practical model for even first time model builders!

   See Yachting photos and frame layouts and then look through the full collection I have presented to help modelers develop their plans for building this popular model.

   My first four customers are Jim Wangard, "Classic Boating" editor, Matthais Gawriloff, Basil, Switzerland's Symphony Director, Mike Cochran, accomoplished Cad/Cam engineer and model maker of Odessa, FL, and Herbert Miller, master model shipwright from Marathon, FL.

   Click for the history of the Mighty, Mighty Aphrodite from the Greenwich, CT Times Magazine 2007

   Click for the RC Boat articles about James Delaney's 74" model and other news items.

   The 74" Frames preview shows the many frames and cabin parts. The 74" frames and parts require eignteen 1/8" and 3 1/16" panels of 12" x 24" plywood. The 48" frames and parts are of 8 1/8" and 1 1/16" panels.

   Clear glass plastic windows are also included with both sizes of frames.

   
   The 74" frames and parts require 18 1/8" x 12" x 24" and 3 1/16" of plywood.

   
   The 48" frames and parts require eight 1/8" x 12" x 24" and 1 1/16" of plywood. The windows are parallel to the deck which is at variance with the profile plan. This has been confirmed by James Delaney per the plans provided by Mystic Seaport. The forward cabin's access doors are only on the port side and in the pilot house.
   

   

   48" Aphrodite Rev 1 hull will be finished as a display model
   

   48" Aphrodite Rev 2 hull with cabin installed will be finished as an r/c model
   

   The Aphrodite 74" Revision 4 layout is now ready for providing frames at 48" and 74". Replacements for the 48" cabins are being sent to those who received earlier versions. The new layout corrected the cabin and deck widths as well as adding two patterns for making a display stand as shown in the lower left corner.

   We anxiously await photos from those who have built their Aphrodite models from my laser cut frames beside those provided by Herb Miller as shown above.

   Running Gear for 48" Aphrodite R/C Models

   Herb Miller's 48" Aphrodite is shown with the struts and rudders, ready of installation of the drive shafts and propellors. They will require connectors that act as universal joints to attach them to the two Graupner 700 brushless motors that he will install. Click for the three sizes of Graupner Connectors found on the Graupner web site. Unfortunately, the Graupner USA distributor in Sarasota, FL does not carry them in local inventory. Christophe Guerin of France had a 48" Aphrodite shipped to him last week. He recommends Cap Maquettes as a good source for couplers. I include links to pages from their catalog in my Graupner Connectors page. Here are those links:

   Cap-Maquettes Fittings found on-line

   Click for Cap-Maquettes.
   Sign up so you can log in and get their newsletters and notices.
   I signed up and use the English translated version.

   Christophe Guerin of France told us that Raboesch makes couplings with inner fittings that can be chosen, as you can see on their website at here .
   Buy the coupling which comes “empty” and then choose the right diameters for your shaft and motor sizes.

   This is the link to the main page: http://www.cap-maquettes.com/modelisme-bateau/contents/fr/ .

   In the menu “produits par marques” (products by brand), you will find Raboesch here .

   The couplings are found under Cardans .

   We have found Graupner Couplings on Cornwall Modelboats Co. of the UK'a Graupner Couplings. They have 3 sizes of 3 part coupling assemblies and many linkages in their catalog.

   Herb Miller was able to find one coupler from Mack Products of Long Branch, NJ that was devestated by Hurricane Sandy and is just now recovering. He shows the coupler assembly, propellor and propellor hub nut he will be using on his 48" Aphrodite.

   Herb Miller's 48" Aphrodite plywood cabin may be painted to simulate wood grain. I will provide some teak veneer to try out with some orange stain to try to achieve the color as seen in the real boat photos. Others may cover their cabins with thin adhesive backed mahogany veneer from Home Depot and Menards as recommended by Jim Wangard, editor of Classic Boating.
   

   The Aphrodite models give encouragement to others considering building one for themselves

   Jim Wangard, editor of Classic Boating, included Aphrodite items in the January 2012 issue. He provided detailed drawings of the cabin profile and plan view for cutting frames and parts to add to the hull frames and parts which are now available as shown below.

   Web pages recommended for Aphrodite model enthusiasts:

   Aphrodite on ModelShipWorld: ModelShipWorld

   Yahoo Group for Project Aphrodite you should join: Project Aphrodite

   A Classic Boat Facebook Group you have to join: Classic Wooden Boat Models

   The most interesting facebook Group you have to join: FaceBook Model Group

   Click for the rebuilding of Aphrodite in 2004 - 2005 by Brooklin Boat Yard.

   
   The Aphrodite model on the left is by Patrick McCauley, Master Model Maker for Centerbrook Architects. The one on the right is by James Delaney of Manchester, CT.
   A YouTube of three men aboard the Aphrodite in NYC is at Aphrodite in NY City. Part 2 shows her on the East River .

   
   Click on each image for an enlarged version.

   
   See the Off Center Harbor section below where videos and guides for these types of boats including one of the Aphrodite are provided. Register for a subscription.
   Check out my latest PhotoShow of the Aphrodite .

   48" Power Unit Recommendation from Mike Brookes of Australia

   G'Day Milton,

   I have to disagree with the suggestion to use the same motors as the 36" Shelley Foss tug boat. The needs are completely different. A tug needs lots of thrust at fairly low speed so they run large props with high torque slower reving motors.

   The Aphrodite is a high speed commuter boat which tends to need smaller props running at higher speed but not as fast as the race boats. I think a couple of outrunner brushless motors around 28 - 36 diameter low KV ~800-1000 running on 3S LiPo cells turning a prop 40-45mm diameter The 48" Aphrodite will need a top speed of around 70 feet per second to match the full size boat.

   MACK products has a couple of the water cooled brushless motors for Miss Severn running on 3S LiPo instead of 14V. They should come close to doing the trick!

   Herb Miller plans to install two Graupner 700 brushed motors with one Viper 40 speed control from ViperTec for both motors found on www.harborboats.com's web site with 1.5" three bladed propellers. Contact HarborModels at sales@harbormodels.com and ask for Dave who spent over 30 minutes with Herb.

   Also, find the Graupner 700 BB motors at www.cornwallmodelboats.co.uk/index.html as an alternative. Look under "RC Boats" to find it.
   Graupner USA may also stock them. See their web site at Graupner USA. I suggested to Dumas Model Products that they add the Aphrodite to their line up of powerboat models as a significantly better alternative to their "Dauntless". They could offer the frames and their power units as a package along with hardware et al.

   Let me know if you are interested in new boat models not on this list or any of those on Brooklin Boat Yard's classic sailing yachts.

   Ask a friend to make a pair of Aphrodites with you for racing!
   

   Aphrodite, the torpedo stern 74' Express Cruiser that FDR commuted with to NY City in WW II

   Click for photos from Classic Boating May/June 2007 Issue 137 featuring Aphrodite, the ultimate express cruiser design for model boat building on my latest Aphrodite PhotoShow. Click for a Aphrodite model builder explains!

   The cabin parts are made from white birch for mahogany stain for a bright finish. There are frames for each station as shown in the PhotoShow.

   The Brooklin Boat Yard video has photos of classic yachts they have built or restored including Aphrodite's second restoration. My PhotosShow has 3 photos of how the bustle back was made with over 1,000 copper rivets.

   Click for a 10 day free trial of classic boat videos that has a segment on the Aphrodite and the Brooklin Boat Yard. It starts at 4.02 minutes into the excellent tutorial type video.

   Classic Boating Article About 74" and 48" Aphrodite Models by Jim Wangard

   
   
   Note how Jim Wangard did not remove the centers for each frame. He is concerned about any problems that might occur when using push pins while planking. He would remove them after the hull is planked.

   I also sell frames for the US Coast Guard 52' Motor Life Boat at 1" to 1' scale as well as almost any other scale. The first one was for Mark Beatty of Valley Construction and Supply of Pacific, WA. He made it for r/c to run in the high surf to see how it performs compared to the real boats. It is such a beauty, I wonder if he will dare do that! He has built a number of beautiful high speed hydroplanes like Miss Budweiser but of different designs. I also sell the frames fort the Charles M. Mower Number Boat #22. See his model compared to the real Coast Guard 52' Life Boats at the PhotoShow of my frames and his model! I also have some steam launches as well.

   Click for Amazon's Boat Model Books.

   The Truscott Fantail Launch and Steam Launch Bat are included below. The Truscott is one of my favorite hull shapesury. It can be fitted with a tugboat style deck house, a canopy like electric lake boats and other innovative arrangements.

   Dean Derusha's Harken Miniature Fittings offered in packages for J-Boats and other models

   See Dean Derusha's Harken Miniature hardware. It shows the many working blocks and fittings needed to accurately finish these models.

   He offers packages in 3 J-Boat sizes: 48" for $150, 60" for $250 and 1/16" scale for $450. He offers the $450 package in exchange for any of my 1/16" scale sets of laser cut frames. Contact him at 989 980-9423 and by e-mail miniatureharken@yahoo.com . He already has the Reliance and Shamrock 3. He wants to be able to match race the America's Cup classics.
   

   Alan Horne's Canterbury and Nottingham Two Tone J-Class Model Boat Hulls

   Click on www.jclasshulls.co.uk for some of the best looking 48" J-Boat hulls by Alan Horne. He has a way to mold fiberglass hulls with two colors. His web site includes a tremendous amount of information pertinent to all types of boats but particularly the 48" Canterbury J-Class.

   Alan provided the .dxf file for the laser etched decks I provide as shown below.

   His write ups are excellent and his links to J-Class activities are well worth looking into for the serious J-Class model boat builders and racers.

   Click for the Builder's Manual for the Canterbury J-Class.

   Click for the Canterbury J-Class Rules
   

   Decks and Deckhouses

   J-Boat Endeavour deck houses for it and other J-Boat models are available as shown at the Deck House Assembly Instructions . They are based on the Amati 46" Endeavour in 3 sizes: 48", 60" and 102".

   I offer laser etched decks as seen with the 48" IOD, 48" Dragon and all sizes of Aphrodite. Other decks available upon request.

   To order any of my frames or models, send an e-mail at mthrasher@verizon.net or call me at 941 966-9172 for details for handling the transaction. I do not have an ordering procedure because of the variety of cases I handle.

   Some Sources for Model Boat Making Supplies provided by Dan O'Neill

   1. Model Ship World
   2. Display Cases
   3. Wet Goose Model hardware
   4. Lumber Yard Wood and ship kits
   5. Taubman Plans offers many plans for all types of models
   6. The Floating Drydock offers many plans for US Navy ships
   7. Ship Models Forum
   8. John R. Haynes's models Museum quality naval ships and hulls
   9. CNC router cut models CNC cut superstructures for 1/96 scale ships
   10. Laser cut foam superstructures
   11. Micro Glass Models Fibreglass hulls but no superstructures
   12. Scale Shipyard w/catalog
   13. NE Scale Lumber Model RR car siding w/grooves that hold dark stain. Looks like tongue and groove planking
   14. Call Jim Dissette 941 309-4949 xt 113 for water jet metal cutting
   15. Raising the Costa Concordia YouTube. This is a $400 Million project paid for by the insurance company with only a 50-50 chance of success. The concept is to place a steel platform for the ship to be rolled onto. Large steel rectangular tanks are to be welded to the sides. When the ship is on the platform in the upright position, the air tanks that will have water in them will be pumped out giving bouyancy to raise the ship. The steel platform is in 3 sections, each the size of a football field. They are being made near Venice. They will be towed by barge around the heel and toe of Italy and up to the Corsica Island where the ship is capsized close to shore.

       Memory stick with all of my model files for $35 credited toward purchase of frames

       ---

       I provide frames for the 40+ models listed below amongst the 80 folder names. These folders are provided on a 8 Gigabyte memory stick for $35. I credit the price toward any frames, decks or deck houses They are from many years of making model boats of all types. Click for Memory Stick recipients thus far. The over 80 folders include photos, frame layouts, lines drawings and instructions for building model boats of all types with laser cut frames. A Microsoft Word document of this web site is also included. It is intended for those who wish to save parts of the web site or use it to search and save those parts of interest.

       I recently added the Quick Video of historical footage of the 1930s J-Boat races and more recent races of new replicas. To easily find out what I offer, take a look at the PhotoShow of all the photos from my website. And, click for many of the web site pages .

       ---

       

       ---

       Carl Brossius said my frames put him six or more months ahead of where he would be in building his Finesterre model. That is because the data gathering, drawings, everything needed to make the frames is all done for you. Larry Ludwig, Webmaster for the AMYA J-Class said, "Milton makes models appear out of thin air"!

       That is true in the sense that you can start planking within minutes of opening your package of frames. They go together very quickly as the frames are lined up and held rigid with the t-rail system and locked in with the keelsons that capture the frames. I recommend 1/8" basswood planking glued very quickly with CA glue. Some report planking a 48" or 60" hull in one week of evenings! The frames are very accurate to the lines drawings and assure very fair curves as sighted from any direction. The slots and notches are exactly .130" wide for the 1/8" birch plywood that can be stained to look very much like mahogany.

       ---

       I recommned that you view the preview of this extensive web site! There are over 40 models that I provide laser cut frames for.

       There is a web site by Dean Derusha at www.photobucket.com/modelyachtworld. You may want to check it from time to time as new features are added.

       Link to models and sections on this web site

       If new to model boat building, request a copy of Tom Houle's "Building and Racing R/C Model Sailboats. I send it as a .pdf by e-mail at no charge. And, read the on-line Boys' Book of Model Boats which is excellent. | Alan Horne's 48" Canterbury and Nottingham J-Class Hulls | Aphrodite 74' express cruiser | Aphrodite model being planked | | The Aphrodite restoration | Pearson Ariel One Meter | AircraftSpruce | Bell Bottom News | Boys Book of Model Boats | Books | Rod Carr | Crandall Flyer | US CG 52' Steel Life Boat | Contact Milton Thrasher | Columbia 50" | Deck Houses | Dragon 48" | Endeavour deck houses | Endeavour 48" | Endeavour 60" | Endeavour J-Class | Etchells 22" | Exotic Woods | Evelina M. Goulart 31.25" | Finisterre 57" | Fittings | Gloriana 48" | Gloriana 9' | Graupner boat accessories | Hardware | Heritage 12 Mtr | Hindenburg Disaster | Hirondele 36" | International One-Design section 1 | International One-Design section 2 | International One-Design section 3 | John Hanks' Photos | J-Class Info | Larry Ludwig | Luciole | J-Boat Masts | Motors | J-Boat Rigging | Ray Osmun | Number Boat 22 at 58" | Oheka II" | PhotoShow Collection | IOD Page Link | | Ranger J-Class | Rainbow J-Class | Reliance | Rigging suggestions | Sources | IOD History | Titanic Insurance Fraud | SAILSetc | Skerry Sq Mtr models | Shamrock V deck | South Bay Shore Bird | Sources | Svea J-Class | USS Constitution 32" | Vagabond 82" | Vanja and IOD Pages Link | Video Links | Yankee III J-Boat Link | Yankee Half Model Link | Table of Laser Cut Frames Ready To Cut |

       International Dragon Class Laser Cut Frames Available In Any Size

       An international cooperative effort between Italy, Australian, Canada and the US caused my new Dragon Class frames to be developed. They are superior to other Dragon kits on the market. Colin Johanson of Australia noted the Dragon frames I show lower on this website based on the Billings Dragen kit. His client owns a full size Dragon and wanted a 48" r/c model. I provided a set of laser cut frames in exchange for his doing .dxf files based on a model design provided by one of my J-Boat Lionheart client. It was created for two full size Dragon owners in Menphis, TN in 1970. They commissioned the building of two detailed r/c models. They include cockpit seats, cuddy cabin and cockpit coamings. Colin included all of these features in his .dxf layout as well as a laser etched deck with strip planking and a cabin roof. The set includes two keelsons. One is for display models and the other is for r/c with a 3" deeper keel.

       The parts are shown before they were erected as a skeleton ready for planking. The bow and stern keelson pieces work with the display and deeper r/c keels. The deeper r/c keel has cut outs for lead shot ballast to flow as low as possible and not be blocked by deadwood in the keelson.

       Click for the PhotoShow of Herb Miller's 48" Dragon made from laser cut frames. The layout was based on a model design developed from measurements of two full size Dragons in Memphis, TN. Colin Johanson developed the .dxf files for producing the laser cut frames with two keels. One for display models and one for r/c models with a 3" deeper keel than to scale. The layout includes a laser cut and etched strip planking.
       The laser cut frames can be planked with balsa or basswood and covered with fiberglass in virtually any size. I recommend making the keel 3" deeper to improve stability if finishing them for r/c sailing. The 48" size may be larger than smaller cars can handle. Therefore, I will provide the same layout at One Meter and 36" loa.

       The hull frames alone are $175. The deck alone is $75. If both are ordered at the same time, they are $225, all plus shipping.

