Topic: Mountfleet Models 1/72nd 1920s Puffer (Read 19096 times)

Alan52 · « **on:** July 21, 2022, 04:03:16 pm »

Hi all

Just bought this from Mounfleet Models. Its a 1/72nd scale Puffer. Its based around a Vac formed hull and 5 printed Plasticard sheets for deck and superstructure. There are a couple of bags of metal fittings and an etched brass sheet with a lot of detailing parts. It comes with a prop-shaft propeller a plastic coupling and a tiny motor. Rudder assembly and fittings.There is a quite comprehensive instruction manual and a full size plan. Along with this there is a fair amount of plastic strip and wire.

I have attached pictures, which should give you a good idea of what is included. At the bottom, I have attached pictures of some of the accessories they recommend to finish the model. These are not included with the kit, but purchased from the Component shop and Ebay.

https://www.mountfleetmodels.co.uk/product/1920s-puffer/

The following pictures are what is suggested to complete the RC installation, but are not included in the kit.

I believe the kit was originally made by the Model Slipway. The quality of the metal and brass components are excellent and at £75, I think its excellent value for money. I noticed in the August edition of Model Boat magazine, that Mountfleet have a full page advert for this and the same scale Drifter that they do.

Alan

Some photos distorted to preserve copyright - Admin

JimG · « **Reply #1 on:** July 22, 2022, 09:54:14 pm »

I built one several years ago when it was a Model Slipway kit, it goes together well and sails well. The provided motor is just right on a 4 pencell NiCd receiver pack and gives a suitable scaleish speed. It is capable of sailing in quite choppy water for a model of this size. I added an action steam sound unit and a 6V steam generator using a light oil.
Jim

Alan52 · « **Reply #2 on:** July 22, 2022, 10:07:27 pm »

Hi Jim

Yes I agree, it’s a nice kit. I have started it today. Just glued and trimmed the hull half together.

The additions you added sound really interesting. I hadn’t thought of that. I have the Action speed controller that they recommend. I will look into the extra bits you fitted. Thanks for the information Jim. It is appreciated.

Alan

Fred Ellis · « **Reply #3 on:** July 23, 2022, 08:38:44 am »

Hi Sybercottage
I have two sets of a puff hull that are Vac formed, that just look the same as the Mountfleet ones, I was wondering if when you get to the rudder, if you could post some photos of how you went about fixing the rudder to the hull and how you fixed the steering rod to the rudder.

Thanks

Fred

RST · « **Reply #4 on:** July 23, 2022, 09:30:03 am »

FYI if it helps, I thought this write-up was well known out there for puffer fans but maybe not....

https://www.modelboats.co.uk/news/article/doris/14024

...of course I don't now myself if small details changed from Model Slipway to Mountfleet days. Alan is better to say what's provided now. My rudder on my slightly bigger one gave quite a bit of a headche for ages until I realsised how to do it with some strength.

Alan52 · « **Reply #5 on:** July 23, 2022, 09:30:53 am »

Hi Fred

Just started the build, but will put up pictures when I can. I shall be doing the build as per the instructions. I must say the instructions are very comprehensive and quite easy to follow.

Best wishes
Alan

Fred Ellis · « **Reply #6 on:** July 23, 2022, 03:06:21 pm »

Hi ALan

First sorry that I got you mixed up with Sybercottage,
I am looking forward to your build, and to see just how you fix the rudder.

All the best

Fred

Alan52 · « **Reply #7 on:** July 23, 2022, 03:56:47 pm »

Hi Fred

No you were right Fred. I changed my forum name today. I use the sybercotage for loads of different logins. Its over 20 years old. I had to miss spell it as at the time I first used it the correct spelling was already taken

.

I have been working on the puffer today and have been trimming the hull and fitting the deck mounts.

Thanks for your interest.
Alan

John W E · « **Reply #8 on:** July 23, 2022, 06:16:32 pm »

Hi

I am unsure if people are aware that the sadly late Dave Milbourn designed and built this model as an actual challenge and obviously he won the bet - I have been looking through some of Dave's posts on Model Boats as I know there are one or two pictures that didn't end up in the instructions. I found one - but I am unsure if this is in the instructions - but - it may be of help to you.

I believe this model was first tried out at the very first Mayhem bash.

See if I can find some more pictures if they are of any help. There may be some on this Forum - from Dave of the build.

