Guys,

I am a newbie to scale modeling. I have just finished a first simple midwest static wooden boat. It turned out great, and im looking to buy another, when I started to read up on RC wooden boats. I like really good quality wood boats. I did some research, and I was going to stick with the midwest line, because the plans are great, lasercut, and they are not that hard and seem to be suitable for a beginner. However how can you not drool over the chris crafts...

Whats your thoughts on these lines of boats for a newbie... really interested in the 600 series from billing boats.

billingboats - 600 series (http://www.billingboats.com/608.htm)
Midwest line (Boothbay)
Model Slipway
Grauper
Dumas Chris Craft

To much information... need some advice for newbie builder.

Going to be around for a few years? Then try them all!

But if you do decide on a Chris Craft, here's some help:
http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0615166954

Pat M

LOL That's,funny pat trying to sell him your book like that. But i guess a guy has to make a buck somewhere. Hehe.

I can only try to help!

OK I'll bite. I have built from each one you have listed. Get yourself the cranberry isle from midwest. http://www3.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin...?&I=LXAP77&P=0
It is not a hard build and is a very nice boat that lends itself easily to different mods. Cabin roof is one that I did. Don't build a dumas kit first time out, you might get in over your head and give the hobby up. I buy too many of these kits half built at tag sales because the builder gave up. Try the midwest and you will be happy.

Bruce

a plastic model converted to rc much better than wood and very detailed

Yeah good idea, I think ill stick to midwest, until I feel more confident. How much harder is the Midwest Boothbay Lobster, than the cranberry? The boothbay looks a lot better in my opinion, but if the cranberry is easier...

Thanks guys you have been so much help.

phil

I looked around too for my first boat. I've been fly RC airplanes for over 15 years and thought a boat would compliment my float plane. I went with the Boothbay Lobster boat, I'm finishing up the hull right now. I'd compare the bulding a little to say a beginners RC airplane, but there's a difference between a plastic covered airplane and a fiberglassed boat.
So far, no major problems. I heard too, that midwest gives the best directions with pictures. I have seen several Dumas directions, they are brief and then their plans aren't even actual size. I may eventually try a Dumas. But I picked up a Lindberg PT boat off Ebay I want to try as my first dual engined boat.