       Herb Miller built this Dragon from the frames I provided for a client who will rig it for r/c. He planked it with 1/8" hard balsa and then covered over that with 1/16" mahogany strips.

       Dragons are very popular in Europe, particularly Ireland, UK, Germany and The Netherlands where they have large fleets. I will provide laser cut frames in any size for R/C, display and/or half models to suit your needs.

       The Dragon was the 3 man keel boat in the Olympics from 1948 to 1972 per Wikipedia. There are many photos available on-line by searching for Dragon sailboats.

       The International Dragon Association has a page at www.intdragon.org and racing in Melbourne, Australia.

       The 2010 European International Dragon Class Championship was held in September in Ireland. Click for Championship Race 4.

       The 48" Dragon hull frames are $175. The decks are $75. If both are ordered at the same time, the price is $225. All are plus shipping. Shipping is typically $25 for Dragon frames with the deck within the US. Other sizes are available.

       The 48" Canterbury J-Boat deck is more narrow than the Dragon Class deck. Both of these deck layouts can be modified to adjust them to the widths of several stations to match any hull for about 36" to 60". For instance, the Canterbury deck layout was provided by Alan Horne for his boat and adjusted to match the Canterbury J-Boat hulls that Hans Burger provided to Jerry Delaat recently. The cut outs for the hatches for the rudder and radio were eliminated so that they could be made as needed by the builders.
       

       Model Sailboat Academy Memberships are awarded to those who show their work using my laser cut frames

       E-mail photographs and comments of the model boats you have personally made from the laser cut frames I provide with names and descriptions to the Model Sailaboat Academy to receive a certificate like that shown by return e-mail. Send to Model Sailbeoat Academy. I have requested a secondary e-mail address for "ModelSailboatAcadermy@verizon.net". It will take some time to be activated.

       Memberships include Graham Reeves of the UK, Carl Brosius, Paco Labrador of Spain, John Hanks III, Pietro Bastiani of Italy, Ralph Perkins, Patrick Murphy, Ray Kunert, Dean Derusha, Herbert Miller, Steve Schroeter, and Irwin Schuster.

       An Honor Roll has been established for superior workmanship with titles awarded.

       Checkzin the Yacht Design Blogspot daily for new things. Lately they have been showing YouTubes of the Americas Cup Round 2 for AC45 Catamarans. Very excciting! Go to Verizon Webmail

       Watch the slide show of the Herreshoff Designs, Inc.
       Many Herreshoff classic yachts are shown. Go to YouTube for Bristol Boat Company's collection.

       Off Center Harbor.com videos of classic boats that I promote by providing laser cut frames

       I recommend their free trial membership at www.OffCenterHarbor.com.

       The Rudder Magazine articles "Hints on Model Making Model" from 1948 by L. Francis Herreshoff:

       Article 1 of November 1948.
       Article 2 of December 1948.

       Boat Plans at Mystic Seaport by Anne and Maynard Bray is one of the greatest treasure troves of boat design literature available. It is a .pdf of 217 pages.
       There is a lot to discover. Click on "Getting Started". There are already 60 videos and about five new videos are added each month. Click or the full list of videos and video categories. A team of experts has joined OffCenterHarbor.com as Guides who regularly contribute blogs with their experiences. The videos aree wonderful but "insiders" think that the collection of blogs is an ever-growing gold-mine of knowledge. The blogs are by Guides, Founders, and guests. About 15 new blogs are added per month. To join, click these links: Annual Membership at $25/year ($4 off). Lifetime Membership at $250 ($40 off). Use coupon code 'OFFCENTER25' to receive the discount.

       Log ono with my e-mail address and password asdf12 to see the videos free!
       

       80' S/V Tatoosh ketch candidate for model frames

       Bob Cadranell, owner of the Tatoosh inquired about frames for a 40" model of his 80' ketch. He sent the lines drawing and data necessary to provide the frames. He had them scanned in .pdf and .jpg formats to forward by e-mail.

       Click for the photo show of the Tatoosh . It includes renderings by Pietro Bastiani of Ligura, Italy that he did with DELFTship software.

       The lines drawings are used to create a .dxf file for laser cutting the frames, keelson and a t-rail to hold the frames in alignment while planking the model. Once the .dxf file is created, frames can be made in viturally any size. The keel can be deepened for making a more stable r/c model in high winds. For example, see how the J-Class models have been deepened 2" per the AMYA J-Class rules.

       The same frames can be used to make half models as well as full models. If the deck and cabin plans are available, they can be provided in laser cut parts as well.

       Tatoosh was the last boat designed by Ben Seaborn, noted Northwest yacht designer per the article found on line.
       

       Swiftsure 40' 50 year old successful racer by Ben Seaborn

       

       "Knee-Deep in Shavings" from Amazon.com! You can buy a copy of the book on-line from Amazon.com for very little! See the Swiftsure PhotoShow of a very successful Northwest racing boat that has been rebuilt and continues racing successfully in the Northwest. She is a good candidate for r/c model frames that I provide. Ben Seaborn {1920 - 1960} designed her at the tender age of 18 as his first boat. She was immediately a winner!

       Ben Seaborn worked at Norm Blanchard's boat yard as a teenager. Swiftsure and many other boats he designed were built there.

       Order a copy of Knee-Deep in Shavings from Amazon.com used for less than $5. It has a lot about the lure of Northwestern sailboats from 1905 to 1069. The Blanchard Boat Company of Seattle was renowned and respected for its well-built vessels, large and small, sail and power. Hundreds of graceful Blanchard boats still ply the sounds and inlets of Washington, Alaska and British Columbia today. Norman C Blanchard is the son of Norman J Blanchard, founder of the firm, and his stories of beautiful boats and dedicated boaters go b4ack to the turn of the century. The Blanchards worked with all the outstanding naval architects and designers of their day, including Ed Monk, Ben Seaborn, Ted Geary and Bill Garden, and built boats for unassuming fishermen and high profile yacht racers alike. Stephen Wilen has done all classic-boat enthusiasts a favor by collecting Norm Blanchard's fond reminiscences of a life devoted to splendid wooden boats.

       For a quick view of some photos, click on Knee-Deep photos or photos in a sub directory of photos.
       rec
       Click on the book cover above. It wiil show the Google Book web site that gives access to many pages of this excellent book.

       The Yankee One Design

       The Yankee One Design is an excellent 30.5' day sailer with modest accommodations, ideal for modeling. Click for the PhotoShow of 40 photos from the www.yankeeonedesign.com web site.

       She was designed by Starling Burgess after the J-Boat Ranger in 1937. She will be next small sailboat project. The lines for the Yankee One Design show a minimum of over hangs with long sweeping buttocks lines indicating that why she is known to be fast for her size.
       

       Half Models Made With Laser Cut Or Band Sawn Sections Of Boats Like Yankee One Design

       The Yankee One Design half model is a good example to show how they can be made very easily with vertical sections that are found on the typical set of lines. Puff Eta Beta, his pen name, has provided the layout for laser cutting which can also be used for band sawing the 4.692sections. A drill press can be used to cut several holes for inserting wood dowels to hold the alignment during the gluing process. Otherwise, the parts slip due to the slippery glue.

       The Yankee One Design layout is in 14 segements. If made of 1/8" plywood, the length will be 16.42". That is because 14 layers of 1/8" plywood will yield a 1.75" beam. The 30.5' loa and 6.5' beam ratio is 4.692. Since the half model is only 1.75" wide, the model will be 1.75*4.692=8.211 l.o.a.

       Since the 14 layouts for the sections are shown on the left, one could download the .jpg to a memory stick and have it enlarged to any size you want at Staples or other copy center. You have to work out the right size based on the thickness of the wood you want to use. Hobby shops carry 1/8, 5/32, 3/16, 7/32, and 1/4 pieces. Simply mulitply the width of sections by 14 and that by 4.692 to establish the length of your model.

       I use a drill press to cut the holes in each piece for insertion of 1/4" or smaller dowels to hold the pieces in alignment during gluing. A Yankee One Meter laser etched deck can be made available if desired. Click for more half model making information.

       Renderings by Pietro Bastiani of Liguria, Italy Using DELFTship Software

       Pietro Bastiani has many projects in development. He provided these twelve renderings and his e-mail address for inquiries:
       e
       

       J Boat Chevejo lines were drawn for laser cutting frames by Pietro Bastiani

       J-Boat Cheveyo frames are now available based on Pietro Bastiani lines drawing created using DEFLTship software. The lines and rendering include the AMYA J-Class allowed 2" deeper keel than that of the original design to provide improved sailiing ability. 60" hulls have 2.5" and 48" hulls have 3" deeper keels than to scale.
       J-Class Cheveyo was announced on March 10, 2012 by Sparkman and Stephens. It is a 139 foot J-Boat to be built in composites by Spirit Yachts in Scotland.
       

       J-Boat Lionheart continues to be my most popular boat for providing laser cut frames

       Lionheart's Maiden Voyage 1/16th scale J-Boat Lionheart frames are the most popular of my model boat laser cut frames.
       I have also had a lot of orders for the 60" and 48" frames.
       Lionheart is considered to be the most beautiful of all of the J-Boats.
       It is expected to be the fastest and is the longest at 142 ft.

       Click ZipSend for Patrick Murphy's 30 minute video of his J-Class Lionheart sailing on his lake. Give it a try. I was able to play it after downloading it to my Video Directory. You may have to download SpeedZip to do this. It comes in as the 170 Mb "Murphy Maiden Voyage 2". Pat created a "Lionheart Building Guide for New Model Builders". Send me your request if you want a copy!

       The two deck houses are very similar but the forward one is about 15% larger. I will be able to provide the deck houses in the near future in all 3 sizes.
       

       Customer Comments Section

       Captain Richard Mosher of Lunenburg, Nova Scotia, home of the famous Bluenose schooner, ordered a memory stick in anticipation of doing a 60" model between his two week sessions at sea on a Clearwater Fishing Reefer. Read about him at his company's web site at the scallop drager story .

       Richard set up a facility in his back yard for building model boats which has been his hobby for some time. My memory sticks now have over 5,000 items in 2.6 Gbytes on either 4 or 8 Gbyte sticks depending on what is available a Staples at any given time. He last departed on November 12 and will return on December 5th.

       New Yacht Designs and Yachting News Every Day from A BlogSpot

       There are daily updates to Yacht Design Blogspot. This blog spot shows who has signed on while you are watching on the left column and showing the 2nd Round of the America Cup AC45 Racing in San Francisco lately. Very exciting!

       Gozzo, a historical Mediteranean boat type built in many configurations

       
       The Gozzo has been powered by steam engines as well as internal combustion engines. A Google search for the "Gozzo" style boats will show that it is an antique design built in every conceivable configuration. We thank Pietro Bastiani and his brother Adolfo for bringing this design to our attention. It is much like the Truscott Fantail Launch offered below. It can be fitted with cabins, rowing stations, canopies, lateen sails or what have you? It is best to do an IPad Google for the Gozzo construction drawing shows simplicity but the solid way they are build. Laser cut frames are now available at 36" and 50" for $200 and $275 plus S&H. They can be fitted with various decks and deckhouses and rigged many different ways as shown in the PhotoShow of over 50 pictures. See how the full size boats are built by amateurs at their homes!

       Click on the Yacht Design Technical Blogspot link provided by Pietro Bastiani. Although it is based in Italy, it has an English language option. Scroll through it from the two photos of a 1901 sailboat. There are over 500 pen and ink illustrations and five chapters on antique to more modern boats.

       Look beyond the book for videos of the recent Americas Cup AC72 launchings, AC42 races in San Franciso, M70 high speed catamarans racing in Ireland, classic yachts in Svezia much like International Dragons but larger, an extreme sailing video of an ocean going trimaran, the L' Hydroptere campaign to sail to Hawaii in a hydrofoil equiped trimaran and two of Pietro's boats rendered in 3D. His "Gozzo" is shown above on the right. It is an antique fishing vessel. The hull shape is like tug boats and steam launches I am working on. See the Gozzo options using the same hull shape!

       Let me know if you want to make a model of Pietro's Gozzo from laser cut frames. When you access this blog, your location is recorded on the left margin. I was rep0orted as accessing it from Osprey, FL, the neighboring town that our address is listed in phone books.
       Click for available plans. I have many available for immediate delivery!

       Order my Memory Stick with 2.4 Gig of layouts, photos and 2 "How To" manuals for $35 post paid.
       The price will be credited toward any set of frames ordered. See the description below.

       Thunderbird Commuter Launch, Baby Bootlegger and Baby Gar Frames

       Jim Wangard, Editor of Boating Classics, provided the plans and photos of Baby Bootlegger and Thunderbird along with the .dxf files for Baby Bootlegger. I will offer laser cut frames for both of these well known classic boats.

       The Thunderbird frames with the complex cabin are $250 for 36", $350 for 48" and $450 for 60", all plus S&H. Other sizes available upon request for price

       See the Thunderbird PhotoShow for a good photos of this boat on Lake Tahoe where she is a part of the Thunderbird Lodge. See Thunderbird Lodge website for more background information on this iconic classic boat.

       Gar Wood boat model frames are now available

       Click for the story of Gar Wood's race against a train in 1925!

       See the latest photos from Dan O'Neill of his Baby Gar 33" commissioned model. Herb Miller of Marathon, FL is building a 48" Baby Gar IV model and shows the planked hull ready for decking. I am providing photos of the very scarce Gar Wood triple cockpit boats still plying the waters.

       Dan O'Neill is a museum artist. He ordered a set of Baby Gar IV frames to use in making a 33" model for a client. See his earlier works at www.thehistoryman.com where some of the most detailed ship models and dioramas of ocean scenes are shown.

       Dan has an incredible YouTube video of his recreation of the sinking of the Spanish Galleon Atocha, the rear guard galleon that sank on a Florida reef with millions of silver coins that were recovered. Take a good look at this one with the sound on. He has created sound effects of crashing waves that make it so realistic. He has taken model making and displaying to a whole new level! He makes the static model come to life with many different views from different angles. His Atocha model sits in the Mel Fisher Maritime Museum in Key West, FL.

       Click for Dan O'Neill's PhotoShow of building the 1929 Consolidated cruiser "Lulu Belle" model. I will create a step by step slide show with commentary of how he made this beautiful model. It is something like the Oheka II that I offer laser cut frames for in 48" and 60" sizes. I now offer frames at 36", 48", 60" and 72" for $175, $250, $325, and $400 plus S&H.

       Likewise, I offer frames for the similar "Lorraine" and "Bluebird" whose plans are available from Rose Stiles of Vintage Plans 905 on EBay as show at the top of this web site at the same prices.

       Some Recommended Books on Model Sailboats

       The Best of Uffa Fox has 50 of his best books from his collection of books. I bought a used copy through www.bookfinder.com for about $20 including shipping.

       Graham Reeves, a Vintage Model Yacht Group Member of the UK came for a visit to Sarasota,FL recently. His e-mail address is graham.reeves17@googlemail.com in case you wish to contact him. He sent me a copy of the "100 Years of Model Yachting & The Model Yachting Association 1911-2011 which he authored. He started at age 8 and has been an avid model builder and racer for over 50 years. His book has a fine collectiion of photos, race results, minutes of meetings and historical figures' biographies. Graham recommends the "Model Racing Yacht" book that is available from www.bookfinder.com (Abebooks.com) for about $24. I remember finding this book years ago in the Larchmont, NY public library. It treats the construction and design of mostly very large A Class boats with vane steering which are still popular in the UK. Graham is active with the a 36" Class. They alternate which country will host their regattas every other year. The class is the UK 36" Restricted Class and their race is held every two years. Next year they will race at Gosport end Llandudno in North Wales. To find photos of their group with Google, search for Graham Reeves. Their boats must fit within a box of 36" x 9" x 11". There is another 36" Class that allows a deeper keel and any size sails.

       The Daniels and Tucker "Model Sailing Craft" is also available from www.bookfinder.com for $134. Save that amount by buying a 4 Gig Memory Stick that has the 188 page .pdf with 6 large models like the one mentioned at the top of this web site. There are technical descriptions of each design and race results.
       

       The Yacht America that started the Americas Cup Competition

       See the full size replica of The America in San Francisco harbor for the current Americas Cup AC72 races.

       Frames for the America schooner are now available in 38" length on deck and other sizes upon request. Herb Miller has the rigging, sails and hardware that came with an old expensive Sterling B22M kit. I gave it to him to finish but the dried balsa wood frames and planking crumbled due to age. So I am providing him with a set of frames to use with these features. At the same time, a former model designer requested the frames for a 3/8ths scale set.

       This model is a good candidate for removeable fin and bulb ballast to allow it to be a display model as well as for radio control.

