Come a Cropper

I have got a bit stuck and am going to have to start again on the hull I still want to do it the same size and may still be able to use the base plate.
The problem is going to be housing the internal workings and being able to put the internal details in as well.
The batteries and running gear is going to take up approx half the length which will help with ballast but the motor and steering gear is going to sit to high not allowing me to put any detail inside.
So the plan is to lay it out and build up from the floor similar to the real thing and try to if poss build the hull out of ally plate but for now its back to the drawing board and I am going to do this project cos its got me a bit hooked now.

Boat update

Well I have been searching for an engine to power my little project and seem to heading towards a graupner all in one motor this seems to be the best option.
I have been looking at fittings and may have to scale down a wee bit but am going to sort the engine see if it will control the hull ok and then go from there.
So am making the outside hull with 3/4 mill marine ply to allow me to shape the bottom as it should be representing the original hull as close as i can.
A cahnge of job this week will hopefully allow me a bit of time to really crack on with the construction of the hull and controls.
Pics will follow soon as I have shaped the hull.

New project

I have decided to start a new project as I use to love making models mainly trucks and cars I thought I would attempt fromscratch a 1/16 scale model of My brothers boat DERWENT 6.
I have cut her the floor plate and the middle plate will be cut out to make the insides correct size as well.
I may make it radio control yet but it will hopefully have lights etc that work.
The baseplate is 12ml marine ply as is the middle plate for extra strength The sides will be a thin marine ply on the base and probably balsa or thin ply for the cabin roof and top.
I am planning to make it as accurate as poss and will blog every time I add bits so the progress can be seen.
Also I want to see how long she takes from start to finish so far this little bit has taken about 2-3 hours.
As I now need to go for the wood I packed up for the day and am looking at tools as I want a dremel or similar to do the small details and am scouring the net for parts etc to help.

Got normal broadband back

At last I have got landline broadband back so will get some new pics of the birds on asap.
now the clocks have gone forward I am able to get out and give Abbot his daily flying session.
His weight is still slightly over his ideal but that will come down as he gets daily (not weekly ) flying sessions I am going to try and get him to chase a dummy bunny to see what he will do it has been a waste last couple of times as he looks at me like I am a nutter(he knows me so well) thinking why chase that bloody thing you will feed me if i come sit over there anyway.
So we will see I am going to enroll one of the boys as flying photographer so be prepared for pics of half a wing the sky and some horse pooh......................

Appologies for slow blogging

Sorry been a bit busy not had time to update much although not a lot going on at the moment just getting Abbot flying fit he is a tad heavy at the mo so on a diet not that it bothers him he just loves company and getting in and cleaning out and doing bits in his aviary is fun as he tries to interfere or just wants to play.
Brian and Chelsea on the other hand is a different matter I think I will take a leaf out of eagle heights book and invest in a riot shield its like trying to past the whomping willow, wings and feet everywhere slapping and scratching and if he gets a chance a choice bite or two.
Just if you want to know a slap around the face off of him(his wing span is about 4 to 5 feet) is worse than a hard slap of the missus and it bloody hurts if he catches you just right.
I am hoping the devilish behavior is a good sign that they may be looking to breed so fingers crossed if that,s the case I can put up with it for a while.

A nice Pic

while sorting the cupboard out I came across this pic.
Taken last year at Lou's birthday we went to Tiffins in Cranbrook for a meal and it was a lovely evening.

Samuel is 4 today..........

Seems impossible but my little man is four time just flies by.
He was pleased he got a kitchen for his birthday seems to be taking after me on the cooking front soon I might get Sunday's off Samuel can cook.
We just have to make sure Ella does not help him we will all get Sam & Ella poisoning(sorry had to do it)

Kids and cameras

We bought the kids all cameras for christmas as you can see Thomas got the hang of it ok (Ella) and Jack(Amber) seems to but Matthew may need some practice god job I have 320gig on my hard drive to keep all the pics on.

Mery Christmas and a Happy New Year

Hi hope everyone had a good xmas got all the pressies they wanted we loved it with the kids it was a good day.
Happy new year to everyone and I will get some pics and new posts on as son as I can work out uploading on my mobile broadband connection without it timing out.
All have a good one and we will see you in 2009

BBQ and Fireworks Night

Hope all enjoyed it last night few good fireworks good company and of course a bbq.
As you can see it was see how many people you can fit in a 6 x 4 shed converted to a bar I think 8 was the last count think it was quite cosy in there but bloody hard to get a drink.
The dogs look like they have decided who's boss Amber stole Jessies bed so jess curled up in the little one.
And of course Ella who is one this week how time flies.

Our Family

A couple of pics we had done on holiday...

