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Wooden Model Boat Kit Brands: Mantua to Keil Kraft
A guide to wooden model boat kit brands, from Italy's Mantua, Amati and Corel to Caldercraft, Billing Boats, Model Shipways and vintage Keil Kraft.
Kits and Subjects
Wooden Boat Kits
Wooden kit brands and subjects from HMS Victory and the Cutty Sark to paddle steamers and classic runabouts.
Can a fiberglass boat last 100 years?
Can a fiberglass boat last 100 years? Nobody knows yet, but well-kept hulls already pass 60 years. What wears out, how to extend life, and GRP model hulls.
Chris-Craft and Riva Runabout Wooden Model Kits
A guide to Chris-Craft and Riva runabout wooden model kits from Dumas, Amati and others, with tips on the mahogany varnish finish and running them under RC.
Classic Power Boat Models: Lesro Arrow, Fairey Huntsman and Bluebird
Building classic power boat models: the vintage Lesro Arrow, Fairey Huntsman 28 and 31 kits, and Bluebird K7 hydroplane models, plus how to power them.
Cutty Sark Wooden Model Kits and How Hard They Are to Build
Cutty Sark wooden model kits from Mantua, Billing Boats and Artesania Latina compared, with an honest look at how hard the clipper is to build and rig.
Famous Ship Models: Royal Yacht Britannia and Bluenose
Building models of the Royal Yacht Britannia and the schooner Bluenose: available kits, the best Bluenose model plans, and tips for each famous ship.
Paddle Steamer Model Kits and the Waverley
A guide to paddle steamer wooden model kits and building a Waverley model: kit types, Waverley's key facts, and how to make working feathering paddle wheels.
USS Constitution Wooden Model Kits: Model Shipways, Mamoli and More
Comparing USS Constitution wooden model kits from Model Shipways, Mamoli, Artesania Latina and others: scales, size, difficulty and which version to build.
What engine powered Bluebird?
Bluebird K7 was powered first by a Metropolitan-Vickers Beryl jet, later by a Bristol Siddeley Orpheus. Here's the history, other Bluebirds and K7 today.
What is the best go fast boat?
There's no single best go fast boat. It depends on hull type, water and budget. We compare V-hulls, stepped hulls and catamarans, plus go-fast model kits.
Where is the Waverley paddle steamer based?
PS Waverley is based in Glasgow on the River Clyde and tours the UK coast each summer. Where she sails, who runs her, her speed and tips for modellers.
Wooden HMS Victory Model Kits: Caldercraft, Mantua and Corel Compared
Comparing wooden HMS Victory model kits from Caldercraft, Mantua/Panart, Corel and others: scales, size, difficulty, build time and which suits you best.
Working Boat Models: Clyde Puffers and Beam Trawlers
How to build model puffer boats and model beam trawlers: Caldercraft's North Light kit, Lochinvar plans, outrigger rigging, stability and weathering tips.
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