       A number of America models are found on-line but none seem as close to the actual lines as my models. Ralph Perkins, former model designer for Revell, did the .dxf files for laser cutting the hull, deck houses, and rigging parts. It has a circular cockpit as shown in the model's photo I found at the Old Saybrook, CT Library on loan f=rom a nautical museum. The 38" length on deck frames are available for $235 plus $20 shipping in the US and Canada via Priority Mail.

       Click on the YouTube image to view Dick Arpin of Candida, NH's wonderfully detailed video of how he built the Billings Boat Schooner America kit model in four parts in 2011. He did a fabulous job in showing how he did each step including making his own sails. I provide the laser cut frames at 38" length on deck. They are especially interesting for those who have the Sterling kit B-22M that has balsa wood frames that may have crumbled by now. This kit has been noticed on EBAY from time to time for about $150. Three of my customers are currently building this model from my frames. They are Herb Miller of Marathon, FL, Dwayne Moore of Summerfield, NC and Ralph Perkins of Chama, NM. Dwayne Moore provided us with copies of the very detailed two-sided building instructions that comes with the kit. They make it so much easier to finish this handsome historical model. I will provide 4 .pdf's of the plans for those interested in studying this famous yacht that started the America's Cup Competitions.

       See the PhotoShow of Dean Derusha's Harken Miniature hardware. It shows the many working blocks and fittings that will be needed to accurately finish this model.
       

       2 Meter J-Boat Rainbow Model by Jan Kraak of the Netherlands

       Jan Kraak provided many photos of how he built his very detailed 2 meter r/c model of the J-Boat Rainbow. He has visited the shops where the real boat was built and witnessed the races off Falmouth, England from a high speed power boat. His model is fully equiped to operate very much like the real boat in many ways. It has adjustable stays, an auxiliary motor and even operable ventilators! He made many of the mechanical and electrical parts himself. See the Overview of his model in the PhotoShow Chapter 1. I am doing more PhotoShows for all aspects of his model building. They should serve many J-Boat customers well by showing his very clever building techniques. They include examples of how he made his mast and rigging, deck houses, ballast, auxiliary motor installation, r/c equipment mountings, hardware, etc. He solved many of the situations and things my clients ask about.

       You can jump ahead as I develop more PhotoShows. Go to Jan Kraak's web site and his R/C J-Boat Rainbow build, movies and history pages . Use the links on the left side of the page for the three sections. These are the source for my PhotoShow chapters. Deck, Deck Houses and Ballast are in Chapter 2. The Controls and Hardware are in Chapter 3. The mast, boom and hardware are in Chapter 4 . Building the deckhouse Chapter 5.

       Click for http://kraakmodelbouw.com/ which is Jan Kraak's very informative website. He is now making the sails. E-mail him at info@kraakmodelbouw.com.

       Jan has a large section on submarines from all over the world and good links to other model boat sites. I am interested in his submarine section having attended the US Navy Submarine Officers' School in Groton, CT in 1953. The Korean War ended right after I arrived. I asked to be returned to the fleet to be absolved of the 1 year extension I accepted to attend "Sub School". I was re-assigned to the USS Waller DD 466 as the ASW Officer for a 22 port Mediterranean Cruise! That took us to the exotic ports of Cannes, France for Chrismas 1953 and Venice, Trieste, Naples, Polarmo, Sicily, Athens, Istanbul, Corsica, Palma de Majorca and places where the J-Boats race!

       Jan Kraak's 2manm Rainbow model is complete with very exactly detailed rigging, deck houses and hand made hardware! Especially notice how Jan has provided an auxiliary motor! She is a real beauty! Jan has visited to the two shops where the J-Boat Rainbow replica was built in aluminum. He recently went to Falmouth, England where five J-Boats raced in July 2012. Jan took 1000's of photos which he shares with us that I will add to the Photoshows.

       Click for Classic Boat J-Boat Rainbow replica photos in the August 2012 issue.

       The 1/16th scale Rainbow laser cut frames - $375, 60" - $250 and 48" - $175 plus shipping. Click for the Rainbow J-Class lines drawing and for the original Rainbow photos. er

       2 meter molded hull available from Peter Torz of Germany

       A 2 meter J-Boat Ranger model is available from Peter Torz of Germany. Contact him by email to petertorz@web.de.
       His web site is at Model Boats! . See six photos of his 2 Meter J-Boat Rainbow.

       Be sure to see the slide show of classic boats and click on the link to other large models.

       PhotoShow of Peter Torz's sailboat hardware from Germany. The "Boats by Purdy" is recommended reading for Aphrodite enthusiasts.

       Select from my over 40 models to build starting with laser cut frames!

       I offer laser cut frames in 1/8" white birch plywood in 3 sizes: 1/16th scale, 60" and 48". Other sizes upon request.

       I recommend printing this entire web site to study, reference and share.
       

       

       Orders Pending:
       • 1) Aphrodite 74' express cruiser - 4 at 74" - $395, 1 at 48" $275, 1 at 37" - $225
         
         Watch Aphrodite model builder explain how he built his beautiful 74" Aphrodite model
         48" black Aphrodite model $2500
         You Tube of Jim Delaney's 74" Aphrodite. PhotoShow of Aphrodite full scale and models.
       • 2) Truscott Fantail Launch - 4 at 50" - $235, 1 at 36" - $200, See PhotoShow for erected frames.
       • 3) L. Francis Herreshoff H-28 - 1 at 28"
       • 4) Sparkman & Stephens Babe - 1 at 30.5"
       • 5) Olsen 30 - 1 at 30"
       • 6) Bristol Pilot Cutter Ezra - 1 at 44"
       • 7) Eric Tarbly's Pen Duick - 1 at 38"
       • 8) 30 Sq Mtr one-of-a-kind design display model - 1 at 40"
       • 9) Steam Launch Bat - 1 at 48"
       • 10) Graham Bantock designed Monarch Marblehead - 1 at 50/800
       • 11) New J-Boat designs - 2 at 1/16th
       • 12) Int'l Dragon Class - 4 at 48"
       • 13) International One-Design Class - 1 at 48"
       • 14) Bonzo runabout - 1 at 36" and 1 at 48"
       • 15) Skerry double ender by CLC Boats - 21.5" - $150
       • 16) J-Boat deck houses - 2 at 60"
       • 17) Army LT Tug - 1 at 36"
       • 18) Baby Gar (by Gar Wood) - 1 at 33" - $175
       • 19) The schooner America of 1851 - 3 at 3/8" scale - $235
         Ralph Perkins, former Revell model designer developed the America's .dxf file for laser cutting.

       I await enough orders for new models to defray the costs of creating AutoCAD .dxf file drawings for laser cutting.
       Six week delivery for new model frames for those willing to pay for the .dxf files up front.

       Model Boat Plans Found on E-Bay for the International Dragon

       Buy model boat plans from Rose Stiles of Vintage Plans on EBay of Canada. She recommends laser cut frames from Milton Thrasher to those who buy her model boat plans.

       Her International Dragon plans for $19.95 are especially good for those who want to band saw their frames. They were compared with the 48" Dragon frames shown in the web site below developed by Colin Johanson of Australia and found to be very adequate for experienced model builders. This is a shameless act of log rolling with another model boating marketeer! She has over 200 sets of plans in her inventory! Her web site is at http://stores.ebay.com/Vintage-Plans-905.

       I share marketing tips with Dean Derusha. See his new www.photobucket.com/modelyachtworld. Run the slideshow to see the wealth of model hardware that he offers. Call him at 989 980-9423 and ask about his $450 worth of miniature Harken fittings in exchange for a set of Milton Thrasher's large scale model yacht frames.

       Click on

       Frames and Models On-Hand for Immediate Delivery

       J-Boat Ranger 48" - w/3" deeper keel for r/c - $175
       Endeavour I - 48" display model - $175
       Endeavour I - 48" r/c model w/3" deeper keel for r/c - $175
       Endeavour deck houses - 48" - $135
       Endeavour deck houses - 102" - $135
       Best of Uffa Fox selections ROGUE RG65 - 25.6" - $95
       Starlet 36" - $60
       Star Class One Meter - $75
       Star Class 45" - $85
       Starlet and Star Class models are recommended for youths and manual training classes
       Yankee One Design 48" - $175
       IOD One Meter - $125 each or 2 for $200
       Pearson Ariel - One Meter - $150
       Skerry by CLC - 21.5" - $115
       Oheka II power boat - 48" - $150
       Crandal Hydroplane - 48" - $150
       PhotoShow for details

       Other models for sale
       Star Class One Meter hull - display model with stand by Herb Miller - $800
       IOD 48" hull - display model with stand by Herb Miller - $800
       IOD 36" hull - display model with stand by Herb Miller - $800
       Evelina R. Goulart fishing schooner hull by Herb Miller - $350
       Allmand 31" family cruiser hull w/deck house and stand - $350
       Soling 1 Meter R/C racing model - $700
       Orca 3D A Class hull, fin, ballast, rudder by Bob Sterne - $500
       Victoria Thunder Tiger new kit - $125
       Vanja 73" A Class hull mold - $500

       Graupner Auxiliary Motor for Model Yachts

       

       The Graupner-USA dealer in Sarasota, FL and operates from his home at 1730 Carribean Drive. I visited him to see the power units for sailboats and photographed them for the PhotoShow at Graupner-USA so that I can report to my customers.

       He also has many auxiliary motor choices and new miniaturized r/c transmitters and control units. I will be able to check out these and other Graupner products you may be interested in. We spent about 2 hours looking through the choices he offers. The two units shown above are what I recommend at this time. The outboard motor choices are interesting but are less conventional and will need more study before I can recommend them. I bought the two shown and a speed control unit for brush type motors which they are. They both can operate on 6 Vdc batteries and can be controlled by a third control on some radio units. I will add more on this later.
       

       Videos, PhotoShows, and other Links for Over 40 Models' Frames

       | The America | The Aphrodite featured by Yachting | The America full size replica | The Yacht America of 1851 | 4 Models sold to Europeans | 48" Dragon Class Laser Cut Frames | 74' Aphrodite express cruiser | Gloriana | Rogue RG65 | Endeavour, Lionheart and Ranger deck houses | International One-designs | 74' Aphrodite express cruiser | America's Cup Yacht Designs | America's Cup 1903 Reliance | Herreshoff Designs, Inc. website | IOD's | IOD #1 | IOD models | J-Boat Ranger | J-Boat Deck houses 1 | J-Boat Deck houses 2 | J-Class Racing 2011 | J-Class Racing 2011 2 | J-Class Models | Lionheart J-Boat | Lionheart 48" | Lionheart and Svea | Lionheart | Lionheart 2 | Lionheart Models | Monarch Marblehead | Starlet 36" | Star 1 Meter and 45" | Stuart Knockabout 28 | Finisterre | NY 30 & others | Number boat 22 | OHEKA II 85' yacht | Steam Launch Bat | Pearson Ariel | Ranger vs Velsheda on TV | J-Boat Rainbow | Reliance | | 20' sloop in development | J-Boat Shamrock V Sailing in Montenegro, Croatia and Greece in 2008
       

       USS Holland SS-1, First Submarine of the US Navy

       The USS Holland SS-1 was celebrated after 100 years as the US Navy's first operational submarine. See the Holland collection of photos found on-line with Google Images.

       Pietro Bastiani provided the link to the Model Submariners Forum which contains many model submarine projects. Many are r/c models that can dive and simulate a full range of submarine functions including firing of torpedos.

       I offer laser cut frames for the USS Holland SS-1 at 25" loa, roughly 1/2" to 1' scale of the 56' Holland. She was the sixth submarine built by John Phillip Holland, designer and builder at his Holland Submarine Shipyard. I am interested in submarine history having attended Submarine Officers School in New London, CT in 1953 after serving as the Anti-Submarine Officer on USS Waller DD 466.

       I have attended the Submarine Veterans Meetings at the Venice American Legion on the 3rd Thursday of the month following the Tin Can Sailors meeting one week earlier. I will present a half model of the USS Holland SS-1 to the Submarine Veterans.

       Donald Spielberger is preparing a mold to offer 25" fiberglass hulls of the USS Holland for about $150. He has 7 other submarine model hulls. Contact him at
       

       Six New Model Frame kits from "The Best of Uffa"

       t

       Click T"he Best of Uffa for his designs . Order "The Best of Uffa" from Amazon.com for 50 boat designs with his great comments on each one. I am working on ways to best present Uffa's and other designers models. You will soon be able to click on each icon for more about his collection of 6 great boats. Contact me for details on frames for these designs.

       I Will Provide Plans and Support to Faulhaber Fab Lab at GWIZ for Making Model Boats

       The Faulhaber Fabrication Laboratory, abbreviated Faulhaber Fab Lab, is adding a new workshop to include model boat building for young people. The new equipment and classes are being set up now. It will teach how CadCam driven machines are used for many different projects. My boat models are natural subjects as they require many skills. I have a collection of .dxf files that will drive the laser cutter and CNC Router Table to produce models of any size. Students will learn how to program and use 3D printers, laser cutters and CNC Routers.

       I found out about the new direction while developing ship models for Dean Derusha. Dean proposed to teach shipyard trainees how ships go together using models so that students can visualize installations of electrical, plumbing and air conditioning through bulkheads and other obstructions. This is the type of education that the new Faulhaber Fab Lab envisions.

       Faulhaber Fab Lab factilities are at The Blivas Science and Technology Center, 1001 Boulevard of the Arts, Sarasota, FL 34236 also called the GWIZ Science Museum. Mr. Eric McGrath, Fab Lab Foreman and Engineer of Idea-ology, is interested in using boat designs for students to experience the use of their many machines. I will provide the many plans I have accumulated over the years. There will be classes on Autocad and/or TurboCad 2D/3D to produce .dxf files that drive the 12" x 24" laser cutter and the 4' x 8' CNC router table. They will have a Stratasys uPrint SE 3D printer and 3D scanner with wanding equipment as shown in the YouTube for this fabulous 3D Printer. My latest PhotoShow includes many of the designs I will offer the FAB Lab.

       The GWIZ Launch of the Faulhaber Fab Lab was made possible by Dr. Fritz H. Faulhaber's $400,000 donation to support the facility as part of GWIZ.

       The Model Sailboat Academy members are encouraged to share their expertise with the Faulhaber Fab Lab faculty and make contact with Eric McGrath. Contact me to share your ideas on how this well equiped facility can further projects you are interested in. If you think it, we can build it!

       I will participate in fundraising and promote this new facility. It will be open to the public at a modest fee for the classes in April or soon thereafter per current plans.

       Milton Thrasher, mthrasher@verizon.net, 941 966-9179 4258 Hearthstone Drive, Sarasota, FL 34238.

       Faulhaber Fab Lab in Sarasota, Florida: The Innovation Incubator of the Future

       Say you are a bicyclist who needs a console to mount a GPS to your bike’s handlebars, but don’t have the money, or equipment to produce a prototype of your invention. If you are innovative by nature, want to experiment transforming your ideas into making a product, a Fab Lab may be your Mecca. A Fab Lab or Fabrication Laboratory is a place where ideas come to life.

       “If you think it, we can create it here in the Fab Lab” says Eric McGrath, foreman at the Faulhaber Fab Lab at the GWIZ Science Museum in Sarasota. The museum’s mission is to serve as a “gateway for lifelong adventures in science,” and was founded in 1990. The Fab Lab at the GWIZ museum came into being through the generous donations of Dr. Fritz Faulhaber who through the Faulhaber Family Foundation donated $400,000 to GWIZ to launch the project. It is a champion of science education not only in Sarasota County, but the entire state of Florida. What defines the Fab Lab is “personal manufacturing.” It is “custom creation” at its best. Its main purpose is to make one of a kind product rather than mass manufactured products.

       Although work in the Fab Lab entails using computers and computer-guided machinery, McGrath says the end result is a physical product, not merely a digital construction that ceases to exist when the lights are out. Given its mission to promote STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) literacy through cross-disciplinary collaboration and innovation, the Faulhaber Fab Lab gives community members access to high-tech tools and materials as well as several high grade, industrial design and production equipment with simple design interface. The lab is equipped with CNC machines, manual metal cutting lathes, vinyl cutter, embroidery machines, CNC routers, soldering stations, and plasma cutters that enable users of all ages to make a number of products that range from plaques, puzzles, 3D portraits, gaskets, camera adaptors, or anything else they can think of.

       The lab is truly a community-based initiative. Since opening its doors to the public in Spring 2011, staff have helped, trained, mentored and supported students, teachers, as well as members from the community fine tune individual inventions using the latest cutting edge technology. McGrath describes the Fab Lab as “a space where people from all kinds of backgrounds can collaborate, create and brainstorm.” It is like a workshop, or a garage of the future that heavily promotes digital fabrication, and a place where “the practical applications of science, technology, engineering, mathematics and craftsmanship come into play.” Through it all, McGrath hopes to foster innovation, art, learning, craftsmanship, and the thrill of creating something from scratch, all the while promoting the understanding of STEM.

