Very cool kits and story time 👍 I still have a B-52H and a U-2 kit to throw together before any boats. The B-52 kit is by Academy and is nicely molded. They look realistic when you get the weathering and decals on
There were three notable engines that made widespread use in unlimited hydroplanes; and the deep-throated roar they make is unquestionably unique. After WWII, unlimited hydros were powered by the venerable Allison V-1710 (actually more robust than the Royce motors, but not as powerful per pound). Later, boats like the Blue Blaster started running the Rolls-Royce Merlin that would just make GOBS of power but they had a short TBO (Time Before Overhaul). During wartime engines seldom needed to last more than 50 hours. Budweiser and a few others played with the Rolls-Royce Griffon, but parts availability and the dawn of turbines on the horizon limited the widespread use of that engine. I have a huge admiration for the Vintage Hydroplane Museums and the folks that refurbish and run these things. There's nothing else like it on the planet.
I remember as a kid buying a model car, boat, plane whatever about once a month and they were $5. Now a kid can't afford to buy one of the cheapest models. And it's a real shame. Those models can teach a kid a lot about whatever their working on. I never saw one with a sound chip and might just have to get one because that would be cool, at least to me.
I not only read every word that was printed on the box and the instructions; I digested them... I learned a whole lot about every model I built, and still remember much of it.
Very cool kits and story time 👍 I still have a B-52H and a U-2 kit to throw together before any boats. The B-52 kit is by Academy and is nicely molded. They look realistic when you get the weathering and decals on
Long live the piston boats, Rolls-Royce Merlin powered!! Every summer Seafair on Lake Washington and races in the Tri-Cities.
There were three notable engines that made widespread use in unlimited hydroplanes; and the deep-throated roar they make is unquestionably unique. After WWII, unlimited hydros were powered by the venerable Allison V-1710 (actually more robust than the Royce motors, but not as powerful per pound). Later, boats like the Blue Blaster started running the Rolls-Royce Merlin that would just make GOBS of power but they had a short TBO (Time Before Overhaul). During wartime engines seldom needed to last more than 50 hours. Budweiser and a few others played with the Rolls-Royce Griffon, but parts availability and the dawn of turbines on the horizon limited the widespread use of that engine.
I have a huge admiration for the Vintage Hydroplane Museums and the folks that refurbish and run these things. There's nothing else like it on the planet.
I remember as a kid buying a model car, boat, plane whatever about once a month and they were $5. Now a kid can't afford to buy one of the cheapest models. And it's a real shame. Those models can teach a kid a lot about whatever their working on. I never saw one with a sound chip and might just have to get one because that would be cool, at least to me.
I not only read every word that was printed on the box and the instructions; I digested them... I learned a whole lot about every model I built, and still remember much of it.