Model Boats

First published over 50 years ago, this great old magazine will be perfect for you if you like building model boats or just enjoy soaking up all of the elements of this huge hobby. Covering every type of model boat including, warships, tugs, lifeboats, historical ships, ferries, submarines and yachts to name a few. Both ‘seaworthy’ remoted controlled vessels through to static display models are featured as well as conversions, modifications, hints and tips and general ‘brain-storming’ ideas to get your juices flowing! Each issue features kit and model reviews, show and club reports and news from the boat modelling world. Model Boats magazine publishes 12 great issues a year.

Model Boats

WELCOME TO THE MAY 2025 ISSUE OF MODEL BOATS

Compass 360 • If you have a news story for these pages, please contact the Editor, Lindsey Amrani, via e-mail at editor@modelboats.co.uk

Preparing the Airfix Shannon for launch • Alan Poole explains how he kitted out his diminutive Dungeness lifeboat build for radio-controlled shouts

The ‘New’ Zeeland • Nick Brown test builds Billing Boats’ newly improved and updated kit and, taking things one step further, gets this designed with R/C installation in mind model out on the water

A homage to Hobo • John Corah revisits the heady days of his youth with this self-designed scratch build…

Invicta • Ray Wood provides an easy to follow, picture-led, guide to building your very own Thames Waterman’s Launch from this month’s free plan

THE WORLD AT WAR DVD BOX SET! • The World at War box set is available to buy from all good online DVD retailers, including Amazon & HMV, and carries a RRP (Recommended Retail Price) of £89.99. The complete series can also be purchased in Blu-Ray format.

Miss Piggy • Phil Button tells the tale of the first pink Pirate boat!

3D printing • John Parker gets hands-on with the tech set to reshape the future of modelling

BOILER ROOM • Richard Simpson completes his build of a Chiltern Model Steam marine engine

BRITISH ‘SPARKIES’ • Dave Wiggins reflects back on some of the popular in the 1950s petrol engines

Gripe Sheet • Glynn Guest shares a handy ‘Aide-memoire’

Your Models • Whether you’re highly skilled and experienced or completely new to the hobby, you’re definitely invited to this launch party! So please keep the contributions coming by emailing your stories and photos to editor@modelboats.co.uk

Your Letters • Got views to air or information to share? Then we want to hear from you!

Next month in model Boats • In the June 2025 issue, on sale from Friday, May 2, don’t miss…

INVICTA THAMES WATERMANS LAUNCH