       For information on the Fab Lab at the Sarasota based GWIZ Science Museum contact Eric McGrath at ericm@gwiz.org, or visit www.gwiz.org. For information on FLATE’s STEM initiatives visit www.fl-ate.org and www.madeinflorida.org, or contact Dr. Marilyn Barger at barger@fl-ate.org.

       GWIZ Gears Up For The 36 Hour Giving Challenge on March 5th until Noon on the 6th

       Thank you for always being a GWIZ enthusiast and if you would like to support GWIZ Science Museum, please consider this approaching opportunity! As I'm sure you know, GWIZ is currently undergoing a complete makeover that will give you a GWIZ that will blow your mind, then fill it with some really incredible knowledge! We've come a long way since we launched the GWIZ 2.0 campaign but we still have a little ways to go before our funding for this project is complete.

       That's why I’m writing you today. GWIZ is taking part in the 2013 Giving Challenge through the Giving Partner on March 5th and 6th. The Giving Challenge is a 36-hour fundraiser-a-thon that generated $2.4 million last year for not-for-profit organizations in Sarasota, Manatee, and Charlotte counties. This is GWIZ’s first year in the Giving Challenge and a local Foundation has offered to match what we raise, dollar for dollar. We are asking those that love GWIZ to consider donating to us in this challenge to help close the gap on our renovation project. The best part is the opportunity for your donation to be doubled! For example, if you give $500 your donation can grow to $1,000! Will you please commit to a $_______ tax-deductible donation?

       All you have to do is request our PDF from Milton Thrasher at mthrasher@verizon.net who will send it to you. Save a copy on your computer and email it back to me at ericm@gwiz.org or to MirandaS@gwiz.org. That's it, we take care of the rest!

       Since the Giving Challenge doesn't officially kick off until 7 a.m. on March 5th, your donation will not be processed until either March 5th or 6th. Once your donation has been processed you will receive an immediate email/tax letter from the Giving Partner thanking you for your support of GWIZ.

       Thank you so much for being a part of GWIZ's past ... I do hope you'll want to be a part of our future as well! Please don't hesitate to reach out if you have any questions!

       FYI: Your donation will also help the Fab Lab reopen sooner! I've had many inquires about a reopen date and I anticipate very soon. Your ideas and projects will come alive at last! A Stratasys uPrint SE 3D printer and 3D scanner will be a new addition to the lab. Thanks for all your support!

       Eric McGrath, Engineer of Idea-ology
       Faulhaber Fab Lab
       GWIZ Science & Technology Center
       1001 Boulevard of the Arts
       Sarasota, FL 34236
       DOD: (941) 309.4949 Ext. 118
       Email: ericm@gwiz.org
       Website: http://www.gwiz.org

       Dr. Fritz H. Faulhaber was honored on Philanthropy Day as reported in the Sarasota Herald Tribune. He donated $400,000 to launch the Faulhaber Fab Lab as a facility within GWIZ. The concept is based on an MIT approach to support inventors with the technical support needed to see their ideas come to fruition.

       Other donations have provided for acquisition of new technologies including the 3D Printer sensation that allows the copying of working hardware or other objects by wanding of originals.

       My collection of many half models and plans of all types of boats will be offered for students to work with as they learn how program and operannte this equipment.

       See the EMS of Tampa, FL's ad for scann ing services that can produce IGES files for 5 axis milling machines to produce high density foam plugs for making fiberglass molds.

       There are a number scanning services and 5 axis milling machine operators in the Tampa Bay Area.
       

       Seahorse Magazine Article on the J-Boats' Superyacht Performance

       The ‘modern’ J Class matches the Maxi fleet in size, with at least three new boats on the way… JEROEN DE VOS of Dykstra Design and CEES REM of Holland Jachtbouw consider how we reached this extraordinary point and analyse the steps required in the creation of a new J Class.

       The Seahorse Magazine's article on Superyacht Performance was provided by Chris Chatain, a J-Class Lionheart model builder. I will provide it to anyone upon request as a .pdf for local print shop printing. It provides a good look at the J-Boat Ranger, Endeavour 1 & 2 and Rainbow rigs and what makes them superior to the 1930 vintage J-Boats. That is through the better rigging and sails as well as new hardware unavailable in the 1930s.

       Send your request to mthrasher@verizon.net for delivery via e-mail. Or, you can view it and download the pages from the PhotoShow for immediate delivery.
       

       Starlet 36" from 1942 Popular Mechanics, Star Class One Meter and Star Class 45 Models

       

       The new Starlet 36 laser cut frames are true to the International Star Class lines. The layout simplifies the building process for these excellent pond models. They are ideal for young people to build in groups and father/son or daughter teams. They assure a better final product with 1/8" plywood frames that can be planked very quickly using CA glue and accelerators. Use basswood or 12" by 48" plywood available from hobby shops.

       A deeper keel option is provided to increase the wind range that these models can be sailed in. Starlet 36 frames are only $60 per set. Group discounts are provided for 5 or more sets of frames. Star Class One Meter frames are $75 and Star Class 45 frames are $85 plus S&H of $15 for US and Canada.

       This is an ideal boat for high school manual training classes. It exposes young people, both boys and girls to reading plans, wood and metal working, painting, sewing and team work. They can be built very inexpensively and accurately with laser cut frames. Plumbers' lead ingots or #9 lead shot can be used for ballast. Read the 1942 Popular Mechanics article for the detailed instructions. The YouTube Star Class 45 instructions are also very helpful.

       The original "to scale" keel is included for display models. The t-rail assures alignment and avoids problems of lining up the building board with cross beams and establishes the spacing. The 8 page Popular Mechanics article is available at www.angelfire.com/fl5/modelyachts/Starlet36.html . Printed it out to plan your work. The article came out while I was at Maury High School, Norfolk, VA in 1942. I built a 6' Star Class model following this plan while at Penn State. Plank the sides and deck with basswood or plywood sheets. The arc bottom is planked with strips.

       My PhotoShow shows the article and the Star One Meter and Star 45 Class information as well as two of the five full scale Star Class boats I have owned. Study the Star 45 YouTube that shows how these models are built.

       Herb Miller of Marathon, Florida made the balsa wood Star Class One while I made the mahogany one. See it at the Star Class One Meter PhotoShow. Click for PhotoShows, YouTubes and photos.

       The 1942 Popular Mechanics Starlet 36" article is followed by an article that shows The Moville Rowing Club of County Donegal in the Irish Republic, about 22 miles from Northern Ireland's border's organized a group effort for 14 adults and 9 youths to build Starlet 36" kits for local boys and girls and adults. See the news about this at the Moville Rowing Club. Contact Paddie Gillespie.

       See the PhotoShow for the Starlet 36" and other Star models being discussed and the new one by Patrick Coletta of Atlanta, GA. Boys' Book of Model Boats has a lot of good ideas even for experienced model makers!

       And, see another way to make models like the Starlet 36" and how a Bluenose type schooner is made.

       Two young Dutch boys are shown in a YouTube that shows how they made them over a span of several years.
       "

       Truscott Fan Tail Launch and Steam Launch Bat

       Truscott Fantail Launch frames are ready to ship!
       See the 50" Truscott Fantail Launch frames set up ready for planking within minutes of receipt! They are now available at 50" and 36" with other sizes available upon request.

       This is an ideal hull for steam or electrical engine power. It is a 1920's type launch seen on lakes with fringed canopies. It can be configured as a tug boat using the Francis S. Smith deck house. Click on each photo to enlarge and save it.

       The Truscott and Steam Launch Bat models are much like the African Queen from the Humphrey Bogart/Catherine Hepburn movie. They are good hull designs that can be powered by steam engines or electric motors. They can be enhanced with tug boat Francis S Smith deck houses. Truscott Fantail Launch frames at 48" loa for $235 and at 36" loa for $200 plus shipping.

       I am working on other steam and electric launches in several sizes with canopies and cabins, much like old time lake tour boats and tug boats. The Gozzo style hulls as shown on the top of this site are being developed for a variety of deck house configurations.

       Dave Gallagher provided four good links for steam enthusiasts. The French company makes a line of complete plants that are beautiful and reliable, but there usualy is a wait. The site can be translated easily. Stuart also has very good complete plants, probably without the wait. Their Puffin engine would be good for the 50 inch hulls; too big for the 36 inch ones.

       • PM Reseach, an American company with a few engines and lots of little valves and accessories.
       • Fabrice Bretagne, a French company. A very small one man outfit who makes superlative engines and boilers.
       • Stuart Models, a well established company that goes way back. Many things to choose from.
       • Macc Steam, a fairly new company but a very experienced builder of just boilers in any number of configurations.

       The Lake Tahoe Steamer, scuttled in 1932, has been suggested as a good one to model.

       Click on the Kingston Mouldings to study the Lake Windermere Launch that they provide molded hulls for. And, I can send you the Steam Launch Bat article as a .pdf from an early copy of Model Boat. It has a very detailed article with many photos. Read about the Bat in Wikipiedia being one of the first radio controlled model boats in 1904! An entertaining story is about a person faking control of model boats by voice from an audience. He listened to their commands and controlled the boat from a hidden radio control unit. Try this on your grandchildren!

       The Truscott Fantail Launch is a very attractive model for steam engine fans. See the plans available for it from Classic Wooden Boat Plans of Australia. But, be sure to look at the Models by Design's molded hulls before you commit to making your own. Don't be surprised that you did not know of their alternative models. Be aware that shipping cost from the UK are as much as $60 to $70 for shipping a typical hull. Don Spielberger and I will provide molded Truscott hulls shortly after I provide the laser cut frames. I recently shipped 3 frames for the Truscott at 50".

       Google for "Topaz steam launch" to find the many YouTube's of the many very fine copies made commercially. Some were from Model Steam Boats that no longer sell them. However, they provide working steam engines and all the parts and accessories needed to get your steam launches up and running

       Four Steam Launch Models with Working Steam Engines

       Models By Design of the UK offers their Steam Cutter Solent and many other molded hulls.

       "Models by Design" has a very extensive list of molded hulls shown on their web site. I can recommended some of them over making equivalent models from laser cut frames. The big advantage my frames provide is that I can make them in virtually any size. For example, Steam Cutter Solent may be a good alternative to the Steam Launch Bat but may be smaller than the steam plant you want. I can do the S L Bat as large or small as you like. Models by Design mainly does ships and power boat models. They have a wide range of accessories to complete your models including motors, electronic speed controllers, M Sonik speed controllers, shaft couplings, stainless steel propeller shafts (all sizes made to measure), six volt and twelve volt gel cell batteries and chargers, Epoxy glues, glassfibre mat and resins and scale fittings.

       I will encourage them to offer molded sailboat hulls. They may want decks, deck houses, stands and wooden accessories in support of their hulls.

       www.westbourne-model.co.uk/ stocks many of the Models by Design products and many other items of interest to classic model sailboat builders.

       Click on the photos to go to a sub-directory for the Steam Cutter Solent.

       I offer the Truscott Fantail Launch as an alternative to the Steam Cutter Solent. It is higher sided and has more sea keeping ability if you will be running your model in a chop.

       Contact:

       Milton Thrasher
       4258 Hearthstone Drive
       Sarasota, FL 34238
       941 966-9172
       mthrasher@verizon.net

       H-28 by Herreshoff and 30.5' Babe by Sparkman and Stephens

       Laser cut frames for a 1" to 1' scale H-28 by L. F. Herreshoff has been ordered.
       Plans were found at www.dngoodchild.com.

       
       Laser cut frames for a 1" to 1' scale 30.5' Babe by Sparkman and Stephens has been ordered.
       Plans are from a .pdf at Babe History .

       TurboCAD or AutoCAD proficient programmers wanted to layout laser cut frames

       I am falling behind in my requests for frames due to the need for more progrmammers!

       AutoCAD and TurboCAD developers wanted to make .dxf files to make laser cutting frames for model boats.

       The .dxf objects must fit within 1/8" x 12" x 24" for my laser.
       There are over 30 models shown on my web site done in AutoCad 2012 version for frames, keelsons
       and t-rails for each model in virtually any size.

       My biggest activity is in large America's Cup J-Boats oaterf the 1930s and other large classic sailboats. I have some power boats and some ships.

       Please apply if you are proficient in TurboCAD or AutoCAD to produce .dxf files from lines drawings.

       My business has not been advertised while I develop a cadre of reliable sources for the .dxf files.

       Contact Milton Thrasher, Sarasota, FL, 941 966-9172, mthrasher@verizon.net.

       John Hanks shows how he decked a J-Boat

       A PhotoShow of John Hanks decking Bob Eger's J-Class Shamrock V was posted on this web site. It is based on his DVD where he tells you step by step what and why he is doing things. John Hanks makes this inspirational DVD available for a modest distribution cost. His e-mail address is given at the end of the PhotoShow. It is well worth the time to study his many innovations.

       Robert Diaz is finishing up his 89" J-Boat Shamrock V following the John Hanks method of decking but with the Endeavour deck houses set into the frames. See the PhotoShow of his work NOW.

       Click for John Hanks' Endeavour II Photo Show of his remarkably detailed deck and deck houses. The PhotoShow of his building this 1/16" Scale J-Class hull will be posted here later today.
       

       Dinghy Type Rowboats for Your J-Boat Like On John Hanks' J-Class Ranger

       The J-Boat Ranger dinghy is 12' long full size. At 1/16th scale, the model dinghy is 9" long with both ends squared off and is of lap strake construction. It appears that all of the American J-Boats used the same type of dinghy while the Brits used a more common type small row boat with a pointed bow of about the same size.

       Midwest Products' Midwest 1/6th scale Big Yacht Skiff Wooden Boat Model Kit will work well with the Brit's J-Boats. It is a replica of the small utility boats used around the world for hundreds of years. It is an Amesbury Style Skiff used as a yacht tender. It is very similar to a row boat.

       The Chesapeake Light Craft Passage Maker Dinghy is very close to that shown on John Hanks' J-Class Ranger. See the CLC PassageMaker YouTube which shows how a group builds them in their workshop at Annapolis, MD from CNC Router cut parts. I can provide these as laser cut parts. Of course it is very easy to cut the frames and other pieces out of balsa with a box cutter. And, the smaller sizes can be carved from solid balsa or basswood.
       

       International One-Design Class News

       
       "The Best of Uffa Fox" book includes this write up of what became known as the International One Design class.

       IOD 75th Anniversary photos in a PhotoShow based on photos found in the IOD history as shown in the section on IOD's. I recommend the book at $60 plus shipping.

       I was surprised that it did not include photos of the original Aileen, Cornelius Shields' orginal boat. I owned her from 1971 to 1976.

       This photo was taken in 2006 on Long Island Sound when Tony Huston of the Larchmont Yacht Club owned her. She was the fastest boat in the 2006 IOD North American's rotation of 10 IODs. She is now in the new IOD Fleet at Chester, Nova Scotia and owned by Mike Kelly. She has had an abundance of TLC over her many years since 1936.

       The IOD 36" display model hull alone by Herb Miller is available for $500.
       

       
       Click for the PhotoShow of Colgate 26 models by Dean Derusha. See how he makes the pattern with a 5 axis milling machine.
       These photos are from his www.photobucket.com/modelyachtworld. Well Done, Dean!

       Learn about the Colgate 26 and the Offshore Sailing School in Fort Myers Beach and South Seas Resort on Captiva Island, Florida.
       

       Rigging Suggestions

       John Hanks, III is the AMYA J-Class Secretary who has provided many important things to help new model builders. He commented on winches:

       I prefer the arm winch for as Milton said there is less to go wrong. If you prefer a drum winch, then an RMG-380EH will do the job, rob@rmgsailwinch.com.au. If you want an arm winch then Servo City has a selection that will work. You will need a winch with about 3000+ oz of torque and that will go full out to full in, 180 degrees, in about 2.5 sec., servocity.com. Both winches work very well and personal preference usually is the deciding factor on which type the skipper uses.

       I have used the layout provided by Bill Bischel with a Hitec 720BB drum winch with a servo to adjust the jib for my 73" Vanja A Class models. If you put CD-Rom platters on the drum to keep the line from dropping off if it becomes slack you will save your self a lot of grief because they do fall off! I prefer the arm winches and found the Hitec 815BB to be strong enough for the smaller models in the 48" and 60" sizes.
       

       MY OTHER WEB SITE AT WWW.SARASOTAMODELYACHTS.COM

       The other website is at WWW.SarasotaModelYachts.com It is still in development.
       Please note that the prices are not updated to match the recent increases shown on these pages.

       My original www.angelfire.com/fl4/mft web site is used to develop new items to be moved to the new site when ready for prime time.
       Ten more photos need to be transferred to my BLUEHOST ISP SITE.
       One example is the Starlet 36" image in the upper right corner. Please report other problems to mthrasher@verizon.net .

