Tethered car and hydro photo album

The MPBA came into being in 1924 following the Model Yacht Racing Association abandoning its power boat section in 1922. After a considerable amount of lobbying and correspondence a couple of meetings were held that resulted in the establishment of the Model Power Boat Association of Great Britain in April 1924. For many years the Association dealt with the two main activities, tethered hydros and straight runners, although these involved the conventional target based competitions, towing and nomination. As model boating interests expanded so the MPBA devolved the various disciplines into separate sections, hydros, scale, SR, multi racing, steering, fast electrics etc. Here is a selection of craft and personalities enjoying straight running at various locations.


'Carpenter's Mate', Bill Blaney with 'Lil Man'	Cyril Drayson


Norman and Iris Phelps	Len Lara's destroyer


Peter Lambert and destroyer with Len Lara	Reg Hawes, flash steam enthusiast


Turbinia	Paddle Steamer 'Glen Esk'

The early experiments with radio control in the post war period and the rapid development of this type of control changed the MPBA as the need to accommodate these new disciplines became evident. Eventually the RC elements overtook the umbrella organisation so that many of them formed their own national associations to oversee their particular interest.


Early radio control craft, offering new possibilities


Ted Blacknell aiming, Bert Fort on the loud hailer	Alan Rayman with his iconic Blackheath boat 'Yvonne'