My name’s Ronald Wem, a retired design engineer.  I was born in Birmingham in 1931, and one of my greatest hobbies is building model boats.

In 1950 - 52 I did my National Service in the RAF I did my Kitout at RAF Padgate, Square bashing at RAF Bridgnorth and my trade training (cartographical tracer) at RAF Nuneham Park. I then moved to RAF Medmenham where I plotted  aerial  photos on map overlays. From there I was based in Norfolk  at RAF Bircham Newton. Here I did graphic design for the officers adavnced training school. On demob I joined 3605 squadron and trained as  a radar operator. I married Jean Gilbert in March 1955. We had two children Steven and Julie. They gave us four wonderful grandchildren.

I lived in Birmingham until 1977, when work commitments brought a move to Dunstable in Bedfordshire. My interest in boats began with a full size canal cruiser converted from an old pontoon.

For a photo of this boat called Arfamo visit the real boats page. Arfamo was followed by its successor Arfamo II in 1962. Until recently we enjoyed many days of happy cruising along the canal and river network in Arfamo II. In December 2019 it was time to say goodbye to Arfamo II. Myself and Jean hope the new owners have as many happy years cruising and make as many memories as we did. 

My interest in model boats began shortly after our move to Dunstable, and I became a member of the Leighton Buzzard Model Boat Club in 1992. I have now enjoyed building and sailing in excess of 50 models; for details of all my boats including the first build (a Collie Graupner Kit) see the my boats page.

I hope you enjoy the site, I will be pleased to receive any questions or comments

Regards