This model is one I have wanted for years, but I thought I'd never find one after Graupner folded.
However, I found this on ebay and it was only a little over an hour's drove to collect it (I couldn't imagine the damage a courier would do to a boat this heavy & fragile).
On getting it home, I replaced the radio with one of my own, and took it to the Oxford Model Boat Club's regular Sunday morning meeting. It floated well and at the water line, and the paddles turned, but far too fast. The 6v lead acid battery was refusing to hold charge so it was replaced with a NiMH.
On checking the boat over when I got home I found it to be completely dry inside, which was a relief, and on checking the motor it was an MFA geared 540, with a ratio of 2.5:1 at the output shaft, which then drove the paddles through a further 3:1 geared reduction.
After a little thought, I drove over to my local model shop (Howes) and bought two more MFA geared 540s, one at 11:1 and the other at 6:1. I decided to fit the 11:1 first, and next time out with the new motor and a good 6 cell NiMH pack, the Glasgow performed perfectly. Much easier throttle control with the higher gearing. The boat makes headway even when the paddles are revolving so slowly that I can see each individual paddle.
The boat needs a bit of attention to the details, but that will be done over the winter.
Overall, it was worth waiting for, though I am sure I'd have appreciated had it fallen into my lap earlier.