Swingboats

This set of drawings and instructions is based on a fine contemporary scale model of a set of six swing boats travelled by the Bartlett family of Fordingbridge, Hants around the Southern counties until the Second World War.

In full size they were 52′ 6″ x 17′ 6″ x 21′ giving them the ‘High Flying’ name. In 1/24th scale this comes out at 660mm (26”) long by 230mm (9”) wide x 270mm (10½”) high.

The construction of the model is typical of sets of swing boats, or Park Swings as they were often called, to be seen on fairgrounds from the late 19th century onwards and still in use today.

For those working in 1/24th scale I have produced sets of 26 etched brass brackets for this model. Not only do these give a consistent and accurate bracket for each application they save an enormous amount of time making many repeat items.

In addition to these drawings and instructions I have also produced extra drawings giving further details and variations between old sets.

The kit of materials has all the metal brackets cut to size and holes drilled, the rope rings and boat rods are preformed with correct eyes and boat rod bars and brake clamp bolts are cut to length and threaded ready for fitment. Much of the wood is cut to length and extensive use is made of hardwood strip of correct section. The only skills required are an ability to use sandpaper and needle files, to drill small holes in wood with a hand held pin vice and to cut wood and plywood to length and shape.

1/24th SCALE SWINGBOATS DRAWINGS AND INSTRUCTIONS DRESB – £24.
SET OF 26 ETCHED BRASS BRACKETS – DRESBE – £8.80.
ADDITIONAL DETAIL PLANS AND INSTRUCTIONS DRESBA – £6.50.
DRAWINGS, INSTRUCTIONS AND KIT OF MATERIALS (INCLUDING ETCHED BRACKETS) – DRESBK – £189.
Not built a model like this using plans and instructions before?  Then take at look at what is involved – BUILDING MODELS FROM PLANS