A Good Holiday

Here are a few pics from our hols sspent at the welcome holiday park in Dawlish
What a great week we had the kids loved it.
Me Dan and Darren won 2nd in he fancy dress for our version of little britian.
The kids won second with the wizard of oz and tom and brendon won first with an alien costume they made up themselves.
The glitter tatoo was on my arm which like a wally I scrubbed off and burnt my bloody arm...
We will be going back next year hopefully April and October.

A Well Earned Break

A holiday at last going Saturday 11th to Dawlish Warren Devon for a week as we have no managed a full weeks holiday for the last 18 months we are taking a week off and I for one am bloody well looking forward to it.
So 5 am start saturday 4 hour trip then a weeks r & r on our favorite holiday camp the Welcome at dawlish.
As there is 17 of us going in total its going to be a good one will puts pics and bit on when we return.should be fun have kids and adults fancy dress sorted and several wind ups planned for our mates dad.
So cheers will have a beer or two and enjoy our week.

Ella found the Chocolate Fondue

Ella seems to like chocolate fondue as you can see.

Kite Festival

On sunday we went to margate as they had a kite festival on some of them were huge.
As it was a lovely day we had a wander round then went up on the cliffs and had a picnic.
We did purchase a kite not like these but a small octopuss shaped one which we managed to get flying after lunch.

The Puppy gets a name

After much deliberation it has been decide that Amber will be the puppies name.
And as you can see Jess is getting used to her now.
We have had a busy week this week we are now fostering a cat that is about 12 years old and has had to have an ear amputated due to having cancer.
He is white and fairly friendly he dislikes having to wear a lampshade on his head (mind you I do not blame him)but it has to be there he looks a bit odd with a hole in his head covered by a tiny flap that is left of his ear.

New Addition

We have a new addition to the family she is 7wks old and is a jack russell cross terrier.
As you can see from the pics she is smaller than my cats thats my hand next to her just to give you an idea of her size.
Jess seems to have taken to her ok and the kids love her to bits.
As usual with most of our pets Lou cannot decide on her name as yet so will let you know when she finally decides.

What we have been up to

Sorry for slow posting had a hectic couple of weeks been away to Whitstable for a week for a break a nice week it was to.
Had to clean out the hermit crab tank completely today as sorry to say but we have now lost both of them although they did well survived the fire but have never seemed the same since they would not let you handle them just hid in their shells when you picked them up.
Thomas was a bit upset as lost one two weeks ago and the other yesterday so rip little fellows.
Cracked on with the garden have done some more to the aviaries now need a nice weekend to get the third section finished off need to clear the ground and extend the framework onto the shed which will become Chelsea and Brian's house will then have three sections so I can move them into the spare bit to clean and do any work required and hopefully this will be the aviary that if they successfully breed I can use to house the youngsters so fingers crossed.
I have started a new website about the birds that is a work in progress at present but take a look any comments will be gratefully received.
http://owlexperience.web.officelive.com/default.aspx
That's all for now.

Chessington Day Trip

Monday we all went to Chessington thanks to our clubcard vouchers 12 of us got in and only had to buy one child ticket.
What agreat day it was fiarly busy and apart from queing for twenty minutes for the dragon ride to be told it had broken down most of the rides were only 10 to 15 minutes waiting so not to bad.
The zoo and sealife areas were brilliant and the tigers cubs we running about though it was a bit hot for them.
Will definitly go again the kids enjoyed it we even got Lou Mum Dad and me on the vampire it was excellent had it been earlier in the day we would have qued up again.

New location for BBQ and Bar

Been busy all day moving the bar shed and building a slabbed area for the BBQ so all the bits are up by the patio.
Have bought a new metal gazebo to go permanently on the patio it should arrive Monday hopefully then will have to build it and anchor it down.
Pleased so far now got to sort the rest of the garden out.

Back to School

I may noy have been at work for a couple weeks now but I have been busy I was lucky enough to be able to go with the boys school to the Kent County Show on Friday.
I went with Matthew's class we only had about four hours up there so really did not get to see a great deal but what we did see was worth it, Last time I went I was at school myself so that must be twenty years ago(scary that) well Ihave stuck a couple of pics on.
On the Saturday I was asked if I could take the owls to the school fete which I gladly did.
Due to Abbot being slightly overweight 3lb 10oz he would not do a flying display so I took him and Chelsea and some of the equipment.
I was truly amazed how many people (kids and adults) that had never seen an owl and some were not even sure what they were.
I find it great to be able to show these birds and explain how they live in the wild.
Chris a friend of ours took some lovely close ups so here are some up to date pics of Abbot and Chelsea.