       Click for Vintage Model History , the Vintage Model Yacht Group and the AMYA .
       Click for Duckwork Magazine. See Mark Steele's article on J-Boats and my laser cut frames.
       Click for unusual French model boat videos .

       Click for Malcolm Farrant's 71 photo album of his IOD 48" build. This is an excellent step by step slide show that applies to building any classic plank-on-frame model.

       ---

       J-Boats Svea of Sweden and Lionheart are featured boat models

       The sensational J-Boat Svea was designed in 1937

       Svea will be a replica of the famous Torre Holm J-Boat design. She will carry the sail number J S 1. LOA 41.50 m LWL 26.55 m Beam 6.40 m Draft 4.57 m Sail Area 704 m2 .
       Svea is one of the best looking J Boats ever designed. She is being built for a Swedish and Dutch six owner consortium.
       Torre Holm's 1937 philosophy will be very apparent as the yacht comes to life seven decades later. Hoek Design Research showed that Svea’s hull will be one of the fastest upwind of all the J Boats after she is launched. Svea is sure to be among the top new contenders on boat speed and handicap. She is to be launched in December 2012.

       Pietro Bastiani produced the lines and rendering using DEFLTship. They are included in the Lionheart PhotoShow. I provide laser cut frames for J-Boat Svea in the same 3 sizes as the other J-Boats: 1/16th scale of 102"; 60" and 48" with decks and deck houses.

       Click for the PhotoShow of the full scale Lionheart compared to other J-Boats.

       See the J-Boats Svea and Lionheart PhotoShow and other J-Boats' construction details.

       Lionheart - the latest full size J-Boat that was launched in 2010

       The frames and keelson are $375 for the 8' 8" size with 31 frames. 60" and 48" versions use every other frame for a total of 16 each. 60" versions are $250. 48" versions are $175 plus shipping.
       The Ranger layout shows how the deepest 102" J-Class Lionheart frames are made in two parts on 18 plywood sheets for the 30 frames.

       
       Click for J-Boat Lionheart data by the builder

       Click for Yachting World coverage of the Lionheart commissioning in June 2010.

       Click for Lionheart engineering and construction details.

       Laser cut frames and parts are now available for each of these designs in any scale you wish.

       

       Lionheart is the newest and largest of the J-Boats at 144.36' loa. Click for the Lionheart story. She is based on the Ranger F design by Wm. Starling Burgess and Olin Stephens that was never built. The design was evaluated with performance predicting software versus other J-Boats and found to be potentially the fastest.
       The Lionheart's maiden voyage on July 18, 2010 on YouTube is very enlightening.

       See the Lionheart laser cut frames based on Pietro Bastiani's lines drawing that he created using DELFTship marine design software. There is a PhotoShow of the lines and 3D solid model rendering. Several naval architects have been very positive about these lines.

       Dean Derusha and Pat Murphy set up Pat's 106" J-Class Lionheart frames. Pat gave this report:
       "Dean and I just quickly put the frames together since he has not had time to do his yet. The parts snap out very easily and are smooth as can be. No sanding necessary.

       Pat Murphy now has two new sets of J-Class Lionheart frames! He gave his first hull to Dean Derusha to finish it for r/c and fit it out with Harken Miniature hardware and fittings. He will plank one model and do the other with fiberglas over high density foam. See how Andrew Charters did his 9' Gloriana shown lower on this page.

       Pat Murphy wrote, "I documented every step in the construction. Dean and I talked about our developing a group of builders that would be willing to help each other and thus show that even a NON-MASTER MODELER like me can do an excellent job. Seeing the parts go together so easily was great and made the build seem less daunting. The parts are all numbered and lettered, and tab A fits into slot B, etc, etc."

       One of Pat Murphy's J-Class Lionhearts will be planked and the other will have fiberglas over high density foam. When the fiberglas sets, the foam will be disolved with gasoline. See how Andrew Charters did his 9' Gloriana shown lower on this page.

       Earl Boebert's 36" Yankee III can be made with 'Glass over Foam

       Click for Yankee III, the 36" r/c model of the Yankee that Rainbow defeated in the trials for defending "The Cup" in 1934. Be sure to read Graham Bantock's eloquent introduction found on Earl Boebert's web site. He has a wonderful "turn of phrase".

       Consider buying the $40 DVD for the 42 Vintage Model Yacht Group Newsletters at http://pages.swcp.com/usvmyg/store.php. There are over 300 sets of plans orderable from that page.

       102" AMYA J-Class Ranger Laser Cut Frames and Ranger Replica's Deck House

       Ranger was my first set of frames for a AMYA 8' 6" J-Class. They require 18 sheets of 12" x 24" x 1/8" plywood for the 30 frames. The largest frames are made in two pieces to use 12" x 24" panels of white birch plywood. Okoume plywood frames are available for $100 more.

       Frames are available in other sizes from the same layouts. 102" Ranger frames are $375. 60" Ranger frames are $250. 48" Ranger frames are $175. All are plus shipping.
       For new J-Boat designs that I have not yet made, there is a $100 design charge. That covers the costs of CAD/CAM services.

       The Ranger deck houses are available as shown in my PhotoShow for deck houses for large model yachts. They are provided in 4mm Okoume for $135 and 1/16th" mahogany for 60" and smaller boats. See their photos lower on this web site. Other deck houses can be provided as layouts become available. Ralph Perkins, former model designer for Revell has developed the layouts for cutting this Ranger deck house and the two large Lionheart deck houses. Prototypes of these will be ready in the near future.

       My Columbia 50" customer provided his copy of "The Book" making so many of my models possible.

       J-Boat Ranger 102", 60" and 48" Frames Offered with Above Deck Parts

       102" J-Class Ranger Revision 1 frames have 1/4" square inwalls and center line cuts to strengthen the deck edge and assure perfectly straight hulls. These cuts are at the suggestion of John Hanks, AMYA J-Class Secretary who has considerable experience with many different J-Class models. He provides a lot of advise to the many new J-Class model builders who have taken advantage of my J-Boat frames. Since the availability of the new Svea and Cheveyo J-Boats plans, there has been a renewed interest in building from frames versus buying fiberglass hulls.

       60" Ranger laser cut frames are available with 31 frames. You can make two hulls from the 31 frames by only using only half of the frames. The T-Rails are reusable and the keelsons can be copied by jig sawing a set using the keelson as patterns. Thus you can get a two-fer! (Two hulls for one.) The same is possible for the other 60" and 48" sets of frames I sell.

       Click for The Ranger Story from Dockmaster Models.

       Click for Ranger vs. Velsheda

       The Ranger design was based on Burgess's scheme derived from models tested in Stevens Institute towing-tank during partnership work with Olin Stephens. The final design had elements of both men's ideas. The design lines wer established by August, 1936; keel laid in December, 1936. She cost $500,000; had a steel hull, flush riveted; heat-treated steel rod shrouds; translucent bakelite deck inserts. She lost her mast on the delivery cruise off Cape Cod. It was replaced with new one in 21 days. She used the wheel, rigging and sails salvaged from Rainbow and Enterprise. The same No. 1 main was used on all three J-Boats. Harold Vanderbilt's 3 J's all used the tender Bystander which also served the 12 Meter defender candidate Vim in 1958, challengers Gretel (1962) and Dame Pattie (1967). She was launched May 11, 1937 at Bath Iron Works as Hull # 172. The cost was funded solely by Harold Vanderbilt. He named her for the US frigate Ranger, commanded by John Paul Jones. She was the largest displacement J-Class. She was hauled at end of 1937 and never sailed again. She was sold for scrap in May, 1941 bringing only $12,000. A Ranger replica was built in 2008 and is racing with other J-Boat Velsheda and Shamrock V which is creating a big interest internationally in the J-Boat racing circuit that has been developed.

       Click for Ranger sailing and the J-5 Ranger video which provides good views of sail handling during a cruise.

       "The Book" has all of the America's Cup Boat Lines from 1851 to 1986

       The "Book" contains the plans for all of the America's Cup J-Boats and earlier Americas Cup Yachts including The America, Magic, Columbia, Whirlwind, Weetamoe, Yankee, Enterprise, Shamrock V, Rainbow, Ranger, Endeavors I and II and all of the 12 Meters. I also have Black Magic and the 1990's deep wing keel designs like America 3, Abracadabra and Young America.

       Study the many excellent AMYA J-Class Models onWWW.THEAMYA.ORG

       
       I provide frames for the new Lionheart, Svea, Cheveyo, Ranger, Rainbow, and Endeavour I and II J-Boats in 3 sizes: 1/16th scale of 102o 108", 60" and 48", Reliance, Shamrock III, Magic 1888, Columbia 1899, America schooner 1851, Charles W. Mower's Number Boat 22,Oheka II, Swallow, Aphrodite and The Luciole II at 70". Orders pending: 12 Meters - Southern Cross, Constellation, Heritage, and Intrepid; NY 30 and Buzzards Bay 25, Endeavour II J-Boat, decks and deck houses for many of the available frames sets. The 30 frames in cut from eighteen 12" x 24" panels for Ranger are shown below. They weigh 18 lbs if you want to check the shipping cost from Sarasota, FL. The first Ranger J-Class 102" set was sent to Lee Keen of Morehead City, NC on 12-20-2011. We anxiously await seeing his work. He is a master carpenter who does interiors for Jarret Bay Boat Works, a luxury sport fishing yacht builder in Morehead City, NC.

       After the Svea project, Hoeck Design will do a replica of the oldest J-Boat Enterprise. Following that, their third project is a replica of a never built super J-Boat by Franck Paine. “This design will be developed along, the lines of Lionheart,” Hoek concludes. “She will be another very strong contender in this exciting and expanding fleet of J-Class yachts. See the YouTube for th new J-Boat Atlantis! Watch how she was built out of aluminum! I will provide laser cut frames for the Atlantis when the lines drawings become available.

       Study the J-Boats detailed on Wikipedia well referenced article.

       Click for Where are they now? for the America's Cup yachts.

       Click for the August 2011 J-Class Racing at Mystic, CT to see some of the best.

       Click for the J-Class models built by John Hanks and Bob Eger.
       

       J-Boat Rainbow defeated Endeavour I in 1934

       
       Click for the Rainbow PhotoShow of the February 2012 launching of the replica.

       The Rainbow lines were provided by Russell Weaver of Annapolis, MD who bought a set of frames for an R/C 78" Rainbow model. I will provide him a deck and deck houses as soon as I get the layout from Paco Labrador of Spain who trades .dxf files for laser cutting layouts. Paco has a Programmable Router Table that he can use the same CAD/CAM files to cut frames as I do with the laser. See the description below on his FaceBook and soon on his new web site.
       AMYA J-Class 102" Rainbow r/c model laser cut frames - $375, 60" - $250, 48" - $175 plus shipping.

       Builders' Notes for finishing laser cut framed models

       Send me your e-mail address to receive a .pdf copy of Tom Houle's paperback "Building and Racing Radio Controlled Model Sailboats". Copies of it appear on EBay from time to time. It is an excellent but out of print booklet on how to build a number of sailboats. It includes the International One-Design Class. I found Rolf Andersen's IOD mold and photos in it and bought 4 fiberglass hulls to start making my 48" IOD models. When the mold wore out, I provide bandsawn frames and laser cut frames. From there, the laser cutting projects mushroomed!

       Why larger models have become so popular:

       Large model airplane engines are less expensive than smaller ones. That accounts for why the large model airplanes have become popular lately. As to sailboats, the publicity for the new replica J-Boats has caused a significant increase in larger size model activity. The increased number of model yacht clubs and regattas seems to have caused the recent increased interest in the larger models. Comparatively, the larger laser cut frames are less expensive per frame than for smaller models. The same identical winches and radios are used so you get more bang for the buck in the larger model sizes.

       
       J-Class Lionheart and Ranger frames show significnt differences in the hull design! The Lionheart frames are more "V" shaped while the Ranger frames are more rounded. The Lionheart has a more rounded transom than Ranger.

       Regarding the bottom of the keel from the bow to the deep keel:
       Of the J-Class models that John Hanks has built: Ranger, Rainbow, Shamrock V, Endeavour and Endeavour ll, all have a sharp keel line or with an edge. The Lionheart should be the same. The lines are different for all of the designs this feature is common to all of them.

       The laser etched decks' lines shine through paint and more vividly through clear varnish. The groves can be filled with black epoxy to give the look of caulking. When strip planking, black contruction paper can give that same look.

       Most large yachts have toe rails inside the covering boards at deck edge.

       Examples of models built from laser cut frames offered on this web site:

       
       

       TV2 Productions: J-Boats Ranger vs. Velsheda Racing Off Newport, RI in 2011

       Click here .

       Columbia Defeated Shamrock III in 1899 and Shamrock IV in 1901

       

       
       The Columbia at 50" loa will be rigged with multiple headsails and a topsail.
       It is for a buyer near Fresno, CA who has many r/c models in his collection.

       Andrew Charters of Charleston, SC provided the diagram for sail controls to handle the complex rig. I will post the diagrams and details in the near future.

       Click for the Columbia sailing in 1899. This historic video was made by Thomas A. Edison who invented "movies" from many stills linked together.
       

       Shamrock V lost against Enterprise in the 1930 America's Cup Races

       Click for the Shamrock V History and see her deck layout. Double click on the deck layout to expand the image for a readale copy of the original Camper and Nicholson drawing of 1934. This is provided for model builders to place my deck houses and Dean Derusha's Harken fittings.
       

       1903 Americas Cup Reliance vs. Shamrock II

       The 200' Reliance was designed by Nathaniel Greene Herreshoff, the Wizard of Bristol. She was 200' loa with a 200' mast and 17.000 sq ft of sail. She is the tallest gaff rigger every built. She beat Shamrock III after their two races on August 25, 1903. A third race was cancelled for lack of wind. She exploited a loop hole in the 90 Foot Rule for the races which allowed long overhangs fore and aft that increased her waterline when heeling. That is why you see her heeling over in the photo with the large quarter wave.

       Click for the PhotoShow of the Reliance and two other historical Herreshoff yacht designs.

       Reliance laser cut frames are offered at 48" - $175 and 60" - $215 plus shipping using lines from "The Book".
       Click for Lines drawings.

       
       

       Ranger 102" frames now available

       Click for the J-Boat Ranger promotional video.

       The first set of AMYA J-Class Ranger 8' 6" laser cut frames were delivered to Lee Keen of Morehead City, NC.

       It took 18 sheets of 1/8" x 12" x 24" to make the 30 J-Boat Ranger frames. The price is $375 plus S&H for 8' 6" to 9' 6" r/c models. The 60” Ranger laser cut parts are $250 plus S & H. The 48" Ranger laser cut parts are $175 plus S&H.

       I can now supply frames for all of the America's Cup Boats up to 1986 including J-Boats and all of the 12 Meters frames using the lines in "The Book". Velsheda is the only one that I am still looking for. I also can provide "Black Magic, the NZ 1990s deep winged keel design which was the last of that type before the catamarans.

       Robert Diaz has installed Endeavour Deck Houses on his J-Boat as shown on RCGroups.com

       Robert Diaz of Santa Cruz, CA provided the photos of the main deck house on his 89" J-Boat Shamrock V. He created the inside of the cabin details beyond what I provide as part of the deck house parts. Notice that he even included a door knob and drawer pulls! I provide deck houses in any size made from 4mm Okoume or 1/16th mahogany for new and existing boat models.

       I now provide J-Boat Lionheart deck houses like those shown on the Lionheart model lower on this site. They were laid out by Ralph Perkins, former Revell model designer. He also did the new style J-Boat Ranger deck house and is working on the Schooner America shown lower on this site. It will have the many deck See the Endeavour deck houses and parts PhotoShow. I offer the above deck parts for the J-Class size Endeavour and others of 102 to 106" loa alone for $135 in 4mm Okoume plywood or white birch for $120, both plus $15 shipping in the USA. The 1/16" mahogany plywood for 48" or 60" J-Boat models are $135 plus $15 shipping in the USA.

       
       

       1930 - 1937 Americas Cup J-Boats and modern day replicas have been racing

       Be sure to view the J-Boat Association's web site for photos and history of the modern aluminum replicas.

       Click for the Velsheda versus Ranger races at Newport, RI.

       Interest in the full scale J-Boats is heating up with many regattas planned.

       The new aluminum replica of the Rainbow that beat Endeavour in 1936 is being finished in a Dutch yacht yard. Find more photos of the replica Rainbow by searching with Google for "J-Boat Rainbow". She was 127.7' long.
       I offer two sizes of J-Boat Rainbow laser cut frames at 6' 8" and 8' 6" loa. I can provide other sizes as needed.

       J-Boats racing at Mystic in 2008, the last Mystic race in 2008, and at Sacramento in the 2009 Nationals.

       A new AMYA J-Class model has been recently launched. Click for the Nick Mortgu's photos of her.