John

JimG · « **Reply #9 on:** July 23, 2022, 08:08:45 pm »

Some photos of my build, it is some years ols now so is showing its age. The steam unit is under the cargo hatch with the 4cell NiCd forward of it to give the correct balance. The speaker is mounted under the hatch cover. A FlySky 2.4 GHz receiver (used to be 40 MHz) and the Action speed controller are velcroed to the hull sides under the rear hatch, The model is quie dry and gets very little water inside after a sail.
I have added a couple of photos showing the rudder linkage, the hinges are a folded brass etch glued onto the sternpost. The linkage is just a brass rod above deck with a slot in the superstructure that goes over the rod. The rudder post is brass rod with a brass sheet rudder and etched brass control horn soldered to it.Jim

Alan52 · « **Reply #10 on:** July 23, 2022, 10:40:26 pm »

Hi John and Jim.

Thanks John for the information and photo. No the photo is not shown in the instructions, but any information is a help.

Thanks Jim for the photos, very nice job. Likewise I have a Action speed controller, which is what they recommend. Using 4 cell nicad as well as per the pictures at the beginning of the post. Been fitting the running gear today. A bit tight for propeller removal, but enough. Thanks for supplying the pictures of the stern and rudder gear. Jim was asking for photos when I reached this stage, so hope that helps Jim.

Thanks to both of you for the information. It is appreciated.

Alan

Alan52 · « **Reply #11 on:** July 27, 2022, 11:34:55 am »

Hi Jim

Could I just ask what steam unit you used on your puffer and what voltage it used.

Thanks

Alan

Fred Ellis · « **Reply #12 on:** July 27, 2022, 05:59:18 pm »

Hi Alan52

I am going to use one of these in my puffer, I have used them in some of my other boat and it does not look to bad even if I say so myself. six volt smoke generator for a Henglong tank, with QTX smoke/fog fluid

Fred

Alan52 · « **Reply #13 on:** July 27, 2022, 06:55:37 pm »

Hi Fred

Did you use a separate power supply for the smoke generator? I am going to run the puffer on 4.8volts. Have seen those spoke generators on eBay.

Thanks

Alan

JimG · « **Reply #14 on:** July 27, 2022, 09:25:13 pm »

Quote from: AlanM52 on July 27, 2022, 11:34:55 am

Hi Jim

Could I just ask what steam unit you used on your puffer and what voltage it used.

Thanks

Alan

Hi Alan, if I remember correctly it was a Graupner 6V version. I am running it off of the 4.8V pencell NiCd receiver battery. Been a few years now since I fitted it so can't be more certain about the make.
Jim

Alan52 · « **Reply #15 on:** July 27, 2022, 09:32:06 pm »

Hi Jim

Thanks for that. Most I have seen are either 6 or 12v. Just wondered if they would work with 4.8v, but thanks for the information.

Best wishes.

Alan

ScottW · « **Reply #16 on:** July 28, 2022, 03:39:07 am »

Handsome little boat. I like 1/72 scale.Hull is definitely proportioned around creating hold volume.
Puffer ... memory wants to say Clyde puffer.Now, off to Google to see what my memory is dredging up.

Fred Ellis · « **Reply #17 on:** July 28, 2022, 08:37:35 am »

Hi Fred

Did you use a separate power supply for the smoke generator? I am going to run the puffer on 4.8volts. Have seen those spoke generators on eBay.

Thanks

Hi Alan
I don't know, as the units that I have in my other boat, is running off the 6 volt battery, the blower motor is max rated at six volts, so I see no reason why you can not run it off 4.8, I would think that if you run it at 4.8 you would not get as much smoke as you would from six volts.
I will have a look at it some time over the weekend.on the other hand you could try making one, I have used a 20mm 113khz ultrasonic humidifier mist maker + PCB board eBay No 154753018278 I know that that this one will work on 4.8 - 8 volt it cost £8.58 and works on water.
If you P/M me you email address I can send you a vid of the one the I am playing with at the moment.
Fred

Alan52 · « **Reply #18 on:** July 28, 2022, 02:34:03 pm »

Hi Fred

Thanks for the information. PM sent.

Alan

Alan52 · « **Reply #19 on:** August 01, 2022, 06:15:06 pm »

Just an update on my puffer build.

