Overboats

Construction of the model is typical of sets of overboats travelled before the Second World War. Overboats of this type can be traced back to the earliest rides of well over a century ago. Only one has survived the passing of time, originally in John Carter’s collection, it was included in his sale and has since been fully restored to working order as a single bay overboat. After restoration it was operated for just one day but the considerable difficulty of operating this ride, a feature which made them unpopular with showmen, means that it is not operated at fairs.

This set of drawings and instructions is completely redrawn with new information and the addition of full constructional and decorative notes from the ‘Showland Library’ series produced by B Murdock in the late 1950’s. I acquired the copyright to this series in 1990.

The model operates just like the original and is fully dismantleable for travelling. The model builds up to a compact 230mm (9¼”) x 430mm (17”) x 360mm (14”) high in 1/24th scale.

The photo shows a model built to these plans by the late Ken Sparkes with four bays and eight boats.  The boards on the supports, with LEDs fitted,  were added by the builder.  This model is currently for sale.

A kit for this design is also available from which to build a two bay set of four boats. The kit of materials includes hardwood stripwood for the structure cut to the correct section. All the metal brackets are drilled and the cranks are ready formed and soldered up. The spindles and bearings are all machined ready to fit. Because so many of the parts supplied in the kit are complete modelers will find that the kit builds up into an attractive model of a less usual ride quickly.

I currently have an excellently built set of four bay Overboats for sale – see – Built Overboats Model for sale

OVERBOATS – PLANS AND INSTRUCTIONS IN 1/24th SCALE – DREOB – £29.
1/24th SCALE FULL KIT INCLUDING PLANS AND INSTRUCTIONS – DREOBK – £242.
Not built a model like this using plans and instructions before?  Then take at look at what is involved – BUILDING MODELS FROM PLANS