       How to make the 44" Amati J-Boat Endeavour a Successful R/C model

       This Endeavour model sails beautifully with sufficient stability for winds over 10 mph.

       Patrick Foley built it from laser cut frames I provided. He installed the 7# lead ballast provided by Hans Berger. Hans makes them for the 48" Canterbury J-Boats based on the Ranger design. He did a slight modification to ballast to fit the profile by removing a 1/4" from the rear to match the rudder post profile. And, he changed the profile in the forefoot area to make that look ok. The keel was deepened by the depth of the ballast approximately 2 1/2" - 3". He drilled five 1/2" holes in the rear of the ballast so that the boat would sit on her lines. The final weight of the ballast was 6 3/4 pounds +/-. After bolting the ballast to the keel, he fiberglassed over it and the rest of the hull. The ballast is indistinguishable from the rest of the keel.

       Three of the Amati Endeavour style frames have been delivered to Patrick Foley, Pietro Bertrand of Mont Tremblant, and Dave Wickland of www.sailclassics.com. And I will be providing the Endeavour I frames based on the lines from "The Book" for r/c sailing 3" deeper for R/C. The ballast can be #9 lead shot or the builder can make a mold from the planked keel area and create the lead ballast which can be more effective.

       Pietro Bastiani provided diagrams for controlling the double headsail rig of the William Fife Tiuga. That plan can be used for any of the double head sail rigs I show on this web site. I will post them later on.

       AMYA J-Class Models

       A new AMYA J-Class model has been recently launched. Click for Nick Mortaghu's photos of it.

       Click for the 2010 AMYA J-Class RC National Championship races. This video shows many of the very large models being launch. It is perhaps the best available on YouTube to see the variety of models that meet the AMYA J-Class rules.

       Click for the American Model Yacht Association and the AMYA J-Class for more information about the largest of the AMYA Class models.

       The AMYA J-Class models are 1/16 scale. That is 3/4" to 1'. The hulls are from 7' to 8.5' loa weighing from 65 to 97 pounds. Link to www.theamya.org/boats/j/.

       John Hanks, J-Class Secretary, reports that the AMYA J-Class has grown significantly in recent years. Sixteen J-Class models were entered in the J-Class NCR in October 2010 at Chicago, IL.

       The lead ballast is removable to make it easier to handle these very large models. They are launched with some ballast installed and the remainder added after launching.

       Eight new J-Class models were registered this year alone! Shamrock V is the smallest of the 9 designs.

       The AMYA J-Class is expected to announce that the J-Boats that were modified to conform to the J-Class rule may be raced with the original 10 AC race designs.

       The new Lionheart J-Class design was drafted by Pietro Bastiani of Liguria, Italy for me to creating laser cut frames. His model was designed using a free marine software system called "DELFTship". Click for details at DELFTtship. It can produce 3D solid renderings and tables for evaluating the design in addition to lines drawings! It will be interesting to run several of the real J-Boat designs through that system.

       Smaller size J-Boat laser cut frames for the Endeavour 48" J-Class hull frames are $175. 60" J-Class frames are $250. Above deck parts are $135 in 1/16th in mahogany plywood plus $15 Shipping in the US.

       The 8' size J-Class frames are quoted individually depending on the extra parts required for the individual boats.

       The layout of those parts are shown. Other sizes are quoted upon request.

       Now that 10 of the famous J-Boats can be modeled from official plans, plank-on-frame model building has been taken to another level. Link to AMYA J-Class web pages for more information about this premier model sailboat class.

       Learn the history of the J-Boats at Story of the J-Class Yachts.

       Various sizes of laser cut frames and parts are now available for the J-Boat Endeavour. This beautiful J-Boat was launched in 1934 and lost to Rainbow after 6 races. She was rebuilt and is being refitted in New Zealand as shown in the photo.

       The frames and parts are available in almost any size. The 44" model is large enough for radio control. The keel can be made deeper to improve stability if desired.

       My 44" J-Boat Endeavour Construction PowerPoint slideshow is provided free to those interested in building a J-Boat model from laser cut frames. Contact me for a copy at mthrasher@verizon.net. Click for the Deckhouse instruction diagrams.

       I offer the above deck parts for the J-Class 1/16th scale for 48" and 60" models for $135 in mahogany plywood plus $15 Shipping with the USA and Canada.

       Endeavour UK 4 was launched in 1934. She lost against Rainbow after winning the first two races although she was the faster boat. Her crew struck for higher wages forcing the owner to hire inexperienced crew members. They were not able to handle the heavy sails allowing Rainbow to squeak by after 6 races.

       Greatest LOA, tallest rig (158 ft. from deck). Flush-plated steel hull, steel framing, planking, mast, wood Park Avenue boom, steel centerboard, pine decks. Fortunately she was spared and fully restored later.

       Click for Endeavour’s history and current refit in NZ.Click for J-Boat Scuttlebutt

       ">

       Contact SAILSetc for plans, high quality hardware and model boat parts

       Graham & Lorna Bantock 141 high street kelvedon essex england co5 9aa
       tel + 44 (0) 1376 570 583 fax + 44 (0) 1376 571 437 sales@sailsetc.com www.sailsetc.com

       SAILSetc owners, Graham and Lorna Bantock and I have arranged that I sell laser cut frames and parts for eleven of the models that he has designed. That is provided the buyers show proof of purchase that they have bought a set of the plans. Visit his website at www.SAILetc.com for his plans as well as rigging, sails, hardware and books. Link to his 32 page Word.doc "Yacht Design Notes with details of his designs or request a copy from Milton Thrasher - mthrasher@verizon.net for convenience.

       For those who show proof of purchase of the plans from SAILSetc, I provide one set of laser cut frames for each. Purchase plans from WWW.SAILetc.com and contact me with proof of purchase to obtain a quote. Specify the features you want such as deck, stand, planking type and width for offset, 1/8" birch or 3mm Okume plywood for frames.

       Click for SAILSetc models that I sell laser cut frames for.

       Sails and Hardware Supplier Recommendations

       SAILSetc owners, Graham and Lorna Bantock and I arranged that I sell laser cut frames and parts for eleven of his models that Graham has designed. That is provided the buyers have proof of purchase that they have bought a set of the plans. See the list of models at the top of this web site. Meanwhile, visit his website at www.SAILSetc.com for his plans as well as rigging, sails, hardware and books. Link to his 32 page Word.doc "Yacht Design Notes with details of his designs.

       Click for the eleven SAILSetc models that I sell laser cut frames for.

       ROD CARR, SAILMAKER 3011 - 177th AVENUE NE REDMOND, WA 98052-5825 RodCarr Sails
       For the 60” J-Boat Lionheart, he recommends sail plans with a triangle area of 1200 sq. in. same as the EC-12 on a 72” Goldspar mast. The rig height is the same as the overall length distributed 61% in the main and 39% in the jib. Include "Model Yacht Sails" in the email subjects to avoid spam filters. Provide phone numbers. Phone: 425 881-2846 Mon-Fri 9 AM - 5 PM PST.

       Ray Osmun - GoldSpar aluminum masts 3506 Fox Rd, Huron, OH 44839, 305 743-5720 Ray Osmun

       Dean Derusha, Miniature Hardware 989 980-9423, Scale Model Co. PO Box 656 Freeland, MI 48623 Dean Derusha
       Miniature Harken fittings in 3 scale sizes will be shown on 3 model sizes: 48", 60" and 106". See www.photobucket.com/modelyachtworld file: the challenge

       Larry Ludwig 10’ masts and equipment. http://www.ludwigrcyachts.com/spars.htm
       Airfoil masts, same as Ray Osmun's "GoldSpar" and original Vortex spars. Large diameter 120" in mill finish. 72" Airfoil masts are clear and black anodized and mill finish. The 96" and International One Meter masts are round 72" clear anodized only.

       RMD Marine Bob Dudinsky RMD Marine 727-360-4193 RMDMARINE@TAMPABAY.RR.COM
       EC 12 hulls and hardware. 18 Bellevue Drive, Treasure Island, FL 33706

       Ken Bauser KBSails@aol.com 203 575-9882, 32 Woodstock Street, Waterbury, CT 06704
       Sails for most classes, Carbon tapered masts, Star 45 and Comet 36" vintage one-design, the Star Class little sister based on the Comet Class lines

       Patrick Foley recommends www.MARITIME-MODELS.CO.UK which is a retail outlet for AERONAUT MODELS. and Model Expo in Orlando, FL for ship/boat wheels in different diameters. He found one suited for his 44" model of Endeavour. Binnacles and such are from Cornwall Models UK but may be too small. He endorses the great source for many parts at www.SAILSetc.com in the UK and Roger Cousineau who makes very nice brass parts.

       Roger Cousineau Model Boat Fittings High quality brass fittings for sailboats boats over One Meter.

       Cornwall Model Boat Company of the UK has most of what you may need

       http://www.cornwallmodelboats.co.uk/ for one of the most complete inventories of things model boat builders need. I got my Amati Endeavour .pdf from them that made it possible to provide "above deck parts" for the many J-Boats I offer and a set of Pen Duick plans. Graham Davis, a customer for Endeavour deck parts suggested them for distributing my laser cut frames.

       Please advise of other hobby shops in your area that may be interested in distribuing laser cut frames. The term is "drop shipment" for orders place through a vendor to be delivered direct to the consumer. Boat model builders are a special breed in this day and age of the "ready to race" models. I was impressed with a hobby shop I contacted in Dubai in the United Arab Emirates, the land of tremendous wealth!. They have every imagineable high tech toy at the Dubai Hobby Center .

       IOD Documentation

       I offer an IOD 48" Assembly Manual for the fiberglass hulls I once sold as seen at IOD Manual. It is in hard copy with 3 CD-Roms of photos of the construction process, 2 .pdf's of good books on how to plank the frames I sell and 6 large model plans. Tom Houle's out of print "Building and Racing R/C Model Sailboats" and the Daniels and Tucker 1933 classic "Sailing Craft" updated in 1958 "Model Sailing Craft" are included, all for $35 including shipping.

       See AMYA Classifieds and check other Suppliers listings.

       MIDWEST Model Yachting, LLC P.O. Box 605 Plainfield, IN 46168 provides fittings, parts, SAILSetc plans, and supplies for all classes or model boats. Their web site lists plans for Nimbus MKII, Astra Marblehead, IOM's Kite, Box Kite, Vektor and ZigZag that I provide laser cut frames for provided you have a proof of purchase of the plans.

       Books for Building Model Yachts

       

       Uffa Fox's "Thoughts of Yachts and Yachting" includes many classic sailing yachts including two of his Square Meter yachts. They have long overhangs and narrow waterlines but are very light with small sail areas. Read about Uffa at Classic Yachting and his Square Meters at www.sk22.nu.

       I recommend "Sailing Craft" by Edwin J. Schoettle, "Your New Boat" by Yachting Editors, the full Uffa Fox Series, and "Proper Yacht" by Arthur Beiser. You can find many lines drawing on-line by searching for them with Google. Your New Boat is a 1947 hard cover book of designs with lines drawings for a wide variety of boat types from dinghies to larger sailing craft. It provides advice for those who may be interested in getting afloat for recreation, and particularly to those who may be making their first venture into boat owning. I have made many models from it including the Comet, Hampton, Star Class, and my favorite, the International One Design.
       You can buy "Your New Boat" online at www.abaa.org/books/289573267.html and Book Finder.

       50 year old classic designs are featured. A 4 J-Boat Regatta Series for the 100 Guinea Cup is the four J-Boat owners' Regatta Series that ends in July 2012 in Cowes for the 100 Guinea Cup. Read about this at the J Class Yachts Blogspot. Check out http://www.jclasssolentregatta.com/ for videos of past events and schedules for future events.
       

       Endeavour and the Superyacht Cup Videos

       J-Boat Ranger reproduction sailing
       J-Boat Lionheart sailing
       Lionheart's Maiden Voyage
       Shamrock V sailing alone
       Endeavour versus Shamrock V
       Shamrock V Sailing ! Hanuman - Endeavour Sailing
       J Class Yacht in Big Seas ! J Class Yachts - First clash
       J Class Off Yarmouth, Isle of Wight! Velsheda at Superyacht Cup
       Ranger Superyacht ! Wally 130 at Sardinia

       Click for AMYA Quarterly Newsletter 12-1-2011

       Current Activities Highlighted Here

       Click on the images for larger copies. Some model makers are fitting the Endeavour I deck houses on their existing models. A PhotoShow was made from Robert Diaz's Blog on www.rcgroups.com that shows how he set the cabin into his frames. Bob Egers plans to install it flusc to the deck.

       Patrick Foley installed the first set as shown lower on this web site. I can provide them in any size. He encourages me to make the Lionheart deck houses from scratch for my 60" J-Class Lionheart demo model. Watch these pages for further developments!

       48" Swallow gas or electric power boat by Mariusz "Szmyk" of the UK as seen on RCGroups.org

       
       The Swallow is a 48" power boat model made from laser cut frames that I provide in any size. 48" loa frames are $225 plus shipping.

       Check out the PhotoShow of Mariusz's model power boat. I am offering laser cut frames in 3 sizes. It is shown on www.rcgroups.com with many photos that are included in this PhotoShow. I can provide frames for any of the power boats found on www.rcgroups.com . See the latest posting in RC Groups.org by Mariusz, the designer/builder! Herb Miller has completed his model from frames I sent him. I have made laser cut engine exhaust gratings and frames for Herb as an added part of the frames kit.

       Mark Beatty built this model at 52". He has done a lot of powerboat models and wants to try this one in the surf! Learn more about his project at USCG 52' Motor Life Boat . Click for the PhotoShow of the laser cut frames. See the solid models that can be made from the same CADCAM files as the renderings.

       

       Dan Roth told of a group in Benton Harbor, Ml that is interested in as many as 10 Americas Cup Reliance frame sets at 108" for underpriviledged children to learn boat building. They want to show them how to make things and large model boats for under $1000 all up with rigging and sails seems a better deal than kayaks! I pointed out how Paddy Gillespie of Eire's Moville Rowing Club has a Starlet 36 building class for 14 adults and 9 youths that I will show photos of in the Starlet 36 PhotoShow.

       Finisterre, The Three Times Newport to Bermuda Race Winner Laser Cut Frames - 57.75" LOA

       Click for Finisterre RC model frames for Carl Brosius of San Francisco. He will build a fin and bulb r/c model at 57.75" r/c model. Finisterre is the Sparkman and Stephens' small yawl rigged phenomenon. She was designed for shallow water cruising but won the bi-annual Newport to Bermuda Race an amazing three times. She was launched in 1954. Four boats have been built to her design!

       That was the year I returned from 3 years of sea duty, with one year in Korea on US Navy destroyers. I resumed model and big boat building. I built a Star Class #3909, a full scale boat from scratch in western red cedar and covered with fiberglass before it hit the water. It was launched in time for the July 1958 Larchmont Yacht Club Race Week. I tracked big boats racing in SORC like Salty Tiber while crewing on large boats on Long Island Sound.

       Finisterre's dimensions are LOA: 38'-6", LWL: 27'-6", Beam: 11'-3", Draft: board up/down: 3'-11"/7'-4", Displ: 18,640 lbs, Sail Area: 713 Sq. ft. The model will be 1.5" to 1' scale with a well to install a titanium fin and bulb keel. That is instead of deepening the keel for stability as was done by Andrew Charters and Patrick Foley's Gloriana as shown below.

       To recall the mid-1950s SORC era, click on Finisterre vs. Hoot Mon. I remember that these decidedly different designs raced nip and tuck.

       Finisterre was designed and built in 1954 for Carleton Mitchell for single-handed sailing and cruising. She exceeded her owner’s expectation and astounded the yachting world by winning the Bermuda race three consecutive times: 1956, 1958 and 1960. Her 1956 victor was the first ever by the smallest boat. Her design turned the trend back to smaller, beamy centerboard boats as evidenced in the 1958 Bermuda race where a 111 boat fleet was jammed with Finisterre-type boat. Unlike many legends in the past Finisterre still races and cruises.

       The laser cut frames will be based on Finisterre's lines from WoodenBoat Magazine with a fin and bulb keel style extension to improve the stability for r/c racing.

       Check Google for the Finisterre story on YouTube for these famous boats and the famous skipper, Carleton Mitchell. He has given up racing and is devoting his time to painting. We note that Charlie Morgan and Dennis Connor have also gone to the avocation of painting or is it their profession? I would have expected them to go into sculpture!
       

       Charles D. Mower Number Boat 22 58" Frames Now Available

       Herb Miller has built his Number Boat 22 to be powered by a electric motor. He is also building a 42" version for himself and for Milton Thrasher. Mike Brookes of Australia has ordered a 56" size version with the 1/16" laser etched deck that is laid over a 1/16" sub layer. The frames are now available thanks to Emmett Smith, Curator of the Antique Boat Museum in Clayton, NY. He and his father, Everett Smith have built a number of these wonderful boat models for the full scale boat owners at 48". See www.numberboat.com for some history of these fine boats.

