Building a Model of the Ulises Ocean Going Steam Tug

Creating a 1:30 scale model of the Ulises ocean-going steam tug may seem a daunting task, but Occre have provided a model kit with high quality parts and beautifully detailed instructions which just add to the enjoyment of building this impressive model.

The Occre Ulises ocean going steam tug model boat kit is a medium difficulty kit so some previous knowledge of model ship building might be required.

Follow the comprehensive step-by-step instructions and immerse yourself in this fascinating and enjoyable hobby, replicating a model which is faithful to the original tug boat, even down to the finest of details.

 

With the addition of the optional RC pack & motor kit, the Occre Ulises can be made as a radio controlled model.
Now this is a model that will turn heads and get people talking at the boating lake.
 

 Other model boat kits are available

The Magnificent Flying Machines

Take To The Skies Once More !

The new Magnificent Flying Machines range comprises balsa plane kits that actually fly !

 

Choose from iconic World War One and Battle of Britain airplanes, vintage civilian aircraft or even a couple of traditional sports fliers including a sports glider.

The Magnificent Flying Machines range has been created by design engineer and keen aero-modeller, Andrew Darby, all models in the range have real airframes, built up from laser-cut balsa sheet and strip parts, covered with lightweight model aircraft tissue to ensure the best possible flying performance.

Some older modellers will have great memories of building and flying rubber-powered balsa planes and this great new range will thrill and inspire a whole new generation to enjoy this fun, outdoor activity.

Model plane kits make terrific presents, they look great once built and offer hours of fun. As well as allowing you to learn new skills, you get a great sense of achievement when the model is complete.

 Just one final word of warning, they are addictive, and you may find you want to collect them all . . .

A NEW BREED OF HOBBIES

In recent years many people who have never previously attempted to create or make anything have started to 'have a go' at various crafts and hobbies. 

Spurred on by TV series such as Great British Bake Off and Kirstie's Handmade Britain, men and women have been making bread and cupcakes, trying their hand at embroidery, making things for the home and garden and much more. 

Also, people are discovering websites such as Pinterest which show literally thousands of pictures of hobbies & crafts with inspirational ideas and new things to try.

Colouring In

Next we have adult colouring books (which sounds rude but they're not) with pages graced by exotic images of jungles, cities or mythical creatures for you to colour in with colouring pencils or sharpies, creating the most beautiful pictures, but, more importantly, they are scientifically proven to relax and de-stress you.

     

Drawing and Cutting

Just recently, papercutting seems to have caught a lot of peoples imagination. You might use a template that you design, copy or buy, and, quite literally cut a pattern using a sharp knife on paper or card.
The list of  things you can make go from basic birthday cards or bookmarks,  to incredibly detailed artwork.
People have claimed this craft to be addictive, as well as mentally stimulating and relaxing.
Again, a search on Google or Pinterest reveals a plethora of ideas for you to try.

Drawing, Cutting and Crafting

Taking this simple idea just one step further, many people are now rediscovering the forgotten art of scrollsawing.
Modern scrollsaws are relatively inexpensive, some excellent machines are in the £100 -£200 bracket.
They allow you to take a piece of wood, attach a drawing or template, and simply 'cut out' the design. There is very little effort involved - the scrollsaw blade does all the cutting and you just guide the wood following the lines on the template. Once again, a relaxing and mentally stimulating pastime. Once you get started you realise its actually not all that difficult, and skills can be built up quickly with practise.

Hobbies have a Pinterest page of Projects for the Scrollsaw, which is designed to inspire you to create your own projects. You can easily trace patterns and ideas onto wood and cut them out to make things as diverse as childrens toys, jewellery stands, home and garden ornaments, Christmas decorations etc.
Here's just a few ideas of what various people have made with their scrollsaw.
The limit, as they say, is your own imagination.

