The intricate world of radio-controlled model boats, once a hobby tied to Scotland's shipbuilding heritage, is experiencing a resurgence. Once seen as an old-fashioned pastime, it is now attracting a diverse group of enthusiasts, from retired professionals to those seeking camaraderie and escapism.
Once bracketed with interests like kite-flying and flower-pressing, the pastime of building and sailing model boats appears to be undergoing an unlikely revival in the digital age. A century ago, Scottish parks would have echoed with the sounds of model yachts racing across local boating ponds. Propelled by Scotland’s shipbuilding and sailing heritage, model boats were once vital as miniature blueprints to test designs for new vessels. With shipbuilding on the wane and the rise of computer games and high-octane outdoor pursuits, the hobby faced challenges. Yet, model boating has survived, and Scotland’s model boat clubs are quietly thriving.
Richmond Park Model Boat Club in Glasgow boasts around 70 members from varied backgrounds, united by a shared passion for boats. Club chairman Ronnie Morlan noted the diverse membership, which includes lawyers, doctors, joiners, and electricians, emphasizing that socioeconomic status is irrelevant within the club. Current members include a retired Shell operations manager, a former steelyards worker, and an unemployed factory worker. While women and junior members are present, the demographic remains predominantly men of a certain age. For many, the boating pond offers a valuable social outlet, replacing the traditional nightly pub visits that may be less accessible or feel less safe now.
Morlan, who transitioned his hobby into a career by running a model shop, described the pastime as a form of escapism. His own passion began in childhood with visits to a Glasgow hobby shop with his father. He humorously noted that conversations about naval details, such as the number of gun turrets on HMS Hood, are best reserved for fellow hobbyists, as his wife would find them bewildering, much like he imagines her knitting classes are for him.
The clubs are deeply rooted in the past, particularly Scotland’s industrial history. Dundee's club, for example, traces its origins back to 1885, coinciding with the jute trade's heyday. Its president, Niall Thomas, mentioned that many of its members are ex-Navy or Merchant Navy personnel. Thomas’s own involvement began after his father’s death, leading him to restore and sail a meticulously built American battle cruiser, USS Newport News, a project his father had undertaken from original plans. He highlighted the ingenuity of his father’s methods, such as using buttons covered in wire mesh as radar.
Building the boats itself provides significant enjoyment, involving learning about electronics, radio control, and transforming drawings into miniature replicas. Members often share knowledge and assist each other with technical aspects. The Richmond Park club is preparing for its annual summer regatta, expecting an attendance of around 100 people. Committee member Douglas Coupethwaite, a former Shell employee and Royal Naval Reserve member, described the satisfaction of commanding a radio-controlled boat, emphasizing the control and freedom it offers. He also noted the connection to his family's history with the John Brown shipyards at Clydebank.
Modern technology is also influencing the hobby. Some members are utilizing 3D printers to create boat sections and details from scale plans, significantly reducing build times. One ambitious project involves a 3D-printed replica of the Mein Schiff 2 cruise liner. While some view 3D printing as a shortcut, it still requires considerable effort for finishing and assembly.
The renewed interest has also led to the revival of the Glasgow Model Dockyard, originally established in 1789. Christian Pomeroy, a Glasgow School of Art graduate and modeller, now produces high-quality model kits under the revived name, with a popular model based on Swallow from Arthur Ransome’s