Vintage unfinished speedboat model, any ideas?

[LMDAVE]

I'm going through my father's attic for an estate sale and came across this old boat I remember him building back in the 80's when I was younger. I have no idea if this was scratch build he was doing or if he was modelling it after another boat. I would like to take on the task on completing and painting it, and just curious if anyone has any idea which boat this was and ideas I can look at to finish it.

 

 

[VTHokiEE]

I have no idea if it is modeled after this or not, but it made me think of this review I saw before immediately: 

 

[ccoyle]

Your father's model looks much larger, though. Perhaps he scaled up the Amati plans?

[LMDAVE]

It’s about 3’ long. I found the Ferrari Hydroplane Racer you shown also. I was thinking that maybe. But not sure on that whole upper “fuselage” meant for this one.  But maybe I was. Just want to find something close to get ideas. 

 

[bruce d]

There is a step in the hull of your boat that I don't see on the Italian hotrod.

IIRC Model Boats magazine (and maybe Marine Modelling? ) published some hydro types back then as plans, maybe worth a look?

[bruce d]

Found this,

It dates from the 1960's.

https://aerofred.com/details.php?image_id=93530

[Nirvana]

Based on the labels in the model, this is from a kit.

Maybe it's Miss Thriftway from Dumas, I don't know.
Some work but can be fixed, would be nice to have as a memory of your father.

 

[LMDAVE]

Thanks for what you all have found so far. I think the rectangle access panel in the front would be a good clue. I’m not looking to make it RC functional, but nice finished display, and yes would be a good tribute to my late dad. 

[Nirvana]

I am sorry to say it's not Miss Thiftway from Dumas.

The lines are wrong.

Further investigation needed!

[johnp76]

The Vintage Hydroplanes website may have some information.

https://www.vintagehydroplanes.com/Blog/

[LMDAVE]

I checked that site, and still waiting for a response from them. I did come across something close, even though above they said this isnt Miss Thriftway, I found this Dumas Kit from late 60's that coincidentally was found half finished in an estate sale also. The is the link to it. But looking at the kit, then looking at my dad's boat, it almost follows the same lines, and I drew in yellow line from the slots to show this. But could my dad have possibly did something different on his own in the from section with the rectangle? Also, my dad's boat is 36" and this kit is 24", but could their be a version of "Thriftway too" that is 36". I do think this is close.

 

https://www.worthpoint.com/worthopedia/vtg-wood-dumas-thriftway-hydroplane-1834282033

 

[LMDAVE]

OK, I think I found a winner on this, this has to be the kit. Miss Unlimited "Vintage American Junior Aircraft Miss Unlimited Hydroplane Kit", its 36" long and makes multiple boats.

So my only thing now is to find another kit or try and scratch build the Cowl section with maybe planks and wood filler. But this has got to be the kit.

 

EDIT: If not this kit, then Dumas made a Miss Unlimited also that may be the one.

 

 

[Nirvana]

I was looking at those pictures and didn't want to post them, it might be the Miss Thriftway too. Maybe the hatch was something your father created himself as for radio compartment. Hope the attic will turn up the missing box or plans.

The plot thickens...😁

[Nirvana]

2 minutes ago, LMDAVE said:

OK, I think I found a winner on this, this has to be the kit. Miss Unlimited "Vintage American Junior Aircraft Miss Unlimited Hydroplane Kit", its 36" long and makes multiple boats.

So my only thing now is to find another kit or try and scratch build the Cowl section with maybe planks and wood filler. But this has got to be the kit.

 

 

So I was to late with my posting, lol, still glad you are getting closer to a conclusion. 

[LMDAVE]

Well, it looks like Dumas Miss Unlimited is the answer. You'll see in other's finished model the cutout.  I just need to improvise on the upper section, and design my own color/varnish scheme. Will be a fun project to play with now that I know what I'm up against.

[bruce d]

It looks like you are winning. Will you vac-form the superstructure? 

[LMDAVE]

Looks like it's my lucky day! The estate lady just sent me these pictures asking if this is what I was looking for. She found it,  Jackpot! Now I just need to assess the kit and start a build log picking up where this one left off.

[Nirvana]

You better buy some lottery tickets!

Even the canopy is there.

Build log please!

[vaddoc]

What a great ending to the mystery! Indeed, please start a log and share your journey.

[druxey]

What a lucky find! Glad the mystery is solved and that you can complete your father's model.

[James H]

Moved to correct forum area.