 

Once you have cut the shapes out of the wood, the edges can be sanded smooth and the piece can be stained, painted and finished off with a lacquer or finishing oil.

 

There are some great ideas for things you can make as gifts or even Christmas presents. A present that has been handmade is much more impressive and appreciated than anything mass produced or shop bought !

  

And if you enjoy quirky or alternative things such as zombies for example, why not create a piece to enjoy yourself ?

 

Some childrens toys are great fun for any age of child, even the grown-up ones.

 

Create wall art for your home, get ideas from magazines or the internet.
Above all, be creative and enjoy trying new things !

The Hobbyzone Modular Workshop - Create Your Perfect Workspace !

The Hobbyzone Modular Workshop System allows organization of the workplace tailored to your own individual requirements. 
Simply measure the area of your desk or workbench, and then work out which modules will be of most use to you, whether it be stacks of drawer units, paint holders, work-in-progress display modules, paper towel holders or a combination of all of these.

To connect the modules simply use the magnets that are included. This allows you to rearrange the layout of modules as required.
The system has practically unlimited upgradeability, and you can add new modules easily to your workplace.

Your time is valuable, and is better spent doing your crafts and models.
So no more hunting for missing tools or brushes, because everything has a home. 
And no more knocking over paint or losing parts, because they won't be cluttering up your desk or falling off the table. 

The Hobbyzone Modular Workshop is ideal for Crafters, Modelmakers,  Artists, Warhammer Gamers, DIY, and anyone who needs a tidy, efficient, and visually amazing workspace.
Be the envy of friends, family, colleagues and fellow modellers.

One Day In London - Tower of London to Borough Market Area

I had booked a couple of days in London for the wife and me, which was mainly to celebrate my upcoming 40-something birthday. On previous visits to the capital we would usually aim for Covent Garden and end up trawling round countless shops, and end up in Oxford Street thoroughly worn out and wondering where the time had gone. Not this time however!
I had spent weeks planning, with military precision, where to stay, and what we would be doing, and how to do it cheaply, and not get bored.
A Travelodge is usually a good start, cheap and cheerful, and there just happened to be one near Tower Bridge which was the area I had in mind to visit. A search on the Tesco Clubcard site showed me I could use my points to get tickets for the HMS Belfast which is a museum ship that is situated within spitting distance of Tower Bridge.
I know how expensive restaurants can be so I also got vouchers for Cafe Rouge (£40 voucher only costs £10 - happy days!)

We decided to visit the HMS Belfast on the Saturday and, as it was nearby, take a look at the Golden Hinde II, and the Clinks Prison Museum too. All were well within walking distance of the hotel, and we could take in the Tower of London and Hays Galleria (shops & restaurants).

The HMS Belfast looks great from the shore, but truely comes to life as you embark.
Like Dr Who's Tardis it just seems to get ten times bigger inside.
With hundreds of rooms to explore, life-like models of sailors and crew in the rooms, its great entertainment and utterly fascinating. There's even a great little cafe onboard !

This enquiring fellow scares the bejesus out of you, suddenly appearing as you are walking along a narrow, claustrophobic corridor. So interesting to see how these sailors lived and experience what it must have felt like working and living on this incredible boat
Further along the Thames, at Pickfords Wharf, is the Golden Hinde II, a full-sized reconstruction of Sir Francis Drakes' famous galleon, which is colourful and impressive.

We had plenty of time to wander round the nearby Borough Market, which reminded me a lot of Camden. Literally hundreds of stalls selling and serving every food and drink known to man.
We had a takeaway Indian curry for lunch which was really tasty. We had to rub our eyes when Dawn French and hubby walked past.
Borough Market is simply stunning visually, and it's so good trying samples such as cheese, chocolate and mead. Our favourite was Sweet Roots which sold amazing varities of Liquorice. Definitely coming back with large bags!

We had a great time exploring this area of London, but I was already looking forward to Sunday when we had planned a visit to the Imperial War Museum.