Member Profile

My Model Building:

What is your main interest:

• Scale Boats - Radio Control

How long have you been building model boats:

• Over 10 years

What type of model boat do you build:

• Modern

I build from:

• Plans

• Kits

Which of the following best describes your model-building ability:

• Skilled

More about me:

I started making model aircraft when I was about 8 years old and immediately took to designing and building my own. I got my first job with Model Avionics [now SLEC, via Balsacraft] designing the kits for the Fairey Huntsman power boat. I then worked for True Line, Jolly Roger Kits and Rojair - producing their RC aircraft designs before leaving the model trade to join HM Customs.
I carried on my work for Balsacraft in my spare time, designing most of their range. Yes, if it's a -Boy or starts with Hi-, T- or Bi- then it's one of mine! I then made a scratch-built model of the Customs cutter Sentinel, mainly for a bet with the first Commander of the real vessel who reckoned I couldn't do it. This attracted the attention of Lawrie White of Model Slipway, and we had a long and happy relationship where I helped with the design, development and drawings for most of their scale boats after around 1996. HM Customs decided they could dispense with my services early, so I retired in 2006 and haven't missed the job for one second since..
I'd met Craig Talbot of ACTion in 1995 when I bought some of his speed controllers for the Sentinel, and he became a good friend. When I heard in 2007 that he had terminal cancer I went to see him and somehow came back with his business! I ran ACTion with my wife Liz and much help from Dr Tim Fawcett until we decided to retire again in 2012. The business was sold to Component Shop and yet I find I'm still working for them now!!
I've learned an awful lot of stuff about modelling over the years and I'll happily share it with anyone who has a genuine interest in making RC model boats. I have a reputation for not suffering fools gladly but I do try to be polite most of the time! My pet hate is folk who can't be bothered to do any research for themselves and think that someone on-line will provide a free helpline for them to access anytime they like. O - and I'm not a fan of bad spelling or grammar!
I have two minor obsessions which I hope don't offend anyone too much - one is making models of Fairey Marine powerboats and the other is Jack Daniels' Old No7 Sour Mash...
Works for me, but suit yourself.

My stats:

• 4025 forum posts
• 282 photos
• 0 articles