I have uploaded some pictures of where I am at the moment with a couple of shots that I took as the build progressed. The only problem is at this size any sanding mark or scratch looks like a tram line once primed. I assembled the lower cabin and attached all the steps and handrails, but once primed you could see through the holes with the steps etc fitted. I had a go at filling but with everything fixed in it was a job to sand. Anyway I am still persevering. I have planked the For and Aft decks, but not sure about the colour. That may change.

The instructions and plan are well thought out and quite easy to follow. Made a few cock ups by following the instruction book and not also referring to the plan (lesson learnt)

.

Anyway here are some photo's of the build so far.

That's it so far. I will post more pictures as it progresses'
Thanks

Alan

ScottW · « **Reply #20 on:** August 01, 2022, 06:39:54 pm »

I really like how the rudder is done to make a secure attachment to the plastic hull.

Alan52 · « **Reply #21 on:** August 01, 2022, 08:37:25 pm »

Hi Scott

Yes the whole kit has been well thought out. I epoxied the rudder onto the hull and had to hardly trim anything. The brass just folds over the keel. It’s a bit of a job filing the brass rod to shape and I am not that great at soldering, but got there in the end. You can of course epoxy the rudder to the brass rod.

Alan

seagate · « **Reply #22 on:** August 04, 2022, 09:05:49 pm »

Just a note re. waterlines on these models. The real thing did not have a waterline as such. The red oxide paint was extended up to the bottom of the bulwarks because when fully laden they sat quite low in the water. Also, they had a curious stern down posture, with the point of balance occurring just ahead of the wheelhouse. Just look at any old photos of the originals and note to angle of the bow/mast to the horizon--definitely not at 90 degrees! This was a distinguishing feature of puffers, as opposed to the later VICs. When empty or carrying a light cargo, the effect was more pronounced. The waterline shown in the plan is false, as is the case with most kit/model photos I have seen that show the model sitting primly on a conventional waterline.

For this reason I intend to try a 6V battery in mine, which will add a little more ballast for a fully laden look, while my Graupner 4.8V-6V smoke generator should produce a slightly greater volume of smoke. Motor speed can be controlled with the throttle stick.

I'll post some pics of the model in the water when I get around to finishing it!

Alan52 · « **Reply #23 on:** August 04, 2022, 09:33:28 pm »

Hi Seagate

Thanks for the information. There will be a lot of model puffers out there with the wrong waterline if they have followed the supplied instructions. It makes you wonder how much research goes in when they make a kit.
I am using the suggested 4.8volt Ni-mh in mine. I also will be fitting an Action ESC and Sound generator. If it doesn't sit right I will be using car balance weights to even it up. I also intend to fit navigation lights. I have just bought some Nano led's and am trying to figure out how to fabricate the surround.

I would like to see how you get on with yours and if you could put some pictures up it would be appreciated.

Alan

ScottW · « **Reply #24 on:** August 04, 2022, 10:03:51 pm »

Quote from: seagate on August 04, 2022, 09:05:49 pm

Just a note re. waterlines on these models. The real thing did not have a waterline as such. The red oxide paint was extended up to the bottom of the bulwarks because when fully laden they sat quite low in the water.

Like the one pictured on the following blog page?
http://www.ipernity.com/doc/2247854/44065512

Being curious I went and played in Google.
Interesting,

Quote

The Clyde puffer is a type of small coal-fired and single-masted cargo ship built mainly on the Forth and Clyde canal and which provided a vital supply link around the west coast and Hebrides islands of Scotland. Built between 1856 and 1939, these stumpy little steamboats achieved an almost mythical status thanks largely to the short stories Neil Munro wrote about the Vital Spark and her captain Para Handy, which produced three television series.
Characteristically these boats had bluff bows, crew's quarters with table and cooking stove in the focsle, and a single mast with derrick in front of the large hold, aft of which the funnel and ship's wheel stood above the engine room while the captain had a small cabin in the stern. When publication of the Vital Spark stories began in 1905 the ship's wheel was still in the open, but later a wheelhouse was added aft of the funnel giving the puffers their distinctive image. Their flat bottom allowed them to beach and unload at low tide, essential to supply remote settlements without suitable piers. Typical cargoes could include coal and furniture, with farm produce and gravel sometimes being brought back.

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Author Topic: Mountfleet Models 1/72nd 1920s Puffer (Read 19096 times)

RST