This is the instruction Booklet for building a 1/72nd scale, radio controlled model of the MV Isle of Arran, Caledonian MacBrayne Ferry.

The original ship is one of the oldest ferries serving the islands on the west coast of Scotland. A much loved ship she is often known as the Auld Trooper, as these days she is the go to replacement ferry for when the newer ships breakdown.

She is an interesting model to build, a ro-ro ferry that in this model form can not only sail and steer but can be built with operating bow door and the stern ramp - instruction to do this quite simply, can be found in this instruction manual. She's a good looking model too, colourful in her Caledonian MacBrayne colours and stable and manouevrable as a working model. I like the interesting superstructure and the open rear to the car deck which makes for inetersting modelling, with the opportunity to add model cars to the deck.

The model is designed for a larger printer - I have a Creality K1 Max with a build plate of 300mm cubed. Though the maximum height of any piece is 220mm the model was at the limit of the size of the plate when supports were added.

The model could be built at a larger size - 1/48th scale would need a 400mm square build plate whereas a 1/96th scale model could be built on a 220mm square plate. The smaller model might compromise the ability to sail well as a working model but the various parts would be able to be printed at this scale.

As the model is pretty much 00 scale it might also enhance a model railway layout as well!

The model can be sailed with a four channel radio control, operating motors, rudders, the bow door and the stern ramp. It could be possibly enhanced with twin speed controllers but already has modelled into it working Becker rudders as the original did, which give a nice tight steering circle.

The model has already received much public attention! It will impress at your local model boating pond! It is complex as a model with more than 200 parts needing to be printed, but it goes together well and with this comprehensive instruction booklet should be relatively straightforward to put together.

As always I am available on the cgtrader messaging to help and advise if you meet any problems.

Here is a link to the stl files for sale https://www.cgtrader.com/3d-print-models/hobby-diy/robotics/mv-isle-of-arran-3d-printed-rc-working-ferry-ship