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Scale modelling has always been a major part of the Cygnets Model Boat Club with
approximately 90% of our members making up the scale modelling fraternity. Whilst some
model boaters want the thrill of racing or the sedate enjoyment of sailing, the vast majority are
interested in making scale copies of full size
boats. Today there are a vast range of scale models to choose from, some can be built
over a couple of evenings, some take several years to complete.
For most model boaters the enjoyment is in producing something that
is realistic, it doesn't even have to be of a real ship. You can if you wish use
your imagination and design your own model boat, some would say that this is
the hardest thing to do. Most however will
start with a kit, there are a lot to choose from and there is sure to be one
to that's right for you. For example warships, tugs, fishing boats, ferries, container ships
or even submarines.
Most of the scale models within the Cygnets Model
Boat Club are powered by electric motors, however there are a few powered by a
steam plant just like there full size equivalents. Whatever the type of vessel you choose
to make you will not beat the satisfaction of sailing something that you have successfully
created with your own hands.
Your choices are not just
limited to the type of vessel or how you power it, with scale models you can
accessories, mimicking the full size counterpart, e.g. lowering and
raising lifeboats, working lights, sound effects,
lowering anchors, smoke or steam. If you choose a warships you could have rotating and firing turrets
and submarines can be made to submerge and even fire torpedoes.
The variety of models you can build and what you can do with them is really
only limited by your imagination and you budget.
If you are interested in scale model boating, or
just starting out you are more than welcome to come
down to Mote Park, Maidstone and have a chat. The scale section of the club usually gets
together on Wednesday afternoons and Sunday mornings
you will always be made welcome.
We also attend other clubs regattas within the
area as well as host our own events, check out the schedule on the front page
fro more details of our activities. The main scale event that the Cygnets
Modem Boat Club hosts is "Boats on the Mote" that is usually held in the summer.
Below are some examples of the sort of scale models
available:
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