Model Yacht Specialties: WG Bithell – No. 3 – 1930’s



This Design Has Been in Use for Several Seasons With Great Success.

On the 10th of September 1934, the Boston Traveler printed this picture (Fig. 1) under the headline “Radio Controlled Boat Operated by Pressing Button in Box Ashore” The story began:
It was no less than sheer wizardry.

Model yachting has been growing in this country slowly but surely for a good many years, but since the introduction of the Marblehead 50-800 Class it has gone ahead by leaps and bounds. Never since model yachts have been sailed has a class met with such instant favor and popularity as this class has. Originated in the Marblehead Model -Yacht Club it is now
built and raced in nearly every club in the country,

The sail area is measured in many ways, and, however simple the arrangements are, reformers will arise occasionally with suggestions with an unintentional view of complicating matters. The method recommended by the Y.R.A. is simple
and let it be adhered to without question.

First take the weight, then place model in the tank, and see that the water is well over the upright G (Fig. 4). By use of the cock, the water level can be regulated to the fraction of an ounce.

Theoretically, the idea is both simple and
scientifically sound. It is to harness the rudder of a model to an adjustable vane at the masthead in such a way that the vane will turn the rudder, when forced itself to turn by the wind, the reverse way to that in which the vane rotates.


No doubt if one had Mr. Daniels’ experience, and his brains as well, they would be definite instructions rather than hints, and the art of designing a yacht would become the practically pure geometrical exercise he maintains it to be.