For many years we attended The Malpas Vintage Rally. A small temporary pond was situated adjacent to the Model Tent where we display our models and we provide the public with an opportunity to sail radio controlled model boats. Originally we used SHG’s small plastic boats but after a few years they required replacing. Bill Lucy made a plug from a small plastic tug “Libbeccio” and several fibreglass hulls were made. The hulls were fitted out with brass props, prop tubes, motor and rudders, and a basic deck was fitted with a coaming to allow access. Small NiMh 1.2Ahr 6v batteries provide the power with Dean’s connectors. This provided a basis for all the models and ensured that maintenance could be undertaken with the same components for each model.

Several members then constructed a superstructure to their own design giving us six models to use at shows. Radio was 27Mhz and a range of speed controllers from various suppliers. We replaced the radio gear with 2.4Ghz sets and the speed controllers with Mtronics so that we have standard installations in all the models.

As well as Malpas we also attended the Reaseheath College Open Day but now only at the Aqueduct Marina Open day where the boats are in constant demand.