       The 48" frames are $175, 58" are $250, both plus shipping.

       The Number Boat 22 is one of the finest of the Number Boat series at 28'. Everett Smith has three new ones and one being built available in his shop. A few older ones are still available including one that is being restored at Hall's Boat Company on Lake George.

       See the YouTube videos of the Number Boats racing on the St. Lawrence River.

       Click for the Number Boat 22 PhotoShow.

       The Number Boat 22 is 28' long with 8' beam. We are studying the many photos found on-line which are included in the Number 22 PhotoShow.

       Click Number Boats to see these fine boats racing again on the St. Lawrence River.
       
       

       Survey These Model Boat Web Sites

       See my laser cut parts for many types and sizes of model boats.

       Review the Vintage Model Yacht Group web site. Learn about lines drawings and plans that I can provide laser cut parts for.

       Join the American Model Yacht Association to receive their excellent quarterly newsletter and the monthly e-mail newsletter from the David Brawner, AMYA President who races J-Class models. See the many available newsletters.

       Go to the J-Class Website has many detailed photos of the 2011 National J-Class Championship.

       Join the Tampa Bay Ship Model Society and receive their excellent monthly E-mailed newsletter for $12 annual dues.

       My other web site at www.angelfire.com/fl5/modelyachts shows other models and frames I offer including models of the Chesapeake Light Craft's Skerry. It is a model of the same design of the full scale Skerry's using the "stitch and glue" approach. The 73" Vanja A Class model is shown in some detail along with the mold I offer at cost. I am hoping that those who like larger r/c models will want to sail these Vintage A Class models as shown in the 1936 Popular Mechanics article by George Baron, designer.

       Click for Sparkman & Stevens review of the resurgence of interest in J-Boats.
       

       The IOD 48" display model by Herb Miller is available for $800, a 36" for $450

       

       Herb Miller offers his IOD 36" and IOD 48" display model hulls for $800. Contact him in Marathon, FL 305 304-4970. His models are on display at my home in Sarasota, FL. I will provide photos upon request and upgrade rigging and sails if desired. I offer the IOD Assembly Manual on how these models with rigging. I offer the IOD Assembly Manual with 3 CD-Roms with many photos and two books on .pdf's for $35. It is useful for other model boat types as well.

       I once again offer fiberglass IOD 48" hulls with 3" deeper keels for more stability under r/c. Bare hulls are $350 plus shipping. Ready to sail r/c models are $2750 plus shipping. Laser cut frames often called shadows in any scale are available as shown later on this site.
       

       The International One-Design Class - 33' 5" classic day sailers with cuddy cabins

       The International One-Design Class was started in 1936 by Cornelius Shields at Larchmont Yacht Club in NY with a fleet of 25 boats. They were based on the design of the beautiful 37.5' 6 meter Saga that Corny had seen in Bermuda designed by Bjarne Aas of Norway. Corny specified the cuddy cabin, no Genoa jib and a similar but smaller boat. He convinced the 25 Sound Interclub Sailors to switch over to the IODs in one fell swoop! So, instantly the IOD Class was launched.

       Many of the America's Cup skippers of the 12 meter era learned their skills in the IODs. They included Bus Mosbacher, Bob Bavier, Jr, Bill Cox, Arthur Knapp and Corny himself. Fleets were developed in Bermuda and then Marblehead, San Francisco, Edinburough, and Oslo. International Championships have been held every year except during WW II.

       Click to order the IOD History book now available.

       Corny's original boat, the Aileen, is still sailing very competitively having been restored by me in 1991 and then again in 1976 by Len Crawford, and finally done professionally by Bruce Dysan of Marblehead. In 2006, the Aileen proved to be the fastest of the IODs in the Championship at Larchmont Yacht Club's boat rotation. Tony Huston, who once owned her, won that Championship. The Aileen is now in Nova Scotia with the new fleet and doing well.

       Upon retiring to Sarasota, FL, I decided to take up building and racing model boats. The plastic Soling 1 meter models were very popular. But, I thought an r/c model of the IOD would be more graceful and interesting. So, I built two hulls and made a mold of the better of the two. That was to provide fiberglass hulls for those who finished them for themselves. I finished five for those who wanted completed models as presents. But, to my knowledge there never has been enough IOD models in one place to establish an active racing club. I shipped a set of frames to Australia recently. Kendall Allcott of New Zealand's IOD Joyce is shown in buildig and sailed on YouTube. My IOD PhotoShow includes many IOD models I have made over a 35 year span. A few of the recently released 75th IOD Anniversary book photos are included. But, I did not see my own IOD that was once Corny Shields' orginal Aileen, the one that started the IOD Class in 1936. It is now racing in a new fleet in Chester, Nova Scotia.

       When my mold wore out, I provided plans and band sawn frames for building these models. A few years later, a friend laid out the frames for making laser cut frames. I continue to offer the laser cut frames in several sizes and formats. The IOD 48" with the 3" deeper keel is the most popular. Smaller sizes with a center profile for making display models are provided. There continue to be a number of people each year that order the laser cut frames to build their own. They are attracted to the elegant design and the shallow draft that does not catch weeds due to the shape of the keel.

       I think the IOD model boats have been a success. To that end, I provided a 48" IOD plug to Don Spielberger of Rochster, NY to make a new mold.

       See the many IOD models and the www.yahoo.com/Groups for IOD_Model_Yachts and elsewhere on my web site as proof.

       Click for the The IOD’s - The Big Little Class article from Motor Boating of January 1964.
       Click for the Cornelius Shields and the IOD founding.
       

       Wooden Boat Magazine Reviews the Saga of the Internation One Design Class

       See the article by Matthew Murphy, Editor of Woodenboat by clicking on Saga of the IOD

       Patrick Foley's IOD One Meter - A bright star in the universe of model IOD's

       Patrick Foley of Greensboro, NC, veteran US Navy pilot, who has made many model airplanes, built this beautiful IOD One Meter. And, he has recently completed a 44" Endeavour R/C model. He chose the IOD for his first model boat to be made from laser cut frames. He makes as much of the model parts by himself as practical. His current project is the Nathaniel G. Herreshoff designed Gloriana also shown on this website.

       He wanted the One Meter size so he could race against others in his area near Elon College who race other One Meter Class R/C models. The IOD 48" layout was reduced to provide for a One Meter size model which worked perfectly with no other changes.

       He made his own sails. He strip planked the deck with maple and walnut. Fittings are from Roger Cousineau, Midwest and Worth Marine. The mast is aluminum from the EC 12 Class. He fiberglassed the hull and applied several coats of resin to the interior that waterproofed the balsa wood planking.

       He is the first to finish an IOD cockpit per the construction plans. His very handsome model has dark green topsides, red bottom, white waterline, and natural wood deck. The on/off switch and battery charger port is conveniently located under the companionway hatch cover.

       Click for more IOD models.

       His next model was the R/C 44" J-Boat Endeavour from my laser cut frames shown below. He is now working on plans to build a 48" model of the Herreshoff Gloriana, a breakthrough triple headsail gaff rigged design of 1981.

       New layouts for International One-Design Class 36" and 48" laser cut frames

       The International One-Design Class frames for scale models have deeper keels for r/c sailing/racing.

       Our new supplier for IOD laser cut frames provides a "T-rail" strip for aligning the frames on a building board. It assures perfect alignment and straight hulls.

       The IOD models are exact to scale except for 3" deeper keels for improved stability in winds over 15 mph. The www.yahoo.com/groups for IOD_Model_Yachts shows many models that have been built from laser cut frames that are planked in basswood or balsawood and covered with fiberglass.
       The frames are very easy to assemble as they are notched to fit the keelson and the control strip. The preferred ballast is #9 lead buckshot that is epoxied inside the planked hull.

       YouTube Video by Kendall Allcott of New Zealand of his IOD 48" from laser cut frames

       This video is by one of the best IOD builders showing how he made his IOD 48" 'Joyce'. Click on http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I9adcnlrMS4. Kendall and his friend, John Gilmour, each built them for match racing. Mark Rogers of Australia has ordered at set of IOD 48" frames. Contact: KenAllcott@xtra.co.nz

       Click for the IOD PhotoShow of many things relating to the IOD Class and scale models made from laser cut frames.

       The resurgence of interest in IOD models is perhaps influenced by the recent announcements of the J-Boat Lionheart and the new 8+ feet long AMYA J-Class models and because IODs appear to be much like smaller versions. I provide a new IOD Assembly Manual for those considering the building of plank-on-frame IOD or other models. My original IOD Assembly Manual was written for those starting with a fiberglass hull. See the other IOD sections later in this website. Google Search for "IOD Documentation" will bring up the manual I provided with the fiberglass hulls. It is appropriate for the new hull that Don Spielberger provided. Contact me for more details.

       Gloriana - The 1891 Herreshoff designed very successful triple headsail gaff rigged sloop

       
       The Gloriana won all 11 of her first year's competition. She was a break-through design with
       her cut away forefoot. This allowed her to carry a lot more sail within the current rule.

       Patrick Foley ordered frames for his 48" Gloriana model with a 10% wider beam
       and deeper keel for added stability. See his two other r/c models on this web site.

       
       Andrew Charters built his Gloriana 8' 4" loa, 5' 9" lod, LWL 45.5", Beam 14", depth 11.5",
       mast height 73.5" with top mast, 47" without to deck, deck 3.5" above LWL, main boom 52", main gaff 30"

       Comments by Patrick Foley:

       Andrew Charters built his 8' 4" Gloriana by fiberglassing the foamed frames. He made his frames out of 1/4" wood. He uses high density foam that can be obtained from outdoor sign making shops. Frequently they have scrap pieces that can be band sawn to fit nicely between the frames. After shaping the hull, he removes the wooden frames and replaces them with Styrofoam. Then he covers the entire hull with sheet rock mud...then sands it...then paints it with latex paint. He then Fibreglasses it with 3" wide fiberglass and West System epoxy and then sands, sands, sands. To remove the foam, he pours gasoline over it which dissolves it so that he can pour out the remaining go. That makes a lighter weight hull...but one still needs to replace a number of frames to strengthen the assembly. Some frames were lefct out to make more room for sail control equipment and internal ballast.
       Some recommend using #9 lead shot for ballast. It is safer than pouring molten lead!
       Andrew Charters builds mostly schooners. The AMYA magazine published diagrams of his schooner sheeting system. It is my understanding that his system for Gloriana will be in the upcoming quarterly issue.

       Gloriana's system consists of two closed loop systems. One is below deck for mainsail control and one is above deck for the 3 headsails. All 3 headsails are tendable with his system.

       On my 44" LOA model of Endeavour, I employed a much simpler system for control of my staysail and jib. I tend the staysail with a separate servo mixed with the mainsail servo. Thus, both sails operate through the throttle servo of my model airplane computer radio. The clue of the jib is simply connected to the foot of the staysail at midpoint via a loop of line. When the staysail moves, it drags the jib with it and wind causes it to flop over for the proper overlap. It works fairly well.

       Click for videos of the New Zealand Classic Yachts. See what it is like to sail these beauties live!.
       Click for a similar R/C model from Australia that shows how well the double headsail rig performs!

       Felca - The German sloop designed by Max Oertz that won the 1906 Coupe de France

       
       Felca was a 10 Ton gaff rigged sloop with two headsails similar to Gloriana show above.

       
       Frames for the Felca model at 48" are $175 and 66” are $250 plus S&H.

       Felca was designed by Max Oertz, a famous Classic Yacht Designer and early aviation expert. He lived from 1871 to 1929 and was the designer of the Kaiser's yachts.

       Born 20th April 1871, Max Oertz was a naval architect, a builder, engineer, and later a pioneer of aviation, with experience in Finland and St. Petersburg before developing his yard near Hamburg.

       Around the time Oertz was working in Hamburg the Kaiser developed a keen interest in yacht racing – and not just as a participant. He wanted to develop a yachting culture in Germany that could rival that of the British and Americans. Max Oertz played a leading part in that development and his name became inseparable with the emergence and rapid development of the German yacht industry at the end of the 19th and beginning of the 20th Century.

       He designed many class racing yachts and later he was given the prestigious job of designing the Kaiser’s schooner, ‘Meteor IV’, to race against ‘Britannia’. His output was both prodigious and successful.

       Other well-known Oertz designs are ‘Felca’, ‘Lims’ and ‘Samoa’.
       

       The Evelina M. Goulart Restoration at Essex, MA

       The Essex Shipbuilding Museum in Essex, MA has the 84 year old Evelina M. Goulart schooner under cover as they plan further restorations. She is an excellent example of the nearly 4000 fishing schooners that plied their trade off the Massachusetts coast. There was a proposal to do a cut away exhibit to show how these schooners were built.

       It is proposed that laser cut frames be provided to a modeler to build an open half model diorama to show what she would look like to would-be donors. I will provide the frames if someone comes forward. She is used as a teaching example of how the genre' were built. This 31 1/4" Evelina M. Goulart model is for sale for $395 plus S&H with an appropriate commemorative engraved name plate. Consider donating it to the Essex Museum's collection.

       Click for a few words about this historic vessel.
       
       

       Oheka II frames for models of this famous 1927 German Built 85' yacht

       
       There are two different Oheka II hulls found on Internet. I provide laser cut frames for the white bottom hull and deck houses. It has different windows in the main cabin than the other model which was made by Christian Rex. Oheka II 48" and 60" models are made from laser cut frames and parts from the original plans of an 85' German 1927 yacht. She was the prototype for German Schnellboots, the fast torpedo boats of WW II. Oheka II's name is derived from the owner's name: Otto Herman Kahn.

       The Oheka II has the same lines as the German Schnellboots of WW II. The frames can also used to build Schnellboot models by reducing the freeboard a little. This hull design was driven safely in rough seas at 34 knots. Its unique rounded hull prevented squatting at high speed. These frames are designed to be placed upside down on a building board or assembled with the rigid brace that holds the frames in alignment for in-hand strip planking. They have been reduced to allow for 3mm planking which is a little less than 1/8".
       
       
       Click each photo for a larger size view.
       

       New Lines Drawing for Oheka II set of laser cut frames and deck houses

       Click for 2nd Rendering of 60" New Oheka II design by Pietro Bastiani

       You can download the new lines drawings and other images by clicking on the "View and Download" link on the PhotoShow introduction page.

       Herb Miller of Marathon, FL confirms that the 60" Oheka II frames he received are those that match the model on the left. Herb has built several sizes of the Randall Flyer hydroplane and IOD 48" models shown later on this web site.

       Herb Miller's 60" Oheka II model is coming along nicely. He planked it with balsa and knocked off the ridges and coated it with two coats of epoxy. Then he touched it up with 3M Bondo-type finishing glaze that works very well. He put 3 coats of West System epoxy over the top of that.

       The white hulled model shown above is the style of deck houses that Herb will put on his model.

       Click the photos for a larger views.

       Click for the Wikipedia history of the Oheka II and see the Oheka II models built from Lurrsen Classic boat model. This is a good challenge for the power boat enthusiasts. I provide laser cut frames comparable to those in this model kit in any size you wish. Shown are the 48" sent to Bill Bibeault of Athens, GA area and 60" sent to Herb Miller of Marathon, FL.

       Click for laser cut frame details and frames shown on the www.yahoo.com/groups for Classicwoodmodelboats. Click for a PhotoShow of the Oheka II and other models found on Internet.

       I am doing a layout for a laser etched strip planked deck, cabins and deck features for the Oheka II in both sizes. See the Robbe Atlantis YouTube video of one being decked by Mick Brown. Please let me know of the amount of detail you would like to see.

       Laser cut frames for 48" - $175 or 60" - $215 plus S&H. Laser cut deck houses and features - $100 plus S&H.

       Call for a quote on other sizes. 941 966-9179 in Sarasota, FL

       
       

       The Atlantic, three masted schooner was recreated as an exact replica in 2010

       The Atlantic, designed by William Gardner won the 1905 Kaiser Cup Transatlantic race with a record time that stood for over 100 years. She did over 660 miles in one 24 hour period under bare poles in a hurricane with Charles Bar skippering.

       Many models have been built of this famous schooner which can be found on-line with Google.

       Laser cut frames are now available using the lines as shown below that were redrawn by Pietro Bastiani of Liguria, Italy using DELFTship marine design software.

       Click for the Atlantic re-build history.

       Click for the Atlantic Photo Show.
       
       

       Length over all 186', waterline length 134', beam 29'

       Pearson Ariel and Commander One Meter Laser Cut Frames

       The Pearson Ariel is often described as a smaller Triton. That is a fair evaluation as we found when we bought Ariel 41 in 1963. We sailed her on Barnegat Bay with two young children before relocating to Rye, NY on Long Island Sound in 1967. We took many vacation cruises on her.

       The Ariel has the same hull as the Commander which has a smaller cabin, larger cockpit. The Ariel-Commander YRA on San Francisco Bay is going strong. See their web site at Ariel-Commander YRA . I did a newsletter for the Ariels and Commanders from 1967 - 1971 until going to the IOD Class.

       Everett Pearson said how pleased he was to see the many Ariels still sailing on Narraganset Bay.
       
       

       L'Hirondelle French Oyster Smack Laser Cut Frames

       
       
       L'Hirondelle laser cut frames have been provided to Antoine Froment of France for his 38.19" model. She is a historic 5 ton oyster smack from the west coast of France. It is loaded with 5 tons of sand ballast to sail to the oyster beds. As the oysters are loaded, the sand is off loaded. The original boat is preserved in a famous boat museum near Port-hru, France.

       We thank Antoine Froment for providing this this web address for good boat plans.

       Laser cut parts for model boats or any objects you plan to build!

       .

       Crandall Flyer - A classic high speed powerboat model kit

       
       I provide laser cut frames for any design whose plans are available in almost any size you want. Frames up to 48" loa for $175 plus S&H.

       John-Tom of Thailand. See Flyer plans.
       
       

       Click on the Flyer close up photo for YouTube video.
       

       Opalek Footy by Pawel Dejnak of Poland

       The 12" Footy Class has become very popular with many young people becoming involved. It has been really good for our sport.

       Pawel Dejnak has a complete kit that includes everything you need except the electronics and adhesives. He sent me a kit with two sets of frames and both the wood and plastic planking.

       See the Opalek photo show. Notice the workshops for the very happy youngsters.

       You can view and download the photos by click on the line at the right with that name.

       You can find a lot about the Opalek on-line with Google.

       Books with plans suitable for making model boats

       Your New Boat is a 1947 hard cover book of designs with lines drawings for a wide variety of boat types from dinghies to larger sailing craft. It provides advice for those who may be interested in getting afloat for recreation, and particularly to those who may be making their first venture into boat owning. I have made many models from it including the Comet, Hampton, Star Class, and International One Design.
       You can buy "Your New Boat" online at www.abaa.org/books/289573267.html and Book Finder.

       Malcolm Farrant's International One-Design 48

       
       Farrant' Gallery.
       Malcolm Farrant of the UK built his IOD 48" from plans with maple planking. It has a beautiful deck with notched king planks and pegged strip planking. It is a sight to behold. Click for his photos.
       

       Kendall Allcott of New Zealand's IOD 48" Joyce

       Many groups race One Meter models because of their convenient size, all things considered. Therefore, I offer at the $175 plus shipping, the same frame set for One Meter loa as the IOD 48" but at the reduced size.

       Kendall Allcott of NZ's IOD 48" 'Joyce' is shown in his video posted at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I9adcnlrMS4.
       

       
       Ken has done an excellent job in every detail. His photos are also on the www.yahoo.com/Groups for IOD_Model_Yachts. Great work, Kendall!
       IOD laser cut frames are available in many sizes from 18" to 48" and larger.

       See videos of my models on YouTube.

       Contact me at:

       Milton Thrasher
       mthrasher@verizon.net
       4258 Hearthstone Drive
       Sarasota, FL 34238
       941 966-9179

       
       Click for the Vanja 73" A Class article by George Baron. And, click for the VANJA slide show . Click for IOD 48" Class models on this page by Milton Thrasher
       The Vanja appeared in the March 1936 Popular Mechanics. The IOD 48" Class was created in 1995 at Sarasota, FL.
       I made 4 fiberglass Vanja models. I have delivered 35 fiberglass IOD hulls and many laser cut frames.

       Sailing Craft by Edwin Schoettle

       This is an excellent book for model builders. It has the lines drawings in sufficient detail for building accurate models of some very famous boats.

       I have build models of the Larchmont O Boats, South Bay Shore Birds, Star Class and several others over the years.

       I discovered this book while at Maury High School in Norfolk, VA in 1943. I have kept copies of this book on hand ever since. There are copies of this book available on-line from www.bookfinder.com for less than the list price.

       Click for my Barnegat Bay Sneak Box models based on information from this book.
       

       Yachting Videos and Websites

       | Yahoo Groups|
       | My photos on Webshots | IOD 48" Model Yachts| More IOD Photos |

       | IODs on SF Bay | More IOD photos| Vanja 73" Manuals and Plans.

       |Irwin Owners| CNN| WND |Google|
       |Angelfire|Drudge

       Directory for this Web Site

       Click for the model of your choice. New ones are added frequently.

       | Pearson Ariel One Meter | Books | Cheveyo J-Boat | Crandall Flyer | Contact Milton Thrasher | Columbia 50" | Constellation 12 Mtr | Deck Houses | Dragon 48" |
       Endeavour 46" | Endeavour 48" | Endeavour 60" | Endeavour J-Class | Evelina M. Goulart 31.25" | Felca 78" | Finisterre 57" | Gloriana 48" | Gloriana 9' |
       Hardware | Heritage 12 Mtr | Hirondele 36" | John Hanks' Photos" J-Class Info | Number Boat 22 at 58" | Oheka II" | Opalek Footy | IOD Page Link | IOD History book |
       PhotoShow Collection | Reliance | Shamrock V deck | South Bay Shore Bird | Sources | Svea J-Class | Vagabond 82" | Vanja and IOD Pages Link | Video Links | Table of Laser Cut Frames Ready To Cut |

       The Luciole II classic racing yacht model laser cut frames are now available

       Francis de Becker of Haillot, Belgium provided the lines drawing making it possible for me to provide laser cut frames for him to make a model at 1" to 1' scale for a 63.5" R/C model. No adjustment was made to the lines to improve its stability. A 1/8" offset for the 3mm planking was made to the frames which have a 1/2" high camber in the decking. The Fulmar is another model of interest to the Belgium model builders. It seems that some of the recent increase in activity on my web site may be attributed to Francis de Becker and Jean-Claude Sermeus telling others in Europe about my ability to deliver laser cut frames for any boat that plans are available for.

       Table of Model Boat Laser Cut Frames

       Model Boat Laser Cut Frames Listing 1-23-2012
       Check Back Frequently for New Boats

       I provide frames in any reasonable size!

       Boat Model Name	Type	Source	Current Sizes	Designer	Comments
       Lionheart	J-Boat	Bastiani	104, 60, 48	Hoek Design	Deck, deckhouses requested.
       Svea	J-Boat	Bastiani	104, 60, 48	Hoek Design	Deck, deckhouses requested.
       Ranger	J-Boat	The Book	104, 60, 48	Burgess/Stephens	Deck, deckhouses requested.
       Endeavour I	J-Boat	The Book	104, 60, 48	Charles Nicholson	The Book lines will replace current layouts
       Columbia	Americas Cup Boat	The Book	104, 60	N. G. Herreshoff	Frames cut from lines in The Book for Dean Derusha to race against his other AC Cup Boat models.
       Reliance	Americas Cup Boat	The Book	104, 60, 48	N. G. Herreshoff	Frames cut from lines in The Book for Dean Derusha to race against his Shamrock III.
       Shamrock III	Americas Cup Boat	The Book	104, 60, 48	William Fife III, Jr.	Frames cut from lines in The Book for Dean Derusha to race against his Reliance.
       Endeavour II	J-Boat	The Book	104, 60, 48	Charles Nicholson	I will use the Book's lines
       Oheka II	High Speed Yacht	Found on-line	60, 48	Lurssen Shipyard	Deck, deckhouses plans by Paco Labrador are ready for laser cutting.
       Number Boat 22	Power boat	Emmett Smith	60, 48, 28	Charles W. Mower	Miller is building a 58" electric #22
       Pearson Ariel 25' 7"	One-Design Class	Pearson Yachts	60, 48 and One Mtr	Carl Alberg	Deck, deckhouse parts requested.
       Bluenose Schooner	Fishing Schooner	Found on-line	60, 48 and One Mtr	William Roué, built by Smith and Rhuland, Nova Scotia	See the YouTube video of Bluenose vs. Gertrude M. Thebauld
       Chamois 45	One-Design Class	See web page	45	See web pages	Awaiting model builders' photo
       Dragon	One-Design Class	From magazine	48, 36	See Int'l Dragon Class web pages	Awaiting pending orders for deepened keel by 3" and 2.5" respectively
       Etchells 22"	One-Design Class	Int'l Class Hdqtrs	48	Skip Etchells	Awaiting deck, deckhouse plans
       Felca 66"	Vintage Classic Sloop	Found on-line	104, 60, 48	Herman Goetz	Awaiting photos from builder for this web page
       Finisterre 57"	Center board Yawl	Sparkman & Stephens	104, 57	S & S	Awaiting model builder's photos
       Luciole II		Vintage Classic Sloop	Provided by Francis de Becker	104, 63.5 48	M. Abel Lemarehand	Shipped to Haillot, Belgian buyer 1-23-2012
       Crandall Flyer	Hydroplane	Found On-Line	60, 48	Bruce Crandall	Awaiting model builders' photos
       Gloriana 48"	Vintage Classic Sloop	N. G. Herreshoff	60, 48	N G Herreshoff	Awaiting Patrick Foley's prototype video
       Gloriana 9'	Vintage Classic Sloop	N G Herreshoff	104, 60, 48	N G Herreshoff	Andrew Charters' sail control diagrams in AMYA Qrtly Newsletters
       Evelina M. Goulart	Fishing Schooner	Essex Ship Museum	31.25	See web page	Seeking deckhouse and sail plans
       Heritage	12 Meter AC	The Book	60, 48	Charles Morgan	Deck, deckhouses requested.
       Hirondele 36"	Oyster Smack	French Museum	60, 48	See web page	Awaiting builders' photos for this web page
       Number Boat 22 at 58"	Power Boat	Charles W Mower	58, 48	Found on-line	Awaiting model builders' photos
       Oheka II"	High Speed Yacht	Found on-line	104, 60, 48	Lurssen Shipyard	Awaiting deck, deckhouse plans
       Opalek Footy	Footy Class	Pawel Dejnak	12	Pawel Dejnak	Awaiting ordering information
       Rainbow J-Class	J-Boat	The “Book”	104, 60, 48	Burgess/Stephens	Use Book's lines
       South Bay Shore Bird	One-Design Class	Edwin J. Schoettle Book	60, 48	Charles W. Mower Design	Awaiting deck, deckhouse plans
       Svea J-Class	J-Boat	Bastiani	104, 60, 48	Hoek Design	Awaiting deck and deckhouse plans
       "#Star"Int'l Star">Star	One-Design Class	Star Class YRA Web Site	48, One Meter, 36	Francis Sweisguth	Starlet 36" made for Irish Youth Programs
       Vagabond	Vagabond 83"	www.PondYachts.Net	83, 60, 48	Unknown	See Jerry Hendrickson's PhotoShows of his build
       Vanja	A Class	1936 Popular Mechanics	73, 60, 48	George Baron	Looking for my 1948 model
       International One-Design ( IOD )	One-Design Class	One-Design Class Web Site	60, 48, One Mtr, 36, 24	Bjarne Aas of Oslo, Norway	One unfinished 48" fiberglass decked hull is available

       Cheveyo ‘SUPER J’ March 14, 2012 announcement by SPIRIT YACHTS Ltd.

       SPIRIT YACHTS Ltd is proud to announce an historic collaboration with SPARKMAN & STEPHENS Inc to build a new J-Class yacht. This iconic new ‘J’ will be named ‘CHEVEYO’ (pronounced shu-Vay-o), a native American word meaning “spirit warrior.” Registered in the United States, the yacht will carry sail number J1. CHEVEYO will be steeped in rich history, built to the RANGER 77B design. This is one of the original series of six designs submitted by Starling Burgess and Olin Stephens to Harold Vanderbilt for the 1937 America’s Cup defence.

       In 1936, each of the six RANGER designs was extensively tank tested by Burgess and Stephens to select the optimum hull-form to defend the America’s Cup against the challenger ENDEAVOUR II, designed by Charles Nicholson.

       Vanderbilt selected the ‘C’ version because it was found to have the best potential for racing solely in the sheltered waters off Newport RI. The ‘Super J’ RANGER was thus born, and went on to triumph decisively over ENDEAVOUR II in the 1937 series. For 2012, S&S and Spirit Yachts have further evaluated the RANGER design series. The prestigious US-based design house conducted an in-depth survey of all of the original Burgess/Stephens J-Class lines in their library. These designs were optimized for two variables: Spirit Yachts’ advanced wood/composite construction techniques as well as for the more exposed conditions of today’s Classic regattas.

       The RANGER 77B version was identified as the clear star.

       CHEVEYO will marry the classic design of yachting’s golden era with modern build techniques of the 21st century. Spirit Yachts – the world’s foremost expert in sophisticated wood/epoxy construction – will build the ‘J’ using this sophisticated technique mated to laser cut stainless steel ring frames to create an exceptionally stiff yet lightweight hull. Spirit and S&S are currently finalising construction drawings suited to this superb wood/composite build system.

       Bruce Johnson, President and Chief Designer of Sparkman & Stephens, observes: “By utilizing the wood composite construction technique that Spirit Yachts has perfected over the years, CHEVEYO will break from the current norm of modern J’s aluminum construction and return to a more historically accurate construction method, albeit with the use of modern epoxies and laminating techniques to maintain a light-weight structure. As a further nod to historical accuracy, she will float on her lines as designed in 1936, not requiring the J-Class Association’s additional freeboard allowance, thus resulting in less wetted surface area.”

       On deck, this new ‘Super-J’ will remain true to the beauty and grace of the original design. The authentic low-profile deckhouse has been retained, resulting in a clean, unobstructed working deck and an exquisitely beautiful sheerline. Complementing this heritage will be high-modulus carbon spars, carbon rigging, state of the art sails and all the modern sophistication of a contemporary performance yacht that will allow her to be raced competitively against any modern yacht and, most importantly, in the spectacular growing J-Class fleet. Authenticity continues below deck with a beautiful 1930’s-inspired interior that will offer excellent accommodation for up to ten guests in five handsomely appointed and comfortable cabins. There will also be excellent facilities for eight crew able to offer exceptional service from modern and well equipped 'hotel' facilities.

       For nearly twenty years, Spirit Yachts has designed and built unparalleled modern classic yachts. Exquisite handcrafted wooden ships with simple elegance, exceptional performance and impeccable quality are the hallmarks of the firm, all of which will be exemplified by CHEVEYO.

       Sean McMillan, Managing Director and Chief Designer at Spirit Yachts, notes: “From the dawn of history, wood has been the finest material in which to build a boat and it remains so to this day. With modern advances in laminar wood technology, many of which have been pioneered by Spirit Yachts, we are now able to build complex sophisticated yachts with a strength-to-weight ratio earlier designers could only dream of. Imagine what Herreshoff would have achieved!”

       “But beyond the very considerable structural advantages of wood, there is a 'soul' to a wooden yacht that cannot be replicated in steel or aluminium or carbon. Wood is a breathing organic material that creates an ambience of quiet comfortable calm with superb insulating qualities, both thermal and sound.”

       “Because the hull structure of CHEVEYO will be built in wood/composite, the natural beauty of the wood will be celebrated below and there will be no need for heavy linings or insulation. The weight savings from this, and in the hull itself, translate directly into an increased ballast ratio resulting in further improved performance.” The yacht has been commissioned by a US-based syndicate of investors and sailing enthusiasts. A driving force behind the project is the desire to experience the thrill and elegance of yesteryear’s yacht racing on a modern vessel with the essence of tradition.

       Kevin Felix, Chairman of Spirit Yachts, commented:
       “CHEVEYO will capture imaginations and evoke the romance and excitement of the finest expression of yacht design as epitomized by the J-Class. She blends contrasting elements of the old with the new, historic design with modern construction, and classic aesthetics with superior performance. There are no two firms better suited to realize CHEVEYO than Sparkman & Stephens and Spirit Yachts. We could not be happier with this partnership and relish the opportunity for Spirit Yachts to place its imprint on this classic J.”

       “The yacht is reminiscent of the historic America’s Cup competition between England and the United States. From design through construction to eventual competition with her peers, CHEVEYO will espouse this history. Imagine: US sailors commissioning a British company to build a classic yacht from designs by an American firm that were originally created to compete against England in the America’s Cup – that is an impressive and somewhat ironic dynamic.”

       The Spirit Yachts/Sparkman & Stephens ‘Super-J’ CHEVEYO will be the truest interpretation of the splendour of the J-Class for the modern age. Any yachting connoisseur will appreciate the care, effort and respect that has been demonstrated toward a yacht that is a jewel of the America’s Cup culture and reflects the very close history of competition between the US and the UK during the heyday of the J-Class era, which is once again flourishing in today’s modern age.

       Posted by J Class Association at 12:00
       Labels: Cheveyo, J Class Yachts, J1

       Defining the Model Boat Builder

       

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